Mongkok Me

I had my first good nights sleep in the hotel last night, waking up so relaxed I didn't want to leave the bed. But time had run out, and today I would have to find a new place to unload. I have been looking at hostelworld.com for a few days trying to decide where would be the most convenient for me, its a tough job as most the cheapies are really awful, usually located in the Chungking mansions a 16 storey building that looks as though it will collapse at any given time; it houses countless guesthouses, brothels, and drug dens. I had stayed here a few times before on previous trips, , most places have bare minimals of a damp thin mattress an fan and a hose, people only go here because there is not much choice for budget digs in Hongkong. But my standards seem to have gone up, now that I'm become a professional 'm.o.d' (model off duty) I need a place I can feel comfortable to hang out in.

I Finlay decided on 2 possibilities, both located around Mongkok station. A lively area and one of the most densely populated districts in the world apparently. So I packed up my bag, checked out of the hotel and took the 15 min train ride. I found the place pretty easily but the heat was so suffocating and humid so I walked as fast as possible passing the entrances of clothes shops to get a blast of their air con. At the first place, I met the girl and older guy that run the place, I was offered a seat at the kitchen table and given a tea cup of warm water.The place looked so cosy and also really clean unlike a typical hk hostel. 2 girls were moving out when I arrived, so I waited as they made up my room. I didn't really need to see any other place as I felt it was quite charming here, the room is small but with a small double bed and a sturdy desk it was all I needed.
Also a bonus is that there is only 1 other room here, and it empty, so for now i have the place to myself, there is a nice living room with TV, DVD, PC etc. and a cute bathroom and shower. The large kitchen area seems to be where the owners hang out. All day they have been out there with a handful of old dears around the table playing Mahjong, seriously all day! but I don't mind at all that I can hear their yelling and laughing, I feel more at home here than in a typical hotel room.

Well its the first night, so will see how it goes. The only annoying thing so far is that I cant seem to connect to the Internet in my room, which means using the living room pc, tad annoying.
Well other than moving in and catching up on more sleep, I did venture out in the evening for a bit of window shopping and some food.
I had a look around Langham Place; a huge building full of department stores, food courts and the newish H&M store. I had been here before a few years ago and bought some nice clothes, still there seems to be a good selection of interesting men's clothes that are not so pricey at all, just I was wondering with all the choice of fashion available to local guys, why do you rarely see any ultra on trend chaps strutting it on the streets? completely unlike Tokyo. So who buys them? unless they are bought for dressing up at home? anyone know?
Well I have seen some pieces that I want, and it is tempting to part with my cash, but I do have to be more careful and if I did actually wear them would I get stared at?

after an hour of flirting with the clothes rail, I went to a cute little cafe down a backstreet called 'Paris Zone 8' this place was totally me and was quite happy to find somewhere that i could see myself trying every drink on the menu or as they call it 'Tea Art' They also have a variety of board and card games to entertain yourself with. I will have to get some pics from inside but was

quite sweet with comfy chairs and bench's, low flickering lighting and wabi sabi' esk walls. I want to find more places like this as i don't think i can spend a month in Starbucks.

Well that's it for another day, hopefully now I'm settled i can get to work on some drawings.
seya xxx.