3 things I do to feel immediately at home in a new country
“What are three things that you must have or must do that will make you feel settled [in a new city]?” asked Fai, my new colleague whom I’ve become fast friends with.
I didn’t expect the question. Fai, I’ve come to learn, has this uncanny skill of asking deeper questions that doesn’t quite disarm you, but comfortably spurs you to pause and think — something we all need in this fast-paced day and age. I appreciated her getting to the root of things, and making me put on my thinking cap.
It wasn’t so much that I didn’t have an answer, it was that I never really considered having to narrow them down. I definitely have more than three, but nudged to pick, I went with:
The open market at the bottom of Tak Lee Building in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong (where, apart from Instagram-able building shots like these, there really isn’t much in the neighbourhood)
Lists
I need to have my lists, of all the places in my vicinity and the places that I want to go to. I start with the eco-friendly /sustainable supermarkets and shops, and make my way to local food, cafes and green spaces. The latter are places for me to settle in with a book or magazine. As my partner would tell you, I go crazy mapping them out.
The crispy buns drizzled with condensed milk at Sing Heung Yuen, a cha chaan teng in Central. These are better than the honey-lemon-drizzled ones.
2. Home-cooked meals
The ability to whip up a meal, even a simple one, makes me feel settled in a new place. It must be the act of shopping for staples for a kitchen. My current go-to meal: soba with mushrooms, tofu and pumpkin, and a drizzle of sesame oil. I throw in some cut chillies if I’m feeling homesick.
3. Cleansers and calmers
My palo santo sticks, essential oils and singing bowl help to calm any nerves I might have. I use them to cleanse spaces — these rituals also puts my mind at ease. The crystals are for reassurance, and the flowers a beautiful gesture from a dear friend.
What are your three things?
