Hello! from Lauren

Looks like I'll be the first to make an introduction, so here goes. ;)

My name is Lauren Fenimore and I'm a Global/Multinational Studies major at Rider. I'm taking part in this trip for several reasons. I love learning about different cultures and countries and I love to travel, so this trip not only piqued my interest because it works with my major, but also because I've never had the opportunity to travel to Asia before. I've had Japan and Thailand on my list of places to travel to, but hadn't ever thought much about Hong Kong or mainland China, so I'm excited to explore what the city has to offer. Although not a music major, I grew up in a musical household and have been a part of various choirs and concert bands throughout my highschool years. In college I took some comparative religion classes and learned a lot about Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies, so I'm also interested in actually being in the place where those belief systems originated. I'm especially looking forward to climbing up to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. In addition to all that I'm also curious to see how Western culture has been blended into Hong Kong and what influence the surrounding countries have had on the culture and landscape. Admittedly, a lot of what I know about Asian culture and music I've learned through watching anime as well. I know anime is primarily a Japanese thing, so I'm wondering what (if any) types of media there are in Hong Kong that may be similar. I think that covers everything for me. Hope everyone had Happy Holidays and is enjoying their break!