What do you all do when you're not working?
Sun, 2005-06-12 19:08 — Girl
I arrived into Hong Kong a few weeks ago, so 'Hello'. I've been here a few times before, though this time the move may be permanent.
When I am not working I seem to spend most of my time reading, in the gym, shopping or going out at the weekends to LKF. It's OK but it can be quite lonely - or dull (when I want to have a good conversation that doesn't revolve around skin care, clothes or where the latest club is). I personally much prefer having dinner with good friends or doing some kind of group activity but my acquaintances here seem to frequent the 'be seen, be heard' types of places. So I'm here wondering: what do most English speaking expats/locals do when they're not working?
If you could point me to a relevant article on batgung or suggest some good hangouts/restaurants, it would be much appreciated!
:D
G
Re: What to do in spare time
Hi Skmama, thanks for your suggestions. They're very helpful and I'll look into it. I joined the library in Causeway Bay last week so I'll be off there having a browse, soon.
Learning more Cantonese isn't a bad idea. I used to attend Puthonghua classes at the British Council and that was a good experience. I'll have another stab at it again.
:)
What to do in spare time
Hi,
If you went to university, there might be an alumni group that has BBQs, book groups, hikes and such.
Some women I've heard join the American Women's Club or the Helena May. Taking a Cantonese course (like at the YMCA) might also be a good use of time and introduce you to new people.
Volunteering is also a good way to fill your time and meet people. You can join an NGO that does environmental stuff.
There's also NGOs like The Conservancy Association http://www.conservancy.org.hk/index_E.html or
Clean the Air
http://www.cleartheair.org.hk/
Society for the Protection of the Harbour
http://www.harbourprotection.org/
You could also see if any local schools could use volunteers to help out in tutoring.
As for what I do? I don't know if I qualify as usual... When I'm not working, I spend time w/ my kids (swimming, reading, nagging) and take care of household stuff and read.
When I first came to HK (...so many years ago) I was very lucky, I made a couple of good friends in the first few months and through them met others. Give it time.
Re:What do you all do when you're not working?
You could try signing-up for groups that have common interests with you(clubs, nightclasses, etc), or try something new. At least you'll get a different conversation.
eg your profile says you like hiking - this site has a bunch of info and also organises weekly hikes: http://www.hkcrystal.com/hiking/index.htm
Have you moved overseas before? I reckon it takes me 4-6 months to get settled in, so give it time.
MrB
Take Up a Hobby
I can't speak a word of Cantonese, well siu-siu, but I found the best way to occupy my time in HK is to find a hobby - I've taken up knitting and gardening since. This is a great way to make contact with the locals, learn abt the culture and geography and helps to connect you with likeminded individuals. A local book club is another alternative but I haven't found one yet. Does anyone know one?
Thanks
Hi Mr. B. Thanks for your reply. Yeap, I've moved overseas before and you're right: I've got to give it time. :) I think my problem here has more to do with H.K. having so much on offer that I'm spoilt for choice. I have to check out as much as I can before carving out the kind of lifestyle I want else I'll slip into frequenting the same old places every week.
I'm going to check out the hikes now. Thanks!
G
Book club in Hong Kong
The American Women's Association has a book club: http://awa.org.hk/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=46&b...
This looks interesting too: http://lib.hku.hk/friends/reading_club/
MrB
Classes & courses given in English
Not to learn English, but evening & daytime classes that use English as the language for instruction. It's the time of year for new courses to start and I've seen I've seen these two advertising, but do you have any other recommendations?
MrB
Meeting people
More ideas:
finding people
It takes time. I've done this so often it's not funny and you need to give it at least a year, and then you'll have so much to do and go to that you'll find it hard to choose.
I've found the "at home" course of the YWCA a good introduction, even if you know your way around HK you'll meet 20 new people, and there is bound to be at least one other person, who if not a soul mate for you, will introduce you to someone who is.
Personally, even if I'm not Australian, I really like the australian association since there members are super-friendly and they have such a wide range of activities there is something for everyone, which is why we joined.
I receive an email every day from S-n-S (Sweet 'n' Sour) which lists everything going on in HK everyday, and there is tons to choose from, with talks and cocktails and shows and films etc. etc. You can subscribe and try a few things out and then unsubscribe if you start feeling like a monkey with your hand in the cookie jar! (The SnS e-Daily is available as a free subscription from www.sweetandsour.com)