Overall, I have been reasonably happy with the food I have found at Wellcome and Stop & Shop, Taste and Jason's - although there isn't much in the way of organic produce. I also have concerns about local organic foods (have you seen the black film the rain leaves behind?)
So when I recently heard about the possibility of organic fruit and veg delivered to your door from Australia, I jumped online and found Aussie Organics (http://www.aussieorganics.com/). Why didn't I do this months ago??
I just put in my first order for a huge box of organic fruit and veg! I'm so excited.
**Must say that after the veg and fruit arrived I was not impressed. Green bananas. Wilted broccoli. Food that just didn't look "fresh." But I might just order it again. Because it's organic. Because it's good for our family. Maybe I'll try just one more time.**
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Buying A Car
When my husband and I moved to Hong Kong, we needed to buy two used cars. After a significant amount of research we came across Vin's Motors in Hong Kong.
We have been extremely happy with the cars and the service provided by Vin's Motors. Even though we purchased used cars, Vin's will cover the cost of labor for anything that needs fixing in the first year. They will also arrange towing or pick-up of cars from Sai Kung and then deliver them back to you after repair.
And for smaller repairs, there is an automotive shop just past the Fuk Man Road round-about (on the left) as you head toward country park. The service there is great and the people are really nice.
http://www.vinsmotors.com.hk/aboutus.php
**MUST WARN YOU -- I just found out it is NOT illegal to reset the odometer, so look for service records and compare odometer reading with last service, with the car's current number**
We have been extremely happy with the cars and the service provided by Vin's Motors. Even though we purchased used cars, Vin's will cover the cost of labor for anything that needs fixing in the first year. They will also arrange towing or pick-up of cars from Sai Kung and then deliver them back to you after repair.
And for smaller repairs, there is an automotive shop just past the Fuk Man Road round-about (on the left) as you head toward country park. The service there is great and the people are really nice.
http://www.vinsmotors.com.hk/aboutus.php
**MUST WARN YOU -- I just found out it is NOT illegal to reset the odometer, so look for service records and compare odometer reading with last service, with the car's current number**
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuberculosis
When a child is born in Hong Kong, s/he is immediately vaccinated against Tuberculosis.
My eldest was born in London, England, while my youngest was born in Denver, Colorado. Neither has been vaccinated against Tuberculosis. We have traveled for years, lived in different parts of the US, Asia and Europe, and only recently have we wondered whether or not to vaccinate our girls against TB.
My husband travels to the Philippines frequently for work, which is why the question is now coming to our attention. That, and I recently heard that helpers who return home can be exposed to it (it is so prevalent there) and bring it back (to your family) unknowingly.
Of course there are risks in life. Living abroad increases those risks. So does it make sense to give my girls yet another vaccine? One that takes months to heal and leaves a big scar on your arm? Or do we chance it? Hmmm.... getting rid of it once you have it sounds like it can take up to two years. And I have to say, it sounds pretty ugly.
Wish I had some great advice, like drink lots of green tea (you should, it's good for you), but I don't. I don't know what the answer is, but I think I am going to have to get the girls vaccinated. Assess your own risk, consult a doctor and try to make the very best decision you can for you and your family.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372When
My eldest was born in London, England, while my youngest was born in Denver, Colorado. Neither has been vaccinated against Tuberculosis. We have traveled for years, lived in different parts of the US, Asia and Europe, and only recently have we wondered whether or not to vaccinate our girls against TB.
My husband travels to the Philippines frequently for work, which is why the question is now coming to our attention. That, and I recently heard that helpers who return home can be exposed to it (it is so prevalent there) and bring it back (to your family) unknowingly.
Of course there are risks in life. Living abroad increases those risks. So does it make sense to give my girls yet another vaccine? One that takes months to heal and leaves a big scar on your arm? Or do we chance it? Hmmm.... getting rid of it once you have it sounds like it can take up to two years. And I have to say, it sounds pretty ugly.
Wish I had some great advice, like drink lots of green tea (you should, it's good for you), but I don't. I don't know what the answer is, but I think I am going to have to get the girls vaccinated. Assess your own risk, consult a doctor and try to make the very best decision you can for you and your family.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372When
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Family Trips
We wanted to spend a week away. Somewhere nice and relaxing. Somewhere in the same time zone (easy on the kids). Somewhere that had a good kids club (for age 2 and age 4).
Our friends recommended the Shangri-La in Cebu (the Philippines).
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cebu/mactanresort
We were impressed by the grounds; our daughter was ecstatic about the kids club (age 4+), which we were happy about as the sun is so strong. I loved the fish feeding in the morning. But it is worth mentioning that being foodies, we weren't impressed by the food. That said, the staff was very friendly. The concierge actually arranged for a piece of Aloe Vera plant to be delivered by my request to help heal "sun-kissed" skin.
There was a lovely Filipino performance on Friday night - gorgeous costumes, music and dance. And fireworks. The girls LOVED it (so did I) - definitely worth planning a trip around.
So for those who are just looking for a little rest and relaxation, you may want to consider a trip to Cebu. It's close. Great weather. Very relaxing. And offers more mangoes then you have ever seen.
For those adventurous enough to leave the resort, you will be able to explore Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines. Ferdinand Magellan brought a cross to the island and was killed in Cebu. Diving is also supposed to be great in Cebu, although we didn't do it.
Down side? Food. And the fact the villages nearby burn their garbage at dusk, which creates a thick haze you can see (and smell) from your balcony.
Our friends recommended the Shangri-La in Cebu (the Philippines).
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cebu/mactanresort
We were impressed by the grounds; our daughter was ecstatic about the kids club (age 4+), which we were happy about as the sun is so strong. I loved the fish feeding in the morning. But it is worth mentioning that being foodies, we weren't impressed by the food. That said, the staff was very friendly. The concierge actually arranged for a piece of Aloe Vera plant to be delivered by my request to help heal "sun-kissed" skin.
There was a lovely Filipino performance on Friday night - gorgeous costumes, music and dance. And fireworks. The girls LOVED it (so did I) - definitely worth planning a trip around.
So for those who are just looking for a little rest and relaxation, you may want to consider a trip to Cebu. It's close. Great weather. Very relaxing. And offers more mangoes then you have ever seen.
For those adventurous enough to leave the resort, you will be able to explore Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines. Ferdinand Magellan brought a cross to the island and was killed in Cebu. Diving is also supposed to be great in Cebu, although we didn't do it.
Down side? Food. And the fact the villages nearby burn their garbage at dusk, which creates a thick haze you can see (and smell) from your balcony.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Food Shopping
My husband and I first lived in Hong Kong over twelve years ago. Western groceries were scarce (and only available in Central as far as we knew).
When we returned to Hong Kong earlier this year, we were blown away by how easy it is to buy Western food. Here are some recommendations (special thanks to Sarah for her contribution!)...
When we returned to Hong Kong earlier this year, we were blown away by how easy it is to buy Western food. Here are some recommendations (special thanks to Sarah for her contribution!)...
- Frozen meat place behind Steamers
- Australian butcher in old Hang Hau
- Taste in Hang Hau for hard to find stuff
- Fusion in Clearwater Bay for western foods and really nice fresh veg/fruit and meat
- Classified for posh cheese and wine (good bread, too!)
- Wellcome Marina Cove - when Sai Kung is just at a standstill (smaller, but does the trick)
- Wellcome Sai Kung will deliver groceries on the same day if purchased before noon
- Park and Shop for excellent online and home delivery service
- Sunday market at Lions Nature Park
- Italian deli in the old town
- Mushroom Bakery - next to Anthony's Ranch. Offers nice selection of frozen prepared meals and baked goods.
- Butcher King - Also next to Anthony's Ranch. Offers good selection of deli meats and often imported foods you can't find elsewhere (spices, canned goods)
Mandarin!
So I can't believe how hard it is for a child to learn Mandarin in Hong Kong! Seriously. I thought Mandarin lessons would be inexpensive, and plentiful - I was wrong. But in the end, I found a wonderful resource in Sai Kung ... Jumpstart!
My daughter actually LOST vocabulary (me: how do you say blue? my daughter: I don't know) while attending her local kindie, but has gained it back (and much more) thanks to Jumpstart. I can't sing enough praises - especially for their longer sessions (2.5 hours). My daughter is actually arguing in Chinese after only two months. Money well spent!
For more information, visit: http://www.jumpstartmlc.com/index.html
My daughter actually LOST vocabulary (me: how do you say blue? my daughter: I don't know) while attending her local kindie, but has gained it back (and much more) thanks to Jumpstart. I can't sing enough praises - especially for their longer sessions (2.5 hours). My daughter is actually arguing in Chinese after only two months. Money well spent!
For more information, visit: http://www.jumpstartmlc.com/index.html
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Primary 1
I moved to Hong Kong in part because I believed that my children might get a better education at an international school, then they would at a local public school in America. Since I arrived eight months ago, I have learned quite a bit about the application process for Primary 1 - much I thought was worth sharing...
First, the class sizes are large - as is the student/teacher ratio (30:1 is average for ESF schools).
Second, getting into schools is far more difficult then I ever imagined it would be. The stress that goes along with getting a four-year-old a spot at a desirable school is no different then the stress of applying to a good college. Applications begin in September, interviews happen in January, placements are offered and school starts in the fall.
Third, if you live in Sai Kung, you are limited by how long a bus ride you think your 5-year-old can endure. Many parents think nothing of putting their children on a 6 am-ish bus, for an 8ish start. As I can't imagine putting a 5-year-old on a bus for longer than 20 minutes, I am limited to the schools that are closer to Sai Kung.
They include:
- Clearwater Bay School
http://www.cwbs.edu.hk/
Over-subscribed - with an attitude to reflect it. The building and facilities seemed a little old, student/teacher ratios are high - nonetheless, it is a very desirable school. The best way to get in is to attend Abacus, a preschool that all but guarantees a spot. We arrived in Hong Kong too late to apply to Abacus, so I ended up (very happily) at New Song. As a result, we ended-up in the "category 1 lottery" for one of 17 spots (after the rest had been given to siblings, alumns, etc.) Most parents, it seems, are quite happy with it. Worth mentioning I've heard they have an exceptional special needs department.
- Renaissance College
http://www.renaissance.edu.hk/
Also over-subscribed (they received 650 applications for 124 spots), Renaissance offers the same student:teacher ratio, but newer (more impressive) facilities. The down-side for the average Westerner, is that Renaissance is bound to have a certain percentage (was it 70%?) of permanent resident card holders attend the school, which makes it hard for Western kids to get in. I've heard it's more academic then Clearwater Bay, but not quite as academic as a typical Chinese school. Worth mentioning there is no catchment area for Renaissance, which is one reason why the application number is so high.
- Japanese International School
http://es.jis.edu.hk/
I don't know much about this school, but I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews. While some parents fuss about CWB or Renaissance, I have not found a single person who has anything bad to say - other then how tough it is get into this school. It's supposed to be amazing.
- Sha Tin Junior College
http://www.shatincollege.edu.hk/
I don't know much about this school either, except it takes a more liberal approach to education. It appears to be good for kids who need a more flexible, less rigid learning environment.
- Hong Lok Yuen
http://www.hlyis.edu.hk/
A bit far, but supposedly has rolling hills and a family atmosphere. I did not consider it because it already had quite a wait list (kids move to Primary 1 from reception, so there are very few spots available).
- Hong Kong Academy (2012/2013)
http://www.hkacademy.edu.hk/
I've heard amazing things about this school, but they also have an amazingly high (40K!) mandatory debenture. Definitely worth applying to if your company can cover the debenture - or you have an extra 40K to spare.
No real advice to offer, other than to take a deep breath and dive in. Hope for the best. I have been lucky enough to get two interviews, after applying to 4 schools. I ran into a woman I know through play dates, and she did not get any invitations for an interview. So I count my lucky stars tonight.
First, the class sizes are large - as is the student/teacher ratio (30:1 is average for ESF schools).
Second, getting into schools is far more difficult then I ever imagined it would be. The stress that goes along with getting a four-year-old a spot at a desirable school is no different then the stress of applying to a good college. Applications begin in September, interviews happen in January, placements are offered and school starts in the fall.
Third, if you live in Sai Kung, you are limited by how long a bus ride you think your 5-year-old can endure. Many parents think nothing of putting their children on a 6 am-ish bus, for an 8ish start. As I can't imagine putting a 5-year-old on a bus for longer than 20 minutes, I am limited to the schools that are closer to Sai Kung.
They include:
- Clearwater Bay School
http://www.cwbs.edu.hk/
Over-subscribed - with an attitude to reflect it. The building and facilities seemed a little old, student/teacher ratios are high - nonetheless, it is a very desirable school. The best way to get in is to attend Abacus, a preschool that all but guarantees a spot. We arrived in Hong Kong too late to apply to Abacus, so I ended up (very happily) at New Song. As a result, we ended-up in the "category 1 lottery" for one of 17 spots (after the rest had been given to siblings, alumns, etc.) Most parents, it seems, are quite happy with it. Worth mentioning I've heard they have an exceptional special needs department.
- Renaissance College
http://www.renaissance.edu.hk/
Also over-subscribed (they received 650 applications for 124 spots), Renaissance offers the same student:teacher ratio, but newer (more impressive) facilities. The down-side for the average Westerner, is that Renaissance is bound to have a certain percentage (was it 70%?) of permanent resident card holders attend the school, which makes it hard for Western kids to get in. I've heard it's more academic then Clearwater Bay, but not quite as academic as a typical Chinese school. Worth mentioning there is no catchment area for Renaissance, which is one reason why the application number is so high.
- Japanese International School
http://es.jis.edu.hk/
I don't know much about this school, but I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews. While some parents fuss about CWB or Renaissance, I have not found a single person who has anything bad to say - other then how tough it is get into this school. It's supposed to be amazing.
- Sha Tin Junior College
http://www.shatincollege.edu.hk/
I don't know much about this school either, except it takes a more liberal approach to education. It appears to be good for kids who need a more flexible, less rigid learning environment.
- Hong Lok Yuen
http://www.hlyis.edu.hk/
A bit far, but supposedly has rolling hills and a family atmosphere. I did not consider it because it already had quite a wait list (kids move to Primary 1 from reception, so there are very few spots available).
- Hong Kong Academy (2012/2013)
http://www.hkacademy.edu.hk/
I've heard amazing things about this school, but they also have an amazingly high (40K!) mandatory debenture. Definitely worth applying to if your company can cover the debenture - or you have an extra 40K to spare.
No real advice to offer, other than to take a deep breath and dive in. Hope for the best. I have been lucky enough to get two interviews, after applying to 4 schools. I ran into a woman I know through play dates, and she did not get any invitations for an interview. So I count my lucky stars tonight.
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