I lived in Hong Kong for five years, first as a fresh-faced 21-year-old and then as a returnee a year or so later to make it my permanent home. In 2016, I was conflicted about whether to leave or not, but ultimately decided it was the best thing considering the political situation and my aspirations at the time to work in journalism.
Here are my top travel recommendations for Hong Kong, from food to festivals, hikes and views, to my thoughts on expat life:
Living in Hong Kong
When I graduated university in the middle of a recession and couldn’t get a job anywhere, fate took me to Hong Kong. I often think of that “sliding doors moment” of accepting a job on the other side of the world and what would have happened if I hadn’t. That opportunity sparked a lifelong passion for travel and living overseas, and I’m forever grateful to my first home away from home:
Hiking & Views in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is best experienced vertically; high-rise buildings, incredible skylines and stunning hikes:
Food in Hong Kong
Did I say that Hong Kong is best experienced vertically? I meant gastronomically.
Why Italy and Hong Kong Are Kindred Spirits
Outside of the UK, I have lived in two places: Hong Kong and Italy. Therefore it sounds a bit biased to claim that the Italians and the Chinese are kindred spirits, because their countries are the only two places I’ve lived in away from home. (more…)
5 Authentic Chinese Foods You’re Missing Out On
Last week I made you question everything you thought you knew about Chinese cuisine by revealing 5 Chinese Foods That Are Not Actually Chinese (well, that’s what Confucius told me in my fortune cookie). So now, I would like to introduce you to five authentic Chinese foods and dishes that I have come to love,…
5 Chinese Foods That Are Not Actually Chinese
Yep, that’s right, Western world. You have been eating Chinese food wrong your entire life. But don’t feel bad as I too have made the same mistake in thinking that these dishes were the epitome of authentic Chinese cuisine. It wasn’t until I moved to Hong Kong that I learnt these Chinese foods are not…
Festivals in Hong Kong
A few of my favourite festivals in Hong Kong (yes, my birthday counts), which are worth experiencing if the timing of your trip allows:
Happy Paddlers : Dragon Boat Races 2016
There is nothing like a dragon boat race. The roar of the paddlers calling time, the drummer, the pounding of paddles pulling through the water, an undulating dragon skimming across the top of the ocean… (more…)
5 Ways to Spend (And Not Spend) Your Birthday in Hong Kong
My birthday is the 12th March. That means right now you must be saying, “Oh, I know someone with that birthday,” or, even better, “That’s my birthday too!” – and you are certainly not alone. A 12th March birthday can be a blessing and a curse, and must be shared with everyone else that was…
10 Surprising Facts About Chinese New Year I Learnt Living in Hong Kong
Red lanterns are up, the banks are packed and preparations are well underway for Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. Before I started living in Hong Kong, I thought CNY was all firecrackers, dumplings and fun animal horoscopes (and those are definitely a fun part of it). But there’s so much more. So, here…