[kjg]

Hi
I have just found out we are moving to Hong Kong at the end of 2008 and have been reading numerous forums, but have noticed many are from a few years back, so not sure of their relevance now? Can anyone offer me some advice on the following :

1. Kinder's for my very shy 3 year old girl who has never spent time with anyone else except her mum or dad (scarey I know!) - looking to rent around Repulse Bay or the Peak and have looked at the Woodlands websites and PIPS. I have read a few comments on various threads but noticed some are from a few years back, so if anyone has some up to date personal experience with any of these two or others for that matter, I would be grateful. I think it will be likely that I will be picking from Australia as opposed to visiting them first hand, so any information would be fantastic. Also, St Theresa's in Stanley.
I suppose I am after a holistic education for Scarlett. Not something that is all results focased, I want her to play, socialise, have fun and be 3 years of age! Also considering her personailty, lots of nurturing would be essential!
Also, I noticed all of the kinders offer 5 days a week? This seems aalot to me? I'm used to the system of 3 year old kinder being 2 1/2hrs 2-3 x week in Australia?

2. What is the community like at Repulse Bay v's The Peak. We live inner city in Melbourne and it's culturaly diverse with lots of things to do, eat, see etc. So I'm looking for a similiar demographic. Also some friends told us about Clear water Bay being a fantastic area to live (Kowloon Side). Thoughts? Looking at real estate web sites, certainly seem to get more for your money? I'm also unsure of what work I can do in HK so I think I will be home an awful lot. Hoping there is good social networks in these areas? See on other forums lots of new mum's groups, but not so much mums with older children?

3. My Dog - I have another child, my dog Ruby the Golden retriever, who is 10 years of age, who we plan on bringing with us tp HK! How hard is it to rent with a dog? Anyone had any experiences they can share? Hoping it wont be a problem, can't bear to leave her here with family.

Thank you so much and sorry if this feels like its been covered b4, but I just need some up to date feedback.

KJG

[EllenF]

KJG
Your post caught my eye because your situation mirrors ours amazingly closely. We're moving within the next few months from the US. We have a three year old that must be in school. She is much happier when she's in school and playing with other kids so I feel I have to move on this quickly. I'm also looking for a holistic education for her and am very concerned whether there will be the kind of educational options that fit. In addition, we're looking to live in some of the same areas as you and will not be able to tour schools before we come over.
Finally, we also have a large dog and we're very concerned about how that will effect where we can live.
I'm sorry that I can't provide you any help, but if you've gotten anywhere with these questions and can pass any info along it would be MUCH appreciated.
If needed, as I find out more, I can share with you.
Thanks,
EllenF

[kjg]

Hi EllenF
A relief to hear you are in a similiar position! I have done some research through friends who have lived in HK. They tell me that Repulse Bay is great for raising children, due to lower pollution, more open space for children and the dog, and access to several good preschools (assuming we get into any!) . So will probably look in RP mainly for rental.
My husbands heading over to HK in 4 weeks for work and plans on giving a few of the preschools a visit, so I will let you know his experiences. Also, friends mentioned that it was not difficult to rent with a dog, but worth consideration is the building grounds area as most buildings restrict taking your dog for a walk/toilet break anywhere around the building! I can imagine in typhoon season, walking to a grassy patch in the pouring rain away from the building is going to be lots of fun!
Will keep you posted on any developments

[mumto2]

I've sent you a PM kjg...cheers

[NYCMel]

We live in Tai Tam (right near Stanley and a bit past Repulse Bay). We love it! The air quality and the families that are in the buildings are so wonderful. There are two major ex-pat buildings - The Manhattan and Pacific View. These are really big, lots of toddlers. Pacific View I know has a Resident's Club and the Manhattan as a great pool and playground area. My friend in Pacific View says there are tons of Australians, French and Spanish who live there.

[EllenF]

Thank you so much for your response.
We hear great things about that area and have an acquaintance in the Manhatten. Plus, it seems like it would be nice to be closer to Central, where there is so much going on, as opposed to Discovery Bay. However, I hear people just love Discovery Bay as well. I am so excited about the international aspect of HK.
By the way, does anyone see large dogs in those south side buildings?
Thanks!

[NYCMel]

tons of dogs!

[kjg]

Fantastic, thank you.

[kjg]

Hi mumto2
Have just PM you if that's ok? Had a few questions regarding DB.