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expats - the better people?

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  1. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by Natfixit:
    I reckon the author hasn't really 'lived', as such. In Dubai, for me as an expat was the worst in terms of feeling isolated and surrounded by pretentious expats wrapped in their own little bubble. It got worse even when I became friends with muslim women and other Arabs. Infact, these friends and friendly acquaintances were the people you could rely upon when help was needed, such as a flat tire. I found that the western expats couldn't give a .....when it came to helping other expats unless you were part of their little bubble.
    That's the worse thing about being an expat...dealing with other expats.

    Is it just me or do you find certain locales overpopulated with the pretentious asshole expat variety? Like I said, locals in HK are damn cold and rude, but the rudest people in HK i've met are certain other expats .
    Last edited by Watercooler; 18-07-2013 at 06:36 PM.
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  2. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by papaya:
    interesting. but in my opinion not 100% correct. what do you think? can you find yourself inhere?

    http://www.theage.com.au/travel/blog...711-2psde.html
    Read it a few times over, and it sounds like the author is speaking from a backpacker's view, not an expat. As an expat, how can you make friends that fast, unless you arrive at said destination, hunt down the nearest tourist pub, bar, restaurant or joint and strike up a conversation over a few pints? I've met a few of the expat community in Seoul, and they're not THAT friendly.

  3. #23

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    Quote Originally Posted by Watercooler:
    That's the worse thing about being an expat...dealing with other expats.

    Is it just me or do you find certain locales overpopulated with the pretentious asshole expat variety? Like I said, locals in HK are damn cold and rude, but the rudest people in HK i've met are certain other expats .
    I've found them in every country or city I've lived in. The worst was Dubai. Honestly.However, I do miss the textile souks and traders plus the labourers canteens where you can buy some of the best food ( great for a Vegetarian as I am plus cater for my carnivore husband) with the warmest service you will never find in one of those expat buffet resto haunts, for cheap prices. And no, I've never been sick. Touch wood. Plus inexpensive ladies only Muay Thai classes and my few unpretentious friends.

    Rarely have I found the locals here rude. Pushy. Yes but it comes as part of the culture, but every race and nationality comes with its own indiosyncrasies. That's what makes expat life so interesting.
    Last edited by Natfixit; 18-07-2013 at 06:43 PM.
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  4. #24

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    The clue is next to the author's name:

    "The Backpacker
    BEN GROUNDWATER IS FAIRFAX'S GLOBETROTTER ON A SHOE-STRING."


  5. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by jgl:
    The clue is next to the author's name:

    "The Backpacker
    BEN GROUNDWATER IS FAIRFAX'S GLOBETROTTER ON A SHOE-STRING."
    Then maybe his next piece should be from his actual experience as an EXPAT, and the hell find out that backpackers are treated differently than expats. The backpacker, of course, he/ she will not be around for long and so gets the obligatory welcome seeing as they will only be here a short time and not long enough to tread to far into any other expat's space. As an expat, suddenly, it's becomes like, " oh shoot, I gotta live in the same city as this one........"

  6. #26

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    I've read alot of Ben's articles and he is a little controversial at times and generally I don't agree with it but he seems closer to the mark this time.

    You will find that hk is not an exotic place and very easy to live as an expat.

    Once you get out and live in a more isolated location you do tend to hold onto some of your roots more and socialise with like minded expats from around the world.

    Though we can generalise more about what expats and do.

    When living in China and people being tourist or expat ask for help or questions I would be alot more hospitable than home. More to do with pride and my knowledge about the world than friendliness.

    Sent from somewhere....

    Last edited by virago; 18-07-2013 at 07:07 PM.

  7. #27

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    Quote Originally Posted by AJ9:

    Just because HK is a very popular expat destination doesn't mean the people here are any worse in my opinion. There's still tons of welcoming, interesting people here from all walks of life.
    right, that's why I love being part of the expat community. BUT it is not like we all fall in each other's arms immediately and do nothing but enjoy our "adventure in HK"!
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  8. #28

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    Overall, in HK, I have found it the easiest to meet people and make friends ( even if they have to dash off to another country the next year, lol, that's expat life. ) most other countries do not have forums such as this one, and I have been on quite a few in other countries. A couple were for yummy slummy mummies who bitched about other yummy slummy mummy's child raising skills and the like, or just plain mediums for extramarital pickups. Being an expat is not meant to be easy, you're not backpacking and having a taste ( if the taste is not to your liking, then move on quickly) and moving on. You're here for the short or long haul, and personally, ( Mr Natfixit is with me on this) would not trade it for my home country .

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  9. #29

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    One thing you must not forget in this discussion is that expats, especially here in HK, are not representstives of their countries. It's certain types of people with certain reasons who are willing to leave their family, relatives and friends back home. Their average countrymen wouldn't do that.

    Sent from my GT-I9100 using GeoClicks mobile app

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  10. #30

    I think the author is suffering from a significant sampling bias. Of course, when you're in a place for a short time, everyone you meet is very outgoing and friendly and adventurous. Because all the reserved, lonely, insulated, unhappy or cliquey expats aren't the ones out there meeting visitors.

    In an expat-heavy place like HK, there's a lot of room for many different kinds of expats and I wouldn't say they're all adventurous risk takers. It probably is valid to say that being an expat isn't for everyone but people come for very different reasons (often financial) and many don't have a choice so it would be foolish to think you need to be outgoing and adventurous to end up living overseas.

    I think the author does have a point that it's easier to find people who are keen to make new friends when living as an expat and it probably is fair to say people care less about your previous life. But there's plenty of room for people to be judgemental about the life you're living in HK.