It is 15 years since Hong Kong wes handed back to China and we have a day off tomorrow and processions etc today.

Has it been a good thing or a bad thing Ren, or sort of neither, just business as usual.

I've no idea what the long-term consequences will be, but have a great day on July 1st!

To me a much improved thing with business as usual for me!
There heve been moans, but I really think life is good here. We have no dole, we get a little Government hand out at 65 and a little more at 70, but no dole, no health insurance, but a wonderful Government Health Service. I think our hospitals are second to none. I have been more than happy for 35 years here, and the 15 years since the handover have been best I think.

Hope you enjoy the day off and enjoy the processions.
If there is no dole I wonder what is the unemployment rate?
I often wonder how quickly those on it here would get a job if it were taken away!

I would imagine quite quickly. After all, there are only two choices: get a job and live like a responsible human being, or resort to crime. Even if the result is only 50/50 either way, it's still better than paying people for doing nothing.

Most people work at something, even if to tide themselves over. The unemployment situation is not nearly as bad as elsewhere Yes people have a good work ethic. I think the expats here are better accepted as they are no longer seen as rich British layabouts on huge wages living on the Peak. (I never was, but one felt the resentment before 1997).Edited to add : Unemployment is now 3-4%