Loving Hong Kong

[kathinhk]

I have been living in Hong Kong for 20 years now with my husband and two children. We love it here! Over the time we have lived here, we have learned how to get all sorts of stuff (edible goodies and other things) how to get around Hong Kong,by public transportation and by car, and what makes a great day out. So, if you need any help, just ask. For example, did you know that you can even get Mary Kay cosmetics delivered to your door? What about extreme food allergies - where to find safe foods??? Where to get a great suit ...or how to survive Hong Kong schools when your child needs extra help?? Here to help...why not pick my brain!!

[crymdoc]

Greetings...

I'm a professor in the US and have researched opportunities to teach abroad. Hong Kong is one of my preferred regions as my family has a strong affinity for diverse cultures, in particular, Asian.

I've actually applied to several universities in Hong Kong so for now I play the waiting game, but it's nice to hear from persons who are resident experts....

Best....

[JWilliamson]

Wow 20 years in Asia so you speak the local language by now?

[kusbus]

Thanks for your generosity, wow, such a lot of knowledge if you've been in HK for 20 years. I'm coming alone to HK as a middle-aged woman (sounds sooo sad....believe me I'm not) and I'm wondering about the best markets, and getting around in Kowloon. I've been told that I may be given a car to drive, which is daunting as I'm not even there yet! The best supermarkets...the best tailors...is it easy to get things made for someone who isn't a size 0?...the best expat clubs....literary pursuits....artistic pursuits....dance classes that are aimed at beginners who aren't at peak fitness....oh, I'm determined to enjoy myself in Hk. I just need a few pointers....thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by kathinhk

I have been living in Hong Kong for 20 years now with my husband and two children. We love it here! Over the time we have lived here, we have learned how to get all sorts of stuff (edible goodies and other things) how to get around Hong Kong,by public transportation and by car, and what makes a great day out. So, if you need any help, just ask. For example, did you know that you can even get Mary Kay cosmetics delivered to your door? What about extreme food allergies - where to find safe foods??? Where to get a great suit ...or how to survive Hong Kong schools when your child needs extra help?? Here to help...why not pick my brain!!

[dunmovin]

Originally Posted by kusbus

Thanks for your generosity, wow, such a lot of knowledge if you've been in HK for 20 years. I'm coming alone to HK as a middle-aged woman (sounds sooo sad....believe me I'm not) and I'm wondering about the best markets, and getting around in Kowloon. I've been told that I may be given a car to drive, which is daunting as I'm not even there yet! The best supermarkets...the best tailors...is it easy to get things made for someone who isn't a size 0?...the best expat clubs....literary pursuits....artistic pursuits....dance classes that are aimed at beginners who aren't at peak fitness....oh, I'm determined to enjoy myself in Hk. I just need a few pointers....thanks in advance!

up until 4years ago we lived in HK (13 good years)....one of the best clubs is the USRC in Kowloon(here's their website http://www.usrc.org.hk/index.php),literary,dance, diving, tennis, squash and art are covered there Good tailors and dresser makers can be found in TST East, Marks & Spencer, Next etc all have outlets in HK

Supermarkets: there are two mainstream chains ..park'nshop and wellcome which will cover most (western) needs , but for specialties try 360, Olivers deli, or Great(a division of Park'n shop)

By the way, you don't even have to go to supermarket.... most have a free online order/delivery service.

Driving in HK, unless you have nerves of steel, I would suggest you stick to taxis(plenty of them and cheap) or the MTR ( Underground...faster and cheaper).... until you feel the need to drive. (after the 1st time, take the car home, park it, go to the nearest bar,order a large alcoholic drink, wait until you stop shaking, drink it and go home. DO NOT have a late night cheese sandwich as it will prompt memories of the day....usually about 4:00 am, which will slowly fade as your confidence grows......

You will enjoy Hong Kong, it is a strong, vibrant place, safer than London, an infrastucture better than most capital cities, no language barrier as English is widely spoken (with the possible exception of minibus drivers, who speak cantonese or neanderthal..... sometimes cantonese is a challenge for them)

[kathinhk]

Originally Posted by kusbus

Thanks for your generosity, wow, such a lot of knowledge if you've been in HK for 20 years. I'm coming alone to HK as a middle-aged woman (sounds sooo sad....believe me I'm not) and I'm wondering about the best markets, and getting around in Kowloon. I've been told that I may be given a car to drive, which is daunting as I'm not even there yet! The best supermarkets...the best tailors...is it easy to get things made for someone who isn't a size 0?...the best expat clubs....literary pursuits....artistic pursuits....dance classes that are aimed at beginners who aren't at peak fitness....oh, I'm determined to enjoy myself in Hk. I just need a few pointers....thanks in advance!

Looks like most of your questions have been answered by someone else. Great! Driving in HK is not quite as scary as all that. I drive from Lantau (where we live) into Central District, around the New Territories and Kowloon (although I don't much like driving around Kowloon) The roads are really well signposted and not as congested as cities in Europe. But, you may want to get to know HK a bit before attempting to drive. Pacific Custom Tailors is the best in HK. But for women it is best to try Marks and Spencer first. some of my friends travel over to China to see tailors, much cheaper but bit of a hassle. Not all HK people are "stick-like"in shape.. so you can get 'normal' sized clothing. Check out The DollarSaver website or magazine.... everything you need to know about the expat scene.

[Vlad]

Is it easy to get into good HK Uni as a teacher or to run a short course ? ? Im PHD in Economics, but working in IB. so sometimes want to run a small course on Equity mkts.

[bunanson]

Good to hear someone with such a good knowledgable experience in HK.

I am going to visit hk for 2 wks in October. I want to know how people gets online in HK. Yes, I have wifi in my hotel. I am asking for cellphone connection, short term, in hongkong, which carrier, terms, cost? In US, I have sprint, that allows me to get online when wifi is unavailable. I will then be in China for another 2 wks. Not sure there is wifi in china hotel.

Is there any forum that hk/china people frequent? Chinese language is fine. I use google to read and write in chinese.

Thanks,

bun

[dunmovin]

Originally Posted by bunanson

Good to hear someone with such a good knowledgable experience in HK.

I am going to visit hk for 2 wks in October. I want to know how people gets online in HK. Yes, I have wifi in my hotel. I am asking for cellphone connection, short term, in hongkong, which carrier, terms, cost? In US, I have sprint, that allows me to get online when wifi is unavailable. I will then be in China for another 2 wks. Not sure there is wifi in china hotel.

Is there any forum that hk/china people frequent? Chinese language is fine. I use google to read and write in chinese.

Thanks,

bun

you will find internet access restricted and monitored on mainland China, so follow the advice of "never put anything on an e-mail, that you wouldn't write on a postcard"


Access in HK is widespread. Just about every cafe/bar/restaurant/hotel.... everywhere has wifi

Where are you in China?, Shangila Hotels have limited wifi,Shenzen or Guangjhou I would suggest a mobile dongle (pay as you go type)

[bunanson]

Originally Posted by dunmovin

...Where are you in China?, Shangila Hotels have limited wifi,Shenzen or Guangjhou I would suggest a mobile dongle (pay as you go type)

I will be in hk 7 days, shenzhen 1 day, and "middle mountain" 7 days and Guangzhou 7 days. pay as you go is exactly what I have in mind. Any more info? which company, cost, and term?

TIA,

bun