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Returning home for the first time since the start of the pandemic

Returning home for the first time since the start of the pandemic

After being away from home for two years due to the pandemic, we finally managed to escape the beautiful city of Hong Kong and spend some quality time with our friends and family in the UK, over the Christmas holidays. But what is it really like returning home since  the pandemic and being away for so long?

For some, it’s a bittersweet moment as they’re finally reunited with family and friends, but they’re also faced with the reality of how much has changed. It’s been a long and difficult road for everyone, but there’s something special about being able to return home after all this time. For some, it’s a chance to reflect on all that’s happened and how much they’ve grown. Others are simply happy to be surrounded by the people and things they love.

Regardless of what each person is feeling, returning home is a significant milestone in the journey through the pandemic. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel

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It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to travel and see our family. The pandemic has kept us apart for two years, and it’s been hard. It’s been tough, but we’ve gotten through it. Now, as the vaccine rollout continues and restrictions have eased in Hong Kong, we were  finally able to see our loved ones again during the Christmas holidays.  It felt strange to be packing a suitcase and getting on a plane again after so long. My children had forgotton what it was like to be on an airplane. They were so excited! For me, traveling alone with two children – flying from Hong Kong to the UK  felt both exciting and scary. 

A photo of myself and my two children on the plane traveling to the UK

First time on a plane since the start of the pandemic 

It was so strange walking into my childhood home after all this time. Seeing my parents for real and not over video call.  Everything looked the same, but at the same time, it felt like everything had changed. 

 

We were so happy to be reunited with our families, but I also felt a little sad about all the time my parents have miss out on.  My children grew so much over the past two years and my nieces and nephews had grown and some had even started having their own families. Nethertheless, it was good to be home. Even it was only for two weeks.

 

 

A photo of my children with their grandparents in the UK

My children reunited with their granparents

Did you recently return home? How did it feel? Would love to hear your experiences.  I think for some It’s a time to reconnect with family and friends, and to reflect on the past couple of years. For some, it’s a time to celebrate, and for others it’s a time to mourn. But for all, it’s a time to remember how grateful we are for the people in our lives and how lucky we are to experience life abroad.