Laowai79

Hi,

I'm a Canadian who stumbled across this site. I hope you don't mind that I'm not British Actually, I've been an expat in Asia, off and on, for the past 4.5 years. I'm currently living in Hong Kong and thinking of returning home (permanently). I'm from the East coast (Moncton, NB) and am starting to miss the more laid back lifestyle there. (A little too slow sometimes, though). I am teaching English here in HK but would rather go back to 'regular class teaching' in a Canadian public school.

Anyway, for those of you who live on the East coast, what do you like about it? It would be nice to look at home through a new pair of eyes. By the way, I know that Canada is not perfect (I did leave, didn't I?) so will not be offended by negative comments. Thanks.

LW79

hot wasabi peas

Why the east coast? With your experience, it seems that the west coast would suit you better... or is the move back more to do with family and going back to where you are from?

Tangram

Will let you know in a few weeks time.

iaink

Not our job to convince you...if you want to you will come back, if you need convincing by strangers its probably not a great idea anyway.

Calgal

Hi - and welcome to the forums! No problem with not being "British", there are all sorts here!

Your real name wouldn't happen to be "Sue", by any chance?......

UK2Toronto

I'm Canadian and have also lived away from home for 5 years (in England) and can't decide whether to move back or not (I never thought it would be permanent, but I've settled here). The problem with moving abroad is that you end up knowing the best and worst of both places and start comparing them, wishing you could combine the countries.
I wanted to wait for my move back until I stopped missing my family - there is no point moving somewhere just to be close to family - you still need to live and work there; so once the pain of homesickness subsided I could concentrate more on lifestyle and work etc back home. But now I too need convincing!
I suppose the question you need to ask yourself is how you want your life to look in 5 or 10 years. Immigrating back home may end up being permanent, are you happy to live out your days there? Do you feel you have unfinished business in Hong Kong? Maybe somewhere else in Canada could be an option?
I keep hoping the answer will come to me one day, but in the meantime my husband and I are saving our pennies so when the day does come we can just go for it.
Anyway, I don't know if I've been much help, but just wanted you to know you aren't alone in your thinking.

Laowai79

Hey,

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I realize I have to make this decision on my own but it would be nice to hear some positives about the maritimes. My Canadian friends overseas tend to be incredulous that I'd want to go 'back there'.

There are things I like about home and there are things I like about being an expat in HK. My brother and his wife just had a baby about 10 months ago. I was in HK when he was born. I got to see him at Christmas but it would be nice to be around as he's growing up. Alternatively, I could be the 'cool' uncle who brings him exotic stuff from Asia

Anyway, I have to decide soon. I'll let you people know what I decide (not that you probably really care but still...)

Thanks,

LW79

Butch Cassidy

To be honest, since I dont know anything about you and you seem 'quite' happy in Asia you are absolutley correct. I couldnt give a <snip>what you do. But hey, welcome to the forum anyway.

Steve_P

Not a member of the mile high club yet then Butch?

Butch Cassidy

I said I COULDNT, Not that I HAVENT.

UK2Toronto

I thought these forums were supposed to be friendly and supportive...

zalaben

Hi and welcome to the forum. I lived in HK as a kid and loved it. infact, If I didnt have kids i would probably be there right now. I was there before the change-over and loved the fast pace of the City. I dont know you obviously, but I would find it hard going from an exciting city to the slower pace of the Maritimes, but that is me. Maybe that is what you want. you wont find Central in the Maritimes after all.Good luck in whatever you choose. Ps I went to the Peak school and HKIS and lived on 63 Repulse Bay Road near Stanley Market.

Butch Cassidy

And you point is...............




(not being rude, aggressive or nasty Just asking.)

welshmountie

So did I, but obviously there are a certain few (yob culture crowd) in this forum that decided that poluting the UK with their foul mouths and negativity wasn't enough for them so decided to spread their evil to Canada. Also, they probably don't have anything better to do than sit all day on this site and be as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Who gives the Karma here? Where are the moderators of this site? They should be removing the accounts of these few.

Anyway, the example of that one trash post on this thread shows why perhaps Laowai79 should come back to Canada where commonality of this is hopefully as not as widespread as other countries. I cannot comment on HK though.

"Further Convince Laowai79?"....I have my own reasons and the same dilemma. Although not born in Canada, I have UK/Canadian citizenship from living there for several years. I miss the same things, but above all, the wider spaces, weather, more laid back living and of course more respectful people (fewer yobs).

Butch Cassidy

I presume you are refering to my First post on this thread.

Before you make judgements like you have may I make two suggestions:
1) Read it again and try once more to interpret my TRUE meaning
2) Read my other 5000+ posts, you will then see how I can be helpful, supportive, sarcastic, offering good (and bad) advice and even (in some peoples eyes) amusing.