The Doorman Always Rings Twice

When I moved to Hong Kong, the company I work for advised all its new employees to live only in apartment buildings with 24-hour security and doormen. That was one thing I'd never even considered when thinking about a place to live here in the city! I don't think I'd ever known anyone who'd lived in a building like that in America.

But here, having building security isn't as upscale as it might seem at home. I definitely do not live in a fancy apartment, or even in a fancy neighborhood. There are certainly buildings to be had that don't have security or a locked entry door, but there are plenty that do as well.

I must say, it is very nice to come home at night to a well-lit and secure apartment building entrance, though I've never felt a bit frightened or unsafe here in Hong Kong. And, it's also nice to know that not just anyone can enter my building and wander around the 24 floors. But, what I thought would be the main advantage of having a doorman -- someone to look after packages and other deliveries -- is not one at all. The post office still keeps large packages and expects them to be picked up.

There are other benefits, though. Two of our regular doorman are very friendly and always give my roommate and myself little presents. We've been given cake, soy milk, juice, chocolate, and last night the doorman came all the way up to our flat on the 6th floor to give us some rolls and a bit of rice.

But, it's also a bit strange to know that someone will always be there watching, whenever you come home or ride in the elevator. I've felt a bit sheepish coming home in the wee hours of the morning after a night on the town. Additionally, the doormen will always know if my roommate and I have friends over to our flat, or when we get new furniture or anything. Their window into so many people's lives must be rather interesting, if not even just a little bit creepy.