|
Netherlands: Daughter's internship in amsterdam:
My daughter is going to Amsterdam to do an internship for the fashion designer, Iris van Herpern, whose atelier is on Van Diemenstraut. I am trying to to find accommodation reasonably nearby (long hours and she is not being paid a penny!) and we do not know Amsterdam at all.
If anyone can help, either by offering a room for rent at a reasonable price or by directing me to a trustworthy letting agent I would be very grateful.
BTW - my daughter is currently a student in London
Hong Kong: Move to Hong Kong (with kids):
There are many things to organize, of course, but immunisations are not needed unless you intend to travel to China or other Asian destinations - for those trips, you can get your shots here, either privately or through one of the government clinics.
For your children, just make sure you are up to date with their immunization pogramme and you should be fine. We also routinely immunise against Hepatitis here - you may want to check this out with your doctor before you leave.
For the other stuff, I assume your husband has a work permit and you have a place to stay and schooling sorted out (depending on the children's ages) or you plan to home school. If not, you may want to start looking at schools in your area.
HK has a great infrastructure and an able civil service but can be a inflexible at times. i recommend you bring originals of all your birth certs and your marriage certificate and get passport size photos taken - we get through quite a lot here! Also, if you intend to work, bring originals of your qualifications, too.
if you want to ask anything else, feel free to email me personally at gilliankew@yahoo.com or post on the site.
Regards,
Gillian Kew
Hong Kong: Hong kong/Beijing to London plane tickets for sale:
I am interested - can you tell me if the tickets are open (for the return journey) and if there is any passenger transfer fee?
Gillian Kew (You can reply direct to gilliankew@yahoo.com if you prefer)
Hong Kong: Adjusting to Expat Life in Hong Kong:
When you moved to Hong Kong, what was the most difficult part of settling
in there?
Suddenly being considered only in relation to my husband - I became the "member's lady" at the Jockey Club, the "dependent spouse" at the health centre and I was addressed by my marred name only, despite keeping my maiden name. It was very frustrating and humiliating.
How much difficulty did you have with culture shock in Hong Kong?
Not much, but I take a broad view - where other people see difference I search for connection. I married into a very traditional Chinese family so there was much to learn.
What would be the best, single piece of advice you'd give to an expat
(or soon to be expat) in Hong Kong?
If you are considering a move, do your research - SCMP online for Hong Kong news and issues is a good start, along with questions posted here. If you are already here, embrace the diferences and look for the connections - it I hear one more comment about Chinese "face" I'll scream; we all have "face", pride, whatever; we al want to be treated with respect and a little kindness. remember that in all your dealings and you wont go far wrong!
Hong Kong: schools and areas:
Where you will live will depend on your income and what sort of package your employer is offering - your first step should be to clarify these two points. Then, there are lots of choices, 'though places are limited.
My children went to YCIS in Kowloon, an excellent (but very expensive) bi-lingual school that offers the full British curriculum and a good grounding in Chinese as well (note, most of the children there are Chinese).
Other friends have sent their children to Shatin Junior (in Shatin) and Beacon Hill (in Kowloon). I don't have personal knowledge of the schools on Hong Kong side, I'm afraid, but they seem to have a good reputation.
Hope this is some help and will at least give you a start.
Hope this is a start
Hong Kong: Mail Reforewarding Service:
Have you tried Hong Kong Post? I think they used to do it. You can ask at your post office or check out their on-line guide at
http://www.hongkongpost.com/eng/services/supplementary/index.htm
Gillian
Hong Kong: Moving to Hong Kong:
There is a great South African community here! If you give me your email address I will pass on to one of my SA friends, who I'm sure will give you all the advice you need.
Gillian
PS you can email me direct at gilliankew@yahoo.com
Hong Kong: Is Garden Rd. safe at night?:
Hong Kong is one of the safest places I have ever known - I feel perfectly safe any time of the day or night, pretty much everywhere.
Of course, there are no absolutes in life but you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere safer.
Also, I believe there is a mini-bus that goes up there from Central but I don't know the number. The Helena May or the Hong Kong Tourist Board will be able to help you there.
Gillian
Hong Kong: re: message from anglofiles:
I received the following post in my e-mail but can't find it on the forum.
Message Posted By: anglofiles
Hi, We might be posted to Hong Kong. We're American. I wonder if you have researched the schools. We also have two teenagers who will enter 10th grade next fall. I am looking into HKIS; wondering if there is a waiting list. My worries: Hong Kong isn't a great place for teenagers (?); cost of living; weather; and what a spouse like me can do. I work as a freelance writer but I imagine HK is fairly restrictive for foreign consultants. Any advice?
My comment -
First, HKIS has a website at http://www.hkis.edu.hk/ with contact and enquiry details. This is an excellent school. To find out about other options, check out the Education and Manpower Bureau website at http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=2&langno=1 or call the Community Advice Bureau on 852 2815 5444. The CAB also has a downloadable (PDF) booklet about Hong Kong, which may provide useful information. Go to http://www.cab.org.hk/services.htm and click the download option.
Second, your teenager - I think Hong Kong is a great place for teenagers - there are plenty of sporting, social, creative and artistic and other outlets here. The streets are incredibly safe. There is little "gang culture" and whilst drugs and drink do rear their ugly heads, these are not serious problems. Also, the school environment is incredibly positive. I have raised three children here and have absolutely no regrets.
As for the other issues - yes, pollution is becoming a problem, so if any of your family has respiratory problems, this is worth looking into. The cost of living depends on how you live - rents are high - no choice there, but most other expenses dependon your budget and how fussy you are.
Finally - your job - There are several local publicatiions that have been screaming for writers and editors. The first that comes to mind is HK (by Asia City Publising). As long as you have a polished CV I don't think you should have a huge problem finding work. I work as a freelance academic editor (self-taught) and get paid a negotiable salary of $HK300 an hour. As a consultant and writer, I expect you could charge more. I sometimes go through a dry spell, but I have work most of the time.
Hope this is useful. If you want to contact me personally, my e-mail is gilliankew@yahoo.com
Hong Kong: Moving a cat to Hong Kong:
Hi,
Here is the dept of ag and fisheries wesite, pet quarantine section for ou to check the requirements.
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/animals_e.htm
BTW - one of my friends brought her pet rat from Australia, so you should have no problem! MInd you, she said the Hong Kong officials were very bemused at the idea of a pet rat :)
Gillian
| 
Login to Contact gilliankew
About gilliankew
