Observation #17: When I first arrived in Hong Kong and I saw the unbelievably massive skyline, actually two unbelievably massive skylines (Kowloon side and Hong Kong Island side), I was excited about what would unfold in the days ahead but I was also scared to death at the prospect of having to learn my way around this huge city and start a new life here. I've lived in really big cities before; ie, Chicago, but Hong Kong is different.
The most obvious differences are the language, the culture and the lack of personal space that people are given when out and about. During my apartment hunting trip in Hong Kong, I stayed in Causeway Bay which is the one of the most congested areas of the city and I felt extremely overwhelmed. I got lost on more than one occasion but no matter how many people I asked, no one would help me. They either couldn't understand me or couldn't be bothered. I even cried while standing in the middle of the MTR station until a nice British guy helped me to get where I was going. I realized then that there are people in this city willing to help out others in need and it was at that moment that I decided to give the city a chance.
I found a great apartment with a beautiful view and I flew back home ready to collect my family and begin a new adventure. It didn't take long to find the rest of the nice people in Hong Kong. The expat community is an extremely tight knit group and we really support each other. New families get offered advice, maps and lunch dates to make them feel welcome. The great thing about being an expat in Hong Kong is that everyone you meet in this world is an expat, too. No one has family here (there are exceptions) so we need each other and we cling to each other like family. It doesn't matter what country, race, religion, culture or anything else you use to be while living in your country, when you come to Hong Kong, you are simply an expat and you are accepted and treasured for the interesting person that you are.
My children and I have learned so many wonderful things from our friends and I hope they've learned some things from us as well. Living in Hong Kong as an expat has a been a very unique experience for me and one that I'll always treasure. I've grown very close to so many people here and I plan to keep in touch with them when we leave Hong Kong for good. I'm so glad that I've had this opportunity to experience life as an expat in Hong Kong and I'll look back on these days with a sense of pride and nostalgia. I'll miss you Hong Kong.
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