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Max Chernov’s conversation with Leo Murray looks back on a life in Hong Kong that began in 1964. Leo recalls arriving from the United States, marrying a Hong Kong woman and volunteering as a pilot with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and Hong Kong police. His flying included aid and rescue work, mountain rescues and trips carrying VIPs, including during the Pope’s visit. He describes Hong Kong as a place where urban energy and steep outdoor trails remain close together. The interview also turns to his long marriage, including how the couple met at a beach and how they value independence and personal space. Leo reflects on aging, honesty, helping others, walking the hills and staying curious. His thoughts on owning less and finding meaning through relationships and outdoor activity form the closing theme of the discussion. Leo also compares his memories of Hong Kong with New York and talks about how the city has changed across the decades. He values the chance to move between a dense city and nearby hills, and he describes his wife as a partner who shares his independent spirit. Their long relationship is presented through his own recollections, including how they met at the beach and how they have made room for each other.
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More about the current video:(Published on 2025-11-22)
A life in Hong Kong and in the air
Max Chernov talks with Leo Murray, an American who arrived in Hong Kong in 1964. Leo later married a Hong Kong woman and built a life in the city that spans more than six decades. He describes the city’s safety, efficiency and opportunities, as well as the mountains and trails that are easy to reach from its urban areas. Leo volunteered with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and worked as a pilot with the Hong Kong police. He recalls delivering aid, rescuing hikers and flying VIPs. One story concerns VIP flights during the Pope’s visit. His recollections connect professional duty with a personal love of climbing Hong Kong’s steep hills.
Family, independence and staying active
The interview also follows Leo’s relationship with his wife. They met at a beach, have shared decades of life together and value having space and independence within their marriage. Leo talks about honesty, helping other people and navigating difficult periods without giving up curiosity. At 83, he still emphasizes walking the hills and keeping an outdoor routine with family and friends. He discusses aging and the meaning of life through practical choices: being true to oneself, staying interested in the world and not accumulating more possessions than necessary. Max and Leo’s conversation moves between Hong Kong’s changing city life, New York comparisons, flying, family, aging and personal advice. Leo’s account is grounded in the experiences he names, from volunteer rescue flights to everyday walks, rather than a formula for how everyone should live.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What keeps Leo energized in his 80s?
- A: Leo says staying curious and walking the hills help keep him active. He describes an outdoor routine with family and friends and a continued interest in the city around him. His advice is based on his own experience of aging in Hong Kong.
- Q: What work did Leo do as a volunteer pilot?
- A: Leo recalls volunteering with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and flying with the Hong Kong police. His work included delivering aid, rescuing hikers and carrying VIPs, including flights during the Pope’s visit.
- Q: How do Leo and his wife describe their long relationship?
- A: They value their independence and personal space while sharing decades of life together. Leo recalls meeting his wife at a beach and describes honesty, respect and room for each person as important parts of their family life.
