One Year in Hong Kong

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So this may not be so much of a travel blog as much as it is a living abroad blog. It's been about a year and a half now since I left home. I almost can't believe it, because time has flown by so fast. I remember packing up my two ginormous suitcases (one of which I ended up sending back home after realizing I brought too much crap) like it was yesterday! Packing up your bags and leaving home isn't always the easiest, but for me it seemed so natural and normal. It was easy. Something I decided over a cup of coffee with my mom one morning. Me- "Mom, I think I may want to move to China." Mom- "That's weird. Why?" Me- "Hmm... I don't know.. for change?"
She, like most people I told this to, thought I was crazy. I mean, I understand the randomness of it all. Why China? Why so far and for so long? I wish I had a legitimate reason and answer to these questions, but the honest truth is I don't. And I think that's ok. I'm living a life of uncertainty and spontaneity and its fun! It has its downsides of course. Living out of a suitcase can be tough and annoying, but do-able. Finding a good living situation/apartment in a Hong Kong can be difficult, only took me 6 tries! As of 4 months ago I'm in yet another apartment...Hopefully, this one will stick. Also, I really miss having a car and driving, but living in a big crazy city makes this impossible (unless of course you're a multi-millionaire). I'm actually very lucky to live in a city with such great public transportation. Another major downside, and probably the worst of them all, is space. There is absolutely no space! Living in one of the most densely populated places in the world makes it hard to live a calm and stress-free life. As soon as you walk outside you are bombarded with people and noise. Simple, everyday routines can be a bigger hassle than imagined. Even just crossing the street feels like you are taking part in a massive parade of stampeding people. Taking the MTR (subway) to work in the morning means you must throw your body into jam packed train, dodging the door that is closing in on you, and when that door accidentally catches a limb while closing, don't think it won't hurt because it does! We also are forced to live on top of each other in teeny tiny apartments that cost exorbitant prices because property here is such a hot commodity. Now, all this may sound a little overwhelming, but the truth is that despite the craziness of this city I have never in my whole life felt this alive. Life here is like a roller coaster. It's fast, it's fun and you never know what exciting turn of events will happen next. Honestly, you think Vegas is the city that never sleeps, wait til you come to Hong Kong! Sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with this city...
The last few months have been a little bit easier and relaxing. I decided that working six days a week and sometimes past 9PM was not exactly my 'cup of tea' anymore and I decided to switch to part-time/private tutoring. I have become my own boss and my work life here is starting to fall into place. I enjoy being a teacher and working with youngsters. Each and every one of my kids makes me smile everyday and I can honestly say I love what I do. Also, I met someone who has literally swept me off my feet. His name is Rob, and he did so by taking me on an incredible month-long trip to Europe! After only knowing each other for just a few months, we knew we were in love. We had such an incredible connection, so we followed our hearts and took it to the next step... travel partners! Yes, the most important step to any relationship.. This is the time when you truly are yourself and when you can really see and understand the one you're with. It's like soul searching, but with your best friend by your side! You learn about each other, you over come obstacles together, you share once-in-a-lifetime moments and experiences, you meet new people, you're taking risks you maybe wouldn't normally take, you're sharing stories, you're planning and constantly looking for adventure and happiness. It's a time when we are at our most vulnerable and most free, making the experience almost like a test to your future. I think Rob and I have passed this test. In fact, we've passed the test over and over by going to places like England, Spain, France, China, America, Thailand, the Philippines... Next stop, Palawan, Philippines in two weeks!
In Europe, Rob and I spent our days exploring and traveling from city to city in England, France and Spain. Rob is from Derby, England so we spent a big chunk of our time with his friends and family, all of whom, are some of the most kindest and down to earth people I've ever met. We returned to Hong Kong and had a new view on life... and love. I just feel so lucky to have met someone so adventurous and ambitious and genuine and talented and handsome to boot;) Ok enough doting on my man, who I know is reading this and loving it...
So as of now, we are in a very comfortable position with life here in Hong Kong. We have great friends, a nice cozy apartment out in the country, decent steady jobs and of course each other. All this is great, but I have to say I think it scares the both of us a little to think that life is just so comfortable. We're ready to move and see what else the world has to offer. We definitely have no plans of settling down yet! So for now, we're staying put, exploring Asia, having fun and making the most of our awesome city, Hong Kong.

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