Two attractive women in airline uniforms greeted me as I entered to baggage area of the Hong Kong airport, handing me a guide to Winterfest activities and a booklet of coupons. “Welcome to Hong Kong. Merry Christmas”, they told me, and I was happy.

I’m settled back into my room now, feeling very comfortable and at ease. My trip to Beijing was almost non-stop, going from one place to the next. For some reason I feel at home here, even when the bed isn’t mine, even when my cat isn’t here to sleep with me, even when my friends aren’t here to talk to. I was relieved when the plane touched down, when I could smell the Hong Kong air, when I could see the pervading Christmas lights.

People are trying to convince me to stay here, even though the tech sector is probably in worse shape here than at home. I’ve always considered living in Hong Kong, but have never taken it seriously because of the terribly humid weather that’s around for most of the year. Now I’m turning the idea in my head more and more.

I’ve grown to love this city, the atmosphere, the people, the culture, the spirit, in such a profound way. I think I understand what Dina was telling me about, after her trip and the attachment she developed to such a foreign land. When I first got here, I was wondering weather or not I would find leaving difficult.

Now I’m just hoping my eyes won’t well up when my grandmother sees me off.