Job Discussion Forums

[jeffinflorida]

Ok:

First I'm going to Quanzhou and I'd like to know if anyone has any input on this place. What's there dto do, what's the weather what's close by of interest.


Also, I am flying into HONG KONG and gonna stay ther for a few days. Can anyone recommend where I should stay? I Dont need a 5 start hotel but don't want to stay in a flea bag either. What's a good area for Hong Kong?

Also, what should I really bring with me for a 6 month stay? I am current large wasted so I will bring shorts, pants and dress shirts but what else? I have a Platstation 2 that is PAL format - are PS2 discs expensive in China?

Any info would be appreciated!!

[Roger]

My heartfelt suggestion to you is to purchase that China traveller's guidebook so you don't have to rely on our subjective opinions!

As for QUANZHOU, this is in FUJIAN province, the coastal province nearest to Taiwan. In other words; the climate is subtropical, quite hot and humid in summer, pretty cold in winter, though no snow; it's cold because homes have no central heating systems.
Quanzhou is on the Shenzhen-Xiamen-Fuzhou route; not a big town, not a village. Nothing to write home about although Fujian has some interstinfg features rarely reported on in the media such as unique villages where clans rule supreme and houses are built to their individual clan's designs. I have also heard of a lot more Christianity in the province, and in fact I noticed a number of churches myself.
There was a lengthy thread here some year or so ago about a school that shafted a Belgian teacher. It seemed to have been pretty nasty.

As for Hong Kong, my recommendations are as follows:
- in Tsimshatsui, Kowloon: the YMCA in Salisbury Rd., has very good dorm accommodation at HK$ 180 or so; the YMCA is ideally located and very clean, with good dining facilities. IF that's too expensive, then hop over to the Nathan Rd. circus and find No. 44-54, Chungking Mansions, a dreary, blighted, overcrowded complex next to the Holiday Inn, with a lot of Indian and Nepalese businesses and nightly fisticuffs. There are dozens of cheap guesthouses charging from 100 upward.

I personally favour the Youth Hostel on Mt. Davis, Victoria Rd., they have doubles and dorm beds. The hostel is on a windswept hill overlooking Victoria Harbour and has a kitchen for self-service and clean bathrooms. A minibus takes travellers from the Macau Ferry Pier to the hostel for HK 10.

[millie]

Hello jeffinflorida

Quanzhou is cool in winter so you might need a light jumper/pullover but certainly not a coat.
Summer is hot and humid – wear light cotton – smart casual is OK for the classroom rather than business attire.

Quanzhou is near the coast but I found even the best of beaches fairly dirty - welcome to China
Quite a few mountains nearby which allow some relatively fresh air.
There are some interesting historic sights around QZ including a mosque and the usual array of temples.
Xiamen and Gulang Isalnd is just down the road (2+ hours) and buses leave regularly so it is an easy weekend trip too.

The locals are mostly a friendly lot and I am sure they will offer to show you around.

Do try the wonderful seafood noodles there too.

I am aware that a few years ago there was a daily bus that leaves from HK direct to Quanzhou.
Buses also leave from Guangzhou.
Check at HK Tourist Association on the former but I would expect that it is still running. To get to Guangzhou, then to the correct bus station for QZ, will be a drag especially if this is your first time in China.

Happy travels and teaching.

BTW: Where will you be teaching?
M

[yaco]

I will be in Hk from 11 - 15th February.

GIVE me a call on 641 688 46 and I will provide assistance.

Peter

[jeffinflorida]

I will be teaching at Quanzhou Normal University. Business and marketing. I signed for one term from Feb to July. Figured I'd give it a try.

I'll most likely stay at a $50- 60 a night hotel in Hong Kong as it is only for 2-3 days. I just didn't want to end up in a fleabag hotel next to the brothel.

[Roger]

You forgot to state the nationality of YOUR dollars, buddy; I reckon you were talking in Hong Kong ones; it's going to be tough to find accom for this little money. The Youth Hostel will charge you 60 if you are member, and 95 if you are not.

There might be through buses from HK to Quanzhou; however, the cross-border bus stations are all scattered all over Tsimshatsui and hardly within walking distance from the Kowloon peninsula tip. Your best bet is to take the train to Lowu, then walk across the border and hop on a bus next to the customshouse.
Going first to GUANGZHOU is nonsense; that's a detour of at least 300 kms. There are direct buses from Shenzhen. The fare should set you back no more than around RMB 150.

[voodikon]

[millie]

Hello jeffinflorida,

QNU was the one where the saga occurred previously on list.
I knew many of the people involved and I can safely say that you will have no problems there.
Firstly you are male.
Secondly, you have dollars which makes a world of difference

Happy teaching
M

[jeffinflorida]

My dollars are U.S. Greenbacks.

[Roger]

[struelle]

Just a short note:

You can stay at the Wang Fat Hostel in HK for about 250-300 HKD. They are located at 47 Paterson St, just down the road from the Causeway Bay MTR station.