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
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