Sai Kung Magazine March 2015

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

March 2015

x 2015

Marathon man Clearwater Bay's running vet

Top toe tips

For flip-flop season Beyond seafood Chinese food in Sai Kung

Fives, Sevens & Tens Your rugby guide WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 1

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The really useful magazine MARCH 2015

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

PEOPLE 2 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life.

16 Bargain hunter Greg Hunt of Sai Kung Sunday Market.

THE PLANNER

NEWS FROM THE GREENS

4 Happening in March What’s on this month.

18 Road rage If we can fix the slopes, why not the roads?

NEWS 10 In your backyard The latest from the Kung.

FEATURE 20 Rich dog, poor dog It’s a dog’s life.

LETTERS 12 Have your say From our readers.

EATING

INTERVIEW 14 Marathon man Meet World Marathon Challenge champion David Gething.

26 Chinese choices Where to wield your chopsticks.

Plus Nibbles.

FAMILY 30 Beach fives turn five A sandy start to Rugby Week.

EDUCATION 32 Mind your language Lessons for littlies.

OUTDOORS 38 Two wheels good Cycle tracks for kids BIG DAY OUT 42 Lamma, no drama Hong Kong’s most laidback island.

SPORT 46 It’s a wrap Ray Sting looks back at a great season.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 48 Happy feet Top tips for toes TRAVEL 50 Vietnam calling A fun family holiday in Lang Co.

PETS 54 Stay social, stay healthy Balance the two.

HONG KONG CREATURES 55 Wild boar Feral pigs in countryside near you.

MARKETPLACE 56 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS 62 Loads of random useful stuff.

VINES IN SAI KUNG 64 The usual suspects Good ideas from government?

Stephen Vines suspects not.

f

Find us on Facebook Sai Kung Magazine

“WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORLD IT WOULD BE IF PEOPLE HAD HEARTS LIKE DOGS” – ANON

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese MSIG Sai Kung 50 race

Photos by Lloyd Belcher

Jazz with Love Concert

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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planner

Rugby Week

Nine days of top-class rugby action.

MAR 21-22 Beach 5s

MAR 25 Kowloon RugbyFest

MAR 26-27 Women’s Sevens

Family-friendly beach sports in a party atmosphere. Free. 9am-7.30pm, Repulse Bay Beach, www.hkbeach5s.com.

Social tournament with 24 teams followed by a riotous dinner. King’s Park, Kowloon, www. rugbyfest.org.

Twelve women’s teams compete.

8.30am-5.30pm, King’s Park, Kowloon, www.hkrugby.com.

MAR 25-26 HKFC 10s

MAR 27-29 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

The world’s best rugby 10s competition.

10.15am-9pm, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, www.hongkongtens.com.

Three days of beer, singing, dodgy dancing, fancy dress and, oh yes, world-class rugby.

Don’t miss the Village People perform on Saturday. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, www.hksevens.com.

MAR 26 Youth Sevens Cheer on the future Sevens stars. 9am-5pm, King’s Park, Kowloon, www.hkrugby.com.

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happening in march UNTIL MAR 8 Restaurant Week

MAR 7 Practical Parenting Workshop

Some of the finest food in Hong Kong at discount prices. Book at www. restaurantweek.hk.

Parenting author Ann Law has tips for communicating with kids, computer use and modifying behaviour. 10.30am-noon. 23/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. Tickets $180 from www. parentingteenstips.com, 6893 7736, tinst.co@ gmail.com.

MAR 5-15 Pride and Prejudice

UNTIL MAR 29 Hong Kong Arts Festival The city’s annual cultural bonanza, with worldclass performers from Asia and beyond. For details, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org.

MAR 1 Sai Kung Sunday Market The monthly indoor farmers’ and craft market that champions all things local celebrates its first anniversary. 11am-5pm. Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, www. saikungmarkets.com.

The Gate Theatre presents the Bennet sisters’ hunt for husbands. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $180-$500 from www. hk.artsfestival.org.

MAR 7-20 Science Alive Find out why chemistry matters and how to make your own bath bomb, courtesy of the British Council. Free. Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732 3232, www.britishcouncil.hk.

MAR 6-15 CATS Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s feline masterpiece comes to The Venetian Macao. Tickets $280$680 from www.cotaiticketing.com, 6333 6660.

MAR 8 Stingrays End of Season BBQ Celebrate with the whole family, festivities include games, raffles and plenty of food and drinks. Free bus to event. Tickets $80-$260 from www.saikungstingrays.org. 2pm-5pm, VRC, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung.

MAR 7 CWS City Challenge Adults and children can join this creative and physical charity race through Wan Chai organised by the Child Welfare Scheme, which rescues children from corrupt orphanages. 2pm, Hong Kong Park. Details at www.cwshk.org, 2526 8810.

MAR 1 Southside Market Long Lunch Unlimited food, drink, music and entertainment from noon to 5pm. Tickets $550 (free for undereights) from www.ticketflap.com. The Butchers Club Deli Rooftop, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768.

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MAR 8 Outward Bound Adventure Race

MAR 15-17 Art Basel Hong Kong

Teams of four take part in a 13km-19km race across some lumpy bits of Hong Kong Island.

7am-4pm. Register at www.outwardbound.org. hk/ar.

The giant international art fair returns. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. Tickets $150-$850 from www.artbasel.com.

MAR 21 Pitbull Live in Hong Kong Woof. AsiaWorldExpo, Lantau. Tickets $880-$1,080 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 21 Sailing Centre Open Day Have a (free) go in a dinghy. Plus races, demonstrations and more. Everybody welcome.

10am-5pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, www.hhyc.org.hk, 2719 9682.

MAR 17 St Patrick’s Day Wear green, drink Guinness, say “begorrah”.

MAR 9-20 International Young Readers’ Festival Annual literary festival with workshops and talks by leading local and international children’s authors. Details at www.youngreadersfestival. org.hk.

MAR 18 One Direction On The Road Again Shriek! The world’s biggest boy band is in town.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $998-$3,488 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 27 Jason Mraz and Raining Jane An acoustic night. AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Lantau. Tickets $388-$888 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 27 CNCF Ladies’ Long Lunch Food, drink, fun and games with handsome rugby players in aid of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley, www.cncf.org.hk, 2832 2186.

MAR 10 Ed Sheeran Live in Hong Kong Sing. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $680 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 11, 25 Hebe One O One Quiz Thinking caps on. 8.30pm, Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

MAR 15 Mothers Day (UK) We love you, mums! (Moms, international Mother’s Day is May 10.)

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MAR 28 Earth Hour Lights out 8.30pm9.30pm.

MAR 29 Walk for Sight Join the sponsored walk through Tai Tam Country Park in aid of Orbis. The 6km family walk, 10km or 14km routes, followed by performances, games and lunch at HKIS. Hong Kong International School, Tai Tam. Register by March 4 at hkg.orbis.org.

MAR 31-APR 12 Cavalia Brought to you by the people behind Cirque de Soleil, Cavalia is a modern circus on horseback.

Big Top, Central Harbourfront. Tickets $245-$1,195 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@saikung.com.

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BOOK NOW APR 2-5 Smurfs Save Spring

APR 20 Charli XCX

The Smurfs on stage. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Smurfy seats $688 (including gifts), other seats $250-$588 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

Boom clap! Music Zone, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $490 from www.ticketflap.com.

APRIL 3-6 Sesame Street Live Elmo, Big Bird and friends take the stage. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $150-$450 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 1-2 Katy Perry Prismatic World Tour Hear her roar.

Cotai Arena, The Venetian, Macau.

Tickets $380$1,680 from www. cotaiticketing. com.

MAY 15-JUN 7 The Sound of Music A few of your favourite things, direct from the West End. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $395-$995, family packages available, at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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news Extending the pier

Major works have begun on the expansion of Sai Kung Public Pier to provide more berths and space for pedestrians. Work has been

under way since August 2014 and will continue until mid-2016 to meet the demand for boarding junks and other boats in peak hours.

According to CY Wong of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, “The scope of the improvement works comprise dredging the existing seabed, demolition of part of the existing catwalk and construction of two additional berths.”

Temporary access and walkways will be available during the construction. For details, call 2762 5111 or visit www.cedd.gov.hk.

101M fare hike Bad news for commuters, the fare for the 101M Hang Hau minibus has risen nearly a dollar from $8.10 to $9. The fare has incrementally increased over the years, starting at $6.50 in 1994.

“The fare adjustment is necessary to improve the financial viability of the service, while stepping up measures to enhance service quality, cleanliness of vehicle compartments, and

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meeting passenger demand during peak hours,” a Transport Department spokesman says.

The news comes just weeks after last month’s reports of tickets being issued to passengers who don’t buckle up on the 101M minibus. Offenders could face a maximum fine of $5,000 and three months’ imprisonment. For enquiries, visit www.td.gov.hk or call 2804 2600.

Debut thriller by Sai Kung author Sai Kung author and King George V School history teacher Paul Letters has published his first novel. A Chance Kill is a wartime thriller loosely based on the experiences of Letters’ grandmother in Warsaw, Poland, in 1939. The story follows 17-year-old Polish Catholic girl Dyta Zajac, whose dark family connections force her to go on the run from Warsaw and set her on the path to a confrontation with the ultimate Nazi. With spies, plenty of action and a love story, it’s a tense and tautly written book, sure to appeal to fans of John Le Carre and Ken Follett. Book details at www.achancekill.com.

A Chance Kill will be available at Dymocks in Sai Kung. 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9110, www.dymocks.com.hk.

in your backyard

Sheung Sze Wan cleans up

Clearwater Bay yoga teacher Rosie Pattison of Yoga in the Bay and local brownies are organising a community clean up at Sheung Sze Wan beach on March 23. The debris has been piling up following the collapse of a bridge in the village.

Locals have been cleaning the beach in phases and work has begun to reconstruct the bridge. Join the yogis and the girls of the 64th East Kowloon Brownie pack and help to restore the once-popular beach. For details, contact Pattison at yogainthebay33@gmail.com or visit www.yogawithrosie.com.

Charity race for Andy Naylor A local running club is holding a marathon in Clearwater Bay in memory of Hong Kong policeman and keen runner Andy Naylor, who died in a triathlon in New York in 2012.

Organised by ANTS (Andy Naylor Track Sessions), the club he established, the “Hard as Nayls” marathon will be held on April 19. With a combination of flat roads and tough technical trails, the route is designed to test the versatility

and endurance of competitors.

There are three routes available: 42.2km marathon ($550), a 17km half marathon ($400) and an 8km family run ($350 for one adult and one child aged 14 or under). There will be drinks, food and prizes after the race, with all proceeds to be donated to the Naylor family and others affected by tragedy in the community. Register

by March 25 at www.hardasnayls.com.

Help fund Sailability Sai Kung-based sailing charity Sailability, which trains and supports disabled or para sailors in Hong Kong, is holding a crowdfunding event, with live music, drinks, a potluck picnic and a chance to sail, at Hebe Haven Yacht Club on March 14.

The event kickstarts 30 days of fundraising during which the charity hopes to raise $1 million to help pay for its sailors’ trips to the Open World Championships in Finland in August and to the IFDS Worlds in Melbourne in November. Success in Melbourne could see

Sailability’s sailors represent Hong Kong in the Brazil Paralympics 2016. The money will also be used to support sailors at the Special Olympics, for people with learning disabilities, which the Hong Kong Government does not help to fund.

Crowdfunding involves lots of people each donating a small amount of money, so please pop down to the Garden Bar at HHYC any time from 11am to 6pm to donate and support this fantastic local charity. All welcome, nonmembers can buy drinks on Octopus cards. For details, visit www.sailability.org.hk.

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letters

have your say

A bus to the airport?

Why is it that Sai Kung misses out on long-haul bus routes into the city? Of course we know why, because the government decrees Sai Kung folk must take feeder buses to the MTR. But the same logic does not apply for buses to the airport. Even though the airport has long since shifted from Kai Tak, there are still plenty of aircrew and airport staff who live around Sai Kung as well as air travellers and others who might find a bus route handy.

Now I’m not saying we need our own bus route, but perhaps the Long Win Bus Company could extend its route A41P from Chek Lap Kok to Ma On Shan out to Sai Kung. The A41P runs every half hour, so how about every other bus heading to Sai Kung on a trial basis for a few months? The fare should be less than $40.

Bernie Harrad Tai Mong Tsai This is bowling, there are rules Flashing neon lights lure me toward Centro.

“Bowling” reads the sign in a gleaming

fluorescence. My heart races. I can feel the excitement in my body pumping harder still, reaching fever pitch. I spare a thought for the time I first put my fingers into an eight-pound ball and a flashback plays in my head.

Since that fateful day in my youth, I have endeavoured to live close to a bowling alley.

The sheer unfettered joy gleaned from releasing a ball with a delicate, feather-light timbre is a part of my life I yearn to relive again and again.

Centro’s concept for a bowling alley came to the fore a little over a year ago. Living in Po Lo Che, it seemed an idea straight from my recurring ten-pin dreams.

But alas, it was not to be. Every day I eagerly anticipate the news that Centro’s bowling bonanza has opened. Every day I am back in the gutter, contemplating the life choices that led me to this alley of abject disappointment. Karmic retribution at its finest.

Michael Goode Po Lo Che Editor’s note: Word is the bowling bar in Centro is opening in the next few weeks.

“Scooting along the waterfront” – Eileen Booth

“Chinese New Year flower fair” – Derek Murphy

Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #saikungmag on social media!

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interview Editorial

Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk

David Gething The World Marathon Challenge champion tells Carolynne Dear about the hardships and highlights of running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Managing Editor Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Editorial Assistant Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Staff Writer Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Setareh Parvin setareh@fastmedia.com.hk Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to Adele Brunner Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Paul Zimmerman Steffi Yuen Nigel Griffiths Annie Wong

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Photo by: Hannah Grogan Special thanks to Gigi our cover model. Read our doggy feature on p.20.

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David Gething ran marathons in Antarctica, Sydney and Madrid.

Clearwater Bay resident and David Gething has just won the World Marathon Challenge. Completing seven marathons on seven continents on seven consecutive days, Gething took the trophy with a cumulative time of 25 hours, 36 minutes and three seconds.

That’s just over three-and-a-half hours a marathon.

“It was pretty overwhelming and a bit of a blur,” Gething admits. “I remember crossing the finish line in Sydney, being handed the trophy, passing it to my dad – and then I just collapsed.”

Eleven competitors from all over the world began the challenge on January 17 in Antarctica and finished on January 24 under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Battling injuries, driving winds, freezing temperatures, fatigue, heat and seven days of plane food, the

challenge pushed competitors to their limits. But despite suffering frostbite in Antarctica and a stress fracture in Morocco, Gething never considered throwing in the towel.

“I had so much support from family in Hong Kong and overseas,” he says. “A group of running buddies in Sai Kung even attempted seven marathons in seven days locally to empathise, so I couldn’t let them down.”

Gething started running relatively recently, spurred on by his wife, Trilby, who thought the Creature Comforts vet was gaining weight.

“I put my name down for the [250km] Gobi March as something to work towards and then got into a bit of triathlon training locally. It’s only been over the last year or so that I’ve started to feel comfortable,” he says.

He broke three hours at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and also completed the Boston Marathon (“my favourite”).

For the World Marathon Challenge, he put in six months of serious training, getting up at 4.30am and running for about 10 hours a week.

The challenge started in Antarctica. He met the other competitors in Chile and they shared a Russian military plane to a private base on Union Glacier.

Because of changeable weather conditions, which can prevent a plane from landing or taking off, the race could not be started until the return flight had taken off from Chile and was cleared to land safely in Antarctica.

“We were woken at 3am and told to start running,” he recalls.

Australian-born Gething had never experienced a snowfall,

marathon man which added to the drama. In subzero temperatures, he ran in a fleece undershirt, long pants, a windcheater, double socks and special waterproof shoes designed for snow running.

“The trick was not to overheat,” he says. “Sweat freezes, creating a plate of ice against your body and you end up hyperthermic.”

At one checkpoint, Gething’s frozen beanie was removed by race officials. He suffered frostbite on the tips of two toes and lost a nail, but he swears he enjoyed the run.

“It was the most amazing experience, majestically beautiful and so quiet. I was in my own snowy world and very excited to have started the competition. I ran a good race.”

Despite frostbite and a stress fracture, Gething never considered throwing in the towel Then it was straight onto the plane to Punta Arenas, Chile, and two hours after landing the group ran its second marathon.

“We were running along the oceanfront into driving 35km/h winds. It was cold, hard work and I was very sore. I ended up finishing at the same time as eventual runner-up Douglas Wilson.”

A specialist sports company with experience of moving sporting teams around the world ensured the runners’ flight schedules ran as smoothly as possible. A section of each plane was blocked off for the group – usually in business class – and the runners spentalmost 62 hours in the air, sleeping and eating.

As well as an easily digested meal three hours before each run, Gething survived on protein shakes, gels, power bars and pastries. He drank water during the

run, with Coke for a sugar fix near the end.

The North American leg started on Ocean Drive in Miami.

“It was warmer and we were running along the ocean, soaking up all the typical Miami scenes – girls on roller blades, body builders working out on the beach,” Gething says. “Everyone had calmed down a bit, with more of a feeling of camaraderie than combat. We ran slower, but together. It was a friendly run.”

The European race, however, was less memorable.

“It was an uninspiring run through a park in Madrid in the freezing cold,” he says.

From Spain, it was a quick hop across the Mediterranean to North Africa and, after a mere hour of sleep, the Marrakesh marathon.

“We landed and started running. It was eight degrees, raining, dark and very tough. We ran 12km loops overnight around a city block, which was mentally challenging.”

Worse, Gething tripped on a curb and fractured his ankle.

“I’d say this was the point when emotionally I hit rock bottom,” he recalls. Tellingly, he ran his slowest time (four hours, 20 minutes and 55 seconds).

It was also at this stage that his youngest daughter had her first day at school.

“Looking at the pictures Trilby had emailed made it even harder,” he says.

In Dubai, however, things started looking up.

“We were met at the airport by world marathon champion Haile Gebrselassie, which was amazing.

He wished us luck and we started the oceanfront marathon in the sunshine, warmth and daylight.”

His spirits were lifted again in Sydney when Trilby flew in from Hong Kong and his Australian family turned up to cheer him along the route marked by glowsticks tossed on the road.

“And thank goodness they did,” Gething says. “Wilson, by now my closest competitor, ran the

Crossing continents and finishing lines; with the winner’s trophy; the entire team.

race of his life. Trilby hired a bike to accompany us along the route, and without her updates keeping track of exactly how far ahead he was, I would have been ready to give up.”

Trilby admits to being shocked by her husband’s gaunt appearance at the start of the run.

“He was a shell, but there was nothing I could do to make things any better for him.”

Gething literally fell over the line, finishing after Wilson but winning the overall challenge.

“Apparently I managed to give some kind of interview to

the Reuters guy on the finish line.

There might have been a few expletives,” he smiles wryly. “I was exhausted. My legs were puffed up due to water retention from muscle damage. I had a fractured ankle. I was sore all over.”

Not a man to rest on his laurels, Gething is planning to run the Pyongyang marathon in North Korea next month and compete in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in October. But for now, he’s enjoying a well-earned rest.

“Although I think I’m starting to put on weight,” he says, eyes drifting to the road outside.

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five minutes with...

Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk

bargain hunter

Trading places As Sai Kung Sunday Market celebrates its first anniversary, meet founder Greg Hunt.

Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk Marketing & Comm. Manager Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Sara Tomovic sara@fastmedia.com.hk

Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk

Printer

Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Greg Hunt and the Sai Kung Sunday Market at Hong Kong Academy.

www.saikung.com ads@fastmedia.com.hk @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication.

The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

Sai Kung Sunday Market began as a small idea in December 2013.

I wanted it to be locally driven with a community spirit, ecofriendly, and fun. I hit social media, particularly the wonderful Sai Kung Marketplace page on Facebook.

It fell into place quite smoothly.

Jumping through the hoops for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department was the longest and most frustrating aspect. Even my case officer said the licensing process was “broken”.

Vendors from near and far have been fabulously supportive. They help to move furniture, promote the events and simply have the right attitude for an event with a million moving parts.

Hong Kong Academy has been amazing. It’s a tremendous facility for the whole community.

We held the first Saturday Market [at Kellett School] in November

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Vendors from near and far have been fabulously supportive and we hope to hold another in May. Unknown to me, senior staff from Kellett had been coming to Sai Kung Sunday Market since the beginning and loved what the market did for the school by promoting it locally and bringing a community feel. We got talking to see what we could do for their Kowloon Bay campus.

I have about 400 vendors now and they are a terrific bunch. They vary from one-man bands starting a business to a more corporate style ready to take on the world. Some we see only occasionally and others have been to every single market.

We have some who only come to Sai Kung Sunday Market.

I’m very proud of what has been

accomplished in one year. I’m looking at three more potential sites for markets and hope to make an announcement soon. Finding sites is hard, being able to rent them at a sensible price is even harder.

We came to Hong Kong with my wife’s job and for the first few years I was a stay-at-home dad. I loved that but the kids need me more as a taxi driver or ATM now. We lived on the island for six years and have been in Sai Kung almost two years.

I’m not sure we’d still be in Hong Kong if we hadn’t moved to Sai Kung.

I’d like to see more parking available locally, or park-and-ride schemes and I’d really like a gas station on the Sai Sha Road.

The Sai Kung Sunday Market is held on the first Sunday of the month, 11am-5pm, at Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, www.saikungmarkets.com.

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news from the greens

narrow minded

Road rage Why do so many dangerous roads have brand new slopes? Paul Zimmerman asks.

It’s behind you!

“Roads where there is room for improvement” is government speak for roads that are simply dangerous. On Hong Kong Island, narrow mountain routes such as Island Road, Mount Davis Road, Shek O Road, Tai Tam Road and Stubbs Road are substandard for several reasons: they lack footpaths, the downhill barriers are incapable of stopping the doubledecker buses that ply these routes, long

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vehicles have difficulty passing at tight corners and the growing number of cyclists is yet another need for upgrading these roads.

The Transport Department has long been reluctant to commit to road improvements as topography and land ownership issues would make them expensive and cumbersome.

Unfortunately, the department never asks geotechnical engineers to enhance the roads when slope works are undertaken. Shockingly, the government has spent close to $20 billion of public money on slope stabilisation since 1970, mostly on slopes along roads, but the roads have not been widened at the same time.

Every Hong Kong road-user is familiar with dreaded slope works and the jams caused by blocked lanes, temporary traffic lights or hooded staff. When the hoardings are removed and the roads re-opened, often vegetation has been replaced with concrete but the roads have simply been reinstated to their original condition. When I point this out, the geotechs

say they are only responsible for slope stability and adding further objectives would risk the progress of their programme.

Most of us would recognise the bureaucratic stupidity here. With the design life of slope projects at 30-50 years, cutting back slopes for road widening separately is abortively expensive. Yet even where road improvement works have been decided on, such as Hiram’s Highway in Sai Kung, foot and cycle paths are not always included, with transport planners rolling out the old excuses of topography and land ownership complications.

Unless we get angry about this, substandard and unsafe vehicle-only roads will be here to stay.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

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feature

Rich dog, poor dog Doggy tales from Sai Kung. Words and pictures by Hannah Grogan and Cherrie Yu.

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it’s a dog’s life to get out of the apartment and to meet up with my doggy friends. If I’m good, we go to our favourite restaurant, Chuen Kee, on the waterfront. Usually I stay in my doggy pushchair to keep my coat clean because we all share a bed. I love getting out for a run around. I go a bit bonkers – it’s so good to sniff – and Mama worries I might fall into the sea. (Honestly, as if!)

But I’m not complaining.

Gigi, French bulldog No, I’m not winking, I only have one eye. I lost the other one in a fight. I’d like to say you should see the other guy, but it was just bad luck. There are five dogs at my home in Tseung Kwan O – as well as me, there’s a doberman, a golden retriever, a shiba inu and a pug. One night we got a bit carried away with the jumpy, yappy, waggy welcome-home dance. I tangled with the shiba inu and my eye got caught in the crossfire...

I’ve never really forgiven the other dogs.

They go their way, I go mine. Let’s just say the shiba inu will get what’s coming to her one day.

But, hey, in the meantime I get to go for walks without the others and I sleep in my owner’s bed. Silver linings.

They said I was the cutest they’d ever seen, then abandoned me

Ah Fei, the toy poodle chooses what to wear every day. She has 20 outfits.

Ah Fei, toy poodle Woof! Sorry for barking, I didn’t see you there – it can be difficult through all this hair. But don’t you think I look pretty? It takes a lot of time and money to look this good, honey.

Every other week, Mama takes me to be groomed at Sweet Pet Home in North Point.

Without it, my coat would quickly get matted and (whisper it) a bit smelly. But there’s no chance of that happening with my beauty regime. The groomer gives me a bath and does my hair – a shampoo and blowdry – and sometimes I have a mani-pedi. Well, I get my nails clipped, which is almost the same thing.

I’ve been living on Hong Kong Island for

six years, but I was born in China. I don’t remember my parents – I was very young when I came to Hong Kong. I do remember the pet shop in Mong Kok though. I was only tiny and I was a bit scared and lonely. Luckily for me, I wasn’t there long. Some of the older dogs had been there so long they had grown out of their glass cages. So sad.

I’m an only child. I get lots of attention when Mama and Papa get home from work. You should see my wardrobe. I have more than 20 outfits and I get to choose what I want to wear – Mama holds a couple up and I paw the one I like best. Today, I’m going for a French matelot look.

We come to Sai Kung most weekends

Dogs come and go at our place, it’s one big revolving door. I’ve been there the longest. I like the puppies, I even get a bit maternal, but once they hit puberty at about six months, it’s all over. My patience wears thin and we all need to be fed separately.

Life is a lot better now than when I was a pup. You’d think that being a purebred French bulldog, I would have been the apple of my owner’s eye. The first family to adopt me said I was everything they’d ever wanted, the cutest thing they’d ever seen, then nine months later they abandoned me. Just like that, I was homeless. How could they? I hear it happens a lot when puppies grow up.

I’m five now and my vision is deteriorating so my owners often strap me into a backpack on long walks. I kinda like it. It’s not such a tough life for a dog.

Melody, labrador and former Dr Pet I turn 10 this year, which makes me an old lady in doggy years. I used to be a working dog, taking care of the young, the sick and the elderly at hospitals across Hong Kong with Dr Pet (www.doctorpet.org.hk). I’m retired now.

I spent many years putting smiles on faces and making people feel good – I miss that.

It’s not for every dog. Working in hospitals takes

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it’s a dog’s life

Clockwise from left: Melody the former hospital worker; Gigi the one-eyed French bulldog; rescue puppies wait to be adopted.

a lot of patience and training. I went on an intensive course. There were quite a few of us in the class when we started, but it was only the most patient and loving dogs that made the cut.

I was top of the class for patient endurance.

My owner, Alex, is very proud of that, but it came naturally to me. Like many Labradors, I’m always pretty calm.

Nowadays, I’m a lady of leisure. I love going out with Alex and my new sister, Siu Mai, a border collie. She’s a recent addition to the family and she’s so lively – I remember when I had that much energy. She’s very beautiful and gets a lot of attention, but I don’t mind. I prefer the quieter life now.

Our favourite spot is the grass near the golf course car park on Sai Kung Waterfront. We like to hang out there and throw a ball around.

Alex loves dogs. He’s even opening a doggy centre called Art Dog in Sai Kung this month – it will be on Po Tung Road, near Honeymoon Dessert. My sister and I will be there to greet other dogs and their owners and we’ll all get to do lots of fun creative classes together. I can’t wait, it will be a bit like old times with so many people around.

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Tong Gau, village dog Aaahoo! You want some? I’ll give it ya… well, maybe.

Sorry, I can’t help myself. I’m a village dog, see? Part terrier, part labrador, part chow, a bit shih tzu and a dash of Whisky and Soda, the last governor’s dogs – or so my dear old mum would have you believe. Main point, I’m all wolf.

Not like those pampered excuses for canines who drink Kool Aid and eat Pedigree Chum.

I do what I want, when I want, where I want.

No one tells ME where to poop. And that’s how I like it. Those other poor saps are always being tugged around by the neck – I’ve even seen some in prams and wearing shoes. Where’s the dignity in that? Me, I’m free. You won’t catch me in a collar. No one owns me.

But I would like to give a shoutout to Rachel, the lady who brings me chicken and rice suppers every day. When I see her zippy Mazda drive up the road, that always sets my tail wagging. I love her.

She’s not the only one who comes with food. Village dogs around here (Ho Chung) get fed two or three times a day if they play their cards right. It’s easy street.

Mostly we village dogs stick to our own.

There are four of us in my pack and we try to stay out of trouble. I’ve seen too many good dogs lost to the green AFCD van after getting too feisty with a human and being reported.

Road safety is a bit of an issue these days

Doggy centre for Sai Kung Dog-owners can get creative with their pooches at the new Art Dog community centre due to open late this month on Po Tung Road near Honeymoon Dessert.

Run by dog-lover Wanessa Wong, who co-owns Melody the labrador and Siu Mai the border collie, the new space is designed for dog lovers to gather and play with their dogs. There are plans for a series of workshops including dog drawing and making doggy snacks, dog food and dog cleansing products. There’s also a private space available for pooch parties. Woof. G/F, 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.

it’s a dog’s life

Doggy dos and other tales Annie Wong rounds up services for pets.

You looking at me? Tong Gau, the village dog.

– who teaches you people to drive? A friend of mine had a nasty run-in with a Pajero recently.

He was lucky, a local dog-rescue group picked him up and took care of his injuries. But then they gave him the chop! He hasn’t been the same since. At least I’ve still got my balls.

Hey, I’ve got a joke for you: I used to be a werewolf, but I’m all right now-ooooo! Heh heh.

Village dogs get fed two or three times a day if they play their cards right Sweetie-Baby-You, rescue puppy The first thing I remember is being under a car with my sisters. We were cold and hungry and covered in ticks. We cried a lot. Then a lady found us and took us to Catherine at the Puppy Hut, where people feed us and look after us.

Catherine is trying to find us new families – she’s nice like that.

I did go to a foster family for a while, but they had a bigger dog that didn’t like me so I had to come back.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve heard all sorts of stories about puppies being found in boxes in rubbish bins, abandoned on hillsides or dumped on the side of the road… it’s a horrible business.

I’m smaller than I should be. There are much bigger puppies here who are the same age as me. They were lucky because the people who found them also rescued their mother, who still feeds them. I miss my mum.

Sundays are my favourite day of the week.

We visit Sai Kung with all the other puppies. It’s so exciting! Lots of people pick us up and want to take us home. My sisters already have new families. I hope someone chooses me soon..

With thanks to Catherine Lumsden of Catherine’s Puppies and Puppy Hut. www. facebook.com/pages/Catherines-Puppies.

Vets Creature Comforts Run by Dr David Gething, this Clearwater Bay mobile vet specialises in housecalls, 8am-6pm.

9773 0372, www.creaturecomforts.com.hk.

SPCA Sai Kung Handily located and part of the SPCA, this local branch offers veterinary services and retail store. 7 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2792 1535, www.spca.org.hk.

Pets Central Sai Kung Clinic Run by Dr Mike Muir, this is the local branch of a Hong Kong-wide group of veterinary centres and animal hospitals. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0833, www.pets-central.com.

HomeVet Vets Dr Matthew Murdoch and Dr Ashley Au are available for house calls 24/seven. 9680 5522, pets@homevet.com.hk, www.homevet.com.hk.

Sai Kung Animal Hospital Dr Michael Hilditch and Dr Yu Lam provide veterinary ophthalmology, surgery and dental care. 30 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 2206, www.hongkongvet.com.

Asia Veterinary Clinic This local clinic provides veterinary care to the neighbourhood. Sai Kung Court, 22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2194 4312.

Dr Eric’s Animal Clinic Highly experienced Dr Eric Lai cares for animals of all persuasions and also has a clinic in Happy Valley. 9 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2244 6898, dreric@navigator.com, www.dreric.com.hk.

Emergency vet services If you usually visit a private vet, please call them first. Most vets have an emergency service.

Animal Emergency Centre After-hours vet care daily from 9pm to 8am and 24 hours on public holidays. Shares premises with the East Island Animal Hospital. 256 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2915 7979, www. animalemergency.com.hk.

Pets Central Mong Kok Hospital Pets Central’s animal hospital offers 24-hour nursing care (consultations 8am-midnight). 1/F & 2/F Shun Ming Building, 484-488 Shanghai Street (entrance on Soy Street), Mong Kok, 2309 2139, www.pets-central.com.

SPCA emergency hotline For emergencies only, call: 2711 1000.

Pet groomers bDOG Tokyo Dog Grooming Salon A choice of grooming packages, including a puppy package that teaches young dogs to enjoy bathtime. 9 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung. 2791 6565, 2791 6555.

MegaPet Pet shop with a range of grooming services, part of a local chain. 110 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2626 0818, www.megapet.com.hk.

Pets Park Grooming services such as nail trimming, shampoo and spa treatments for cats and dogs. Shop 1019, Tseung Kwan O Plaza, 1 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2207 4665 www.petspark.hk.

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it’s a dog’s life Pet-sitters and hotels DB Dog Dayz Holidaying dogs stay in the ground floor of this village house boarding facility and walk daily in Sai Kung Country Park. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, 2987 1597, www.dbdogdayz.com.

Ferndale Kennels & Cattery Owned by Stacy Tucker, this centre has individual outdoor kennels for dogs and indoor condos for cats. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, 2792 4642, www.ferndalekennels.com.

Kan’s Kennel Long established pet hotel offering short and long term pet sitting. Shek Hang Villa, 10 Yan Yee Road, Sai Kung, 2792 0587, www. kankennel.com.

Kennel Van Dego Hong Kong’s largest pet establishment providing premium and standard environments for dogs and cats. 1-3 Shek Hang Village, 1 Yan Yee Road, Sai Kung, 2792 6889, www. kennelvandego.com.

Pet Nanny Certified Sai Kung-based pet sitter offering homestays and live-in stays for dogs and cats.

6225 6178, www.petnannyhk.me.

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Dog trainers Wish You Were Here Flexible dog training lessons and courses, plus pet-sitting services involving daily visits to your home. 6252 9821,www.wishyouwereherehk.com.

121 Dog Training Private dog training in your home as well as specific behavioural lessons with trainer Isabelle Adams Pape. Details at www.121dogtraining.hk.

Pet Oasis Training courses for dogs and cats, plus kennel and grooming services, and a doggy party venue with swimming pool. Hing Fu Street, Tuen Mun, 2456 1966, info@pet-oasis.com, www.pet-oasis.com Adoption centres Catherine’s Puppies/Puppy Hut Puppy rescue centre run by Catherine Lumsden with regular booths on weekends in Sai Kung and at the monthly Sai Kung Sunday Market at Hong Kong Academy. 6799 7530, www. facebook.com/pages/Catherines-Puppies.

Hong Kong Dog Rescue The original rescue centre started by Sally Andersen is now based in Tai Po with a mini

it’s a dog’s life Dog-adoption carnival in Sai Kung

homing centre on Ap Lei Chau. Volunteers required for dogwalking, fostering and fundraising. 6 Shek Lin Road, Tai Po, 2875 2132, www.hongkongdogrescue.com Hong Kong Rescue Puppies Sai Kung puppy rescue centre run by Hazel Black with booths outside Starbucks on weekends. 2818 1598, www.hkrescuepuppies.com.

Sai Kung Stray Friends Long-established rescue centre with dogs for adoption and a programme of feeding and caring for feral dogs. 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung, 2335 1126, www.saikungstrayfriends.net SPCA Adopt-a-Pet Centre Formerly G.O.D D.O.G, this SPCA centre has lots of rescue dogs, puppies and cats that need new homes. 65 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2232 5599, www.spca.org.hk

A two-day dog adoption carnival is to be held at Wai Man Road Playground, opposite Sai Kung Swimming Pool, on March 7 and 8, 11am-6pm.

Jointly organised

by Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the carnival will bring together dogs and puppies that need permanent or foster homes. LAP helps to provide distressed animals in need find a loving and safe home.

For details visit, www.lap.org.hk or call Jen on 9130 2919.

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eating

Rocking the woks in Sai Kung (clockwise from left): dim sum at Sai Kung Beach Cuisine; hotpot at Cook Idea; congee at Kam Shan Jok Dim.

Top Chinese choices Cherrie Yu gets out the chopsticks for some local favourites.

Loaf On Sai Kung’s first Michelin-starred restaurant has tables on all three floors of the old town house where it’s located although there are plans to move to new premises this year (watch this space). Meanwhile, it continues to serve excellent Cantonese food with a bias towards all things fishy. Local fishermen supply fish for the daily soup, and diners are welcome to bring in their own seafood for cooking. Favourite dishes include razor clams in black bean sauce, deep-fried tofu and steamed fish with salt.

Signature dishes sell out fast, so call ahead to reserve the crispy skin chicken, fish soup and minced fish in pumpkin soup. 49 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 9966.

Sing Kee Located next to a pedestrian plaza on the waterfront in Sai Kung old town, one-Michelinstarred Cantonese restaurant Sing Kee specialises in seafood. It’s a large place with a contemporary-style interior and 12 dining rooms across three floors – choose one with a view of the harbour. If you want the signature

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crispy chicken or stewed abalone in oyster sauce, book the dishes in advance as they sell out quickly. 33-39 Sai Kung Tai Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9887.

Diners are welcome to bring in their own seafood for cooking Chuen Kee Another entry in the Michelin guide (although without a star), Chuen Kee has two restaurants on Sai Kung waterfront instantly recognisable for their large tanks brimming with live seafood.

Our favourite is in the old town, near the stone gateway. Seafood is cooked to order. Choose your food from the tank – fish, cuttlefish, crabs, lobsters, bivalves, molluscs, prawns – and moments later, it will arrive at the table cooked to your preference (steamed, poached or wokfried). 53 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2791 1195.

Chinese Kitchen Rare in Sai Kung, this Hunanese restaurant

serves authentically spicy northern Chinese food in a stylish contemporary setting with classic Chinese-style furniture. Choose to sit outside on the main square, in the ground-floor dining room or the mezzanine cockloft. The main dining room has a window into the kitchen giving diners a peek at the skilled chefs, who were specially hired in Hunan to work here.

They cook up a wide selection of spicy and non-spicy dishes, such as the fish head, beef and pickle chili, and a variety of dumplings. 16 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2191 2498.

Sai Kung Beach Cuisine Eat alfresco at this beachfront Cantonese restaurant, which has one of the best views in the territory across Inner Port Shelter to High Island Reservoir. Tables line the edge of Sha Ha Beach under a row of white pergolas divided by white picket fences and small privet hedges.

During the day it serves decent dim sum – don’t miss the pan-fried lotus cakes, steamed dumplings with prawns and pea leaf (in season) and generous portions of minced pork congee with preserved egg. There’s also an a la carte

sek mei ho (what’s to eat)?

order, and arrive hot and crispy. G/F, 21 Main Street, Sai Kung, 2792 1835

From left: the chefs at work in Chinese Kitchen; Man Tsai Kee is famous for its wontons.

menu of Cantonese dishes; our favourite is the salt and pepper beef with cashew nuts. The indoor dining room had a makeover a few years ago and is a pleasant space on busy (or wet) days. Sha Ha Beach, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, 2792 4990.

in the new town and still with some of the same staff, this is a great place for a favourite local dish. They come with springy noodles and, for an authentic wonton experience, a glass of soy milk. Other noodle varieties are available. Shop 17, Tak Lung Front Street, Sai Kung, 3487 9937.

Man Tsai Kee Hidden away in the old town alleyways, with a sign in Chinese only, this wonton place is easily identified by its bright lights and windows pasted with newspaper and magazine clippings.

It’s famed throughout Hong Kong for the quality of its hand-wrapped wontons. Formerly located

Kam Shan Jok Dim Open since 1982, this small congee place has a sign in Chinese only, but look for the chef who often sits at the entrance preparing rice sheets.

A master at work, he hasn’t gone unnoticed by local media making this little place something of a foodie hotspot. Crullers are deep-fried to

Man Nin Wah Roasted Meat Restaurant This established local favourite moved recently from Yi Chun Street (near Harrods) to the main square, between Grande and the wet market.

It still serves lipsmacking char siu, displayed in the window along with racks of roast chicken and other meats. The big difference since the move is that you can now sit alfresco – takeaways and indoor seating are also available. Takeaway roasted meat starts at $20.

28 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2791 7371.

Cook Idea This new Chinese hotpot place has hobs built in to each table for four. There’s a lengthy menu of items to cook in the pot, including a wide variety of meat (especially beef), vegetables, fishballs, beef balls and noodles. The hotpot set for two ($208), includes a choice of soup bases plus rice, a small plate of chicken, US imported beef and a vegetable platter. 17 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2007.

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Nibbles Bagel deliveries to the Kung Hong Kong bagel-delivery company Bagoes is now offering free deliveries to Sai Kung every Friday. The chewy New York-style bagels come in a range of flavours with fillings such as classic smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onion and capers, pastrami with cream cheese, gherkins and Swiss cheese or spicy hummus with feta.

There’s also a range of sides such as salads, hummus and bagel slices. For events large and small, Bagoes also runs a catering service – a great idea for your next junk trip or Sevens picnic, perhaps. Delivery charges apply other days. For details, call 5334 0188 or visit www.bagoes.hk.

Bagoes deliver free on Fridays in the Kung.

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New Hunan, Olde location The Olde Hong Kong Tea Cafe on Yi Chun Street is to be reborn as a Hunan restaurant.

The space has been taken over by Doug and Kathy Marshall, who also own Cava, following a split with their partners in the Chinese Kitchen Hunan restaurant on Wan King Path in Sai Kung’s main square. The

with special prices for jugs of beer. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

Och aye the noo Strap on your dancing shoes for the Spring Ceilidh at Hebe Haven Yacht Club on March 20.

Load up at the Scottish buffet, then the Hong Kong Ceilidh Band will strike up for a night of Scottish folk dancing. From 6.30pm. Members $388, guests $438. The Garden, HHYC, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 7915, www.hhyc.org.hk.

Exquisite presentation at Nobu.

new restaurant will serve authentic spicy Hunanese cuisine – signatures will include crispy duck, shredded chicken griddle and hotplate Hunan-style beef – cooked by a Hunan chef who formerly worked at Chinese Kitchen.

The couple has also joined forces with an award-winning mainland chef from Hunan chain Cun Li Cun Wai, who will act as an adviser. The new restaurant will continue to be called Olde Hong Kong Tea Café and is due to open this month. 51 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.

Good craics at Steamers Steamers looks set for a good craic on St Patrick’s Day. On March 17, the Sai Kung bar is going green, with Irish speciality Guinness lamb shank coming with a free drink, Guinness at $50 a pint, Magners Irish cider at $45 and two-for-one shots for $25. Other events this month include a free wine tasting with USbased Golden Gates Wines from 7pm on March 19. And on March 27-29, it will be showing the Hong Kong Sevens live on the big screens

Nobu at Nobu Celebrate Japan’s cherry-blossom season with special sakura menu by Nobu Matsuhisa, who will be cooking at Nobu in the InterContinental Hong Kong on March 20 and 21. The eightcourse menu will use spring ingredients and will include a sushi assortment, seared scallop in the shell, slow-cooked Hawaiian white fish, cherrywood-smoked Japanese wagyu, udon and dessert. It costs $1,388 a person, plus $300 for sake pairing. 2/F InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313 2323, hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com.

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family

Men's and women's teams try for a try on Repulse Bay Beach.

Beach 5s turns five Kick off Rugby Week at the Beach 5s weekend sports party in Repulse Bay, writes Callum Wiggins.

One of our favourite weekends, this year’s Beach 5s promises to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on Repulse Bay Beach on March 21-22, 9am-6pm, the two-day sporting fiesta celebrates its fifth anniversary with new sports and interactive zones (yoga, anyone?) as well as the much-loved Kids Zone, food and drink areas and party atmosphere. A record number of visitors is expected, topping last year’s turnout of 12,000 people.

Established as a prelude to the mighty Hong Kong Sevens held a week later, the Beach 5s has become an anticipated event in its own right. This year, 26 men’s and women’s rugby teams will battle to be crowned champions on one of Hong Kong’s favourite beaches.

What’s new?

Beach football, beach yoga and a fitness zone have been added to the roster for 2015.

Football teams from across Hong Kong will compete in a five-a-side tournament on

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The Prudential Beach 5s has become one of Hong Kong's favourite outdoor events purpose-built pitches, while the beach yoga will be open to all. Novices and experienced yogis alike are invited to join the mass participation yoga session on the beach (bring your own yoga mats).

In the Fitness Zone, developed in conjunction with PURE, sign-ups will compete against one another in a challenge that tests strength, stamina, cardio-vascular fitness and athleticism. See how you match up against the rugby players. The only bruises inflicted may be to your ego.

Besides all the sporting action, a Kids Zone

get sandy

Clockwise from left: HKU Sandy Bay pose for a pre-match team shot; the minis hit the sand; it gets intense in the stands.

will keep little ones amused with face painting, bouncy castles and Scalextric car racing. A resident DJ and abundant food and beverage stands will keep the carnival atmosphere alive.

Sean Rach, Chief Marketing Officer for title sponsor Prudential, is anticipating another fun weekend at the beach.

“The Prudential Beach 5s has become one of Hong Kong’s favourite outdoor events for families and athletes alike,” he says. “The addition of beach fitness and yoga brings a new dimension to the event. We look forward to a great event with sport, food, and fun.”

Getting there Complimentary shuttle buses will run from 9am to 8pm between Admiralty (Drake Street) and Repulse Bay. Bus routes 6, 6A, 6X and 260 from Central and green minibus routes 40 from Causeway Bay and 52 from Aberdeen also go to Repulse Bay. For details, visit www.hkbeach5s.com.

Join a mini-rugby club Mini-rugby clubs run teams for boys and girls aged four-18, with training and tournaments on Sunday mornings from September to April.

Sai Kung Stingrays Having grown into one of Hong Kong’s largest clubs in just a few years, now with 665 players, Stingrays is a friendly, familyfocused club. While it’s still seeking a permanent ground, minis training takes place at Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground (aka Sai Kung stadium) in Sai Kung, with colts training at varying locations. Training is in English. For details, visit www.saikungstingrays.org.

with the United Services Recreation Club to form the USRC Tigers, a family-friendly club with successful adults' teams and a popular mini-rugby section. Minis and colts train at King’s Park in Kowloon. Training is in English.

For details, visit www.usrctigers.com.

Flying Kukris Developed out of the former British military mini-rugby club at Sek Kong, the Flying Kukris' training is now based at the HKIEd Sports Ground in Tai Po. It’s a bilingual club (70 per cent Chinese, 30 per cent English).

The Kukris and Stingrays U19 girls usually join forces for 15s games. For details, visit www.flyingkukris.com.

USRC Tigers The former DeA Tigers last year linked up

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education

ni hao

Mind your language Language classes for kids. By Annie Wong.

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Woodland Pre-School Sai Kung runs English and bilingual Mandarin and English programmes.

Clay Story Studio Mixing Mandarin lessons with pottery, this Sai Kung studio lets children have fun and encourages creativity while improving their Putonghua. For children aged four to 10.

32A Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 6126.

Clever Cloggs DVD-based courses in English and Mandarin for children aged six and up. Episodes use bright visuals and songs to engage children with theme-driven content including transport, colours and shapes, habits and manners. From $100 each from www.clever-cloggs.com.hk and Today Speed, 26 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 5815.

Easy English for Kids Easy English for Kids runs English and Mandarin playgroups taught by native language

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Younger children learn through playing with theme-related toys teachers as well as language tuition for children aged three and up. Playgroups have up to seven students and cost $190 each; tutorials are $200 for a group class or $275 for a private session. As well as reading, discussions and sing-a-longs, activities aim to explore children’s creativity and develop interpersonal skills.

28/F, Sai Keng Village, Sai Sha Road, Sai Kung, 3487 3053, www.eek.com.hk.

Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre Mandarin is taught in small group classes

Hard at work at Sai Kung English.

New French Club in Term 2 Learn French the FUN and FRIENDLY way!

Held at the Woodland Montessori Academy.

Key features: • Carefully structured and progressive language programme • Primary emphasis on FUN! Children learn through: fast-paced games, interactive activities, stories, rhymes, music and movement, role play etc.

• Introduction to France and French culture • Small classes Venez apprendre le français tout en s’amusant.

Nous offrons un environnement idéal pour découvrir cette merveilleuse langue à travers l’art, la peinture, la cuisine, les jeux et les histoires.

Le French Club permet aux enfants de s’enrichir d’une nouvelle culture et de se familiariser avec les chansons françaises traditionnelles.

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tailored by age and level. Younger children learn through playing with theme-related toys, songs and storytelling. As children progress, the content shifts to learning core vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are also workshops are available for children aged two to five years old. 2/F, 9 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2791 4838, www. jumpstartmlc.com.

La Petite France This French cultural centre offers French language lessons for children aged eight to 18, including grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Language is taught through cultural topics such as French books and even wine for older groups. Three-month courses cost from $4,500 for 15 lessons. G/F, 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 0082, www. lapetitefrancehk.com.

Les Petits Lascars de Sai Kung For children aged two and up, these classes allow children to play, interact and expand their skills in French and English. As students progress, in-depth and varied exercises teach reading, spelling and grammar and encourage spoken fluency. Classes are organised by age and ability, and taught by experienced teachers in both French and English. Holiday workshops

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Easy English for Kids offers Mandarin classes and playgroups in Sai Keng Village.

available in French, English, Spanish and Mandarin. 2/F, 16 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2526 8892, www.lespetitslascars.com.

vocabulary and daily conversation. Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, 2813 0290, www.woodlandschools.com.

Sai Kung English Established in 2011, this family-run tuition centre offers private and group classes.

Available for students of any age, private lessons start at $450 an hour. There are playgroups for younger children and group lessons for children from age four. Classes include phonics and Cambridge English. SKE also offers holiday workshops focusing on grammar, reading, writing and conversation through creative media such as baking, games, arts and crafts. Contact James at 6407 8574, james@saikungenglish.com, www. saikungenglish.com.

Sai Kung Tutors Linked to Sai Kung English, this learning centre offers individual and group tuition in Mandarin, Cantonese and French, as well as most academic subjects, music and photography.

Qualified tutors tailor their lessons to suit primary and secondary students, including senior students on IB diploma and other examination courses. Group lessons are held in the centre, but private classes can be held at the student’s home. Classes start at $500 an hour. 1/F, 10 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 5321 4400, www.saikungtutors.com.

Woodland Pre-School Sai Kung The first Woodland Pre-School opened in 1978 and there are now nine across Hong Kong offering playgroup and preschool classes. The Sai Kung preschool teaches Mandarin in both its English and bilingual preschool programmes for children aged three to six. In the English programme, students learn Mandarin for 30 minutes a day including songs, games and stories. Bilingual students use Mandarin for half of the lesson time, including theme-related

Sun Island Sai Kung Established in 1984 and now with 10 kindergartens across Hong Kong, Sun Island runs a supplementary English course on Saturdays. Open to all preschoolers (Sun Island students $1,080; non-Sun Island students, $1,284), the 12-session course uses interactive and engaging activities such as games and storytelling to encourage children to express themselves in English. G/F, Tower 11, Lakeside Garden, 1 Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, 2339 1145, www.sunisland.com.hk.

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sponsored column

Applying to British universities ITS Educational Services explains how UCAS works.

All applications for full-time courses at British universities are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Hong Kong is its second largest international market after mainland China and UCAS advisers visit twice a year. Regular university fairs in Hong Kong can be an excellent way of finding out more about individual courses.

What to consider Candidates may apply to up to five university courses. They write one personal statement that is submitted to all five choices, so it is important the courses are broadly similar.

Try to establish whether chosen courses have any requirements other than grades that will need to be fulfilled prior to applying.

These might include International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Law Aptitude Test (LNAT), BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or UK Clinical Aptitude Test.

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Subject choices at school will have an impact on the likelihood of being accepted. For example, many economics courses require a good pass in maths. They will accept A level, but not IB standard level.

Making a UCAS application Students at international schools and some local syllabus schools in Hong Kong will use their school as a UCAS centre. If students are unable to use their school, there are other UCAS centres, including ITS Education Asia (www.itseducation.asia/online/choosinguniversity.htm). UCAS centres help guide the student through the process, offering advice about choices and personal statements and processing replies to offers.

Personal statement A personal statement is designed to showcase the student to the universities he or she is

applying to, explain the candidate’s reasons for choosing a particular course and show how his or her choice of academic subjects contribute to making the student a good candidate. A carefully prepared personal statement can contribute a great deal to the student’s success with his or her application and for this reason some guidance and input from experienced counsellors, such as those at ITS Education Asia, can be very valuable.

For details, visit www.ucas.com.

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 37

outdoors

Go flat out on the paths around Tseung Kwan O.

Two wheels good Cycle tracks for kids in the New Territories.

The route passes ancestral halls, temples and old villages

Velodrome Hong Kong’s indoor velodrome is a world-class cycling facility. Located in Tseung Kwan O, next to the sports ground, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Sarah Lee Wai-Sze trains regularly on the sloping track. Members of the public are not permitted to cycle on the track, but the venue is open for spectators to watch the professionals.

Outside, a 5.3 hectare park features green areas and artificial lakes plus an amphitheatre, skate park and climbing wall. There is ample space around the velodrome for little ones learning to ride and they can exercise their new-found pedal power on the cycle routes below. 105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, 2878 8621.

connects Tseung Kwan O town centre with the seafront, Lohas Park, Hang Hau and Po Lam, making this area a great option for novice bike riders as well as for a family cycling expedition.

There are green areas along the route and seaviews aplenty. Dog owners can also walk their pooches in the pet garden and kids will enjoy the Mega Playground at Po Hong Park.

Tseung Kwan O Seafront, Lohas Park and Po Lam An extensive network of flat cycle paths

Sai Kung Waterfront A favourite with local residents and daytrippers, the Sai Kung waterfront has flat, grassy areas

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that provide a soft landing for children learning to ride without trainer wheels. Avoid the dog walkers and weekends, when the waterfront market and the promenade are packed.

Sha Tin, Tai Po and Plover Cove Older and more experienced cyclists might prefer the challenge of the 50km cycle path from Sha Tin Science Park through Tai Po to Plover Cove (or at least part of the way). The Science Park stretch offers a breezy route that is good for families of all ages, with a wide pavement that offers plenty of space for little ones to wobble along before finding their wheels. There are sea and mountain views to enjoy and a tuck shop for refuelling as well as a branch of Fusion supermarket for stocking up on picnic goodies, both of which are en route to Tai Po.

look, no stabilisers

You can cycle past the Velodrome but not actually in it.

Where to rent a bike Beverly Cycle Shop 61A, King Lam Market, King Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O, 2217 7313, www. beverlycycle.blogspot.hk (Po Lam MTR station, exit B3).

Open weekdays 11am-9pm, weekends 10.30am-9pm.

Sun Ping Bicycle Company G/F, 21A Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2792 3116, sunpingbike@yahoo.com.hk.

Bike Depot 47B Hang Hau Village, Tseung Kwan O, 2358 2661, depot_ bike@yahoo.com.hk.

Tin Fung Bicycle Weekends $45 a day (10am7pm), Mon-Fri $30 a day. Shop B, G/F, Lee Kwan Building, 37 On Lok Road, Yuen Long, www. yl.hk/ad/3808. Yuen Long MTR station, exit B.

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Around the Velodrome; Yuen Long's Nam Sang Wai wetlands.

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Yuen Long Near Yuen Long, in the heart of the New Territories, there are expansive tracks through flat wetlands that are perfect for riding a bike.

The 20km circuit is easy going, passing through villages and mangroves. You can rent a bike for the day if you don't have your own from one of the many shops outside Yuen Long MTR station. Tandems are also available, but tend to get snapped up quickly so get there early.

From the bike shops, follow signs to the cycle tracks, then head north along the river to the Nam Sang Wai wetlands. The route passes the ancestral halls, temples and old villages such as historic Kam Tin. The trail is long enough for bike junkies, but there are plenty of shortcuts and grassy stopping areas for less enthusiastic cyclists. Pack a picnic and plenty of water.

Other cycling options include the Sai Kung waterfront (top), Yuen Long (left) and Lohas Park (above).

Indoor cycling For more intense training for novice and intermediate cyclists, try personal trainer Tim Stevens’ indoor cycling training at Basecamp Studio in Sai Kung. The bike fit service has equipment for eight users. Times vary, with most sessions held on weekday lunchtimes, but Stevens will consider running evening training sessions if there is sufficient interest. Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9196 9442, skbasecamp@ gmail.com, www.timstevenshk.wix.com.

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big day out

No drama in Lamma’s Yung Shue Wan harbour.

Lamma panorama Nigel Griffiths hikes across lovely, laid-back Lamma Island.

Lamma is one of Hong Kong’s best-known outlying islands, with a rep for superb seafood, pretty beaches and hippies. The last is a little out-dated, because while some of the 5,000 residents on the 13 sq km island embrace an “alternative lifestyle”, a fast ferry service to Central means it is also home to plenty of professionals seeking a close-knit community and a laid-back, car-free, after-hours environment.

For the rest of us, it’s a great place to take a breather from the frantic pace of Hong Kong life.

Located southwest of Hong Kong Island, life on the territory’s third-largest island revolves around two relaxed villages – Yung Shue Wan

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(Banyan Tree Bay) in the north and Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay) in the east. Few people live on the southern part of Lamma and access is only by hiking or private boat. The south’s biggest beach, Sham Wan, is an important breeding site for sea turtles.

Catch a ferry from Central or Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan. From the pier, the fishing harbour of O Tsai lies to the left with the smallest Tin Hau Temple I have seen in Hong Kong. To the right, the main harbour also serves as a typhoon shelter. Head along the harbour side to the main street. As well as various restaurants, from Cantonese seafood to organic vegetarian, there are two bars and the main Tin Hau Temple, built in 1876 and guarded

by peculiar western lions. Apparently, when the temple’s original Chinese-style lions were damaged in 1960, the mason hired to replace them specialised in Western-style stone lions.

The result is a fitting motif for this east-meetswest community.

Half way down the street, a well signposted left turn leads to Sok Kwu Wan. The signpost suggests a hiking time of an hour and 20 minutes, but I suggest allowing at least two hours to take in the views.

Follow the footpath through Tai Yuen and Wang Long villages to Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

The going is flat and beautiful orange flowers and purple grasses attract butterflies and many species of birds. The golden beach is peaceful

not just hippies

It’s a great place to take a breather from the frantic pace of life

Sailing through Yung Shue Wan harbour.

during the week, but it gets busy at weekends, with shower and changing facilities, and a barrestaurant in season.

From here the path heads uphill, curling around the headland to give a great view over the beach and beyond to the power station.

The sunsets are magnificent. There are plenty of sidetracks for those wishing to venture off the concrete path and a pavilion shelter that makes a good place for a rest. From there are views of the hard-to-reach Tit Sha Long Beach and the island’s mountains, including imposing Mount Stenhouse.

The trail is up and down. When the sea appears on the left, the hardest part of the hike is over and it’s downhill the rest of the way. Pass a cement works jutting out to sea, another pavilion overlooking Picnic Bay and

some beehives. At Lo So Shing Village is an impressive graffiti mural painted in 2013

by Hong Kong Smilemakers. Walk through the village to lovely Lo So Shing Beach with barbecue pits, changing facilities and shallow rock pools on the headland for children to explore.

Returning from the barbecue pits, before the LCSD block, stairs ascend and a footpath beckons through green vegetation and past the defunct Lo Shing Village School. If you did not turn off through the village to the beach but continued straight, it is here that the footpaths meet again. Walk around Picnic Bay past a sandy shoreline with egrets stalking fresh fish and the Kamikaze Caves, dug by the Japanese during the wartime occupation to hide boats filled with explosives to destroy British ships should they come near. Be brave and walk inside: there are no bats or other wildlife, just a stone face at the end.

Soon Sok Kwu Wan’s seafood restaurants appear across the inlet. Cross a bridge past a few houses and pathways leading left and right. The right track heads to a fenced-off pool teeming with wildlife. There are birds in the trees

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big day out

From left: Tit Sha Long Beach; drying fish; Tin Hau temple in Sok Kwu Wan; Hung Shing Yeh Beach; flowers in Tai Yuen Village.

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big day out Sham Wan beach is an important breeding site for sea turtles and frogs call at dusk. As well as a multitude of brown tree frogs and Asian common toads, this is where John D. Romer discovered the rare and endangered Romer’s tree frog in 1952.

Keep your eyes open for a frog 2.5cm-3cm long with has a brown snake-like pattern on its back.

Carry on the footpath and past another Tin Hau temple, built after 1826, and into the strip of restaurants. The only one that doesn’t sell seafood is Lo So Kitchen, which has a vast selection of beers and German-style sausages.

(From here, take a ferry back to Aberdeen or Central.) The path continues on to Mo Tat Wan, which has a pleasant beach fronted by The Bay Mediterranean restaurant. The Cheun Kee Ferry calls there between Sok Kwu Wan and Aberdeen.

From Sok Kwu Wan or Mo Tat Wan, keen hikers can set out to climb Mount Stenhouse (Shan Tei Tong), Lamma’s highest at 353 metres and not for the faint-hearted, with several routes up and down.

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sport

over the line Dates for Stingrays' diaries

Season’s greetings

Mar 8

As the rugby season ends, Ray Sting looks back at the highlights.

Like a speeding bullet, the Sai Kung Stingrays have raced through another season. The Hong Kong Sevens is still to come, but what were the highlights so far?

Sai Kung stadium is our training home but it is one pitch. For the first time, the club needed to cap the number of minis at 500 this season. With access to turf on additional week days, there was room for youth numbers to grow, and they did, rising 60 per cent from 99 to 165.

With more than 120 volunteer coaches for minis and 40-plus for youth, our coaching ratio is getting better every season. Larger age groups, such as the U8s, are split into teams each with a regular coach, who create this age group’s development pathway in this crucial last year of non-contact.

Next season, the club will boast even more qualified Level 1 coaches as coaching will be a key theme for Stingrays. Anyone interested should note the HKRFU runs Level 1 and 2

courses in August – these are open to all rugby clubs and spaces fill up fast. Our coaches and managers are organised and fair, adhering to Stingrays’ philosophy of participation and good sportsmanship.

At the Discovery Bay All Girls Beach Tournament in January, a senior HKRFU director watching the U10 final between Flying Kukris and Stingrays (which SKS won) commented the girls were much better than expected. He said they were more technically proficient than girls used to be at that age and that it was a tribute to the coaches.

As the number of players and coaches increases, so must the number of qualified referees. At the moment our coaches referee too, but it’s not just coaches who can ref. Be a hero, ask about a referee course.

Massive thanks to the committee, who put in more hours than most people realise.

The new committee members have brought knowledge, drive and energy to the mix. Look

End of Season BBQ 2pm-5pm, Victoria Recreation Club, Tai Mong Tsai Road.

Apr 18 All Girls Tournament King's Park, Kowloon

Apr 25 Odd-Shaped Ball I’ll be in pink and blue – see you there.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tseung Kwan O, www.saikungstingrays.org. out for evidence of their hard work and new initiatives next season.

Be very proud, Stingrays. It has been a historic season for some and a remarkable one for every single player. From the two U5s who sleep in their kit on Saturday nights to the unbeaten U10 girls who have matured beyond their years on the rugby pitch this season, every age group has success stories to tell.

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health & beauty

Make sure you put your best feet forward for summer.

Happy feet It’s nearly sandal season. Podiatrist Lisa Milliner has top tips for toes.

Pedicures Pedicures are for basic skin issues such as smoothing skin, nail shaping and polishing.

All instruments should be one-use only or “autoclaved” (cleaned in high temperature, pressure steam sterilisers) to reduce fungal infections, viruses and infections. If you’re a mani-pedi regular, consider buying your own instruments from your podiatrist or Fanda has great German-made instruments.

As a general rule, manicurists should not file the surface of the nail, cut cuticles or use razors or blades to cut away dead skin. Thick callous, corns and cracked heels should be treated by a trained podiatrist using properly sterilised equipment.

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Going barefoot is important for balance and strengthening but watch what you’re walking on And beware shellac or gel nail polishes, which can damage the surface of the nails.

Because they are occlusive, they also increase the risk of fungal infections, especially in Hong Kong’s hot and humid climate. Give your nails a break between polishes and during winter.

At home, soak your feet and use a pedipaddle (sandpaper paddle) or pumice to

smooth away dead skin, followed by a foot cream. For more stubborn dead skin, use a daily foot cream with urea or lactic acid as an active ingredient.

Shoes Make sure shoes are fitted correctly for length and width. Women’s shoes are notorious for being too narrow at the toes, which can encourage bunions and corns.

Whipping off socks and shoes and going barefoot is important for balance and strengthening, but watch what you’re walking on. Grass is the ideal surface but you should avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles.

peep toes

Birkenstock-style shoes are ideal. They provide great support and are cool in the heat Save flip-flops for the pool or beach as they offer no support and encourage flat feet. Ballet flats also offer little support and cause the toes to “claw”, which can result in corns and toe deformities.

I call Fit Flops a “compromise shoe” – they make great house shoes and are better than flip-flops as they provide some support to the foot. Choose a pair without platform soles to avoid ankle sprains.

Birkenstock-style shoes are ideal, especially if you have flat feet. They’re easy to get on and off, provide great support and are cool in the heat. Otherwise, trainers are one of the best forms of footwear, providing both support and cushioning.

Ladies, stick to heels of an inch or less.

Higher heels increase pressure on the ball of the foot and can cause contracture of the calf muscles, leading to lower back pain and even sciatica.

Warts and all Verrucae (plantar warts on the soles of the feet) are notoriously difficult to treat. There are lots of therapies, including acid, freezing, over-thecounter applications and various old wives’ tales. No treatment is completely effective, most are 70-80 per cent effective. Verrucae usually disappear on their own within two years.

They are highly contagious so ensure you cover them with heavy-duty tape at the pool or in public showers.

Sports injuries Foot injuries often arise from wearing incorrect trainers and can be treated with orthotics or insoles. However, it’s best to get a thorough biomechanical assessment from a podiatrist to find out what’s going wrong.

The most common complaints are ankle sprains, shin splints and plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes under the arch of the foot. When inflamed, it can cause a bruise-like feeling under the heel. Flat feet, an increase in activity, weightgain, or simply the wrong type of footwear are common triggers. Get it checked out by a professional.

Lisa Milliner works at OT&P in Razor Hill, 2719 6366, podiatry@otandp.com.

For a full list of registered podiatrists in Hong Kong, visit www.ipahk.com.

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travel

A traditional Vietnamese coracle on the beach at Lang Co.

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good morning, vietnam

Nam calling For a fun family holiday, Vietnam’s Lang Co is hard to beat, writes Cherrie Yu.

On Vietnam’s South Central coast, Lang Co is fast turning into a hotspot for family holidays.

Just two hours’ flight from Hong Kong, it has miles of golden sand, blue sea and surf within striking distance of Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue. Once known as China Beach, the area has been discovered by the hotel industry and luxury resorts are moving in.

Children can get busy at the kids’ club with a host of indoor and outdoor toys and activities When to go Warm year round, the peak season to visit is the dry season, February to May, before the crowds descend during the heat of June to August.

Avoid the wet season, when the rain thunders down from September to November.

Where to stay We stayed at Angsana Lang Co, a contemporary new resort with an excellent kids’ programme, nestled between Truong Son Mountain and a 3km beach. It shares the sand only with its sister resort, Banyan Tree Lang Co, and the 18-hole Laguna Lang Co golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, both of which Angsana guests are welcome to use.

The resort’s family focus kicks in even before you arrive, with wi-fi in the car ideal for the two-hour airport shuttle and a driver happy to stop en route to let you take photos of the mountains or stroll through the charming old towns and fishing villages.

The hotel has 229 rooms and suites, including two-bedroom family lofts and suites, overlooking a 300m free-form pool that snakes

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travel

Lang Co is a peaceful place to kick back and enjoy sun, sand and sea

river-like through the grounds. Go for one of the ground-floor suites, each with a private pool, deck and direct access to the beach. Other facilities include a huge kids’ club, beach club, gymnasium, water sports centre and an awardwinning spa.

Things to do About half an hour’s drive from the nearest village, Lang Co is a peaceful place to kick back and enjoy sun, sand and sea. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, however.

Children can get busy at the kids’ club, with a host of indoor and outdoor toys and activities, including arts and crafts, swimming lessons, sandcastle-building, canal trips and more. The beach club also has inflatables, board games and even iPads and ebook readers available.

With the little ones happily occupied,

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The Angsana offers a huge kids’ club, craft activities and private pools plus the chance to explore.

travel parents can join the morning yoga sessions, bliss out with a spa treatment, play a round of golf, or go quad biking along the beach. A huge range of watersports includes surfing, windsurfing, jetskis and banana boats. Or join the cultural workshops and learn to make spring rolls, lanterns or paper lotuses.

Explore beyond the resort, with active trips such as cycling up the famed Hai Van Pass or trekking on Marble Mountain, as well as visits to local markets and fishing villages. The resort also organises trips further afield. Make a day of it with a trip to the three nearby Unesco World Heritage sites: the charming old city of Hoi An with its picturesque riverfront and multitude of tailors, the palaces and shrines of the imperial city of Hue and the historic ruins and Hindu temples of the Cham dynasty capital, My Son. Hoi An is particularly beautiful during the monthly lantern festival, on the 14th day of each lunar month, when all the electric lights are switched off and the old city is lit only by candles. Take a rickshaw ride, watch the world go by from the cafés, visit a tailor. And don’t miss out on a nightly river cruise. Drifting downstream among thousands of flickering, floating lanterns is a unique experience and one of the loveliest spectacles in Asia.

Places to eat Between Angsana and Banyan Tree, guests can choose from eight restaurants at the resort offering a wide range of food, including Vietnamese, Thai and Italian cuisine as well as international dishes. Restaurants in Hoi An offer cheap and tasty food such as cao lau (rice noodles with pork, herbs and veggies), “white roses” shrimp dumplings and wonton noodles.

The nitty gritty Visitors to Vietnam are required to have a visa, which can be organised beforehand through the Vietnamese Consulate in Hong Kong. Alternatively, apply online for an Approval Letter, which will be emailed to you, then get a visa on arrival. For details, visit www.vnconsul-hongkong.gov.vn.

Available until March 31, the Absolute Angsana Lang Co package starts at $1,783 a night for two people sharing (with a minimum stay of two nights), including unlimited spa and golf, daily breakfast for two, airport transfers, trips to Hoi An and Hue, and a 6pm checkout.

For details, visit www.angsana.com.

Local crafts and cuisine.

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pets Stay social, stay healthy For happy puppies, balance socialising and vaccines, Sally Andersen says.

With so many unvaccinated pet dogs and strays wandering the streets in Hong Kong, adopters are faced with a real dilemma about introducing puppies to the sights and sounds of everyday life outside the home.

Socialisation is essential for puppies to grow into well-balanced and happy adults.

Puppies have two critical “fear periods” during their development: at two to three months old and as “teenagers”, or doglets as I call them, at six months to a year. Puppies that are not exposed to the day-to-day normality of modern life, which includes meeting strangers and unknown dogs, risk becoming fearful and aggressive later.

While owners should be careful not to expose an unvaccinated puppy to dog parks or the street owing to the risk of catching diseases such as parvovirus or distemper, nor should it be so isolated that it is so terrified of

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Socialisation is essential for puppies to grow into well-balanced adults the noise and unfamiliar surroundings that all it wants to do is hide.

To get a puppy used to going out, hearing traffic and seeing lots of people, it can be carried around to become familiar with everything that will probably be part of its daily adult life. Alternatively, meet up with friends with fully vaccinated dogs or puppies in the same situation, and let them play together. This allows the puppy to learn to interact with other dogs, which is important if you are going to be welcomed by other dog owners into a “walking class”.

puppy love

hong kong creatures Wild boar

Depending on the age of the puppy when it is adopted, it will need two or three vaccinations against the five most common infectious diseases. However, the regular five-in-one vaccine doesn’t protect against the deadly strains of leptospirosis, which have become fairly common. Additional vaccines can be given for this particularly horrible disease.

And consider vaccinating against bordatella, or kennel cough, which is not regularly given unless you are going to board your dog and it’s a condition of the kennels.

Keeping your dog naturally healthy through good, high-quality food and lots of exercise is the best way to avoid illness, just as it is for humans.

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

aka Sus scrofa

The wild boar, or Eurasian wild pig, is the largest native terrestrial mammal in Hong Kong. The adult’s body is covered in greyblack hair and the male has long tusks used for fighting. Young boars have light stripes on the torso, which fade within six months and achieve adult colouration at a year old.

Wild boars are common across Hong Kong and have one of the widest ranges in the world, covering Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and many oceanic islands. They are omnivores, using their good sense of smell to sniff out food, such as roots, insects and earthworms.

As the ancestor of most domestic pig breeds, wild boars have a long history of association with humans, but they are wary of human contact and may attack if threatened.

There have been incidents of wild boars intruding into villages for crops and food,

causing damage and disturbing villagers.

Preventative measures include installing sturdy fences and even infrared auto-trigger lighting to protect crops and deter the wild boars.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: rural areas including Sai Kung, Tai Lam Chung and Sha Tau Kok. Steffi Yuen

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on patrol...

top cop

Year in crime Janet Chan reviews 2014 crime figures and tackles youth drug and alcohol abuse.

Fighting crime is the police’s operational priority as a law enforcement agency with an obligation to protect our city. We work to reduce the crime rate and maintain Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.

In 2014, the incidences of crime saw a 7.1 per cent decrease overall compared with 2013. In Sai Kung, the overall crime rate was 20 per cent lower than in 2013, and we thank the public for its efforts in protecting our area in 2014.

From my day-to-day dealings with local residents, it seems that apart from burglary, youth drug abuse and alcohol use are areas of concern in Sai Kung. Let’s shift our focus to issues concerning the next generation.

Drug abuse There have been few dangerous drugrelated cases involving youth in Sai Kung.

However, even though the number is small, police have zero tolerance towards

any drugs-related offence. As well as law enforcement, we emphasise prevention and education, promoting awareness and preventing the abuse of psychotropic drugs by young people through a multi-agency and community-based approach.

At a talk I gave last year to parents regarding dangerous drugs, some parents did not consider the consumption of cannabis to be illegal because it is allowed in some countries. I would like to state here that the consumption of cannabis in any form is unlawful in Hong Kong and should be reported to the police for action.

In order to help youth develop positive values and promote healthy lifestyles, our officers will continue to work closely with schools and non-government organisations in Sai Kung in combating drug-related crime.

Consumption of alcohol In Sai Kung, there are more than 90 restaurants and bars with liquor licenses.

Under Hong Kong law, licensees are not permitted to allow anyone under the age of 18 years to drink any intoxicating liquor on any licensed premises. However, there is currently no restriction on the sale of alcoholic beverages by retail shops to underage people.

The worry is that, without proper education, youths are vulnerable to drinking heavily and eventually harming themselves, their families or society. Educating teenagers about the consequences of alcoholism is important. Police will raid unlicensed bars and restaurants and conduct regular checks on licensed premises to ensure the law is adhered to.

Let’s work together for the next generation, who will be the masters of society in the near future.

Janet Chan is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung Division, tel: 3661 1630

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marketplace

classifieds HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Plan - Nutritional weight loss CAMBRIDGE WEIGHT PLAN is in Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay. Balanced and nutritional weight loss programme with one to one support and motivation. Contact Jean 9045 5942 jean@cambridgeweightplan.hk or Alison 9618 1777 alison@cambridgeweightplan.hk J Fit Studio Personal Training one on one and class Training for 4 people Now return to Sai Kung Town.

Please contact Jenny for details: 6621 2279

random but interesting International School and Sai Kung Town. Four bedrooms with two ensuites and maid’s quarter. Plus 3 parking spaces. Rental $55,000 pcm Direct from owner.

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Please email to wing_lin8898@yahoo.co.uk Great Value $45k ref~SK395 Detached 4 Bedroom Hse, Stylish Décor, Open-plan Kitchen, Large Family Room, Nice Bathrooms.

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Rental from $650 per night. Minimum two weeks stay Please contact owner for details: wing_lin8898@yahoo.co.uk

Part Time Helper Available Hello! My name is Sheila and I’m looking for part time work as a helper. I am available 10AM - 5PM everyday.

Please contact me at 5526 2914. $70/hour, I can do all household chores and babysitting.

FURNITURE High table and chairs We are selling the black set for HK$6,400 and the white one for HK$6,600 including delivery to your home. If you are interested, please look at our website www.everything.house or call / WhatsApp Carmen on Tel: 9518 6146 Brand-New Gorenje BO7422AX Built-In Oven $9800 Dimensions of the product (W×H×D): 59.7 × 59.5 × 56.5 cm. Free delivery with one year warranty. Call Queenie Yung at 9228 6248 http://www.gorenje.hk/en/products/cooking/models/ ovens/242590

Yoga with Yoyo $150 Yoga with YoYo is located in the yellow building in the small ppark across the street from the Sai Kung town square restaurants (Classified, Jaspas, etc.).

Our class schedule is on the entrance gate.

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Need a Holiday?

Phuket Villa for Rent!

Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches.

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Outcall Massage $500 ITEC qualified Holistic Massage Therapist offering customized treatments in the comfort of clients home, hotel or office. $500/90mins. Please do not contact if you are looking for any sexual massage services.

Welcome to enquiry. Please contact Pamela on 6695 3518 or Whatsapp: 6695 3518

Newly Renovated House $68K ref~SK549 Lovely 4 Bedroom Sea View House with Terrace in Quiet Location. Only 5 mins drive to Sai Kung Town.

2C/p. The Property Shop 27193977, www.thepropertyshop.com.hk (C-027656)

Local honey from Tai Po $250 We had our own beehive located in Taipo and Joron Valley in Hong Kong. All honey did not process in heat. It’s 100% raw and real honey unlike those you get it in the super market. We have lots of photo extraction photo. in below link. http://www.facebook. com/jovial.diy. Since it is limited stock, we only have few bottles left. You would pick up in Diamond Hill and Choy Hung. Buy over 10 bottle would pick up in Sai Kung Centre.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Attractive Location. 2 C/p.

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PROPERTY FOR RENT Detached House to let near Sai Kung $55,000 A detached house (2100 sq ft) in village surrounding available from mid-Feb. Within walking distance to Hong Kong Academy

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Cantonese Lessons by Emily Chan: I am pleased to offer the expat community 5% off on personalized Cantonese lessons. Please call 9228 4878 or email chanyanyee@gmail.com for more information HKMacs: British Macintosh Specialist 20+ yrs experience + Apple Certification. Personalised training, software installation/OS X upgrades, computer set-up and parental controls. Networking, troubleshooting, data recovery and transfer to new computer. iPhone/iPad/iCloud management. OS X Server setup. PLEX Media Server setup with AppleTV. Encryption of email, SMS and phonecalls. PC Switchers welcome!

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2011 Audi A4, 2.0T New car arrives, must sell, black outside and inside, auto, 824XX km, very good condition, WhatsApp to me, obo. 91385856 Alex Leung

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Sai Kung Magazine continues to extend its reach in the community, here is the latest in distribution news.

SAI KUNG PENINSULA

Shatin

Sai Kung Town Hebe Haven Hebe Haven Yacht Club

Marina Cove KOWLOON Silverstrand Tseung Kwan O Clearwater Bay

HONG KONG ISLAND Portofino

30,000 readers 10,000 copies Restaurants, Bars and Cafes - Agua Plus - AJ’s Sri Lankan Restaurant - Ali Oli Bakery - Bacco - Big Fish - Butcher King - CC Café - Casa - Cava - Chip In - Classified - Colour Brown - Fiesta Fiesta - Firenze - Grande Restaurant - Five Coffee Company - Hebe One O One - Italiano’s - Jaspas - May’s Sawadee - Mike’s Chicken Comida de Portugal - Olde Hong Kong Tea Cafe - Paisano’s - Pepperonis - Pizzeria La Gondola - Revolution Gallery Cafe - Sauce - Sawadee Thai - Starbucks - Steamers - Takka Fusion - T.C. Deli - Tree Cafe (Horizon Plaza) - The Duke of York - The Dutch cheese

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vines in sai kung

stephen says...

The usual suspects

Has the government had good ideas for the parks and a ferry service? Stephen Vines has his doubts. sea voyage as part of the experience. Most importantly, it would relieve congestion without creating a new problem. Obviously the economics of this idea require further study but on the surface it seems pretty plausible.

I strongly suspect creative solutions to practical problems are just a bit too demanding for the pen pushers who have a multitude of boxes to tick and forms to fill in. The bureaucrats tend to be happiest when sitting behind their desks conjuring up reasons to thwart any initiatives that do not emanate from the idea-free environs of the civil service.

The government is all at sea over a Sai Kung ferry service.

Another idea for destroying the country parks?

Why is it so hard to believe the latest government idea for dealing with country park enclaves is not all that it seems? Maybe it’s because the government has shown nothing more than lukewarm enthusiasm for preserving the country parks and, worse, displays a dangerous inclination to give its primary attention to the views of the park’s greatest enemy, the Heung Yee Kuk. Anyway, after a meeting with the Kuk, Alan Wong, the director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, announced the government is thinking about trying to resolve the impasse over what to do with country park enclaves by using them for leisure farming and guest houses.

As matters stand, development in the enclaves has been frozen while the government considers rezoning them. The Kuk is clear on how it wants the rezoning to go and there are no prizes for guessing they are pressing for more land to be given to indigenous villagers for housing development and what it describes as “storage”.

However the Kuk says it will look at the government’s new ideas but has already dismissed the notion that the guesthouses could be run on a not-for-profit basis. Some

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conservationists have also cautiously welcomed these plans but, understandably, are waiting for them to be fleshed out.

The bottom line is this looks suspiciously like a typical government red herring in which it promotes a plan it knows has no hope of being realised and then claims that, despite its best intentions, it is left with no alternative but to go for the more “practical” option of doing what they intended to do in the first place, namely to make the Kuk happy by allowing more property development.

You may say this is the view of a cynic, but when it comes to these matters cynicism has long proved a useful tool.

How about a boat ride to Sai Kung?

There is no easy answer to the enormous traffic congestion that builds up around Sai Kung on weekends and public holidays. The government’s best idea to date has been to expand Hiram’s Highway, a highly controversial plan. However, there has also been some talk of creating a public ferry service to Sai Kung during peak traffic periods. It’s an idea previously mooted in this column and I am happy to see it being revived.

Not only does it offer the prospect of relieving traffic pressure but could make a visit to Sai Kung more enjoyable with a mini

The best burglary deterrent I know of Walking recently with my hounds I was more than surprised to see a gaggle of police officers handing out leaflets in the Sai Kung Country Park. The leaflets exhorted the public to “join hands” and “prevent crime”. I am not quite sure how joining hands will achieve this objective, but I do appreciate that Sai Kung has been suffering from a wave of burglaries and sensible measures should be taken to discourage the bad guys. I happen to have been accompanied by one of the most effective burglar deterrents known to humankind. To avoid being too technical about this, let me use one word to describe them: dogs.

My dogs, like most others, hear strangers before I do and make their wariness known at full volume. They are not infallible in this respect, but I suspect they deter more effectively than a lot of fancy mechanical antiburglary gear.

Let’s all not be sheep Meanwhile, all the very best for the Year of Sheep. I hope it does not turn out to be a year in which Hong Kong’s newly politicised community is going to be expected to shut up and meekly follow its hapless leaders in a sheep-like fashion. I’ve read various soothsayers’ predictions for this year and, as ever, am none the wiser. But we all tend to pick and choose when it comes to these predictions, so I chose to believe it will be a good year for good people. You know who you are.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.