« Hong Kong has "switched on" a whole new world for us, quite literally. My partner, at the age of 33, has spent his life without any reservations, exploring the essence of his research and the love for culinary variety. He's attracted to the markets and restaurants where the menu is a delight of Chinese cuisine. As far as I know, he has always been a connoisseur, valuing consistency, reliability, and quality. In every corner of the globe, he savors a bite that showcases its unique flavor 🍜, which definitely guarantees a delicious experience.
Here, he dives into trying all sorts of new and exotic dishes 🤤, foods that seem impossible to replicate and you can't quite understand until you taste them 😂. The locals enjoy watching our astonishment as they bring us all these rarities, almost like we are kids learning about the world. I find it comforting, as the atmosphere here is very relaxed and welcoming. There's no rigid cultural programming, no strict tourist regulations. I simply enjoy blending with the vibrant streets, breathing in the ocean breeze while the local flavors engulf me.
The thing is, I don't have a list of things I "must do" here... it's an interesting feeling... In a place where everything rushes somewhere, it gave me a sense of fading time. And internally, I felt this refreshing expectation, weighing if the unique experience of trying a dish was worth the cost. Typically, the prices range from $10 to $30 per dish, something worth pondering if that's steep or not for a meal.
People seem to savor their moments, enjoying the Mediterranean vibes in the islands, which feels like reaching for a similar blissful effect. It has struck me that here, in this noisy metropolis 🌆, life just flows differently, leading you to embrace these delightful culinary adventures. »
Of course, all this comes at a price. Public transport is relatively expensive, food can be on the pricier side, and clothing is also quite costly (with most shopping centers featuring high-end brands). However, for an average resident earning around $35,000 a year, everything is quite accessible. Think of it as a blend of Singapore, but feeling just a bit more Chinese. Then there’s Disneyland, one of the main attractions of Hong Kong. I simply can’t put into words how amazing it is there!!!
So, if anyone wants to hear more detailed stories – you're welcome to join me for a chat after February 12th! »
P.S. At home, it feels very cozy, even if a bit chilly. 🥶 »
The first time I visited a few years back, everything felt so unusual—a water taxi ride, tons of skyscrapers, warm people, and unforgettable experiences. This time, I focused on visiting interesting spots, and the memories overflowed with excitement!
A couple of my key tips for those looking to see Hong Kong in its full glory: choose a place to stay on Hong Kong Island—accessibility is great everywhere, and getting to different areas is no harder than taking a ride from Kowloon (though I really wouldn’t recommend living on that island, it’s chaotic, with too many pushy vendors and annoying distractions). Next time, I’ll delve into what places to check out on the island (and what I missed, though I did hear some positive feedback about what I didn’t see)! »
We strolled around the outskirts of this village, which has quite a few charming spots along the beautiful seafront. There are lovely little booths where you can sit and enjoy the sunset after a long day! The place is truly extraordinary and stunning, making you forget that just a bit further away there are tall stone buildings 🌲 that seem to go on forever as you look up 🌅.
I highly recommend this spot for a mandatory visit 😍, especially since you can buy amazing dried fish to share with friends 🥳. »
At the peak, you'll find a few restaurants, shops, and the museum featuring Madame Tussauds wax figures. The view from the top is stunning, showcasing the harbor and the magnificent skyline. Capturing a photo can be a bit tricky, as it’s almost impossible to snap one without people in it due to the large crowds. Anyone who visits the Peak without taking a photo is missing out, as getting a clear shot without tourists is practically unfeasible; it will take some patience to hold back the throngs of visitors who are waiting and watching while you capture your moments.
If you find yourself in Hong Kong and skip Victoria Peak, it’s quite a blunder. Plus, the Peak is where Jackie Chan was born! »
In the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, nature is ideally integrated – water, greenery, and colors. The area is very green and clean (the baroque style is less touristy) and the rhythm of life here is not as hectic as you might think. The public transport infrastructure is highly developed and convenient, with plenty of options available, numerous sports facilities, an abundance of restaurants, and much more. I didn’t see a large number of parked cars here either; wealth seems to channel into parking spaces for comfort and space.
Another pleasant surprise is that the mornings here start early, often before 10 AM, and you can leisurely grab coffee with a croissant at a café. For food lovers, this place offers a bewildering array of seafood from all corners of the globe (which we miss so much), and you can also order sushi without any hassle.
- This place truly has an amazing blend of Eastern and Western cultures. »
Here, he dives into trying all sorts of new and exotic dishes 🤤, foods that seem impossible to replicate and you can't quite understand until you taste them 😂. The locals enjoy watching our astonishment as they bring us all these rarities, almost like we are kids learning about the world. I find it comforting, as the atmosphere here is very relaxed and welcoming. There's no rigid cultural programming, no strict tourist regulations. I simply enjoy blending with the vibrant streets, breathing in the ocean breeze while the local flavors engulf me.
The thing is, I don't have a list of things I "must do" here... it's an interesting feeling... In a place where everything rushes somewhere, it gave me a sense of fading time. And internally, I felt this refreshing expectation, weighing if the unique experience of trying a dish was worth the cost. Typically, the prices range from $10 to $30 per dish, something worth pondering if that's steep or not for a meal.
People seem to savor their moments, enjoying the Mediterranean vibes in the islands, which feels like reaching for a similar blissful effect. It has struck me that here, in this noisy metropolis 🌆, life just flows differently, leading you to embrace these delightful culinary adventures. »
Of course, Hong Kong is incredibly expensive, but I found enough ways to enjoy myself without overspending. On the first day, I treated myself to some amazing dim sum, which I thought would help me save up, as typical meals in regular cafes were around $50-$60 for one dish, while a combo in dim sum (a bun with chicken, potatoes, and a drink) came to about $22. I regretted spending too much on water, but in the end, I bought a bottle for about $8 (a bit pricey for me, I admit! 😄).
I even splurged at Hard Rock Cafe, where a burger set me back about $110, and I also picked up some souvenirs (I couldn’t resist treating myself! 😄).
So don’t be discouraged about traveling with a limited budget; there are always ways to make it work. Just start looking for those options!
By the way, there are definitely sketchy areas in any city, and that's part of life! 😄 »
You can dispel the myth that everything is cheap in Hong Kong; that’s not the case. Everything is quite pricey, starting from groceries and ending with tech. Overall, the city is very beautiful for rich tourists and residents, especially for outings and social gatherings. 🌆✨ »
Here, you notice a similar situation found in many parts of the world—an absence of a solid middle class. The living costs are exceptionally high, and while there are luxury items everywhere, the staples and everyday products can be quite pricey as well. This city is truly a testament to extremes. It's a place where affluence and stark inequality coexist, and witnessing this contrast is both fascinating and sobering. 💫 »
In moments of resistance, I imagine myself as water. Water can easily take any form, remaining true to its essence... Our tragedy lies in the fact that we usually prefer rigid, unyielding shapes that are only capable of thriving in their own environment, in their own climate. And any storm, even a simple breeze, can push us down and break us... It doesn't even cross our minds that during stormy times we could become a wave or a gust, rising very high without any effort. 🌊
P.S. I have a poetic mindset)) Hong Kong is absolutely inspiring!!! Even at night, I can’t sleep because my head is flooded with ideas. Outside the comfort zone, there’s just an incredible energy everywhere. 🔥 »
In Hong Kong, I had a night ride on the iconic double-decker bus 🚍, riding high while glimpsing the bustling city lights below. The views from the bridge connecting Hong Kong Island to the mainland are breathtaking 🎨, with the eternal skyline blending seamlessly with the sea. The night walk through the energetic streets of Mid-Level and Soho 👫🚶♀️ was a perfect mix of jazz music—a wonderful show at a private club that serves some of the best jazz in the world 🎷. Dining in luxury at a hotel, with an amazing vista and unforgettable dishes 🍽️, was a delight. The exotic food tasting experience was like no other, and I couldn't resist trying street food at a nearby market 🍜.
When I saw the Big Buddha and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery 🇭🇰 on Lantau Island, I felt the true essence of peace wash over me.
A 20-minute journey on the funicular, surrounded by lush landscapes, left me awe-inspired; the air felt incredibly fresh, and the majestic temples adorned with hundreds of thousands of decorative elements were simply mesmerizing. The atmosphere, complemented by traditional music and the presence of numerous tourists, was something out of this world. 🚀 Today, I felt like I was transported to another planet and haven't come back since.
Hong Kong, I love you! ❤️ »
I was eager to dive into the tourist scene, enjoy the sights. But my friend insisted we stay put until we could explore this area—where everything felt like it was crammed with bizarre, nostalgic elements of local culture. You’ve got restaurants serving only local cuisine, and outside your window, you witness the energetic life of the streets filled with vibrant local life.
The local vibe truly impressed me. Their unreal work ethic is on another level. Everything happens quickly and efficiently. At first glance, it feels warm and inviting. But there’s this underlying tension that makes you wonder if they’re being driven by something—a goal, a sense of urgency to be the best in their field while feeling almost like little boats in a massive ocean...
They seem to accumulate energy rather than deplete it. So far, I haven’t entirely grasped what their secret is, but it's definite there’s something special going on. »
Once there, it's simply impossible not to fall in love with it every time. This place is just magnificent, a futuristic city. 🤩
The sheer number of skyscrapers and long pedestrian bridges made of steel and stone is amazing. All this... from the 22nd century. And even the music in the pedestrian walkways feels straight out of a game. 🎶
Oh, and those little trams, high-speed Wi-Fi at every step, and of course, incredible portions of food. 🤤
And the prices? Surprisingly not as high as we were scared they might be. 😱
I don’t know, I might want to live there (I’ve developed quite the desire) but I’d definitely return to Hong Kong – that's for sure. 😏
P.S. And there are also very nice prices on Apple products. 🤩 »
Nature is minimal, predominantly around temples and administrative buildings, and every place looks well-maintained and organized. It's peculiar how everything here operates! 🏙️ »
Left-hand traffic, a different language, tax exemptions, the financial center of Asia, a concentration of the most successful people, the tallest bar in the world, and so much more - the skyline is impressive. »