LIFE IN A MICROCOSM

　　 Here I am in Hong Kong. I saw the city in TV series many times. And finally, I’m here.
　　 I flew here alone, far away from home. Though I have long planned to study abroad, I now find myself under-prepared. My working experience in Singapore once gave me the confidence to face an unfamiliar life, but the moment I dragged my luggage to get off the plane, it faded, revealing my old self, homesick and vulnerable.
　　 The first Hong Konger I got to know was my roommate, kind and warm. His magic tricks, which I would call so-so but are great indeed, left me with a friendly impression. From then on, there has been an indissoluble bond between the SR and me. Local hallmates are quite happy to accept a non-local student, so I spend almost all my free time with them. In this way, I have begun to appreciate our cultural communication and merge into the local culture.
　　 Gradually, I have made more friends with my fellow classmates. They asked me in Cantonese, “are you from Malaysia?” and I answered, “Yes, indeed.” “Your name is Ah-Bird?” “Exactly!” Since these conversations, we have hung around together.
　　 I am thankful that though the SRO knew they would have to wait several months for my work
permit, they have offered me a photographer job. This job has somewhat eased my financial
burden and worries, though nevertheless I feel sorry at the thought that my parents are still working
hard to support my study and life here.
　　 I believe many travellers far away from home can relate to me in that they only send “good news”
home, so as to share happiness with their family but not to worry them. Since I have made new
friends here and received care from the professors, my department and
the SRO staff, my pieces of “good news” are usually real and I do
feel lucky for that. As I have made my own choice to be
here, I am responsible for it and I will enjoy it.