Living abroad is ... exciting - bewildering - fascinating - confusing - eye-opening - infuriating - self-confidence-building - self-confidence-destroying ...

Thanks for visiting Tales from a Small Planet, www.talesmag.com, where personal essays, Real Post Reports and Real School Reports tell you "what it's really like to live there."

We're non-profit, and our mission is to share uncensored and honest information about both the delights (new cultures, fascinating people, unique opportunities, exotic foods) and the challenges (loneliness, loss of identity, struggles to accommodate special needs) of living abroad.

Post Report of the Day

Hong Kong, China
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by with nothing but English, but knowing some Cantonese phrases will go a long way with the locals. Mandarin is fine and increasingly spoken here.
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hidden gems....any country park. Find your own private beach on an outlying island. Peng Chau is great and not crowded with tourists, Shek-O has a cool vibe, Stanley can be fun if there aren't tons...

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