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Stuck in mid-levels...PLEASE HELP
Posted by danielmosman (347 days ago)
My wife, newborn and I just moved to Hong Kong from New York. We live on Robinson Road near the escalators. Unfortunately, we feel very trapped! Where do stay at home moms go during the day? How do they get around? The streets are very small, the small sidewalks are crowded, and we obviously live on a steep mountain...this makes it very difficult for my wife. I am sure we must be doing something wrong as others have told us this is a great location. PLEASE HELP. We welcome any suggestions or advice.
Thanks!
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Posted by Huggy (347 days ago)
It all depends on who told you it was a great location. Singles? Married with children - with helper?
At the moment you are in the category of - wife at home, newborn (helper?) car?
Isolated - can't take buggy onto street because impossible to push it around up and down a mountain - let alone central.
One thing at once. Ask your colleagues which club they belong to - and - if funds allow, join immediately. Ask them if any of them have a 'stay at home mum' that your wife can have the number of. Another mum will be able to help her out, especially if she lives in your area.
As to taking the newborn into central etc... the easiest way is to carry it in a sling. If you have a helper, leave the baby at home and do necessary shopping on her own.
It is difficult coming to Hong Kong with babies and little ones - did it myself many years ago. Don't let your wife feel isolated. When working couples come to HK it is a different ball game - you both make friends from your offices or workplaces, but when your wife is at home, she is going to rely on you for the first few months just for a chat!
I cannot stress enough that if you have the funds -join a club. You will get a different set of friends, your wife will be able to meet people at some of the various classes they run, swimming, yoga, golf,tennis, badminton, mother and toddler groups.. and she will not feel so isolated.
If you don't have a car - tell your wife to use taxi's. Much easier than the mini bus and MTR - especially when you are carrying half the nursery around which a newbie seems to need.
Welcome to Hong Kong, don't feel so isolated by hiding indoors. Make sure you both know a few routes and go out and explore. ALWAYS have your home address on you for the first few months written in Chinese to show the taxi driver. It saves a lot of hassle and tears.
The YMCA and the YWCA also have mother and toddler groups. Ask a married man at work who has been here a few years and tap into his wife's knowledge.
Ask if your wife can speak to her.
I live in the New Territories so cannot help directly with mother and toddler in the area, but there are enough good people on this site who, hopefully, will.
Keep your chin up, I promise it does get better and better. :-)
Posted by danielmosman (347 days ago)
What clubs do you recommend we join (no, we don't have a car)?
Posted by dadda (347 days ago)
should always think of this before moving! I was single for 5 years & LOVED Mid Levels. Now have 3 kids & have moved to Tai Tam (near Stanley). Is near the beach, wife can push pram or get shuttle to Stanley Markets or just a stroll near the beach. We also belong to the Cricket Club in Wong nai Chung Gap Road (HK Island). Is a MUST if you can get a club membership. Lots of expat wives there with kids during the day, tennis socal & league clubs etc, etc.
You need to live where it suits your family, not where it is convenient for you to get to work
Posted by Digital Blonde (347 days ago)
Are you Jewish?, Sorry I assume your handle is your full name and it sounds Jewish to me, I apologise if my assumption is incorrect. If you are though, I am pretty sure the Synagogue is in the area and that is an introduction to the whole community.
Somehow I suspect though, that you are probably not, because if you were you wouldn't need me telling you there is a Synagogue in the Mid levels.
Posted by Huggy (347 days ago)
See, danielmolstron - I told you there were some good people on here. :-)
Which club you join depends on a few things - the cost of membership. IF they have any vacacies/waiting lists, your interests and location. No point joining a club in Kowloon if you live on HK Island.
dadda is correct - you should live where you can have a 'life' after work. Not just be near the office, especially with a family.
I'm sure many more peeps will come on and help you out - hang in there. :-)
Posted by smallfry (347 days ago)
Some more ideas:
1. take taxi to Bowen road - with stroller - walk length of Bowen road then get another taxi from bus stop on Stubbs road (below Adventist hospital) to take you (your wife and baby) home again (or onwards...)
2. catch Peak Tram - walk around Peak, then coffee at one of the outdoor areas
3. Mt Austin playground - at top of peak best done with at least one other mum and baby.
4. Contact AWA (american women's association) to find out about playgroups and other social activities (don't need to be American to join). Believe that they have a new expat orientation/welcome.
5. Your closest clubs are the Ladies Recreation Club and the Jewish Club (77? Robinson road next to the synagogue).
6. Ride the escalator down in the morning - have coffee at one of the ferry piers then ride it home after the change over (10am?)
Posted by ken (347 days ago)
Welcome to Hong Kong. There are some good suggestions for you here. If you are finding yourself still stuck or trapped in Mid-Levels maybe try to sublet your place and move to a place like Tai Tam or even Hong Lok Yuen, and if you've a more restrictive housing budget near Sai Kung town may be suitable for you.
Posted by Shoe Girl (347 days ago)
Another suggestoin would be to tell your wife to take the escalator from Robinson up to Conduit Road, which is definitely much quieter and more residential, turn right and walk down the street, and she can then take the path all the way to the Peak.
HKG is definitely not stroller-friendly so maybe you should get your wife one of those baby pouch things for getting around. You're not too far from the zoo, which is very nice to visit during the day. There's also HK Park near Pacific Place.
The most important thing is for your wife to meet other stay-at-home mums and try to meet up with them for outings at baby creche centres, for coffee mornings, etc.
Most people in HKG will go out of their way to help welcome newcomers. Once you start the network going, there's no looking back. The first months here are the most crucial ones and will determine (economy notwithstanding) whether you end up staying here so it's most important that your wife doesn't feel like she's stuck at home with a baby all day while you're out at work in the "real world".
Good luck and welcome to HKG.
Posted by Wiz Bang (347 days ago)
WHEN IN ROME.....
Posted by ldavy (347 days ago)
Contact the YMCA. They run courses that your wife might be interested in, and they certainly used to do a course/programme for people new to Hong Kong, don't know if they still do.
Posted by ltxhk (346 days ago)
How old is your baby? generally to get started:
1) HK Botanical Gardens: kid's playground at the backside near Old Peak Road; very popular with the toddlers and you can walk with a stroller from Robinson
2) HK Park: kid's playground at the back off Kennedy Road; also immensely popular and really nice; can take taxi
3) Bowen Road is great for long walks and kid bike rides; also small playground. a few minutes by taxi.
4) Join the YWCA English progammes. Lots of small courses for newbies (and not so new), playgroups for toddlers. diverse membership
5) Join AWA (American Woman's Association): you don't have to be American, and lots of activities for stay at home moms, and some playgroups
6) Union Church (Kennedy Road), St John's Church (Garden Road), HKPPA (Borrett Road) all have playgroups. Check out the playgroup thread on this site for more ideas.
7) Formal "Clubs" are always good, but more and more companies are not paying the membership. If you or your wife plays a sport, you could try Football club and Cricket Club to join one of the teams and get sports member (ie play a team sport and get a cheap entry price).
Posted by Paneristi (346 days ago)
Join or find friends who are members of the Aberdeen Marina Club, its just brilliant for families. I have 4 kids, 16, 13, 3, 1
The older two even like to hang out there
http://www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com
AMC member
Jenny
Posted by neenib (346 days ago)
Get yourself "Hong Kong for Kids" book availble in Dymocks and Page One, there is also a book i think called "Hong Kong for Prams" or something like that, perhaps someone else knows the title please? anyway, those books have family friendly things to do in HK.
As suggested above, do the taxi thing. Get yourself a very lightweight, easily foldable pram (small, NOT BIG!!) a good baby carrier and tax everywhere. We have a Graco City Stroller I think it's called and it only weighs 3.5k. We also have a maxi cosi carseat which fits into a Quinny frame, so I can secure the carseat into the taxi and know my baby is safe. the frame folds down to next to nothing and I zip all over the place in it. Go to maxi cosi website to check it out if your not sure what I'm talking about.
It's not easy getting around, especially if you have come from a country where your car is at your front door and everything is easy. It has been a rude shock for me also and we live in Kowloon, nice and flat.
The main thing is to force yourself to go out otherwise you will just end up holing yourself up and losing confidence and then get depressed.
Make taxi's your best friend! Get a heap of signs written in chinese to show the taxi driver to the places that you will visit most.
Try to find a mother's group also. I strongly suggest you go to the playgroup forum here and either search or post a thread looking for somewhere around your area. Once you have met other mums, they will give you all the tips and secrets of the best places and getting around your area.
Good Luck!
Posted by rajengohel (346 days ago)
You should check out Lamma Island Yung Shue Wan - Here there are many
mothers with children and no "cars" all walking and great for the kids ..if you
can break your lease and move out...I have been living on Lamma for the last
15 years and loving it and it only takes 25 min ferry ride to central...
Posted by reasonable (346 days ago)
The American club has a weekday special membership for HK$36,000
Other clubs are far more expensive with wait lists so this is a good option.
OK its not close to you aboout 40 minutes by cab but at least your wife would meet fellow Americans in a lovely location.
Posted by Nat_T (346 days ago)
Hi there,
Accommodation wise - if budget is not a big issue, better move to Southern Area (Repulse Bay, Stanley etc.) More expat oriented and your wife is easier to make new friends there. Mid-level is good for singles only. Not sure if anyone will mention Discovery Bay but don't think it's a good choice as it's so crowded and ambience is not as good as before.
Club wise - AMC is quite a good choice for family with kids but the entrance fee is pretty high for individual membership. You can try to obtain the membership by contacting a membership service company instead.
Hope it helps and feel free to ask if you have further queries.
Posted by Dennyboy (346 days ago)
The locations mentioned visiting around Mid-levels are all good. but become very stale after a short time.
There's only so many times you can walk down Bowen road or up to the peak without them becoming unexciting.
Mid-Levels is great if ur single or with a partner - with a family it sucks as it's just a bunch of buildings carved out of a mountainside with unfriendly steep roads.
Can't believe no-one here has mentioned Discovery Bay.... this is purpose-built for families.
There you've got wide(ish) open spaces, free from exhaut fumes, mountain trails, beaches, decent restaurants and even the odd tree here and there....
sounds better than being cooped up in an apartment in the busiest road of Mid-levels!
Posted by dbg (346 days ago)
LRC has also introduced 5 day memberships.
www.lrc.com.hk
very close to Robinson Road
Posted by teenybear (346 days ago)
I don't quite understand the question. You have a home in the Mid-Levels near the escalator. That's almost like...paradise. What's the problem??
Posted by neenib (346 days ago)
But there is only so many days you can go to a club. I'm not knocking the clubs, but what can she do everyday? Joining a club is a good idea, but I think mum needs something like comfortable and safe walking with baby each day.
I haven't been to Discovery Bay, but I know many people who live/have lived there and for families, it seems to be perfect for people (families) starting out in HK.
Posted by Dano (346 days ago)
Also the large complexes are good, like the Belchers, Bel Air, etc. There's lots of families there, you always see familiar faces and I have met many people with kids living in them. They have gardens where you can walk with bub in the pram. I had a new born in Mid-levels and was absolutely miserable and lonely, everything you say about feeling isolated was true for me also. Our second child was born when we were living at the Belchers and it was such a different experience and now he is crawling around the playgrounds and facitilities are just fantastic. In fact there are quite a few Americans here with babies also.
Good luck settling in, it does get better.
Posted by Digital Blonde (346 days ago)
Perhaps it would be polite of the poster to check the thread and respond, to all the people that have offered really useful solutions
Posted by danielmosman (346 days ago)
Dear All,
Thank you kindly for your posts as they have been very useful. Today, my wife, baby and myself had a few errands to run. We went to Immigration Tower to get our HK ID cards and then to the pediatrician. We also went to the LRC to see if that might be an options for us. After a long day, we feel very defeated! I think I made the wrong choice in choosing to live in this area of Hong Kong. The thought process was I wanted things to be convenient for my wife and me and also be able to get to and from work easily so I can see my family or we can even meet for lunch. We are going to have to cope with the fact that she will not be able to stroll our baby around like in New York and use taxis more frequently. Again, thanks for all your replies!
Posted by empty allo (346 days ago)
I know that things are very new, and therefore difficult for you guys, but if you can't make it in a luxury pad in Midlevels, you are not going to make it anywhere in HK. Sorry for the tough love, but that's the way it is.
HK is NY without the crime, the high taxes and the crappy weather......
Posted by Huggy (345 days ago)
Hi danielmosman
Don't beat yourselves up because you think you have dropped yourselves in the wrong side of town - hey, at least it's not the bronx ;-)
How long is your lease? Look at it on a positve note. It is close enough to get around in taxi's. You will be able to find your way around with relative ease - put the buggy in the taxi and your wife can push the baby around the big shopping malls - warm in winter and icy cold in summer. It will also give you time to explore exactly where you DO want to live.
How did you get on at the LRC? any joy?
There is the football club too which has lots of families.
The yacht club at Causeway bay - again lots of families.
Now is the time to be networking and picking the brains of your colleagues at work.
At the end of the day - your wife only needs one friend for now besides you - someone to talk to - someone to take away the fears of 'what the hell have we done' - I promise, it will pass if you put a positive spin on it.
Sounds as if you have had a busy day - not easy with a baby (been there seen that done that). You can still see each other for lunch - use the cab's.
>empty allo is correct. HK really is a fabulous city and when you find your place here you will love it as much as the rest of us. If your wife wants to push the baby around in a pram - go to Victoria park at Causeway bay - she can push to her hearts content and get a cab back home. Does your office have a link system where she can meet other wives? It is so difficult when one first comes to HK but like i have said - at present - beside yourself of course, she only needs one friend - it will make such a difference to her. Good Luck.
Posted by tommytommy (345 days ago)
Hi Daniel,
I'm a stay at home mum and I live on Caine rd, one down from Robinson.
Just wondering if your wife would like to catch up for a coffee? If she would send me a PM.
Posted by januasiaexpat (345 days ago)
Hi
I suggest you come and have a look at Caribbean Coast Area, Its in Tung Chung.
Its a real nice and cool place. Sure you would love the environment.
We have daily morning Non-Stop shuttle bus service to Central and it takes about 30-35 mins one side and return in evening at frequent intervals.
V
Ed's Note - please don't include your telephone on the forums. Best to allow people to contact you with a message then disclose your tel
Posted by Jo W (345 days ago)
Hi
All the posts suggsting you move flat are probably not very helpful to help you enjoy where you live now !
I live in Mid-Levels with twins and manage to get around HK and in Central - you just need to get comfortable hopping in and out a taxi and finding out where all the hidden lifts are.
Get your wife to go to a drop in at mum and baby coffee morning at Annerly Midwives 10-12 on Mondays for 3-6 months and Tuesdays for 0-3 months to meet other Mums. (18th floor Car Po building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace).
Also the Mathilda hospital runs Mum and baby mornings on Thursday from 10-12 - no booking needed, can just turn up.
If your wife wants to meet another mum for a coffee then drop me a message.
Good luck !
Posted by Momma3 (345 days ago)
I apologize for not reading all of the posts, but kind of got the jist of things. I live in midLevels with 3 young children and could not be happier. I have put my stroller away and given up on the idea of using it. I love the accessability of living in this area. If you are coming from NY, I would think that south side and other suggested area would feel too isolated for you. You have to get involved, take classes, join groups ie:AWA etc. There is plenty to support a stay at home mom life style, it is just a matter of finding what works for you. Don't give up on MidLevels. Read HK Magazine, the list and check with AWA. Best of luck to you.
Posted by buddhafun (344 days ago)
HK is not an easy place to raise a child given the air pollution and lack of outdoor greenery. After a quick skim of these posts I would add that when your lease comes up you consider DB, SaiKung area, or even where I live now Mui Wo. I bike everyday, my baby has tons of friends (21 months) and there are many many neighbors here with small children. You walk or bike here everyday--no choice--it's the only way to get around, and it's one of the cleanest areas in HK. I can count hte number of cars I see everyday on the road on 1-2 hands. That said, it is a long commute for my husband--still for now, this was the decision made. The tradeoff is weekdays there is little dad time, but weekends are very nice for all of us and our baby gets a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Remember that 24 hours in Central, according the UK Embassy is the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes. Good luck!
Posted by HKhereIcome (344 days ago)
"We went to Immigration Tower to get our HK ID cards and then to the pediatrician. We also went to the LRC to see if that might be an options for us. After a long day, we feel very defeated!"
- This is part and parcel of moving to another part of the world. You sound awfully unprepared, and seem to have left your "can-do" NY spirit at home. These things take time. You can't expect instant community and paperwork waiting for you at the airport.
"I think I made the wrong choice in choosing to live in this area of Hong Kong. The thought process was I wanted things to be convenient for my wife and me and also be able to get to and from work easily so I can see my family or we can even meet for lunch. We are going to have to cope with the fact that she will not be able to stroll our baby around like in New York and use taxis more frequently"
- If you work in Central, you can definitely get home for lunch and the like. Your wife can also push your kid in the stroller on the escalator (longest in the world) which is right by Robinson Road. Sorry, but you need to get with the program, mate, and don't assume HK is exactly like NY. In fact, HK taxis are very very much cheaper - so let's be grateful about that huh?
Mid-Levels, as its name suggests, is at the middle level of a large hill. You should have found that out beforehand. If it's the slope that gets to you, you can move to Sheung Wan, or lower on Mid-levels where the US embassy is.
Posted by smsm (344 days ago)
Hi.....incase shifting residential is an option going forward do consider Hk Parkview at southside...we looked around midlevels and ext southside before deciding on this amazing complex somewhere in the middle...abs great for kids...and just 15-20 mins from central...regular shuttle bus as well..
Posted by sarakwan10 (343 days ago)
danielmosman, I have always lived in midlevels and have 2 young children and I love living in Mid levels.
Don't be depressed. HK is a tough place to settle down in and it takes a few months but once you figure it out, you will love it. It is set up differently from other cities and my first reaction when I arrived in HK 15 years ago was, oh mygoodness, why have I moved here? It is not so straight forward trying to figure out where to go to get certain things, but once you do, it is a very convenient city. Lots of shops are not at street level but are upstairs of office blocks so unless someone gives you the address, you would never just come across it.
The stroller can still be very handy so don't throw that out yet. If your baby is still very young, then I would agree that it is best to use a baby pack if your wife needs to run errands etc and get about quickly.
But if you are living on Robinson Road near the escalator, you are within walking distance to the Albany Road playgroud, the zoo and HK Botanical gardens and you would be able to use the stroller to get there too.
The LRC is a good club for young families and there are plenty of classes etc to sign up for. The YWCA on Macdonnel Road is also not far from you and they have lots of resources too.
Mid levels is convenient for work and shopping and it is true, you will be able to get home from work quickly to see your child and wife - hence I still live in Mid levels and would not want to live on the south side or kowloon side etc.
You just have to start making new friends through work, clubs or even just at the playgrounds. Another good resource is the HK Dollar saver and you can access that on the internet as well. If you have a new born, your wife can sign up for Pekip classes or other baby group classes and this will also lead to meeting other mums who have young babies too.
I would imagine you will also consider getting a domestic helper and once you do that, you will also find HK an easy place to live with affordable full time help giving your wife and yourself time by yourselves and time for your wife to explore HK and time for you both to socialise and not worry about getting a baby sitter.
You just need to ask questions of HK people who have been here a while and everyone will be very helpful by and large.
Good luck and you can always post any other questions here and someone will always give you a reply.
Posted by maheshjarani (343 days ago)
I know it can be difficult moving , baby etc but it is not the end of the world. U sound very dramatic in saying u feel defeated. We see so many kids in their strollers on the caine Road garden and the Botanical garden. There a lot of women with new born babies in HK too living in Mid Levels.
Posted by pam28 (343 days ago)
We moved into HK during Feb from US California.. heard and browsed around on the net for best places for people with children.. and babies.. and after a lot of research.. We chose Tung Chung.. and I must admit that this is the best place to be with children.. nice club house.. nice play area.. away from teh traffic and highly secured as well..and lot's of house mother's get together for coffee and meals..a nd children get mmore space and cleaner environment.. with no messy traffic or noise.. beautiful sea views of the airport and lovely environment.. Come and See it for yourself!!
Cheers,
Z
Posted by jushayward (342 days ago)
We live in the New Territories. For many green expats, and locals,that live on the island the NT's may as well be in another country. However, we have a house, use a car, have a garden and lots of space for the children to play and of course the price. We love it, without this move I could have never of stayed in Hong Kong. "far away' many argue, exactly, I reply. Far away from all the noise crowds and pollution and yes the office,- my family come first- yet much closer than you think, after all, it is not on an island. Finding a suitable place takes a little imagination and a good agent. I suggest this is what you do.
Posted by JJALD (342 days ago)
If you have a helper who you can leave the baby with then why doesn't your wife join a yoga studio / art class / cookery class.
Try and do things that you wouldn't normally do - I met one of my best HK friends at a literary dinner and book signing - never been to one before, and never been to one since, but made a great friend along the way.
People here are open to new friendships but often you need to be the one to make the first step and open up a conversation. There must be plenty of other Mum's hanging around Cafe O, coffee shops etc during the week - I can't seem to avoid pushchairs etc.
I hated HK when I arrived, but now really enjoy it - this change only occured when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and made some friends.
You could also try meetup.com for coffee mornings / book clubs etc.
Posted by tsuiwah (342 days ago)
Buy your wife an ergo baby carrier, much easier to navigate Robinson Road that way. Still, it's not impossible to navigate Robinson Road with a stroller (get a Maclaren Volo once your child is of appropriate age since it is lightweight), but there really isn't much to stroll around to be honest. You really can't compare New York to HK in terms of being pedestrian friendly. Even in Island South or Discovery Bay, you might have some conveniences like paths for strollers but then you are not anywhere near the office.
As others have said, take more taxis - to HK Park, Botanical Gardens, Bowen Road, etc. There are actually quite a few nice places to stroll around but you need to get there. Taxi fare is not too bad (HK$25 or so depending on how far west you are), and if your wife meets another mother with infant, then they can split the fare. Another option is for your wife to visit you in Central for lunch and then take the escalator back up. Taking the escalator is definitely doable in a stroller or a baby carrier.
Good luck.
Posted by Snow Rose (341 days ago)
danielmosman - I really feel for you. I had a similar experience when i first moved to HK - we ended up on Robinson Road and strongly disliked it, moved out asap when the minimum 14 months were up and found a flat in Pokfulam where we are much happier and have excellent facilities + greenery.
Don't think that if you can't make it on Robinson Rd you can't make it at all in HK, it's really not like that. I know many people who love living in Mid-Levels, but that doesn't mean it's going to suit everyone.
What you and your wife can do for now is to make the most of it, live there for 14 months and then re-evaluate how you feel. If you still don't like it there are, IMHO, much better and cheaper places on HK island which are still convenient to Central. Use the 14 months to have a good look round at other options.
For your wife going out and about with a newborn, I would suggest a baby carrier / sling + backpack / baby bag. And when your baby's old enough to sit in a stroller (about 6 months) get a lightweight one. If your wife has to go up less than 5 steps and finds it hard to lift up the stroller with baby in it, try going up the steps backwards and pulling the stroller up one step at a time (this is like gently bumping the stroller down the steps but going up instead of down). This works for a small number of steps e.g. the route from Robinson Road to the YWCA, of course not for all those along the escalator.
For going to Central I suggest either taking the bus - use one with a wide door and you can take the stroller on with the baby in it - or taxi if baby is in the baby sling.
To make friends - the YWCA is good and there's usually a 'mummy crowd' at Ocean Park in the mornings. Playtown in the Westwood Shopping Mall in Pokfulam is a short distance away and there are loads of mums & babies in the babies & toddlers area. The park on Caine Rd is near to you and if Baby's in a sling your wife could just walk there.
Good luck and if I can be of any more help please send me a PM!
Posted by agille (340 days ago)
danielmosman,
I fully understand your situation as I moved to HK a year ago and was in Mid Level. My wife couldn't stand it (she was pregnant) and was depressed when going outside in the crowed within the buildings. We quickly moved to Kowloon side (Harbour City) but even if it was more convenient and easier to go out (still only 10mn from Central by the Ferry), we decided to move to Sai Kung. And we love it. Fresh air, sea, hiking path, baby and kids enjoy the garden and its only 25mn to TST by car. That could be an option. My wife uses taxis to come to TST or Central and is pretty convenient. It's easy to have dinner in town and get friends at home during the weekend.
Hope you and your wife will be able to find your place. (by the way, my wife visited 37 appartments and houses before we find ours). Good luck.
Happy Holidays, All the Best,
Posted by Studio1 (338 days ago)
If your wife is complaining about being "stuck in Mid-levels" then I suggest she leave the children with a helper and do what plenty of expat women have to do in Hong Kong.
Get a job.
Then she'd have something to actually feel stuck doing and an excuse for depression and daily grind.
Posted by saikunguser (337 days ago)
By the way, if you would like to consider moving away from Mid Levels and live in Sai Kung where the air is not polluted and there are lots of national parks, beaches and great walks, and to wake up to birds chirping outside your windows ... it just happens that I'm renting out the ground floor 3BR apartment of my brand new waterfront house. I also have a 9-yr old kid and kids just love all the nature around Sai Kung. And to drive to Admiralty from where I am is just 20-25 mins! Or there's a fast bus nearby too that can get to Central in around the same time. The apartment is fully furnished with tasteful antiques etc. but also OK unfurnished. If you're interested to find out more just let me know! Can send me a message via Asiaxpat.
Posted by boardnasty (335 days ago)
i think mid levels is the best place to be! a popular day club for women is the LRC (ladies recreational club) on old peak road. during the day its usually full of rich women hanging out and doing their thing. its a little expensive but usually members are millionaires anyway so they dont look at the charge.
HK is totally different to NYC but i think its much better. you just need to settle down and get to know the roads around you. if your apartment comes with a parking spot then its a good idea to buy a car because that opens up places that your wife can go during the day.
congrats on the new born!
Posted by gabriellebradley (331 days ago)
Hi, when I first moved here with my husband, it was lonely for me too. I joined the YWCA. It's in the midlevels and easliy accessable by bus or cab. They offer a class for expat wives called AT HOME. it meets 1x a week for 4 weeks and you'll meet lots of mums in the same boat as you. Call them and they'll tell you which bus to take from your house. I've made some good friends through this class and you'll learn how to get around HK. If you dont have a helper, send me a private message and I'll baby sit! My kids are grown- and I know what it's like to feel stranded.
Posted by jamil (329 days ago)
I would suggest you move to Discouvery Bay or Sai Kung.
Posted by arubamom (329 days ago)
Don't worry, you will learn to love HKG as soon as you stop comparing NY with HKG. I was doing the same for the first year and did not like it here. Moved with twins and a heavy stroller, stairs were driving me crazy specially when nobody offer you a hand. Decided to use baby carriers or those kind of hiking backpacks for babies and got to use the Prampushers guide, www.prampushers.com. You learn to walk again and ejoy the city!
Good luck!
Posted by John McV (328 days ago)
Give yourself a chance!
Seems to me from what I have read that the Location is not the problem.
Life is about people....not locations.....so give yourself a chance to meet new people and I'm sure you will be a lot happier!
My friends and their baby boy just moved from Sai Kung back to Mid-Levels so she can be nearer to her girlfriends who also have kids!!
Good Luck!
Posted by canadian girl (328 days ago)
Hey there, seems to me like you guys are having a perfectly normal reaction to moving to Hong Kong! settling in can take time and it can be overwhelming with a new baby. I'd say don't wait too long and get a good helper. Than explore the city and fine your groove. It's hard to move in a city where everyone is expat and come and go. I'd say that as soon as you can get out of your lease find another place to live that has: club house and facilities, pools, playground... ie Parkview (unless you have that already) or even anywhere on south side it's pretty good. But the Mid-Levels aren't that bad if you find your way around it. There's lots of playgroups (not cheap but worth it) in central like Panda Junction (Wyndham street) and My Gym (near Mark and Spencer)... It can be hard at first but I guarantee you that it is doable. Hong Kong is what you make of it. And like a lot of other people have mentioned, forget the stroller and use a carrier instead unless getting in a out of a cab. Good luck, you'll do great.
Posted by pymum (278 days ago)
Hi, how's your wife now? I am a local working mum living in mid-level (close to Caine road). I can make a friend with her and show her around. My email address: athenapy@hotmail.com.
Posted by axptguy38 (278 days ago)
"Get yourself "Hong Kong for Kids" book availble in Dymocks and Page One, "
Out of print. New edition coming "soon" apparently.
I'll chime in that Midlevels sounds all great until you have to move about on foot. When we were looking, my wife wisely forced me to get out of the car and walk around the area at any building I liked. It made a HUGE difference in my outlook on places.
So now we are on the relatively stroller friendly South Side. Thanks darling!
Posted by gassit320 (277 days ago)
DB for us, dog and kid friendly, and 25 minutes in a ferry to Central. Only 1/2 pack of cigarettes a day compared with TC and Central which are generally a pack a day. Anywhere that needed a car to get to work ( airport ) was out of the question as we did'nt want one. We have a 10 min walk to the ferry/bus/shops/18 eateries. I got a big laugh out of someones suggestion this place is crowded, maybe in Park'n'rob at peak time, oh and occasionally on the weekends and public holidays when 1/2 of TC and Central seem to want to come here. Not everyones cuppa but definitely worth a look if you can get out of your lease. You will get 1600-2000' with a view for the price of less than 1000sqft in mid levels.
Good luck.
Posted by kim.constable (275 days ago)
If considering DB it's actually worth spending a whole day out there.
You'll either love it, or hate it.
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