A decade ago, one of my childhood friends moved to Asia. Instantly, I knew I’d visit. Little did I know I’d have my first ‘official’ date with my husband here, visit almost every two years and fall in love with the city she has chosen to call home. Hong Kong is an amalgamation of cultures, a spectacle of lights, a convergence of old and new - and runs on a pace all its own.
Thormodur Simonarson (1978) was born on a farm in Snaefellsnes, rural Iceland. His parents gave up farming soon after and built a guesthouse. At age 22 he ventured abroad and began to explore Europe on his own. For the next eight years he traveled to various places, both in and out of Iceland. Among his various jobs, he was a speed boner (title on the hiring contract) in the Falkland Islands as well as a crew member on a shrimping trawler in Arctic winter storms north of Iceland.
Each year, students from all over the world come to the United States to learn English and experience our unique culture. Hosting one of these students in your home is an incredible opportunity for your family. My parents hosted six students for a year each, as well as countless short-term stints with summer programs from Japan.
Over the past six years, my mom has traveled across America in an RV and visited all 50 states. She has been to major cities all over the world, including London, New York, Dublin, Los Angeles, Miami, and Paris.