Pics of the Day 10

On October 1st, Hong Kong commemorated China National Day, this year celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. A beautiful fireworks lit up the night sky over Victoria Harbor. I watched from the Wanchai waterfront near the Convention Centre. Some new types of fireworks were added this year, including ones in the shape of the Chinese characters 中国六十（China 60) and also a set in which red lanterns exploded out of the fireworks, suspended in mid-air for a few moments before slowly drifting down and then disintegrating from hot sparks flying everywhere.

October 1st was also the also the last day of my Fulbright grant. Watching the fireworks for the second time while in Hong Kong, I feel like my journey has come full circle. Last year the fireworks marked the beginning of my time here, when I had only been living in Hong Kong for a month. There were still so many things I didn't know about the city, so many places left to explore. This time watching the fireworks reminded me of everything I learned and experienced here, how familiar Hong Kong has become, and all the memories I have made here.