May

Meet the Dasher: The Cheerful Kindergarten Teacher who Enjoys Music, Dance and Crafts

Meet Gabriela Perez-Lopez, who traveled to Hong Kong from Ghana with her husband at the beginning of 2022. Even though Hong Kong may be less vibrant during the pandemic, it serves as the perfect transition for the couple to settle down. Keep reading to find out more about her lovely journey with her husband and their experience in Dash Living!

Hi Gabriela, nice to meet you! Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
G: I came from Las Vegas, Nevada though I was born in New York. My family is originally from Guatemala. I am currently working as a kindergarten teacher in Hong Kong.

What brings you to Hong Kong?

G: It’s a long story. I was in Ghana, West Africa, as I volunteered in the Peace Corps (a NGO based in the US). That is where I met my husband, Desmond. We stayed there for three years and after that we wanted to continue our journey together and explore new cities and cultures. We researched different options like Japan, Taiwan and the Middle East, and I eventually got a job offer in Hong Kong.

It is so lovely to have a companion to travel worldwide. Can you tell me a bit more about how you two met?

G: It was salsa dance that brought us together. When I was in Ghana, I attended a Friday Night Social event. Desmond was the instructor and the owner of the studio. And like every love story, we fell in love and got married! Talking about Desmond, he is also an accountant and musician. He owns an Afro band with his friends!

The couple likes matching clothes on Sundays to church or special events. On the left: Mixing Ghanaian fabric with Guatemalan fabric (where Gabriela’s family originated) On the right: Gabriela wearing Guatemalan traditional clothing called “traje” and Desmond is wearing his Ghanaian traditional clothing called “Kente”.

That sounds cool. Can you tell us more about his music?

G: Actually the song I shared with Dash Community for the Dash playlist on Spotify was produced by his band: Shushaaa (Pain Sweet) – Kpakposhito Ensemble. Desmond was one of the vocalists and the main pianist. We both love music so much and I used to play violin in a mariachi band back home as well. Not long ago, Desmond visited a piano store in K11 and started playing, the staff played a duet with him. It was so fun when music creates such an amazing connection between people.

Desmond's and his friend's band - Kpakposhito Ensemble

How was your experience staying in Dash?

G: I am glad that I stayed in Dash Living because the community team has been very helpful. There were times that I texted them about some issues and they dealt with it immediately. (Shout out to Emily and Matthew!) I came during the 5th wave of Covid, so there was not much to do under the covid restrictions. The Dash team organized some arts and crafts zoom classes, which I can still enjoy in my room. I LOVE them!