Travel Tips

A short trip north from the Tropic of Capricorn will put you in the city of Rockhampton, Queensland. Here, on the Fitzroy River bank, is where the Darumbal Aborigines once called home. The European people moved into this Australian region after the Archer brothers, Charles and William discovered the area while scouting for grazing land.

Grazing is still a big money maker and, in fact, dominates the economy in Rockhampton to this day. The Beef Capital of Queensland is a title that is proudly accepted by residents. The industry is so respected that various bull breeds are depicted in statues that are scattered in prominent places about town.

The highest concentration of office buildings, both government and corporate, is situated in the central business district. Tree lined streets separate buildings designed and built during pioneer days using the colonial architecture that was so prevalent at the time. More than two dozen buildings of historical significance including the Supreme Court, the Customs House and Heritage Tavern can be seen on the walking tour that meanders through town.

The subtropical climate beckons to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. With more than three hundred days of sunshine every year there is plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas. Native animals and plants can be found at nearby Mount Archer National Park and the panoramic city view is worth the hike to the summit.

The city rubbish yard used to be in the location now occupied by Cliff Kershaw Gardens. This recycled beauty opened in 1988 and features plants native to central Queensland in addition to an imitation waterfall that is lit dramatically after dark and can be seen right beside the highway.

Olsens Capricorn Caves are just outside the northern limits and are recognized as the oldest tourist attraction in Queensland. The spectacular limestone caverns were discovered in 1882 by a Norwegian immigrant named John Olsen and opened to public tours in 1884.

For a trip back in time, visit Rockhampton Heritage Village where you will experience pioneer life dating back in time from the era that spanned 1850 to 1950. Tours are led by guides dressed in period costume and include stops at various shops demonstrating the ancient trades like blacksmithing and woodcutting. Guests are even invited to stop by the village schoolhouse and attend a class.

Dreamtime Cultural Centre is situated on an ancient tribal site originally occupied by the Darambal Aborigines and features traditional tribal ceremonial rings. The centre’s main building, a large waterfall and native flora occupy space on the northern creek banks. The Torres Strait Islander’s Complex lies to the south of the main building with its giant dugong and huts indigenous to the area. A guided tour explains the ancient beliefs and lifestyle experienced by the native people. Other activities and entertainment include boomerang lessons, didgeridoo performances and traditional dance demonstrations. Replica ceremonial sites, rock art, gunyahs and ancient burial sites can be found at The Aboriginal Traditional site. Self guided tours available include a display of sandstone cave recreations and a native plant tour.

Take a relaxing vacation and enjoy the historic sites found in the subtropical climate of Rockhampton. There is a great choice of places to stay along with some great Rockhampton motels on offer.

Are you interested in working in another country but do not have all the money to fund your stay there? Then why not consider going on a working holiday? It is basically this: you will get a job there and just pay for your expenses through your salary. Sounds simple? Yes, but there are some things that you should still keep in mind.

There are many job opportunities in Japan for foreigners who are seeking short time employment, just to let them earn enough to finance their whole stay in that country. One of the best places to look for a job would be a ski resort. Are you a good skier? It would be better if you have experience being a ski instructor because that is one position that is in good demand in Japan, especially during the winter season. But that’s one thing you should take into consideration. Because a job like that would mean you will only be employed for a few months.

And what can you expect should you go on a Japan working holiday? It is with the work hours that you might find some getting used to. And it is not just particular to Japan. Other countries might have different working hours and it might even be caused by the time zone differences. Aside from that, you should also consider the kind of work that you are doing. Some jobs, especially in a resort or hotel, would require you to work longer hours. Some while there are still some guests in that resort. What all of these basically mean is that you should be more flexible with your work hours.

What about the salary? How much can you expect to be paid? Just like in most other countries, it would depend on your skills and experience. But before you sign any contract, confirm if you will be getting your salary in full or with taxes removed. Also, if you want to be insured while you are working there, you should get your own insurance as the one provided by the employer are usually very limited. This is for your safety.

Accommodations can vary, meaning some employers would provide you with one while others would expect you to find your own. This is something you should finalize first before accepting the job just so you will know what you are getting. In case accommodations will be provided to you, do not expect to have a whole room all to yourself. The traditional accommodations are dormitory style. Often foreign workers will be housed in just one place but it is a growing practice for all employees to be accommodated together. While the living quarters can be separated, there are communal places like the dining and the laundry area.

And finally learn all that you can about the country you are going to. It would be a good idea to learn their language so you will not have a hard time communicating with the locals. You should also study their culture and tradition and working in that country is your best chance to do that.

Going on a working holiday in another country is no doubt filled with fun and excitement. Aside from that, you will be having the great opportunity of immersing yourself in that foreign culture as you work and play together with the people. This includes Japan jobs for foreigners. All of these while you are still being paid to be there.

Corporate relocations that involve children and the change for the whole family can be hard initially. Removalists that have special programs for children help overcome the fear sometimes felt on relocating overseas.

Preparing your children for their new home is an important step to successfully begin your new life. Moving to Hong Kong can be a unique and exciting time, but for your children you may need to answer a never ending stream of questions before you get there. You can certainly understand your children asking where is Hong Kong, what’s the weather like, will I be able to talk to people, how do I get around and what will I be able to do, what can I eat. Here is a quick reference to help you along the way:

Hong Kong – Where is it ?
Located off the coast of China, it is about half way around the world for children from the United States or Europe. It has four main areas:

• Hong Kong Island
• Kowloon
• The New Territories
• The Outlying Islands (about 230 small islands)

What’s the weather like?
Hong Kong is humid and hot for most of the time, a real sub-tropical environment. It is always green and lush. Summer starts in early April and is the hottest, but also the rainiest time of the year. Make sure you have an umbrella handy and most stores, homes and restaurants will have an umbrella stand for you.

During summer or early autumn, you might experience a typhoon – a strong, windy tropical storm, just like a hurricane. If this happens, everyone leaves school and work and stays at home to wait out the storm.

Autumn is normally cool, dry and sunny. Most tourists come to Hong Kong at this time. In November it can get quite cold as winter sets in. Bring your sweaters and warm coats!.

Excuse me, what did you say?
Cantonese is the language of Hong Kong. However, because it used to be a British territory, many also speak English. To learn Cantonese can be easy and difficult at the same time. It’s easy because all the words are short words like “won”, “hong” or “sup”. It’s difficult because there are nine different ways to raise or lower your voice to give a different meaning. For example, a few meanings of the word “goh” are auntie, mushroom, drum and ancient.

How will I get around?
Hong Kong is crowded and Edit this text  public transport the best way to get around. You will be able to take trams, trains and taxis. Double-decker buses and ferry boats are great to ride on. Some of the very busy areas connect using giant escalators.

Places to visit

You will never be bored and there are lots of things to be enjoyed :

• Visit Victoria Peak by taking a tram to the top – Hong Kong;s highest point. It is a steep 1,300 feet rise and once on top you will have a perfect view of the entire city. You can also walk on the many nature trails, or you can shop or have something to eat.
• Ocean Park is a wonderful park with pandas, sea lions and dolphins in the aquarium. If you are brave enough, go on the roller coaster and the Abyss!
• Repulse Bay is the most popular beach in Hong Kong. It has large, sandy areas and gentle waves. It can get crowded, but there are 40 other beaches for you to visit.

What am I going to do?
In Hong Kong you will be able to do many of the same things you do at home. There are many country parks for hiking and getting a sun tan at the beach. Hiking the trails, you will usually have wonderful views, but also see animals native to Hong Kong.

Shopping is always a great pastime and the malls and markets are excellent. The most famous market is Stanley Market where  you can buy almost anything for reasonable prices. The Jade Market is famous for rings and bracelets and at the Ladies Market you can buy clothes cheaply.

Many children learn martial arts such as judo or karate during the time in Hong Kong. Since they originated in Asia, you are taught by highly-skilled instructors and can compete in tournaments as well. Some kids find it fun to just watch.

Hong Kong has many exciting and colourful festivals. You will have a holiday in late January or early February to celebrate Chinese New Year. Red lanterns are hung in doorways. Lion dances take place and children receive “lai see” packets that are little red envelopes filled with money . Chinese New Year is also famous for its fireworks. The Chinese believe that the colour red and the loud noise will keep monsters away.

In June, people fill the beaches to see the Dragon Boat Festival. This is a very exciting race. The long, narrow boats are decorated with dragon heads and tails. Rowing as fast as possible, crews follow the beat of drums.The Moon Festival celebrates the year’s harvest and is also called the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hundreds of thousands of people gather at night to honour the full moon. They carry candle-lit lanterns in all shapes and colours and eat moon cakes that look like they have a moon inside them.

What’s there to eat?
There will be many new foods in Hong Kong. You might start with Dim Sum or “little hearts”. They are small parcels of food that you eat with chopsticks. Every parcel is different and delicious and you will probably want to dip them into soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Deep-fried candied apples and bananas are delicious. The fruit is coated in batter and fried, and then dipped in sugar syrup. The waiter will bring it to your table and it will be dunked into ice water so the sugar hardens like candy.

No matter where you come from, chances are that you will find restaurants serving food from your home country. This includes some of your favourites like McDonald’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

You are going to a country of adventure with many things to see and do. Before you know it, you will make many new friends and have done lots of things that you can tell your friends back home about. Your international removalists if they have a good children’s program can help you with many questions about Hong Kong, particularly to keep your children aware of where they are going and what they can do.