Heads up everyone near HK! We need to start planning our NaNo write-ins! This year, I'm hoping a lot of you can make it, since there's so many in the HK region this year.
ANYWAYS! One of our write-ins should definitly be somewhere between Nov 17-22, since Jennifer, a lone NaNo'er in northern China, will be down in HK. All other dates are open!
What I need to know from you all is:
1) What dates are good for you?
2) What times are good for you?
3) Can you recommend a cafe, large enough to comfortably seat roughly 10 people, for several hours on end? (Please keep in mind this place should be centrally located enough so more people will be able to attend. I know having it near your place would be great, but only recommend if it's within easy reach for everyone).
Before recommending a place, you might want to scout it out.
-does it have enouh power outlets? (I can buy some extention cords if we need them, but many of us have laptops and need ENERGY!!!!)
-is the cost resonable for coffe/soda/juice/food?
-is the coffee and food good? :P
-is it comfortable?
-is it near reliable public transportation?
-and please.... ASK IF IT'S OKAY! This RARELY happens, but some cafes are adverse to large crowds who sit for hours on end WRITING (god-forbid in a cafe, but it's happened). Just tell the manager who we are and what we do, (saying it's an international orginization works great!) what day and times we would be coming, and make sure it's okay. This is important for the manager to know, because he/she might need to scheduale extra staff that day.
I would recommend a write-in in Zhongshan, lol, but there is seriously nothing up here. And I think Guangzhou is too far away...
~Shanny
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35,725 / 50,000
Oct 23, 2007 - 09 45
Free Time
I'm free Saturday afternoons, and Sundays.
Locations
Starbucks will let you sit there for hours on end (you just need to buy the occasional coffee), but I don't know about power outlets (I'll scout it out at some point). But this isn't what you'd call cheap.
Pacific Coffee is the same situation as Starbucks, but getting online is a pain -- you need a paid membership there.
There's the Central Library, but that's always full of people at the weekend. Finding even One spot is hard! Point is: it's free. And there are plenty of power outlets (you just need to get a seat / space there). There's food / drink on the ground floor; not cheap, but not out of pocket, either. And you can stay all day if you like.
There might be a couple of restaurants / places down by the harbour / pier, on the Hong Kong side, but I'll have to check those out if the Hong Kong side is where the majority of us will enter HK for the write-in.
I think location would mainly depend on where everyone is mainly coming in from. Generally, there are two harbours for ferries -- Central and Tsimshatsui. The Kowloon side of Hong Kong (Tsimshatsui arrival) is generally cheaper than the Hong Kong side (Central arrival).
55,227 / 50,000
Oct 25, 2007 - 22 42
I won't be able to meet the 17th or 22nd since those are the days I'm arriving and leaving. It would have to be between the 18- 21. I'd really like to join a write-in. This is the first chance I have had to be able to do so. I just happen to be going to HK in November to meet a friend who is travelling there. By the way can anyone tell me what the weather is like in HK in November?
35,725 / 50,000
Oct 26, 2007 - 02 36
Weather
Dry (50% - 80% humidity), sunny, pleasantly cool (22 C - 29 C).
Rarely rains.
Dates
I can do 18 Nov, Sunday, all day.
54,200 / 50,000
Oct 26, 2007 - 05 34
Hm. I might stop by and say hello, but if you're looking for a good place, the Starbucks in New Town Plaza (shatin) is very accessible (you just take the KCR to Sha Tin, and it's about a 2 minute walk from there) and I'm pretty sure they have a power socket.
I remember seeing quite a few people there with laptops.
And Starbucks has pretty good food.
----------54,870 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 01 57
Fri 9&Sat 10 & Sun 11
Fri 16&Sat 17& Sun 18
MAYBE Fri 30?
These are the days that might be schedualed as Hong Kong write-ins. So check your calanders! I'm definitly thinking Fri 9 and Sat 10 (next weekend). I'm also going to try for Fri 16-Sun 18. I'd like to have a closing party on the 30th... what do you all think?
So, these are the dates (figured weekends would be better!). Whatever dates we choose, I'll probably end up being there all day, so feel free to join in at any time. I will be bringing my laptop, and my massive dictionary, Beowulf, and a few extention cords should we need the extra outlets. :P
Please let me know what you all think, and I still need a location for the write-in next weekend (if no one gives other sugegstions, then I'll probably go with Chris' recommendation).
~Shanny
21,589 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 04 30
This is my first time doing NaNoWriMo, and I'd love to go to a write-in.
Weekends are good for me. I know that I'll be in China for the 16-18, so that wouldn't work for me. One request - would it be possible to have a location perhaps somewhere in Kowloon? I live in the New Territories, so it would take a while for me to get down to anyplace on Hong Kong Island. Unfortuantely, I'm pretty new to Hong Kong, so I don't really know of any places to meet. (The only place I can think of is the PCC in Festival Walk, but that gets really crowded on weekends.)
I just looked at Chris's suggestion of the Starbucks in Sha Tin, and that would be excellent. I was actually there today.
8,129 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 05 48
if ur planning on going to starbucks, u better not go on weekends.
its ultra crowded there on the weekends, n ull get glared at if u sit there too long.
n do they have power sockets there?
35,725 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 07 13
Double post. Sorry.
35,725 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 07 11
Dates:
I'm fine with all the ones Shanny posted, except Fridays & Saturday mornings.
I'm busy this first weekend, though.
Starbucks:
Don't let the stares bother you. At various branches they do that, especially if they're the uber-busy branches. However, there are other branches that really couldn't care less and will let you sit there for hours. The 'trick' is to buy a coffee every so often, and maybe some food. As long as you do that, they're not going to kick you out -- it's bad for business.
As for the New Town Plaza one, I don't see a problem with it. I know approximately where it is.
Pacific Coffee in Festival Walk:
That branch gets over-crowded at weekends. You have to be there almost before it opens to snag a good spot. And the staff won't bother you, regardless of how long you sit, especially if you sit outside. However, no power sockets, and you need a paid account to use their wi-fi.
Other Eateries:
We could always try one of the local cafes / restaurants -- one of the quieter ones. The food won't be great, and there probably aren't any power sockets, but... we could sit there for quite a while. Depends on where we gather.
Alternative Spots: New Territories
Anyone willing to go all the way to Sheung Shui? There's a DeliFrance up there that's pretty good for sitting all day. No sockets, but crowded doesn't really happen.
ShaTin, as Chris mentioned, is certainly viable.
Alternative Spots: Kowloon -- Cheungshawan
The MacD's there gets pretty busy, but sitting there won't bother anyone. Just avoid the lunch time rush.
Also, there's a local restaurant there that doesn't get too busy, either, particularly if there's no soccer/football game / races. Can check that out, if you'd like. Food's not bad, but no sockets.
There's also a Fairwood restaurant; again that doesn't get too busy (as far as I know), so it's another option. Sockets are lacking.
Alternative Spots: Kowloon -- Prince Edward to Tsimshatsui
These places are the main shopping districts for Kowloon, so they will Always be busy. You either go in and get a seat early, or not bother. Sockets are rare. But the locations are convenient for most of us to get to.
Alternative Spots: Kowloon -- Kowloon Tong to Kowloon Bay
Some of the areas along the MTR stops are quiet. But I don't know much about those areas. However, the Kowloon Bay one, over at HITEC (free shuttle bus from the MTR station) is very quiet at weekends, when there isn't a big event. Don't know about power sockets, but there's a Starbucks there that doesn't get busy, or a hotdog place (not sure if that's open, will have to check).
Alternative Spots: Kowloon -- Kwun Tong to Tseung Kwan O
These spots get busy. Very busy, since the stops along the MTR in this area are the main shopping districts for East Kowloon. There are places to sit, etc., but don't bet on being able to grab a seat without getting there early in the morning. Sockets are lacking.
Alternative Spots: Hong Kong Island
Very very very busy.
However, we could try Quarry Bay -- there's a Pacific Coffee there that shouldn't be too busy at weekends, since it's in the centre of an office district. We might also consider a few of the smaller restaurants, but I'm skeptical there.
Everywhere else is either busy, or too far, or doesn't offer any spots we could feasibly use.
And.... I'm out of location suggestions, now. :P
Pick a spot, please! Then we can figure out the details. (^_^)
55,227 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2007 - 16 49
I can be there on the 18th
35,725 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2007 - 08 14
Btw: I asked the local Starbucks where I work.
They're open Sats & Suns, all day. And they'll happily push the tables together for us if we gather there; and they particularly don't mind Sundays, since it's very quiet. (^_^)
Oh, and the lady there was rather impressed -- told her a little about NaNo. Hehehe.
12,437 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2007 - 08 26
Hello nanos! I prefer that to wrimos. I know a great place called Pancake Colors it's in Beverly House I think in Causeway bay next to (across the little street from) Sogo. I am also happy to have a party on my roof overlooking Victoria park swimming pool. I have about 4800 words so far on day one, so psyched! doing a steampunk novel. anyway, email me at ocojosh@yahoo.com because its faster than nano site. or you can email me here but it will be a few days. Joshoc
----------OK, setting decided upon. I picked the happier one.
12,437 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 00 01
sorry for double post
----------OK, setting decided upon. I picked the happier one.
54,200 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2007 - 07 22
http://www.world66.com/asia/northeastasia/china/hongkong/internetcafes
Some HK internet cafes, some of them look pretty good, although I have no idea how crowded they might be.
----------54,200 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2007 - 07 28
Okay, sorry for double post, but this place looks pretty good:
Pacific Place
New Town Plaza Shop 609, Level 6, New Town Plaza, Phase I, Shatin
(Phone: 2698 0320 Fax:2698 0330)
MON - THU
9am - 10pm
FRI - SAT
9am - 11pm
SUN
10am - 10pm
They have 3 computers there, and they have wireless + bluetooth.
More here: http://www.pacificcoffee.com/eng/store/st_sto_ful.html
If anyone's interested, I could give them a ring and ask if they have power sockets.
----------54,200 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2007 - 07 29
Okay, sorry for double post, but this place looks pretty good:
Pacific Place
New Town Plaza Shop 609, Level 6, New Town Plaza, Phase I, Shatin
(Phone: 2698 0320 Fax:2698 0330)
MON - THU
9am - 10pm
FRI - SAT
9am - 11pm
SUN
10am - 10pm
They have 3 computers there, and they have wireless + bluetooth.
More here: http://www.pacificcoffee.com/eng/store/st_sto_ful.html
If anyone's interested, I could give them a ring and ask if they have power sockets.
----------51,964 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2007 - 23 48
Not to seem ignorant, but I just found out about NaNo an hour ago and signed up. 2,000 words / day for 25 days here I come!
Anyway, my main question is "what is a write-in"? which is probably answered somewhere on the site, but I thought I would also take the opportunity to inttoduce myself since I'm a NaNo-er in the HK locality. I'd love to join up for whatever, so just let me know what I need to do. My schedule is weird so if I can make it, I will make it. If not, that's okay too.
Thanks!
- Mark
54,200 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2007 - 03 15
Will participants meet each other?
This year's participants all over the world will get together to drink coffee, steal plots, and partake in the highly therapeutic variety of whining known only to amateur novelists. At this point, most cities and college towns in the English-speaking world boast a NaNoWriMo chapter, and there are new chapters popping up throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa as well. So odds are good there's a party or NaNo write-in near you. Check the Regional Lounge in the Forums for your area and see what's going down in your town.
----------21,589 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2007 - 08 53
That PCC in Sha Tin is pretty small. Also, it's out in the open, it's not really a shop, so I don't know how conducive it would be to writing. But there's also a Starbucks and a few other coffee shops in that mall.
54,870 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 02 53
Hello!!! I think I have this weekends Hong Kong write-ins planned! Please let me know what you think or if you with to recommend a differant place!
Friday, Nov 9: the large Starbucks at Harbour City in Tsimshatsui about 2 or so blocks from the Ferry Station. I'll be there hopefully at noon till whenever.
Saturday, Nov 10: Starbucks at HITEC
Starbucks
Ground Floor, HITEC
1 Trademart Drive
Kowloon Bay
Hong Kong
Basically: take the MTR to Kowloon Bay, then take the Free shuttle bus.
Walk in through the main doors, and it's right there.
I'll be there hopefully around 10-11 until whenever.
Sunday, Nov 11: We're going to TRY the PCC at Shatin. Chriswang (right?) posted directions earlier. I will repost those soon. I'm hoping to be there from noonish (let everyone sleep in) till whenever.
Please let me know what you all think. Let me know if you're coming, which days and times, and if you want, you can email me your phone numbers at welkin.info@gmail.com.
If you need to get in touch with me, you may call me at +86 13928179056 (You HAVE to dial 86 because I have a mainland CHina phone!!!).
~Shannon
35,725 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 05 54
Me:
(^_^)
9 Nov, Friday, is out for me, unless it's after work.
10 Nov, Saturday, I can do, after 1pm.
11 Nov, Sunday, still up in the air; wil have to confirm later this week.
21,589 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 06 37
As of right now I can make Sunday.
How are we going to find each other? Just look for a bunch of tired-looking people with laptops?
35,725 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 07 15
Generally, look for a HUGE desktop dictionary sitting on the table. With laptops.
(Btw, we'll be the group drawing strange stares. (^_^) )
51,964 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 07 21
Dang .. I can't make it. I'll be in Guangzhou this weekend.
Have fun!
- Mark
54,870 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 20 41
Look for a red-headed white girl typing on a laptop with a massive dictionary next to her.
And yes, I'm sure I'll be getting stares. LOL!
Or you can just call me. I posted my phone number earlier.
Might make a small NaNoWriMo sign so you guys can find me as well.
~Shanny
12,437 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2007 - 20 49
Not that I don't love Starbucks, but is it possible for us to look beyond Starbucks and Pacific Coffee? Causeway Bay for one is crowded by small medium and huge coffee shops owned by small businessmen and young people, I'd much rather give my money to the people who own Wings or Pancake Colors than make Starbucks richer.
A small business can probably also cut a deal with us on table space, or maybe even food and drink specials. They're also just cooler, filled with cooler people, and most have better food than Starbucks' frozen stuff. Anyway a thought. I won't be able to go to the next write-in because it's my annivesary, but maybe for teh next one we can consider a non-multinational chain.
Ta! (7400 words)
----------OK, setting decided upon. I picked the happier one.
21,589 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 02 10
Okay, I'll be there on Sunday. Is there a start time? I do know that I have to be in Wan Chai for dinner. I'm tallish with blonde hair. Chances are I'll be wearing orange Converse.
8,129 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 05 19
do we have to have laptops?
i just changed mine for a real comp, and therefore dont have one
and i kind of need help.
i havent written much due to the need to study for a maths exam, so i only have the basic storyline
(hehe, i just started today :] )
so can anyone help me develop the story?
thanks
8,129 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 05 21
oh, by the way, how do you get to pcc?
ive never seen it in shatin before
21,589 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 07 30
Take the KCR East to Sha Tin. When you get off and go through the exit turnstiles, you'll be in New Town Plaza. It's up either two or three floors on the left. It's kind of a glorified kiosk - it's a stand-alone place in the middle of that wing of the mall.
Note: if you don't take the KCR, you'll have to go up at least four floors, since the KCR station is (I think) on the third floor.