Week 1

Boat Marina

The Boat Ride: To round up last weekend, we were invited for a boat ride by another Columbia student. It just so happened that she lives in Hong Kong and they own a boat. We embarked and ate a meal at the marina then went to one of the nicest beaches in Hong Kong. Apparently, one can only reach the island by boat or helicopter. It was such a gorgeous getaway from the crowded city. Apparently, boats are even better than the tiny flats in Hong Kong. That evening, we were treated to a lovely Shanghai-ese dinner, where we were all so stuffed from the good food.I'm on a boat!

Scallion pancakes done right.

Work: I started work this week at a fund of funds. It's quite small with only 1 boss, 3 analysts, 2 secretaries, and 2 interns. Though, I actually find this quite nice since everyone is very willing to explain their work. Frequently, people take a break from work to share their opinions and comment on something flashing on Bloomberg. Everyone is very intense about their work. The boss is usually in first in the morning and last to leave. My hours are stated in my contract to be from 9-6, but rarely is this true. Every Tuesday, and some other nights, there's a required call with all the principles at 8am NY time, aka 8-11pm HK time. Even lunch is a hectic ordeal. The Lonely Planet Travel Guide and many interns from last year's program explained that lunch was a very social gathering and relaxing event. Most people would go out for an hour lunch and talk. Perhaps it's because I intern at a financial firm, no one really goes out for lunch, and most grab a sandwich and sit at their desks. Sometimes I feel like the odd one out. The 3 analysts are all men and very "chummy." The two secretaries and the other intern are from HK and therefore frequently speak in Cantonese, which I don't understand. However, overall, I'm enjoying it so far.

I also went to the last horse races at Happy Valley Racecourse, which was really just people getting together and drinking beer with some betting in the mix.


Ivy Ball: The Columbia Alumni Association in Hong Kong graciously invited us to the annual Ivy Ball where all the alumni from Ivy League schools plus MIT gather for a formal night. One of the traditions is the fight song competition. Columbia has won every year except last year. Edith, a mentor and key organizers of the ball, invited all of us to her house the night before for a lovely home cooked meal where we rehearsed "Stand Up and Cheer" and a small cheer routine for the competition. Needless to say, Columbia won this year with all the interns leading the way. What did we win? Nothing really. Bragging rights. The food was amazing, and there was a genereal feel of school spirit and unity, rare for Columbia.

Columbians at Ivy Ball!

I also went to Lamma Island, an outlying island to the south of Hong Kong Island for a hike with a few other interns. It just so happened that there was a level 3 typhoon warning for that day. We were all drenched to the bone in the rain, and I was eaten alive by the mosquitoes. After a short hike, we settled down for some fresh seafood and headed home.


Overall, there have been some wonderful sights. For example, Star Ferry is a cheap way to cross Victoria Bay from Kowloon side to Hong Kong Island and offers beautiful views of the skyline.

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Cultural Center... no windows???

Also, the amount of shopping available is ridiculous. There are malls every where, which are sadly as expensive or more expensive than in America. However, I will admit they are a great way to get out of the heat and humidity. Hong Kong also has a very international feel. There are many expats working here as well as non-Chinese who grew up here. So far, I don't feel like I'm here for an internship. I'm actually on vacation. :)

First Few Impressions

Ah! I have landed. Swine flu has made it utterly impossible to go anywhere without eliciting glares from the local people whenever I sniffle due to the left over runny nose from my cold. I first scared the two Asian ladies I was sitting next to on the plane to put their masks on, and probably succeeding in scaring them further by watching Y Tu Mama Tambien. Then, I was semi-quarantined and had my temperature taken at the airport but was gratefully released after ten minutes.

View of the islands from the plane.

Upon arrival, this place is Hawaii humiditiy with New York urbanization but much more clean and efficient. Luckily, my high school friend Artesha is around all of June to help me acclimate to the city. After a jet-lagged sleep, we spent the next day touring most of Causeway Bay where she lived, at the at Hong Kong Jockey Club for lunch, and tried out the arcade with some games and, of course, STICKER PHOTOS!My friend Artesha at the arcade.

As we were walking around a few malls, Artesha explained that customer service is valued, which was evident when everyone thanked us for merely entering the store, even if we hadn't purchased anything.

Next, I left to go to the Columbia Alumni Mentor event at Philia Lounge where all the interns were able to meet their mentor. We then proceeded to walk around to a jazz club, which was full, then to an African lounge where they were playing live covers of Bob Marley. Who knew they had this in Hong Kong?

Fellow intern Yipeng and I at the African lounge.

Overall, I am stunned by how there is no tipping and still superior service compared to America and by the efficiency of the city.

Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to my blog for this summer. I've decided that this will be a great way for everyone to follow me this summer on my first trip to Hong Kong, or at least those who want to.

Let me get you up-to-date with the details. I found this internship last minute through the Columbia Experience Overseas program in Hong Kong and will be interning for eight weeks with Gottex Fund Management, a fund-of-funds, aka. a hedge fund that invests in hedge funds. I've never been to Hong Kong or speak any Cantonese, but luckily Columbia is providing housing for me and 14 other Columbia Undergrads in the program at the International House at the Hong Kong Baptist University.

Hopefully, I can keep this up through the summer and show you the wonderful sights, food, shopping, and other crazy adventures 15 Columbia students encounter.

I'll be leaving on June 16th and returning August 17th, so my next post will be after arriving in Hong Kong