From Hong Kong to Finland: A Friendship That Travels With Me
"We met as strangers chasing dreams, became sisters through shared Sundays and street food, and stayed friends across oceans, because true friendship doesn’t fade, it simply finds new ways to stay."
Celebrating 12 years of friendship with Annie
How It All Began
I still remember the day I met Annie. We were both at the agency, we are together in our training, going for medical tests, and we live together in the boarding house provided by the agency. We stay there while preparing to leave the Philippines for work in Hong Kong. We were just two hopeful women chasing opportunity—but something clicked. Strangers at first both excitement in our eyes, or the way we both tried to hide our fears with laughter. From that moment on, we became close. Whatever it was, that moment sparked a friendship that would last more than a decade.
Day-Off Rituals and City Adventures
Once we arrived in Hong Kong, life got busy. Work was demanding, but our day-offs became sacred during our time off. We’d meet up, dress casually. Actually, I dress up like a boy, a polo shirt and sneakers, while she is wearing a dress and sandals ( I'm not tomboy, I'm just comfortable wearing those stuff ) and then head to church together. It was our way of grounding ourselves, finding peace in the middle of the chaos.
Afterwards, we’d explore the city—its hidden corners, its vibrant streets, its beautiful scenery and of course, its food. From steaming bowls of wonton noodles and hot pot to crispy egg tarts, we savoured Hong Kong one bite at a time.
We shared stories, dreams, and even quiet moments when words weren’t needed. Annie was more than a friend—she was my sister in a foreign land.
A New Chapter in Finland
Eventually, after more than nine years working in Hong Kong I felt a pull toward something more. I said I want more and I want to fulfilled something but I still dont know yet what it is. So, I decided to study practical nursing, pouring myself into books and exams. It wasn’t easy, but I passed the language test and found myself in Finland, starting a new chapter in a colder climate but with a warmer heart.
Annie stayed in Hong Kong, continuing her journey. She travelled very often with her boss. We don’t talk as often now—life has its way of keeping us busy—but when we do, it’s like no time has passed. The connection is still there, strong and steady.
A Poem for Annie
To celebrate our 12 years of friendship today, I wrote this poem for Annie. It’s a tribute to everything we’ve shared and everything we still carry in our hearts.
Twelve Years of Us
For Annie, with love from Mari
Twelve years of laughter, twelve years of grace,
Moments that time could never erase.
From shy hellos to inside jokes,
To tears and triumphs, and dreams we spoke.
Side by side in every frame,
Different seasons, still the same.
Sunlit smiles and windswept hair,
Proof that true friends are always there.
We worked in Hong Kong, shared the grind,
Met on day-offs to unwind.
Church and chats, and city lights,
Two hearts glowing through the nights.
Then I chased a dream, studied with care,
Passed the exam, breathed Finnish air.
Now I work where snowflakes fall,
But Annie’s warmth still answers my call.
Though chats are rare, and time runs fast,
The bond we built was made to last.
So here’s to us—Mari and Annie,
A friendship strong, and worth so many.
May the next twelve bloom even more,
With memories waiting just past the door.
Final Thoughts
Friendship doesn’t always need constant conversation—it just needs heart. Annie and I may be in different countries now, but the memories we made in Hong Kong still live with me. And that’s the kind of bond that never fades.
About Me
Hi, I’m Mari Felices. I write about love, heartbreak, and the quiet lessons life teaches us along the way. My words are pieces of my soul—sometimes poetic, sometimes raw, but always honest. If even one person finds comfort in my story, then my writing has done its purpose.
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