This Is 30

In most Asian cultures the number 3 is lucky, signifying good health and fortune… or so the gentleman in the SmarTone cell phone store told me. Last month, I entered the 3rd decade of my life, a fitting time to embark on a crazy adventure to the other side of the world. My husband Drew recently accepted the opportunity to expand his company’s platform in the Asia Pacific Region, representing a significant move for us from Southern California to Hong Kong. Having quit my own real estate job a few months ago in anticipation of the move, I have fully embraced the role of “traveling spouse,” a name given to someone who moves abroad for their partner’s career. (Strikingly, 86% of traveling spouses are female.) Although life these past few months has involved a lot of paperwork (yes, it’s VERY difficult to export your cats to Asia), purging, packing, and time spent hugging loved ones, I’m happy to report from this traveling spouse that life is pretty dang good.

We arrived in Hong Kong three days ago and we’re settling in quite nicely. We have spent time exploring the island (Hong Kong Island, where we’ll be living), apartment hunting, and tasting as many cuisines as humanly possible. Believe it or not we’ve already tasted food from Korea to India, and from Italy to Mexico. And let’s not forget the DIM SUM! I swear Drew could have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And mind you, he actually has had it for breakfast every morning thus far.

I’m hoping to keep family, friends and anyone else interested updated on our lives here in Hong Kong and to share a glimpse into our experience acclimating to the new environment. We would love to hear from you on this side of the world, and are especially open to any advice/recommendations you may have along the way!

Here’s to looking back on 30 blissful years, and looking forward to quite possibly the best years yet!