Arriving in the UK, and enjoying a bowl of soup might be seen as a luxury for many Hong Kong residents. To prepare a bowl of soup, one needs to purchase various ingredients, and it's even better if there's someone to share that pot of soup with you. How can one person possibly consume two or three litres of soup alone? Finishing all the soup residue at once is also quite challenging.
Hence, I've always treasured every opportunity to partake in Eat and Chill. The volunteers prepare different soups for the participants each time and, during mealtime, they exclaim, "Quick, have some soup first!" It instantly brings a sense of home.
Behind this bowl of soup lies more than just nourishment—it's a symbol of care and love among people. From its inception until today, Eat and Chill has witnessed the transformations of many Hong Kongers who relocated to the UK: from waiting for over two years for asylum seekers to gaining refugee status, from being unemployed to securing jobs, from working to starting their businesses, from being single to getting engaged, and more. Each time I hear about the various changes in the lives of the participants, I find solace and am deeply moved by their journeys.
Beyond the participation of Hong Kongers, the most heartwarming aspect is the involvement of residents who join in, engaging in conversation and learning from one another during meals. They not only share their fondness for Hong Kong celebrities but also introduce their local culture to Hong Kongers.
Even though living alone in the UK can sometimes evoke feelings of loneliness, at least we can come together to share a bowl of soup.
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