Southside Magazine May 2015

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

May 2015

Wish you were here?

Your junk-trip guide

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The really useful magazine MAY 2015

PEOPLE

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

2 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in May What’s on in your neighbourhood.

NEWS 10 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

LETTERS

18 A Von Trapp Family Singer Local girl Hattie Conway joins The Sound of Music cast.

NEWS FROM THE GREENS 20 Sitting position How seats get people walking.

FEATURE 22 Junk trip guide How to get out on the water.

EATING

14 Have your say From our readers.

30 Cooking classes Ready, set, bake!

GIVEAWAYS 15 Free stuff Something for everyone.

INTERVIEW 16 Stephanie Kelly Meet the Affordable Art Fair director.

RECIPE 35 Roast pumpkin, nuts and quinoa salad

By Stanley chef Lucy Humbert.

EDUCATION 36 Batman kindie Inside Hamilton Hill International Kindergarten.

FAMILY 40 We love mums Gifts for Mother’s Day. OUTDOORS 44 Double happiness Hiking the Twin Peaks.

BIG DAY OUT 46 Sai Kung rocks Touring the Geopark.

HOME 52 Takes your breath away How to reduce asthma triggers.

TRAVEL 56 Taipei weekend Two days in Taiwan’s capital.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 60 Gong bath Submerged in sound.

PETS 62 Who’s a pretty boy?

Looks aren’t everything, says Sally Andersen.

HONG KONG CREATURES 63 Common five-ring The fluttery Asian butterfly.

MARKETPLACE 64 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 72 Jumbo Kingdom The inside story on Aberdeen’s big floater.

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“A LOT OF PEOPLE ASK ME IF I WERE SHIPWRECKED, AND COULD ONLY HAVE ONE BOOK, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I ALWAYS SAY ‘HOW TO BUILD A BOAT’” – STEPHEN WRIGHT

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese Southside Market Long Lunch

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people Bonaqua Action Sprint, Repulse Bay

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

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planner

MAY 15-JUN 21

The Sound of Music

A few of your favourite things, direct from the West End. Look for Hong Kong kids in the cast.

Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395-$995 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

UNTIL MAY 9 Mega Ice Hockey 5s

MAY 1-2 Katy Perry Prismatic World Tour

MAY 3 Sai Kung Sunday Market

Youth and adult ice-hockey tournament. L10, Ice Rink, Mega Box, Kowloon Bay, www.megaice.com.hk.

Hear her roar. Cotai Arena, The Venetian, Macau.

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

The monthly indoor farmers’ and craft market that champions all things local. 11am-5pm.

Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, www.saikungmarkets.com.

MAY 6-10 Showstopper! The Improvised Musical Top-class musical comedy that changes every night. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $295-$595 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 6 World Asthma Day MAY 1 Labour Day Put your feet up, it’s a holiday.

MAY 1-JUN 30 Le French May Ooh la la! The annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre and more, www.frenchmay.com.

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See p.50.

MAY 1-10 Jekyll & Hyde The horror classic by Robert Louis Stevenson performed by Chung Ying Theatre. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $260-$420 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 9, 10 The Fantastical Story Factory Fun improvised children’s musical based on ideas from the audience. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

happening in may MAY 10 Southside Market Long Lunch

MAY 17 Mother Earth Groove

Unlimited food, drink, music and entertainment from noon to 5pm. The Butchers Club Deli Rooftop, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768. Tickets $550 from www.ticketflap.com, free for children under eight.

Family beach party with live music, kids’ games and fundraising for Lantau environmental charity Ark Eden. Entry $100. 2pm-6pm, Cheung Sha Lower Beach, Lantau, 9861 6657.

MAY 10 Discovery Bay Sunday Market Shop for handmade crafts, vintage clothes, organic food and other goodies. Free entry. 11am-6pm.

Discovery Bay Plaza, 3651 2345, www.ddeck.com.hk.

MAY 22-26 Cheung Chau Bun Festival Bun Towers, Chinese opera, lion and unicorn dances and a parade on May 25, with small children balanced on parasols and other unlikely objects. Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau, www.cheungchau.org.

MAY 10 Mother’s Day Mums, we salute you.

MAY 10, 31 Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathons

MAY 23 Stanley Dragon Boat Warm-Up Races

Southside swimming and running races for children and adults. Entry $200-$500 at www.revolution-asia.com.

Get into the spirit at 250m pre-races, 8am-5pm.

Stanley Main Beach, 2813 0564, 2813 2586, www.dragonboat.org.hk.

MAY 22-24 Affordable Art Fair Reasonably priced artworks from 130 galleries, plus talks, tours, demos, workshops, children’s art studio and Art After Dark, affordableartfair. com/hongkong. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $72-$200 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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planner MAY 23-25 HKFC International Soccer Sevens See the soccer stars of tomorrow – and yesterday – play for Kitchee, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and more. Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, www.hksoccersevens.com.

Tickets $160-$300 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333, and Tom Lee Music.

MAY 25 Buddha’s Birthday

MAY 27-JUN 11 Asia Week Hong Kong Annual art showcase with exhibitions, lectures, auctions and special events at venues across Hong Kong, www.asiaweekhk.com.

MAY 29-31 The Incredible Book Eating Boy Musical theatre and a cracking story for children aged three and up. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Public holiday.

MAY 30, JUN 6 Summer Garage Sale

MAY 26-JUN 21 The Faust Festival All the members of Faust International Youth Theatre perform, www.faustworld.com.

McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $80-$120 from 2111 5999, www.urbtix.hk.

Shop for new and interesting items as well as pre-loved goodies at bargain prices at our favourite secondhand sale. LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.

MAY 30 Kellett School Market Great shopping, food and kids’ entertainment.

11am-5pm, Kellett School, 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@southside.hk.

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BOOK NOW JUN 5-7 The Wind in the Willows

SEP 23 ROBBIE WILLIAMS LIVE IN HONG KONG

Mole, Badger and Mr Toad come to life in a new production by Britain’s Talking Scarlet.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Let him entertain you. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $880-$1,480 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUN 13-JUL 26 Beauty and the Beast

JUN 6 Cesar Millan Love your Dogs Tour Meet the dog whisperer, Cesar Millan. Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macao, 7.30pm. Tickets $280-$880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

A tale as old as time re-told with original Disney music. The Venetian Theatre, Macau.

Tickets $280-$680 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUL 22 Blur Live in Hong Kong Britpop lives. Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Tickets $480-$1,080 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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news

in your backyard

Fishy tale

Maternity clinic for Aberdeen Maternity-focused healthcare centre The Round Clinic opens on May 4 in One Island South, Aberdeen. The centre hopes to provide a onestop solution for fertility, maternity and childrelated health services and treatments.

It will provide natural treatments, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture treatments, midwife pre- and post-natal consultations, psychotherapy and sophrology.

12/F, One Island South, Suite 1227-28, 2 Heung Yip Road, Aberdeen, 2648 2612, www.roundclinic.com.

Junks on your trunks

The sun was shining on Repulse Bay for the third annual Kids Ocean Day when 900 children, teachers and volunteers gathered to raise awareness about ocean conservation. The volunteers all moved in unison to form a giant fish on the sand of Repulse Bay Beach. The image was accompanied by chopsticks and the words “Where’s My Reef”, plus the Chinese

characters for “refrain”. Based on an original drawing by Giselle Li, a student from Victoria Shanghai Academy in Aberdeen, the image was brought to life on the beach by international aerial artist John Quigley. The day was jointly organised by Ocean Recovery Alliance, Malibu Foundation and Spectral Q. For details, visit www.kidsoceanday.org.

Jump for joy South Island School (SIS) has set a new Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously doing jumping jacks.

The record-breaking event took place at the ESF secondary school’s campus in Shouson Hill on Tuesday, March 24, and was also a fundraiser for the International Care Ministries (ICM) and the Free to Dream Kindergarten in Bacolod, Philippines.

Of the 1,449 SIS students that participated,

1,364 successfully completed the required two minutes of simultaneous star jumps, and the school raised a whopping $80,000 for its nominated charities.

Six-week fitness challenge Strive Fitness in Cyberport has launched the Summer Blast Challenge.

For six weeks from May 18 to June 27, it will help participants achieve their fitness goals with an unlimited six-week membership, before and after Dexa (body fat) scans at Hong Kong University, a nutritional consultation,

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Strive T-shirt, and plenty of support and advice throughout.

The participant who loses the most body fat within the time limit will win a one-month membership at Strive Fitness and an array of official Nike products. For details, visit www.strivefitnesshk.com or call 2338 9622.

New Hong Kong-based swimwear company has launched a snazzy new line of men’s swim shorts featuring local seafaring icons. Made in top-quality polyamide fabric that is soft to the touch, the range includes three designs in various colourways, including a junk motif, bamboo pattern and (our favourite) plain navy or red with an embroidered star logo, based on the uniforms worn by Star Ferry staff.

Prices start at $1,200. Available online at www.mazuswimwear.com and until May 10 at The Dot pop-up store, 3/F, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central.

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news

Tesla opens at The Pulse Tesla Motors has opened a pop-up store at The Pulse, complete with Supercharger Station.

The new location is Tesla’s fifth charging point, and the second on Southside; the first is located in Cyberport. It takes just one hour to fully recharge a Tesla car. The store features a chassis of the upcoming zero-emission AllWheel-Drive Dual Motors model, claimed to be the world’s fastest four-door vehicle. Check it out at www.teslamotors.com.

Restoring Mums reader offer Sheung Wan-based maternity specialist Restoring Mums is offering Southside Magazine readers a discount on postpartum treatments for this month only. The company specialises in aiding new mums with their recovery and well-being after giving birth, using advanced abdominal binding techniques and natural remedies.

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Enjoy a $1,000 discount when booking five sessions or a $2,000 discount when booking 10 sessions. The discount is available on bookings made in May, with treatments taking place after the baby is delivered. To take advantage of the offer, please quote “Southside” in the coupon code when booking online at www.restoringmums.com.

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letters

have your say

“Butchers Club for Declan’s eighth birthday!” – @scottblanchard

“Southside Long Lunch” – @ginaeat

Alarm at Stanley’s underground car park As a resident of Stanley, I am alarmed at the proposal to build an underground multi-storey car park in the centre of our “old village”. I understand it is expected to take four years of heavy digging and $1 billion to build yet we will gain only 20 car parking spaces more than what is available at present.

It will lead to horrendous traffic congestion and gridlock during the lengthy construction period and thereafter, as the proposal goes against the traffic flow and the existing old roads cannot be widened further. This proposal and its effects are unlikely to benefit anyone – residents, visitors or Stanley-based businesses.

I hope serious consideration and attention

“#southsidemag” – @regine313

will be given to this matter, the prospect of which has upset a huge number of residents and businesses here, many of whom were attracted to this place originally precisely because of its quiet and quaint village-like atmosphere.

Marianne M. L. Yeo Stanley

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

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free stuff

win at www.southside.hk Two martial-arts passes Learn self defence while improving your fitness at Epic MMA & Fitness (www.epicmma.com).

The Central martial-arts specialist is giving away two passes: a one-month Little Ninja child’s pass (worth $3,600), plus a one-week adult’s pass (worth $1,200).

Deadline: May 15.

Coconut water package We’re giving away a 36-pack, mixed-flavour box of Jax Coco Kidz coconut water. It will include six-packs in all six flavours: original coconut, banana, chocolate, grape, calamansi and

guyabano. Jax Coco Kidz (www.jaxcoco.com) is made with 100 percent pure coconut water with no artificial colours or flavourings. Each mixed-flavour box of 36 retails at $318.

Deadline: May 11.

Edible Arrangements Mother’s Day bouquet Win an Edible Arrangements Mother’s Day Bouquet, the freshest gift available for mum’s special day on May 10.

Worth $1,048, it features a customised heart, made of fresh pineapple dipped in semi-sweet chocolate with a white chocolate heart banner.

The bouquet also includes pineapple hearts and a variety of fresh fruit favourites, artfully arranged in a colourful ceramic container. Colours may vary. For details, visit www.edible.hk, or call 2385 0158.

Deadline: May 6.

To enter, click the Giveaways tab on our website, www.southside.hk. Deadlines vary.

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local

for art’s sake

Editorial

Our art is priced from $1,000$100,000. About 75 per cent of the pieces are under $75,000. We have expanded our under $10,000 section too and are displaying the artwork in room sets, curated by an interior designer. Hopefully this will give people a bit of inspiration.

Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Editor Annie Wong annie@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 Kristen Tadrous Lucy Humbert Paul Zimmerman Pauline Cheung Sally Andersen Shreena Patel Steffi Yuen & Cat The Dog!

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

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

The fair-minded Stephanie Kelly.

Art for all Affordable Art Fair director Stephanie Kelly explains the event’s philosophy. By Adele Brunner.

The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) was born 16 years ago after founder Will Ramsay went into a gallery in London and wasn’t treated as a serious customer. He set up Will’s Art Warehouse in Battersea to try to make the whole experience of buying art accessible to everyone.

He wanted the process to be fun, vibrant and exciting. Most importantly, he didn’t want people feeling intimidated or unable to even contemplate buying a piece because of exorbitant prices.

The warehouse morphed into the AAF, which now stages fairs in 18 cities around the world, including Singapore, Seoul and Hong Kong.

I’ve been living in Hong Kong for three years, before that I was in Singapore, London and New Zealand, where I’m from. Although my career has been in marketing, I am passionate about art. I emailed the AAF to ask if they would set up an online bridal registry for me and they asked me to help set up a fair here. I’ve been in the AAF team

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since its launch in Hong Kong in 2012, as marketing manager then fair director, although now I juggle my job with being a mum.

I visit galleries, meet artists, look at stand packages and decide on a floor plan. Galleries and artists apply to the fair and our selection committee decides who to include. This year, 53 countries, 130 galleries and more than 1,000 artists will be represented. AAF gives you the chance to start a conversation with any gallery you like and without any obligation to buy. It also exposes the public to a diverse range of art, paintings, prints, photography, sculptures and mixed media.

Many people are under the impression that you have to be a millionaire to collect art. You don’t. Nor do you have to be an art expert. You just need to know what you like. Art is an everyday luxury, but buy something you love and it will be with you forever.

Education is at the heart of this year’s fair. We aim to inform and increase people’s understanding and enjoyment of art. We’re hosting talks, tours, workshops and live demos, which will showcase various artists creating in our Art After Dark event on Friday, 6pm-10pm. There is a young talent exhibition of cuttingedge work by young emerging artists and the DBS Young Sparks Corner. We’ll keep budding artists occupied with the children’s art studio so parents can browse in peace. Everything is free. Come along and join in.

There is a lower rate of art ownership in Hong Kong. More than 30 per cent of our visitors have never bought art before

You don’t have to be a millionaire to collect art compared with about 10 per cent in cities like New York and London.

I think it’s more a part of the culture in other countries to visit national and local art galleries from a very young age.

This is such an exciting time to be part of Hong Kong’s art scene. So many little galleries are springing up, there are some really talented young artists out there and art-related activities and events are increasing, which can only be a good thing.

Affordable Art Fair, May 22-24, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, www.affordableartfair.com.

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five minutes with...

a von trapp family singer

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

Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Alastair Grigg alastair@fastmedia.com.hk 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

A few of my favourite things www.southside.hk ads@fastmedia.com.hk

Cherrie Yu meets Hattie Conway, a 12-year-old South Island School student joining The Sound of Music.

@southsidemag facebook.com/SouthsideMagazineHK

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside 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. Southside Magazine 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 pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

I’m British but was born in Hong Kong. I like making people laugh.

I’m an energetic person and have enjoyed dance and gymnastics since I was three years old. I love to invent shows and dances with my friends and force my poor parents to watch them.

The best place in Southside is Big Wave Bay. I often spend time there riding the waves and cartwheeling in the sand.

I started ballet at a young age and used to copy my sister when she danced around the living room.

She was my first inspiration.

When I am on stage, I feel excited to be part of the production, even if I only have a minor role as Louisa Von Trapp. The fact that there are so many people in the audience

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supporting me stops me feeling nervous.

The most challenging thing about performing is remembering everything – even though I know I have learned it all. There is also the feeling of wanting to get everything right and not letting the director down.

The best place in Southside is Big Wave Bay... riding the waves and cartwheeling in the sand All the cast members in The Sound of Music production have become like one big family. There is no tension between us and we

all support and help one another. It is great to be among people who share my passion.

Louisa has always been one of my favourite characters because, like me, she is a bit of a trickster. I like that she is a little mischievous.

I am quite young to be thinking about my career, but I would choose something in the performing arts. The downside is that it is very competitive and the competition is tough. You have to be very committed and strong to succeed.

The Sound of Music will be at the Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai, from May 15 to June 21.

Tickets are $395-$995 from www.hkticketing.com. Family packages available.

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news from the greens

take a pew

Sitting position Paul Zimmerman argues that seats are the secret to creating a walkable city.

If you want people to walk, you have to make sure they can sit. This might seem a contradiction, but walkable cities need many seats. People, especially the elderly, are willing to walk further and forego a vehicular trip if they know there is somewhere to rest halfway. It also makes the city friendlier.

Well-placed public seats allow people to relax and create opportunities for the incidental

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encounters that are so important for community building. They also make the city more accessible for people with disabilities.

Ever wondered why there are not more seats in public areas around our city? Sure, there are seats in parks away from the hustle and bustle and far from regular routes.

And there are seats inside commercial establishments for those spending money there.

But what malls have random seats in public areas? Why do visitors at the Golden Bauhinia have nowhere to sit? Why do so few bus stops have seats or bum bars?

The Highways Department, which is responsible for our pavements, has no seats in its standards manual. But with some creativity, we can do better. When placing planters, for example, the sides could be wider so people can sit. In the Southern District, we have started to add more seats under the District Minor Works programme.

It makes me smile to see how members of

the community have taken matters into their own hands. Discarded chairs are re-used on streets, near housing estates and at bus stops, particularly in the New Territories.

Now students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have created a campaign, #missingseats, hosted by Designing Hong Kong. People are asked to post photos (any style) of places where they think seats are missing via Instagram, Facebook or at www.designinghongkong.com, marked #missingseats and #designinghongkong.

The images and locations will be used to lobby the government, District Councils, shopping mall and transport operators for more seats. Together we can improve our city.

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

south china morning coast

Your guide to getting out on the water. By Carolynne Dear.

There are two universally acknowledged truths about summer in Hong Kong: they are extremely hot and drivers stand virtually no chance of parking anywhere near a beach at the weekend. The solution? Hire a junk.

Probably the most fun you can have on a hot day, a junk trip combines lots of laughs, great food (and drink) and healthy activity for the children. Tech is forgotten and Minecraft left in your wake as the younger generation hurl themselves into the South China Sea and run riot with flotsam on the beach.

It’s also a great way to get out of the city and explore Hong Kong’s backyard, with a cruise through Sai Kung’s remote waterways, a seafood lunch on an outlying island, or hanging with the “in” crowd on Southside’s worldrenowned beaches.

If a swim and a beer isn’t enough, junk companies now lay on all sorts of bells and whistles – floating bars, banana boats, wakeboarding, waterslides, action mats, or just good old free-flowing booze and a beanbag.

The small print for most junk rentals states you are responsible for the safety of yourself, your children and your property, from beach towels to a top-of-the-range Go-Pro. You’re also responsible for children on a banana or wakeboarding boat, so make sure lifejackets are zipped up.

Under Hong Kong law, all children under the age of 12 should wear a lifejacket while the vessel is underway. To avoid annoying sizing issues, invest in your own at the beginning of the season. Good retailers include the Ship Shop (Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Kellett Island, Causeway Bay; open to non-members) and Harry Lo Co marine chandlers at Pak Sha Wan Pier, Sai Kung, and Island Wake (Shop 111, 1/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, and 19 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung). Wetsuits and water-shoes can be found in markets all over Hong Kong.

The number of passengers cannot exceed the licensed capacity of the boat, so don’t try and slide in “extras” on the day, even if you’re prepared to pay for them.

And take your litter home. Although the

Hong Kong Government operates refuse collection on even the further-flung beaches, it is not good form to throw litter into the water or on the beaches. Take bin liners, bag it up and take it home. It’s not hard.

Children and adults bounced down the water slide Junk hire Hong Kong Yachting Party boat Jungle Jane was the envy of all seafaring youngsters in Hong Kong last summer, as children and adults alike bounced down the water slide and clambered over the inflatable obstacle course. It has been joined this year by Tarzan, complete with monster-sized swimming platforms, state-of-the-art sound systems and ample beanbags for lounging.

Boats: As well as the party boats, Hong Kong Yachting hires out four traditional junks, six sailing boats, and six Western-style cruisers and speedboats.

Cost: From $8,000 for junks (30-40 people) and sailing boats (nine-18 people), from $19,800 for Jungle Jane (50 people) and from $25,000 for Tarzan (60 people). Food and drinks packages start at $350.

Extras: Waterslides and obstacle mats (Jungle Jane and Tarzan), beanbags, sound systems.

Pickups: Central and Aberdeen are standard but other pick-up locations are possible.

Contact: 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com.

Island Junks Flexibility is the name of the game with this well-established junk company. Whether you want to self cater, stop for a land-based lunch, or pre-order food and drinks on board, Island Junks has a package for you. This summer, all drinks packages come with complimentary Prosecco, and it is also offering on-board Thai massage for $1,500 per masseuse. It also offers special round-trips from Aberdeen to Stanley, with lunch at Lamma or Po Toi Island, for $570 a person.

Boats: Teak junks, capacity 50 people.

Pickup: Central, Aberdeen or Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung.

Back to nature Sharks There aren’t any – well, there probably are, but sightings are rare and there hasn’t been an attack in Hong Kong waters for 20 years. If you spot a shark, don’t jump in.

And inform other passengers and boats in the area.

Jellyfish Jellyfish in Hong Kong waters can have painful stings, leaving raised red welts on the skin. Remove the tentacle with gloved hands, tweezers or a stick and rinse the skin with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.

(Contrary to popular belief, urine does not relieve the pain but makes it worse.) Shark nets are also effective against jellyfish, so if in doubt, head for a netted beach.

Coral There are an astonishing 84 species of hard coral in Hong Kong waters. Junk-trippers can visit a small reef off Bluff Island in Sai Kung, complete with sunken jeep for extra appeal. The reef is marked by buoys (no anchoring) to the left side of the bay. Don’t forget your snorkel and treat it with care: no touching or taking coral souvenirs.

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feature

From left: Aqua Luna style, Jungle Jane fun or Kayak and Hike adventure... choose whatever floats your boat.

Cost: Varies according to package; minimum charge from $4,900.

Extras: Sea kayaks, snorkels, iPod compatible sound systems, sunscreen.

Contact: 2877 5222, www.islandjunks.com.hk.

Jaspa’s Junks Happy days if you’re organising a Jaspa’s Junk: all you and your guests need to bring is a towel and leave the rest up to the crew. This perennial favourite serves a winning package of free-flowing Sea Breeze cocktails, beer and wine (plus an icebox filled with soft drinks and water) and serves generous quantities of nibbles as you sail to your destination with a iPod blasting out your favourite playlist.

After dropping anchor, staff keep swimmers topped up with drinks in plastic bottles, then it’s a barbecue lunch, and homemade pizza and brownies for the homeward stretch. It’s a no-brainer.

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Boats: Six teak junks, up to 40 people.

Pickup: Causeway Bay or Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung.

Cost: $700, $250 per child under 12, $150 per child under five. Minimum 14 adults, or $9,800.

Extras: Four-hour speedboat hire with banana boat, waterskiing or wakeboarding at $3,200, iPod-compatible sound systems.

Contact: 2792 6001, www.casteloconcepts.com.

Jubilee Choose from a teak sailing junk, top-of-therange sleek white cruisers, huge ferries and a host of classic junks, with options for fishing, sightseeing, water sports, squid fishing and mahjong. Most boats come with an audio system and karaoke machine as well as an option to hire a speedboat with a banana and wakeboarding equipment.

Boats: Fleet of 45 boats.

Cost: Varies. $1,000 surcharge for trips to Tai Long Wan. Pickup: Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Aberdeen, $500 surcharge for Sai Kung, weather dependent.

Contact: 3555 5666, www.jubilee.com.hk.

Koh Thai Junks Spice up your next boat trip with yummy Thai snacks, curries and fruit platters on Koh Thai Junks. As well as beaches in Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay and Hong Kong Island, for a small surcharge its boats will sail further afield to beautiful Tai Long Wan or even Tai O, Lantau, for dolphin-watching.

Boats: Teak junks and Western cruisers with a capacity of 30 or 40 people.

Pickup: Central, Aberdeen, Tsim Sha Tsui, Stanley, with a $700 surcharge for Sai Kung.

Cost: $600 per person for Thai food (including drinks and boat), $750 for Western barbecue;

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feature Junk food Pick up a picnic to eat onboard.

Chicken on the Run: Barbecue chicken and salads, 2537 4563, www.chickenontherun.com.

Delicious: Specialises in junk catering and will even organise the boat for you, 2559 0144, www.delicious-hk.com.

Gingers: Imaginative contemporary menus including DIY barbecue buffet and canapes, 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk.

Mr Bing: Beijing-style pancakes, jianbing, cooked fresh onboard, 2568 8248, www.mr-bing.com.

Pomegranate Kitchen: Eastern Mediterranean food fused with Asian flavours, 2580 0663, www.pomegranate.com.hk.

Shamrock Catering: Finger, party and full

half price for under 12s. Minimum 20 adults.

Contact: 6014 8460, www.kohthai.com.hk.

Lazy Days Offering the Nirvana of food packages – rib-eye and chilli king prawns – Lazy Days include floating loungers and inflatable drinks stations that are as much fun as they sound. The drinks package includes gin and tonic, Pimms and vodka, as well as the usual bubbly, wine and beer. (Watch your bikini tops clambering onto that lounger, ladies – just saying.) Children are not forgotten, with a host of inflatables, noodles and snorkels for amphibious fun. There’s even a DVD player in the air-conditioned interior for the smalls. Rather brilliantly, they even supply towels. Look out for its Champagne and canapé harbour cruises and seafood dinner tours to Peng Chau and Lamma.

Boats: 60ft Western cruiser, capacity 32 people.

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buffet menus, 2547 8155, shamrock.com.hk.

Wilfred Catering: Chinese buffet, 2870 0535, www.catering.com.hk.

Lunch on land Ming Kee Seafood, Po Toi Island This laid-back, beachside restaurant is just 30 minutes’ sail from Stanley and a favourite with kids and adults. Not only does it serve some of the best black-pepper squid in Hong Kong, it also has a freezer full of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Don’t forget to book. Call 2849 7038.

Rainbow, Lamma Island The famous Rainbow is one of the most popular restaurants on the Sok Kwu Wan

Pickup: Aberdeen, Central and Causeway Bay, with Sai Kung at additional charge.

Cost: From $890 per adult; $250 per child aged four-12 years; under-fours go free.

Extras: Bose sound system, inflatables, noodles, snorkels, towels and shower gel.

Contact: 3488 1534, www.lazydays.com.hk.

Michelangelo Be the envy of all you survey aboard the super-stylish Michelangelo, a meticulously restored 80ft luxury junk. All curved lines, sleek mahogany panelling and shiny brass, it features gorgeous teak sun decks with loungers (and we’re not talking waterproof mats on the deck, but proper sunbeds), cosy sofas in the chic lounge, fully equipped galley, formal dining room, and multi-zone air conditioning. Up to 59 guests can party by day, its sumptuous cabins can sleep up to nine, or staff can arrange a formal dinner for up to 12.

seafood strip, serving good black-pepper prawns. It runs its own ferry service between Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Cyberport, Aberdeen and Sok Kwu Wan. 24 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, 2982 8100.

Yau Ley, High Island, Sai Kung Laid-back Yau Ley with its fish farms, beach and piers is a favourite with Sai Kungers, who descend in droves on sunny weekends. Relax with a beer and Cantonese seafood – we recommend the steamed fish and curry crab – while the kids plunge off the pier or play in the sand.

If you’re not junking, the restaurant can organise a speedboat from Sai Kung. Sha Kiu Tsui, High Island, 2791 1822.

Pickup: Anywhere (surcharge for Sai Kung).

Cost: From $24,000.

Contact: 6621 1691, www.luxuryjunk.com.hk.

Saffron Cruises With a large and varied fleet that includes Hong Kong’s only tall ship, The Bounty, Saffron Cruises can cater for pretty much any budget, party size (from six to 150) or event. It has teamed up with top caterers Shamrock and The Dutch Cheese to create yummy menus, but it’s just as happy to moor up at a seafood restaurant if you’d rather lunch on terra firma.

The Bounty can accommodate up to 60 passengers and is great for evening cruising.

Boats: A fleet of 29 boats including two traditional teak junks, plus a host of Westernstyle cruisers, sailing boats and speedboats, and even a ferry.

Pickup: Aberdeen, Stanley, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point and

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feature Sai Kung (surcharge of $3,000). The Bounty also departs from Discovery Bay. Cost: From $8,000 for teak junk Saffron (30 people), from $42,000 for The Bounty.

Contact: 2857 1311, www.saffron-cruises.com.

Vikings Charter With a fleet of sleek pleasure cruisers and wooden junks, Vikings Charter offers all the usual junk options plus a good-value special weekday package (see below). It also offers speedboats for a variety of watersports.

Pickup: Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Cost: Prices vary, but there’s a mid-week special price of $5,200 for a 30-person junk sailing to Southside beaches or Lamma Island.

Contact: 2814 9899, www.vikingscharters.com.hk.

Wildkat Wildkat is a 36ft US-built catamaran with twin outboards that can run right up onto the beach and whisk up to 23 guests to the territory’s harder-to-reach beaches in less than an hour, including Tai Long Wan and the Sai Kung Geopark. Take your own lunch, or choose from one of three menus, including a beach

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barbecue on tables and chairs on the sand.

It’s even offering a complimentary bottle of champagne to all Southside readers booking a charter in May. What could be nicer?

Pickup: Sai Kung and Pak Sha Wan piers, Po Toi O, Causeway Bay. Cost: From $8,500, food packages from $298 a person.

Extras: Icebox, boogie boards, stand-up paddle boards, fishing gear.

Contact: info@wildkat.org, www.wildkat.org.

Boat trips with a difference Kayak and Hike Led by Sai Kung-based geology enthusiast Paul Etherington, this is an action-packed day on the water, starting with a speedboat pick-up from Sai Kung New Pier to Yau Ley where the kayaks are stored.

First up is an easy paddle to the silky sands of Millionaire’s Beach (almost unrecognisable first thing in the morning before the junk armada arrives). The second paddle to Bluff Island is longer and followed by a hike to the top of the island for stunning views over the Sai Kung waterways and open ocean.

There’s time to snorkel the small coral reef,

Catch some rays and relax aboard the Michelangelo.

feature then it’s back into the speedboat for a tour of the Geopark.

The last paddle of the day is the toughest, around Bluff Island and through a sea arch.

Then it’s a boat-ride back to Yau Ley for a welldeserved late lunch at the seafood restaurant.

Suitable for children from around eight years and up, contact Etherington on 9300 5197, www.kayak-and-hike.com.

Container-port tour For a boat trip with a difference, take a tour of the container port – one of the largest and busiest in the world – with Hong Kong Yachting aboard Jungle Jane or new cruiser Tarzan.

There are loads of facts and figures to ponder as you sit back with a drink and take in the dramatic, bustling backdrop.

From the port, the trip continues up the Rambler Channel, under the soaring Lantau bridges and on to Park Island for a wander through an abandoned fishing village. Then it’s back onto the boat for a barbecue.

The full-day trip is $19,800 for boat hire, with food and drinks packages from $498. Hong Kong Yachting is also happy to tailor packages for shorter tours. Details at 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com.

Squid fishing Jubilee is running squid fishing tours in Sai Kung from now until October. It’s popular with children, especially as all the action happens after dark, adding to the excitement.

At this time of year, Inner Port Shelter is dotted with small boats bobbing under huge floodlight, which attract the squid. And if the squid aren’t biting, Jubilee serves a full buffet on board and you are free to bring your own drinks. Cuttlefish trips are also available. Call 3555 5550, or email mkt.JBL@jubilee.hk.

Aqua Luna If you fancy a few hours on the water but not the full junk experience, book a space aboard the Aqua Luna for its regular trips to Stanley.

Built by an 80-year-old local craftsman using traditional boat-building methods, the redsailed Chinese junk departs Pier 9 in Central every weekend. Take in the dramatic vistas of Southside on the 90-minute journey to Blake Pier, Stanley, where you can jostle for a bargain in the markets or soak up the weekend atmosphere with a beer on the seafront.

Return trip $350 ($210/child), one-way $230 ($150/child). Details at 2116 8821, www.aqua.com.hk.

From top: Hong Kong Yachting; Kayak and Hike.

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eating

Clockwise from left: cook up a storm at Towngas, Mixing Bowl and YWCA.

Ready, set... bake!

Expand your kitchen repertoire with cooking classes for adults and kids.

By Cherrie Yu. Chinese Cuisine Training Institute Based in Pok Fu Lam, the respected Chinese Cuisine Training Institute offers professional courses run by expert chefs. As well as budding chefs, it welcomes adult food lovers of all levels to join its four-hour Fun Kitchen beginners’ class that introduces novices to Chinese cooking techniques. The programme includes a tour of the institute’s extensive kitchens and equipment and costs $800, including a cooking class, lunch prepared by the institute’s trainees, a certificate and souvenir. The programme is conducted in Cantonese and English. 7/F, VTC Pokfulam Complex, 145 Pok Fu Lam Road, 2538 2371, www.vtc.edu.hk.

Whisked This kids’ cooking studio runs baking classes for children aged three to 10, teaching skills and techniques while making appealing dishes such as brownies, rolls and meringues. There’s an emphasis on healthy options, with many recipes low in sugar and fat, with gluten- and egg-free options, and natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and agave nectar.

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Lessons are taught in Mandarin and English and are designed to boost confidence, enhance teamwork and improve time management.

Classes are organised by age and typically last an hour to 90 minutes. Trial classes start at $380 with courses of six classes from $2,100.

The studio is also available for private hire. 21/F, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, 3460 3130, www.whiskedbaking.com.

Towngas Cooking Centre Towngas has been teaching people to cook for more than 37 years. It offers a wide range of Chinese and Western cooking classes for adults and kids in English and Cantonese, with dishes ranging from dim sum dumplings to fine French cuisine. Its Little Chefs classes use child-sized equipment adjusted for children aged three to six, who learn hands-on cooking skills and kitchen safety through interactive games and storytelling while creating dishes such as a Japanese bento box with rice balls, fried prawns and stir-fried vegetables. From $450 for two hours. In May, it is running special two-hour parent-and-child classes for Mother’s

Day and Father’s Day (from $450 for one adult and one child). Birthday parties available. 9A Lee Theatre, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, 2576 1535, www.towngascooking.com.

Spark Studios Founded as a children’s cooking centre, Spark Studios also offers customised classes for adults (from $500). Its courses for budding cooks aged five to 14 include creative cooking and art history through food and dining etiquette. Classes are held in English in a 2,400 sq ft studio and teach students to make dishes such as cookies, Asian savouries and Japanese treats. Trial classes are $500, and six-week courses start at $2,430 for members and $2,700 for non-members. The studio is also available for private rental. 3/F Westlands Centre, 20 Westland Street, Quarry Bay, 2682 3411, www.sparkstudioshk.com.

YWCA Fun, interactive lessons for adults, children and families are part demo, part hands-on cooking.

Adults classes ($450) include mainly Chinese

knead, roll and bake dishes, plus family-friendly recipes. At Kids Can Cook, children aged three to six cook dishes such as giant cookies, fruit tacos and salad shakers in a course of eight 90-minute classes ($2,630). Lessons are taught in Cantonese, English or bilingual; check before signing up.

3/F, 1 Macdonnell Road, Central, 3476 1340, clle.ywca.org.hk.

The Peninsula Academy Held in the professional kitchens of the Peninsula hotel, the Peninsula Academy runs a series of cooking classes for kids aged four to 10. Each two-hour class starts with a mini buffet and beverages, followed by a preparation lesson and a demonstration of cake decorating by a pastry chef before children try adorning their own cupcakes. Children take home a hat, apron, theme-related treats and their own creation.

Classes cost $880 per child and must be booked at least five days in advance. Dim sum-making classes for teens and adults are also available, held in the Spring Moon kitchen with master chef Henry Fong ($2,000, minimum two people). The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6691, hongkong.peninsula.com.

Focusing on sweet treats at the Peninsula Academy.

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eating There’s an emphasis on healthy options, with many recipes low in sugar and fat Mixing Bowl Knead, roll and bake with baking and raw-food classes for adults and children. There’s an interesting and varied programme of adults’ classes, including bread-making, pasta and a whole patisserie full of sweet and savoury buns, cakes and desserts. Hands-on children’s classes for six- to 14-year-olds teach cooking techniques and food presentation. Each twoto three-hour lesson includes savoury and sweet dishes. In May, these include frittata and banoffee pie, and gnocchi and baked apple. A special Mother’s Day class on May 10 features Japanese fluffy cheesecake with sugar cookies, or waffles with berry compote. Lessons include home-baked snacks, coffee or tea, and children take home everything they cook plus recipes. Classes start at $400. 5 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, 2524 0001, www.themixingbowlhk.com.

Mini masterchefs at Mixing Bowl.

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sponsored feature

Ovolo Southside joins the brunch bunch Eat in the sunshine at the new modern weekend brunch at Ovolo Southside

The free-flow Sangria station and seafood bar.

Just a 15-minute journey by bus or taxi from Causeway Bay, Ovolo Southside is fast becoming a hotspot for weekend getaways. It’s not just the design-savvy hotel rooms drawing the crowds either as the weekend brunch is causing quite a stir. The all-you-can-eat affair in the hotel’s restaurant is a culinary first for the chain.

Helmed by head-chef Krzysztof Bandel, the highlight is the outdoor barbecue station, which has a distinctly international flavour. Delicious meats including lamb koftas, pork belly, sausages and chicken wings are cooked before your eyes and a mouthwatering array of sauces, dips and accompaniments are laid out to add a special touch to the barbecue.

The chefs are more than happy to provide

recommendations to give your food extra zing.

The brunch includes a salad and seafood bar, egg and omelette corner, as well as a freeflow Sangria station – the perfect drink for sunny summer afternoons on the terrace. Guests can also choose a main course from a range of chef’s favourites, including baked cuttlefish with ancho spices, butter beans and tomatoes on toasted sourdough, and the field mushroom pan with truffle bites, shiitake and portobello mushrooms, and japanese spa eggs on toasted sourdough.

Finish your meal by grazing the sweet offerings on the dessert bar.

Originally from Poland, head-chef Bandel is known for unusual mixes of herbs and spices and making sauces from scratch. “We insist on

making everything ourselves, not ordering premade items, creating something new all the time.

This keeps us chefs excited and lets customers try new flavours,” he says. “The international station is a unique concept. We’re looking at featuring different items from around the world each month.”

Don’t forget to bring your shades and sit outside and enjoy the soundtrack provided by the DJ spinning beats on the deck while soaking up the views of the surrounding mountains, stunning by day or night.

As brunch winds down, guests can continue the party at the rooftop bar, which serves creative cocktails against a spectacular backdrop. Alternatively, head downstairs for a game of pool, drinks and snacks at the bar or snuggle into cushy sofas.

Brunch is available at weekends and public holidays for $448 per person. On Sundays, children eat for just $248. This month, it has an exclusive offer for Southside Magazine readers: show staff a snapshot of this column and receive a free glass of Perrier-Jouet Champagne at your next brunch.

Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3460 8100, www.ovolohotels.com.

Enjoy the upbeat music while digging into the scrumptious buffet style brunch.

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eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene Prix fixe at Chez Patrick Stanley deli Chez Patrick is offering greatvalue, two- or three-course prix fixe menus featuring fine French produce for lunch (from $298) and dinner (from $348). Meals are paired with a glass of Cahors Château Lamartine 2011. G/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2683 5115.

Spring feast at LIS Café At L’hotel Island South, LIS Café is rolling out an array of seafood delicacies for Mother’s Day and Le French GourMay. King Prawn Delights Seafood Feast showcases more than 60 gourmet dishes, including Alaskan queen crab’s legs and oven-baked king prawn. The super-saver dinner buffet lets one adult or child eat free with every two paying adults, 6.30pm-9.30pm. P3, L’hotel Island South, 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3968 8833, www.lhotelhk.com.

New catering service Prune Organic Deli & Workshop now offers a home-delivery service for its great selection of fresh and packaged organic and health foods.

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A sister business to Grassroots Pantry, it offers a menu of 80 items, including vegetarian truffles and spring risotto. 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 2873 3353, info@prunedeliworkshop.com.

pink peppercorn butterfly salmon coated with butter, are available from May 4-18, with same-day deliveries on orders made by 5pm at 2108 4000, www.secretingredient.com.hk.

Le French GourMay at the Mandarin Oriental For Le French GourMay, part of the annual Le French May cultural festival, restaurants at the Mandarin Oriental are serving dishes made with Midi-Pyrenees ingredients. Two-Michelin-starred French restaurant Pierre is offering four courses ($988) or six courses ($1,488) while French dishes will also feature at a pop-up bistro in Café Causette (two courses, $428; three courses, $518). 5 Connaught Road Central, 2522 0111, www.mandarinoriental.com.

Dessert buffet with a view From May 1, The Lounge & Bar at Ritz-Carlton is offering a French dessert buffet, including a giant mille-feuille with layers of puffy, crunchy pastry and smooth bourbon vanilla cream. Available nightly from 8pm-10.30pm, the buffet is $280 or $498 with a choice of main course on Monday to Thursday. 102/F, ICC, 1 Austin Road, Elements, 2263 2270, restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com.

Secret French recipes Also for Le French GourMay, meal-delivery company Secret Ingredients has partnered with chefs from three French restaurants for MidiPyrenees dishes to make yourself at home from a box of weighed and prepared ingredients. The special recipes, which include Alchemy ($275),

Jamie opens in Kowloon British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is to open a second Hong Kong branch of Jamie’s Italian in Kowloon. The first local outlet of the familyfriendly chain has been a huge hit in Causeway Bay, and now he’s moving to the dark side, with a branch opening on Level 4 of Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, in the next few weeks. For details, visit www.jamieoliver.com.

eating

Roast pumpkin, nuts and quinoa salad Lucy Humbert creates a salad with substance Ingredients • 1 kg pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into large chunks • 100g quinoa, rinsed • 75g mixed nuts, lightly toasted and roughly chopped • 4 tbsp mixed seeds • 100g salad leaves • 3-4 tbsp roughly chopped herbs (coriander, parsley and mint) • 100ml olive oil (approx) • 1/2 a lemon, juiced • 100 ml plain yoghurt • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chef-restaurateur Lucy Humbert has been winning fans for her cooking for more than 20 years at Lucy’s, 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.

For the nuts I use raw pecans, walnuts and almonds, and for the seeds, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame, but any combination is fine.

Method • Pre-heat the oven to 180C. • Place the pumpkin in a roasting tin, with 2-3 tbsp of olive oil.

• Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 20-30 minutes until tender and tinged with brown.

• Simmer the quinoa for about 10 minutes until just tender.

• Drain and add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.

• For the dressing, combine the yoghurt, 2 tbsp olive oil and the remaining lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

• Arrange the pumpkin on a platter. Combine the quinoa, nuts, seeds, herbs and salad leaves and arrange over the pumpkin. Serve with the yoghurt dressing.

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education

Toon time: creative performing arts and drama are at the core of HHIK’s curriculum, along with traditional subjects in a fun environment.

Super school Hamilton Hill International Kindergarten offers a rounded preschool education focusing on drama – and Batman. Cherrie Yu meets founder Alex Keys.

Why was Hamilton Hill International Kindergarten established?

Building on the success of a previous venture for the Hong Kong Speech Festival, a group of investors persuaded me to bring that experience to a new kindergarten. We saw a gap in the Hong Kong international kindergarten market for a really good speech- and dramabased curriculum.

What is the concept behind HHIK? As a massive comic-book fan, the name Hamilton Hill comes from the world of Batman (he was the mayor of Gotham City), and we pay homage to superheroes in the school decor. I would have loved to have gone here when I was a child – in fact, that’s one of the things parents say to us when they visit.

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What makes the kindergarten special?

The moment you walk through the door at Hamilton Hill, you realise you are not in just “another” kindergarten. We designed the interior to create an atmosphere to empower and motivate our students to feel confident and achieve their goals. We also feel our unique speech and performance arts curriculum helps us deliver a special kindergarten experience for our students.

What classes does Hamilton Hill international Kindergarten offer?

We offer English Phonics playgroups for students from age of 18 months to four years old, and will start K1 and K2 classes in August. We also offer summer courses in July and August.

What does the curriculum cover?

At Hamilton Hill we set our goals and targets first then work through a “backwards design” to create lessons to achieve these outcomes.

We equip our students with the necessary traditional skills, such as numeracy, literacy and Mandarin, however, because of our focus on the building of confidence through performance arts and drama, we will gently push our students to learn and think out of the box in other areas. Our main priority is to work towards the skills necessary for placement in a good primary school, local or international.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in picturesque Derbyshire, England, but moved to the United States when I was 20 years old. I spent 10

holy kindergarten, batman!

A more open and creative kindergarten style is on the up all-important interview, but not forget about a well-rounded creative education too.

Tell us about your summer courses.

It promises to deliver a summer of adventure and fun-filled activities for students from two to 10 years old with a different theme each week.

Highlights include a super special Lego course, role play adventure and children will even get to be an archaeologist in our dinosaur dig.

School founder Alex Keys with his young students.

years in Seattle before deciding to explore Asia, a place I had always wanted to live. I have had a varied teaching life. I’ve been lucky enough to incorporate my teaching passion, which is speech and drama, into my lessons here. I arrived in Hong Kong 15 years ago and have been teaching here since then.

What is the educational trend in kindergartens?

A more open and creative kindergarten teaching style is on the up and I hope this trend continues as parents realise a well-rounded education is more important than concentrating on specific traditional skills. I feel the right kindergarten can prepare students for that

What’s the waiting list like?

We still have a number of places available for playgroup and kindergarten in August. If parents haven’t found the right school yet, then we feel we would make an excellent choice.

1-3 Wah Ching Street, North Point, 3461 9750, www.hhik.co.

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sponsored column

Surviving the admission process ITS Educational Services answers parents’ questions about school applications.

Offers for school places are usually made from February to April and many parents waiting to hear from their first-choice school face the dilemma of whether to pay a deposit for offers from their second or third choices.

Here are some typical questions we recently received from concerned parents.

My child passed her interview at two schools, but has been put on the waitlist.

What should I do?

Your child has a good chance of acceptance for spaces that become available before the new academic year starts or even mid-year.

You will also have the opportunity to re-apply for the following academic year. This is good because your child will be offered an interview next year owing to being waitlisted. While the disappointment of your child being placed on a waitlist is hard to take, it is helpful to think of this as an opportunity to learn more about what school is the perfect fit for your child.

An interim placement at another school is

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also a sound solution: attending a school with a similar curriculum and philosophy will improve your child’s chances of acceptance at your firstchoice school next year.

consider other schools that you may not have considered before How should I deal with the news that my child has not been offered a place at any of my preferred schools?

Firstly, make sure your child does not perceive any negative feelings as this may reduce his or her confidence the next time an interview comes around. Keep the disappointment and frustration between parents and discuss very little about the situation with your child. Make a new plan and consider other schools that you may not have considered before. The school

that is the right fit is the one that ultimately chooses your child.

I missed some important deadlines this year. How should I prepare to prevent this happening again?

Contact your preferred schools and set alerts in your diary for application dates for the 2016 academic year. Apply on the first day, so you don’t have the urge to procrastinate.

Ensure copies of all the documentation you need for the application are in order and in separate folders for each school. Follow up with the admissions department to ensure the application is in order before the deadline.

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.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

family Just for mum Mother’s Day gifts that will make her smile.

Urban Rituelle fragrance diffuser $349 from Inside, 231 Landmark Prince’s Building, Central, www.inside.com.hk.

Tu Textile flower cushions In organic cotton. $695 from TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.tree.com.hk.

Mother’s Day cards Part of a range by Nocturnal Paper. $31.85 (plus $2 postage) from www.etsy.com.

Hong Kong charm bracelet $850 from G.O.D, 1/F Stanley Plaza, Stanley, www.god.com.hk.

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xoxo Pomfret bag $1,250 from Louella Odié, www.louellaodie.com.

Fingerprint charm Handcrafted silver charms featuring your child's fingerprint. From $700, Smallprint, www.smallprint.com.

Bumble bee pouch In hand-printed leather. $1,500 from Louella Odié.

Fowler jar candle In sweet pea and jasmine, $280 from Mirth, M/F 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, www. mirthhome.com.

Chinese dining set

By Mariko Jesse for Faux, $980 from TREE.

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family

Mother’s Day deals Places to go on May 10. By Callum Wiggins.

Dining 208 Duecento Otto Italian food comes with a lighter, sweeter flavour this Mother’s Day with four dishes designed with mums in mind. Among the items created by chef Alan Marchetti are seared tuna with burrata and sun-blushed tomatoes ($168), garganelli pasta with prawns and zucchini ($198) and ricotta parfait with dried fruits and nuts, sour cherries and pistachio sauce ($78).

Families will be welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Italian wine. 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2549 0208.

Lucy’s Lucy’s Mother’s Day menu includes starters of smoked salmon with blinis and dill sour cream, gorgonzola and red onion crostini with walnuts and apple, and pumpkin, coconut and ginger soup. For main, you might like roast game hen wrapped in bacon with rosemary and goat’s cheese, seared tuna nicoise or tagliatelle with asparagus and porcini cream. Finish on a sweet note with berry and mascarpone shortbread or chocolate fondant. From $230 for two courses, $270 for three courses. 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.

Brick Lane Mums eat free at Brick Lane branches in Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui on May 10-11.

Inspired by the funky vibe of Brick Lane in London’s East End, the restaurants are bright and fun with quirky interiors. For Mother’s Day, the dinner set includes mains of grilled Iberico

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pork chop with caramelised apples, or pistachio-crusted grilled lamb rack with roasted potatoes. Mums also receive a complimentary fruit bouquet. $388 a head. 4/F Citic Tower, Admiralty; 17-23 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2 Blenheim Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.bricklane.com.hk.

Hotel L’hotel Island South Go on staycation for Mother’s Day with the Stay & Dine package at L’hotel Island South.

It includes a one-night stay in a premium cityview room, dinner and breakfast buffets for two and access to the gym and outdoor pool. 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3968 8838, www.lhotelislandsouth.com.

Spa The Peninsula Spa Mums and daughters can be pampered together at The Spa with a bespoke treatment package designed to suit your mood, plus a

family

poolside breakfast or lunch. A package for two, including a meal, costs $3,600 for two hours, $5,400 for three hours, or $7,200 for four hours.

The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6682, spaphk@peninsula.com.

Plateau Spa Until May 10, any purchase of a Plateau Spa voucher for treatments of an hour or longer will come with two complimentary day passes worth $1,100 to the Grand Hyatt’s leisure facilities, including the 50m outdoor heated pool and the fitness studio. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2588 1234.

The Mandarin Spa and Salon Treat mum to the luxurious new Mamma Rose treatment – a 60-minute full-body massage using a variety of techniques to release tension in the neck, shoulders and back – for $1,600 on weekdays and $1,700 at weekends. Or she might prefer to sip a glass of rosé champagne during a manicure ($400) or pedicure ($580) at the Mandarin Salon. Both treatments include a complimentary rose-inspired gift. Mandarin

Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, www.mandarinoriental.com. Mandarin Spa, 2825 4800; Mandarin Salon, 2825 4888.

I-Spa Mums will be glowing with the Mother’s Day I-Spa Package. It includes a steam shower, sauna and hydrotherapy bath in a private I-Spa suite, followed by a 30-minute Vitality Back Massage and a hydrating face treatment. From $2,180 for two hours and 15 minutes. Available May 1-31. InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 1211, hkghc.spa@ihg.com.

facial, plus a limited-edition Sense of Touch diary and embroidered shoulder pad filled with relaxing herbs. For expectant mothers, the Mom-To-Be Heavenly Retreat ($1,780 for 2.5 hours) includes a full-body massage, revitalising facial and toe polish in your favourite colour.

The Mother and Daughter Duet ($1,880 for 90 minutes for two people) includes a facial, massage and express pedicure. 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

Sense of Touch For Mother’s Day, this Southside Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award winner is offering a Mama Mia! package ($1,680 for two hours). It includes a specialised aromatherapy massage and moisturising

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outdoors

Double trouble

Kristen Tadrous hikes the Terrible Twins from Stanley to Wong Nai Chung Gap. For a workout packing a serious punch, look no further than the Twin Peaks and Violet Hill.

Dubbed the Terrible Twins for its butt-kicking steps, this 4.8km trek from Stanley to Wong Nai Chung Gap (Hong Kong Parkview) is dubbed “very difficult” by the AFCD and gives any stair-climber machine a run for its money. The two- to three-hour hike is hard work but the rewards are incredible views of outlying islands, sparkling waters, fairytale woodlands and the concrete jungle.

The route is the first stage of the 78km Wilson Trail across Hong Kong. From Stanley Gap Road, between Repulse Bay and Stanley, enter Tai Tam Country Park and set off up the infamous “Thousand Steps”.

As you climb, the sea breeze gently nudges you skyward. Take regular breaks to take in the splendid view of Stanley’s colourful architecture and sailboats scudding across the South China Sea, or just to make way for oncoming hikers and their dogs, beaming as they run down the stairs in a victorious finish.

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Up and up you go, then the landscape suddenly changes from pavement and low brush to a rocky dirt path engulfed by trees.

The sun disappears behind the welcome greenery, and the climb dims and steepens before reaching the first peak. Stop to catch your breath and admire the panoramic beauty of Hong Kong’s wilderness: wildflowers scent

As you climb, the sea breeze gently nudges you skyward the breeze above the blue waters of the Tai Tam reservoirs. Vertical trails vein the mountain ahead signalling the next steps on your journey.

With the Thousand Steps conquered (if your legs have not turned to jello), hoof it down the first hill. The sense of accomplishment on reaching the valley is fleeting, however, for another rocky uphill path awaits.

stair master

Clockwise from above: view from the top; looking north; wildflowers; the notorious Thousand Steps from Stanley.

Gruelling as it may seem, arriving at the second summit is a field day for your camera’s panorama feature, capturing the lush green peaks, views of the Southside, outlying islands, and the Wong Nai Chung reservoir ahead. The hardest part is over.

From here, descend to Tsin Shui Wan Au, a junction crowded with hikers taking a breather.

Continue to Violet Hill, a 433-metre peak which feels like a cakewalk in comparison. A large compass and signs for Hong Kong Parkview and Wilson Trail Stage 2 are a reminder of how far you’ve come. After winding around hills and flowery meadows for about 1km, Hong Kong’s skyline and Parkview come into view and the sight couldn’t be more welcome.

As you ease back into civilization, public bathrooms and the Wong Nai Chung reservoir beckon you for a much-needed break and stretch. Whether you catch a bus from Wong Nai Chung Gap or continue to Stage 2, give yourself a pat on the back for conquering one of Hong Kong’s most notorious treks.

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big day out

it’s geological

Smashing rocks Check out Hong Kong’s world-class rock formations on a trip to the Geopark.

Long before the land where we live was known as Hong Kong, it was a supervolcano, one of only 50 that have existed worldwide.

A whopping 18 kilometres in diameter, the volcano’s centre was located under modern Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Then, 140 million years ago, it erupted so violently that the volcano collapsed, leaving a giant crater or caldera and some astonishing rock formations which are still visible on its northeastern edge. Focused around High Island in Sai Kung, these formations now form the 50-square-kilometre Hong Kong Global Geopark of China.

The gateway to the Geopark is the Volcano Discovery Centre, conveniently located right

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next to the bus terminal in Sai Kung. Housed in a purpose-built structure, its displays explain the background to the park and its rocks. From Sai Kung there are several options for getting up close to the rocks themselves.

By land, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to one of the Geopark’s most interesting sections of hexagonal rock columns: hop on a no.94 or 96R bus to Pak Tam Chung country park gate, skip into a taxi to the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir, jump out the other end. Easy!

Looking like the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, the buckled hexagonal columns are magnificent and there’s plenty of signage to explain just how they came into being.

There’s a viewing point on the dam and you

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Bay

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big day out

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big day out Like the famous Giant’s Causeway, the hexagonal columns are magnificent

From left: The dolosses and reservoirs of the High Island East Dam; caves, stacks and hexagonal columns.

can walk down for a closer look. Offshore are the towering rock stacks at Po Chi Chau, a photographer’s dream. Perhaps of more interest to children, however, is rock-hopping to a nearby cave.

“There were quite a few people around, but it’s a big area, so even if there are lots of people it doesn’t feel busy,” says one visitor.

From the East Dam pagoda, there’s a well-

signposted hike to Long Ke beach, a beautiful sweep of golden sand and turquoise sea, with plenty of space for games. Be warned, however, there are no facilities at the beach so take drinks and snacks and be prepared for the uphill hike back.

Other local Geopark sites require a boat.

Easily accessible by kaido from Sai Kung waterfront is a tombolo (a spit of deposited

rocks and sand joining two islands) linking Sharp Island and Kiu Tau. The ferry to Hap Mun stops at Kiu Tsui beach, where visitors can swim or barbecue while waiting for the tide to drop low enough to stroll across the tombolo.

To reach further-flung locations, there are several boat tour operators based on Sai Kung waterfront. Sai Kung District Community Centre runs guided trips to three different areas of the Geopark (www.ecotoursaikung.com).

Depending on the itinerary, tours might visit the hexagonal columns of the Ninepin Islands – look for the “face” in the rocks – or the caves and sea stacks of Basalt, Bluff and Wang Chau islands.

For something more active, Kayak and Hike (www.kayak-and-hike.com) runs day trips to the Geopark by speedboat, with a chance to kayak through a sea arch, snorkel over coral and hike on Bluff island, then go for a slap-up seafood meal. Who says geology is boring?

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living & home

And breathe...

With asthma affecting 10 per cent of children in Hong Kong, Kristen Tadrous finds ways to reduce triggers.

Spring is a traditionally a time when children play outside and enjoy outdoor activities. But for those living with asthma, it signals a time when the air becomes a foe.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, affecting 10 per cent of children in Hong Kong and largely attributed to genetic and environmental factors. It’s a respiratory condition with symptoms including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin rashes and inflamed eyes. The average age for asthma onset is four years.

With the disease on the rise among children, particularly over the past five years, May 5 has been named World Asthma Day.

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In a city as polluted Hong Kong, children are especially vulnerable. There is a correlation between the environment and the number of asthma cases among children. Ground level ozone and pollutants from cars, factories and power plants trigger asthma attacks, making victims all the more sensitive to other triggers such as dust mites and mould.

Coping with asthma “There are few things as scary as witnessing your child struggling to breathe,� says mum Nicolette Jaeger, whose son, six, has asthma. After nighttime coughing turned to chronic wheezing and breathlessness, Jaeger took him for a proper diagnosis. Learning

air do’s

A dust-free environment, toxin-free paints and unscented cleaning products help to keep asthma attacks at bay.

her son had asthma has made her conscious of what to do in the home.

While there’s no known cure for asthma, getting smart about prevention and remedies is a preemptive step in avoiding its onset and recurrence. Creating a smoke-free environment helps, but eliminating any source of allergens is the ultimate way to reduce symptoms.

In the home, this means identifying asthma triggers and stopping them before they strike.

Hong Kong’s humid conditions create a breeding ground for allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mould. Mitigating pollutants such as second- or third-hand smoke, pet odours,

There are few things as scary as witnessing your child struggling to breathe or even artificial scents also significantly helps reduce symptoms.

Jaeger’s first move was to remove all asthma triggers from her home, including certain perfumes, and to swap scented candles and air fresheners for unscented cleaning products.

While avoiding air pollution is nearly impossible, taking steps to reduce your family’s exposure to it is within your control. This means

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living & home How to dodge asthma triggers Mother Nicolette Jaeger, whose son has asthma, recommends easy ways to minimise triggers.

• Vacuuming at least once or twice a week helps reduce dust triggers in the air.

• Look for air purifiers and vacuum cleaners that mention high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, which remove allergens and pollutants from the environment reducing exposure to these triggers.

• When asthma triggers are unavoidable, consider wearing a face mask.

• Use air conditioners to increase air circulation and reduce humidity (allergens thrive in humid conditions). Make sure filters are changed regularly.

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getting familiar with Hong Kong’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), minimising outdoor playtime on bad air-quality days and taking children to play areas far removed from major roads.

If asthma sufferers wish to go outside, they should always take a reliever inhaler, which uses a medicine that quickly relaxes the muscles surrounding the tightened airways to facilitate breathing.

It’s important to teach children living with asthma the importance of keeping a reliever inhaler handy, especially during times of poor air quality.

It’s also important to inform schoolteachers of your children’s condition and devise a plan in case of an asthma attack.

Hong Kong-based naturopath Dr Joelle Bradford recommends seeing a naturopathic doctor, who can diagnose underlying environmental allergies that trigger asthma.

This type of specialist may also be able to subscribe supplements or formulate a nutrition plan, bringing the child’s system back into balance.

“Every person who has asthma has individual triggers, so it is imperative to know your own condition and what makes it better and worse,” Dr Bradford says.

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travel

A golden-hour view of Taipei 101 and the rest of the city from Elephant Mountain.

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six of the best

Taipei weekend

Two days in Taiwan’s capital. By Hannah Grogan.

The Taiwanese are doing something right.

Home to more than 2.5 million people, capital city Taipei is a friendly, considerate sort of place where people stop to help if you look lost and looking at a screen in public is considered anti-social. There are parks everywhere, drivers appear happy to share roads with cyclists and taking a train is a genuinely pleasant experience. It’s a foodie paradise, marketshopping mecca, perfect for culture buffs and a feast for a photographer’s eye. In other words, Taipei is pretty much the perfect weekend city break. Here are six of the best things to do in the city.

Ride a bike The entire city is bicycle-friendly with rent-anddrop locations at nearly every train station, most major intersections and attractions. Cycle-rental company YouBike (youbike.com.tw) hires out bicycles to commuters and visitors alike. It’s cheap, with two-day rentals costing less than HK$100. Get a taste for the city by getting lost in the different neighbourhoods and finding your way out again, cycling down streets, over bridges, beside the river and through parks. Plot a rough route at the start of your day, but expect to be diverted by the city’s hidden treasures.

If cycling isn’t your thing, Taipei’s MRT system is simple to wrap your head around.

Pick up an EasyCard (www.easycard.com.tw) for $80 for a two-day pass and start exploring.

Visit a night market The city is famed for its night markets, the largest and most popular of which is in the Shilin District, near Jiantan MRT station. The market is open from 4pm to after midnight, but it’s quietest in late afternoon before the masses arrive. If you’re cycling, drop off your bikes at the train station and head into the market on foot to shop for clothes, accessories, knickknacks and electronics. It’s Causeway Baybusy, but if the hustle and bustle gets too much, or your body aches after a day in the saddle, there are plenty of massage places nearby among the karaoke bars and video arcades.

Eat everything A favourite Taipei activity is eating, preferably little and often. Shilin Night Market has a designated food area filled with skewered, deep-fried, sweet and savoury delicacies: think

fried buns, tempura, oyster omelet, stinky tofu, bubble tea and even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Dig in.

Taipei’s most famous street snack, however, is xiao long bao steamed pork dumplings. Try them at Din Tai Fung (www.dintaifung.com.tw/en) on the ground floor of Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building. The internationally popular chain started as a street stall and is now one of Taipei’s most successful exports.

Get cultural Taiwan has a fascinating history and a plethora of museums – way too many for one weekend.

If you only have time for one, make it the National Palace Museum (www.npm.gov.tw/ en) in Shilin. It is home to one of the largest permanent collections of art and artefacts from ancient and imperial China, housed in an impressive hillside structure in lovely grounds.

Get a taste for the city by getting lost in the different neighbourhoods And then, of course, there are the temples.

Lungshan is a lovely old Buddhist and Taoist temple with incredible roof sculptures and wreathed in incense smoke, nestled between Guilin Road and Guangzhou Street in Wanhua District.

Also worth a visit is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, about a kilometre away. The monument is a large white monolithic cube with a pagoda-style octagonal roof, reached by 89 steps (Chiang’s age when he died). It’s set in a formal park and flanked by the traditional-style National Theatre and National Concert Hall.

Cycling is not permitted in the grounds, so leave your bike outside.

Take in the view Work off those dumplings with a hike up Elephant Mountain for the best views of Taipei.

Part of the Nangang District Hiking Trail, it’s a steep, 20- to 25-minute climb up a lot of stairs.

But get to the top in time for sunset and you’ll be rewarded by an incredible golden-hour glow.

Don’t forget your camera.

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travel

Clockwise from above: Shilin Night Market; street food; inside Lungshan Temple; skewers are a popular snack.

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travel

Read all night All-night reading is a hit at 24-hour bookshop, Eslite Bookstore. This five-storey monument to the printed word allows people to read without having to buy. It now operates more than 40 stores across Asia. 2/F, 245 Tunhua South Road, Section 1, Taipei, www.eslite.com.

Where to stay In terms of international five-star hotels, The Regent Taipei is hard to beat with 538 guestrooms, eight restaurants and a rooftop pool handily located near the shops in Zhongshan District (www.regenthotels.com/ EN/Taipei). For something more boutique, Villa 32 (www.villa32.com) is a stylish five-room retreat north of the city overlooking the misty hot springs of Yangming Mountain. It has two Japanese-style tatami rooms, three western rooms and plenty of wow factor.

How to get there Hong Kong Airlines operates daily direct flights to Taipei for about $1,200, www.hongkongairlines.com. The flight takes less than two hours.

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health & beauty

Clockwise from top: the gong array at Red Doors Studio; founder Martha Collard; participants lie on mats beside the array for the gong bath.

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boingggg

Submerged in sound Can a gong bath ease body and soul? We visit Red Doors Studio to put it to the test.

The yogi

By Kristen Tadrous I’m always keen to try new meditation techniques, yet I can never swear by just one.

Despite my eagerness to attend a gong bath, I made a point not to research it before my appointment. So I rolled into Red Doors Studio in Wong Chuk Hang as a blank slate with zero expectations.

Welcoming me was founder Martha Collard, who has many titles – management consultant, career counsellor, Kundalini Yoga instructor and now the owner of the largest personal Paiste gong collection in Asia.

Red Doors Studio is vast, with four studios for meditation, a full kitchen and bathroom.

Geared toward corporate wellness and personal growth, its contemporary atmosphere and fresh look make this a haven in cramped, stressed-out Hong Kong.

Treatment As we entered a large, brightly lit studio, with big windows and mirrors covering one wall, my eyes were drawn to the massive gong set occupying one corner.

First up, there is no water involved in a gong bath. The studio’s mantra is “ancient healing for modern times” and a gong bath is a Bronze Age technique said to induce a state of deep mental and physical relaxation.

After an extensive gong briefing and consultation with Collard, my personalised session begins. Adhering to my zeroexpectations rule, I lay flat on a yoga mat, covered in linen with a fragrant lavender pouch covering my eyes and clutching a stone necklace for balance. The meditative background music simmered down, and the procession of gongs began.

“OM…” the gong vibrations traversed the room before making their way to me. As they started slowly, the early morning coupled with

my resting position was enough to put me back to sleep. Suddenly, the gongs got louder and more climactic, reverberating for what seemed like ages, completely disconnecting me from the clamorous construction outside.

Remembering to take slow, deep breaths, I couldn’t seem to focus on anything else.

This persisted for a while; breathing and contemplation, with pleasant thoughts occasionally running through my mind. As the gong vibrations dwindled, I felt Collard circle around me hitting a small gong in her hand.

With each strike, I felt a slight tingle and my hair rose. Whether this went on for a few seconds or minutes I’m not sure as I had reached REM sleep.

There is no water involved in a gong bath, a Bronze Age technique Verdict The 20-minute session left me feeling tranquil and the pace of the world seemed to have slowed a few notches. Though the one-on-one setting made for a more customised session, having no one else to share the experience removed the bonding aspect of most meditations. (Group sessions are available.)

As the Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood continues to gentrify, I have no doubt Southside residents and working professionals will escape their desks for some quality time with yoga mats and gongs. It’s deeply relaxing and with no oils, showers or need to change, a gong bath takes no longer than a coffee break.

I can see this sound healing turning meditation sceptics into believers.

The sceptic

By Callum Wiggins In Hong Kong, we are no strangers to sound – traffic, construction work and the general hum of millions of people reverberate through our lives. Red Doors Studio hopes to remove some of that built-up stress. Its signature treatment claims benefits including calming the body and rebalancing our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies solely through the use of gongs. It’s an intriguing idea.

Treatment Located on the 21st floor of a nondescript industrial high rise in Wong Chuk Hang, Martha Collard has transformed her studio into an oasis of tranquillity. Sunshine floods the main room where the gongs are located, each of a different size and possessing unique sound qualities.

I lie down on a full-length mat in front of the gong structure under a blanket and a lavender-scented eye mask. So far, so relaxing.

The first gong sounds. Each gong is capable of producing a multitude of sounds, depending on where the gong is struck and how hard. The biggest gongs produce an impressive amount of sound, which bounces off the walls and resonates around the room. However, this was where the experience reached its peak for me.

After listening to the gongs for a while, I feel slightly bored.

Verdict My gong bath left me relaxed, but I was lying down in the middle of the day with an eye mask and a warm blanket. The sound of the gongs is rather special, but whether it is able to stimulate anything more than a state of relaxation, I remain sceptical.

21/F, Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 9673 8075, www.red-doors.com.

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pets Skin deep

There’s a lot more to a dog than the way it looks, says Sally Andersen.

Is this funny fella a Lab-shih tzu crossbreed?

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When someone told me the other day they had had a DNA test done on their multi-breed dog to find out what breeds were in its make-up, I stopped short of rolling my eyes – but I did comment that I felt such tests were pointless.

These tests are not only known to be so unreliable as to be a waste of time and money, but what difference does it make to know that a few generations ago a dalmatian left its mark?

It’s fairly easy to make a good guess at the heritage of a crossbreed, that is the first mix of two known breeds such as a labradoodle (labrador/poodle) or cockapoo (cocker spaniel/ poodle). But if the reason for performing a DNA test is to foresee character traits in puppies, then that too is pointless. Labradors and poodles have very differing personalities as well as coats, and not all labradoodles have curly hair or are typically easygoing.

The most important thing to look for in a puppy or an adult dog isn’t their appearance or

which breeds they descend from, but what sort of personality they have. A happy, friendly puppy will stay that way, assuming it’s treated well and properly trained using positive methods. An over-confident puppy will grow into a similarly outgoing adult, most likely with a mind of its own that may need guiding towards good manners.

A shy puppy will probably gain confidence as it grows, but these types aren’t recommended for families with children, existing or anticipated, because they tend to find the loud noise too much to handle. These character traits are evident in very young puppies and are not connected to the colour of their coat or the shape of their ears.

When I make bi-weekly visits to the AFCD to choose dogs and puppies for homing, being able to make quick decisions about those that will be suitable is essential. I can’t say I have never been swayed by big doe eyes and long floppy ears, and I’ve taken a chance on timid animals quite a

who’s a pretty boy?

hong kong creatures Common five-ring aka Ypthima baldus

few times, but body language speaks volumes.

What might initially appear a hopeless case can be turned around in a very short time if you can spot the signs and are able to convey the right message back.

Scared dogs respond to a soft voice and non-threatening behaviour just like a frightened child, and in minutes that quivering wreck can be in your arms and giving you a big thank-you kiss.

Still, there’s a newcomer in the Homing Centre that’s the funniest-looking dog I’ve seen( (opposite). I can’t help wondering what on earth went into producing a face like that. My guess is a Labrador-shih tzu combination, but I’m leaving it at that and my imagination.

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

As its name suggests, this small and rather plain Asian butterfly has a series of dark rings, or ocelli, on its wings. Its wingspan ranges from 30mm to 45mm. Adult butterflies are pale brown with yellow-ringed ocelli – typically the forewing has one large ring and the hind wing has five or six smaller rings. The male also has a broad, greyishblack band on the forewing.

Confusingly, most individuals have not five but six or even seven rings. This is because the name is based on the number of rings on the hind wing only.

It is a common butterfly regularly seen in grassland throughout Hong Kong. Its range stretches across Asia from northern India to China and Taiwan, and as far south as Thailand.

The young caterpillars feed on the leaves of a species of grass, Micostegium

ciliatum. The newly born caterpillars are white, with small pink patches on their bodies, but they quickly develop a greenish or grey-brown undertone owing to their leaf diet.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: Widely distributed in grassland throughout the territory.

Steffi Yuen

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marketplace

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marketplace

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marketplace

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marketplace

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marketplace

Do you want to write for Here’s your chance!

Southside Magazine is currently looking for talented individuals to become members of our team. So if you’re a writer with something to say we want to hear from you!

We are looking for writers and correspondents for the following areas: • Shek O • Stanley • Repulse Bay • Cyberport • Pokfulam • Aberdeen • Wong Chuk Hang • Ap Lei Chau Interested? Think you are a true Southside local with a voice?

Contact us now. Send any writing samples or inquiries to: writer@fastmedia.com.hk

WE’RE LOOKING FOR INTERNS Do you want to learn about magazine publishing?

Fast Media Ltd is looking for editorial interns to work on our, Southside, Sai Kung and Expat Parent magazines.

You must: • Be a native English speaker • Be available for a full time two month internship • Be a university student or recent graduate • Want a successful career in media • Be available immediately • Be ready to work hard Email us your CV and a cover letter telling us why you would be a good magazine intern. email: writer@fastmedia.com.hk

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marketplace

distribution

where to find us

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

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Pok Fu Lam

- Aberdeen Marina Club - Brain Child - Colour My World - Elite PT Studio - Flex Studio - GCX - Golden Goose Gourmet - MUM - One Island South - Ovolo Southside - Park N Shop - Sift Patisserie - South Island School - The Mirth - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

- Kellett School - Kennedy School - Mount Davis - Safari Kid - The Merton - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School

Cyberport - Baguio Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Cyberport Arcade - Delaney’s - Indigo Kids - Indigo Living - International (Park N Shop) - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Strive Fitness - Thaima-V

Larvotto Due to popular demand, we’ve increased distribution to Larvotto by 30%. This marine-themed luxury residential complex offers unmatched waterfront views and is only 5 minutes from upscale shopping at Horizon Plaza.

Southside Magazine can be found at the Larvotto clubhouse and on the coffee tables of many of its residents.

Ap Lei Chau - Bumps to Babes - Chapin House - Everything Under The Sun - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Little Picasso Studio - Mothercare - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Rimba Rhyme - Shambala Cafe - Toof Contemporary - TREE

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The Peak - Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - Glenealy School - Haagen-Dazs - International (Park N Shop) - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Peak Lookout Café - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

Manhattan Tower This exclusive residential building, tucked away in a lush country park setting, houses some of the most stunning apartments on the Southside.

All 40 units are 2,400 square feet with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, teak floors and best of all, large balconies to soak up the breathtaking views of Deep Water Bay and the South China Sea. Southside Magazine is now conveniently placed in the Manhattan Tower reception.

Stanley

- Biva Deep Water Bay - The Boathouse - O Thai Restaurant and Beach Bar - Cafe Groucho’s - Hong Kong Country Club - Chez Patrick - Park N Shop - Cheers Real Estate Limited - Victoria Recreation Club - The Chocolate Room - Classified - Core Fitness - Lucy’s on the Front - Mayarya - Mijas - Pacific Pets - Pickled Pelican Pok Fu Lam - Paisono’s Pizzeria Chi Fu The Peak Parkview - Pizza Club Tai Tam - Print House Cyberport Shouson Hill - Ricacorp Properties Big Wave Bay Aberdeen - Saigon in Stanley Bel-Air Deep Water Bay - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia - Stan Cafe Repulse Bay Red Hill Ap Lei Chau Wong Chuk Hang - Stanley Cave - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe The Manhattan - Stanley Veterinary Centre Shek O Chung Hom Kok - Starbucks - Taste Supermarket One Island - Vern’s Beach Bar

South Located in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located in the lobby.

Sheung Wan & Central - Epic MMA - Escapade Sports - ITS Educational Services - Seasons Fitness - Sense of Touch - Starlit Art Space - Wynd Co-Working Space

Stanley

Tai Tam / Shek O

Repulse Bay - Anastassia’s Art House - Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons - Dymocks - Escapade Sports - HS Modern Art - Indigo - Manhattan Tower - Miles International School - Sense of Touch - Spices - The Club - The Lily - The Pulse - The Somerset - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

- American Club - Black Sheep - Ben’s Back Beach Bar - Cococabana - Craigengower Cricket Club - Eton House International Pre-School - Fusion (Park’N Shop) - Happy Garden Restaurant - Hong Kong Cricket Club - Hong Kong International School - Hong Kong Parkview - Lulu Shop - The Manhattan - Ming’s Cafe - Pacific View Residential Clubhouse - PIPS Kindergarten - Redhill Clubhouse - Shining Stone Restaurant - Soma Spa - Sunshine House Tai Tam - Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

marketplace

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 71

southside secrets

big floater

Mumbo Jumbo The inside story of Aberdeen’s famous floating restaurant.

By Callum Wiggins.

What do Tom Cruise, Chow Yun-fat and Queen Elizabeth II have in common? They have all visited Jumbo Kingdom, Aberdeen’s iconic floating restaurant. A popular spot on most tourist itineraries and reached only by boat, Jumbo Kingdom has recently had a multi-million-dollar makeover and is a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy.

Its decor takes inspiration from Chinese imperial palaces, with visitors welcomed by golden dragons and staff in traditional costume. Tables are arranged over three floors, with the ground floor housing finedining dim sum fusion restaurant Dragon Court and a larger banquet restaurant on the top two floors. The roof – which once housed Top Deck, a popular alfresco brunch spot that closed in 2013 – has also been renovated and will soon be available for private functions.

The food is mainly Cantonese with plenty of seafood, which seems appropriate given the

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The brainchild of tycoon Stanley Ho, the Jumbo had a baptism of fire fishing harbour location. A signature dish is flamed drunken shrimp, with shrimps flambeed in Chinese rose wine at the table.

The brainchild of tycoon Stanley Ho, the Jumbo had a baptism of fire. In October 1971, a few days before its grand opening, the finishing touches were being applied to what was to be Hong Kong’s largest floating restaurant when sparks from a welder landed on some highly flammable trimming and set it alight.

Within minutes, the boat was aflame. With no firefighting equipment on board, the fire engulfed the Jumbo restaurant and 34 people died.

The burned-out hull sat in Aberdeen

Harbour for months until a four-year rescue operation began to completely reconstruct it in even grander style. The revamped Jumbo finally opened to the public in 1976.

It may be the largest, but it’s not the only floating restaurant in Aberdeen. Moored right next to it is the venerable Tai Pak, which was built in 1957 and seats more than 400 guests.

Its resplendent dining area featured in major films including 1955 romance Love Is a ManySplendored Thing and Bruce Lee’s acclaimed Enter the Dragon. (A third floating restaurant, The Sea Palace, appears in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, along with the wreck of the Queen Elizabeth in the harbour.)

Open Mon-Sat 11am-11.30pm, Sun 9am11.30pm, reached by free ferry from Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, 2553 9111, www.jumbokingdom.com.