Hong Kong
Why here?
Beaches, Mountains, and City. Those three things alone make it for me. Along with this is amazing food, efficient public transportation, and exciting activites available all the time.
What are the best beaches in hong Kong?
There are beaches to visit while in Hong Kong that can provide stunning views year-round. Here are my top three beaches that I would recommend visiting.
repulse bay
Beautiful homes along the seaside
clearwater bay
Colourful water to swim and take photos
big wave beach
Enjoy the water and rent a surfboard
How is it living here?
There have been a lot of adjustments since moving to Hong Kong four months ago from Japan. Every daily interaction changed, every familiar face became unfamiliar, and every day was different.
What I noticed the most was the difference in love language. Japan prides itself on being polite, respectful, and kind.
What I learned right away, is that the love language here was completely different. People here simply want to deliver the fastest, most efficient service they can deliver to get you on your way. That means avoiding the thank you's, the feelings, and sometimes rushing you out the door. At first what disguised itself as rudeness was soon changed into a different love language. I'll never forget that.
Being raised in Canada has many differences but one that stands out the use of a car for daily life. Using almost solely busses, trains, and mini-busses for four months has changed my perspective on what I truly need on life, and makes me appreciative for public transit. On the other hand, it's made me feel limited in my ability to explore whenever and wherever I want. There's something so freeing about getting behind the wheel and driving wherever your heart desires. It's a special thing I know I'll appreciate once I'm back.
Claypot rice
Shrimp dumplings
Red paper dumpling
Peanut sauce noodles
You can't talk about daily life here without talking about the food culture. Sitting down on plastic stools by the roadside getting made a hot steaming stir fry is typical of any dai-pai-dong. You can always expect a quick, delicious experience served up by someone who known no english but serves up a great meal for you. Then there is the sit-down restaurants serving food from all around the world at high quality dining prices. These menu items can range from 150 HKD to 401 HKD or about $35-50 USD. Of course, there is also plenty of Dim Sum, the best food category in the world hands down.
How does it feel to leave?
It feels like I'm losing a part of me leaving Hong Kong. There has been an immense amount of personal growth since coming here. Completely restarting your friends, university courses, living situation, and routine is very daunting. It's easy to feel overwelmed, nervous, and downright afraid. However, once you've done all the hard lifting, saying goodbye is the hardest part.
It goes without saying but I am incredibly grateful to the people, efforts, and circumstances that have made this university exchange possible. There is simply no words to describe how life changing an international exchange experience is and how it can positively affect so many young people's lives. Impacting youth is something I truly feel passionate about because I know just how much it has helped me grow as a person. Being able to experience new cultures, cities, and adventures at a young age will change your life, just as it did mine.
Perspective is one of the most powerful things I've learned in my life, and living in Hong Kong has taught me that. Knowing that I can compare my home back in Vancouver to a city like Hong Kong allows me to make adjustments to my life, location, and access what my priorities in life really are. It also makes me so fortunate for the friends, family, and amazing things I have back home in Canada. There is so much to be grateful for and living here has taught me all of that.
To summarize, I'm not ready to leave. The truth is, I don't know if I'll ever to be able to happily leave a nomadic life during my twenties. One thing I always remember though is that without sadness there is no happiness; balance is everything.