We moved to Hong Kong two years ago, and my heart has grown for the better. When you live in your own country you are blinded to many things. You live in your own little bubble, in a world you’ve created to fit your needs and meet your wants. When you step out of that bubble, you see the huge planet called Earth. You learn to adapt, conform and go beyond your own self.
This is what happened to my family when we moved to Hong Kong. My husband always wants the best for our family. Being the aspiring man and leader that he is, he knew that this would open doors for us and make us better people. He took another job that would allow us to be based in Hong Kong. While he was excited and forward thinking, I was hesitant and apprehensive. If you want to read more about how i took the transition of moving our lives to a different country, read here. For now I’d like to focus on the positive things our move has taught
Living in Hong Kong has taught us to walk.
In Manila, the most walking I’ve ever done was during deliberate brisk walks around the Manila Polo Club field. Ok, I will admit there were some long walks of shopping sessions around the mall too. I was exhausted during our first few days in Hong Kong when we had to walk 10 minutes to and from the apartment to our neighborhood grocery pulling a heavy cart of groceries behind. If you think that doesn’t sound too bad, try it yourself, keep an eye on two young kids and do it in the middle of your day after you’ve moved some furniture around and unpacked a whole lot of moving home boxes. I missed my car and my driver! Fast forward to two years later, I have gotten so used to walking. I practically walk for at least 30 minutes straight everyday. I walk from the bus stop to my yoga studio, then to my children’s school or to another place for a meeting. It has become part of my day and almost everyone who lives in Hong Kong can walk around the city!
One lucky afternoon when I had my knight in shinning armor to haul the groceries for me.
Living in Hong Kong Has Taught Us to Go Out of Our Way to Make Friends
I spent the afternoons of my first month in Hong Kong at the playground watching my kids play and making acquaintances with other moms. It was a series of introductions and small talk while keeping an eye on the children. For those of you who know me well, you’ll know what I feel about small talk. I would rather be curled up in bed reading a book or engaging in social media. But I had to make friends! I was going insane being with the children all day. I had some Filipino friends who were so dear and arranged a series of lunches for me to meet some lovely Filipino ladies too! I’ve made amazing friends. Planning lunches and tea gatherings are quite easy. We have no traffic to deal with and we can meet regularly during the afternoon when our kids play outdoors. I taught myself to genuinely be interested in people. Learning about them and where they came from and what they usually do in their own country has become truly fascinating. It opens your eyes to the world and getting out of your shell is so productive!
Afternoon tea with friends
Living in Hong Kong Has Taught us to Love Every One from Every Nation.
We’ve met people from different countries. We’ve made friends with amazing families and we’ve learned to appreciate the overseas Filipino workers as well. I feel blessed that my children get to interact with other kids that look different from them. It is a good opportunity to teach them about how God loves everyone no matter what they look like or where they are from.
Living in Hong Kong Taught Us How to Live a Simple Life with Little Belongings.
Living in a small flat forced us to let go of many things and live with only what is necessary. There is something good about letting go of material possessions and keeping things to a minimum. I try to purge and de- clutter every quarter, I’m constantly letting go of toys and old books and clothes. If you need help with de- cluttering and keeping your house clean, check out my Ultimate Monthly Cleaning Schedule. The nice thing about Hong Kong are the huge recycling bins in almost every community.
Our small simple home.
Living in Hong Kong made us independent individually and has brought us closer as a family.
I love that the kids do house chores. They carry their own little back packs when we go out, no yaya entourage to carry their belongings. They fix their own snacks and keep themselves entertained in our flat. We love going outdoors, discovering things and seeing new places.. Just the 4 of us, no frills. It has brought us closer as a family. We do have our dear Ate Lena , who is a part of our family and keeps everything manageable but we enjoy our family time together. I love that we are not dependent on house help. Date nights are easier too.
Sight seeing in Lantau island.
I definitely recommend exploring options of living in another place if you have the chance. It teaches you many things. It makes you grow, love and appreciate what you have. While we do miss our lifestyle in Manila, there are great things about being where we are too. Follow my Instagram account for daily Instagram stories to see more of our life in Hong Kong!
Great article. I love reading about the positive aspects of moving overseas… As I’ve been working with expat women for over 2 years now, I usually hear the challenging, burdening and draining side of it.
Here’s an article you might find interesting on my perspective of how life changes forever when you move overseas: https://www.reinventyourselfclub.com/2017/05/02/8-things-that-will-never-be-the-same-once-you-move-abroad/