[takamine]

Originally Posted by snowocean

Is it true that the application to broadband in SK would take a long time? Thanks

Depends where you are. If you're really out in the sticks ( no govt. water, private dirt road) then it's highly unlikely. But if you're in the town or one of the bigger villages, then no problem. Next time, you go looking for accomodation, ask one of the residents if they have it.

[takamine]

Re: Dogs and barking.

Again, it depends where you are. I, for instance, cannot tolerate dogs barking. I had a neighbour who would leave their little yappy dog out on the balcony all day while he was at work and the thing would bark all day. It was worse at the weekends because he would be gone all day and all night. Then, all the other dogs would start. Also, when people return late at night or when wild boars are foraging, all the dogs willbark again.

In the end, I moved to the city and although my place is level with a busy flyover, I can sleep peacefully because it's not noise to me.

There is a tendency for young couples to move to the villages so they can own a dog. Most are considerate but, as anywhere, some are not. I suggest you visit a property at various times of the day and night to assess the situation, and don't rely on what the landlord or property agent say. Also, remember that people move in and out on a frequent basis so whilst you might have one year of peace, the second may not.

If you really hate the sound of dogs barking, then don't move to a village.

[hkjudy]

Re. dogs: I think the above advice to ask a neighbour before you choose a house/villa is a good one - each village/complex is different.

Re. broadband: I understand that there is a problem with some (not all) of the houses in Tui Min Hoi. One resident there told me that they have it and yet a neighbour is not able to get it (something to do with capacity). BUT - that's the only place I've heard of in SK that doesn't have it. I live way out in the Country Park and we've had it for 6 years now.

Re. gym: unfortunately - this is still something that is not great in the area. As someone said - there is a small gym on Po Tung Road opposite Pepperonis but it doesn't seem to be very popular (I haven't checked out the prices since they opened but, at that time, they were very expensive) - check it out when you come here. There are, however, a few excercise places (The Studio in SK town, Yoga Limbs near CWB School), a dance studio, and some private trainers. There is a very good, large, gym in Tseung Kwan O sports complex - so...if you live in Clearwater Bay, that isn't too far.

Re. kindergartens: there are 3 kindergartens in the area - one in CWB, one up Che Keng Tuk Road, and one in Floral Villas. I believe that all follow the British system but - definitely the first one does because they are part of the English Schools Foundation System. There will be an article on kindergartens and preschools with all the contact details in it in the April issue of "Explore Sai Kung Magazine" coming out this weekend. I'll make sure to get it up on our website this weekend so that you can read it.

Re. your 80,000k budget. You'll get a great place for that. Probably with at least water view, if not on the water. If I were you, I'd 'talk to" a good real estate agent by email first and tell them all of the things that you would like and then, when you come, get them to spend a day with you giving you an overview of each of the areas and then seeing some representative houses.

I'm probably a little biased (<GRIN>) but this is definitely the BEST place to live in HK!

Judy
http://www.exploresaikung.com

[sarpesius]

Originally Posted by ontheroad

My friends live there and its true, dogs are always barking

Are the dogs vicious?

The dogs in Thailand bark at foreigners continually and will sometimes nip at them? Is this true of HK dogs?

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by sarpesius

Are the dogs vicious?

The dogs in Thailand bark at foreigners continually and will sometimes nip at them? Is this true of HK dogs?

That's so funny!!! And are you for real? Never heard of that in HK before....Well, don't think that happens here...

[hkjudy]

Sadly - the fact that SOME dogs do nip at people here is a reality. Certainly only a small percentage but....there are some (especially "village dogs" - those that are fed by indigenous villagers but not really cared for as pets).

But....I've never seen them disciminate between foreigners and locals (other than those who feed them)

Judy
www.exploresaikung.com

[sarpesius]

Originally Posted by hkjudy

Sadly - the fact that SOME dogs do nip at people here is a reality. Certainly only a small percentage but....there are some (especially "village dogs" - those that are fed by indigenous villagers but not really cared for as pets).

But....I've never seen them disciminate between foreigners and locals (other than those who feed them)

Judy
www.exploresaikung.com

I am hoping to bring some pepper spray and an ultrasonic dog repellent with me to HK. I hope that works.

Other than that, and the noise the dogs reputedly make all night, sai kung looks, according to your website, like a lovely place.