[exoticgal]

Hello finally back from a very hectic trip in HK. It was quite enjoyable just that I missed my son very much and he was sick and kept looking for me in S'pore. So I took an earlier flight home. This time we did not go to the tourists places and spent more time in the Western and Southern part of HK and I really like it. It was quite a busy trip for us as we had the relocation guide to bring us round Hk and showed us where to get household things, etc. Then the house agent showed us about twenty places. We went to see Sorrento Towers, Waterfront, The Harbourside, Belchers, Starcrest, Robinson Rd 80, Bel-Air...and we really love Bel-Air. The environment is really great..lots of space and the clubhouse is amazing. The Harbourside (Kowloon) was really nice too with great view and built just above the Kowloon MTR but we still prefer the HK side. The apts we went to see at the Belchers were a bit old and we preferred a newer apt (preferably a place where no one has stayed before)..so that's why we decided on the Bel-Air. But the landlord cannot wait for us to start renting in Jan 06, so we have to wait till my husband goes there in Jan to sign the contract if its available. The one we like has an amazing view of the Lamma channel and is about 1693 sq feet, with three bedrooms. We are probably going to get a car and I think the drive to Central using Victoria Rd and the Freeway takes about 15 mins. I really like Stanley market and heard there is a good wet mkt in Aberdeen, which is close by. Furthermore, Bel-Air is quite close to the Singapore International School.

We went to see the Woodlands Montessori on Caine Rd and I think they really have a great programme. They have a branch in PokFuLam, near Bagiuo Villas and I think I will go there to have look when I am there before I register. The only problem is that their classes are quite full and we probably have to be on waiting lists. I heard that there is a billingual kindergarten in Belchers called Victoria Kindergarten. Basically, I want my son to join playgroups and nursery until he is four then send him to the Singapore International School.

Well, hope that everything goes well and we will have an easy transition to Hk.

[PDLM]

Remember that if you run a car and use it to commute to work then you will need to pay for car parking spaces at both ends. Depending on exactly where, you would need to budget a total of $5-8000/month for this.

You might also want to check with people who live there what the commute is like in the rush hour. When I was down at the Cirque du Soleil on Saturday and a couple of thousand people tried to leave in a short space of time (much as I imagine rush hour would be) the traffic slowed to a crawl, at least for the bit up to Victoria Road.

[exoticgal]

The apartment rental includes 1 covered carpark and I will only be dropping my husband to work at about 8am, so we leave about 7.30am and I will pick him up after work. BTW, how is traffic like in the morning about 7.30am along Victoria rd or Pok Fu Lam rd?

[rani]

Hi Exotic,

Our son goes to a Montessori playgroup in Baguio Villas. Its not bilingual. The woman that runs it was the headmistress at Woodlands Caine Rd for many years.

http://www.geobaby.com/com/mxdirecto...nds-playgroup/

The other Woodlands Playgroup is at Scenic Villas and not Baguio.

Rani

[PDLM]

Well yes, but if you didn't have a car you could (normally) let that space out for $3-4000 per month, so you are still effectively paying for it.

At 8am your problem will be the school buses rather than the work commute - most HK offices don't start until 9-9:30. I don't live out that way so I don't know how bad it will be.

[exoticgal]

Thank You PDLM and Rani for your information. Must now find out about the traffic situation along the Victoria and Pok Fu Lam Rds during peak hours. Anyone out there can share their experiences? I heard about a place called Centrestage 1 and 2 at Shueng Wan. Anyone heard about it? Think its a new apartment.

[rani]

Exotic,

i don't think traffic will be too bad at 7:30am. there are 2 schools along Victoria Rd but they start at 8am. You can also go straight up to Pok Fu Lam Rd and get on the highway closer to Belcher's. It is faster than going along Victoria Rd.

Rani

[exoticgal]

Thank You Rani for the information. I think we have set our mind on Residence Bel-Air as I think my 2 yr old son would love the space, facilities and sea breeze. We dont mind if its a bit out of town. I would rather enjoy the space, fresh air and being my husband's driver than feel claustrophobic in Midlevels. I also think there are many families there with young children and my son would love to have so many friends around him.

[bq2311]

A big hello to all the mommies living in the Belchers. We are moving in next week and would be nice to meet you all soon. We have a son who is 26 mos old. Just moved from the US but we are singaporeans. Been considering btw Belchers and Bel Air but I chose location/convenience (Belchers) over the beautiful facilities in Bel Air..hope I won't regret it : p

If you do meet regularly for playgroup or makan, please let us know! would love to join in : )

[back2HK]

Originally Posted by exoticgal

The apartment rental includes 1 covered carpark and I will only be dropping my husband to work at about 8am, so we leave about 7.30am and I will pick him up after work. BTW, how is traffic like in the morning about 7.30am along Victoria rd or Pok Fu Lam rd?

Hi... I spent the last 2 years of my life in Sillypore and I am in Bel-Air now. From my apt, I can't see any land at all - its waterview in all directions. Traffic on Victoria Road is a non-issue. I take the Bel-Air shuttle to work - leaves me at Shun-Tak centre. Most people who work around IFC, simply stroll to work from there - I take a cab (plentiful at all times) to the other end of central (less than 20HKD). If I am late, I take a cab all the way - never taken more than 20 mins to work from Bel-Air by cab. Thats your benchmark if you drive. It will take less time at 7:30 am. Getting to work from Mid-Levels (only 10% of the distance) can be a nightmare by comparison. Have been back by cab many times - takes even less time.

Gimme a shout, if you decide to come and live this way..