From Miss India To Motherhood

Moving from Mummy time to 'Me' time

  • Being Mummy
  • Family Time
  • ME time
  • My Many Moods
  • Miss India
  • And More
  • Reviews
  • Giveaway
  • Contact Me
  • About Me

Amazing Hong Kong

October 24, 2015 By: Mehroo4 Comments

It’s 6 o’clock in the morning and my eyes open to take in the gorgeous colour of the early morning sky. The blues mixed with grey giving way to the yellow and orange tint of the early morning sun rising beyond the green mountains, birds flapping their wings soaring up high glad to start another day, ships sounding their horn in the distance as they sail through the clear blue of the seas. From where I lay I can trick my mind into believing that I am on a holiday on an idyllic distant island with nothing to do except maybe read a novel or two during the day. The beauty of nature, the freshness of the dawn makes it unbelievable that I live in the heart of a big, bustling city, the city that jostles for space and turns into a cacophony of noise in just a few hours. I live in Asia’s World city, I live in Hong Kong.

IMG_8339

We came here in 2011 from the peace and quiet neighborhood of Wimbledon, London and goodness how I longed to get back to that world at that time. The loud sounds, the pollution, the indecipherable harsh language, the impolite people, the rush and the madness, I just couldn’t come to terms with the city and what it had to offer. “We are leaving here in 2 years time,” I announced to my husband in no uncertain terms. Once the kids settled in their schools – another herculean task of getting admissions, hunting for a house was another shock for me. I soon realised that my princely budget that could have rented a 2-floor semi-detached house in the suburbs of London, could only get me a little more than 900 sq ft of space! Shopping at the local supermarket and wet market was a nightmare as you couldn’t just ask around for things without knowing their Cantonese equivalent. Worst of all was the transportation. I gave up on taxis after encountering rude drivers and drivers who paid more attention to their mobile phones than on the road and started taking public buses. While the big buses were fine, the minibuses came from an alien world, one that certainly doesn’t adhere to ‘Customer is the King’ approach. And then Helpers! What was it about this place that made it almost compulsory for one to have a helper? Every family seemed to have them, even unmarried singles had them! And when I said that I didn’t need one, I was given the ‘Really? Why would anyone want to do that?’ kind of looks if not pointed comments, and of course I was excluded from 70% of the small talk that revolved around helpers. Aaaahhhhh I wanted to run away!

hk1

 

And then 4 years later – everything changed. Well not every ‘thing’ just my thinking!

2015

I am in no hurry to leave.

After the kids and home were settled, I focused on the first ‘unfamiliarity’ – Language. I enrolled for a Cantonese class. 3 hours every Sunday for 8 months and hey presto I can speak Cantonese! Well on a basic level at least. While at first I was quite upset at the ‘local-ness’ of my surroundings, it is the best environment to pick up a new language since I hear it everywhere. In the market, at the bus stop, on the streets. Today the same crass, loud words spoken by the locals are music to my ears as I quickly try to translate them in my head, making sense of what they are saying. I can use my Guang Dong wa in bits and pieces here and there and feel extremely proud when a local person shows his approval with smiles and praises. Suddenly I feel like I get the locals. They don’t mean to be rude, it’s just how they are. Time is of essence here and the reason they are so efficient is because they don’t waste time on exchanging pleasantries. Works for them and certainly works for me now.

Next, I started my own venture – SUMMER. All the branding and marketing management that I had learnt in B-school was put to good use, as I started selling Western casual and children’s wear sourced from India in the niches of Hong Kong. Friends were my first ‘targets’ of course but HK being a close-knit city it was easy to setup, spread the word using social media, take part in events and get going working from home. I don’t think I could’ve done this so easily say in London or in other big metros. Imagine making your address public and inviting strangers over home, which brings me to the third positive and most important reason for me to stay put here.

Safety – HK makes me feel safe. While I do read of a few incidences, HK is generally a very safe city to live in. With the police omnipresent and vigilant and security guards in every building I feel comfortable even when I am by myself. And its not just in terms of money or valuables, I am also talking about personal safety. I can go anywhere, wearing anything I like, without thinking of what ‘people’ would think or say. There are no ugly stares, no cheap cat-calls and certainly no one trying to grab your backside here. Whatever time of day or night I feel safe with the Chinese people, their odd aloofness though annoying, is more than welcome and highly appreciated in this aspect.

Fitness – I have never felt so fit in my life. At 40 I feel I have more energy and strength than when I was 20. I have always loved the mountains and what better access could I get than right across the road from home! While I cursed the ups and downs of HK, struggling to manage my boys on their scooters going at break-neck speed, puffing up and down the wretched slopes with heavy shopping bags, it has certainly made me fitter. That I can just walk away from the pollution and noise up into the cool green of the hills in a matter of five minutes is a miracle that only this city can boast about.

IMG_8083

If you are a foodie then this is the place to be! The blend of different nationalities, different cultures and languages have given Hong Kong a truly International name for its cuisine offerings. One’s taste buds can visit any part of the world by just walking across the streets of SoH0 – Hong Kong’s wine and dine district. If one wants to, one can party every single day in Hong Kong. If the day’s fatigue gets too much for me, all I have to do is head for the dining zone. All my day’s struggle comes to an end with a glass of sparkling wine, sitting in a quiet or noisy corner, on a rooftop with a 360 degree view of the city or in a bar with music blasting off.

IMG_7970

Enjoying HK nightlife – with my husband.

Even when I first came here I preferred the darker side of Hong Kong – its night life! Maybe because Hong Kong never sleeps, maybe because all the anger and the irritation that is cause by the daytime heat and temperature calms down in the coolness of the night, maybe because Hong Kong is never completely dark as it lights up the skies with its luminous skyscrapers and its famous light shows. The fragrant harbour is captured on many a lens by people sitting on both sides of the channel as they watch the beautiful sampans with a party on board, or a ferry chugging along taking passengers from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui or one of the islands back and forth.

Islands – And if this combination of noise and quiet, crowd and solitude still doesn’t work for you, then set up home in a nearby island. From Lamma to Peng Chao to Lantau there is no dearth of peace and quiet with plenty of space (something that is severely lacking in city homes), could keep a dog or two and enjoy the solitude specially if you are closer up to the majestic mountains that tower these islands. Great vistas, lovely hikes, close-knit communities are other advantages living here.

I am sure there are a lot of other factors that keep people glued here. “I came here thinking it was for a year and now I’ve been living here for 16 years” is a line that I  hear quite often. Not sure about 16 years but at least for the next few, Hong Kong is the place I want to be in, Hong Kong is home.

 

Related Posts

  • Life in the ‘new normal’Life in the ‘new normal’
  • From Pokfulam to Kowloon PeakFrom Pokfulam to Kowloon Peak
  • Hiking aloneHiking alone
  • Wah Fu – A hidden gem in Pok Fu LamWah Fu – A hidden gem in Pok Fu Lam

Related

Comments

comments

Share this article:

Comments

  1. Vishal Bheeroo says

    October 25, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    Glad to read this perspective about HK and how your perception changed. Was reading a booklet on HK and the buildings, monuments and restaurants are mind-blowing. Would love visiting, someday:)

    Reply
    • Mehroo says

      October 27, 2015 at 6:52 am

      Thanks Vishal and like they say “never say never”. The same situation is viewed differently by different individuals and that’s what life is all about isn’t it? Thanks again for visiting my blog and hope to see you in HK in person someday.

      Reply
  2. Reena says

    October 27, 2015 at 2:00 am

    Mehroo…. I love this one!! You know how much I miss HK and you have listed the reasons why so well here 🙂 Hope to visit and maybe stay in this vibrant city once again soon!!

    Reply
    • Mehroo says

      October 27, 2015 at 6:46 am

      Hey Reena, so happy to know you liked reading this. I took some time to think about all possible things I like about this place and yet after posting it, I came up with some more :)). Yes hope to see u here again. Take care.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s get connected

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Updates on Blog Posts, and more !

Search

Popular Posts

  • School is over for today Its 3 o'clock and the school bell's loud ring is foll...
  • Miss India and all that jazz! So here it is...after months of waiting... the post...
  • Aashiqui 2 – Love Makes Life Live I can't say I am a movie buff and yet every evening aft...
  • A visit to the Wet Market This post was featured on The HK Hub, a one-stop site...
  • “Sorry ya, the line got cut!” "Jis vyakti se aap sampark karna chahte hain, woh vya...

Recent Comments

    No recent comment found.

Instagram

mehrooturel

Mompreneur | Coach | HK 💕
It’s Christmas! I am sitting in my cozy home wat It’s Christmas! I am sitting in my cozy home watching the twinkling lights on my Christmas tree🎄 drinking hot chocolate ☕️ or mulled wine 🍷 depending on the time of the day 😉 and listening to Christmas songs🎵 

Sharing my all-time favourite Christmas songs with you! 
❄️ Winter wonderland
❄️ Santa Claus is coming to town
❄️ Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! 
❄️ Deck the halls
❄️ Do you hear what I hear? 
❄️ Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Add to the festive spirit of joy And togetherness and share your favourite Christmas songs in the comments below! 

#christmassongs🎶 #christmascarols #christmassongs #christmastimewithfamily #familychristmas #christmasphotoshoot #christmasplaylist #christmasplaylists #christmasinhk #christmashongkong #christmashk #christmasyulelog
2020 was an "eventful" year. Our MAP Team of 'momp 2020 was an "eventful" year. Our MAP Team of 'mompreneurs' came together for this MAP CHRISTMAS COFFEE VIRTUAL MEET to share our thoughts, learnings, ups and downs for 2020, gaining from each other's strengths and carving a positive and productive path ahead for 2021! 

Loved the honesty, positive vibes, kind words and the support shown for each other and the group as a whole! Here's to many more!

#christmasmeet #womensupportingwomen 
#mumsatplay #momlife #mompreneurlife #hkmoms #womenentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneurship
It's ok to feel down sometimes. 🙁 But the impor It's ok to feel down sometimes. 🙁 But the important thing is to jump back up! 😍 
Easy said than done, I know, which is why I have made this list handy for you to have anytime you are feeling low and need a bit of motivation to get out of it!

What else do you do when you are feeling low? 🙄
Add it to comments here so we can all learn and try out new things to lift our mood! 🤩

 LIKE SHARE SAVE

#coachingforlife #mindsetchange #peacefulmindpeacefullife #staypositivealways #coachinghelps #lifecoachforwomen #coachingformoms #lifecoachformoms #icfcoaching #powerofcoaching #careercoach #careercoaching #innerpotential #businesscoach #businesscoachforwomen 
#powerfulquotes #inspirationalquotesoftheday #inspirationalquotesforlife
2020 - A year of extraordinary changes and challen 2020 - A year of extraordinary changes and challenges. 

How are you ending 2020? 

#mondaymotivation #stayfocused #staypositive➕ #keepitgoing #becauseyoumatter #lifecoachhk #lifecoachingforwomen
Catching up on some IG INSIGHTS. 👉🏻Here are Catching up on some IG INSIGHTS. 
👉🏻Here are my Top posts for the year! 
👉🏻Interesting to see what kind of posts attract more engagement and likes. 
👉🏻Here are some emerging themes
#fitness 
#motivation 
#hongkong🇭🇰 
#changeisgood 
#lifestyle
#buildingconfidence 
#workingduringcovid 

If you are an IG enthusiast and wish to inspire and motivate the right kind of people with your feed, spend some time looking at your insights to move in the right direction. 

#instagraminsights #insights #insightsdiscovery
The power of a HUG! 🫂 Do you know why hugs ar The power of a HUG! 🫂 

Do you know why hugs are so powerful? 
🤗 Hugging is a way of healing. 
🤗 Hugging relieves stress, anxiety, loneliness and tension. 
🤗 Hugging releases oxytocin “love hormone” resulting in the “feel good” factor.
🤗 Hugging offers a sense of protection and safety.
🤗 Hugging boosts self-esteem, increases our capability to self-love. 
🤗 Hugging offers a chance to exchange energy, encourages empathy and nurtures relationships. 

🙋‍♀️ So who have you given a hug today? Write in comment below. 

❤️LIKE  SAVE  SHARE for others to spread the power of a HUG! ❤️

@mehrooturel @lokithepoppycat
Friday thoughts.... I captured this beautiful sun Friday thoughts....

I captured this beautiful sunset on my iphone and I still could not do justice to the beautiful sun setting in front of eyes....too beautiful to captured on the lens ...posting my best shot. 

"Every sunset is an opportunity to reflect and reset" - What do you think?

#sunsetphotography #sunsetlovers
THANKFUL THURSDAY Take a minute to be grateful fo THANKFUL THURSDAY

Take a minute to be grateful for what you have today. Because even the smallest thing counts. 

#begratefuleveryday #thankfulthursdays❤️ #bethankfuleveryday #smallthingscount
Coaching? What? Why? When? I am often asked these Coaching? What? Why? When? 
I am often asked these questions by well-meaning family and friends as they learn about this new phase in my life. It prompted me to rewind time and write about this journey.

👉Coaching: Let’s start at the very beginning.... 

🖋Capturing the moments and memories of this beautiful new phase in my life.

End-January 2020: With corona virus spreading across Hong Kong and number of cases rising, schools were asked to shut down. We were in Mumbai over Chinese New Year and what had been a short 5-day trip to the city for a family wedding turned out to be a month-long extension as we postponed our flights intending to “stay safe” in Mumbai.

February 2020: While I was I happy that we were relatively safe and I could enjoy a longer holiday, the working bug in me started biting within a week. Business was slow through the previous months of protests in Hong Kong and had now come to a grinding halt. My mind started racing. What next, what can I do to keep my business going? In retrospect the actual question to ask was “What can I do to keep myself going?”

March 2020: After some trials and errors on new ideas for my current business, I realized that this was not the solution I was looking for. After starting my career in corporate sales and marketing, followed a fulfilling role as a stay-at-home mom to my boys and the last few years of being a “mom-preneur” running an exciting clothing and events business, I felt that I needed something different – something that I love and something that is sustainable over a period of time. I started researching on the internet, looking for an answer. My searches were quite random and pretty general. ‘Flexible job from home, rewarding job for women, inspiring jobs, etc.’ I am not sure how or when but along with the other answers that came up, what struck my attention and curiosity was the word ‘Coaching.’

To read my full blog visit http://frommissindiatomotherhood.com. 

Cover Photo by Danielle MacInnes on @unsplash
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

My entrepreneurial ventures!

My entrepreneurial ventures!

Labels

After school activities birthday cake birthday party Birthdays christmas Christmas presents Christmas shopping christmas tree christmas with kids Cooking corona corona virus covid-19 dogs drama class family holiday family outing Faust Festivals Giveaway grey hair growing up hair colour Hiking Holidays Hong Kong India Kidsfest motherhood Movies Mumbai Mumtrepreneur Nostalgia Parenting Parsi Pets Poems raising kids Reviews Role change School Stay-at-home-mum SUMMER teenager Zoroastrian

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · frommissindiatomotherhood.com · contact · TOS & Privacy · Made by Kaushik

Subscribe to our newsletter!

x