Hong Kong Recapitulated

I’ve come to the end of a quick visit to Hong Kong. This was mostly work with a little bit of relaxation thrown in. Saw very few people but had the chance to walk a little in the paths I trod during my five years here.

As always happens with these kinds of return trips, there were plenty of feelings of closure. I did a little shopping that I hadn’t managed in my last days here, enjoyed repeat meals at my favourite eateries and took in the magnificent skyline one more time.

But, to be blunt, Hong Kong just doesn’t feel like home anymore. Not that Singapore really feels like home either – my heart currently resides in some kind of global limbo.

If I’m honest, it was comforting to be back in familiar surrounds. I enjoyed flying Cathay Pacific (especially after recent flights with Qantas and Singapore Airlines). I loved being back on the Airport express, which is so much better than riding a cab to Changi Aiport. Staying at the Four Seasons Hong Kong (which I must admit is now my favourite non-Boutique hotel in-the-world) was a delightful indulgence after weeks of unpacking and setting up house.

And, of course, it was nice to open saturday’s South China Morning Post and see my latest column in the Family Post section.

For all that, I never once over the weekend thought – I’d like to live here again. For all the familiar and friendly faces there were also plenty of reminders of why I decided it was time to move on.

For sure I will be back; for work, for holidays, for fun. There are still people I want to work with here and friends I hope will stay in contact. Perhaps that’s how I’ve made my peace with Hong Kong – an amazing place to work and a cool place to party or pamper oneself, but not, ultimately, a place to live and thrive – at least not for me.