Greetings from Hong Kong

Time for an update (my first)!

For those who didn't know, I'm off and out in Hong Kong for the rest of my life, or at least until I know where I'll be for the rest of my life. I'm here to work on my MBA at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. If you've never heard of it, you will someday!

For those who need a little background on my decision to leave the states...

Before arriving to take on the Hong Kong UST MBA experience, I had to decide to give up my career at MetLife where I met many amazing people and learned an incredible amount about myself and what it takes to succeed in the real world. The past five years have been a period of great learning and greater self-awareness (yeah I'll pitch MetLife for a little while longer). I loved being there and I'm certain I would have done well if I stayed, but I'd always wanted to travel and learn more about the world outside of the states. So it was now or never: I gave up In-n-out burger and American (you have to add "American" otherwise they get confused) football for Cha Siu and "football" (round ball, not worth it).

I chose Hong Kong because it's an East-meets-West location as opposed to going all out and diving headfirst into China. Although I bleed red, white and blue, I see things growing less and less U.S.-centric going forward. Call it the age of communication or the emergence of Asia, I wanted to get immersed into what and how they think in the rest of the world. So Western education, international student body, Hong Kong big-city backdrop? I'm GAME. And I must say that it has absolutely exceeded my expectations. My classmates are from 30 different countries. My study group alone is made up of a Thai, a Chinese, a Spaniard, an Indian, a Korean, and me. Yeah, you quickly learn how to organize your thoughts and communicate effectively especially when you come up against project deadlines.

It's been a month and I'm already made some friends I think will be around for the long-run. Also, I've explored the city twice over and experienced some awesome things. For example, yesterday I went to an Indian ceremonial Engagement party for my good friend Shaan. Congrats buddy!

And with that, I'm back to solving Erik Peterson's issues (some of you know Mr. Peterson). Hope all is well stateside - save me some Boiling Crab and Buffalo Wild Wings!