THE ULTIMATE HONG KONG EXPERIENCE - China 2007 High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

Hong Kong is like no other city in the world. An incredible fusion of world cultures set on lush, mountainous islands, it has an aura all its own. Hong Kong is a place of great historical importance, an ultra-modern metropolis, and well-preserved natural beauty all at once. This program is a special invitation to experience the extravagance that this impressive city has to offer – welcome to The Ultimate Hong Kong Experience!

Victoria Harbor – Your Home in Hong Kong
During your trip, you will be treated to the exquisite experience of staying in some of Asia’s finest accommodations on Victoria Harbor. Long considered one of the most spectacular sights in Asia, the city view from the harbor is widely thought to be one of the most impressive skylines in the world. Featuring a legendary mix of the best elements of eastern and western cultures and some of the best restaurants and facilities in the industry, your stay here will surely be an unforgettable one.

Kowloon Island to Victoria’s Peak
The adventure will begin with some city touring that will reveal the buzz and bustle going on in every nook of the city. Kowloon is a shopper’s paradise, where you can find the latest technology and fashion literally across the street from old Chinese antique and knick-knack shops. Peruse the many stalls of Temple Street, see the interesting Bird Market, and search for the bargains that about here.

Across Victoria Bay on Hong Kong Island, bold sky scrapers tower overhead, yet a short wander will find you amongst a lively Chinese market, teeming with merchants as they peddle their herbal medicine, fruit, and local delicacies. Heading away from the Bay and up into the hills, the funky architecture and art galleries add yet another element to this fascinating city. As evening sets on Hong Kong, catch the tram ride up and sit down to a sumptuous meal at Victoria’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy yet another view of the city’s spectacular skyline.

Macau – An island of culture
Next, it’s time for a bit of adventure, as you’ll hop aboard a helicopter and head over to Macau Island. First stop, you’ll head up to the top of the Macau Sky Tower for the best view of the city and an optional bungee jump to get the adrenaline flowing before heading down for an island tour. A Portuguese colony for many years, Macau’s history is apparent in nearly every aspect of the city – from its cobblestone streets and alleys, its colonial architecture, and the tantalizing scents of freshly baked goods that emanate from its many bakeries. Finally, hop back into the helicopters for an twilight ride back to Hong Kong.

Lantau Island, Hong Kong Culture & Specialties
Home to the Big Buddha, lush forest, and some nice quiet beaches, Lantau Island is the perfect compliment to Hong Kong. Just a short cable car ride away, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of this island, and ponder how such a place can exist so close to a metropolis like Hong Kong.

For the last few days of your trip, you will be able to choose from a few different optional activities designed so that you can your time as you’d like. Among other things, morning Tai-chi or yoga classes, visits to well-known tailors, and specialized shopping tours will be possible for interested students.

Hong Kong Riches offers a lavish and memorable glimpse of what this intriguing, multinational mega-city has to offer. Join the adventure, and live it up in Hong Kong with Rustic Pathways in 2008

For more informationa, e-mail Jamie Spates at jamie@rusticpathways.com , or Bryan Haggerty at bryan@rusticpathways.com

CHINA PACKING LIST (The Ultimate Hong Kong Experience)

Pack the following items with your CARRY-ON Luggage:

* PASSPORT - you can not get on the plane without this!
* AIRLINE TICKETS - you can not get on the plane without these either!
* WALLET - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in Hong Kong. Most students bring around $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way.
* 2 Photocopies of your passport - you will give these to our staff when you arrive in Hong Kong. You only need to copy the 2-page spread that has your picture, date of birth, passport number, and personal information.
* 1 Spare T-Shirt - you may want to change shirts somewhere during your flight
* Sunglasses
* Toothpaste
* Toothbrush
* Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave
* Water bottle - keep yourself hydrated to avoid jet lag
* Snacks – comfort food that won’t melt - granola, dried fruit, etc. You don’t need much, but just in case you don’t like the airplane food.
* Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends
* Books – Something to pass the time.
* Cameras - Don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory cards!! You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)

(TIP: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Pack the following items in your CHECKED Luggage (remember to PACK LIGHT!):

* Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs)
* Underwear (between 7-9 pairs)
* Socks (4 pairs)
* Swimsuit
* T-Shirts with sleeves (3-5 t-shirts)
* Tank Tops (2-4 tops)
* Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and keep in a little warmth in the evenings
* Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket - a small travel one is best
* Skirt, dress, or nice pants – optional for a nice evening or dinner
* Shorts (3 or 4 pairs) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Chinese culture.
* Running Shoes - 1 pair (optional)
* Sandals that are strapped (Chaco’s or Teva’s are recommended) and/or flip-flops
* Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - a small kit with basic first aid supplies
* Small day bag – for side trips or hikes.
* Sunscreen - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions
* Chapstick - make sure that it has sunscreen in it. Lip balm without sun protection actually attracts the sun. Burt’s Bees has some nice products.
* Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun.
* Insect Repellant
* Hand Sanitizer- one bottle. Always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling!
* Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia.
* Hat or cap for sun
* Towel (1 towel - NOT white) - white towels get rather gnarly looking after a while
* Laundry Bag for dirty laundry, or an old pillow case - keeps the clean stuff away from the dirty stuff so you don't have to sniff to find out.
* Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.
* Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia - if you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you
* Other toiletries - shampoo, soap, etc.