Matt Chou​
Excursions Around the Globe
Hong Kong
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A truly international city combining the East with the West. I spent half a year in this amazing city while interning and studying abroad at the University of Hong Kong. Living in the financial center of Asia truly opened my eyes and gave me an experience unlike any other.
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Through my time as an intern, a student, and a tourist I gained knowledge toward my career, made many new friends from various parts of the world, as well experienced the many wonders Hong Kong has to offer.
A collection of pictures and descriptions about my experiences.
Police blocking off part of Wall St. in response to the Occupy Wall Street protests.
The Freedom Tower nearing completion, which is expected in 2013. It is built on the original ground where 6 World Trade Center once stood.
Police blocking off part of Wall St. in response to the Occupy Wall Street protests.
View from the roof of my summer dorm at Simon K. Y. Lee Hall at the University of Hong Kong.
Causeway
Throughout our stay at the University of Hong Kong, our floormates took us out to try traditional Hong Kong food in various parts of the city. Without them, my experience abroad wouldn't have been the same.
View from the roof of my summer dorm at Simon K. Y. Lee Hall at the University of Hong Kong.
A district situated along the sea, Tamsui is known for its beautiful sunsets and cultural foods.
A district situated along the sea, Tamsui is known for its beautiful sunsets and cultural foods.
New York City
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I love New York. The famous trademark slogan and pop-culture icon has resonated with me since my most recent trip to the city this past September.
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NYC is a metropolis of history, culture, and possibilities. During my 10 day stay, I was able to explore the various districts of the city, from Upper West Side of Central Park to East Village, and from Brooklyn to Wall Street. Each area had it's unique flavors and iconic attractions of which a week long stay definitely does not do it justice.
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My time spent in the financial capital of the world was split also with enriching my pursuit of a financial career. I was able to meet with many equity research professionals from well-known firms and build solid connections to accompany the course down my career path. I definitely see a future for me in this extraordinary city.
Taiwan​
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The jewel of Asia and the country where my heritage stems from. Taiwan is a beautiful island where I can call my second home. Both my parents grew up here before immigrating to the States and so I have been in touch with Taiwan my whole life.
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Apart from my recurring trips to visit my numerous relatives who reside in the country, I have had the opportunity to teach English to underprivileged students as well as intern at an international accountancy firm in the renown Taipei 101 tower. From my love of the food to the genuine kindness of the people there, Taiwan will always be the place I long to return to.
The ferry that took us to Boracay island.
Lounges and clubs dotted the island and the locals were more than happy to show us a good time.
Boracay
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The island of Boracay is a resort just south of Manila in the Philippines. It has received numerous accolades for being one of the most beautiful and best places for tourism, and after coming here I can easily see why.
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I spent my 21st birthday here with a couple of friends while studying abroad. The beach was literally right in front of our inn and the water was the perfect temperature all day. We were able to go helmet diving further out from shore as well as explore the various foods and shops around the small island. We met many locals who were happy to be able to celebrate my birthday with me as well.
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I will definitely return to Boracay's most beautiful white beaches someday.
One of the many resort and hotels in Macau.
The ferry to Macau takes under an hour from Hong Kong island.
A traditional Chinese restaurant located in the old Portuguese town.
One of the many resort and hotels in Macau.
Macau
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This special administrative region of China is located east of Hong Kong and just an hour's ride away by ferry. The city is indeed another embodiment of West meets East.
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The skyline is filled with neon colored lights with the names of prominent names such as Hard Rock and Wynn embellished in the night sky. These lavish casinos and hotels are prominent throughout Macau and the region has overtaken Las Vegas as the world's number one gambling market.
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In addition to the gambling scene, the region is a historical site showcasing the rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture. An area known as the Historic Centre of Macau is made up of over twenty of such assimilated historical locations.
A signature dish from China, this spicy tofu and meat combination exceeded my expectations by far.
China
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As the world's most populous country and second-largest by land area, China's vast offerings would take much longer than a week's journey to fully explore. Rapid growth and urbanization are evident through many areas of the country while historical locations and other cultural elements are still serenely preserved.
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I made two trips to the Chinese motherland. The first was a tour of an area known as Mount Dan Xia which was composed of beautiful natural scenery and formations. In addition, the food had both familiar and unfamiliar aspects which proved to the benefit of my taste buds. My second trip was to the bustling gateway of Shenzhen, directly north of Hong Kong where I was able to explore one of the major cities in southern mainland China.
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With a vast majority of the country yet to be discovered, I will most definitely be back.