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Three years ago, I packed up my things and left New Zealand, but little did I know, I’d end up in Asia’s world city.

Hi, I’m Patrick—nice to meet you too.

Hong Kong has long been home to expats from all over the globe.

When I left New Zealand in 2022, my (our) plan was to settle in Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai. We lived and breathed Chiang Mai until late 2023, when we decided, not because of wanting, but because of needing, to relocate (yet again) to Hong Kong.

We’ll talk about Thailand another time —trust me, I could talk for hours on end.

Hong Kong, at least in our case, provided an incredibly straightforward path forward. Visa, school, language, opportunity… is it just me or does Hong Kong have it all?

We’ve now been in Hong Kong for two years and won’t be leaving any time soon. While I love this place more and more each day, I can also understand why it’s certainly not for everyone.

Skyscrapers? You better believe it- Dam near every building.

Humidity? Pretty intense for about five months every year.

People? Just a few. Expect a crowd and navigate accordingly.

Rent? Yeah, pricey, but good deals can be found if you look.

China? Divides opinion. I’ll leave that to you.

Those are probably the main things that may turn people off about either visiting or living here.

However, my experience has been positive. Hong Kong is in a funny spot at the moment. Many people on the street have told me how this place has changed since roughly 2019. That takes us back to those huge protests you may have seen on the news, and then, of course, Covid.

Many expats and locals alike packed up and left. I get it, I’ve been there and done that three times now myself. They’re unsure about what may or may not happen.

I see a country, a city — whatever you want to call it — a special administrative region; I see a place brimming with the spectacular.

Top-notch beaches (and many of them), architecture so hot it could melt an ice cream, a mix of urban energy and natural wonders, the best food from all walks of life, and it’s an easy flight to so many other incredible places.

It’s not just me who appreciates what Hong Kong has to offer, considering Hong Kong now ranks 8th in the global smart cities index and is considered one of the best cities in Asia for Gen Z.

I never thought I’d live in Hong Kong, but here I am — and I love it. Is it perfect? No, of course not, nowhere is, but it’s pretty bloody great.

Have you been to Hong Kong? What are your thoughts? Let me know.