Getting used to Kowloon

Keat and I talked about living in Kowloon, and it had more cons than pros.

For one, Kowloon is much more touristy and less sophisticated than Hong Kong Island. That area is just one big tourist trap filled with wide-eyed, shop-struck individuals on the look out for the next big bargain. Whenever you walk along the streets, some guy would inaudibly whisper something like: "copy watches" (read: fake Rolex!) or "want a suit?" or the very popular "topless girls." And more often than not, you'd come across Caucasians wearing their rattiest bermuda shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops as they weave in and out the malls and shops.

Whereas over at Hong Kong Island, things are a bit more sophisticated. The people dress smarter or edgier. The crowd is more of Caucasian expats rather than Caucasian retirees/backpackers. The feeling is a bit more high-end over at these parts.

Kowloon, though, offers some fringe benefits. First, the rent is supposedly cheaper. This i'm not certain about since I haven't checked out any of the flats here. Second, there's more life throughout the island. Unlike in Hong Kong where the nightlife is concentrated in Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay, the action in Kowloon pretty much spreads all throughout the area. So even if you come home at 11pm, the area still pulsates with energy.

Then of course, there's Granville. Land of inexpensive but edgy clothes. Granville is to me what Hong Kong Disneyland is to a 5 year old kid. While kids ogle at Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy, I palpitate at the sight of Uno-Uno, Stock Mark, and Sample Nook.

When I moved to Kowloon more than a week ago, I was so reluctant that i'd find the place difficult to live in. After getting used to the 2-minute walk to work, a 20-minute commute was almost too much to even think about. It didn't help that Keat and I endlessly discussed the downside of living here.

But after getting used to the commute, the nightly visits to Granville that yield great finds, the impulsive visits to HMV to listen to Kelly Clarkson belt out "Since you've been gone," (Can't wait to get my own copy of the CD when I go to Manila), or the long chats with Ron at Pacific Coffee Company, I think i'm finally getting used to living in Kowloon.

Maybe I should just stay here...