meet the parents Hang, The China Club, having my very own tea set hand-painted in Kowloon City - but most of all the friendships. I also miss the adventures of travel - we flew all over South East Asia - and going to sometimes weird,
but always fascinating, hidden places - often tucked down the back of an alley, up the third staircase, past the little shrine on the left, and so on. I’ve definitely become a Chinese food “snob” since arriving back in Australia. I crave good noodles and dumplings and when we have an average dim sum experience I am very
disgruntled. I have also been known to present my business cards to Sydney associates with two hands and a little bow - slightly embarrassing. It’s clean, fresh and there’s loads of space back here in Sydney - but Hong Kong will always hold a special place in my heart.
Making the break? Top tips from those that have done it. • If you’re going “home”, familiarise yourself with the concept of reverse culture shock - it’s real, and it’s very disconcerting to feel like a stranger in your home town. It doesn’t last long, but you need to know it’s coming. • Be as open as possible with decision making, and involve the children. Be as positive as you can. Moving is a huge upheaval and kids need to see this change as something worthwhile. • Don’t leave it too late in terms of schooling - kids need time to socially adjust before academic pressure builds up. • Stay strong - with a robust family unit, things always have a way of working out in the end.
Mum Danni, with Julian, Sophia and Hamish before their move to Sydney. “I miss my ‘vertical community’ in Pok Fu Lam,” says Danni.
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