Hong Kong has been one of the success stories when it comes to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Happily, this puts us on the right path for our lives to begin to return to normal. Exciting news, right? Yes – but will you allow us to be greedy, just for a minute? There are still things we’re desperately missing from our pre-coronavirus lives. Here’s just a handful of the awesome Hong Kong experiences we can’t wait to enjoy, in full, once more.
#1 Loving live music
Music is food for the soul, right? In that case, it’s safe to say we’re hungry! From hearing our favourite bands at The Wanch and The Fringe Club, to the big-name international touring acts that come to these shores, there’s plenty to look forward to when live music kicks back into gear. Not to mention a night out in a club …
If rock, pop or beats aren’t your thing, then maybe you’re pining for performances by local choir groups such as the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir or the Hong Kong Women’s Choir; or classical music performances at venues like City Hall. Don’t worry: we are too!
Then there are the outdoor festivals: who can’t wait for The Big Picnic to take over Discovery Bay again? Or Clockenflap at the Central Harbourfront?
#2 Getting sporty
We like to think we’re an energetic bunch at EL. That’s why we’re missing team sports so much: basketball, cricket, football – and, of course, that expat favourite, rugby. We can’t wait for kids’ rugby to resume at King’s Park, for one thing. Then, of course, there’s the Hong Kong Sevens. Our beloved regular March/April event (read: party) has thankfully been postponed rather than cancelled for the year. October can’t come quickly enough …
Finally, we’re sure we’re not the only ones craving Hong Kong’s ideal combination of sporty and social: Wednesday nights at Happy Valley!
#3 Exploring art and theatre
Libraries are slowly opening again, as are museums, which is great news – we’ve already had a stroll around one or two to shake off the lockdown cobwebs. But we’re sorry to have missed some of the big art shows of year, including Art Central (on again in March 2021) and the Affordable Art Fair (the eighth edition has been postponed to December this year).
As for theatre, it’s been hard enough to skip seeing the kids perform in the school show, let alone catching local productions by the likes of the Hong Kong Players and Hong Kong Ballet. Then there’s the amazing line-up of shows at KidsFest, which sadly had to be cancelled in February this year, and going along for a night of laughs at The Punchline Comedy Club.
#4 Embracing the outdoors
We’ve all been indoors much more than usual in recent months, so it goes without saying that one of the big things we’ve missed is quality time outside. Sadly, the big theme parks – Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park – remain closed for the moment.
In better news, most swimming pools (at least, selected facilities at them) will be opening from 21 May – just in time for the sticky season! And there will be a further roll-out of leisure spots opening up from late May and into June. Sailing race permits haven’t been issued just yet, but we’re also looking forward to the incredible scene of Hong Kong’s harbour being full of sailing boats again.
Of course, the other brilliant option to get out and about in Hong Kong is to go on a hike. So, grab some family members or friends (no more than eight!) and try one of our recommended trails.
#5 Hitting the shops, getting away and more
Sure, the shops are open. But nothing beats a comprehensive shopping fair, where you get to satisfy all those retail therapy needs in one big happy place. We’re sobbing just a little at the news that the June edition of the Prestige Fairs at the Conrad had to be cancelled this year; safe to say it will only make us more keen when they return for the Christmas edition in November and December! Keep an eye on our events calendar for details of shopping fairs and pop-ups as they are confirmed.
Finally, with Hong Kong being such a great hub for travel, we can’t wait for the chance to jump on a plane again (or the ferry to Macau, for that matter!). Whether it’s a beach resort in Vietnam or Thailand, the ski fields of Japan, or a weekend of feasting and shopping in Singapore, it all sounds good to us.
Frankly, though, the travel can wait. For now, we’re getting out and about again in Hong Kong to make the most of the start of our post-coronavirus lives!
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