Mint Mocha Musings

The hotelier's wife: an expat affair around the globe

Mint Mocha Musings Giveaway!

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Take the Ultimate Ride in Luxurious Style..... ****Excited to announce MARI CHEUNG as our fabulous A-List Winner*** Huge thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway! You rock! To celebrate Mint Mocha Musings - The hotelier's wife: an expat affair in Asia and in theme with our very latest post The Big 5 Rides in Hong Kong we've got a fantastic giveaway especially for YOU, our fabulous readers! If you live in any one of the 140 cities that Blacklane Limousines operates its chauffeur-driven, premium vehicles, YOU can enter and have the chance to win a US$100 voucher for a ride to that value (valid until July 31st, 2014). I know!! Pretty cool huh! Entry runs from June 12th until June 26th! Go forth and conquer, my friends! Be a celebrity for the night and demand that A-list attention you deserve!   Happy cruising! Nicole TO ENTER: … [Read more...]

The Big 5: Transport Yourself into Hong Kong’s Heartland

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The top five must-see sights in Hong Kong Lei Hou! About to jump on board a flight and transport yourself to the magical marvel that is Hong Kong? Then, travel lovers this one's for you! Already been? Don't fret, grab a coffee, sit back and re-live your ride of 'fabulousness' in the city that never sleeps. As an expat living in Hong Kong, naturally, I write a lot about the daily absurdities complexities of life in a foreign land, but these days as a - shall we say - more established expat, I get asked a lot about the best hotels to stay in (no prizes for guessing my answer here), the best places to eat and shop; and what to do once you arrive in the proverbial "city that never sleeps!"  Yep with 24 hours on the clock you can pack A LOT in to your visit to the far East! Living in one of the world's most desirable playgrounds (and naturally because I'm in such 'high demand') ;) I also get my fair share of visitors. Playing 'Tour Guide' means, after four years, the break-out itinerary tends to be on the 'wash, rinse and repeat cycle!' So, whilst I have absolutely no intention of turning my blog into a glossy travel website feeding you a perfectly edited version of Hong Kong's most alluring hot spots -- in the next couple of months, I will however, deliver a few pertinent 'go-to pieces' for the first timer's visit to the skyscraper capital of the world! (Basically it's my lazy way of helping curious travellers - just send them straight to the blog!) I'm calling it the "Big 5!" First cab off the rank, the big five must-see sights in Hong Kong, albeit with a more realistic, honest and as always slightly personal twist. By 'must-see' I guess I'm talking about those things you might want to do on your inaugural trip to the East -- probably things that offer up something a little different to what you're used to back home? You know those landmarks that might be a bit cheesy or touristy but you just have to do it because when you get home everyone will want to know you were there, right? (It's a bit like going to Rome and not seeing the Sistine Chapel ..ahem...hands up anyone?!) So I'm going to help you tick all the boxes. Just to be sure I wasn't completely off the charts with my recommendations, I also put the question out to some of Hong Kong's most seasoned expats and locals, and judging from their responses - quickly realized many of the attractions deemed 'worthiest' in town involved jumping on one of the city's famous modes of transport. If only they still had rickshaws! #1 Even if you haven't managed to fly yourself up (or down) to Hong Kong yet - I have no doubt you've seen the picture-postcard skyline Hong Kong proudly claims ownership of? (Or let's face it, the plethora of them gracing this very blog!) Just for fun, here's another one! Impressive yes? I'm pretty sure, when you do visit Hong Kong, you're going to want to see this spectacular scene that's touted as one of the most famous skylines in the world. Is it as dazzling and luminous as the pictures paint? I'll let you be the judge. But for me, every time I see the magnificently eye-catching display of lights, colour and bling bouncing off a thousand skyscrapers before me, it really does take my breath away. It's a view I never tire of. But I reckon, as well as a bird's eye view from afar, you also need to get up close and personal with the bright lights that are boldly beckoning  your attention. What better way than diving into the harbour! Ok not literally (even though it's dubbed the Fragrant Harbour, I wouldn't recommend dipping ones toe into these seas in any hurry)! So my advice, jump on a boat and float your way across the Fragrant Harbour to inhale the magic. Now, there are a number ways to get yourself on a boat in Hong Kong. The easiest, is to take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, which has been crossing Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour for around 120 years. Ten minute long trips run from 630am to 1130pm daily, costing as little as HK$2.50. Star Ferry also has an hourly route around Victoria Harbour. For details click here.  Alternatively, the oriental pearl's last remaining authentic Chinese junks, including the Aqua Luna or the Duk Ling operate regular harbour cruises with various packages to suit your holiday tastebuds. Ok, so it is kind of commercial, but you'll still get that overall oriental tingle as you sail down the majestical harbour (cocktail in hand)! Even better, a night ride will have you watching the renowned Symphony of Lights show - a razzle-dazzle of lights beamed from over 30 skyscrapers in sync to music. This light show is visible in all its resplendent glory at 8pm every night, but without music (and I'm not one to be a party pooper) just a warning, it may not meet your expectations. So unless you are admiring the scene at said time, don't go out of your way to stop the clock.   Want to explore a little further afield? Take a ferry out to Lamma Island and indulge in a delicious Chinese-style seafood feast, while you kick back and immerse yourself in the rugged charm of this ancient fishing island, where locals still get around using small carts and bicycles. Cute! The boat ride out may be a little rocky  (I'm sure my  family can attest to this) but it's all in the name of good, exotic fun, soaking up some of Hong Kong's local culture! One of the more popular stops is Rainbow Restaurant. Here, fish frolic in tanks, awaiting their fate - which for some is all a little stomach churning… but stay focused peeps, cos if you're partial to seafood, you'll love this fresh, mouth-watering tucker.  Don't expect ritzy dining, it's plastic tables and chairs all the way, wedged together under some fairly intense lighting. Alternatively, take a day trip to what many call Hong Kong's very own Treasure Island - Cheung Chau. This pocket-sized paradise is 7000 years old and just a 30 minute boat ride from Hong Kong, filled with temples, seafood restaurants and sandy beaches, not to mention a mountain of history. Wander along the picturesque beachfront, wind your way through cobblestoned lane ways reminiscent of Europe's quaint villages and marvel at the kaleidoscope of fishing boats. To read more about this captivating little island, click here. If you're blessed with enough time, hire one of the hundreds of Junks available and take a day trip to the outlying islands where you can breathe in the other side of this mad land. Many visitors (myself once included) wrongly believe Hong Kong is little more than a chaotic and bustling city, packed to the rafters -- but there's much more to this cosmopolitan hub than first meets the eye. Trust me when I say, 'a tropical oasis awaits you.' Islands rimmed with white sandy beaches decorate pristine waters…...in fact, it's a little like a scene out of the movie, The Beach. (And you thought Thailand was a beach lover's paradise.) #2 One thing a lot of people from the West will notice, is how slick the train system is here in the Kong. Coming from Australia, where let's face it, the public transport system leaves a bit ok, a lot to be desired, I've got to say, baby, these trains are smooth operators. Check out the stations themselves (ok so you might think this is all a bit tedious on holiday) but seriously, note how there are potentially a gazillon people chugging through but it's complete and utter 'ordered' chaos. No rubbish. (No eating.) And no hooligans. And trains run every few minutes, without fail. (I wrote this post a while back about the city's slightly OCD side, if you're keen to know more, click here on A for Effort…Hong Kong really does deserve it.) I recommend you jump on board the MTR and head out to Tung Chung. At Tung Chung check out the outlets if you fancy a bit of retail therapy  (probably a 6 out of 10 when it comes to a valid shopping experience). Then you can take on the world in a glass bottom (optional if you're game) 'cable car' across Lantau Island with stunning views all the way up to the Big Buddha. On a clear day, these views are magical. The bronzed buddha in the distance is truly a mystical sight to behold. (Don't bother if it's anything but clear skies though.) Even better, the Big Buddha is not only about temple-worshipping, Ngong Ping Village (whilst not really a village in the true sense of the word) is home to a myriad of shops (including a very fine shoe shop ladies), plenty of cafes (including StarBucks to give it that all-important touristy edge) and some al fresco dining pubs. Grab your tickets online to avoid the queues. #3 Take a double decker bus and wind your way across the island to Stanley or Shek O Beach…(Do me a favour and make sure you sit up top and up front of the bus for some real roller coaster-ride action and spectacular scenery!) Stanley is a little more touristy, but with the famous Stanley Markets and plenty of western style, outdoor dining restaurants along the water front, it's definitely worth checking out on a sunny afternoon. Shek O meaning "Rocky Bay" is literally a peninsula on Hong Kong's southern coast. As one of the more earthy spots on the map, it showcases a different side to the inner city glamour. I caught the bus out here a couple of months ago…. it was like stepping back in time into a beachside village from a bygone era. Eat at any number of roadside food stalls or the cheap and cheerful Chinese bistros in the town's centre; pick up a bucket and spade from one of the colourful stalls selling all things beach-friendly and head down to the sand. Note: Once late afternoon descends, your pristine paradise will become a shoulder to shoulder, umbrella to umbrella beach-fest. Be warned. For something a little more upmarket try Cococabana. This beachside mediterranean restaurant is charming, sophisticated and the food is divine! #4 Take a Ding Ding - yep that's what they call trams here….and 'ding ding' your way along the island from Central to Wanchai or as far as Causeway Bay…..it's cheap, a tight squeeze and a little bit local, but a great, fun way to take a trip through the centre of the island and get a feel for Hong Kong's true heartbeat. Admittedly, the one and only time I tried a 'ding ding' was during my very first trip to Hong Kong as a fully-fledged tourist… I nearly had a conniption fearing I wouldn't get off at my stop, it was that crowded! I literally dragged my poor mum off. If you get claustrophobic just remember, a little bit of push and shove doesn't hurt in these situations. Not that I'm condoning physical force, just saying! Tip: Correct change is required or an Octopus card. Or, if you're up for something a little less sardine-like, take a vertical ride up the side of the Peak in the Venerable Peak Tram … Avoid 'peak hour' if you can, more often than not, I've seen queues backed up for miles. If you get on, it certainly gives you a unique perspective of Hong Kong. Hang on! Once you reach the Peak - while it is most definitely a tourist trap - you can't beat the breath taking views overlooking the world's skyscraper capital.There are plenty of spots to eat, a host of souvenir shops for you to tick off that present list and a refreshing hike/walk around the Peak is not out of the question, if that's your cup of tea! #5 It wouldn't be a trip to Hong Kong with out hailing down one of the city's iconic red taxis now would it? Trawling the streets day and night, this is surely an experience in itself….(bonus points if you can manage to hail one down AND the driver gets the gist of your destination AND agrees to go in your direction!) Don't be scared though, it's all about the challenge (says she who had a meltdown on a very questionable journey that had me travelling in the opposite direction with no clue how to get back on track!) Did I mention I had a baby on my lap? I can laugh now. (PS. Don't attempt if you are prone to bouts of car sickness, these old cars have a tendency to attract some heavy breaking from drivers (who blame the cars, of course)! Tip: Most drivers don't accept $500 notes so have something a little smaller on hand. Cash only too! And if there's a red 'out of service' card on the dash board, this doesn't mean it's out of service (of course), it simply means the driver will cross the harbour for you. Yes! Many drivers prefer to stick to one side of the city. Kowloon or HK Island and never the twain shall meet. So that's my 'Big 5' when it comes to must-do experiences in Hong Kong! Time now for you to take a joy ride in the mighty Kong! You won't regret it. Psst, If you've got any tips/questions, I'd love to hear or tell us about your experiences (I'm sure readers would love to know too, so make sure you leave a comment below)! Cheers! Nicole This awesome map was created especially for Mint Mocha Musings by Air France. Fly with them direct from London to Hong Kong. … [Read more...]

Singapore: Slick, Sophisticated and Sassy – but does it lack Soul?

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As a certified 'virgin visitor' to Singapore, I had no preconceived ideas about the so-called 'Lion City' (aside from the rather titillating fact that 'Singapore Slings' would no doubt be a feature on the local cocktail menu)! Given Singapore lies within the heart of Asia and 75 per cent of its population is Chinese, admittedly I expected it would possess a touch of the orient (naturally infused with the west, given its colonial roots) so I was a little taken aback when my first encounter with the island had me immersed in a bubble of extreme 'westernisation' (at least at face value anyway).    (I am also sure this perspective is clearly shaped by my frenetic four years spent amongst a culture of chopsticks, chicken feet and years of playing charades with non-english speaking taxi drivers in the mighty metropolis of Hong Kong!)   After a four hour (slightly chaotic short-haul toddler tortured) flight south west of the Fragrant Harbour - I could almost fool myself into thinking I'd landed under the great 'blazing' southern sky DownUnder. (Yes! That's Australia!)  I'm told 30 years ago, stepping onto the tarmac in Singapore I would have been met with a vastly different and definitely more oriental feel. Obviously the country's modern-day aesthetics play a huge part in this initial face to face meeting, but it had me reflecting back to my first rendezvous with Hong Kong almost four years ago. I realised just how foreign the 'Fragrant Harbour' really can be to an outsider from the West, with its eye opening and omnipresent Chinese influence... and of course how naturally ingrained it is in my psyche today (I think they call that acclimatization)! ;) Stepping out of a very English feeling Changi Airport - perhaps that's what threw me at first….the fact that all of the signs were in plain English only. Ignorantly, being in Asia, I had expected that much like its counterparts, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Vietnam and Taiwan, there would be a second, native language on display. A little research and I find out that more than 20 languages are still spoken in Singapore. (Malay, Chinese, Tamil Indian and English are the four official languages.) From there it was into a reasonably modern taxi (not so common in previous Asian cities I've encountered) where we cruised ever so calmly along a wide, spacious freeway (at a pace that wasn't verging on something out of 'Mad Max' - again a rarity in most chaotic Asian streets I've had the pleasure of 'cruising'). Leafy green trees boldly lined streets, in some places over-hanging the road resembling a lush tropical rain forest. Skies were bright, fresh powder blue with those puffy, cotton wool clouds that seem to sit ever so still above you. We emerged into a heat that was bordering on unbearable until a slight breeze wafted through for that  perfect summery feel, but mostly it was bordering on oppressively hot! (I'm used to Hong Kong's intense humidity by now, but here…it felt like a double whammy - the harsh sunlight  of Australia coupled with Hong Kong's summer sauna-like heat.) Reaching our hotel in the city - shiny, sleek high rises were the order of the day…. but unlike Hong Kong, these weren't the skyscrapers I've become akin to (butted together like dominoes straddling the city for an eternity). Nothing much stood higher than 50 odd floors, which to me, means a relatively mellow 'low rise' city. (I know! Like I said, my immersion in the skyscraper capital has given me a unique perspective on the definition of a bona fide "busy city!") What it was though, was 'futuristic' in style. Perhaps a little Dubai-esque? Buildings that were designed with more than practicality in mind, these babies were impressive works of art, sleek structures that defied the modern day oblong of ordinariness and made for impressive observation. The Westin Hotel still in its infancy at six months old was the epitome of suave sophistication. With a view out to Marina Bay, I was immediately conflicted by the scene. The colors before me had me in Sydney looking out across the harbour, while the seemingly infinite number of containers stacked on top of each other, flanked by untold container ships  in the background had me back in Kowloon. In the spirit of delivering a few facts, the port is the world's busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage handled! Whenever I take these short trips I always feel spoilt for choice and utterly torn between being the intrepid adventurer wanting to explore a new city and the relaxed tourist wanting to do as little as possible (somebody bring me a cocktail ploise!)  So with my travelling heart in two minds…we tried as best we could to do a bit of both, with limited time at our disposal (not to mention a very unpredictable small person in tow)! Day One: We did the obvious things expected of any tourist in the Lion City.(For the record, the term 'Lion City' is derived from the Malay word Singapura but it's thought lions never actually lived on the island, and the beast that founded and named Singapore, was indeed a tiger.) Go figure! Wild cats aside, our first stop - the MRT to the famous Orchard Road (NB: Just like Hong Kong, the train system is a dream) don't ask me why, but I expected to (rather naively) find an oriental stretch laid out before me, revealing old Singapore in all its glory, but instead, what I got was quite the opposite.  Beautiful? Yes! Quaint? No! With its green foliage painting a picturesque scene along the stretch, before me was a modern day shopper's paradise (which I am, by no means, complaining about!) revealing a glossy portfolio of shops all in one easy, accessible spot!!  With a scorching heat that threatened to turn us into crisps in a matter of minutes, we wandered in and out of the air-conditioned havens eyeing up the goods. (Well, I did anyway)…and naturally this sweaty stroll called for an ice-block pit stop! Like Hong Kong's summer, you can't stay out for long or you'll melt into the pavement.  Later that night we made our way to Marina Bay Sands. If Victoria Beckham was strutting her stuff in this super slick spot (actually the world's most expensive building) then you can bet I was going to get in on the action too! (Thanks for the heads-up Instagram!) Arriving, we were met with another massive shiny shopping centre (also more glamorously known as 'The Shoppes') again filled with a plethora of dreamy designer goods on display, really not at all unlike Hong Kong's label-crazy retail nirvana, not to mention Macau-like casinos, a luxury hotel and giant convention centre. The atmosphere was buzzing inside, and little did we know outside as well! Disappointed to find the famous Marina Bay Sands roof-top 'vanishing edge' pool was only open to hotel guests, (sorry VB, next time we can swap fashion tips over a Singapore Sling) we ate inside in one of the French bistros with cosmos and burgers (how can you go wrong?) before wandering outside and discovering what was nothing short of a giant Darling Harbour. Hello Sydney! Bustling with buskers, night owls and a plethora of al fresco dining establishments, it was entertaining and a little bit electric.    OK so by now I was starting to get what Singapore was about. Clean, sophisticated and oh so shiny… but the journo/blogger in me was craving a bit of Singapore's underbelly. With a few places on the agenda, we had to choose between Chinatown and it's famous Food Street, Arab Quarter and Little India. We figured as cool as Chinatown may be, coming from Hong Kong, we can see hawkers selling fish balls and waving-cat souvenirs anytime….so after um-ing and ahh-ing and a bit of inside knowledge, we ended up in Little India.  I've yet to have the pleasure of visiting India, so perhaps this was a little taste? Originally a former settlement for Tamil convicts, its location along the Serangoon River originally made it an attractive spot for raising cattle and trading in livestock.  Today, it's heaving with local Tamils and Little India, also known as Tekka, is clearly the place to gather for Saturday shopping,socialising and much eating! Horns rang out, bicycle bells were chiming and crossing the road was clearly a case of "in Little India, do as in Big India"-  i.e. walk out in front of fast oncoming cars with a mere flick of the wrist to let them know to stop. Not something I was game to attempt!  A vibrant and chaotic mix of shops and stalls selling cheap and cheerful Indian jewels, trinkets, textiles and homewares fringed the streets; Bollywood music was blasting out of old fashioned record stores; and flower vendors, spices and hawkers were selling authentic Indian food hide down side streets and alleyways. Let's just say, even as a 'Gweilo' - often more conspicuous than I'd care for in HK, this place was a little intimidating for us 'whiteys' who stood out like sore thumbs amongst the masses lingering in the streets. Undeterred though, we made like locals and squeezed single file down narrow footpaths, observing and photographing the mildly overwhelming scene.  We ended up inside 24 hour retail hub Mustafa! I reckon you could just about find anything you wanted in here! Shelves upon shelves overflowing with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothes and electronics. The mind was well and truly boggled! The intense heat adding to the authentic 'Indian' experience, but eventually bringing our adventure to a raging halt. Safe to say I'd had the adventure side of me satisfied, and like all good tourists, we hightailed it in an air conditioned cab to Sentosa! Hello paradise! An island literally a stone's throw from the city - once you cross through the tolls, you are in another world. A little island paradise.  A British Military Fortress in World War Two, today it's tagged 'Asia's Favourite Playground' and there's definitely no shortage of attractions, including Universal Studios, the world's biggest aquarium, stunning beaches, bars, restaurants and several hotels!  As we drove through, I felt like I'd left the big smoke of Sydney and headed north to Queensland's Gold Coast…namely Sanctuary Cove (complete with ride-on buggies)! Rolling out of the heat and into the W, had me at hello. The familiar quirky, funky and fun atmosphere taking me back to Hong Kong and as the W Hotelier's wife, our home away from home. This though was an idyllic resort and that meant we got to sit back, relax and rejuvenate. Heaven!  Sipping my first Singapore Sling was nothing less than sublime to say the least!  But it was definitely a case of so little time, so much to see! So, have you been to Singapore? What were your first impressions? Great holiday spot but am I a delirious expat who's spent far too long in China to see this city for what it really is? Shoot me a comment…. I'd love to hear your thoughts. PS… Thanks to being a part of the passionate and friendly blogging-world along with the vibrant and helpful Twitter community, I was met with some amazingly helpful Singapore residents online. If you're heading to Singapore anytime soon and want a more detailed (dare I say it 'expert' opinion) on the island city….check out the following blogs Expat Kiwi: Singapore and Beyond,  A British Girl in Bangkok (and Singas) and My Life in Sin  Cheers!   … [Read more...]

Chinese Tourists Behaving Badly

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Why the world's biggest globetrotters are getting a bad rap!   If you've been living under a rock lately, you may be forgiven for failing to notice there's a new breed of jet-setter in town.  This unfamiliar travelling species hails from China - the not so unfamiliar territory that can lay claim to host of the world's largest population (so large in fact, I'm struggling to read the ten digit figure in front of me). Let's just keep it simple and say this giant of the East is home to "well over" a billion people and counting.  Given that little fact, you won't be surprised to hear, the Chinese in all their colossal glory have seized the crown as the biggest travellers on the planet! What is quite remarkable though - is - at this point in time only five per cent of the mammoth population actually holds a passport! Suffice to say, nearly one in ten travellers today, are Chinese.  And that, right there, is posing quite a problem for much of the rest of the world.  As China's inhabitants explore the globe at a frantic pace (Chanel handbags slung over their inquisitive shoulders), they're just as quickly cementing their reputation as being rude, loud and extremely uncouth! Media outlets increasingly bear headlines protesting the brash, crass and recalcitrant Chinese tourist for vocally and often vulgarly making their mark on the planet!  Several decades ago, the Americans were haunted by similar taunts. Called the "Ugly Americans," as their passports garnered more stamps, their reputation for being obnoxious and offensive was firmly imprinted on the map.  But now it seems the Chinese have unwittingly highjacked the title from their US competitors. Just last month the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand was up in arms after being inundated by scores of Chinese visitors displaying behavior that locals have labelled disturbing and rude.   Countless tourists took over Chiang Mai University, sneaking into classes and causing chaos in a bid to follow in the footsteps of the 2012 movie "Lost in Thailand" which was filmed on the campus and the highest grossing movie ever released in China. The tourists were blamed for spitting, littering and flouting traffic laws in the normally peaceful Thai city.  But, what the Chinese visitors lack in sophistication, they certainly make up for in dollars.  In 2013, Chinese tourists spent $129-billion; and with the number of Chinese tourists set to DOUBLE by 2020, make no mistake everybody's scrambling for a piece of the action. China is currently Australia's fastest growing and most valuable inbound market. To cater for this new wave of tourists - flights are being increased around the world and direct routes to China's top cities added into the system. Visa restrictions are being lifted - (according to the Economist, in 2013, Chinese citizens could visit just 44 other countries without prearranged visas, while Taiwanese could visit over 130, Americans and British over 170). Retailers are busy making sure they are set-up to accept China's currency and main credit card, Union Pay; and luxury hotels are employing Mandarin speaking staff and making it standard practice to offer 'congee' for breakfast, instant noodles, slippers and a kettle for making tea in rooms. A friend of mine sensing the urgency for translation services for travellers both inbound and outbound from China, has created a service 'Understood, Be Understood' providing a 24/7 hotline for tourists in need of an interpreter. These newly minted millionaires are throwing off years of isolation from the rest of the world and desperately craving a slice of the West! Cashed up and eager to see the world, they like it no less than luxurious!  It's all about the big brand names, designer labels, VIP events and authentic experiences. There's even a name for them - 'Tuhao' - these cashed-up travellers are known to have a taste for anything expensive or gaudy.  If you want to read more about the Chinese love affair with brands click on my post Design of the Times here.   The popular perception is that Chinese often travel in large tour groups and are renowned for being pushy, jumping queues and ignoring rules. On flights, they jump up before the plane has even landed and seatbelt signs are off. They don't wait to be seated in restaurants and frequently like to sleep in hotel lobbies…. and when they're not sleeping, they're conspicuous with their raucous talking at earsplitting levels.   Berated for letting their children urinate and defecate in public swimming pools; they often toss their cigarettes butts on the floor, spit in public and slurp their food…and in general manners that are deemed socially acceptable in the West, elude them.  The unruly behaviour isn't lost on the Chinese government, who whilst encouraging travel with 70 new airports to be built next year, has also put out a "guide book" for nationals travelling overseas.  It advises locals on things like not forgetting to flush the toilet after use, don't leave footprints on the toilet seat or pick their noses and sneeze in public!  So who are these new tourists and why are they behaving badly?  A sociology professor at Beijing University, Xia Xueluan says, China still hasn't caught up with its own development - taking place at breakneck speed.  Rising from a third world country to extreme prosperity at such an accelerated pace means "a lot of its people behave in ways that seem ridiculous to others," he says. In a bid to move the country from one based on rural exports to one in demand for its products, urbanization is occurring at a steady rate with the government's sweeping plan to move 250 million rural residents into newly constructed towns and cities over the next dozen years.  In the late 1970s, fewer than 18% of its citizens lived in cities; today - for millions it's a new world in the city, with new money at their fingertips.  A weekend trip to the third tier city of Wuhan in central China last year was a classic example. With a burgeoning population of ten million, the city was under a cloud of construction, but despite the emerging skyscrapers and glossy designer stores, it was clearly evident this was a city where many of its inhabitants were out of place. For more on this have a look at the post I wrote, 'Do All Roads Lead to China' here. For the most part, the average person in China has never had any experience with the western world. A Communist country living in seclusion from the rest of the globe means - in the past - Chinese nationals haven't been exposed to English movies or watched American TV programs…. and until recently China wasn't on the map as a popular tourist destination.  A foreign face was for all intents and purposes a rare and exotic occurrence. Even now, mainland Chinese travelling south to Hong Kong (just over the border) often appear shocked and intrigued by my blonde hair or Ava's blue eyes and pale skin. They scurry over frantically trying to take photos, touching and grab at us, without given any thought to asking permission or invading our personal space. The middle aged or older tourists in particular - by and large deprived of education during China's politically tumultuous times - are more prone to this extraordinary behaviour. Many are simply unfamiliar with the countries they are visiting -- their basic knowledge of its culture, outdated.  Younger generations of Chinese are savvier - independent and affluent - but even with the revolution of the online world, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are still banned in China and many western websites outlawed, meaning exposure remains somewhat limited.   There's also a general consensus by the western world that the rule of law in China is at best as hazy as the air in China itself. The excuse bandied about is 'they can't know any better' -- but some are growing weary of this ongoing defense for rebellious conduct away from home turf. In Hong Kong, 41 million Mainland Chinese visited last year and residents are reaching the end of their tether. The animosity between the two has been simmering for some time and the friendship is about to reach boiling point. (For background info on the China/Hong Kong relationship click here.) Just recently, a Chinese visitor (apparently unable to find a toilet) let her child urinate (into a nappy) on a busy, public street in Mong Kok and has been vilified in the media ever since, doing nothing to stem the growing tide of anger.  Sensing it's the last straw, the city's Commerce Secretary has urged Hong Kongers to help educate mainlanders in good manners rather than pointing accusatory fingers at them.  But is ignorance a justifiable excuse for a continual poor code of conduct abroad?  Is it time Chinese travellers started pulling their finger out and earning respect on the world stage? Or, do we need to cut this culture of people who've really only been travelling since 1997 some slack?  Is it too much to expect the same standard of etiquette the world over....in a world where things are anything but universal?  Would you know how to behave in their country? Do you know it's rude to blow your nose at the table or stick your chopsticks in your rice in China? Either way, it's time to reach some middle ground.  With the world as their playground, the Chinese globetrotter is here to stay… … [Read more...]

Relocating to Hong Kong: What You Need to Know

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Latest Column for Expat Focus As an expat blogger in Hong Kong, I get all sorts of weird and wonderful requests to collaborate. Everything from joining a 'baby formula selling' business in South Africa to taking part in travel focus groups in the US, to write ups for removal companies and health bar reviews come my way. Naturally some things are better suited to Mint Mocha Musings than others. But mostly, I get asked about living in Hong Kong. Usually from people in the West who're considering taking the plunge and relocating to the far East. "Is it really that expensive to live there?" "Will I make friends?" "Can I still walk my baby in the stroller?" "Will I be able to get 'normal' food in Hong Kong?" Just to name a few. I've even had people writing to me asking my advice on going to university in Hong Kong. Obviously some things are plainly just out of my area of expertise, but general day to day stuff…I figure after three and a half years here, that I can do! For this column I decided to list a few of the more commonly asked questions and provide a few answers/opinions, that (hopefully) might ease a newcomer's concern and/or interest a curious onlooker. Pop over to Expat Focus and get my top tips! Click here... Please hit share if you think someone could benefit! Sharing is caring.... :)   … [Read more...]