I have been asked a few times; why do you want to move to Hong Kong? Most of the time, it has come from people living in Hong Kong. There is so much pollution; it is too hot and humid in summer; it is too crowded; it’s too small; it’s too expensive to live; the people are too superficial…. I could go on. Why would I want to move to this? The biggest reasons are personal growth and change.
I want to become better in every area of my life. That has been the focus of who I am for a long time. Hong Kong offers English universities so I can get a post-graduate certificate in Education so I can become a better teacher. China is close by and HUGE so I can learn more about what life is like in another country while making good money (relative to the Canadian Dollar). There are many extra classes, in English, such as Pilates, photography, sports clubs and so on. They can help me in my personal growth and in my physical growth.
The change is mostly focused on my personal life. I have dated a lot of people here and I find it hard due to Korean attitudes towards Gay, the “work till you’re dead” lifestyle, the “you must get married and have kids by the time you are 35” attitude and the lack of English. It will probably be the same there for the most part. The idea of living in a new place gives me hope that I can find someone to share my life with. I have always been looking for a partner. I have tried in Korea and I just was crushed too many times to think that it is not possible here. Is there a better chance in HK, I don’t know. I know the odds of finding someone with serviceable English are higher. Finding someone who is a bit more comfortable being gay is also a bit higher. There is no evidence on this but there is hope. All I can ask for is for hope.
I still have three weeks left in Korea and will explore. I will still meet people here because I enjoy meeting others and learning for others. I just wish to meet good people during the time I have left here.