COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Kylie Harrison

Author/ Being Neighbourly
9 July 2024

Kylie Harrison is an Aussie educator who has been in Hong Kong for almost 13 years via career stops at international schools in Singapore, Dubai and Vietnam. She is the Co-admin of the Buy Nothing, Central & Sheung Wan group alongside volunteer co-admin Maya Frommer.

How long have you lived in Hong Kong?

I have lived in Hong Kong for nearly 13 years. When I first arrived, I lived in Discovery Bay for the first year (as I worked at Discovery College). I then moved into the Central/Sheung Wan area where I have lived for the past 11-12 years.

Can you see yourself living anywhere else?

I am currently very happy living in Hong Kong and have no immediate plans to leave. My next move will probably be back home to Australia. I would love to live in Mooloolabah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. My soul just feels at peace there, being right on the beach.

Why did you move here?

I am a teacher so moved here for work. I love that Hong Kong has the amazing mix of the bustling city, beaches and hiking trails. Hong Kong had been on my wish list for a while.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I live on Staunton Street, right near PMQ. I love that I am close to everything and enjoy the convenience of everything the city has to offer. Yet, Sheung Wan still has a lot of its original local charm.

Best places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner?

To be honest, I don’t eat out a lot. But for a special occasion, I love going to The Chinese Library (located in Tai Kwun) for their free-flow dim sum brunch. The food is delicious! I could not pick a favourite dish, they are all fab.

Another place to eat… Monogamous is a hidden gem tucked away underneath the escalators between Caine Road

Elgin street. Great authentic Sichuan food at an affordable price.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Coffee is life! The best coffee

shop in Hong Kong by far is Fine Print (I frequent the one on Peel street as it is just three minutes walk from my apartment). They open early so you will normally see me seated at the window seat every weekday morning just after 6:30am before I head in to work — also on Sunday, after I have done teaching my classes at Pure.

I am not a big drinker, but don’t mind the occasional Aperol Spritz at Stazione Novella (corner of Staunton & Aberdeen streets).

Best little known gems. Best other hangouts?

Sheung Wan is full of lots of little hidden gems. I like to get out and about early in the day and wander around the neighbourhood exploring the little side streets and alleys that I would not normally see on my usual daily commute.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

Many people often think that Central/Sheung Wan is all a big, busy, noisy city. Where I am living offers the convenience of the city, yet still has a lovely community feel to it too.