The Morning
Our day began with Chantal heading off to her PhD Day —a special day dedicated to discussions and topics specifically for PhD students, just before the main conference kicks off.
Before she took off, we wandered the streets of Hong Kong in search of breakfast. Little did we know that Hong Kong wakes up later than we do, so our only option was a McDonald’s breakfast (yes, we know, but sometimes you have to roll with it!).
We also saw our first cats of Hong Kong! And obviously had to go and pat them. It seems like a few stores keep cats inside – presumably to deter rodents.
Chris’s Side of the Day
With Chantal at the conference, I set off for some solo exploration. My first stop was Sheung Wan, where I enjoyed a leisurely walk around the area. Afterward, I took off for Mong Kok, anticipating a bustling atmosphere.
Upon arrival, I realised that busy in Hong Kong has a whole new meaning—it was only going to get busier as the day progressed. Mong Kok is an intense area, brimming with restaurants and shops selling everything from jewellery and technology to clothing. The area is a complex mix of expansive, boutique shopping centres and small market stalls. I didn’t buy anything, but it was fascinating to wander around and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling markets.
Chantal’s Side of the Day
Meanwhile, Chantal navigated the challenge of finding the University of Hong Kong but managed to arrive at the registration desk just in time. The view from the conference room was magnificent, providing a beautiful backdrop to an intense day of learning and networking.
The PhD Day of the conference was a dedicated pre-conference event designed to contextualise the conference theme for PhD students. Topics covered included publishing, obtaining grants, and dealing with theory. It was an insightful and engaging session that left Chantal feeling inspired.
Getting Back Together
In the early afternoon, Chantal made her way to Mong Kok to join Chris. The area was insane with the number of people, a real sensory overload.
We both wandered through the Ladies Market, a seemingly endless strip of stalls selling small trinkets, bags, and clothes. If you ever need to buy luggage, this is the place to go—nearly every second stall was selling it. Chantal wasn’t particularly impressed, noting that most items could be bought from Ali Express and were knock-offs of luxury brands. Exactly what you’d expect!
We sought out enjoyment where we could and found a random quiet rooftop, offering a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle below. The highlight of our day was discovering a stall selling chocolate-covered popcorn. To say it was delicious would be an understatement!
By the time we finished exploring, we were pretty tired. We decided on Nene Chicken for dinner because it was quiet—a perfect end to a busy day. We then took the train back to our hotel, ready to collapse from our adventures. A big day awaited Chantal tomorrow as she would be presenting her paper on AI and lawyers at the conference!
Chris and Chantal 