Long haul flights really do suck. I'm not talking long haul equalling 12 hours, oh no I'm talking 11 hours there and 13 hours back. We are all too eager to jet away to New York nowadays to stop and notice the culture in Asia and the breathtaking countries within, here is what I've learnt and realised from staying in Hong Kong for 3 weeks..
1. HONG KONG IS BUSY. VERY BUSY.
Asia's 'New York', Hong Kong is a very fast paced country, there are always people hustling and bustling about walking really fast and trying to get to their desired place. What you must know is that if you're travelling here, you must be prepared to become a little stressed trying to find your way around amongst so many other people and the blazing heat surrounding the air.
2. NO MATTER WHAT, YOU WILL ONLY WEAR T-SHIRTS AND SHORTS
You will not come across any country more humid than Hong Kong, with temperatures of up to 36 degrees in Jul/Aug so leave those tight fitting playsuits and maxi dresses at home and save the space for any essentials, I learnt that the hard way of over packing a few pieces that I never wore as it was purely just too hot and humid. As you venture towards Central such as Causeway bay, Times square and Sogo, people's style becomes more profound and more noticeable.
3. EVERYONE HAS A PHONE THE SIZE OF YOUR FACE
What I've noticed especially from travelling on the MTR is that people of all ages are literally watching tv shows on their phones wherever they go, yes even that 70 year old man and that woman who's going to walk into you because she's too busy watching videos than to see where she's going. I've even witnessed a couple sat next to me one time at this market stall restaurant who had not interacted with each other the entire time we were there but had their eyes on their screens. What happened to social principles and ACTUAL conversation?
4. HONG KONG SHOPPING MALLS ARE HUGE
Clearly there was an obsession over minions at the time of my stay
Infamous department store with a Japanese supermarket on the lower ground leve
I kid you not every brand you could possibly think of, you WILL find dotted around malls in Hong Kong, every shopping centre is literally taken over by designers
and international brands but beware of the 5 cent bag charge in smaller boutique stores and the occasional chain store. With the most prestigious being Canton road in Central, Times Square and Harbour City. On the streets there is an endless array of gold jewellery stores divided by street vendors trying to sell you their home grown loot of fruit and vegetables. It's also not uncommon to find a supermarket combined with a food court located in the lowest level of a massive shopping mall.
5. THE FOOD IS TOP NOTCH AND OFTEN CHEAP
Lets talk about the wide selection of sushi available at Genki sushi which is my ultimate fave place for a break from retail therapy and the very technical service as shown in my
vlog, the 4 dragon fruits for HK$10(which equivalates to just under £1) in market stalls AND THE GIANT MUJI SUPERSTORES?! I guarantee you food is where 80% of where your money will go.
6. STARFRUITS AREN'T WHAT I HOPED THEY WOULD BE
Says it all really.. I had such high expectations.. the only way to describe them in texture and flavour is that it's similar to an Asian pear which I'm not really a fan of.
7. HONG KONG IS AN EXPENSIVE COUNTRY TO TRAVEL TO
Although you could easily live the life of a back packer for a short period of time travelling and exploring Hong Kong but if you're wanting to stay longer than a week? The costs are going to build up, of course I haven't experienced staying in a hotel or know the expenses but I know buying the typical everyday items is much more expensive than buying it here in the UK.
8. HONG KONG ACTUALLY HAS BEACHES
One of the hidden treasures I had visited was Sai Wan beach in Sai Kung, it certainly wasn't easy to get there. Take note- 2 minibuses, 1 bus, 1 mountain trail hike and 1 speedboat ride on the way back. But oh was it worth it seeing the delights of white sand and clear water with boat parties in the far distance.
9. THERE ARE 7 ELEVENS EVERYWHERE
Us British aren't all that familiar with 7 elevens as we don't have them here but if you didn't already know, they're convenience stores that sell.. you know the things you see in convenience stores. You can load money on your octopus card, buy Mopidick cream (which I totally recommend for mosquito bites, ultimate LIFE SAVERRRR!) or even buy dim sum and conveniently microwave it there and then to eat.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I did writing it reminiscing the memory within each picture, if you have any questions just comment below or if you want to read more specific posts about Hong Kong, let me know!
-W
