Exchange Diary (CityU Students): Julia, Yam Wing Na, University of Wisconsin (La Crosse), USA

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Julia, Yam Wing Na, University of Wisconsin (La Crosse), USA

Being invited by the exchange university, I had the chance to participate in a German Oktoberfest Parade. The volunteers were wearing traditional German costumes and having performance, while international students (including me) were raising the national flags and said hello to the local Americans sitting at the two sides of the road. I was totally immersed myself into this joyful festival.

As Halloween is a festival which will celebrate worldwide, I suppose this is a very familiar tradition to me. However, I was surprised to find out that rather than dressing up, the local Americans were also crafting pumpkins and baking pumpkin-flavored cookies at home. Besides, I joined a volunteer scheme which aimed at collecting canned food from households at the Halloween night. Though I am not a child anymore, I was excited when I was treated with lots of candies and chocolate bars in return. I had an enjoyable time indulging in one of the American’s favorite activities.

I am a blessed person who came to a city celebrating a great variety of international customs. Diwali refers to the Indian New Year. In the town I stayed throughout the exchange period, immigrated Indians organized a grand dinner to celebrate Diwali with families and friends. After joining the celebration, I got fascinated with Indian music, Indian food, Indian costumes and everything about India. I am glad that no matter where Indians are, they are able to remain their own traditions and have a strong emotional attachment to their own country.

Though I just studied abroad for a few months, I sometimes missed my family in Hong Kong. Fortunately, my host mum always took care of me, and even celebrated my birthday. Other than hosting my birthday party, she prepared a delicious chocolate cake and birthday gifts for me. I burst into tears since I was impressed by her unconditional love. I believe my host mum probably is one of the most warm-hearted people I have met.

Because of the religious belief, many Americans consider Christmas is the most important annual festival. Compared to Hong Kong’s light decoration over the surfaces of skyscrapers, American rotary light exhibition along the riverside is more magnificent. In the United States, art pieces decorated with colorful neon lights, live performance showing the birth of Jesus are essential elements to celebrate Christmas. Although Hong Kong is a metropolitan city which can satisfy my materialistic desire, it cannot provide me a festive feeling of which a small but peaceful American city does.