[Gen]

I'd like suggestions on how to go about getting to know Hong Kong as a city.

There must be hidden jems and good tips for how to experience HK? Do most expats take cantonese lessons? Where's the best gym?

Any suggestions much appreciated!

[Baron]

I think several years is a bit long to commit to isn't it?

[CamaronKazi]

Originally Posted by Baron

I think several years is a bit long to commit to isn't it?

Yeah. That's a problem I find with marriage too.

[Melkir]

I've been here almost six months now and I still wouldn't say I know the city, though I'm not the adventerous type (or that social actually ;-)).

My 'checking to see if I could live here period' was just about one week, and I did a few touriesty things. I walked around some areas that I thought about living and saw if I could get food, what was available (as each store as a different selection) and the like.

It was pretty cool when I was here, and it's just starting to get hot (I've been told) in the end it looks like it's just another city. Since it has the basic neccessities of any "first world" city, I know at least for me that it has been more about me being comfortable than my location being suitable.

I do work in an office that speaks a lot of English and my management is western living here locally so I imagine that makes it a bit easier, but I'm often left to my own devices as they have lives and commitments.

I'm a creature of comfort, habit, and convience. All in all, I need to ge out more. But the inside of one apartment in Tokyo is the same as in Seattle, or as it turns out, Hong Kong. .. well, maybe a little smaller.

[Taguro]

Well, I ve been in Hong Kong since Mid-feb, it's okay not the best of mega-cities but if you ignore that fact that night-life is abosolute b.s, you will think to yourself it's a good place to make some good money and leave after a few seasons

[HKnewbie]

I'm in the same situation. No other expats in my office.
I've been here 5 months and also found an Irish pub I like! (which one do you go to? Kowloon, Wan Chai or Mid-Levels?)
I'd be very surprised if you don't get to know people just by going there! I've made some good friends thru the pub. The gym idea I'm sure would help but sorry... can't tell you which are the best. Should look into myself though so if anyone can make recommendations...??

[peter74]

You think the night life is bad??

You are the first person I have heard say this!!
I have been for 1 year and have friends that have been here for 8 and still loving it..

[Taguro]

Originally Posted by peter74

You think the night life is bad??

You are the first person I have heard say this!!
I have been for 1 year and have friends that have been here for 8 and still loving it..

I have had much pleasanter experiences in brawl-based pubs than anywhere here in Hong Kong. They leave you uncomftable when you drink alone. (Nearly been put of drinking) The nightlife is as entertaining as watching england loss to germany on penalties (italy90) tied to a chair and the button is stuck on loop. (Yes that tragic)
And if I was here for the nightlife I would have gotten on the plane maybe 4 hrs after I arrived. And what is the fascination with LKF havent people seen bars before. Door charges and dress code... good god what a double negative, the gents have to dress up but women can walk in as bloody tramps.

I cant be bothered to rant about HK nightlife because it could take me a lifetime point out the bs. Well the locals like it and so do the expats... *shrugs*

But I have a quote that sums it up rather nicely:

"Taste is like ass, everybody has there own. But some have nicer ones than other."

[Geordie19]

Yeah the nightlife isn't great, not if you've been out in any European city and seen the light. The nightlife reflects HK in many ways - so superficial...

[Taguro]

Indeed. I should you as a quotation as a siggie for other HK forums I use

They are insistant that it is f-ing amazing and they get the best of the djs over bla bla bla. So then how come Hong Kong is never on the global map for any big dj but they would rather play in Shenzhen? (current examples: Paul Oakenfold (june) & Lisa Lashes (few weeks ago))
The rip-off prices scare off the best entertainment.

And the charm of HK has long died off. (Cant remeber when I has my last chinese meal (not as nice as the uk chinese takeaways by far))