Living in four cities and calling of them home

When I think of home, it is not just one city that comes to mind. Just like birds and wildlife that travel the world in search of better breeding or living conditions, I also have a migratory pattern, dividing my time between Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Honolulu.

The first two places where I lived were decided by other people: I was born and raised in Singapore, and my family migrated to Melbourne in my mid-teens. But it was my choice to move after university to Sydney, and later on, Honolulu.

Having many places to call home means I can bring out a different side of me in each city whenever I want, without feeling like I have to live up to the expectations of other people. In Singapore, I let my inner history and culture buff surface. I visit the artifacts at the Asian Civilisations Museum, admire my family’s heirlooms on display at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery and explore Fort Canning Park’s relics and ruins. These activities reconnect me to my roots and remind me of all the sacrifices my forefathers made to transform my country of birth into the world-class city it is today.

The locals made me feel like I was one of them. They invited me to their family dinners and took me to their favorite beaches, which ended up becoming mine as well

In Melbourne and Sydney I’m all about bonding with my family. We go on long road trips together, driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, or Sydney to Brisbane, to get more acquainted with the country that welcomed my immigrant family with open arms nearly three decades ago. As exhausting as these drives are, I always look forward to them – they are a time for everyone in my family to share stories, have meaningful conversations and connect with each other.

But it is Honolulu that holds a very special place in my heart right now. I studied Polynesian culture in university, so when I began traveling to Hawaii more than 10 years ago, everything about the islands felt instantly familiar to me – their language, songs, dances, food and traditions. The locals made me feel like I was one of them. They invited me to their family dinners and took me to their favorite beaches, which ended up becoming mine as well: Makaha Beach with its beautiful sunset views and the finest white sand I have ever seen, and Kailua Beach, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling.

Honolulu is also where I met my future husband, with whom I share an affection for Hawaii. As we prepare to settle down and start a family in this part of the world, I can’t help but think of how lucky I am to have found love in a city that is so close to my heart.

But I feel luckiest to be able to call four beautiful cities home.