I steam my own food whenver I can. Instead of eating at local places I prefer the chains like Fairwood and CafeDeCoral as I value cleanliness and I trust their supply chain more than I do the local place. I mean is the fried pork chop oversalted because its dated? Who knows. At least with the chains there is some form of quality control in place or they face real scrutiny IMO. Eating out I prefer DinTaiFung and Crystal Jade as well as good clean mall restaurants like Nham Trang. But I must say the Vietnamese food in the Bay Area blows Nham Trang out of the water. Mickey D's, Pizza Hut and BLT Burger all are all acceptable. I focus on cleanliness, quality control and supply chain among other factors.
I generally agree. I'd argue though that those things are ideals in life, and without international perspective your understanding of their value is limited. International experience, and dating, can bring you fresh perspectives. It's not always about being "comfortable" with the best.
Is the OP considering life with foreign in-laws?
But really, now is not a good time for HK, so that has a certain risk.
Other factor is dress code. I dont know what IT folks wear but if you are in a biz where you wear suits your gonna stand out in your wide American cut suit versus the Euro metrosexual style and cut of dress here. Its just weired when this place feels like the Amazon Jungle during the Summer and you see someone in a body tight suit. This goes for the expats from non North American coutries as well. Its also too feminine looking IMO. Just insane.
Just do it, nothing over here is a big enough deal to be unliveable. Plus, you’ll integrate much faster because you speak canto anyway.
I did it 8 years ago as a single early 30s. Now I’m married with a kid.