I grew up in Hong Kong in the 1980s– my father, who always had itchy feet, got a job there and dragged me, my younger brother and sister, and long-suffering mum along with him. We had already done two stints in Africa, so knew the drill, and after some time climatizing to the humidity, realised how magical the Asian experience was going to be.
And it was! Growing up in HK during the 80swas just amazing: the expat lifestyle, beaches, clubs, the fashion, glamour and money everywhere – all to the musical backdrop of Madonna, Whitney, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Queen etc – a heady mix! And wow did I party it up – I hardly saw my parents or siblings, because they were out partying too!
I got my first break in journalism in Hong Kong, working for the South China Morning Post as a young reporter, and continued working for newspapers and magazines after moving back to the UK. By comparison the UK was a grey, cold place, but I met good people, remained gainfully employed and made the best of it.
.jpeg)
But I never lost my love of Asia, and 15years or so later, jumped at the chance of another Hong Kong adventure. Now in the next century, HK was still a blast, and presented good work opportunities. I spent almost a decade editing various magazines, and then had the chance to work in Macau doing corporate communications for a huge casino hotel. That was an eye-opening experience, and the sheer opulence on offer was staggering. After five years though I’d had enough of the excess, and craved something simpler and more meaningful. I found it teaching school back in HK, where I spent a couple of years.
By this time I had been with my girlfriend Sabrina for the best part of a decade, and when she said she wanted to return to her native Malaysia to spend time with her parents, was all for it. I had visited several times with Sab and was knocked out by the country – lovely people, amazing food, rich culture, a bit more laid-back than HK … the weather could be a bit punishing but ultimately I’d rather be too hot than too cold! I also felt I had ‘done’ Hong Kong, and was definitely up for swapping one exotic Asia destination for another! Malaysia’s very different demographics added an even more exciting element.
.jpeg)
Eight months or so into our stay, and now married to Sabrina, I am more confident than ever that was the right decision. I’ve found a decent teaching job, spend lots of time with Sab and her wonderful family, have got more serious about writing and recording my own music from my small home studio, eat tons of delicious local food and pay for it with sweaty daily runs through my neighbourhood.
I’ve enjoyed meeting new friends through the Expats’ Club and exploring KL, a fabulous, colourful city with something for everyone. We’ve also toured around the country, visiting Malacca, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, and most recently Sabah, which was just stunning. It’s a privilege to be here, and I can’t wait to explore more, eat more, meet more people and generally give back to this country that has already given us so much.
.png){kind=small}
