My latest column for Expat Focus... It was Father's Day in Australia this month, so we celebrated with Sunday brunch in Soho, uptown Hong Kong. Don't let that fool you; I hadn't exactly planned it around Father's Day, if you know what I mean! It was a restaurant review and I was technically "working" but hey, a hearty feast of scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, washed down with a fine glass of Italian Prosecco has to be better than a poke in the eye with a burnt piece of toast, right? For the record, as an expat I'm still not quite sure which country's 'special' days you're supposed to celebrate? Your home country or the one you've temporarily adopted? Admittedly, I've failed miserably at both this year. When it was Father's Day in Hong Kong, I insisted I'd forgotten because well, it wasn't real was it?! Since when is Father's Day in June! (But just you try getting a Father's Day card here in September - ain't gonna happen sister!) So it begs the question, when you're living in a new country, just how much of those familiar traditions from home do you hang on to, no matter what the cultural climate? To continue reading, head over to Expat Focus here... … [Read more...]
8 Lessons Learned: 3 Years as an Expat in Hong Kong
My latest column for Expat Focus... Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of the victory. George S. Patton This month I've chalked up three years in the mighty Kong - my third anniversary symbolizing a colorful and (often) crazy journey towards living life as a fully-fledged, 'fair dinkum' expat! A friend said to me "You should be really proud of yourself" -- I hadn't thought about it that way, but when I cast my thoughts back to those early days when I felt like a ‘fish out of water’ in Hong Kong's fragrant harbour, to today, I am swimming with the crowds and making a few splashes…. yep! I guess I've come a long way! Looking out of my lounge window in Hong Kong, I see a similar view to that which I saw from my hotel room the day I arrived -- it never fails to jolt those initial feelings that fluttered frantically inside me (along with 16 week pregnancy hiccups). Angst, anticipation and excitement, coupled with the absolute terror of the unknown! To be honest, I didn't think we'd stay much longer than18 months - at least that's what I made my husband promise (in blood)! It was to be the great adventure - a stint overseas to shake things up a bit. Hurling me out of my comfort zone in Sydney where I was happily cruising into my tenth year at Sky News, surrounded by all the creature comforts of friends, family and familiarity (not to mention life as a fancy-free, newly-wed couple) tossing me unceremoniously into a city heaving with high-rises, humidity and high-waisted maternity clothes! To continue reading, click here for Expat Focus>>> … [Read more...]
One Night in Manila: Asia’s Forgotten City…..
When you're born in the land of the Long White Cloud - the place dubbed ‘middle-earth’ - and then raised in that other place they call 'The Land Down Under' -- getting to another country usually involves (at the very least) a good few hours up in the air. Let's face it, flying within Australia can take up to five hours and involve jet lag! So, the idea that I can be in a completely different country, new culture, new language (heck even new chopstick etiquette) within a couple of hours still manages to impress me! Suffice to say, during my time here in Asia's World City, I've managed quite a few short flights that have landed me, rather excitedly, in exotic, seemingly far-flung locations…all within the blink of an eye. With this in mind, I took my latest trip to the Philippines with a grain of salt. It’s just up the road - been there done that. That grain of salt was in fact so teensy; I didn't even check my e-ticket (properly). I'd been invited to host a corporate awards night as Master of Ceremonies (as I have done many times). But it seems the close proximity of this foreign land had me held hostage to a touch of complacency. Admittedly - I was a little sidetracked with family in town. As any expat will know, much-loved visitors on your turf means any semblance of normality is totally lost - you happily immerse yourself in the vortex of sightseeing, shopping and eating out. Every day is like a holiday in your own city (until reality bites). Click here to read more on EXPAT FOCUS … [Read more...]
One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure…..Cheung Chau Island 長洲
Hong Kong loves a good shindig! That's a given. In the last couple of months there've been at least half a dozen festivals around town, including one of the biggest art festivals in the world - Art Basel. But I figure there's enough info flying around on that for you to get a 'google' handle on without my two cents worth. There's also Le French May bringing a touch of Paris to Asia's Manhattan with a plethora of baguettes, croissants and enough l'eclair au chocolat to keep your gym membership alive, not to mention the ever popular and action packed Dragon Boat Carnival. The biggest in the world, this baby is renowned for revellers, beers and plenty of cheers! But what really caught my eye and not just for its annual 'Bun Festival' (which as one of the world's top ten 'quirky' festivals is a whole lot of fun) is a little island just south east of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's concrete jungle -- it's called Cheung Chau Island, meaning Long Island and yes… it's an excuse to bring you some pretty pictures (most of which I can't take credit for). Long Island it's not though - stretching just ten kilometres, it's one of 263 islands that skirt the biggest of them all - Hong Kong Island. But like a lot of things in life, don't be fooled by its size -- this pocket-sized paradise packs a mean tropical punch! Inhabited by locals for longer than most people have been wielding chopsticks in Hong Kong, historians put Cheung Chau at at least 7000 years old. These days around 23,000 people squeeze on board the duly nicknamed 'dumbbell' (because of its shape) but 100 years ago this once thriving fishing village had more residents living on Junk boats than on land. First impressions are of an island that still bears the footprints of a charming way of life that existed well before civilization. Laced with cobblestone streets and narrow lane ways, Cheung Chau has all the hallmarks of a quaint European village. With no roads wide enough for cars, it's two feet or two wheels... unless you've got an emergency! Then you'll take a ride in these 'made to measure' teeny tiny emergency service vehicles. (Which much to my husband's amusement fascinate me no end!) Littered with temples, seafood restaurants and sandy beaches, a 30 minute boat ride from Hong Kong, the island today is ripe for tourists. But truth be told, there's more to this treasure island than meets the eye -- it quite possibly has more history than could be deemed appropriate for such a small archipelago. For starters, there's a 19th Century pirate’s hideout -- famous Cheung Po Tsai reportedly used to hide his treasure in a cave on the island while he was sailing the South China Sea, pillaging villages and swigging rum. (In fact, the well known movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean' has a character based on this notorious lad.) With a robust community that has well and truly stood the test of time, most locals today stem from generations of family that have long called Cheung Chau home. And it's an island that hasn't been immune to hardship… in the 19th Century a plague almost devastated the tiny sanctuary. To save Cheung Chau, local fishermen travelled to mainland China to seek out the holy statue of Pak Tai (Emperor of Heaven) and bring him back to the island, desperately hoping his power could bring them safety and prosperity. Guess what? Legend has it, it did. And so it was the beginning of the famous Bun Festival. According to folklore, the epidemic disappeared after the event was staged and from then on it's been held every year, without fail. That said, there's another school of thought that the festival originated after a ceremony to placate the ghosts of victims of pirates who used to terrorize the island in the 18th Century. (Locals even advised us against swimming on the island during the Bun Festival, should we fall victim to evil spirits lurking in the waters....) Like everywhere in China, ancient mythology plays as big a role today as it ever has. Even now, before the Bun festival date is set, locals must ask Pak Tai's advice. Using two stones - flat on one side and curved on the other…. they're thrown into the air. The way they land dictates when the festival will be held. (Who needs a calendar!) Before the festival begins, residents on the island purify themselves by having a bath and eating a vegetarian diet for three days. Many fishermen cease to fish. Back in the day, locals built an altar to honour Pak Tai and ward off evil spirits. Aptly named the Pak Tai Temple, it's now the oldest temple in Hong Kong. 100 years later the same rituals are performed including a procession of courageous lions and magical unicorns dancing to the beat of rhythmic drums, along with the Piu Sik or Floating Colours parade which has become world famous! Children as young as three sit (although a little precariously) on poles with bicycle seats, some as high as 2.5 metres for up to four hours on floats gliding through the streets. The aim is to make them look as though they are Gods floating through the air. (I'm told by my local Cheung Chau friend, once these children are up on their seats….bribery is key - ice-cream anyone?) Then there's the grand finale - as night falls, competitors stand poised at the bottom of an enormous 60 foot bamboo tower studded with lucky buns! On signal they scramble to the top and try to pluck off as many as possible. These days they are plastic, the traditional bun climb came to a tragic end in 1978, when a tower collapsed, injuring thirty climbers in the process. The event was then banned for the following 26 years. Reintroduced in 2005, the new event is somewhat tamer than the original and all climbers wear harnesses. Don't worry if you're not up for the climb, these holy buns symbolizing good luck and good health are now available on the ground for everyone. Cheung Chau is a fascinating island village where in many respects, time stands still, a place where legends live on and still waters run deep. What about you? Have you stumbled across a treasure chest in your part of the world? Where is it? I'd love to know. *Thanks to Martin Williams for allowing me permission to use his spectacular photos. You can see more on DrMartinWilliam's website here >> … [Read more...]
Living the dream….Expat Life
My latest piece as a columnist for Expat Focus Sawadika! Checking in from the land of smiley, happy faces…. One of the undeniably pleasant perks of being an expat in Asia, coupled with having a husband in hotels, is the opportunity to fly to idyllic destinations like Phuket in just a few short hours and revel in 5-star luxury. I get it… I'm lucky! Very! I will even go so far as to use the word 'spoilt,' as I sit here trying (in a lazy, half-hearted kind of way) to wrestle my sleepy gaze from our villa's private plunge pool that is beckoning me to immerse myself in its crystal clear oasis. Yep!… livin' the dream! To read more....click here and go to Expat Focus … [Read more...]
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