One month in Hong Kong: Here’s what I've learned
It’s a little hard to believe it, but I’ve officially been a Hong Kong resident for one month. It’s been a fast-paced, high-energy month filled with a lot of good food and apartment hunting. Here’s what I’ve learned, what I’m loving and what I still need to get used to.
What I've learned
Walking the streets is a contact sport
For the most part, I can deal with crowded streets. What takes some getting used to are the close-calls of being knocked down if you don’t get out of the way of someone heading directly at you. I feel like normal street protocol would be that one person would pivot out of the way, or you do the whole awkward dance of ‘I’ll go this way’, but not in Hong Kong. I’ve learned that most people WILL NOT change their direction, and you’re more likely to get pushed over, than have someone step aside or change direction. I have definitely learned to stand my ground more when walking in the city, even if that means blasting someone off me with a shoulder check (just kidding, I’m not that aggressive…yet). Head up. Eyes forward. Oh, and getting off the MTR? Bring body armor. But that’s another story.
Taxis are cheap, but not always the easiest mode of transport
For being one of the largest financial capitals of the world, it surprises me that taxis here do not take credit cards, that’s issue number one. The good news is that taxi travel is much cheaper than in the states (if you remember to keep cash on you), however the bad news is if you aren’t fluent in Cantonese, it can be (almost) not worth it at times. I think I’ve taken for granted the fact that Hong Kong has so many English-speaking people that I forget I’m in China. That is until I get in a cab. Luckily, there’s Google translate, and a whole host of apps that allow for better communication. Seriously, how did people do this before smart phones? I’ve picked up a few words here and there, but not knowing the language, coupled with the fact that I don’t always know where I’m going myself, has proven to make taxi travel pretty difficult.
Funny story about taxi travel: I was heading to lacrosse practice the other night and the driver wasn’t understanding the Google Translate (turns out the symbols were in Mandarin, ugh, such a newb), well after doing a series of ‘thumbs up’ and ‘thumbs down’ I arrived at my destination. The driver pulled out some scratch piece of paper and re-wrote the address for me in Cantonese. Now I use this tiny piece of paper every time I go to practice. Such a gracious gesture that made my day.
The MTR is world class
Ah, my lovely MTR. I keep telling people that it’s actually hard to get lost using the MTR. Every stop is color-coded, there are signs everywhere and announcements made before and after each stop. Once you’re inside the MTR car, there are lit signs that show you where you’re going, and when you arrive at a new destination, they flash. Once you get off the MTR, you guessed it, more signs. Each sign is labeled with the corresponding streets of that exit. You’re never more than 20 feet from a directional sign. Again, it’s pretty tough to get lost. Oh, and it’s so clean! Brownie points.
The food is the best I’ve ever had
I’ve mentioned this in a few prior posts, so I’ll just let the photos do the talking here. Follow me on Insta for more food photos and stories (@tohomewithlove).
What I’m loving
Lacrosse
I joined two lacrosse teams here in Hong Kong! I’m excited about this as there weren’t many opportunities to play in Philadelphia. Lacrosse (mens and womens) seems to actually be pretty popular here. I played in high school and a little in college/post college, so I’m looking forward to dusting off my old stick and getting back in the game.
Rugby
Rugby seems to also have a following here in Hong Kong. I saw my first match the other weekend and really enjoyed it. I don’t understand the rules yet, but I’ll get there.
The weather
The weather is finally starting to cool off. Granted, most of the days are still reaching in to the mid-80’s, but the mornings and evenings stick around the low 70’s, which feels glorious.
From concrete jungle to literal jungle
I absolutely love living downtown, but there’s something serene and peaceful about being able to escape on a whim and go for a hike, or to one of Hong Kong’s beaches. I still can’t get over the fact that it’s November and I can go to the beach.
Proximity to other travel destinations
I don’t know that we’ll ever feel truly “settled” but after being here for a month, we’re starting to throw around some ideas for trips. Traveling on this side of the world isn’t something either of us have had the opportunity to do, so we plan on taking full advantage of it. Top travel destinations on my list include: Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, Japan and Vietnam.
Meeting people from all over the world
I think one of the best parts about living in Hong Kong are the people. It truly is a city of people from all over the world. For example, one of the lacrosse teams I’m on has people from China, Japan, Australia, England, Scotland and America. I love getting to know every persons background and culture. A lot of people have told me that in Hong Kong everyone is always looking for their next friend because the expat life brings so many people here and then they leave after a few years. But at least in the interim you get to make friends with people from across the globe. There’s something special about that.
What I’m not loving
Crowds
Some days the crowds can be just too overwhelming.
Hills
I really don’t think I will ever get used to living in such hilly terrain. But, on the plus side, it does get a little easier each day.
Dog poop
I know this is graphic, but it must be shared. People do not pick up after their dogs here! Which is surprising because the fines for not picking up after your dog are high. You’re even required to bring a water bottle and spray the sidewalk after your dog goes. It’s difficult to keep your head up and pay attention while walking (see above), while also looking down to spare your shoes.
New lingo
In addition to picking up a few Cantonese words, I’m also learning a few new meanings or phrases for commonly used English words. I’ve had many a conversation where I’ve had to rely on context clues, here are just a few examples:
Reservation = booking
I would like to make a booking for dinner tonight at Jin Juu.
Lines = queue
The queue for Bep restaurant starts here.
Subway = MTR (mass transit railway)
Take the MTR to the Sai Ying Pun stop, and then walk about 500 kilometers.
Breakfast = brekkie
We should eat a big brekkie since we’re having a late lunch.
Vacation = holiday
She is away on holiday all next week.
Stroller = pram
The dog walked very cautiously next to the pram, almost to protect the baby.
It’s been a great first month. If all goes well, we’ll be moving into our new apartment at the end of next week. Stay tuned for the grand tour!