Kelly Foss

July 1, 2009

B&M's 's Kelly Foss
celebrating Canada Day!

Blog 2: Living Outside My Comfort Zone

Today I'm sitting in my favourite Starbucks in the core of downtown HK, called Lang Kwai Fong (popular entertainment district). Writing, people watching, and reminiscing about all of my experiences over the past couple of weeks. This includes shopping in the Chinese markets, navigating my way to far away castings via the MTR, tasting true Asian cuisine like raw horse and cooked crocodile, going for daily model dinners, dancing with friends, watching movies with neighbouring models, celebrating Canada day in HK, and exploring the beautiful sights that HK has to offer. Wow! That was a lot in one sentence.

Recently I went to the Peak; the highest point in Hong Kong where you can get a panoramic view of the city. My roommate and friends and I went at the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the city as we got to see it both before and after dark. After taking a 5-minute tram up the hills and going up what seemed like an endless number of escalators we reached the top. Surprisingly it was still super hot, there was a big warm breeze, and that day the clouds were so low that I could almost touch them. The images I captured of the cityscape showcase the creative architecture and most significantly the western nature of the city. Before coming here I definitely pictured a stereotypical underdeveloped foreign country that is nothing like home. But boy was I wrong. Also, who knew that Hong Kong celebrates Canada Day bigger and better than anywhere in Canada?! Yes, no joke. Just imagine an entire downtown district filled with Canadian flags, tourists, free Canadian souvenirs (like Canadian cowboy hats, flag stickers and necklaces), and a whole lot of red and white cheer. Definitely the best night I have had here.

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Kelly at The Peak (daytime)

The Peak (night)

So, on another note, what is this place really like? The early British influence on Hong Kong is still visually prominent here, making it easier to get around and less of a major culture shock. Most of the young residents and model clients speak English. In the central district you will see British businessmen and tourists, 'broken' English signs/labels, and British shops and foods. Speaking of foods, yes there are Canadian and American types of foods available because of this influence, but most foods only come from Asia. For example, MILK! Love the stuff. You know that fresh tasting stuff that comes from a cow and is claimed to help strengthen your bones? Well they have it but it has a terrible taste! The Chinese tend to go for soymilk. Walk into any local grocery store or 7-11, and you will find an endless variety of soy products. From soymilk to soy nuts, bread, meat, salads, snack bars, puddings etc. I'm still not keen on joining the soy bandwagon (sticking to my North American grocery stores I found here) but I am learning to love soymilk.

So you're probably thinking about what it would be like for a Caucasian model like myself roaming along real hard-core Asian streets in Hong Kong, right? I'm not going to lie, as a Caucasian (and blonde for that matter) you "stand out like a sore thumb," pardon my cliché. Don't be surprised when residents stare at you, make meek comments about you, and sometimes ask to take a picture with you. In general, most greet you with a smile and others just go on with their day, but sometimes (I'm not going to lie) a few will give you the cold shoulder. Most significantly watch out for those who ask to be friends with you as some may become aggravated if you say no. My advice is to tell them to leave you alone and take a different route. For the most part they are fairly harmless but just be cautious of how you handle the situation, if ever confronted. I do not suggest you walk home alone at night from the bars/clubs (just down the road), but rather take a taxi home (cheap fare) or walk home with a group of fellow models. Remember, that "gay buddy system" you learned in middle school? Well it's not that gay.

If you do decide to walk home at night (with friends) I suggest you keep your eye out for cockroaches. Yes, I am bringing those critters up again. They always roam the streets after dark and I always find myself hopping over them. You know when you try to avoid stepping on worms that come out after the rain? It's like that, but replace them with awfully ugly roaches. I thank God that they are not in my apartment building! I am living on the top floor (6th) in the model apartment and I seem to be getting used to it. It is beginning to feel like 'a home' at the end of the day. I think it's because my roommate and I have a blast together. In the beginning, the place shocked me, but really it's not that bad. Not having a kitchen was the biggest challenge for me at first because I enjoy cooking my own meals. However, recently I have made good use out of the mini fridge and microwave, and just recently the hot plate (a little single mini stove). My fellow model friends Joey and Scotty (who live on the floor below me) convinced me that you can cook! These boys are hilarious. They regularly cook up what seems to look like fine Asian dishes with their fresh meats, noodles, and authentic spices on this tiny little hot plate. I won't attempt to do what they do just yet, but they have definitely motivated me to make the best out of what's available.

So what has been in store work wise?! July is a really busy month for the modelling industry here so I am quite excited. Lately I have been going on tonnes of castings for runway shows because fashion week is coming up this month. I have already booked a few shows including one for Brook's Brothers, and this week I have several more castings for shows. This week is also filled with castings for TV commercials and I'm pretty excited because I've always wanted to land one. I'll let you know what my schedule is like soon! Wish me luck! J

xo Kelly

Interesting Facts about Hong Kong

The "MTR" is not the "SUBWAY" ß We use the MTR.

It is cool for men to carry 'man purses' - i.e. Louis Vuitton bags

Umbrellas are used during the day to block the sun

Skin Whitening creams are favoured and sold over tanning creams

Sometimes, unfortunately there seems to be no such thing as "Lady's first"

The Pacific Coffee Company is their equivalent to our Tim Horton's

Three most prominent cultures include Chinese, British, and Indian.

Everyone here is into wearing name brand clothing ß usually knock offs!

Kelly Foss is a B&M model, currently with Dreamodels in Hong Kong.