About ISImentor

Currently Lives:

Victoria, BC, Canada

Citizen of:

Canada

Some Forum Posts:

Hong Kong: Your comments are valued.:

Geane, Is the housing allowance per month or per annum? If the latter, it gives you 13500/month - on the low side for a western style place away from the island (according to my reasearch). I am considering Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O and the like for the realtively better air (I hear) and cheaper rents. I have seen decent two bedrooms advertised for 8-13k there in new estates, and village houses in the same range (these are still falts, really). 650,000 per annum is hard to comment on--income expectations and needs are so subjective. Check this for info/comparisons: http://www.ypexpat.com/en/html/be/be_rt_lcc.asp Good luck! John

Hong Kong: Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O for Kwun Tong job:

Hi, Considering locating in the above areas for a job in Kwun Tong. Thoughts? Looking for more space, fresher air and a sense of openness that is still convenient to the city. Also, any thoughts on village houses versus flats? I have heard that the village houses can be great, but that it is a risk because of sound travel. I'm quiet and value the same. Thx! J

Hong Kong: Hong Kong Travels:

Hi - Responding if only to add some activity in the forum! Returned from HK recently after a short visit. My impressions are: HK is used to low unemployment and is reeling over a percentage that some other cities only dream of...ironic. HK is horribly polluted, yet unbelievably clean...ironic. HK is international, diverse, welcoming, yet somehow essentially apart from its international population...ironic. HK is poised to assume a new character that could ensure a brilliant future...but possessed of a character that fears change more than its history implies...it is a place of contracts, one I hope to discover in much more depth. Cheers- J

Hong Kong: Moving to HK from U.S.:

Hi - Toured the Ellipsis - very cool building - additional space in one 2 bd floor plan on floors 1-8. Furnished, high style, but prob not great for four depending on the age of your kids. Space is more than tight in HK and while this building makes great use of it, it's nothing like what you might expect from North America. The "kitchen" is open to the dining area and is literally a 3-4' counter. Everything is "extra". Still, very cool building - I wonder if looking over the race track makes for an unacceptalbe noise level on Saturdays - anyone know? Cheers- J

Hong Kong: Clothing colours in Hong Kong:

I understand that blue is not an appropriate suit colour in HK. Of course, I have a closet full of blue suits, a few bespoke, most not. Also have a green Hugo Boss, and a black blazer worn with putty, green or cream slacks. Any advice on what would be best for an interview? Thanks in advance ;-)

Hong Kong: Impressed with this forum!:

I am considering applying for a contract civil service position in HK at around $100,000HKD/month. Is this considreed a good wage? It compares well with my Canadian experience as an independent consultant and exec mentor, but I know the cost of living is quite high in HK. My greatest concern is language (I understand that fluency in English and Cantonese are general requirements for civil service positions - I have no Chinese language (yet!). I'll look into whether the contract nature of the appointment makes a difference. Any advice most welcome on fitting into the city. Are civil service positions respected? (May seem an odd question, but in some environments that are definitely not.) Closing thought - I am a new expat.com member and am truly impressed with the thoughtful responses made in this forum. Your generousity is inspiring and the love of Hong Kong comes through. I hope I can experience it! Best- John

Canada: Frustration regarding EA:

Perhaps a foolish question, but I winder why an EA is necessary for a "volunteer" position. Are you, by any chance, getting caught in a bureacratic loop out of a desire to do the right thing, when it may not apply in your case? Just a thought - not an informed one! Good luck, John in Victoria

Date Joined:

5/26/2002

Total Posts:

9

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