Native New Yorker, Fiona Kotur Marin moved to Hong Kong in early 2002 when her husband, financier Todd Marin, was relocated. “It was just after the birth of our second son, with my oldest being only a year old,” she recalls. “So, the move was part of this greater current of change and adventure in our lives. And it was quite a change from my previous life as a diehard New Yorker.”
Kotur Marin may be a “diehard” New Yorker, but she appears to have had no problem adjusting to this bustling city she now calls home. Here, she shares some insider tips and thoughts about her life on the other side of the globe.
FAVORITE THING: You can have one of a million different lives in this city — and I feel like I live several at one time. There are so many things to explore and discover here. And I love the rapid pace of Hong Kong.
LEAST FAVORITE THING: I would prefer a less-humid and drier climate and the chance to wear fall clothing… and less pollution which, at times, can be terrible.
MUST DO: Corny but still my favorite — a night journey on the Star Ferry, upper deck.
MUST SEE: The various neighborhoods, even the gritty ones, to get a true sense of the city. In Wanchai, visit the wet market and Star Street area; in Sai Ying Pun, explore 1st and 2nd Streets. These places combine old Hong Kong with a younger, creative evolution. Also, in Sham Shiu Po, go to the fabric market and wholesale stores for accessories, components, and building supplies.
WHERE TO EAT: Best Chinese: Duddells. Most hip Chinese: Ho Lee Fook.
Favorite Japanese: Ronin. Our neighborhood favorite: Upper Modern Bistro. It has a Michelin Star but you can eat casually at the bar, and it has the best cheese plate in HK.
WHERE TO CHILL: On the beach at Big Wave Bay or on a hike. There are so many great walks here through the tropical “rainforest” minutes from Central; to the Peak; on Violet Hill or for the very fit, up the 1000 steps. Dragon’s Back is another great walk along the mountain ridge.
BEST STREET STYLE: The Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun neighborhoods, near the university and around PMQ, a restored police barracks which now houses independent designers and boutiques.
LIFE AS AN AMERICAN DESIGNER IN HONG KONG: It’s been a wonderfully creative experience to be able to explore and dig beneath the surface when sourcing materials and manufacturers. And I found some real treasures over the years, while having a wonderful adventure along the way.
ON WHAT SHE MISSES ABOUT LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES: I miss vintage! Clothing, furniture, accessories. So I now satisfy my vintage shopping habits by trolling online, but it’s not the same as the physical discovery.
