Hello my friend Tommy, nowadays you're taking too long to upload videos.... any way and that incognito I can't open it, they will regret having me because I will be broke all through
Oh I felt sad for that Nigerian guy,he is obviously really homesick for Nigeria and was so pleased just to hear someone who had been to his country and could talk alittle about it.Its so sad when people have to leave their homeland just to get enough money to survive and far away from friends and family
Lol hopefully he was just relaxing. He did tell him to come on in. You would think of something else was going on. He would’ve told him to hang on a minute.
The scene where y’all were digging into that Indian food together reminds me of the friendly Moroccans in Casablanca who shared their couscous with me. Authentic food with random strangers- No bond quite like it 😅
@@am5790 In the late 90’s I worked for a collection site for pre employment drug testing in Las Vegas Nevada. Las Vegas was the fastest growing city in the USA at the time. People from all over the world were flocking in there to work for the casinos, resorts, and construction. Every person I met from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Vietnam were the most pleasant, respectful, and warm people. I even became friends with a few of them.
Echoing the India as an amazing goal. Also Taiwan and Phillipines!! Really enjoyed this Hong Kong series. It's amazing how originally I thought you were Africa focused, then South America, now Asia. Everywhere you go I appreciate the narrative and history and especially the locals you meet. Keep it up!
I have to agree with you. He does a great job of presenting a unbiased view which is so needed, in respect of China, and makes for a refreshing dish of culture. Taking out the political part gives his videos a relaxed ride through the landscape of country and life, making for great viewing.
That was cool those fellows shared their meal with you, wonderful hospitality! ❤️ PB n' J French toast sound pretty darn good. Thank you for sharing Tommy.
13:26, such a wholesome moment you and your triad contact shared! Both eating the cha guo together, and you said "Tim" ( sweet in cantonese ), she acknowledged by saying "hmm"
That panorama of Shenzhen at 24:18 also got me feels. I can recognize Nanshan and especially the area of Shekou that used to be my home for over a decade. It was also home to countless other foreigners as it was in the top 5 places in China with the most foreign residents for decades before the pandemic hit. It was in fact one of the few places in the entire country where foreigners could reside back when China first started to experiment with capitalism in the late 1970s. Not sure if I'll ever go there again since after leaving in 2020 I have now moved on from China both on a professional and personal level, but I have fond memories of the place.
Made me feel stuff too...I was on a mission to see as many of the HK spots as possible before I left last year and drove my bike up to SZ Bay at night. That area's SO rural, it was mind-blowing. I was being chased by a pack of feral dogs whilst avoiding cars on the super narrow roads! That view though. 👌🏼
Me too! I used to see a girl called Lulu that worked in one of the bars in that street that had pubs! Remember the Red Rooster? I usd to get the ferry from HK (think it went from the Macau fFerry Terminal)...so what took the Britsh 150 years to create, only took three or four years for Xi's CCP to destroy. Wanchai, as we knew it, has completely gone now. I lke these videos because they are off -the-wall.
Really liked the bit about the Nigerian dude with the toilet in front of his place of business ( ? ). When you showed up, he had to zip up his pants. This is not something you'd see in your typical tourist video. Enjoyed your video as always.
I recall when I first began watching your videos way back, for some reason I was not enthused. It was more so me than you, not sure what I was not connecting to. Fast forward to now, I really enjoy your videos. You go places many do not. You say things others won't. Sometimes you are brutally honest where others won't be. Yet you are always polite, courteous, and insightful. Your personality gets people to open up to you and welcome you. You bring great insight to us, your viewers. Hence you have become one of my favorite channels and I never miss a new episode. For me your channel was an acquired passion, and i am glad I stuck around. Kudos for another fine presentation!
Sabbatical knows how to show shit without sounding pretentious or giving me stress. Very calm personality that ends up showing in your great videos, hope to meet you one day if you ever come to Central America.
Good day Tommy.... Thank you for your videos they give you a view of our world and how other people live it is a pleasure to live vicariously through you!!! Unfortunately due to unforseen health issues I can no longer travel. Your videos give me hope. Thank you
I'm just a guy from the United States. I got to travel to Hong Kong, China, and Macau, in 2014, with great friends. It was a blast! So, getting to watch this was like revisiting an old friend. It feels so, good, and like it was yesterday...:)
....There's a really learned youtube channel called, "The China Show," that tells the truths about China through two people who were the first youtubers that showed us China leading to the advent of youtube as we know it. Spread the word, and live in truth....
i mean as long as they arent forcing their values on everyone else legally, theres no issue with the CCP from me. as long as there are no marginalized communities being attacked like the LGBT or other races and there isnt a huge poverty issue, and people are truly equal, there should be nothing people see wrong with it@@beatricewan9958
Love your videos about Hong Kong, have a different touch to many aspects that few people would like to share and talk about, you did a very good job on showing people a different vibe of Hong Kong, in a extraordinary way.
These Asia videos have been awesome so far man! Would love to hear your China story, but I guess we'll just have to wait to tell it once you're back there. Keep up the great videos!
bro has contacts all around the world. Its amazing the people you can meet when you open yourself up to new experiences, or just simply talk to people.
its my second year in mainland, Hainan, and looking forward to explore more, HK is def on my list! need to get a plane ticket there once:) thanks for the share dude and take care!
Glad you enjoyed your time there. I have to say I'm very jealous as I haven't been back to visit my family there in 3 years due to the strict pandemic protocols they've had. Thankfully they've removed a lot of the protocols for traveling there, so I'll be going back this year. Chung King Mansions was infamous for a few things... good cheap Indian restaurants with cheap beer (where a lot of high school kids go to eat and drink), where you could get a private own room to eat in with your group, and a place to go score drugs. Because Nepal is a big producer of Hashish, and there's a Nepalese population around Chung King, there would be dealers around there, in the rooms and especially in the park next to it, but there's also more of a police presence around there that know this goes on, so getting busted was a common occurrence too... but I don't mean to speak bad about the Nepalese, as there are a lot of very nice ones, and a lot of former Gurkhas are security guards in HK, and they're all really nice guys. You are right that despite Chung King's reputation, it's not a dangerous place at all... families walk by it shopping at night every night, and you never hear of any violence. It just feels a bit more sketchy compared to other places, cause it's kind of grimy, but by the looks of it from your video, it's actually been refurbished and is nicer than I remember it. The fights that happened then was around the 90s, but you don't get that kind of stuff there anymore. I was initially a bit surprised at the price you paid for the room, as I remember them to be around $60 a night, but that was in the 90s-early 2000s, so I guess you have to account for inflection. Actually, that park you're walking through, Kowloon Park, and that area with the metal sculptures, has a big Kung Fu demonstration every weekend, organized by local martial arts schools and bodies (very cool event), it's actually a very nice park, and Tsim Sha Tsui is a really nice area, but you know you're deep in Hong Kong when you see green taxis... You'll notice that the Taxis in Hong Kong and Kowloon are red, but when you get to the New Territories, they're green. It's cool that you went off the beaten path and visited the countryside, it's something a lot of visitors don't see. There's also a lot of out laying islands that are also a part of Hong Kong, like Lama Island and Cheung Chau... that have good out door seafood restaurants. You're totally right about the artificially inflated property prices. Hong Kong has a ton on land, but all the free land is owned by the Hong Kong government, and the vast majority of it is kept undeveloped. The Government will say it's to keep Hong kong's nature untouched, but the reality is it's to artificially in flat housing prices to make the property tycoons rich (though the greenery is a positive byproduct of greed). See you walking around Hong Kong, the streets, on the mini buses etc. really makes me miss my home so much. I don't know if you got a chance, but the red mini buses deeper into Kowloon in areas like Mong Kok, the drivers are nuts, a lot of which have connections to the triads. Hong Kong people really do care about their city, and take pride in it. You're right that it's a juxtaposition between chaotic city planning, but also cleanliness. The city planning you mentioned is really a result of building along natural trails carved along side the mountain on HK Island, and Kowloon side, formed a long time ago, which is why the city isn't in a grid system. The only wide straight road in Hong Kong is Nathen road, the road Chung King mansions is on, and it's like that because it was built in the fashion after the boulevards found in France, but the rest of the city was formed organically, when makes it a very interesting city to walk around, cause no two streets are the same. Hong Kong people very good people and very peaceful people. It's a really great place to visit as a tourist. Anyway, it was great living vicariously through you during this trip, seeing my old stomping grounds. I have a lot of good memories going to Chung King mansions as a teen with friends to get a curry and go drinking. I lived in Tsim Sha Tsui East for a year and have a lot of found memories of that area... Hope you had a great time.
One slight correction on the available land - most of the developable land is held by property developers. And only recently has the combined pressure by HK and Chinese govt have they begun to release for more housing developments (especially public housing). Really hope it improves soon because so many families continue to struggle :(
And another very interesting thing you’ll find in Chungking mansions are the headquarters of many very noble NGOs and charities that help refugees and underprivileged families. Lots of volunteering opportunities there incase anyone is interested ❤
Hello, Buddaful. I just wanted to touch base, and say, within a short time, life is going to be wonderful. I'm having trouble with Heathcliff... (long story,... idoltry), but I think a trip to the Hamptons is
Huge fan of your videos, they give off a calming vibe of appreciating the world for all its flaws. can't wait for you to go to the mainland and would love to see you do taiwan as well. thanks for all your work.
I stayed in Chun King mansions when I first moved to HK in 1988. I still live here and it's where I call home. I’m originally from the U.K. I live in the New Territories of HK and often cycle along the road where you look across Deep Bay into Shenzhen (Shekou District).
I hear the 90s was absolutely amazing in HK. I was here for the summer of 1996 with family so didn't really party except for a weekend with my cousin. But I heard it was an era of legendary proportions.
Hi Tommy, it’s been a while. Hope you enjoyed your R & R. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I enjoyed your informative, Hong Kong videos. Your “ cubby hole” at the guest house, looked neat and clean 😊. Well done videos, us usual. See you at your next destination. Continued blessings. Much love ❤️ from NJ.
Hey man, seems like we may have some shared history in a way. I also spent a significant part of my life in Mainland china (as a white foreigner), I'm not living there anymore and also have very mixed feelings about the current state of things - The place I once called home has changed so much.
My city. You nailed it with this HK series. EDIT: dammn you're leaving already. I loved the Japan series, too. Although it was way too short for such a geographically and culturally diverse country, you did an amazing job of seeking out the local culture.
I've really enjoyed my Friday evening watching a half dozen of your video's. You have a unique style which is friendly and informative. I like it 👍 you picked up another subscriber from Australia.
My friend and I were approached once by an Indian guy in Tsim Sha Tsui offering to sell us suits. We said "no we don't need suits but do you have any hashish?" And he did! He was our go to guy for many years after that. I wonder if he's still around.
7:21 that guy told the other guy in Hindi language that food is too much for us to share among ourselvs ...... Now see he's here to help us .............
Awesome video... i can't help myself but to rewatch your HK series.. please revisit Tommy and provide more hidden gems, as you seem to know where the gweilo don't go
I dont know if you'll ever have to go back to your office, but if you do I'll come with ya. Haha, thanks for the great videos I've rehashed my love for languages because of you. Reminds me of the days of watching laoshu
This was a good one Tommy...I recognize many of those places and the park with the Filipinas picnicking really took me back..didn't see any Nepalese merchants with the blankets out though .
Great video, love the way you explain things, I am visually impaired blind, and I love the way you describe things, out there keep it up. Chico muy buen video, ven cantado tu Videos desde la primera vez qué estuviste en Argentina, soy mexicano viviendo en California, el norte de California saludos. en el valle del Silicon 31:55
A different world. I appreciate where I am more. Many people never see anything from around the world and how others live. You are making a difference educating the people around the world of our customs and us with their customers. So interesting, Thank You!
My fiancée lives in Shenzhen. After 3 yrs we got to see each other in Macau in December 2022. Unfortunately I had to come back to the US for work, so I can return once I can get a visa to mainland. All the letdowns and forced separation have become a way of life for us now.
Chunking Mansions! Went in there for a solo curry once and met a Swiss couple who had just arrived in HK. They had driven overland through Mongolia. The building seemed like a firetrap but was always lively. Some accommodation on higher floors but it looked like quality was not guaranteed.
Hong Kong was like a second home for me. I was born and have lived in the United States my whole life, but every summer I would travel to Hong Kong to see my dad (a total of 12 times from 2007-2019) who lived all over Hong Kong, on Hong Kong Island and the new territories. I haven't been in almost 4 years, and my dad has since left Hong Kong because of the current political environment. I really miss that city, especially going to the most outskirt, farreach places to can get to in the new territories.
Sorry I'm so late to ask this, but could you briefly summarise the political troubles there? I was wondering if Hong Kong is a suitable place to work in for an interpreter or assistant language tutor.
@@suedoplet So basically in 1997, when Britain handed Hong Kong over to China after holding it for 99 years, the Chinese promised institution of British-like Common Law and the freedoms that came with it to Hong Kong for 50 years until 2047. However, starting in 2019, the CCP became impatient and started proposed an extradition law that would allow people arrested in Hong Kong to be tried in China, where there isn't a real rule of law and the incarceration rate is 99% from arrests in mainland china (given no fair judicial system). This is when the protests happened because people started to realize that they would lose their freedoms to a more authoritarian Chinese government. There have been cases since then (especially with the CPP taking advantage of covid to ruin the Hong Kong economy and monitor their actions) of people disappearing who have openly protested against the mainland government, (which would be COMPLETELY unheard of prior to 2019 as you could say fuck all about the Chinese government as much as you wanted with freedom of speech). Although I suspect the day-to-day life doesn't seem too much different nowadays than it did prior to 2019, (noted that I haven't been since), Hong Kong is slowly losing its freedoms of speech, press, ideas, and the fundamental rule of law versus the rule of a Chinese dictator. If you keep quiet, you'll probably be fine. Nowadays, due to stronger convictions by the CCP, hand appointed CCP officials are replacing more and more of the "legislature" (that used to be one) in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong people are pretty much powerless to stop them.
@@pmil9645 The British never gave Hong Kong democracy in its 150 years of rule. There were riots in the 60s that the Brits broke apart with outright violence. They just threw in the democracy in last minute to trip up the Chinese. At the time of the handover, Hong Kong had zero experience with democracy, so everyone knew there would be growing pains. Over twenty years, all the legislature ever did was complain and blocked everything they needed to do, including passing their own National Security Law. Yes, they were required to pass a version of that law by the Basic Law.
12:30 Selina, (hope her name is correct) If you read this. I really like your appearance in the video's. You are very modest, friendly and cute looking. And a good tour guide. 10/10. Thank you Selina!☺✌
太有意思了！Only 5 minutes into the video and I already love it! If you come to the mainland let me know! Would love to buy you a beer bro! I'm wayyyyy up north though - up by Russia, North Korea, etc. Now, back to the video!
Chungking Mansions !!!! Tommy you’re the best, thank you so much for showing footage from here. Seeing the location where Chungking Express was shot, unbelievable ❤
Stayed in Chungking mansion the first time I was in Honk Kong and loved it! There was something different about the place… Thankfully later I had a bigger salary and could afford better places, but every time I was in Hong Kong I visited this building! Good exchange rates! Changed a lot of RMB to USD there 😂
Brilliant absolutely brilliant, take a bow son you are a champion . This may seem strange but the noise off street crossing alarms on the lights can only be Hong Kong , 5 years ago I left the girl who had my heart there an this brings so many memories back . Thank you from the bottom of my heart , still miss you miss Chung
Very cool video! I stayed at Chungking Mansions back in 1990 for a couple nights - quite an eye opener but memorable. I hope to someday see Hong Kong again.
I was admiring the clean streets of the city and remembering that's how Chicago and some other big city's where until recently. Then you commented on the rules for feeding animals and you like the fact you can walk through clean streets no gum etc. I miss those days here in the states. Really a downturn here in the states. Great job again You have a very unique and enjoyable way of creating a vlog and story telling.
Fellow NYer, like your video. Very refreshing side of HK compare to other videos and you showed it with respect. One thing tho, @27:40 yes, hk is clean. But also if you've been to Taiwan it is also the same. It is not weird in that sense they care about their community and like to keep it clean. I think if you put the two (hk/taiwan) together and noticed how they are governed that's what distinguished them from the rest of mainland. it's the upbringing/moral/etiquete that makes the people behave differently, well mannered and keeping the place clean and caring, not to mention self awareness compare to the rest of mainland. love to see more videos like this.
The first 100 people to use code SABBATICAL at the link below will get 20% off of Incogni:
incogni.com/sabbatical
my best bro looking handsome thank you for your huge respect against cpec friendship countries lot of love from your best bro viki 💙
Bro are you coming to China??
I DONT WANNA RISK IT IN CASE I'M 101
Do you have to give your personal data to Incogni as well?
Hello my friend Tommy, nowadays you're taking too long to upload videos.... any way and that incognito I can't open it, they will regret having me because I will be broke all through
Oh I felt sad for that Nigerian guy,he is obviously really homesick for Nigeria and was so pleased just to hear someone who had been to his country and could talk alittle about it.Its so sad when people have to leave their homeland just to get enough money to survive and far away from friends and family
Yes, and all the Philippina maids, too.
See you Hong Kong. Love you guys almost like family, even if I'll always be a gwei lo. 加油
Thank You 💕
香港人加油💪
I think 3rd guys is saying don't invite other people to eat. 😂😂 ✌️
You are one of us
God forbid somebody hands you a raw deal. You, the real OG! Utmost respect!
快d返番黎香港！
15:00 the barber appears to have been interrupted judging by him standing up with undone lower lol
I really wanna understand that one, maybe the pants are too tight, but you'd still have the belt right? so many questions
Reading something I guess haha
Lol hopefully he was just relaxing. He did tell him to come on in. You would think of something else was going on. He would’ve told him to hang on a minute.
Why was the barbers pants undone 😂… I feel like he was expecting company and you rocked up instead 😅
those dudes sharing their meal with ya, solid fellas
The scene where y’all were digging into that Indian food together reminds me of the friendly Moroccans in Casablanca who shared their couscous with me.
Authentic food with random strangers- No bond quite like it 😅
Moroccan are always down to share food.
I experienced similar hospitality with the good people of Eritrea and Ethiopia.
@@am5790 In the late 90’s I worked for a collection site for pre employment drug testing in Las Vegas Nevada. Las Vegas was the fastest growing city in the USA at the time. People from all over the world were flocking in there to work for the casinos, resorts, and construction. Every person I met from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Vietnam were the most pleasant, respectful, and warm people. I even became friends with a few of them.
Echoing the India as an amazing goal. Also Taiwan and Phillipines!! Really enjoyed this Hong Kong series. It's amazing how originally I thought you were Africa focused, then South America, now Asia. Everywhere you go I appreciate the narrative and history and especially the locals you meet. Keep it up!
I have to agree with you. He does a great job of presenting a unbiased view which is so needed, in respect of China, and makes for a refreshing dish of culture. Taking out the political part gives his videos a relaxed ride through the landscape of country and life, making for great viewing.
That was cool those fellows shared their meal with you, wonderful hospitality! ❤️
PB n' J French toast sound pretty darn good.
Thank you for sharing Tommy.
13:26, such a wholesome moment you and your triad contact shared! Both eating the cha guo together, and you said "Tim" ( sweet in cantonese ), she acknowledged by saying "hmm"
This bro just got an army of ladies that await his arrival on any given land mass
It’s how the Indio European man spread his seed across the globe 150,000 years ago.
Asians obsession with white people reached a state of craziness
That panorama of Shenzhen at 24:18 also got me feels. I can recognize Nanshan and especially the area of Shekou that used to be my home for over a decade. It was also home to countless other foreigners as it was in the top 5 places in China with the most foreign residents for decades before the pandemic hit. It was in fact one of the few places in the entire country where foreigners could reside back when China first started to experiment with capitalism in the late 1970s. Not sure if I'll ever go there again since after leaving in 2020 I have now moved on from China both on a professional and personal level, but I have fond memories of the place.
I feel you bro. I got there in 2018, wish I could have gotten there sooner. Some of my friends are surprisingly still there.
Made me feel stuff too...I was on a mission to see as many of the HK spots as possible before I left last year and drove my bike up to SZ Bay at night. That area's SO rural, it was mind-blowing. I was being chased by a pack of feral dogs whilst avoiding cars on the super narrow roads! That view though. 👌🏼
Me too! I used to see a girl called Lulu that worked in one of the bars in that street that had pubs! Remember the Red Rooster? I usd to get the ferry from HK (think it went from the Macau fFerry Terminal)...so what took the Britsh 150 years to create, only took three or four years for Xi's CCP to destroy. Wanchai, as we knew it, has completely gone now. I lke these videos because they are off
-the-wall.
Forget China. The life goes on.
End the CCP
Really liked the bit about the Nigerian dude with the toilet in front of his place of business ( ? ). When you showed up, he had to zip up his pants. This is not something you'd see in your typical tourist video. Enjoyed your video as always.
I wondered too, why his trousers zip was open???
@@cobwebtheorem7538 oh we know why
@@CokeConnoisseur He was strungling that chicken. Naughty boy 👦, this one.
@@cobwebtheorem7538 it’s a thing that Nigerians do for comfort when lounging around. To undo the belt and button.
"come inside"
I really loved your Argentina and Hong Kong vlogs. It’s always a pleasure when you can share places you’re fairly familiar with
Stumbled across this channel. Absolutely love this relaxed style of showing us around, felt like walking beside this guy, subscribed 👍
This is my new favorite travel channel
I recall when I first began watching your videos way back, for some reason I was not enthused. It was more so me than you, not sure what I was not connecting to. Fast forward to now, I really enjoy your videos. You go places many do not. You say things others won't. Sometimes you are brutally honest where others won't be. Yet you are always polite, courteous, and insightful. Your personality gets people to open up to you and welcome you. You bring great insight to us, your viewers. Hence you have become one of my favorite channels and I never miss a new episode. For me your channel was an acquired passion, and i am glad I stuck around. Kudos for another fine presentation!
Sabbatical knows how to show shit without sounding pretentious or giving me stress. Very calm personality that ends up showing in your great videos, hope to meet you one day if you ever come to Central America.
You’re friend on this adventure is awesome.
Good day Tommy.... Thank you for your videos they give you a view of our world and how other people live it is a pleasure to live vicariously through you!!! Unfortunately due to unforseen health issues I can no longer travel. Your videos give me hope. Thank you
It’s been a year since i watched your vids and i feel like how u felt missing an old friend, peace and blessing to u my brother! From usa
I'm just a guy from the United States. I got to travel to Hong Kong, China, and Macau, in 2014, with great friends. It was a blast! So, getting to watch this was like revisiting an old friend. It feels so, good, and like it was yesterday...:)
U better keep n enjoy those memories.. Those days r over since the CCP took over
....There's a really learned youtube channel called, "The China Show," that tells the truths about China through two people who were the first youtubers that showed us China leading to the advent of youtube as we know it. Spread the word, and live in truth....
@@alapaticornell4391Not over! It's better day by day for real Chinese with Chinese values!
i mean as long as they arent forcing their values on everyone else legally, theres no issue with the CCP from me. as long as there are no marginalized communities being attacked like the LGBT or other races and there isnt a huge poverty issue, and people are truly equal, there should be nothing people see wrong with it@@beatricewan9958
...Great post!!!
Sabbatical the Master Story Teller!
Your unassuming guide seems intelligent in a quiet way!
Hope we get to see her more in your Hong Kong/China series
7 years there. I called it home. Miss it now but difficult to go back.. great presentation.
Miss my hong kong days but never ventured too deep in new territories. Amazing series by Sabbatical !
Excellent commentary. You have a relaxed way of presenting. Hope we get to see the mainland.
Love your videos about Hong Kong, have a different touch to many aspects that few people would like to share and talk about, you did a very good job on showing people a different vibe of Hong Kong, in a extraordinary way.
dude this series makes me want to go back to HK immediately. THE BEST place.
These Asia videos have been awesome so far man! Would love to hear your China story, but I guess we'll just have to wait to tell it once you're back there. Keep up the great videos!
Dope! I'm from NYC as well, newly migrated to Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I love that you are Soo respectful.
My favorite part of HK. Used to have an office across from The Royal Garden in TST. I’ve wandered every single side street and alleyway. Good times.
Very touching ending Brother 🤜🤛
bro has contacts all around the world. Its amazing the people you can meet when you open yourself up to new experiences, or just simply talk to people.
its my second year in mainland, Hainan, and looking forward to explore more, HK is def on my list! need to get a plane ticket there once:) thanks for the share dude and take care!
Hey, welcome to visit HK anytime! Cheers
Glad you enjoyed your time there. I have to say I'm very jealous as I haven't been back to visit my family there in 3 years due to the strict pandemic protocols they've had. Thankfully they've removed a lot of the protocols for traveling there, so I'll be going back this year.
Chung King Mansions was infamous for a few things... good cheap Indian restaurants with cheap beer (where a lot of high school kids go to eat and drink), where you could get a private own room to eat in with your group, and a place to go score drugs. Because Nepal is a big producer of Hashish, and there's a Nepalese population around Chung King, there would be dealers around there, in the rooms and especially in the park next to it, but there's also more of a police presence around there that know this goes on, so getting busted was a common occurrence too... but I don't mean to speak bad about the Nepalese, as there are a lot of very nice ones, and a lot of former Gurkhas are security guards in HK, and they're all really nice guys. You are right that despite Chung King's reputation, it's not a dangerous place at all... families walk by it shopping at night every night, and you never hear of any violence. It just feels a bit more sketchy compared to other places, cause it's kind of grimy, but by the looks of it from your video, it's actually been refurbished and is nicer than I remember it. The fights that happened then was around the 90s, but you don't get that kind of stuff there anymore. I was initially a bit surprised at the price you paid for the room, as I remember them to be around $60 a night, but that was in the 90s-early 2000s, so I guess you have to account for inflection.
Actually, that park you're walking through, Kowloon Park, and that area with the metal sculptures, has a big Kung Fu demonstration every weekend, organized by local martial arts schools and bodies (very cool event), it's actually a very nice park, and Tsim Sha Tsui is a really nice area, but you know you're deep in Hong Kong when you see green taxis... You'll notice that the Taxis in Hong Kong and Kowloon are red, but when you get to the New Territories, they're green. It's cool that you went off the beaten path and visited the countryside, it's something a lot of visitors don't see. There's also a lot of out laying islands that are also a part of Hong Kong, like Lama Island and Cheung Chau... that have good out door seafood restaurants.
You're totally right about the artificially inflated property prices. Hong Kong has a ton on land, but all the free land is owned by the Hong Kong government, and the vast majority of it is kept undeveloped. The Government will say it's to keep Hong kong's nature untouched, but the reality is it's to artificially in flat housing prices to make the property tycoons rich (though the greenery is a positive byproduct of greed).
See you walking around Hong Kong, the streets, on the mini buses etc. really makes me miss my home so much. I don't know if you got a chance, but the red mini buses deeper into Kowloon in areas like Mong Kok, the drivers are nuts, a lot of which have connections to the triads. Hong Kong people really do care about their city, and take pride in it. You're right that it's a juxtaposition between chaotic city planning, but also cleanliness. The city planning you mentioned is really a result of building along natural trails carved along side the mountain on HK Island, and Kowloon side, formed a long time ago, which is why the city isn't in a grid system. The only wide straight road in Hong Kong is Nathen road, the road Chung King mansions is on, and it's like that because it was built in the fashion after the boulevards found in France, but the rest of the city was formed organically, when makes it a very interesting city to walk around, cause no two streets are the same. Hong Kong people very good people and very peaceful people. It's a really great place to visit as a tourist.
Anyway, it was great living vicariously through you during this trip, seeing my old stomping grounds. I have a lot of good memories going to Chung King mansions as a teen with friends to get a curry and go drinking. I lived in Tsim Sha Tsui East for a year and have a lot of found memories of that area... Hope you had a great time.
Nice writeup !
@@rijutruthwarrior1128 Thanks!
One slight correction on the available land - most of the developable land is held by property developers. And only recently has the combined pressure by HK and Chinese govt have they begun to release for more housing developments (especially public housing). Really hope it improves soon because so many families continue to struggle :(
And another very interesting thing you’ll find in Chungking mansions are the headquarters of many very noble NGOs and charities that help refugees and underprivileged families. Lots of volunteering opportunities there incase anyone is interested ❤
@@ysong00 Yes, correct, I was talking about undevelopable land... HK really needs to address this problem... as you say, lets hope
Another informative and historical video! Looking forward to watching the next one! Safe travels friend! Arcomn
The best travel blogger out there
Wow i'm amazed by your understanding of what's going on in Hong Kong man! Detailed info, nice video! Thank you for visiting Hong Kong!
dude was legit in the village I live in here in HK. Awesome
Loooool I was really expecting to see a huge dude as your triad tour guide
Great work Tommy! I really enjoyed this one. Thank you, bud!
Hello, Buddaful. I just wanted to touch base, and say, within a short time, life is going to be wonderful. I'm having trouble with Heathcliff... (long story,... idoltry), but I think a trip to the Hamptons is
Amazed that building is still there! I had so many adventures there in the past.
I'll be there this Friday! Wish me a safe trip!
Love it when Tommy uploads :)
something calming about these vlogs
Huge fan of your videos, they give off a calming vibe of appreciating the world for all its flaws. can't wait for you to go to the mainland and would love to see you do taiwan as well. thanks for all your work.
Nice work! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed HK. With pandemic restrictions rolling back, I'm looking forward to finally be able to return. Thanks for sharing!
I’m the valedictorian from my class at Tony Ma Technical Institute and I approve this video
I stayed in Chun King mansions when I first moved to HK in 1988. I still live here and it's where I call home. I’m originally from the U.K. I live in the New Territories of HK and often cycle along the road where you look across Deep Bay into Shenzhen (Shekou District).
My mate used to stay there and then go into The Peninsula through the back door and have his meetings in there!
@@davidmoore8857 I'm a young entrepreneur who's thinking of doing the same.. there's no shame in doing that right? Rent here is maddening
I hear the 90s was absolutely amazing in HK. I was here for the summer of 1996 with family so didn't really party except for a weekend with my cousin. But I heard it was an era of legendary proportions.
@@PaladinCape none whatsoever! In fact, it’s a ‘badge of honour’ to stay in the CK M!
@@Ed7501 Totally!!! It was the build-up to the biggest party in the world (1997 Handover)!
Hi Tommy, it’s been a while. Hope you enjoyed your R & R. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I enjoyed your informative, Hong Kong videos. Your “ cubby hole” at the guest house, looked neat and clean 😊. Well done videos, us usual. See you at your next destination. Continued blessings. Much love ❤️ from NJ.
Hey man, seems like we may have some shared history in a way. I also spent a significant part of my life in Mainland china (as a white foreigner), I'm not living there anymore and also have very mixed feelings about the current state of things - The place I once called home has changed so much.
At 14:58 you disturbed the man releasing some tension stroking it to the east and the one he loves best hahahaha
My city. You nailed it with this HK series. EDIT: dammn you're leaving already. I loved the Japan series, too. Although it was way too short for such a geographically and culturally diverse country, you did an amazing job of seeking out the local culture.
I've really enjoyed my Friday evening watching a half dozen of your video's. You have a unique style which is friendly and informative. I like it 👍 you picked up another subscriber from Australia.
My friend and I were approached once by an Indian guy in Tsim Sha Tsui offering to sell us suits. We said "no we don't need suits but do you have any hashish?" And he did! He was our go to guy for many years after that. I wonder if he's still around.
"You have very lucky face..."!!!
Probably. 😆
Copy watch? Copy watch? Copy watch?
DBC..DAILY Blessings Coming!.. Thank You ALL for Everything, Everyday!!
7:21 that guy told the other guy in Hindi language that food is too much for us to share among ourselvs ...... Now see he's here to help us .............
Awesome video... i can't help myself but to rewatch your HK series.. please revisit Tommy and provide more hidden gems, as you seem to know where the gweilo don't go
I dont know if you'll ever have to go back to your office, but if you do I'll come with ya. Haha, thanks for the great videos I've rehashed my love for languages because of you. Reminds me of the days of watching laoshu
Yeah, I'm interested in his life pre-sabbatical. Did he say he has a wife?!
@@herdimmunity2507 I believe he mentioned he was a teacher. No wife.
Tommy , it’s time for the climax. Come to Shanghai please ❤ love you.
bless you friend, keep up the great videos!
This was a good one Tommy...I recognize many of those places and the park with the Filipinas picnicking really took me back..didn't see any Nepalese merchants with the blankets out though .
great video!
Great video, love the way you explain things, I am visually impaired blind, and I love the way you describe things, out there keep it up. Chico muy buen video, ven cantado tu Videos desde la primera vez qué estuviste en Argentina, soy mexicano viviendo en California, el norte de California saludos. en el valle del Silicon 31:55
Thanks for taking us along.
A different world. I appreciate where I am more. Many people never see anything from around the world and how others live. You are making a difference educating the people around the world of our customs and us with their customers. So interesting, Thank You!
19:24 I use to hang out at those courts. This is bringing back so many memories!😊
My fiancée lives in Shenzhen. After 3 yrs we got to see each other in Macau in December 2022. Unfortunately I had to come back to the US for work, so I can return once I can get a visa to mainland. All the letdowns and forced separation have become a way of life for us now.
Gudluck hope u will be 2gether soon
Chunking Mansions! Went in there for a solo curry once and met a Swiss couple who had just arrived in HK. They had driven overland through Mongolia.
The building seemed like a firetrap but was always lively. Some accommodation on higher floors but it looked like quality was not guaranteed.
Hong Kong was like a second home for me. I was born and have lived in the United States my whole life, but every summer I would travel to Hong Kong to see my dad (a total of 12 times from 2007-2019) who lived all over Hong Kong, on Hong Kong Island and the new territories. I haven't been in almost 4 years, and my dad has since left Hong Kong because of the current political environment. I really miss that city, especially going to the most outskirt, farreach places to can get to in the new territories.
Sorry I'm so late to ask this, but could you briefly summarise the political troubles there? I was wondering if Hong Kong is a suitable place to work in for an interpreter or assistant language tutor.
@@suedoplet So basically in 1997, when Britain handed Hong Kong over to China after holding it for 99 years, the Chinese promised institution of British-like Common Law and the freedoms that came with it to Hong Kong for 50 years until 2047.
However, starting in 2019, the CCP became impatient and started proposed an extradition law that would allow people arrested in Hong Kong to be tried in China, where there isn't a real rule of law and the incarceration rate is 99% from arrests in mainland china (given no fair judicial system). This is when the protests happened because people started to realize that they would lose their freedoms to a more authoritarian Chinese government. There have been cases since then (especially with the CPP taking advantage of covid to ruin the Hong Kong economy and monitor their actions) of people disappearing who have openly protested against the mainland government, (which would be COMPLETELY unheard of prior to 2019 as you could say fuck all about the Chinese government as much as you wanted with freedom of speech).
Although I suspect the day-to-day life doesn't seem too much different nowadays than it did prior to 2019, (noted that I haven't been since), Hong Kong is slowly losing its freedoms of speech, press, ideas, and the fundamental rule of law versus the rule of a Chinese dictator. If you keep quiet, you'll probably be fine. Nowadays, due to stronger convictions by the CCP, hand appointed CCP officials are replacing more and more of the "legislature" (that used to be one) in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong people are pretty much powerless to stop them.
@@pmil9645 The British never gave Hong Kong democracy in its 150 years of rule. There were riots in the 60s that the Brits broke apart with outright violence. They just threw in the democracy in last minute to trip up the Chinese. At the time of the handover, Hong Kong had zero experience with democracy, so everyone knew there would be growing pains. Over twenty years, all the legislature ever did was complain and blocked everything they needed to do, including passing their own National Security Law. Yes, they were required to pass a version of that law by the Basic Law.
Wow watching your videos because you talk about HK but didn’t expect you would be visiting my village! 😮
Sabbatical should have far more VIEWS HISCSUCH A POPULAR VLOGGER PEOPLE LOVE HIS VLOGGS
Haha you went to Wang Toi Shan. Nice! We always stay there with family when we are in HKG.
12:30 Selina, (hope her name is correct) If you read this. I really like your appearance in the video's. You are very modest, friendly and cute looking. And a good tour guide. 10/10. Thank you Selina!☺✌
You just took me through some of my regular street in Tsim sha tsui, years back, Thanks
You may have taken the best sabbatical anyone’s ever taken 😅
太有意思了！Only 5 minutes into the video and I already love it! If you come to the mainland let me know! Would love to buy you a beer bro! I'm wayyyyy up north though - up by Russia, North Korea, etc. Now, back to the video!
17:06 I hope he didnt leave the mans handshake hanging lol
Awesome vlog tour! Miss my time in HK as well.
She is a soft spoken Triad.
Dudeeee! I am so curious what you were doing over there, who is here waiting to watch a Sabbatical's prequel!
Chungking Mansions !!!! Tommy you’re the best, thank you so much for showing footage from here. Seeing the location where Chungking Express was shot, unbelievable ❤
Mr Sabbabatical, I love your stuff and I know you aren’t a foodie. However, I request you to incorporate more food reviews as you go?
Stayed in Chungking mansion the first time I was in Honk Kong and loved it! There was something different about the place…
Thankfully later I had a bigger salary and could afford better places, but every time I was in Hong Kong I visited this building! Good exchange rates! Changed a lot of RMB to USD there 😂
Thanks Tom very, very interesting.
Brilliant absolutely brilliant, take a bow son you are a champion . This may seem strange but the noise off street crossing alarms on the lights can only be Hong Kong , 5 years ago I left the girl who had my heart there an this brings so many memories back . Thank you from the bottom of my heart , still miss you miss Chung
我哋會加油，多謝你，下次見！
Very cool video! I stayed at Chungking Mansions back in 1990 for a couple nights - quite an eye opener but memorable. I hope to someday see Hong Kong again.
Absolutely amazing series, please stay in HK for a while I miss the place so much 😭. I need as many of these videos as possible!
I was admiring the clean streets of the city and remembering that's how Chicago and some other big city's where until recently. Then you commented on the rules for feeding animals and you like the fact you can walk through clean streets no gum etc. I miss those days here in the states. Really a downturn here in the states. Great job again You have a very unique and enjoyable way of creating a vlog and story telling.
Octopus card very handy from rides on the minibusses to MTR.
This is the reason I'm subscribed to your channel. Amazing content!!
Wow you dived so deep and even lots of ‘shabby’ places. Thanks for sharing
The little woman walking around with you is absolutely beautiful 😊
Fellow NYer, like your video. Very refreshing side of HK compare to other videos and you showed it with respect. One thing tho, @27:40 yes, hk is clean. But also if you've been to Taiwan it is also the same. It is not weird in that sense they care about their community and like to keep it clean. I think if you put the two (hk/taiwan) together and noticed how they are governed that's what distinguished them from the rest of mainland. it's the upbringing/moral/etiquete that makes the people behave differently, well mannered and keeping the place clean and caring, not to mention self awareness compare to the rest of mainland. love to see more videos like this.
🇹🇼 Taiwan is a free country & Hong Kong is not. It's a CCP country. Get it right
I'd love to see you blogging from India someday