11) Neon Lights Far Too Bright.

Few people know I was born in Hong Kong, and even fewer know I went there this past summer. As such, its time for me to 'reminisce' about the good times I had before I truly embark into the "Year of Hell" (Otherwise known as school).

I'm writing this down because I'm bored, and also because I hope to find a bit of myself by sharing my experience. I hope you get something out of this. Anything.

Most people have never visited Hong Kong. The lesser known cousin of the bright lights New York, most Americans will never go there in their lifetime. I urge you to go if you have the chance, not only as a vacation destination, but to understand a bit about yourself by contrasting culture.

I say this because I was not born in the good old United States. Most people who are natural born citizens, as I see it, always take it for granted. Maybe it's the fact that they don't have a moral obligation to think otherwise, but I still hear and feel the culture that clashes with what little I grew up with.

I just couldn't seem to understand why everyone was so used to saying "we" when they referred to the United States instead of the words "the U.S." You don't say that the U.S. is going through tough times. You say WE are going through tough times.

I came to this realization while walking down main street Hong Kong, 11pm, while the city was still in full swing. Then I realized something else:

I am not American.

As much as I might try, I will never truly understand what it means to be born here and to die here. I can come close, but I can never know and appreciate what everyone else values and respects.

Don't get me wrong, I know this works both ways. But it's still another case of unknown identity. I can wear the clothes, speak the language, and blend in, but I will never FEEL like I'm part of the group. I will always have an excuse to say that I'm not like the others.

I'll try and get over this someday, but maybe that's part of what being American is all about: Having the opportunity to be yourself without punishment of any kind.

Well, almost any kind.