The men's room is like a Zoo

[p0rt]

The men's restrooms in Hong Kong are insane, some of the noises that guys are able to make are borderline human (I'm referring to noises from the ENT region) This evening i was in IFC and some dude was going for it big time, it was truly discusting to be honest, like he was trying to regurgitate his entire digestive sytem or something....I have never experienced this anywhere else, is there some kind of logic behind this behaviour? maybe i'm missing something? Will i offend the locals if i don't take part?

While i'm at it, is there also a reason for the fact that 90 % of people in Hong Kong don't feel the need to cover their face when they sneeze? I have lost count of the times that i have been sprayed with a strangers snot on the MTR, not something i enjoy to be honest!

Sorry if this post offends anyone, it's really not intentional. I was just interested to know if anyone else has experienced this.

[Krawall]

Hmm yeah.

I gety our point. I feel the same at times but I wonder if it's just me that's overreacting (talking about sneeze / cough)

I truly hate it and it was the main reason for me getting a car. However, at times I tend to think I'm overreacting and try not to be bothered by it too much. Yet I think it's polite to cover your anythings when sneezing / coughing. But in fact, I don't know if you meant that, I'm not finding that more often on chinese than expats so I don't know why it's a problem in HK. Probably just because its overpopulated.

[Sunfire]

The sounds I hear in the bathrooms here sometimes remind me of Silent Hill

[dwoo]

I've had the same experience port, and I would categorize it under "cultural differences."

Covering your nose when sneezing or controlling your mouth, and other orifices, when crapping aren't innate skills; these are cultural norms that need to be taught, which include saying "thank you," "excuse me," "please" and "sorry" or holding elevators and doors for other people.

Of course, if you feel these are cultural norms which should be taught to the locals, who is going to teach them? Foreigners keep to themselves, as do the locals, making Hong Kong a peculiarly polarizing place where two bubbles, each with their own unique communication and thinking skills exist under a larger bubble.

I like the disgusting habits, in fact. It makes me realize I'm a foreigner in a foreign land; many habits in this part of the Orient used to make me mad, and sick, but I've learned to appreciate the beauty of a different, sometimes downright bizarre culture. It's the only way to live, if you wish to integrate into the local culture, that is.

[jayinhongkong]

Being accepting and openminded is part of being a culturally aware individual in the 21st Century. There are dumbasses and great people in every culture. Covering your nose/mouth when you sneeze/cough and not coughing up a lung in public restrooms are definitely Western things.

[FunkoPlan]

You're lucky not to be living in mainland China!
Here,the cultural differencies're huge & in addition you feel like a monkey in the zoo: everyone stares at you,fingerpointing...

[rose_mary]

You're lucky not to be living in mainland China!
Here,the cultural differencies're huge & in addition you feel like a monkey in the zoo: everyone stares at you,fingerpointing...

Hey, I have lived in London for many years now, locals people often stare at me as well, of course I was not doing anything stupid or disgusting such as sneezing without covering my mouth,ha... I feel like I am a monkey in a zoo in UK sometimes as well, so I wouldn't say anybody is lucky in somewhere else, should I refer myself as one of those 'unlucky ones' in a zoo?

There is an old saying ''When in Rome, do as the Romans do'', it's just a culture difference, I am now used to people staring at me or fingerpointing at me, it's my choice to live in UK, so either I live with it, or do something about it.

[wtbhotia]

The men's restrooms in Hong Kong are insane, some of the noises that guys are able to make are borderline human (I'm referring to noises from the ENT region) This evening i was in IFC and some dude was going for it big time, it was truly discusting to be honest, like he was trying to regurgitate his entire digestive sytem or something....I have never experienced this anywhere else, is there some kind of logic behind this behaviour? maybe i'm missing something? Will i offend the locals if i don't take part?

While i'm at it, is there also a reason for the fact that 90 % of people in Hong Kong don't feel the need to cover their face when they sneeze? I have lost count of the times that i have been sprayed with a strangers snot on the MTR, not something i enjoy to be honest!

Sorry if this post offends anyone, it's really not intentional. I was just interested to know if anyone else has experienced this.

the reason why you hear so many strange noises is because most locals will squat on the toilet as they consider public toilets to be dirty so they wont put thier bum on the bowl which usually covers most of the noises.

[Azuremain]

I gave up to understand the locals. It's just a strange species and you are better off, if you don't try to find reason behind what they do.

Looking at the good things also helps. I mean it's just fantastic how keen they are to hold open the door for you. Something I was not used to at all - well as for myself I still don't hold doors open for others .

[dwoo]

the reason why you hear so many strange noises is because most locals will squat on the toilet as they consider public toilets to be dirty so they wont put thier bum on the bowl which usually covers most of the noises.

Hey, sometimes there aren't Western toilets to be found, and crapping habits are hard to break. By the way, could you imagine putting your bum on a squat toilet?