To Calgary, From Across The Ocean

By Bungen Lee

When Wei's family moves to Calgary, he's forced to leave behind his grandparents and everything he's ever known. But as he adjusts to his new life in a new city, Wei discovers that every new beginning comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. With the help of his family, and the wise words of his grandmother, Wei learns to embrace change and open his heart to new experiences. From facing down bullies to discovering the wonders of the universe, Wei's journey will captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bungen Lee
• Release date: May 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223387893

Bungen Lee

Raised in Calgary, Canada, Bungen Lee (pen name) has always had a passion for writing. As a child, he would spend countless hours scribbling stories in his notebook, often to the neglect of his schoolwork. However, it wasn't until later in life that Bungen realized that writing was his true calling. Despite his love for writing, Bungen pursued a career in engineering, where he worked tirelessly as an engineer for many years. However, his desire to write never waned, and he spent every free moment honing his craft. He attended writing workshops, read every book on the craft of writing, and even took a course on creative writing online. As an Asian Canadian writer, Bungen has always been interested in exploring the complexities of identity and culture in his writing. His stories often delve into the experiences of immigrants and their families, as well as the challenges of navigating life in a multicultural society. Bungen is currently working on his first and second novel, which he hopes to publish in the near future.

Book preview

Prologue

Hong Kong in the late 80s was a city of contrasts. The bustling metropolis was a heady mix of Eastern and Western cultures, with a skyline that seemed to stretch up to the clouds. It was a city that never slept, where the sound of honking cars and the chatter of people filled the streets at all hours of the day and night.

At the heart of the city was the iconic Victoria Harbour. The water shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting the skyscrapers that lined the waterfront. The Star Ferry plied the waters, shuttling commuters and tourists alike between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The sound of the ferry's engines and the gentle lapping of the water against its hull were a constant background hum in the city.

On the streets, the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong life played out in full force. Market stalls and shops lined the sidewalks, selling everything from fresh produce to electronics to designer clothing. Hawkers shouted out their wares, trying to entice passersby to stop and take a look. Taxis honked their horns, weaving through the traffic with a reckless abandon that left many newcomers gasping in disbelief.

The people of Hong Kong were just as diverse as the city itself. Everywhere you looked, you could see people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Chinese locals rubbed shoulders with expatriates from Europe and North America, while South Asian and Southeast Asian immigrants added their own unique flavors to the mix.

In the heart of the city, towering skyscrapers dominated the skyline. Buildings like the Bank of China Tower and the IFC Tower were symbols of the city's financial might and economic success. But despite the modernity and the wealth, there was also a sense of history and tradition in Hong Kong. Temples and shrines dotted the city, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

One of the most iconic sights in Hong Kong was the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that climbed up to the top of Victoria Peak. The tram was a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the city below. At night, the skyscrapers were lit up like Christmas trees, with neon signs and colorful lights competing for attention.

But beyond the glitz and the glamour, there was also a darker side to Hong Kong. Poverty and overcrowding were rampant in some of the city's more disadvantaged neighborhoods. Tenement buildings, known as cage homes, housed thousands of people in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Street vendors and beggars were a common sight in some areas, a reminder that not everyone in the city was sharing in its economic success.

Despite the challenges, Hong Kong in the late 80s was a city full of life and energy. It was a place where anything seemed possible, where dreams could be made and fortunes could be won. For many people, it was a city that represented hope and opportunity, a place where they could build a better future for themselves and their families.

As the countdown to the handover of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China began in the 1990s, the city would face new challenges and uncertainty. But for a brief moment in time, Hong Kong in the late 80s was a city that shone bright like a diamond, a beacon of hope and possibility in a rapidly changing world.

The massive emigration of people from Hong Kong to other parts of the world in the early 1990s was a sight to behold. Families, young professionals, and students alike were leaving their homes in droves, driven by the uncertainty of the upcoming handover of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China in 1997.

The departure lounge of Hong Kong International Airport was a bustling hub of activity, with people dragging suitcases, boxes, and bags of all shapes and sizes. Tears flowed freely as families said their goodbyes, uncertain if they would ever see each other again.

Outside the airport, the streets were lined with taxis and buses, all filled with people and their belongings, heading to various destinations around the world. The air was thick with the sounds of shouting and honking, as drivers jostled for position in the heavy traffic.

In the months leading up to the handover, the city itself seemed to change. Storefronts that once catered to the local population were now filled with merchandise for the departing expats, selling everything from furniture to electronics to household goods. Real estate prices skyrocketed, as people rushed to sell their homes and businesses and move their money out of the country.

Despite the chaos and uncertainty, there was also a palpable sense of resilience and hope among those leaving Hong Kong. Many were excited at the prospect of starting new lives in new countries, and were determined to make the most of their opportunities. The emigration of people from Hong Kong in the early 1990s was a poignant reminder of the power of human migration, as people sought out new beginnings in the face of uncertainty and change.

Canada was one of the top destinations for Hong Kong residents looking to emigrate. The country had a reputation for being welcoming to immigrants and had a well-established Chinese community. The Canadian government also actively recruited skilled workers from Hong Kong in industries such as finance and technology.

In addition, Canada had recently implemented a new immigration policy that allowed people from Hong Kong to immigrate as investor-class immigrants. This policy required a minimum investment of $250,000 in Canada and was seen as a way for Hong Kong residents to protect their assets and secure a future for their families.

The prospect of a new life in Canada was not without its challenges, however. Many Hong Kong residents had to leave behind family and friends, as well as the familiarity of their home city. The language barrier was also a significant hurdle for some, as many people in Hong Kong spoke Cantonese rather than English.

Despite these challenges, many Hong Kong residents saw immigration to Canada as a way to secure their future and protect their families. The early 1990s saw a massive wave of emigration from Hong Kong, with many people leaving behind everything they knew to start anew in a new country. The impact of this wave of immigration on both Hong Kong and Canada would be significant, shaping the lives of countless individuals and families for generations to come.

Wei's parents were among those who felt that their only option was to leave. They had worked hard all their lives to provide for their family, but now they felt that they had to start over somewhere else. They didn't want to risk their children's future in a city that was rapidly changing.

Wei was just a little boy at the time, but he still remembers the chaos and the tears. He remembers the crowded departure lounge of the airport, the tearful goodbyes, and the long journey to their new home in Canada. He remembers feeling scared and alone in a new country where he didn't speak the language or understand the culture.

But he also remembers the hope and the determination that his parents had. They were determined to make a better life for their family, even if it meant starting from scratch. They worked hard to adapt to their new surroundings, to learn the language and the customs, and to build a new community for themselves.

This is the story of Wei's journey, from his departure from Hong Kong to his arrival in Calgary, and his struggles and triumphs along the way.

Wei was a five-year-old boy with an infectious smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was small for his age, with a delicate frame and chubby cheeks that gave him an adorable, cherubic look. His hair was jet black, with a slight curl at the ends that gave it a playful bounce.