Moving to a new country all alone
My story in Hong Kong
Hong Kong- the city of dreams in Asia! Everyone imagines the glittery skyline, the insane high salaries, abundance of opportunities, low tax rates and awesome night life.
Not too many people know about the severe housing crisis that forces the 7 million+ people to live in homes that are perhaps a slightly better version of coffins. Not too many people tell you that despite knowing English, the locals have an extremely strong preference towards Cantonese. Not too many people tell you that professionals regularly return home from work at 1am.
But I kind of knew all these and more. I had some done research and spoken to some people. I already had a rough idea and yet I was shocked when I actually landed there.
First view of HK (from the airport)
On a fine January morning, I took a bumpy flight to Hong Kong with some seriously heavy luggage and landed at a completely foreign land all alone for my internship. Sounds a bit daunting, right? I had some help though.
I had found this internship via AIESEC and they were sweet enough to send not one but three people to receive me and find my way home. They even took me out for lunch, got me my first sim card and introduced me to the supermarket! I couldn’t be more thankful.
After this, I was pretty much all alone.
The first few days in a new country
I wasn’t always this happy at first
My misery started from my suitcase being damaged at the airport and continued with struggling to understand how to top up my data pack and using google translate at every point to communicate with local shop owners.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I had chosen a rather local community to reside in. While this was cheaper than Hong Kong island, ratio of expats here were pretty much as good as none. While Hong Kong island is widely multi-cultural with a big community of expats, the other areas of Hong Kong are quite the opposite.
The streets of Mong kok
Now comes housing. I was aware of the housing issues of this city and yet I gasped as I stepped into my own room. I couldn’t believe I was paying a hefty amount for a room which was just a notch higher than a prison cell.
No space to open my suitcase, terribly dirty kitchen and a washroom that is to be shared by 6 people- 5 others being men! To top it all, the landlady had not provided a warm blanket or a pillow in the extremely uncomfortable bed. I twisted, turned and shivered but could not fall asleep on my first night.
I sat up to drink some water, only to realize tap water is not drinkable and you had to boil the water and wait for it to cool down before you can drink it. The other option, buy bottled water every time!
Good times don’t come too easy
The next few days were not kinder to me either. I struggled to order food in restaurants where the menu is written in Chinese, I dried my clothes on a thin wire in the dirty terrace as the dryer wasn’t working and I craved to drink some fresh fruit juice after my meal only to discover most places don’t offer any! Most importantly, I missed just hanging out with people.
However, I tried to hold my head up and adjust. The only good part was my office which was peaceful and located beside the sea.
Office space
I was carrying a lot of cash but I needed to open a bank account. I needed a local account for 2 reasons- firstly to receive my salary and secondly, to receive some money from my family at reasonable rates.
Since I was an intern in Hong Kong for three months, I was on a training visa. I woke up early morning and rushed to different banks every day before heading to office, only to be rejected by each of them.
My last hope was HSBC- the local bank. After visiting three different branches and following different sets of instructions, I was once again informed that they wouldn’t be able to open an account for me. This was when I had my first meltdown. I entered my tiny room and simply broke down.
Make your own way gal
I was lucky to receive tremendous support from my family and friends back home and in other countries. At this point, I remembered what I had promised myself two years ago- “Give every country a chance and make the best of what you have.”
The view after the mild hike in Tai O
Distant hills and clouds
I finally ventured out and started visiting every known and unknown destination in Hong Kong. From marvelling at the city from the Victoria peak, joining different meet up groups and meeting people, getting lost in the streets of Mong Kok to being mesmerized by nature in the outlying islands of Hong Kong, I did it all!
Go find your happiness
The park beside my house
I found a nearby park and went for a walk almost every night. I loved the cool breeze on my face and enjoyed Hong Kong’s safety. I went grocery shopping at 11pm and ate siu mai at midnight. I filmed random people dancing in an absolutely bizarre manner on the streets of Mong Kok. I watched late night shows at a small theatre that showcases international films from all over the world. I loved how the city never slept!
I still didn’t know anyone in this city. 3 things happened. Firstly, at some point, AIESEC organized a day trip and I met a few amazing expats there who later became my friends.
We discovered Hong Kong together
Second, I went for a casual meet up and guess what, we all got along much better than I expected! We went to watch the Chinese New Year Parade together, grabbed dinner and had a great time. It didn’t last though, due to our busy schedules.
Third, my old housemate from Singapore moved back to Hong Kong and I got to catch up with him and his amazing wife. A familiar face in a foreign land makes you feel right at home and they did just that.
My Singapore flatmate and his amazing wife
Through these people, I met some more people. All relationships don’t last but guess what, if you really make an effort, some do and that’s all you need.
OMG! Such a beautiful country!
The beautiful island of Cheung Chau
As I began to explore the country, I fell in love with its astounding natural beauty. From the less visited places like Sai Kung to the famous islands like Cheung Chau, I left nothing out.
Of course, it can be argued that many countries have equally stunning landscape but the beauty of Hong Kong lies in the stark contrast. One minute you are surrounded by skyscrapers and narrow alleys and the next minute you are walking down paths surrounded by hills and oceans.
They say you get used to beauty. In my three months in Hong Kong, I never did. Every time I left my house and walked around, I was delighted at the sight of random mountains popping up from nowhere. Every time I crossed a bridge over the ocean with stunning view of the islands, I couldn’t stop staring.
Random temples
I fell in love with the mouth-watering food, the gorgeous temples, the numerous laid back islands, the beautiful festivals, the magical street art and most importantly, the vibe of the city.
Freshly made egg-tarts
Every time I walked down the streets of Hong Kong, I could feel its heart. I could feel the people living and breathing. I could feel the energy of the city and that’s what makes Hong Kong so special. It has its own unique character and it refuses to let it go!
Lion dance in Hong Kong
It took Hong Kong less than a week to break me and less than a month to make me fall in love with it. A city that you learn to love.
Take that chance
Hong Kong’s glittery skyline
To any adventurous soul who has the opportunity to live in a new country, I urge you to take it. It won’t always be easy. You will face tremendous challenges and you will be lonely sometimes.
However, it’s worth every dime if you can ride through the initial jerk! You learn so much, each second, each day. You meet people in the most unbelievable ways and form everlasting bonds. You will truly understand a new culture and your perspective will broaden more than you can ever imagine.
You learn to survive on your own and find your own happiness. When you finally leave the country, you emerge as a changed person, independent, strong and tolerant.
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August 16, 2017 @ 8:25 pm
I know exactly what your going through! I am on my 5th expat adventure spending at least a year in each country and I will be the first to admit sometimes its not that easy to do, but as you have said its about the people you surround yourself with and the beauty you see makes it all worth while 🙂 thanks for a great read and i hope you have settled in now 🙂
August 17, 2017 @ 12:21 am
WOW! that is amazing! 5th one is really incredible indeed. Yes, I have moved back to Singapore now but over time, I had settled down in HK too and in fact felt a bit sad when I had to leave!
August 16, 2017 @ 9:11 pm
I love your story, let’s face the fact the once we moved into another place a strange or new place it does makes us feel like we’re starting from the scratch but anyhow after sometime we learn about the place, the people, the culture and we start to intergate with them. I’m so proud of your efforts you deserve to be happy in this incredible city. good luck to your future ventures 🙂
August 17, 2017 @ 12:22 am
Exactly! We always have to start from scratch and many people don’t understand that part about moving very often! Nevertheless, its always a great experience:) Glad you liked my article 🙂
August 16, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
I’m so glad you overcame the challenges you faced when you first moved to Hong Kong and I see you have made some great friends. The housing is terrible there, rooms are so small. I miss the food in HK, especially the yummy egg tarts!
August 17, 2017 @ 12:24 am
Yes, totally agreed. The housing scene can’t get worse than Hong Kong tbh but the food, the scenery and the vivid culture makes up for it I guess 🙂
August 16, 2017 @ 10:46 pm
Wow, it sounds like you’ve been on quite a journey there! SO brave of you to have stuck it out though, I know I certainly wouldn’t have coped! Sometimes a little bit of courage from family and friends is all you need to get through the hard times! It looks like such a beautiful country, well done you! xxxxx
August 17, 2017 @ 12:25 am
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for the kind words. I am sure you would do great if you were given the chance and I hope you do get that chance someday 🙂 Family, friends and our inner strength will always guide us through such times 🙂
August 16, 2017 @ 11:11 pm
I understand you so well! I moved from Poland to London and experience the same, minus the fact that China is a completely different culture. I’m about to move to Asia next year so keep your fingers crossed for me and I will follow your adventure, because it is the best adventure you ever gonna have!
August 17, 2017 @ 12:26 am
Oh Wow, coincidentally, my father just moved back from Poland to India haha! Where would you be living in Asia? Asia is absolutely fascinating and I hope you have a great time!
August 17, 2017 @ 12:47 am
I can’t imagine how you felt on the first few nights. Well until you finally settled in and found some joy there. But it ended in a good way! Which is always a good thing. Sometimes life tests just how much we can endure to get where we want to be
August 17, 2017 @ 4:03 pm
Thanks Suvarna. Yes, indeed. It’s almost always worth the bit of struggle to truly get to know a new country!
August 17, 2017 @ 9:35 am
You remind me of my initial days in Dubai. It wasn’t easy. But after some time you find happiness in all those things which keep you moving.
August 17, 2017 @ 4:04 pm
Ya, I can imagine Dubai couldn’t have been too easy either. Even though some countries do have large expat communities, living there can still be challenging at first. So glad you found your way there 🙂
August 17, 2017 @ 5:27 pm
I can totally relate – the first time I travelled internationally, I moved to the US. I mentally prepped which helped with the homesickness! HK looks beautiful and full of adventure! Your pics are amazing and I love your story!
August 17, 2017 @ 10:47 pm
Wow..I think in one way I was lucky to move within the same continent lol! and thank you so much 🙂 HK is really quite amazing!
August 17, 2017 @ 5:37 pm
I really love your story.. I would love to move in an other country just for an experience, but im scared!! 😛 I am proud of you!!
August 17, 2017 @ 10:48 pm
Hahaha, trust me we all are scared but its a beautiful experience. I hope you get the chance to try it someday:)
August 17, 2017 @ 5:53 pm
Sounds like you had a tough start! I’m so glad that you have adjusted and are learning to love a new city. I have lived in lots of different places and it’s not always easy at first. xx
August 17, 2017 @ 10:50 pm
Hi Portia, that’s really amazing! I would love to hear your stories someday 🙂 Yes, it was quite an experience but totally worth it!
August 17, 2017 @ 9:30 pm
A new place brings new experiences isn’t it? Every story has a happy ending! I am so happy the way your story turned up after a not-so-good start but the way you have adjusted to your office and friends, is admirable! Keep writing and sharing.
August 17, 2017 @ 10:52 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I believe we just have to find our own happy ending 🙂
August 18, 2017 @ 4:24 am
Having been an expat myself in a Asian country I can somewhat relate to this, sometimes pictures are painted from the outside but it’s only once you’re inside that you get a true sense of what it’s like. Really liked how you spoke about the issues in some areas. Saying that I Hong Kong is still on my list haha.
August 18, 2017 @ 3:56 pm
Exactly! You are totally right about that and yes, I believe HK should be on everyone’s list. Such a unique country, full of contrasts and super vibrant. I personally loved the energy just walking down the streets of Hong Kong. Definitely hope you get to be there someday:)
August 18, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
A great article Madhurima and a good introduction for those planning a similar venture. Everywhere is different and you have to give each place a chance as you rightly say. I have had the chance to work abroad and taken advantage of each opportunity – I always think it’s better to go somewhere and not enjoy it than not go there at all ! Funnily enough I also went to HK for two years originally, I stayed 12 before going back to UK in 2004 !! You won’t be surprised when I tell you that a couple of years ago we came back to retire here !
August 19, 2017 @ 1:06 am
Wow! That is indeed amazing. I think its a rare occasion when I hear people retiring and returning to HK. So glad I got to hear this 🙂 and thank you for your praises. I certainly agree with you that its better to go somewhere and not like it rather than not going at all. You learn so much, it really changes you!
August 19, 2017 @ 8:11 pm
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m in the process of moving right now and I’m hoping I’m able to adjust quickly…
August 20, 2017 @ 7:26 pm
All the very best, I am sure you will do great!
August 19, 2017 @ 9:14 pm
These look like they would be amazing adventures. Good luck for coming adventures.
August 20, 2017 @ 7:27 pm
Thank you so much 🙂
August 20, 2017 @ 12:38 am
Wow, Hong Kong is really one of those Countries I really admire the most. Your Hong Kong Travel experiences is really awesome. You have just made missed Hong Kong. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
August 20, 2017 @ 7:28 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words. Its true, Hk is indeed quite unique, lets hope we can go back to visit it again in the future 🙂
August 20, 2017 @ 1:13 am
I’m from Hong Kong, so reading this makes me feel so happy that you finally found something you enjoyed about Hong Kong and your time here. I’m glad you had a great time. Come back again soon!
August 20, 2017 @ 7:28 pm
Hi Joyce, thanks a lot. I will definitely come back again. Its a wonderful country for sure!
August 20, 2017 @ 5:43 am
What a great read. I did the same, I moved to Sweden and now to London. There is something so liberating about it. As well it shows how strong we are. 🙂
x finja ~ http://www.effcaa.com
August 20, 2017 @ 7:29 pm
Totally agreed! Wow, I have never been to Sweden but perhaps some day 🙂