About ejhahn

Currently Lives:

Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Citizen of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Hong Kong: HongKong Tailors:

You are so right. There are many less than honest tailor shops out there. Many of them are tied in to the triads and use the same factory to produce their crap. I would also recommend William and Simon Tailors, Seabird House on Wellington St., I believe. Phone: 2525-6717, fax: 2525-5735. They guarantee fit for life and I've taken stuff back after five years for repairs and or adjustments. I'm still wearing blazers they made for me 10 years ago. However, this is not a 24 hour turn-around place. Quality takes time. Their tailors are on site and so they have good quality control. They are not cheap unless you compare them to tailors in the UK or the US. Good selection of fabrics, too.

United States: what do I have to do to get interviews?:

First, buy the most current edition of the book, "What Color is Your Parachute?" by Richard Bolles. Second, take whatever time is necessary to work your way through the book. Do the exercises. Do not short circuit the process. Third, follow Bolles' suggestions on how to network, how to interview, how to present yourself in your resume', etc. , etc., etc. Fourth, write me a thank-you note when you get the job you want.

Hong Kong: High School Girl Moving to HK:

I would suggest you apply at the Hong Kong International School immediately. It follows a U.S. curriculum and is very well respected. There is a waiting list. It is also extremely expensive - upwards from US$25,000 per year. If you are being transferred by your company, insure you have an education allowance. If you are moving on your own, take education costs into account. The HKIS website is http://www.hkis.edu.hk/index.php. If you cannot get in to HKIS, I have found them to be helpful in finding alternatives. There are other International Schools including Delia School (Canadian) but I am not familiar with them.

Hong Kong: Housing in hk:

At least US$10,000 a month.

Hong Kong: Family Moving to Hong Kong:

Discovery Bay is great if you don't mind a long commute. Depending on where you will be working it can be upwards of an hour. Airport, on the other hand, is quite close. The premier school is the International School in Tai Tam. American curriculum and teachers. Very, very expensive, about 25K USD for each child and a real slog from Discovery Bay. There may be other schools. I just don't know about them. If your company is sending you and paying tuition, no problem. They should also be able to help you find alternatives. If you wish to contact me directly, I am at ejhahn@netvigator.com. Ed Hahn

Hong Kong: need domestic help?:

I would like to second Gillian's suggestion. The Caritas organization in Central, which is connected with the Catholic Church can also provide assistance. They have Social Workers on staff who know the laws and regulations and can direct herto the legal aid she may need. There is no need for her to endure this kind of treatment. Ed Hahn

Hong Kong: Health Insurance in HK:

Nina et al, If you are a legal resident you can use the government system. My wife and I found that Charles Monat Insurance is the best for Health Insurance. He's an American who's been here for many years. Phone 2524-8176. www. monat.com. They feature Danmark which is a fine company and offers you lots of options. It cannot be purchased in the U.S. but covers us in the U.S. My wife and I carry a high deductible since, for minor complaints, we use local doctors whose fees are very reasonable. If you use expat M.D.'s the tariff goes up quickly. I've also found the private hospital emergency rooms to be excellent for most minor problems. Bottom line, health services in Hong Kong are excellent and proper insurance is easy to find. If in doubt call the Community Advice Bureau at 2815-5444 for totally unbiased tested referrals. It's an NGO staffed by long-term residents of HK based on a similar system in England. They are Great! Good luck and welcome, Ed Hahn

Hong Kong: Accomodation in Hong Kong:

Are you single? If so consider shared housing. For what you have for an allowance you're talking new territories most likely. Commute to Kowloon isn't bad. Best bet is to get a serviced unit for one month in a hotel and then find a RE agent ypou trust and find more permanent digs.

Italy: Lodging in Bologna:

There are hundreds of rooms available! Use Google or the Italian Gov't tourist site. If you want 4 or 5 star accomodations check "Initaly.com" out.

Saudi Arabia: Contract negotiations&:

DON'T DO IT!!!! Perhaps, the worst decision I've made in my long and reasonably happy life was to go to Saudi Arabia. I hated it. Write me for more info, if you want it. Ed Hahn

Date Joined:

6/5/2002

Total Posts:

31

Posts/Day:

0.01