Sveriges Radio utlandskorre!

I was talking on the radio for the first time in my life, but hopefully not the last :))). I spoke about what's going on in Hong Kong during the night radio show Vaken. It's in Swedish, but anyone interested in listening, here's the link: http://t.sr.se/1mU6f7F

It has been a long life dream for me to work with radio. I know I'm old school like that, who listens to the radio anymore? Well, I do. And now perhaps you do too!

I hate Hong Kong

I hate Hong Kong. I hate that the housing and rental prices are outrageous. I hate that there are not enough parking and I hate that there is no city planning in the villages, (parking and getting deliveries are a pain). I hate that it takes a lifetime to go to work. I hate that the apartments are so small that people are using windows as storage, or just close the curtain so you can’t see anything. Wherever you look, windows and the occasional balconies are just storage. IF one of the windows are nicely decorated with curtains, perhaps some plants and other nice decorations, you bet it’s an expat, rich one too… I hate that the apartments are NOT isolated at all! Too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

I hate that you have to fold the stroller when entering public transportation. I hate that there are stairs EVERYWHERE! I mean, seriously?? Carrying a stroller, bags and a wiggly toddler is not that easy! I hate that it is cheaper for us to go out and eat local food than cook fresh at home. I hate that milk cost 25-30HKD per liter.

I hate that the whole society in Hong Kong is built up around having a domestic helper at home (freaking modern slavery in my eyes). I hate that the apartments are so small, and NO STORAGE! I hate that Starbucks only sell ½ lb coffee bean bags, too small! I hate that kids are expected to start preschool at 2 years, and the little toddlers need to be interviewed to get approved!! My daughter will not be drawn in to that part.

I hate that gyms here don’t have day care. I really hate the housing market is so f-cked up. It’s just insane, absolutely insane. I make a tiny 15 000HKD per month, our rent for a ground floor apartment, not that big, 700sqf, out in nowhere cost 12 500HKD per month. On top of that we pay water, electricity, gas, TV and internet. It pisses me off so immensely. When looking at renting apartments around where my husband’s parents live, Tin Hau, we would not get ANYTHING for that price. Standard price for a rental place, 600sqf, cost around 30 000HKD per month, plus utilities. INSANE!

Some days are worse than others. And I know I shouldn’t complain, we have a roof, job, a lovely daughter, family, and I have a few people I can call friends. But I’m still not happy. When it’s time, we will leave Hong Kong, but now is not the time.