There are days that being an expat is not as glamorous and fun as you always imagine it to be. Today was one of those days. Actually, whenever I try and get information in Hong Kong, it becomes "one of those days". I would say that asking about specific information in Hong Kong is like beating yourself repeatedly against a wall. For example: I have been trying to sort out how we get our Hong Kong driver's licenses. So I called the transport department. The woman said I'd have to come down and pay HKD$900 to get my drivers license. Cool. No problem. But then she said something about a test. "A test? What kind of test." I said.

"Come down and pay HKD$900 mumble mumble test." she said.

"Pardon," I said. "Did you say something about a test?".

"HKD$900...mumble mumble test." she said again.

"I'm sorry, there must be a back connection, can you explain further about the test?"

"Sorry madam."

Click.

Are. You. Effin'. Serious? Did I just get hung up on?

Needless to say, we don't have our drivers licenses quite yet.

I am also looking at going to school here in Hong Kong. I'd like to do with my photography and possibly move it beyond being just a hobby so I found a program at the Hong Kong Art School and sent them an email. My mood plummeted. See below the email exchange.  I am baffled on why I cannot get an answer on how book an appointment to talk to someone about the school or drop by for a tour until admission time in March/April. Do they want people to go to the school?

Good Morning,

I am interested in the Higher Diploma in Fine Art (Photography) for the 2009-2010 year and I have some questions and would like to see the campus. Can I make an appointment? I would like to talk to someone about entrance requirements for the program, languages used in the classroom and get a general feel for the program.

Thank you for your reply.

Sincerely,

http://www.hkas.edu.hk

 (All of the information they send was from the website, except that on Cantonese being the only language. Nowhere on the website is a syllabus or a schedule or really any real information about the school.)

Enrollment Office,

I have thoroughly looked at your website and have not found satisfactory answers to my questions. I am considering applying to your school and would like to make an appointment with an advisor in the program. Who may I contact to make an appointment?

Also you may consider updating the information on your website around the medium of delivery if there is no English instruction. Here is the information available from your website:
Medium of Delivery: The medium of instruction will be Cantonese supplemented with English.
Learning materials will be in Chinese and English as appropriate.

Thank you for your reply,
Debbi