Originally from South Africa, "Gweipo" has been living in other countries for more than a decade, and presently calls Hong Kong in China "home." Here she describes her family life in this bustling Chinese metropolis, shares what it's like for her as an expat to live in Hong Kong, and gives some helpful tips on adjusting better to the local life and culture.	Gweipo

-Where were you born?

South Africa

-In which country and city are you living now?

Hong Kong, China

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my husband and 2 children aged 7 and 5.

-How long have you been living in Hong Kong?

Since August 2006.  This is our 2nd time in HK, we were here before (without kids) from 1999-2001.

-What is your age?

43

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Hong Kong?

My husband was given 48 hours notice to transfer here by his company who had a crisis in HK and he had to come and solve it.  I was delighted at the prospect, since we'd very much loved living here before.  Our only concern was the rumoured pollution and leaving a house and garden in Spain to trade in for a small apartment in high rise living HK.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

I'm on a dependant visa, when I was working here, it wasn't hard to swap that to a working visa.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, we're covered by my husband's company's policy, but it would be easy enough if we weren't.

-How do you make your living in Hong Kong? Do you have any type of income generated?

I don't do formal work here, I volunteer at my children's schools and help out wherever it is needed.  I only try to generate goodwill, not income!

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I'm studying Mandarin which I'm really enjoying.  It's very challenging - especially the reading and writing.  I can get by with a little bit of Cantonese in the market and taxi, but I made the commitment to Mandarin in order to support my children who are in bilingual education.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities in Hong Kong.

I've been on the move for 16 years, and I'm a forward looking person.  I don't have any place I call 'home' except where I'm currently living.

Hong Kong has the most amazing variety of recreational activities that suit all types, whether you like hiking and sports, sailing, climbing, skating, drinking, eating, running, cycling there will be a club of people doing it enthusiastically.  Personally I love Hong Kong's nature trails, photography, writing, etc.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Learn more Chinese, travel more in China.  Learn more, experience more.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We're renting in central, and paying an enormous amount since we came here when rents were at a peak.  In this area you're paying between US$10-20k per month.

-What is the cost of living in Hong Kong?

It depends.  You can have a very expensive life style or a very cheap life style. It depends on who you hang out with, how much you drink and if you like designer wear.  Eating out can be very reasonable or extremely expensive.  International schooling is expensive and so are extra-curricular activities for children, especially music lessons.  That's the biggest item on our monthly costs.

Public transport is very well organised and very cheap.

-What do you think about the locals?

I enjoy the locals.  They're an interesting group of people and I'm having the pleasure of getting to know more of them now that my daughter is in a school which has mainly local children. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Hong Kong?

+ It's compact, it's efficient and it works.  Everything is accessible, there are great outdoor activities.  HK has a wonderful range of very interesting people living there and it is intellectually very stimulating.  Something is happening every day and every night and it's hard to choose what to do.

+ My kids have the opportunity to learn Chinese (Mandarin), which I think is a fabulous thing and worth staying in HK for.

+ Having help in the home is wonderful when you have young children.

 - My kids would dearly love to have a garden and a 'home all to ourselves' i.e. not live in a high rise apartment.  Rental is very expensive, so apartments are small.  Personally, I enjoy city life.

- The pollution is truly bad some days.  We've had no immediate effects on our health, but I do worry about the long term effects.

- HK is a very, very noisy place.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Hong Kong?

Embrace it.  Take everything it has to offer and enjoy.  Don't focus on what you've left behind.  Learn the language (or Mandarin).  Make an effort to get involved with life here.  Associate with people who are positive and who like HK.

HK can be very alienating when you first arrive, you need to get out and introduce yourself to people.  Joining one of the expatriate associations is a good idea.  I'd recommend the Australian Association or the American Woman's Association.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Hong Kong?

• Of course my own blog: http://www.gweipo.blogspot.com

• Batgung has a lot of practical advice and good forums: http://www.batgung.com

• http://www.geobaby.com is good for parents with young kids, since it helps you find playgroups / get advice particularly if your kids are not at school yet.

• The Australian Association is full of really nice, fun people who are very kind to newcomers and help you feel at home in Hong Kong: http://www.ozhongkong.com.