INSIDER’S HONG KONG
Guest post by Hong-Konger, coffee addict and food and drink journalist Charmaine Mok
I’m originally from Calgary, Canada, but since I haven’t been back there for 17 years, I consider myself a half Hong Konger, half Londoner - my family is from the former, and it’s where I now live (again) after spending the last seven years in London.
Eat with the locals at shops and dai pai dongs whose ownership spans decades – tofu-phobes might just change their minds after a bowl of the silkiest tofu-fa dessert at Kung Wo Soybean Factory, a rustic local joint famed for its beany products.
Tak Hing Lung, hidden behind the market stalls in North Point’s Marble Road, is its equal on the island side.
Or have a scrambled egg sandwich and macaroni-in-soup breakfast at the chaotic Australian Dairy Company (note: it has nothing to do with the Aussies), where the scarily-efficient waiters can clear the tables and take your order at the same time.
The streets are lined with so much to see – take the rusting facades of the old Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market, which still runs in the wee hours of the morning. It’s in close proximity to a former Art Deco-style soft-porn cinema, which has recently relaunched as a venue for classic Chinese opera - still hitting those high notes, then. 
Hong Kong isn’t just about Blade Runner-esque skyscrapers; one of my favourite getaway spots is further up north in the mountains, Tai Mo Shan to be exact, though I’m there more for the old-school dim sum at Choi Lung than the hiking trails (which are excellent, I hear). It isn’t always easy living here – high rents, pollution, a shambles of a government to name a few vices – but every time someone comes to visit me and I get to play tour guide, I’m again reminded about how much this petit island has up its silk sleeve. Hopefully my recommendations will show you the lesser-seen side of Hong Kong.
HAVE A CLASSIC BRITISH DAY IN LONDON
Interested in what to check out in London? Then meet Olivia, a londoner who loves
off-the-beaten-track, as well as classic cultural experience. With an abundance of hip places to eat and drink, it’s easy to overlook the classic art galleries and cultural experiences. Take a day and mix in some of the London classics with the unique. After all, they’re classics for a good reason.
Breakfast at Bloomsbury Coffee House: Seriously, do it. Its design-conscious interior, organic food, and life-changing coffee will not disappoint. Save it to your Everplaces collection
Contemplate modern art at the Tate Modern: By far my favorite collection of modern art, The Tate Modern is a hip place to spend the morning. Save place
Camden Lock Market: See a different side of the city in Camden-town. It’s the ultimate vintage shopping experience, and has excellent street food, an alternative crowd, and many treasures to be found. Save it to your Everplaces collection
Afternoon Tea at the Orangery: Located in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this is the perfect place to have a cup of tea. It’s the ultimate cherry on top of a day in London. Save place
Evensong at Westminster Abbey: Avoid paying the steep charge to get into the Abbey and attend Evensong, a form of evening prayer featuring a talented choir. Save place
Be classy at the London Symphony Orchestra: Located at The Barbican, Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue, everything you need for the evening is inside. Grab dinner at the Barbican Foodhall, a cafeteria-style restaurant which offers cheap meals in a beautifully designed-space. One of the best orchestra’s in the world awaits you right downstairs. Save it to your Everplaces collection
You can browse through Olivia’s entire collection of great insider tips for London here