More reasons why I love Hong Kong

 

 Hello peeps,

I need to write more about Hong Kong.  I love it here, there are many reasons why I love it so much.  The most obvious reason, for me, is of course Sham Shui Po.

I had to take my sewing machine in for a service and possible repair, she has not been quite right for a few weeks, and now the bobbin case won't sit in place properly. So yesterday my sewing machine and I caught a taxi to my beloved Sham Shui Po.  I love the taxi's here, they are almost always punctual - I ordered a taxi, and it arrived within minutes.  I always forget that the driver has a button to open and close the rear doors.  It is a great idea in my opinion.

Yesterday I was greeted by a happy "Hello Missy".  I passed my driver the address of where I needed to go, and he said "Yes, Missy.  OK Missy".  It makes me giggle being called Missy.  It happens often in Hong Kong.  It makes me feel like a teenager again, in a good way.

When riding in the taxi, with no children chattering to me, out of the apartment, I had uninterrupted thoughts, so rare it seems nowadays.  I was thinking how much Hong Kong has stolen my heart, made me love her.  She is a beautiful city.  I love all the high rises, a mixture of old and new architecture. Such an urban jungle, so many people, so much diversity.  I always hear so many different accents and languages being spoken. There are people from all over the world here, calling Hong Kong home.  And it hit me - this is my home, and I am so grateful we took a crazy chance, a HUGE leap of faith, and made the move to Hong Kong.

We have been here for almost two years now.  In some ways, it only feels like 1 year, in other ways, I feel like I have been here much longer.  But only last week, I was thinking of returning to Australia.  We had a challenging week on so many levels, I was naturally thinking of my my old home Melbourne and all the special, gorgeous people still there who we miss dearly. I was craving some clean air, some fresh salad (not wilted) and a sherbet cone (or 4).  Then I had this urge, I wanted to take my girls camping - in Australia. I want them to grow up having experienced camping, to see a wombat in the wild at Wilson's Promontory and to go swimming at one of the many, many amazing beaches in Australia.  Then I felt a pang of sadness, I would miss Hong Kong so much if we left.  There is still so much here I want to see.

I feel so torn, questioning where I belong. I still feel in limbo, like Hong Kong won't be our home forever.  I am impatient to know where (and when) we will end up next. I also crave and cringe, both at the same time, to be in Melbourne again.  How do you ever settle in one place after you have become an "ex-pat"?  Is it possible? I must be thinking too much.  Hurry up and fix my sewing machine please, and keep me busy again.

Amongst all my crazy thoughts, I noticed my taxi driver.  I was reminded again why I love this city so much - here was a fully grown man, not afraid to wear purple shorts or bracelets.  I loved the jingle the bracelets made when he moved his arm. No one would bat an eye lid here at his ensemble.  Can I tell you again, I love this city and the people in it.

When, or if,  we move, part of my heart will be broken.  Hong Kong, I love you.

Have a great week.  Cat xox