In the late 1980s and 1990s, Hong Kong was the largest source of overseas immigrants to British Columbia.

You can see the influence in the architecture, hear their intonations on the streets, and taste their cuisine in the restaurants, but the journey to better understanding their life stories, is one that continues today.

And it's one that continues for the CBC's Elaine Chau.Her family immigrated in May of 1992 and while she has travelled back and forth several times over the last two decades, has always felt a pull between Hong Kong and her adoptive home in Canada.

​"There's this particular side street in Kwai Fong (in Kowloon) that I purposely walk through every time I'm in Hong Kong. Before my family immigrated to Canada, Kwai Fong was where we lived, and this stretch of road was one that my dad and I would always stroll through. There's a barbecue shop on the left that emits fragrances of just-roasted pork, and star anise. On the right, locals bartering for the best fruit and vegetables at the market. When I picture myself in Hong Kong, that's where I'm transported to right away. I feel like that a kid again, holding on to my dad's hand, carefree and wondering if I'd get to buy my favourite red bean popsicle at the convenience store around the corner."

Name: Vivian Chu

Why did you leave? My dad was one of hundreds of thousands of young people who risked their lives to escape from China to Hong Kong in search of a better future in the 1970s. He was part of a group who had suffered greatly from the Cultural Revolution. After successfully escaping from China, my dad set up a business and started a family in Hong Kong. He brought us to Canada in 1994 because he did not want to live under the rule of Communist China again when it would resume sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997.

What do you miss most? Without the support of extended family and friends, adjusting to life in Canada proved to be challenging for my parents. I would say that my family as a whole missed having those connections.

Name: Anna Li

Why did you leave? My parents brought my brother and I in 1990. We were also Christians and my parents were unsure of what Hong Kong's handover to China would mean. Would there be persecution? Would we have the freedom to believe what we do? What kind of education would we have in Hong Kong? What kind of history would we learn?

What do you miss most? The food in Hong Kong is unparalleled. My favourite is 'gai daan jai', or egg waffles. My brother would buy it for me whenever we came across it. It brings me back to being a kid again. Hong Kong holds a very special place in my heart, but Vancouver is home. I'm very outdoorsy, I love to hike, climb, and ski. I'm so happy to be in Canada and I'm very thankful for the welcome.

Name: Wai-Ling Lennon

Why did you leave? On September 2, 1977, I first arrived in Winnipeg. I came from Cheung Chau, a small island, an hour (by ferry) southwest of Hong Kong. I was just so happy and curious, but my mom was saying, "Don't go". So there was a contrast of emotions there. Being a student, I came to pursue a dream, a possibility of a better future. The competitiveness in Hong Kong was scary, so I thought if I could improve myself, have a different experience, and gain a stronger proficiency in English, I would have a better chance at advancing myself.

What do you miss most? Family and relatives, because it's the relationships you have with people, and when you're so far away you feel lonely in that sense. The first few years, I missed having the variety of food... it's not only the substance, but the environment you enjoy the food in - the climate, the people you were with. During the Mid Autumn Festival, you share pomelo and mooncakes with family. Even though as a family, we wouldn't talk a lot, we would eat together and have tea together.