2.5 weeks to go, help!! How did you cope when you first moved?

[peach_ blossom]

Hi all

I'm starting to freak out about my move to HK and I need some advice on how to stop freaking out!!!!! I'm so nervous. I know it's only for a short period initially but I want to make the most of my time in HK rather than spend most of the time being homesick. How did you first cope when you moved to HK?

[virago]

If you are freaking out then you should stay where you are. HK is the easiest of all the asian cites (besides Singapore) to get used to for most western expats.

[peach_ blossom]

hmmm... when you moved, you weren't nervous at all?

[Teabaglady]

Hk is a vibrant place with lots going on - forget the nerves, embrace the opportunity. Get yourself down to the tourist information office when you get here, take a couple of tours to get out and about. Look on geoexpat for groups to meet up with and find the latest publications about whats going on in the city (check your local coffee shop). If youre coming for work, colleagues there should be able to help you too.
Virago is right - HK is a very easy place to be.
Good luck!

[MovingIn07]

What is there to be nervous about? I can understand excitement or perhaps sadness at leaving behind friends but nerves? It's quite safe here you know. Re your friends and family - there is email/skype/facebook - they will still be there for you; the world is not very large anymore, you can fly home in a few hours in an emergency. Hardly any point in worrying about that. What are you actually freaking out about anyway?

[bookblogger]

I'm starting to freak out about my move to HK and I need some advice on how to stop freaking out!!!!!

I don't really know what freaking out is. So I'm afraid I can't advise you on how to stop it.

[shri]

Bookblogger: Watch this video. Ignore the bit at 1:10

[ArKay]

I'm pretty sure the OP doesn't quite mean that when she says she's freaking out Shri...!

Peach_Blossom - you'll be fine. As others have said, HK really is easy Asia. And it's very easy to meet people and build up a social network if you put a bit of effort in. You'll be fine. (And if you're not and you don't like it, then you just go home again. Nothing lost.)

[bookblogger]

<freaking out smiley>

[carang]

what exactly are you nervous about? you are coming to a job, a work visa already sorted, right?

when i came, the internet was just getting going. i had no job, no work visa, and only about $5000HKD to my name.

i didn't FREAK OUT! i was excited. it was an adventure. i was coming here BECAUSE it was something different. i didn't want to be one of those people who never left their hometown and were happy watching Nat Geo for a taste of life outside their comfort bubble. i wanted to actually experience it.

so, i guess it depends on what kind of person you are? are you one to happliy watch life pass by while you sit at "home"? or are you the kind of person that wants to get out there and actually live it?