life for mum and bub in HK

[SuzieQ]

Seriously considering a move to HK....to be decided this w/e!!
Currently living on Sydneys' northern beaches, with our 5 mth bubs....so would expect a full on case of culture shock and beach sickness should
we make the move. But up for it!
Have visited before and just couldn't get enough of the place, however
now one is married with a bub - different scenario!

My main apprehension (apart from the business opportunity going belly
up!), is being able to meet other mums and families.....and just adapting
to life as a mum in HK. Everyone talks of meeting at 'clubs'...what exactly are these?? Mums out there, whats it like!?

A few other q's while I'm at it...
1) How bad is the pollution...spent 7 yrs in London....similar?
2) Is the area of Stanley a much slower pace (familyfied) - i.e. a city escape
3) Can you negotiate on rent?

Cheers very muchly for any response posted.....

[Sazzy]

Hey - I have no baby in tow but I would say the pollution is bad. However, as you have said, you can live in Stanley - fresher air, slower pace, beaches, generally adapted for family life. Other family locations are Discovery Bay on Lantau, Clearwater Bay and Pok Fu Lam. Don't forget to check out travel/commuter times to and from work.
I am sure other mums will be able to give you more info!

[Baron]

I don't think the pollution is any worse than London. Stanley is a very nice spot, as are Clearwater and Discovery Bay. Don't worry SuzieQ, there are some nice beaches here. The places Sazzy list are all 'family' busy, so perhaps look there first.

[berryplucker]

I would say the pollution is different from London - in london you get a lot more "black snot", but here you get a lot of reduced visibility days. Some of that is simply due to the fact that we are in the tropics so it is often naturally humid and hazy, but there is undoubtedly a significant pollution component. It's a very rare day inded in HK where you can see as far as an average day in Sydney.

[rani]

Suzie,

There's lots of opportunities to meet other moms and bubs in HK. We often organise playgroups on GeoBaby.Com Lots of active moms on the site who are happy to answer any q's you have.

Rani

[SuzieQ]

Hi again.....thanks for previous responses to my original message.

......just wanting to know if rental is negotiable?

[Sazzy]

Yes, it is

[KnowItAll]

You can negotiate ... infact you should try and negotiate down.