We’ve officially been in Hong Kong for three months and I am definitely falling in love. Don’t worry Mom, that doesn’t mean we won’t move home eventually. But I am starting to understand why people love living here. There aren’t many places in the world that you can be in one of the most exciting/dynamic cities by day and on the most beautiful beach by night (or a mere 20 minutes later). Everywhere i turn in HK there is something beautiful or interesting to see. And i’m sure we haven’t even yet begun to scratch the surface.
So here are my favorite things about Hong Kong so far…
1. The beaches
There are 12 public beaches to explore on Hong Kong island. We’ve only made it to two and I’m already madly in love. This past weekend we checked out the beach on the furthest peninsula called Shek O. About a 25 minute cab ride through the mountains (which are beautiful) later we arrived to this. Even Aaron about died.
2. The diversity of the city.
Everywhere you look in Hong Kong there is something interesting or beautiful to see. This is my daily walk to work – there is beautiful architecture, Aria’s favorite grafitti (she calls that lady ghost face), stairs that lead to absolutely nowhere, and my favorite little flower shop.
3. The views
Everywhere you go there is an amazing view of Hong Kong just around the corner. Everyone talks about Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline but my favorite views are the ones that are completely unexpected. Looking out of a taxi window, walking up a hill, playing at a playground. You’re never more than a glimpse away from a beautiful view.
4. Remy
Ok, I’ll admit it. Having a helper is awesome. Most importantly, Aria adores her. I think she calls her “Gremy” because she thinks she’s a long-lost grandmother that she never met before (Don’t get jealous Grandma’s, she talks about all of you all the time too!). I’ll also admit that having dinner cooked every night after work, a house so clean you could literally eat off our toilets, and all of our errands run for me has made the time i have outside of work a million times better. Helper’s are truly life changing and I’m grateful we found one that is wonderful.
5. The outdoors
People say we arrived in Hong Kong at the worst time. It is hot and humid (really, really hot and humid), it rained a lot in the beginning, and the air quality isn’t always the best. But after surviving 11 years of Chicago winters i will take this any day. Because unlike Chicago winters even in the rain here in HK you can always be outside.
There is no shortage of things to do outside – boats, amazing parks, amazing beaches, pools, pools, pools. I can’t wait to see what cooler weather brings. I’m looking forward to the hiking I’ve heard so much about here.
I’ve had many relationships in my life that were shorter than this current love affair with Hong Kong so let’s hope it’s here to stay. There are still lots of things about Hong Kong that make me crazy – like the taxi’s, the humidity, and the overcrowding. But today i’m going to focus on the things i really love about Hong Kong. After all, every weekend i get to do my favorite things with my two favorite people. What more could i ask for.
XO
From Chicago to Hong Kong 
