I'm back in the US (have been for about 4 weeks now).

It's 5.20 AM here in the United States.

And I'm really missing HK right now. I always loved the city whilst I was there (for the best part - 12 years - of my life) and always considered it to be one of the best in the world, but it's only since I left that I really realise what a truly phenomenal city Hong Kong is.

I'm sorry America, but Chicago just doesn't do it for me - it has no right to hold a candle up to Hong Kong IMHO.

I've yet to go to New York though...

I feel the same thing when I'm abroad! But when you're talking about US cities, New York is more my home away from home :D

same here, i just left hk a week ago after going there for a holiday. havnt been back for like 6 yrs, so it was definitely an amazing experience, took many photos & saw many new things that were there.

The harbour view & skyline is truely spectacular, that is what i will miss about hk the most

same here, i just left hk a week ago after going there for a holiday. havnt been back for like 6 yrs, so it was definitely an amazing experience, took many photos & saw many new things that were there.

The harbour view & skyline is truely spectacular, that is what i will miss about hk

Where you at right now if you don't mind me asking?

Mate - there's really so much more to Hong Kong than the harbour - as beautiful as the harbour is.

Perhaps the rest of the city isn't as 'beautiful' as the likes of Paris, London and other European cities (most major European cities for me, are the most 'beautiful'), but the way the city is run - i.e. it apparently makes New York seem slow - is just something I adore.

Here in the United States (New York apart), everything seems so f*cking slow in comparision - because it really is - although for the Americans here, its more normal service resumed. Even something as simple as going to a fast food place gets on my nerves because the place just isn't as efficiently run - the public transport is another thing...etc etc.

Sorry, rant over.

I just really miss the place :( Was over for Christmas, and next time I'm back will be summer. Will probably shove in another Chicago and hopefully New York too trip in between.

Where you at right now if you don't mind me asking?

NZ which is a much slower country indeed ...

Of cuz, hk feels much more at home than anywhere else for me

totally agree...

agree!! I love HK.

I feel about the same in California and in HK. But the speed of service in this country really gets on my nerves sometimes. I'm on a tighter schedule than most of the people around me at the supermarkets, and tons of people deciding to throw half of their items out of their purchases at the cashier...wasting other people's time.

Also, a ridiculous amount of daytime traffic. I'm a student, and I observe that highways have countless private cars on them even at off-peak hours such as late mornings and early afternoons. What are these people doing?

But the climate and the spacious residential environments really beat their HK counterparts.

Yea it does - but then everything in HK is so convenient!!!

I miss HK more if I'm in a city that has a different lifestyle than HK! Especially when I was in LA! The city is laid back, low-rise and life there is simple!

I'm leaving HK for good in just over a month and I miss the place already. Everything is just so... easy here.

The public tranport, the taxis, the food delivery, the service at restaurants. How all the bars are clustered around either LKF or Wan Chai. Being able to get in a taxi and be at home in Mid Levels ten minutes later for next to nothing. Causeway Bay and Mong Kok on Sunday afternoons. The hikes to get away with it all, cheap flights to the rest of Asia. Dim sum, Chinese Lanterns at CNY, Chinese Girls (best looking in the world), 3mb broadband, the most impressive skyline anywhere, and above all, the pace of it all.

Yep, I'm gonna be homesick too.

I'm leaving HK for good in just over a month and I miss the place already. Everything is just so... easy here.

The public tranport, the taxis, the food delivery, the service at restaurants. How all the bars are clustered around either LKF or Wan Chai. Being able to get in a taxi and be at home in Mid Levels ten minutes later for next to nothing. Causeway Bay and Mong Kok on Sunday afternoons. The hikes to get away with it all, cheap flights to the rest of Asia. Dim sum, Chinese Lanterns at CNY, Chinese Girls (best looking in the world), 3mb broadband, the most impressive skyline anywhere, and above all, the pace of it all.

Yep, I'm gonna be homesick too.

Going back to Sydney right? I haven't been to Sydney but I find the environment there similar to HK except for the skyline, way of life and people. But alot of my friends travel to Sydney alot so there's still alot of people from HK living there.

Compared when I was in LA where most Chinese I've met are from Taiwan or are Mandarin speaking!

:cheers:

Alot from other countries would wanna live in HK despite the lack of space!

I'm homesick all the time when I get back to US in less than a month. HK is my home and I miss all my friends and relatives.. and by all means the feel of the city and freedom. But afterall, every place has its good and bad sides.. its distinct taste, and I found life in N.A. is much simpler and it's a better place to concentrate on your education without too much temptation..
My friends in HK would never feel the same way I do, and they are stressed and talking sh!t about HK... it's common i must say; people always do not cherish what they have got until they lose it...
So be happy! :)

Honestly I'm happy enough living in HK :D

Its not all bad... I'm from Sydney but moving to London (even though I've never been there). London sounds pretty cool so we'll see how it goes. But I'd never seen HK either when I moved here... exploring a big city for the first time when you move there is one of the best experiences you can have.

Hong Kong and London has some similarities in terms of culture, infrastucture, way of life and people :) And there are alot of HKers in London.

LA was still the city that made me miss HK alot!

I'm homesick all the time when I get back to US in less than a month. HK is my home and I miss all my friends and relatives.. and by all means the feel of the city and freedom. But afterall, every place has its good and bad sides.. its distinct taste, and I found life in N.A. is much simpler and it's a better place to concentrate on your education without too much temptation..
My friends in HK would never feel the same way I do, and they are stressed and talking sh!t about HK... it's common i must say; people always do not cherish what they have got until they lose it...
So be happy! :)

That's very true, every place has its advantages and pitfalls. I found the lifestyle in HK less leisure than most of European and American cities, other than that, HK is absolutely not a good place to concentrate on study as there're too much temptations.

By the way, I really like your sentence that people always do not cherish what they have got until they lose it.

I'm leaving HK for good in just over a month and I miss the place already. Everything is just so... easy here.

The public tranport, the taxis, the food delivery, the service at restaurants. How all the bars are clustered around either LKF or Wan Chai. Being able to get in a taxi and be at home in Mid Levels ten minutes later for next to nothing. Causeway Bay and Mong Kok on Sunday afternoons. The hikes to get away with it all, cheap flights to the rest of Asia. Dim sum, Chinese Lanterns at CNY, Chinese Girls (best looking in the world), 3mb broadband, the most impressive skyline anywhere, and above all, the pace of it all.

Yep, I'm gonna be homesick too.
AGREE!! (text in bold)

That's very true, every place has its advantages and pitfalls. I found the lifestyle in HK less leisure than most of European and American cities, other than that, HK is absolutely not a good place to concentrate on study as there're too much temptations.

By the way, I really like your sentence that people always do not cherish what they have got until they lose it.
by saying less lesiure, you mean less relaxed?

I'm leaving HK for good in just over a month and I miss the place already. Everything is just so... easy here.

The public tranport, the taxis, the food delivery, the service at restaurants. How all the bars are clustered around either LKF or Wan Chai. Being able to get in a taxi and be at home in Mid Levels ten minutes later for next to nothing. Causeway Bay and Mong Kok on Sunday afternoons. The hikes to get away with it all, cheap flights to the rest of Asia. Dim sum, Chinese Lanterns at CNY, Chinese Girls (best looking in the world), 3mb broadband, the most impressive skyline anywhere, and above all, the pace of it all.

Yep, I'm gonna be homesick too.

Generally agree, except "best-looking Chinese girls"......
From my points of view, I would rather say HK girls are most fashionable than best-looking. But I think HK boys are most handsome and fashionable among the others from the rest of Chinese cities.

by saying less lesiure, you mean less relaxed?
yup, that's what i mean

That's very true, every place has its advantages and pitfalls. I found the lifestyle in HK less leisure than most of European and American cities, other than that, HK is absolutely not a good place to concentrate on study as there're too much temptations.

By the way, I really like your sentence that people always do not cherish what they have got until they lose it.

Well I sort of agree that HK has less leisure compared to other cities but to those who don't have much work can relax. I mean we have our leisure spots like the southside of HK Island or Clear Water Bay :)

Anyway, I'll go for a HK Chinese than a mainlander or Taiwanese. True that HK women are more fashionable but I like the skin color and look as well :D

Well I sort of agree that HK has less leisure compared to other cities but to those who don't have much work can relax. I mean we have our leisure spots like the southside of HK Island or Clear Water Bay :)

Anyway, I'll go for a HK Chinese than a mainlander or Taiwanese. True that HK women are more fashionable but I like the skin color and look as well :D

agree

If you look at HK, the centre of activity is usually around the north part of HK Island and Kowloon but the rest of HK is laid back and are surrounded by leisure areas. The city has alot of beaches, golf courses, country parks, hiking trails and for those who can afford it, have a yacht and go crusing. And HK has alot of yacht clubs or marina clubs.

Unless you work in the financial sector than your life will be very busy :D

I know there are more than 40 beaches and 20 country parks in HK, we should say the environment of HK allows its inhabitants doing more leisure activities, but not so many HK people make the most of it.

I know there are more than 40 beaches and 20 country parks in HK, we should say the environment of HK allows its inhabitants doing more leisure activities, but not so many HK people make the most of it.

Well there are the tourists but they would rather spend their time in the city shopping or visiting our theme parks :D

hong kong is great but only for the 'richer' people. this is what makes it very different from other european cities and is also something which the government has to address.

i think the current average salary in hong kong is still at HKD10000 a month compared to seoul's HKD17000. imagine you only earning that amount and trying to live in hong kong, it could be pretty harsh. (not to talk about you having to raise a family) living cost is just far too high!

then again, hong kong has a lot to offer if you've got the money and maybe even status... food is superb and the choice is amazing. i won't say it's cheap though because good food can cost equally expensive as london/nyc/paris.

ha anyway... there're so many things which are unique to hong kong... and i always miss the city... that's why i'm doubting my choice of studying here in the uk.

ha anyway... there're so many things which are unique to hong kong... and i always miss the city... that's why i'm doubting my choice of studying here in the uk.

Likewise - except I'm in the US.

I'm having second thoughts now - and am thinking about returning back to HK :(

hong kong is great but only for the 'richer' people. this is what makes it very different from other european cities and is also something which the government has to address.

i think the current average salary in hong kong is still at HKD10000 a month compared to seoul's HKD17000. imagine you only earning that amount and trying to live in hong kong, it could be pretty harsh. (not to talk about you having to raise a family) living cost is just far too high!

then again, hong kong has a lot to offer if you've got the money and maybe even status... food is superb and the choice is amazing. i won't say it's cheap though because good food can cost equally expensive as london/nyc/paris.

ha anyway... there're so many things which are unique to hong kong... and i always miss the city... that's why i'm doubting my choice of studying here in the uk.

But HK's average salary is still high though for most Asian cities. Why would people around Asia would come to HK and work?

Living costs in HK can be a disadvantage though since you have high rentals and end up with small space but you still have good affordable public transportation, a pleasant environment and of course safety.

Anyway, how about living in this!

http://josh.middlepath.com/memnoch9615/Trip%20from%20Hong%20Kong%20to%20Nanjing%20May%202005/Picture%20069.jpg

then again, hong kong has a lot to offer if you've got the money and maybe even status... food is superb and the choice is amazing. i won't say it's cheap though because good food can cost equally expensive as london/nyc/paris.

ha anyway... there're so many things which are unique to hong kong... and i always miss the city... that's why i'm doubting my choice of studying here in the uk.

How about "cha chang ting"? I think the food provided by most of "cha chang ting" is superb with reasonable price.

By the way, I think you chose a right place for your study....As i said, HK is absolutely not a good place to study due to too much temptation, but don't forget coming back right after you graduated, after all, HK is our marvelous hometown.

Likewise - except I'm in the US.

I'm having second thoughts now - and am thinking about returning back to HK :(

If you have enough energy, HK will be one of your ideal cities to live and work.

This may sound silly but I'm a bit curious on what you mean by those temptations in college.

My college education is different since I studied fine arts and graphic design. We tend to be more expressive in school than logical.

i enjoy the grassroot delicacy of HK which are all genuine & inexpensive : egg tarts, wontons, roasts, chinese soups

i mean the temptations of the city itself.

i enjoy the grassroot delicacy of HK which are all genuine & inexpensive : egg tarts, wontons, roasts, chinese soups

me too :)

i mean the temptations of the city itself.

Oh :) Unless you study in HKUST :D

But it's according to what you study. I studied fine arts and the city itself is perfect for gathering ideas and creativity. Yes HK has alot of temptations but you can use these issues and express them through art :)

hong kong is great but only for the 'richer' people. this is what makes it very different from other european cities and is also something which the government has to address.

i think the current average salary in hong kong is still at HKD10000 a month compared to seoul's HKD17000. imagine you only earning that amount and trying to live in hong kong, it could be pretty harsh. (not to talk about you having to raise a family) living cost is just far too high!

then again, hong kong has a lot to offer if you've got the money and maybe even status... food is superb and the choice is amazing. i won't say it's cheap though because good food can cost equally expensive as london/nyc/paris.

ha anyway... there're so many things which are unique to hong kong... and i always miss the city... that's why i'm doubting my choice of studying here in the uk.
i am doubting my choice of working here in US too.
I miss the city itself, as well as some other stuff, one of which was implied earlier...

Likewise - except I'm in the US.

I'm having second thoughts now - and am thinking about returning back to HK :(
where are you in US? are u studying or working?

WANCH, are you chinese living in HK? or white living in HK?

WANCH, are you chinese living in HK? or white living in HK?

I'm Filipino/Malaysian born and raised in HK! But I've stayed in LA and NY for several months and when I was there (especially LA), there are times that I felt homesick and wanted to go back!

Oh :) Unless you study in HKUST :D

But it's according to what you study. I studied fine arts and the city itself is perfect for gathering ideas and creativity. Yes HK has alot of temptations but you can use these issues and express them through art :)

oic.....

HKUST is definitely far away from downtown area, but the environment around HKUST can be considered as the shangri-la of HK.

oic.....

HKUST is definitely far away from downtown area, but the environment around HKUST can be considered as the shangri-la of HK.

But it's natural surroundings can distract students from studying though!

A view from the school's library :)
http://www.michaelylee.com/photos/taiwan_hongkong/Day_05/view_from_library1.jpg

A similar environment is The Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam. It is considered as one of the most expensive private schools in HK!

But it's natural surroundings can distract students from studying though!


A similar environment is The Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam. It is considered as one of the most expensive private schools in HK!

Probably true, I can only say HK is full of temptations which can distract students from studying.

I'm back in the US (have been for about 4 weeks now).

It's 5.20 AM here in the United States.

And I'm really missing HK right now. I always loved the city whilst I was there (for the best part - 12 years - of my life) and always considered it to be one of the best in the world, but it's only since I left that I really realise what a truly phenomenal city Hong Kong is.

I'm sorry America, but Chicago just doesn't do it for me - it has no right to hold a candle up to Hong Kong IMHO.

I've yet to go to New York though...

I live in Connecticut and have been in New York and Boston for many times.
Boston does not look like a big city to me at all....... at least whenever I am there, it is always quite like no one around. New York, biggest city in the US, but it just has nothing like HK, imo. It doesn't have that sense of activities around the city. It doesn't have the sense of energy. It doesn't have the contrast between natural and man-made (Central Park doesn't count, it is just one big giant man-made greenland.)

One thing unique about Hong Kong is you really get out of the busy city in just a few minutes. I can't think of any cities around the globe has that proximity. That's one thing I really like. I feel the same as many of you guys found HK is home's home and the place to be after I have come to the US. There are still many problems in HK, but it is still a lot better than many other places.

Hopefully, I can move back to HK in another 5 years.... sigh.....

When it's snowing or raining here like cats and dogs, I miss HK.

Summer's best for me in Vancouver, winter in HK (minus two weeks so I can go skiing in Whistler).

It's only a flight half way around the world to get home in the worst case.

When I was in LA the only thing I saw close to home was a video rental club that specialized in HK films! It was in Sawtelle where there's a strong Japanese community. The owner of the store was actually from HK and became a friend.

Watching HK films (yes they have English subtitles) made be feel at home!

Not so much missing to BUT wanna re-visiting HKG ~~~~~~~~~ shortly :)

Why is it that the majority of people has lived of have visited HK several times missed the city alot! I rarely hear someone who has been to HK and had a negative impression of the city :)

Agree! I also came back from HK after Christmas. I haven't went back for 10 years.

Holy crap. Huge change. Its impressive.

The city is impressive, but some things that I don't like are how "cool" people are (I was asking for directions and ppl think I am a freak. All the time! I asked around 8 ppl and all of them were like that... and I ended up asking the polices lol). As an HK citizen that's the thing I am abit ashamed of. People are sterotypically "complicated". But people are also very polite though when it comes to the service sector.

My relatives are all in HK, so I really miss them.

I would love to go back after finishing school. I major in computer engineering, but I found that theres not much RnD over there. The city is very computerized, but its all applications with tech imported. So "interesting" jobs could be a problem.

But I would definitely go back for visits after I am done here! :)

Engineering is not a popular field in Hong Kong, and it won't be. HK is a services-oriented city, and computer jobs can easily be outsourced to cheaper China or India. That's why a lot of engineers end up in business.

Agree! I also came back from HK after Christmas. I haven't went back for 10 years.

Holy crap. Huge change. Its impressive.

The city is impressive, but some things that I don't like are how "cool" people are (I was asking for directions and ppl think I am a freak. All the time! I asked around 8 ppl and all of them were like that... and I ended up asking the polices lol). As an HK citizen that's the thing I am abit ashamed of. People are sterotypically "complicated". But people are also very polite though when it comes to the service sector.

My relatives are all in HK, so I really miss them.

I would love to go back after finishing school. I major in computer engineering, but I found that theres not much RnD over there. The city is very computerized, but its all applications with tech imported. So "interesting" jobs could be a problem.

But I would definitely go back for visits after I am done here! :)

Hopefully, you could find an ideal job in HK right after you graduated :)

Why is it that the majority of people has lived of have visited HK several times missed the city alot! I rarely hear someone who has been to HK and had a negative impression of the city :)

this is because we all admit that HK is not immaculate, but it's still much better than many other cities elsewhere. As I mentioned before, HK is our marvelous hometown after all.

hkskyline, I think the most popular field in HK is either business or finance!

Terrence, one thing that surprise me is HK is such a small place but the city is one of the top drawers of tourism in Asia. And some of these tourists are only in HK most of the time.

Agree! I also came back from HK after Christmas. I haven't went back for 10 years.

Holy crap. Huge change. Its impressive.

The city is impressive, but some things that I don't like are how "cool" people are (I was asking for directions and ppl think I am a freak. All the time! I asked around 8 ppl and all of them were like that... and I ended up asking the polices lol). As an HK citizen that's the thing I am abit ashamed of. People are sterotypically "complicated". But people are also very polite though when it comes to the service sector.

My relatives are all in HK, so I really miss them.

I would love to go back after finishing school. I major in computer engineering, but I found that theres not much RnD over there. The city is very computerized, but its all applications with tech imported. So "interesting" jobs could be a problem.

But I would definitely go back for visits after I am done here! :)

im study science & when i went back in X'mas, it doesn't seem like there's alot of job opportunities for my area either, well...maybe i will have to takeup astronomy or something & work in the Space Museum ... but, yes, im thinking of taking up business so that in future i can work in the commerce sector in a metropolis like hk :)

I was born in HK and spend the first 9 years of my life in HK. To me, Hk is like my mothertland, and it's always is pleasure to come back for visit. The only problem now is I became a father in 2003 and I don't think my child is ready for the long flight yet( I lived in New jersey, US). Anyone have the same problem ?

As far as Asian cities are concerned, HK is already the most popular tourist destination in Asia.

I agree with you that the performance of HK tourism is extremely prominent, but HK ppl have to keep on improving HK so as to stamp out all pitfalls.

I was born in HK and spend the first 9 years of my life in HK. To me, Hk is like my mothertland, and it's always is pleasure to come back for visit. The only problem now is I became a father in 2003 and I don't think my child is ready for the long flight yet( I lived in New jersey, US). Anyone have the same problem ?

It may be a problem for you in short term.

Still young! No kids no wife but got a GF though! I will be though several years from now :D

I'm waiting to find out if I got a job in Hong Kong :D

I'm waiting to find out if I got a job in Hong Kong :D

Congratulations if you do cause right now, alot are having a hard time finding one!

where are you in US? are u studying or working?

I'm in Columbus - studying at the Ohio State University.



this is because we all admit that HK is not immaculate, but it's still much better than many other cities elsewhere. As I mentioned before, HK is our marvelous hometown after all.

I would say HK is pretty immaculate ... I've been to London and Paris, and whilst they're lovely cities, I wouldn't want to live in Paris and I'd prefer HK over London. Haven't been to Tokyo or New York yet.

Why is it that the majority of people has lived of have visited HK several times missed the city alot! I rarely hear someone who has been to HK and had a negative impression of the city

Partly because of how efficient the city is - I dont know how or if they measure efficiency, but I'd be surprised if Hong Kong isn't in the top 3 - or even top ONE - in the world when it comes to efficiency and services. No other city in the world (that I've visited) is anywhere near as efficient. Singapore (Paris was horrendously inefficient, whilst Chicago and London were somewhere in between) seemed to be the closest match and it was like comparing a Ferrari Formula 1 car to a bicycle.

Anyone got a clue about these stats?

Every time I go to a Cafe de Coral (I never went regularly before going to the US), it's amazing how they work. My father told me that in its Hong Kong operations alone, the company grosses $2 billion annually.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I MISS HONG KONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry for my madness.

New York can be best compared to HK not just the skyline but also the way of life. It's as efficient as HK in terms of services (they wouldn't call it The New York minute for nothing!) Tokyo is also the same.

Anyway, I always see Cafe De Coral but I never go there!

i lived in NYC for 7 years, and i don't think it match Hk in terms of scale of vibrancy.

i lived in NYC for 7 years, and i don't think it match Hk in terms of scale of vibrancy.

Scale? Manhattan can match HK Island but NY's outer boroughs are not capable enough to match Kowloon, The New Territories or Lantau Island. The level of vibrancy is debatable. Honestly, I find HK more vibrant than New York but NY is the closest US city to match HKs :)

Why is this degenerating into a NY vs. HK thread? We all know such topics won't have a good ending.

Why is this degenerating into a NY vs. HK thread? We all know such topics won't have a good ending.

sorry about that man! Anyway, if I end up moving to any city that has a different lifestyle than HK, then I'll miss HK alot! Especially if there are hardly anyone there from HK!

Many foreigners may find HK to be an amazing place, but living in HK is not for everybody. It's extremely cramped and rushed, people have no patience and only look straight ahead, never pay attention to their environments where there may be people nearby who need a helping hand to open a door. Friendliness and concern is usually shown only between friends and relatives and is not something you would expect from the average person on the street.

It is all probably just a part of HK's hurried lifestyle; people just don't have time to think for others around them whom they probably wouldn't ever meet again anyway. Anything in the name of efficiency...right? At least I can get my groceries quickly.

Many foreigners may find HK to be an amazing place, but living in HK is not for everybody. It's extremely cramped and rushed, people have no patience and only look straight ahead, never pay attention to their environments where there may be people nearby who need a helping hand to open a door. Friendliness and concern is usually shown only between friends and relatives and is not something you would expect from the average person on the street.

It is all probably just a part of HK's hurried lifestyle; people just don't have time to think for others around them whom they probably wouldn't ever meet again anyway. Anything in the name of efficiency...right? At least I can get my groceries quickly.

I can live with that :) I'm one of those who's used to small spaces as long as I can sleep 180 degrees :D

Time is precious, that's why most HKers are in a hurry :D Although I've seen incidents where even the average person on the street helped an old woman who dropped her groceries :)

Anyway how about this, I was in LA years back and even there my friends would seem that I'm always in a hurry! Also, I was in downtown LA and I was like walking faster compared to most pedestrians in the street!

I used to be good at keeping up with HK people walking, but now I'm not as good... T_T

With alot of walking, HKers must be really fit :D

With alot of walking, HKers must be really fit :D

HK has soooo many esculators too, its everywhere !

Hey.

All in the name of efficiency is right ... I can't STAND slow service. Gets on my nerves.

New York can be best compared to HK not just the skyline but also the way of life. It's as efficient as HK in terms of services (they wouldn't call it The New York minute for nothing!) Tokyo is also the same.

Anyway, I always see Cafe De Coral but I never go there!

When I'm talking services, I'm also including little things such as grocery shopping or stopping for a burger etc.

Naturally when it comes to the likes of banking Hong Kong will be given a run for it's money by the likes of New York and Tokyo (haven't been to either so can't comment - but I'd be surprised if they're actually MORE efficient than HK!)

Talk about that in front of me!! I'm in LONDON, the most inefficient metropolis on earth!!

But London is one of the most beautiful metropolises on Earth! Go out and enjoy your high-class neighborhood ;). I don't think I'll ever be able to fork out 200 pounds a night to be your neighbor!

We're talking about efficiency man... :P
My neighbourhood gets all dark after 5pm. London's completely crap except in art (including music, theatre, paintings, architecture...).

I love Hong Kong.

definitely missed it already ... personally imo efficiency and choices easily compensates for the lack of space in the city ...

i don't particularily agree with 'u need to be hyper rich to live a good life in hkg' ... that pretty much applies to any place i have been to ...
however being normal and getting normal wages can also mean living a good and comfortable life in hkg ... it really depends on what your desires are and values are ...
there are probably already more places to eat and shops to go and a great inexpensive public transport to get around to for the less well off than what most city offers ... the better restaurants are actually in the less well off area ... since they actually stay there ... however just like every other city it will only get harder to climb to to the top if you start off as a poor person ... this disparity looks only to widen in the future ...
as education are starting to look more like listed financial firms ...
and money are starting to circulate around a smaller handful of people ...

We're talking about efficiency man... :P
My neighbourhood gets all dark after 5pm. London's completely crap except in art (including music, theatre, paintings, architecture...).

I love Hong Kong.

Where in London are you at? If you were living in Pok Fu Lam, Tung Chung or Tai Tam, you would feel the same as where you at in London!

The most inefficient place I've ever been to was Manila where it took me a long time in the bank. There was also one time I was in Olivers Super Sandwiches (yes they have it in Manila) and i tried to order a high protein sub and they told me they ran out of roast beef!

I have some friends in HK who are in a band playing live music in bars such as Chasers or Dusk Till Dawn. They don't each as much as a regular salaryman but they are surviving :)

I live at Gloucester Road. I have lived in Waterloo, Chelsea, King's Cross, Camden, London Bridge, Victoria, Hammersmith and Clapham Junction before and they are nowhere near my home.

Come on, Tai Tam is posh! :P

Talk about inefficiency in front of London!? Here if I see THREE people on the queue in a bank I would just leave. I am dead serious. And I had tried to order FRIES in McDonald's and they told me they don't have fries and I was like, then what do you have?! :(

HKIMH --> HK IS MY HOME :)

I came to the US in 1998 to study, prior to that I have been in the US twice already, one in 1989 and the other in 1996. Yes, at that time, I was really attracted by the living environment, the weather, the opportunities, and yes, Disneyland. If I had to live in the US, I will definitely choose San Francisco, Honolulu, and New York to live.

I didn't really feel homesick after I came to the US but because I had the time and cheap ticket so I went back to HK in Summer 1999. Since then, within the next few years, I didn't go back to HK. However, many of my friends that I met in the US go back to HK very often when there were long holidays. Instead, I went around North America by bus and train to explore which NA city is the best to live. But unfortunately, none of them are like HK.

When I saw many of my US-met HK friends are still going back to HK, I decided to go back for a Christmasv acation even though I had limited expenses in 2002. That time, I really missed HK a few days after I came back to the US after the holidays. On top of that, I began to search websites about HK and I found SSC and SSP with many HK-wow :eek2: photos and threads in 2003. By watching The July 1, 2003 protest that peacefully took place on TV, it gave me the inspiration that I should be part of HK's history in the future, so I decided to head back to HK in Sep 2003.

Yes, finding jobs for fresh-grad wasn't easy, not even to say jobs with good pay. But I'm ready for that, I'm ready for the crowded city, I'm ready for the humid hot weather because I would trade the good pay jobs, nice suburbs living, cool weather in the US for my family particularly my parents and HK. I won't forget that it was HK that provided the resources I needed in the US and my parents that gave me the opportunity to study in the US. If HK can send me to school overseas despite the expensive tuition fees, I don't why HK can't offer any good opportunities and salaries to us HKers.

I also found that I can't really live without the efficiency, great Chinese food, and local culture that is offered in HK.

Finally, HK is constantly changing and I want to witness that while I'm here and be part of that change, which will eventually be in history. :)

I will definitely miss HK if I have to live in another place for a long time, maybe a month. :runaway:

the city does change too fast at times ...
but its what really makes the urbanscape unique ... even though i am a conservationist ... i would still like to see changes happening
if hong kong doesn't change than it won't be hong kong ...
however the urban form now in hkg
are suffering very dearly in scale ...

I think the pace of change really attracts a lot of people back. It takes a prolonged stay overseas to appreciate what HK has, and hasn't. I find that young people don't need a lot of living space anyway. A small apartment can do - even in Western societies. After all, what am I going to do with a big yard when the snow covers it half the year and it's too cold to walk outside for more than 10 minutes during that time? It's wasted space.

At the same time, I think it's important to take advantage of what we've got. I'm on the East Coast and I try to fly around or take the bus to neighboring cities as much as I can rather than go back to HK every year. With the money I save from going back to HK I can go to a lot of places nearby. If I decide to go farther away, the plane ticket to HK can translate into a nice trip to Europe already. The point is to get around where you live now, because one day you may not live there to explore the way you can afford to now.

I have been given the opportunity to see the world, and that is exactly what I'm going to do.

Agree fully about exploring the world...but there really is no place like HK is there?

There is no place like any place that you set foot on.

Say what?

Every country and city is unique. You will feel it once you settle down and make friends, and become attached to the city.

Exactly. Why would home feel so good if we haven't been away from it for a while and see what kind of world lies beyond?

Places are becoming more similar imo ...
everywhere is just like everywhere else ...
its people, culture and history that makes the difference ..
thats partly why denser cities are a lot more
interesting than sprawling ones ... as there are more layers ...
HKskyline: i was wondering the same thing sometimes, why are gardens so big when the winter is like 8 months long in the east coast ...
and its all covered by snow ...

when one is at home, one dreams of adventure
but when one is on an adventure, one thinks of home ...

hk will always be my adventureland & home =)

Every country and city is unique. You will feel it once you settle down and make friends, and become attached to the city.

HK is in a different class to most other places though.

Every city on earth has different class as well! Most people(if not all) would feel homesick when they leave their hometowns, no matter where you born... and as a human, you have the ability to adapt to a new environment in many different ways!!

Every city on earth has different class as well! Most people(if not all) would feel homesick when they leave their hometowns, no matter where you born... and as a human, you have the ability to adapt to a new environment in many different ways!!

I don't think you're quite understanding what I'm trying to say here....

True that most cities are unique in their own way but I just find HK more dynamic than most of the cities I've been to except NY!

True that most cities are unique in their own way but I just find HK more dynamic than most of the cities I've been to except NY!

Nah, NY is not as dynamic as HK~

Nah, NY is not as dynamic as HK~

In terms of economy, business, importance, culture and influence, New York is more dynamic. But in other things, definitely HK :D

Anyway, this is becoming another NY HK thread again so I'll stop here.

Well one thing is if you come from a dynamic city like HK, you tend to miss the place once you move to another city unless it has the same level of vibrancy.

In terms of economy, business, importance, culture and influence, New York is more dynamic. But in other things, definitely HK :D

Anyway, this is becoming another NY HK thread again so I'll stop here.

Well one thing is if you come from a dynamic city like HK, you tend to miss the place once you move to another city unless it has the same level of vibrancy.

I will agree with you on economy, business, importance, and influence, but not culture. The local culture in HK is one of the best that I admire.

I will agree with you on economy, business, importance, and influence, but not culture. The local culture in HK is one of the best that I admire.

I meant NY's cultural influence is stronger especially in entertainment and character. I like HK's culture and the city has alot of western influence. NY included.

Uhh...

So anyone know anything about 'efficiency' statistics?

I'd like to compare the 'big' cities worldwide.

Uhh...

So anyone know anything about 'efficiency' statistics?

I'd like to compare the 'big' cities worldwide.

Hard to tell but HK ranks among the most efficient.

I meant NY's cultural influence is stronger especially in entertainment and character. I like HK's culture and the city has alot of western influence. NY included.

Nah, the entertainment industry is not strong in NY because of Hollywood. But HK's movie and TV programs are selling overseas these days.

If you think NY's culture is just entertainment and character, I would say that is more a US/American culture thing; unlike HK, which is still unlike the rest of Mainland has its own culture. NY is just another American culture.

Nah, the entertainment industry is not strong in NY because of Hollywood. But HK's movie and TV programs are selling overseas these days.

If you think NY's culture is just entertainment and character, I would say that is more a US/American culture thing; unlike HK, which is still unlike the rest of Mainland has its own culture. NY is just another American culture.

I don't know. But western culture has a very strong influence on me :)

I appreciate western culture (you can see that on my name...) but I'm still firmly attached to my own culture.

"if you come from a dynamic city like HK, you tend to miss the place once you move to another city unless it has the same level of vibrancy." <- Yea... and that's why I miss Hong Kong so much because it is quite dead around this area... and it's Zone 1!!

Hong Kong is the best, but there are many things Hong Kong is lacking as well :-(

I miss HK like crazy I mean, otherwise why would I be on this forum day and nite rite? but other cities have their plus side too...

just using 2 examples:
NYC has broadway musicals -> homegrown culture -> HK lacks tremendously
SF has Castro -> openness and acceptance -> HK is still quite homophobic

don't get me wrong HK is paradise on earth but there's still room for improvement! :-D

just one thing about influence... Have you ever seen buildings in NYC named after HK locations? like... TaiKoo Building... or... TinHau Mansions...? hehe

but we got Manhattan Hill and so many more American inspired names :-/

I think we can't argue that NYC definitely has a bigger clout than us :-(

NYC has also been around for much longer.

We also have Chungking Mansions, Peking Road, Shanghai Street, Sai Kung, Tonkin Street, etc. HK borrows from the West as well as its own motherland and other places in Asia.

We also have Chungking Mansions, Peking Road, Shanghai Street, Sai Kung, Tonkin Street, etc. HK borrows from the West as well as its own motherland and other places in Asia.

which is my point exactly... we borrow things from everyone all the time while "they", like NYC, have their own... well excluding the early stuff like the New York's name itself :-/

and it's not limited to building names... just look at our culture... we copy and follow, while they innovate and collaborate :-/

Chinese cities have Hong Kong Square, Hong Kong Street and even here in London the famous LSE has a theatre called Hong Kong Theatre...

great thread guys :)


i would argue that HK is phenomenal in a great variety of things (in society) but it very much needs to *create* more and *borrow* less~~

too much of HK is reactionary, when ironically, if it were instead to be leading-innovative most of the world would follow happily...

The world's first smart card anyone? ;)

True about the smart card but there are other cities using it now like Singapore or London for example.

The world's most effective application of stored value contactless smart cards is the best way to describe Octopus.

The Octopus Card is very successful in HK and has been a necessity!

http://www.realdestination.com/hong%20kong/transport/octopus.jpg

oo the Octopus Card is genius... Roadshow is genius too...

also aren't we the first city in the world to offer 3G?

3G?

Don't know. 3G is really popular in London.

True about the smart card but there are other cities using it now like Singapore or London for example.

Exactly - we invented it, they copied us :)

oo the Octopus Card is genius... Roadshow is genius too...

also aren't we the first city in the world to offer 3G?

I believe Japan was....Japan tend to get the newest thing first. You can actually use your cellphone, YES CELLPHONES as your "smart card". So no need to carry those smart cards around when it is already incorporated into your cell.

I don't see much difference between getting my wallet out and getting my phone out.

I guess when you are talking on the phone then its good...lol!

When I was in LA, I bought these call cards for US$10 and allows you to call HK for more than 120 min.

3G requires a lot of infrastructure additions, so naturally it'll be more feasible to build it in a larger country such as Japan since the market is bigger and the costs can be recovered quicker.

I'm in Manila right now but I miss HK a bit! A friend of mine passed away and I'm here to pay my respects

Sorry to the bad news of your friend. Hope him RIP.

Sorry to the bad news of your friend. Hope him RIP.

Just an advice, it's not good to drink alchohol more than 4 times a day and eat too much salty foods!

Why isn't my name up on the banner? :(

Why isn't my name up on the banner? :(

You were inactive when the banner was made. The banner was made months back but was posted today. Those in the banner were the active ones.

My sincere apologies if your name didn't end up there and also to the other HK forumers.

yay! i'm on the banner!

altho I still wish I was TaiKoo Shing :-/ :-D

my dad went back to HK and brought me some stuff... maybe u guys might wanna see?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/spicytimothy/IMG_2666.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/spicytimothy/IMG_2665.jpg

Oh yeah! HK$ :D

Scale? Manhattan can match HK Island but NY's outer boroughs are not capable enough to match Kowloon, The New Territories or Lantau Island. The level of vibrancy is debatable. Honestly, I find HK more vibrant than New York but NY is the closest US city to match HKs :)
i guess i was trying to say that only the most vibrant streets in NYC can compare to HK's vibrancy. Like Times square, and 42nd street.

just one thing about influence... Have you ever seen buildings in NYC named after HK locations? like... TaiKoo Building... or... TinHau Mansions...? hehe

but we got Manhattan Hill and so many more American inspired names :-/

I think we can't argue that NYC definitely has a bigger clout than us :-(
i think this one is quite arguable. I think the general public in HK (most people in Asia i guess) still has the mentallity of western culture is always better than our own. Western name is always used trying to make things "high class". Just a marketing scheme (of the developer) to impress general public by using name like "Manhattan Hill", "Manhattan Height"....

oo the Octopus Card is genius... Roadshow is genius too...

also aren't we the first city in the world to offer 3G?
I guess somewhere in Japan or South Korea.
But other than these "extreme cities", HK is definitely one of the first in the world to have it.
Remember the 3G network in Europe is owned and operated by Lee ka shing.

3G requires a lot of infrastructure additions, so naturally it'll be more feasible to build it in a larger country such as Japan since the market is bigger and the costs can be recovered quicker.
I don't really agree. It is most profitable to operate this kind of service in very dense cities. So the cover area is relatively smaller, and a lot of people is using it. (# of customers per square km). Also, if the society that has the culture to be in the front line of technologies, the penetration rate would be very high. Cities like HK, Seoul and Tokyo would be a very good market. Countries like US is large too, but it would take years (maybe decades) to even match the usage rate that we have in asia.

You were inactive when the banner was made. The banner was made months back but was posted today. Those in the banner were the active ones.

My sincere apologies if your name didn't end up there and also to the other HK forumers.
i have been an active member since this forum was found (in both SSC and SSP). And i am not in the banner.
but it is okay.

i think this one is quite arguable. I think the general public in HK (most people in Asia i guess) still has the mentallity of western culture is always better than our own. Western name is always used trying to make things "high class". Just a marketing scheme (of the developer) to impress general public by using name like "Manhattan Hill", "Manhattan Height"....


but just the fact that such a mentality exist, and the developer feeling the need to appeal to this mentality, is proof of my point. NYC has no mentality of easten culture as better, and it certainly has no interest in naming things after HK...

I don't really agree. It is most profitable to operate this kind of service in very dense cities. So the cover area is relatively smaller, and a lot of people is using it. (# of customers per square km). Also, if the society that has the culture to be in the front line of technologies, the penetration rate would be very high. Cities like HK, Seoul and Tokyo would be a very good market. Countries like US is large too, but it would take years (maybe decades) to even match the usage rate that we have in asia.
The problem is 3G requires something completely different and can't be easily derived from existing GSM networks. Hence paying for all the infrastructure for a market of 7 million is quite risky. Compare that to Japan, where the market is so much bigger, and can absorb those enormous costs with a far less penetration rate, not that Japan is not a major technological user already.

i am not sure exactly what components is required to setup a 3G system, but let's say it is similar to 2.5G in terms of "big picture" system setup, the wider your coverage area is, the the lower the "# of customers per square km" goes. For example, telecommunication company in US still have to setup the commuincation towers even in suburb area, where not many people use it, and yet the company want to cover the area with cell phone signal to increase the market share or whatever. The cost will keep going up, the wider the coverage area is.
But yes, countries like Japan can easily defies this kind of argument since the population density is relatively high, and people are willing to use new technologies.

Interesting...I'm on the banner for the first time. I guess there is not enough room for everybody from HK. Is that a sign for me to aim for a Sorrento flat in the future?

Interesting...I'm on the banner for the first time. I guess there is not enough room for everybody from HK. Is that a sign for me to aim for a Sorrento flat in the future?

It can be :D

Well the original plan was to show the faces of every HK forumer but most of them are camera shy :D

The 2nd plan was to put Canto-pop stars with hkskyline as Leon Lai, me as Aaron Kwok and Marathoner as Alan Tam :D

But since it's an SSC better to put HK scrapers instead ;)

It's a good thing there are so many HK forumers that we all won't fit onto one banner. We can have more banners in the future. :)

Can someone please post the banner here...i missed it..

It can be :D

Well the original plan was to show the faces of every HK forumer but most of them are camera shy :D

The 2nd plan was to put Canto-pop stars with hkskyline as Leon Lai, me as Aaron Kwok and Marathoner as Alan Tam :D

But since it's an SSC better to put HK scrapers instead ;)

i don't mind showing my face! :-D look at my avatar X-D

Interesting...I'm on the banner for the first time. I guess there is not enough room for everybody from HK. Is that a sign for me to aim for a Sorrento flat in the future?

Then I guess that's a sign for me to aim for a night with some hot girl in 4 Seasons... :P

Then I guess that's a sign for me to aim for a night with some hot girl in 4 Seasons... :P

:cheers:

Drink to that!

Then I guess that's a sign for me to aim for a night with some hot girl in 4 Seasons... :P
hook me up if you really do. hehe

Can someone please post the banner here...i missed it..

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/3.jpg

and another one :)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/hkwanch/8.jpg

hook me up if you really do. hehe

You want three-some?? ;)

回歸十年 , 每一個人的生命都有很大變化 , 十年前 ，我還在中學讀書 ，現在已經大學畢業 ，現在的世界還真的是十年如一日嗎 ？希望我下一個十年會有機會在 hk 創造我自己一片新天地 ，Only 香港先比到我一種歸熟感 ...

You know u miss HK when u have watched the 10th anniv MV hundreds of times - 不捨不棄, 才會了不起, 香港始終有你 !!

I missed the biggest symphony of lights & fireworks of the past decade =.='

回歸十年 , 每一個人的生命都有很大變化 , 十年前 ，我還在中學讀書 ，現在已經大學畢業 ，現在的世界還真的是十年如一日嗎 ？希望我下一個十年會有機會在 hk 創造我自己一片新天地 ，Only 香港先比到我一種歸熟感 ...

You know u miss HK when u have watched the 10th anniv MV hundreds of times - 不捨不棄, 才會了不起, 香港始終有你 !!

I missed the biggest symphony of lights & fireworks of the past decade =.='

Totally agree and feel the same way.
HK has gone through a lot in the last decade, financial crisis, Tung's adminstrative, Article 23, SARS, economic rebound etc. I feel like I have missed too much being not living in HK during all these time in my life.

^^ I was only in primary school 10 years ago, we left three days before the turnover of HK to China. Now in San Francisco, in university, who knows what will happen.

Even though so many things in Hong Kong changed, it's nevertheless still my home. This cannot be more true: "Only 香港先比到我一種歸熟感"

I miss Hong Kong during the winter the most, I haven't seen that in 10 years...

Hong Kong forever! :)

I can't freaking wait to move back to hk next spring...


been living in Canada for years..
I am seriously getting tired of the laid back lifestyle over here.


only 11 more months to go.... :banana2:

From time to time I missed the moment when I bought a 1996 HK aerial calendar (red cover) at the Star Ferry Pier costing HK$100 in one summer evening of 1996 - (just back from Bangkok ), with crowded people enjoying the opposite brilliant Island skylines , and how time flies ... I join all of you - I miss Hong Kong !

NZ which is a much slower country indeed ...

Of cuz, hk feels much more at home than anywhere else for me

I m in Auckland, studying in UoA :lol:
NZ is not a bad place to live tho, if u gimme a million dollars and buy me an apartment in the viaduct :D

I m in Auckland, studying in UoA :lol:
NZ is not a bad place to live tho, if u gimme a million dollars and buy me an apartment in the viaduct :D

I study in UoC, there is a lot less HKers here. There is no place like Home la -HK is always my home

This is a great thread :) I love HK before I went there. Because I grew up in Bangkok in 1980s, at that period I watched a lot of HK movies and TVB series. So HK became part of my life. First Time I went to HK I thought dream come true.

Now when I miss HK, I will watch Wong Kar-Wai's movie, especially Chungking Express. It bring me to HK :)

This is a great thread :) I love HK before I went there. Because I grew up in Bangkok in 1980s, at that period I watched a lot of HK movies and TVB series. So HK became part of my life. First Time I went to HK I thought dream come true.

Now when I miss HK, I will watch Wong Kar-Wai's movie, especially Chungking Express. It brings me to HK :)

I have missed HK for half of my life! :cry:

I have missed HK for half of my life! :cry:

Don't hesitate to come back more often ar ma

I am still small !

Well, I'm back in two weeks time, after four years away. This time, I will be staying for a while. :)

I'm back in HK next year.. :ohno: Can't wait to be back there.

Looks like a few more people to add to our forum meets. :)

You know you miss Hong Kong when you've only been twice yet you scroll through these forums and know exactly what most of the threads are about. Luckily I went on a crazy filming spree last time I was there and have so much great stuff showing off random street scenes etc. I spent about half an hour walking around Causeway bay and felt like an idiot but it's so great to watch now :)

hope you feel better

I'm back in HK next year.. :ohno: Can't wait to be back there.

I hope this time would be a permanent stay.:)


You know you miss Hong Kong when you've only been twice yet you scroll through these forums and know exactly what most of the threads are about. Luckily I went on a crazy filming spree last time I was there and have so much great stuff showing off random street scenes etc. I spent about half an hour walking around Causeway bay and felt like an idiot but it's so great to watch now :)

So nice to hear that you're coming again early next year. :)

Oh man, I'm not coming unti September 1st now. I'm fed up waiting!

Oh man, I'm not coming unti September 1st now. I'm fed up waiting!


that's still not long to go, watch the olypmics whilst the wait

that's still not long to go, watch the olypmics whilst the wait

Haha, I'll be home to watch the opening ceremony.:)

thankfully Perth and Beijing are in the same timezone - no stupid early morning events!

Unfortunately, Liverpool and Beijing are nowhere near in the same time zone. I'm not a morning person, it must be said.

yes! hk is a great and beautiful city. once you leave and back again, on plane to land hk airport....you will know

I hope this time would be a permanent stay.:)


Looks like I only can stay for few a months...

While the other stations along the Kowloon to canton Railway were built to a standard design, the station at Tai Po Market was built in Chinese style. Construction work was completed in 1913. The external features of the facade, roof and decorations were patterned upon a Chinese structure. Internally, it was designed to function as a railway station. The station was made redundant by a new one in a nearby location in 1983. It was then fully restored and now houses the Hong Kong Railway Museum.

:banana::banana:

1982
BY cheung_samfung


http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/2527/9635377735011568404bok5.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1791/9635365051fe56ab90bbyi4.jpg


BY wyliepoon
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/952/86211937314ce52bebbomk4.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7849/86212149948fc63b7fbovp5.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2044/8629770682894c1132boyr2.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7263/862977556c70f073ac2ovf1.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8881/862993104b828e3d9b2ogo1.jpg

我以前从未看见香港的那张面孔。

我必须说香港是一个非常有趣的地方。

I was couple weeks in HK and I love it....I miss it so much now....I am in LA now....every time I remember HK my eyes turn wet..I got home sick!!!! and I was born thousand of kilometers away down in South America!!!......I found my inner peace in this vibrant city.....I will thinking seriously to move there, very soon. I will start my final journal in HK in my early 50s!! omg watta risk....so Hongkongers you will have another inhabitant soon....I will be the number 7,000,0001. !

I love Hong Kong!I love the place and the people.Best place for shopping for me!