Week 1: HNL-HKG!

My study abroad journey began on December 19th, 2021, when I departed HNL for what would turn a 30-hour trip into a 4-day journey.

After what I thought was a 4-hour layover in SEA, I was denied boarding at my gate to INC due to my COVID-19 PCR test not being within 48 hours of my flight to Seoul. This was difficult with my trip being 30-hours long, and most testing labs in Honolulu were not able to guarantee results within 12 hours. Since this specific route only flew every 2 days, I had to book a nearby hotel as well as a new PCR test, costing another $600 in total. I enjoyed my short time in Seattle regardless, as I spent it visiting friends and family, and trying Chic-Fil-A for the first time!

On December 23rd, I finally continued my journey to Hong Kong. I arrived at HKG at 10:30pm, and after checking my (finally correct) documents and taking another COVID test, I finally made it to the government quarantine facility at Penny's Bay where I would have to spend 4 days due to Hong Kong's new travel restrictions. I received 3 meals a day, as well as basic amenities such as bottled water. Although the bed was not the most comfortable and there was no access to WI-FI, the entire stay is free and the living conditions were like a dorm-- bearable for 3 nights. On my day of departure, I waited all day only to find that I had to spend another 2 nights at Penny's Bay, This was a hard day for me, since nowhere did it state that I was supposed to arrange my departure 2 days prior, and lots of research on Facebook support groups told me that I would not have to arrange anything. Regardless, the 2 days went by and I finally made it to my quarantine hotel-- the Four Points by Sheraton in Tung Chung!

I arrived at the Sheraton yesterday (December 29th, 2021) and am extremely happy with the conditions so far. After sleeping on what felt like cardboard for 6 nights, I was delighted to finally have a large, comfortable bed. For 990 HKD, I received a king-sized room, lots of amenities, high speed WI-FI, and 3 delicious meals a day. I was able to choose my meals for the next 15 days through a Google form, and WhatsApp as well at the room phone is utilized should I need anything else during my stay. I was also excited to utilize Foodpanda, Hong Kong's version of UberEats.

So far, my quarantine has flown by and I am so excited to be able to explore in 2 weeks!

My view of the Tung Chung Bay from the Four Points by Sheraton!