The ins and outs of my settling in Hong Kong

Sonia November 25, 2021 12 Comments
A couple months of life in Hong Kong have passed. Now that you know how my move and quarantine went it's time I revealed more about the actual process of settling in. Coming from Malaysia to Hong Kong feels like leaving behind a heavy, tired, and lazy bear, who just wants to eat honey and watch TV, and moving towards an incessantly roaring, restless, and agitated tiger. Basically, from a...
My buddy, a plush tiger, sitting on the hotel bed.

My Memorable Hong Kong Quarantine

Sonia October 22, 2021 18 Comments
As soon as my check-in is over, I feel an incredible relief. I know that leaving Malaysia gets real now and I'm yet another step closer to starting afresh in a new country. All the pent up tension starts to slowly dissolve in the excitement of flying towards new beginnings. Fresh blood pumps into my veins and I can barely stand the weight. But there's one more obstacle on my way to freedom - the...
Taxi moving down a narrow steep lane in Hong Kong

How I moved to Hong Kong amidst pandemic

Sonia September 10, 2021 14 Comments
Let me start this post by a mantra of mine. "I am grateful, I am grateful, I am grateful". Let me say that loud out again: "I am grateful." To find a good job with a relocation package during the pandemic madness is no mean feat. I struck some luck. "I am grateful." But to be fair I have (almost) always been. And that's perhaps the reason why I am happy. Malaysia is a fantastic place for building...

13 of my absolute faves for coffee, food, drinks and photography in Kuala Lumpur

Sonia July 8, 2021 17 Comments
Feel like a coffee, bite or a unique shot? I've got your back, folks! I know Malaysia is still knee deep in the lockdown, but let's look on the bright side, shall we? The movement restrictions will end one day and then, I bet, ideas on where to quench thirst, fill your tummy up or simply enjoy the atmosphere will come in handy! That's why I have compiled this list of my personal faves. It meant...
Peggy riding an electric motorbike just before the sunset

Pulau Ketam – Remember Me, Will You? – Part 2

Sonia June 3, 2021 12 Comments
I'm sure you remember folks how I raved about Pulau Ketam. You may also reasonably expect that once I label something Part 1, another part must follow. I indeed hate to leave things unfinished. It's just that with Pulau Ketam, despite its proximity, it's been rather complicated. Quite simply since September 2020, when I last visited this genuine island, the pandemic hasn't allowed me another...

My favourite spots in Kuala Lumpur aka how I create culture

Sonia May 2, 2021 14 Comments
Kuala Lumpur is not exactly a fun city. I don't say that because I have something against it. Not at all! I have beenliving here for almost 6 years so such a statement would be completely inappropriate from me. I say that simply because it's true. Some will go as far as saying that KL is downright boring, and I would second that too. Unlike many cities in Southeast Asia, let alone capitals in...

Trip to Penang during Covid-19 aka snippets from George Town

Sonia March 18, 2021 10 Comments
Penang also known as George Town, which is its capital and main hub, has something that no other place in Malaysia has - a genius loci. While other major destinations could only dream of picturesque alleys oozing history, an abundance of trendy, hipster and cool cafés topped with real culture and art, Penang not only has it all, but the compactness with which it's found there makes it a unique...

Weekend with star of Kedah aka Alor Setar

Sonia February 14, 2021 16 Comments
I was thinking hard how to write a long post about a type of grass, despite being one of the national symbols, in a place which gets literally zero, or almost zero, tourist attention. Alor Setar aka Alor Star in the state of Kedah up north of the peninsula is that case. And it's a shame. While it doesn't offer as much as one would reasonably expect from more exposed towns, it certainly has its...

Falling in love with Tioman – Part 2

Sonia January 14, 2021 21 Comments
My darling Tioman and I met again for a week in September and then also almost two weeks in December. After the first visit, we missed each other terribly and also thought about all the activities we should do together, including a visit during the monsoon season to allow for a more romantic experience. While the rendezvous in September went really well as we managed to catch up with many...

Island hopping and slum, Mexico, Italy and Vietnam, Kota Kinabalu here I come!

Sonia December 7, 2020 7 Comments
While some foreigners, especially first time visitors, might feel that Kota Kinabalu is Sabah and Sabah is Kota Kinabalu (further referred to as KK), they would be wrong. KK is "just" a gate to Sabah and unless you have a car or a long holiday ahead to explore this island fully, you should lower your expectations of this place. Albeit very cute and interesting, it doesn't offer as much as some...