FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING
November 2015
Plate it up New dining concept PlateCulture
New Adventures Discover Hok Tau Reservoir
Shop till you drop All the fun of the Christmas fairs
Awesome activities for kids
The really useful magazine NOVEMBER 2015
PEOPLE 2 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life. THE PLANNER 6 Happening in November What’s on. NEWS
NEWS FROM THE GREENS 19 Global Goals Spread the word. FEATURE 20 Keep ‘em busy Activities for kids over the winter. EATING
10 What’s going on? In your backyard. GIVEAWAYS 14 Free stuff Fab things to win. FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Yuki Chung Sai Kung old town’s fruit stall holder. LOCAL 18 Hot seats The lowdown on the upcoming district council elections.
26 Come dine with me We try out new the dining concept PlateCulture. Plus nibbles. INTERVIEW 30 A hive of activity The Hive co-founder Constant Tedder. FAMILY 34 Fair season Festive markets to visit leading up to the Christmas holidays.
OUTDOORS 36 Help Hong Kong Get involved and improve Hong Kong’s environment. EDUCATION 38 Busy little bees Sai Kung’s newest playgroup, Bumble Bee Playgroup. HOME & LIVING 42 New Territory Advice for newcomers settling down in Hong Kong. BIG DAY OUT 44 New adventures A day out at Hok Tau Reservoir.
HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 Coconut crazy Snack on, slurp up or smear over your body. PETS 54 Veterinary acupuncture Healing your pet’s ailments with acupuncture. HONG KONG CREATURES 54 The Falcated Duck Quack. VINES IN SAI KUNG 60 What’s all the fuss about? Stephen Vines cuts the fuss.
TRAVEL 48 Xiamen A weekend north of the border.
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“IT IS BETTER TO BE A FAILURE AT SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAN TO BE A SUCCESS AT SOMETHING YOU HATE.” - GEORGE BURNS
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people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese Snaps from Sai Kung
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people ESF Schools Football Tournament
photo by: Bold and beautiful photography
Pink Ladies Splash of Pink
Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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planner
NOV 7
Terry Fox Run The annual Terry Fox community run will set off from Renaissance College in Ma On Shan. Runners (or walkers) can choose a 3km, 5km or 10km route. All are welcome and donations will go to cancer projects in Hong Kong. Starts from 10am. www.terryfox.org
NOV 1 Movember!
NOV 1-7 & 15 Hong Kong Art Gallery Week
Movember will once again see men across the globe cultivating their facial hair all in aid of raising awareness for men’s health issues. hk.movember.com
Art talks, activities and over 100 exhibitions at Hong Kong’s booming art districts. Gallery tours including Blindspot Gallery and Mur Nomade. Details at www.hk-aga.org.
NOV 1 Pool closes
NOV 1-30 Kin Hong Seafood Festival
Sai Kung swimming pool shut for winter. Open again from April 1.
For the month of November, over 30 restaurants and retailers will participate in the festival to increase the public’s knowledge of sustainable seafood at various locations throughout the city, including a cook off between local chefs on Nov 21 at the HK Maritime Museum. More details at www.oceanrecov.org.
NOV 1 24HR Charity Dinghy Race & Black Shrimp Halloween Carnival A big weekend of sailing with teams racing around a short course at the Pak Sha Wan Bay. Plus bouncy castles, stalls, games and live entertainment. Finishes at 4pm. Free entry. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.hk.
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UNTIL NOV 7 Marco Polo Oktoberfest Fill your tankards for the annual German beer festival. Prost! 6pm-11pm (11.30pm on Friday
and Saturday), Marco Polo Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $120-$260 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
NOV 7 Charity Race for Hong Kong Homeless Dog Shelter A 4km walk with your pooch and all proceeds donated to Hong Kong Homeless Dog Shelter. Race starts at 10am at Chinese International School. Participation fee is $150, donations welcome, www.hkraceforstrays.com.
NOV 7-8 Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier A weekend of rugby. Watch teams battle it out to qualify to represent Asia in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po. Tickets at www.ticketflap.com.
happening in November NOV 7-8 Walk for Nature A fundraising walk organized by the WWF around a set route known as “paradise for birds”, Mai Po Nature Reserve. Select a time slot between 9.30am-6pm. Kids are welcome. www.wwf.org.hk
NOV 19 Hong Kong Academy Open Evening Learn about the pathways, financial aid and academic opportunities for graduating students at HKA. Starts from 6.30pm. Register at www. hkacademy.edu.hk/visitus
NOV 8 Ladies’ Purse Day
NOV 19-22 Macau Grand Prix
Grab your girls, slap on a hat and enjoy a glamorous day at the races. Noon-6pm, Sha Tin Racecourse, www.hkjc.com
Both car and motorcycle races hit the streets of Macau on one of the most demanding circuits in the world. Tickets from www.macauticket.com
NOV 8 Sai Kung Sunday Market
NOV 27-29 Clockenflap
NOV 12 The Hive Sai Kung Board Game Night
NOV 13 Sai Kung Open Air Cinema Club The Open Air Cinema Club screens Scary Movie. Doors open at 6pm, movie starts at 7.30pm. Tickets $150, RSVP cinema@thehive.com.hk
NOV 27-29 Roald Dahl, The Witches One of our all-time favourite books comes to life. Great for children five years and up (plus brave grown ups). Lyric Theatre, HKAPA. Tickets $295-$595. www.hkticketing.com.hk
A range of local vendors will be at the monthly indoor farmers’ and craft market. 11am-5pm, Hong Kong Academy, Wa Man Road, Sai Kung, www.saikungmarkets.com
Compete with your friends in classic board games including Scrabble and Humanity, or bring your own. Starts at 6pm. For over 18’s. Free entry, details at www.thehivesaikung.com.hk
Hong Kong Academy Open Evening.
NOV 22 Hong Kong District Council Elections Don’t forget to vote!
NOV 26 Thanksgiving Turkey time!
Clean Bandit and Flying Lotus headline Hong Kong’s funkiest music festival plus art, film cabaret and a silent disco on grass at West Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets $580-$1,940 from www.clockenflap.com
NOV 28 Sai Kung Open Air Cinema Club The Open Air Cinema Club screens Austin Powers (The Spy Who Shagged Me). Doors open at 6pm, movie starts at 7pm. Tickets $120, RSVP cinema@thehive.com.hk
NOV 14-15 Men of Harlech Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir perform some classic pieces with students from Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Concert Hall, HKAPA, tickets start at $200 from www.hkticketing.com.hk, 2128 8288.
NOV 14-15 Arts in the Park Mardi Gras Themed “Seeing is Believing”, this annual youth arts festival attracts thousands of young artists and families. Free admission. 10am-4pm, Central Lawn, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, www.hkyaf.com, 2214 0177.
NOV 15 Peak to Fong Dogs and dog lovers walk from The Peak to Lan Kwai Fong in aid of Hong Kong Dog Rescue. Treats await at the end. Tickets $250 (children $220) from www.hongkongdogrescue.com Peak to Fong
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BOOK NOW DEC 4-6 & 10-13 Hong Kong Players Cinderella Panto
from a troop of 50 trapeze artists, mixing clowns and acrobats. Tickets $295-$895 from www.hkticketing.com.hk, 3128 8288.
Kicking off the Udderbelly Festival, the Hong Kong Players are return to the stage with their annual Christmas Panto with the tale of Cinderella. Oh yes they are! Tickets from $290 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
DEC 11-13 Faust Treasure Island DEC 4 -FEB14 Udderbelly Festival Following successful events at both Udderbelly Festival London and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Udderbelly comes to Asia for the first time. Expect circus, dance, music and family shows as well as cabaret and comedy from local and international performers at the big purple cow. Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Follow the journey of a young hero thrust into a dangerous journey and world full of treachery and betrayal. Faust’s team of young actors promise to deliver a sterling adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets from $220 from www.hkticketing.com.hk, 3128 8288.
DEC 22-JAN 3 Cirque Adrenaline Adrenaline and death-defying performances
JAN 16-17 UCI Track Cycling World Cup The Hong Kong Velodrome hosts a leg of the Track Cycling World Cup for the first time. Watch the riders battle it out for qualification points for the 2016 Olympic Games. Hong Kong Velodrome Park, 105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O. Tickets $18-$200 from www.hkticketing.com.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.
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news
in your backyard
Winter Garage Sales The popular garage sales are back this winter at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on November 28 and December 5. Food, drinks and parking are available as the garage sales promise to once again bring a wide range of vendors offering both new and secondhand goods. Something for everyone. Proceeds from table hire will go towards a number of charities including Operation Santa. Free entrance. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 car park, HKUST, Clearwater Bay. For enquiries contact gujean@ust.hk or call 9045 5942.
ESF Winter Sports Camps
With the Christmas holidays looming, ESF’s Winter Sports Camps will ensure your children are kept busy with a fun-filled week of sports at locations across Hong Kong. Both ESF and non ESF students will have the chance to learn new sports skills or brush up on existing ones, while making friends along the way. Activity Sports Camps for children aged two to four years will include three hours of fun games and activities,
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while the multi-sports camps for five to 10-yearolds will include anything from football, to basketball, to relay races, obstacle courses and even swimming. Courses cost between $2,142 - $2,520 and will be held at Kowloon Junior School, Renaissance College and South Island School. Dates: December 21-24 and 28-31. www.esf.org.hk
Kidnapped!
Following Dymocks’ withdrawal from Hong Kong, the now independent shop will operate under the name ‘Kidnapped Bookshop’. The name, taken from the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, has been chosen to “emphasise the adventure of reading, the spirit of discovery and the happy endings to adversity that books promote”, says owner Ursula Huber. Kidnapped Bookshop will continue to offer a range of books, magazines, cards, stationery and gift items. Dymocks gift cards may be redeemed until December 30.
ESF Winter Language and Learning Camps
Beyond the Fold Three Sai Kung-based artists, Kate Sparrow, Zoe Coughlan and Sue Perks, will exhibit their works at PubArt gallery in Central from November 6-17. The exhibit, ‘Beyond the Fold’ explores the ways in which people make sense of the spaces around them and will feature a mix of prints, ceramics and digital images. Opening night from 6.30pm-8.30pm. PubArt Gallery, 7b Chancery Lane, Central.
ESF Language and Learning Winter Camps are open to students from any school and will feature Enhancing Secondary Skills – a course to help secondary students get the most out of their study time, and Beginners Coding – a course for primary students to learn how to code computer programs. These are in addition
to English language, Spanish, art, maths and drama courses. The classes will be held at Cigna Tower, Hillside Kindergarten, Kowloon Junior School, Renaissance College, Tsing Yi Kindergarten and Wan Chai Learning Centre. Dates: December 28-31. www.esf.org.hk
Sai Kung Orchestra
Relief for refugees
Jumpstart your Mandarin
A new adult orchestra is looking to gain members following its first meeting late last month. The community orchestra is searching for musicians, no matter whether accomplished, returning or slightly rusty, to join their group practices held every Wednesday night at Hong Kong Academy. From 7pm-9pm. For more details please contact saikungorchestra@gmail.com.
Members of the Sai Kung community and beyond came together to raise more than $80,000 for Crossroads which will allocate the donations to children in refugee camps. The concert at Black Box Academy, Hong Kong Academy, saw local bands and singers including The Red Stripes, Pineapple Jam and The Sai Kung Ladies Choir come out in force to entertain the crowd. “I love living in a place like Sai Kung with its strong community spirit”, says organiser Karen Hay. “Sai Kung has so much diverse talent and small businesses and it really gives us the ability to come together as a community and make a difference”.
Mandarin learning centre, Jumpstart Mandarin, is opening a new centre in Hang Hau due to an increase in demand from parents outside the Sai Kung area. Able to accommodate up to 400 students per week, the centre, which is located behind the emergency room of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, will run programmes for children up to six years. The new Hang Hau centre features a large cooking area plus gym space on the top floor of the building. The centre plans to team up with various partners to offer dance, music, drama, cooking, sewing and martial arts programmes to help kids have fun learning Mandarin.
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letters
Dear Editor, I refer to the columns in your September issue and wish to offer another perspective on al fresco dining. I cannot agree with espousing al fresco dining as a god-given right for restaurateurs to
have your say
run their business and for diners to have their meals by a certain restaurant on pedestrian ways that belong to the public. The al fresco licensing allows these public spaces to be used and enjoyed – but only if we are willing to pay the restaurants who now “own” them by right of the license. It is quite disturbing to see one of the authors calling the requirement for a permit to operate restaurant business in a public space as “one of the quirks of Hong Kong licensing laws”. Following this logic, should we go the ‘wild west’ way – no license needed and grab as you please? I have a less fortunate friend who lives above a restaurant with al fresco dining and has to constantly deal with the noise and many other nuisances that no restaurant owners would feel responsible for and certainly no diners enjoying their fine meals would think about. Restaurant owners with al fresco dining, must appreciate the fact that their hefty profits generated from the extra tables is at the
expense of the residents living above or near the al fresco as well as the public who find their public access blocked by profit making businesses. As a resident in Sai Kung, I’m happy to see that the relative spaciousness and laid-back vibe of this beautiful town has allowed for a vibrant restaurant scene. I enjoy al fresco dining myself. Things are fine if everybody is being considerate. As more and more restaurants come into the area, more and more public space which used to be for pedestrians to stroll leisurely through is being taken over by restaurants bustling with patrons. In today’s world, things are not always that simple and it is important to reflect all sides to a story. Sincerely yours, A. Zimmer
Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #saikungmag on social media!
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free stuff
win at www.saikung.com
Feast Catering HK Drawing Room Concept’s newly launched catering service Feast Catering will help you count your blessings over a Thanksgiving dinner with the people you love most. We’re giving away a Thanksgiving Feast for seven-10 people worth $1,688, which includes an eight10lb stuffed roast turkey, plenty of vegetables, dessert and more. www.facebook.com/feastcateringhk. Deadline: Nov 30
The Silk Flower Co.
Treasure Island
Fed up with buying flowers that die within days of entering your house? The Silk Flower Co. provides gorgeous bouquets, with special collections for festive occasions, that not only look and feel real, but last. We’re offering a stunning hand tied ten stem Blue & White bouquet worth $1,175. www.thesilkflowercompany.com
The emotional and physical stakes are high in this story of a young hero travelling on a dangerous journey in a world full of treachery and betrayal. Performed by young actors aged eight to 18, Faust International presents a thrilling adaptation of Treasure Island. We’re giving away a family package of four tickets for two adults and two children, valued at $980. The show is appropriate for children aged six and above. Faust International Youth Theatre. Tickets available from www.hkticketing.com
Deadline: Nov 27
Deadline: Nov 30
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five minutes with...
let’s juice
Editorial
Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Sub-editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk
Design
Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk
Thanks to Carolynne Dear Evie Burrows-Taylor Janet Chan Jennifer Harbottle Nissa Marion Polly McGovern Dr Reanne Kwok Rebecca Keiller Rory Mackay Steffi Yuen Stephen Vines
Yuki Chung preparing her fresh fruit juices
Publisher
Yuki Chung
Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
Annie Wong talks to Sai Kung old town’s fruit stall holder.
Published by
Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
I live in Pak Sha Wan and moved here eight years ago with my family. I am originally from Hainan and have worked in different industries including electronics sales, retail and a bakery in Sai Kung. My Aunty opened Fun-E two years ago. Business has been good. It is very busy over the weekend and public holidays when people descend on Sai Kung for the day. I decided to work at my Aunty’s fruit stall as she believes it’s always better to work with family. It needs a different style to work with family members compared to a normal job. However our bond is stronger and we are closer as a family.
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All our fruit is from Yau Ma Tei fruit market. To keep our fruits fresh, we only stock up when we are running low. Our juices are 100% fruit with no added sugar or water. We sell a lot of fruit, but our juice is more popular as it’s more convenient to juice it for customers and they can take it with them on the go.
area. Everyone knows each other. My neighbours always greet me when I come to work. There’s a real sense of community here.
I get to meet lots of different people. Our customers are a mix of Sai Kung locals and visitors from all around Hong Kong and other countries.
When I’m not working, I like to practice yoga at the church nearby and walk around Sai Kung. Sometimes I travel outside of the area to see what’s happening in other parts of the city.
Sai Kung has a nice atmosphere. The people are friendly and the air quality is good, especially with the water and mountains around the
I like to eat seafood in Sai Kung and it’s what the area is famous for. People travel all the way to Sai Kung to eat seafood and I don’t think it disappoints.
Fun-E fruit stall, 38 Sai Kung Main Street, Sai Kung Old Town.
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local
ready, steady, vote
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Hot seats With the District Council elections happening this month - the first citywide elections since the 2014 Occupy protests - we hit the streets to ask people if they’ll be voting and who they’ll be supporting. Mr Lok: I know the elections are coming up but I am not voting, I am not interested so I haven’t read more about it. If I was to vote, I will research what each person’s policies are to make an informed decision. Mr and Mrs Houghton: I would vote if I was a permanent resident. I would back the person who wants to allow outdoor seating at Sai Kung restaurants. I think that’s an important issue to the people of Sai Kung. Mr Lam: I am not voting in the elections this year but my family will. I don’t want to get involved, I just want the best for the Sai Kung community and I hope whoever has the best intentions will win. Miss Chan: I am registered to vote, however, I don’t know who to support. I would have to see what their policies are and hope for the best for Sai Kung and Hong Kong.
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There are big issues in Sai Kung, such as transport.
Sunday, November 22, open from 7.30am-10.30pm.
Miss Pui: I am voting this year but unsure who all the candidates are and what they support. I hope they will improve Sai Kung and make it an even better place to live.
On the day of the elections, voters will need to present their HKID to staff at the polling station where your details will be verified in the electoral roll. Following that, you will be handed a ballot paper and a chop that bears a tick. You will need to adhere the chop next to the name of the candidate of your choice. Do not use a pen or any other means to cast your vote, otherwise your vote will become invalid. Fold the ballot paper to conceal the tick before placing it into the ballot box.
The registration deadline for voting has now passed. To vote, those who are registered should visit their designated polling station (there are over 27 constituencies in the Sai Kung district; you will have already been designated to a polling station near your registered address) in their district on
Did you know… 3,693,942 people in Hong Kong are registered to vote in 2015, that’s just over half the population. There were a record 951 nominations for this year’s elections, although 58 seats (about 15 per cent) will be uncontested. District Councillors serve a four-year term. Those elected this year will take office on January 1 2016 until December 31 2019.
news from the greens
it’s a goal
The Global Goals – How much do you know? Nissa Marion is spreading the word. Last month, the United Nations launched the new Global Goals; a series of 17 ambitious targets with the ultimate aim of achieving three extraordinary things in the next 15 years: to end extreme poverty, fix climate change, and fight inequality and injustice. Sounds cool, right? They’d better get moving on all that, eh? Ah – wait. No one is promising to do all this for humankind. The goals aren’t just for governments. They’re for everyone, everywhere. And if you’ve not been paying attention, now’s your chance to get on board. Why? If the goals are going to work, everybody needs to know about them, and live them. Yes, world leaders need to make some major commitments, and indeed trillions of dollars have already been earmarked to this end, but the goals need to be at the core of everything we do for real success to happen. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the goals as a “to-do list for people
We owe it to ourselves to know what’s on the to-do list
and planet.” Well, there are seven billion people on this planet – seven million right here in Hong Kong alone – and we owe it to ourselves to know what’s on the to-do list. So what can you do? Inform yourself. Visit www.globalgoals. org and dive into the incredible range of free resources available, from lesson templates for educators, to employee engagement toolkits for companies, films and music. There’s even an excellent TED talk to get you inspired. Spread the love. What’s needed most right now is sharing. Now that you’re on board, get your friends, colleagues and family up to
speed. There are hashtags (#globalgoals), social media campaigns (#dizzygoals), and online communities (www.globalcitizen.com). The Global Goals represent some of the most radical commitments to social and environmental betterment ever made. It’s completely possible that with these goals in place as signposts, we really can get big things done. Without awareness, and then participation, on a massive scale – the Global Goals will fail. So let’s do this, Hong Kongers. The Global Goals can be an opportunity for leadership or an opening for failure. Surely the choice is easy.
Nissa Marion is the Editor in Chief of Ecozine and Co-founder of the Hong Kong Cleanup. nissa@hkcleanup.org
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feature
things to do
Keep ‘em busy Not a bored child in sight for the rest of the year with this handy roundup of awesome activities for kids. By Annie Wong.
Hong Kong Basketball Academy HKBA offers young girls and boys one-on-one and small group basketball coaching, classes are organised by age and skill level, starting from eight years old. Experienced players can join the academy’s Premier League. Applications are now open for the Winter term which starts from November 1 to December 5. Classes are offered across six locations. www.hkbballday.com, 6681 7774.
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SPORT
Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club
GOLF
Although it is a members-only club, The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club makes tennis facilities available to the general public. Two of its tennis courts can be booked in advance and are open for play from 12pm to 4pm on weekdays. Children of non-members can also take part in group tennis lessons but must be signed in and accompanied by a member at all times. 2719 1595, www.cwbgolf.org
Garden Farm Golf Centre Garden Farm Golf boasts 93 driving bays, a grass area for chipping, putting and teeing off, plus a free putting area for children. 8C Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Sha Road, 2791 9098, www.gardenfarmgolf.com
HKJC Kau Sai Chau Golf Club Lessons taught by former professionals are offered for juniors at Hong Kong’s only public golf course, a short ferry ride from Sai Kung. Call the golf instruction centre on 2791 3388, www.kscgolf.org.hk
YOGA
The Yoga House
Whitehead Golf Club Set on the edge of Tolo Harbour, this driving range has 160 real grass driving bays and offers a family training course to teach adults and children the basics of the game. Lok Wo Shan Lane, Ma On Shan, 2777 1813, www.whiteheadclub.hk GYMNASTICS
Country Club classes Flip, flop, flap with qualified gymnast and coach Gay Williamson at Clearwater Bay Country Club. She runs classes on Mondays and Tuesdays for bendy bods aged four years and up. Call the club on 2719 1595, or email Gay at williamsongay65@gmail.com RUNNING
Junior Run Club Sai Kung fitness professionals Tim Stevens and Warren Warner have joined forces to offer an athletic track training programme for children 10 years old and above. It incorporates drills to improve technique, muscular and core strength and endurance with the goal of getting fitter and having fun. The group meets at Sai Kung or Tseung Kwan O track, depending on the day. Call 9196 9442 or email skbasecamp@gmail.com
The Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre
TENNIS
Australasia Tennis Aces Lessons and junior and high school programmes for kids aged four years and above are trained by coaches with internationally recognized coaching qualifications. Training is held at the courts at Hong Kong Tennis Centre and The Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club, and other locations. 9104 7839, www.atatennisaces.com
Hong Kong International Tennis Academy HKITA offers programmes suited to different experience levels from aged two and above. Lessons in Sai Kung, Man On Shan and Tseung Kwan O are taught by coach Lea Lai. The programmes aims to provide a fun and educational spin to the game, while also giving high performing players scholarships to colleges in the US. All coaches are available for private lessons. For more information, email Lea Lai lea.lai@hkita.com or call 9048 2810. www.hkita.com
HORSE RIDING
The Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre Enjoy horse riding lessons by the ocean at this Lobster Bay-based riding stables. From leadrein novices to advanced jumpers, this centre offers two paddocks and a variety of arenas for children to indulge their passion for ponies. Parties and summer camps are also available, limited sessions available for non-members. Call 6398 6241, info@ceec.hk, www.ceec.hk
The Yoga House is a small independent studio based in Sai Kung run by local yogi Emma Linnitt. She embraces a simple philosophy - to enjoy the practice of yoga, mix with friends and feel like it is a second home. Twice a week she offers “Tween” classes designed for boys and girls from the age of nine years. Classes are held from 5-6pm, Mondays and Tuesdays. Call Emma for details on 9268 9131, or email her on emmalinnitt@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/theyogahouse.hk
Gecko Yoga Internationally accredited, Gecko Yoga is all about passing on real yoga concepts in kid-friendly ways, mixing storytelling and fun games with yoga poses. Classes are available for babies as young as six weeks through to sessions for teens and families, as well as private lessons and school programmes. 6973 1792, info@geckoyoga.com, www.geckoyoga.com
ESF Winter Sports Camps For two weeks in December (December 21-24 and 28-31), ESF is offering a sports camp which is jam-packed with multi-sports activities. In each session, children aged five to 10 years old can enjoy a range of sports including basketball, dodgeball and swimming. While younger children, aged two to four years old can hone in on their sports skills, like throwing, kicking and jumping, while building team skills.The camp will be held at Kowloon Junior School, Renaissance College and South Island School. The winter sports camp is open to ESF and non ESF students. Application deadline is December 21. For more information, visit www.esf.org.hk/camps
Hong Kong International Tennis Academy
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DANCE
Dragonfly Dance Professional dance classes at three neighbourhood locations - Garden House Kindergarten in Silverstrand, Clearwater Bay School and Tina’s Dance Studio in Sai Kung. For children aged two and up, there are classes in ballet, jazz and hip hop. Dragonfly Dance are running a three day Nutcracker Dance Camp from December 21 - 23. Children will be separated into two groups, Little Ballerinas (three to five years old) and Ballerinas (six to eight years old) and will learn the story through dancing, arts and crafts. The camp held at Garden House will finish with a show at the end. For more information, call 9775 8895, www.dragonflydance.com.hk
Echoes of Erin School of Dance
International Academy of Film and Television
DRAMA
International Academy of Film and Television Whether they prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the scenes, the IAFT runs several hands-on film-making, editing and cinematography courses that lead onto certificate and diploma qualifications for 13-17 year olds. Winter camps in editing (for 13+ years old), acting (10-14 years old), photography (15+ years old) and film-making (10-14 years old). Camps start November 21 until January. 1/F, Trust Tower, 68 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 5808 3440, www.iaft.net
Starlit Voice Starlit Voice uses drama, literature and poetry to ignite children’s imaginations, improve communication skills and build confidence. Small, tailored classes are suitable for four to 18 year olds. Classes, including Starlit Spotlight, a Saturday drama club, are held at international schools across Hong Kong, including Harrow International School. 2108 2182, www.starlitvoice.com
Stage Right Each drama lesson focuses on three particular concepts, theatre techniques, performance skills and stage performance, while developing the student’s confidence and clarity of expression. Special holiday programmes available during Christmas. Classes available at Clearwater Bay School, Hong Kong Academy and Sai Kung Town. www.stageright.com.hk Starlit Voice
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Kick up your heels and channel your inner Riverdancer, Echoes of Erin offers classes in traditional and contemporary Irish dance for children from three years and above. Dancers perform at various balls and functions across Hong Kong and the school has won numerous awards at international competition level. Classes available in Sai Kung. Contact Catriona Newcombe on 9093 8125, or visit www.echoesirishdance.com
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The Island Glee Club The Island Glee Club offers combined lessons in dancing and singing and are categorised according to age, starting from one year and older. Lessons cover dance technique, choreography and ensemble skills. After school, weekend and complimentary trial lessons available. Classes are held at Hong Kong Academy and Tina’s Dance Studio. For more information, call 9389 5880 or email info@theislandgleeclub.com.
O’Connor-Barton Irish Dance Professional Irish dance tuition taught by qualified Irish dancer, Kathryn O’Connor Barton. Classes are fun and social, but also encourage hard-work and discipline. Suitable for children aged three years and up, the sessions are held all over Hong Kong, and in Clearwater Bay on Thursdays. Email Kathryn at dance@oconnor-bartonid.com for more information or visit www.oconnor-bartonid.com. Tutti Music
Russian Ballet School The first Russian ballet school in Hong Kong, and also the first in the SAR to exclusively use the Russian Vaganova system of ballet, as opposed to the British RAD method. A variety of classes are held daily, catering for mini ballerinas aged two and up, as well as boys aged seven-12 years. 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 5467 4674, www.russianballetschool-hk.com.
Sharpe Steps Children one year and above can boogie to their favourite tunes in tap, jazz and ballet classes. Start with Baby Boogie (one-two years), moving on to Tippy-toe Toddlers (two-three-and-a-half years), Dinky Dancers (three-and-a-half yearsfive years), and finally Sharpe Steppers (five years and older). Classes are held across three locations in Sai Kung Town. Free introductory trial class. 9040 6296, www.sharpesteps.com.
Sonia Herron Academy of Jazz Find your groove with classes in jazz, tap and hip hop. Mini movers from as young as 16-months can get jiggling in the Top Tots classes, with lots of options for older kids at the academy’s brand new studio in Ma On Shan. Classes in musical theatre are also available. Marbella Studio, Shop 13, Level 1, Commercial Area, Marbella, 23 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, 9856 9683, www.academyofjazz.com.
MUSIC
Jingle-Jangle Music & Movement Have fun introducing your baby to the joys of movement and music at Jingle-Jangle’s Sai Kung-based classes. Children can build social and motor skills through music. Suitable for children aged three months to 24 months. Classes are held inside Jungle Playroom. Call 6470 0067 for information.
Music Horizon
Tutti Music A holistic music education programme for young children and aims to develop fundamental skills through age-appropriate musical activities. Offering courses from Musikgarten Music to movement classes (from birth to four years) to Little Voices singing classes for children aged three to six. Group and individual tuition in various instruments available. Shop 205, Park Central, Tseung Kwan O, 2176 4028, www.tmusic.com.hk.
Music Horizon has over twenty music teachers providing tuition in piano, guitar, pop drum, violin, flute, ukulele, saxophone, vocal and Chinese instruments. Eagerly anticipated are their annual New Year and outdoor concerts where students can take to the stage. 188 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, for more information, email enquiry@music-saikung.com.
The Living Room Music programmes in ukelele, acoustic and rock are available for children from five years and older. Private and semi private lessons in acoustic and lead guitar, piano, bass and drums are available. www.thelivingroom.hk, or email info@thelivingroom.hk.
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Bricks 4 Kidz Children who like Lego will love Bricks 4 Kidz, which uses the famous little bricks in hands-on classes for children from two to teens. Sessions start with a teacher-led discussion, followed by a chance for students to collaborate on a design that resolves a set task. Weekly classes, free play Sunday afternoons, Kidz Night Out and holiday camps are available. 65 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 6184 6229, www.bricks4kidz.com.hk/saikung
It’s Sew Fun
ARTS & CRAFTS
Anastassia’s Art House Hong Kong’s only Russian Art Academy offers a range of structured art classes for adults and children aged three to 16 years old. Students have an array of choices, including painting, drawing and sketching, ceramics, creative drama and design. Art parties and workshops are also available. 9 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2719 5533. www.arthouse-hk.com.
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Craft Hour Creative kids aged six and older can learn a variety of craft skills at Craft Hour. There is a termly curriculum with seasonal projects, teaching everything from knitting and weaving to paper crafts, decorative painting, mosaic and much more. Classes are held at Clearwater Bay School, the Hive in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay Country Club. Craft parties at private homes and entertainment venues are also offered. 9369 9914, www.crafthourasia.com.
Local sewing pros Evgeniya and Julie run sewing classes for children at their recently opened studio in Sai Kung. There are one off weekend sewing workshops - including mums and kids two-three hour sessions leading up to Christmas. The duo also run sewing parties for kids. For more information, contact itssewfunparty@gmail.com
Swiss Art Studio This well-established art school offers a range of classes for children in a fun environment. The professionally trained tutors will lead them through basic art techniques, with classes for older children working towards the Royal Talens Certificate. G/F, 14A1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, call 3188 4127, info.sak@swissartstudio.com.hk
feature activities. Sai Kung Campus: 2/F Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, Hang Hau Campus: Lot 146 Hang Hau, Sai Kung, 2791 4838. www.jumpstartmandarin.com.
LANGUAGES
ESF Winter Language and Learning Camps In addition to English, Spanish, Art and Drama courses, ESF has two new courses, Enhancing Secondary Skills (for students aged 11 years and older), which allows students to excel academically and Beginners Coding (suitable for ages 8-11), where students can learn computer coding and improve mathematical, creative, analytical and abstract thinking skills. The camp runs from December 28-31. Non-ESF and local school students are welcome. Various locations across Hong Kong including Hillside Kindergarten, Wan Chai Learning Centre and Cigna Tower. Application deadline is December 21. Visit www.esf.org.hk/camps for more information.
Cantonese Chat Learn to speak in Cantonese with native speaker Vivian Wong. She works with children from five years onwards, adults are also welcome to her classes. She can also help with Chinese homework. Call 6036 6275, or email cantonesechat@yahoo.com.hk.
Les Petits Lascars Easy English for Kids Make learning English fun with stories, songs, art and outdoor play, lessons are taught by native English speakers. EEK also runs a Mandarin playgroup for pre-schoolers. 17f Sai Keng Village, Sai Sha Road, Sai Kung, 3487 3053, sales@eek.com.hk, www.eek.com.hk.
French tuition French native speaker and qualified secondary school teacher, Audrey Benzaglou, offers private lessons for adults, teens or children who want to learn french or improve their french speaking skill level. Tel 9169 4414, antoine_benzaglou@hotmail.com.
Jumpstart Mandarin Small Mandarin group classes for children 18 months to Primary six with an emphasis on taskbased learning through stories, games and fun
Managed by the Hong Kong Institute of Languages, the centre offers French classes for children as young as 12 months. Classes follow a French curriculum with a high success rate for applicants wanting to access the French International School in Hong Kong. 2/F, 16 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2526 8892, www.lespetitslascars.com.
Sai Kung English This family-run business offers a variety of group classes and private lessons. Ideal for English learners aged from one years old right through to secondary school wanting to improve their speaking, reading, listening or writing. For more information please call James on 6407 8574.
Yifan Mandarin Mandarin for Munchkins is a programme run by Yifan Mandarin, classes are suitable for children 12 months to nine years learning Mandarin as a second language. Classes vary weekly. Private lessons available. 2/F & roof, 37 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung. 2486 9062.
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eating
come dine with me
Off the eaten track Shreena Patel tries out the newest dining experience, PlateCulture. different people around the table - and each meal is designed and prepared personally by the host for you, with love. How many members do you have? We have over 10,000 members with over 300 chefs worldwide. It’s quite a big step to invite a stranger into your home, isn’t it? Security is very important to us. We have a vouching process where one of our ambassadors visits the chef. We also collect reviews from guests after every single experience. Guests pay online for the experience and have to provide certain details to us. Until the booking is approved by the chef no personal details are shared.
“More salad, anyone?”
Known as the AirBnB of dining, PlateCulture is an online platform that lets you book a meal in a stranger’s home. Now in over 20 countries, it offers a new kind of social dining experience that’s proving increasingly popular in Hong Kong. From Tuscan delights to a Carribean barbecue feast, you can find cuisine from all over the world. Curious? We chat to co-founder Reda Stare and one of PlateCulture’s budding home cooks.
Reda Stare, Co-founder and CEO, PlateCulture Tell me about yourself. I am an avid traveller and foodie from Lithuania. Food is my passion, not my official profession. What is PlateCulture? PlateCulture connects people who love cooking and hosting dinners with people who love eating authentic home cooked meals. How does it work? Home chefs and guests meet via the website. As a guest, you can look through the profiles of different chefs and choose where you would like to eat. The profiles include photos from previous events, menu, location and guest reviews. Once you have chosen, you can send the chef a message and book your seat around the table online. If you want to be a chef, you can complete an online form and we will get in touch with
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you. Once you are approved by our team and ambassadors, you can decide on a price and start cooking. All the rest is just a great journey filled with delicious food and new friends. What gave you the idea for PlateCulture? I spent a year traveling through South East Asia and India. Whilst in Kerala I was invited for a traditional dinner at someone’s house. Our host prepared amazing homemade South Indian dishes which I hadn’t tried during my whole two months in India. It was one of those amazing evenings when you get to taste the best food and see all the culture from inside. I started PlateCulture to offer this unique experience to more people – tourists and locals. What have the difficulties been so far? The challenge was taking the concept online, giving it a shape, and communicating it to people. It works well in Asia as people here are really friendly and value their food culture, but I’m happy to see the concept spreading, even to New York. Why do you think PlateCulture has been a success? I believe people are looking for new experiences when it comes to eating and PlateCulture helps the food to shine in a different perspective: it comes with great company - you can meet PlateCulture co-founder and CEO, Reda Stare.
How do you make money? PlateCulture takes a small cut from every booking. This is already included in the price shown on the website. Where was your best meal? In Kuala Lumpur we gathered all the chefs to showcase their dishes. I don’t think I have ever eaten so much and so well in one evening in all my life. Do you think anyone can be a chef? There is one very important ingredient in order to start as a chef at PlateCulture - a passion for food and cooking. It doesn’t matter where it comes from – be it your school, your grandma or cooking shows on TV.
Photo by: Ewa Wilkinson, Infinity Productions. Ayelet has already hosted three meals through PlateCulture.
Ayelet Idan Olive Leaf Kitchen - vegetarian and vegan Middle Eastern food, Lamma Island. Tell me about yourself I have lived in Hong Kong for seven years with two children, two dogs, a hedgehog, a hamster, a guinea pig and an English husband. We live in Pak Kok, a small village on Lamma Island, and we are all vegetarians. I have been a vegetarian for 32 years. What’s your favourite thing to eat? I love the pickled lemon and poppy seed cake that my mum, who doesn’t like to cook, makes from an old recipe of my grandmother. How did your love of cooking begin? I am an Israeli, so most of our gatherings are based on sharing food. Even now, every Friday all my family gets together to eat at my grandmother’s house. I’ve always liked being in the kitchen with her. I’ve loved to cook since I was a child. When did you join Plate Culture? I joined this February - I really like the idea of
social dining and it is a good platform to get to know new people. It’s also very user-friendly.
and that I love to prepare. I know people will love to eat them.
Have you served any guests through PlateCulture? I have hosted three times and I really love it. It was great to meet new people. They really enjoyed themselves and some of them I know I will meet again. I haven’t eaten at any other PlateCulture chef’s homes yet, but there are a few I would like to go to. I hope to do it soon.
Where do you get your ingredients? I import a lot of goods from Israel, especially ingredients that I like from small producers and that are not possible to find of good quality in Hong Kong. I buy vegetables in the markets. If the season is right, I try to grow my own herbs and some vegetables in our garden.
Do you prefer cooking or eating? I can’t really decide. I love both, it depends on the day you ask me. How do you create your menu? My menu changes depending on the season, or beautiful vegetables I’ve seen in the market, or simply my mood. Do you practice the menu beforehand? All my dishes are things I’ve done in the past
What’s your favourite ingredient? Tahini, tahini, tahini. Also lemon, hyssop leaf and dates. How often do you cook at home? Almost every day since we don’t have a helper. I also teach cooking classes and cater small events. Would you ever want to become a professional chef? NO!
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eating
Nibbles Bibini Ice Cream shuts down Popular ice cream parlour Bibini has sold its last cone. Well-liked not just for its ice cream, but also sorbets, gelatos and its bold flavours including popcorn, durian and champagne. No word yet if Sai Kung’s favourite Italian ice cream parlour will open in a new location. Beach Bums & Cannibals opens at Tikitiki Bowling Bar Tikitiki Bowling Bar’s fine dining restaurant, Beach Bums & Cannibals, has opened to the public. The restaurant serves island fusion dishes, with a surf and turf set menu featuring premium ribeye chop, grilled quail escabeche and panna cotta for dessert. Open Mon-Sun from 6pm onwards. Last orders at 10pm. 4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, 2657 8488, www.tikitiki.hk.
Beach Bums & Cannibals is now open at Tikitiki Bowling Bar
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Just Green Organic convenience store, Just Green, continues to grow (organically of course) its
presence around Hong Kong. With recent openings in Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun, the new Sai Kung store will offer a range of grocery items as well household, healthy and beauty, and baby products. 22 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung. Tea infused cocktails at LEVELthirty Kick back and relax with LEVELthirty’s new tea infused cocktails, like Gardens of Courtyard and the Shing Mun Cooler. Classic teas - jasmine, Earl Grey and English breakfast - are combined with several liquors and paired with specially prepared tapas. There are Asian and Western tapas, like marinated pork knuckle with plum wine and mini cheese beef and leek pizza. Happy hour starts from 5pm8pm. Offer runs until December 30. 30/F, 1 On Ping Street, Sun-Thur, 5pm-12am and Fri and Sat 5pm-1am, 3940 8388.
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Interview
group work
A hive of activity Polly McGovern sits down with entrepreneur and co-founder of the Hive Constant Tedder.
Co-founder of the Hive Constant Tedder at the Hive Sai Kung
I moved to Sai Kung with my then pregnant wife and young son about four years ago. At the time I had no specific entrepreneurial plan, I just came to have an adventure in a new place. I like Hong Kong so much because there are lots of opportunities to grasp. In the UK, I was the co-founder of the computer games company ‘Jagex’ with Andrew Gower and his brother. Andrew invented the game ‘RuneScape’, a free to play massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that you could just download and install without a DVD. This was Andrew’s genius because he realised that accessibility meant we could attract a completely new audience that, at the time, no MMO game had done so far. In 2001, we switched the members’ area of the game “on” and had 2,000 subscribers within the first hour and 5,000 by the end of the day. Gamers were prepared to pay for extra content and this gave us the confidence to immediately start recruiting staff to enable us to grow.
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I'm very pleased that the Hive Sai Kung is now one of our busiest communities The game is quite intellectual and has a lot of problem solving. We added content all the time and there are now hundreds and hundreds of hours of game play. By the time I left the company in 2009, we had over one million subscribers. Just before moving to Hong Kong I set up various other companies that I sold. It was only after being in Hong Kong for a few months that I decided to open a co-working space as my main venture. The first branch of the Hive opened in 2012 in Wan Chai and I was pretty nervous about how it might go. I now know that any new location takes time to build up as people
have to become aware of the space and need to see the community growing. Today there are four Hives in Hong Kong, one in Bangkok and Singapore. I chose to set up the Hive in Sai Kung because I live here. My gut feeling was that others living in the area might also appreciate a home away from home in which to work. They would be surrounded by like-minded people and have the chance to make new connections. Things really started to take off in Sai Kung after we got four fibre optic lines of 100 mbps each installed. This enabled us to have fantastic, stable and fast bandwidth. The community side of things also really came together through our events such as movie nights. I’m very pleased that the Hive Sai Kung is now one of our busiest communities. In my view, for an entrepreneur to become successful, they need to be dogmatic, maniacally driven and then have good timing. It's super important to have a crystal clear vision of what you are trying to build so that you
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interview
Members enjoying the Hive's co-working space
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interview can communicate that to your customers and your team. If you chop and change too much, or don’t have a clear vision, then it is harder to go after it as determinedly. Learn from mistakes, improve your judgment and tackle a difficult problem in a different way even if this feels like you’re going backwards. I am very lucky to have a fantastic team. We were lucky to have an excellent designer called James Waterworth to get his design input at the beginning. We tried to focus on the building layout and choice of materials to make sure that the Hive had a strong design feel. There are now nearly 40 co-working spaces in Hong Kong. It’s not really a business where you can prevent other people entering. One of our competitors even used the same furniture factory - I thought that was a little cheeky! We see a lot of regular faces and over time people are getting to know each other and making new acquaintances and business connections. That is exactly how co-working can start to be of benefit if you are working independently. Some members use our other locations and that’s part of the membership plan. We are looking at doing special packages for students or graduates, entrepreneur classes
Outdoor working spaces for all ages
and things that we can do to broaden the base. There is already a homework club, we host events and the local choir practice here. These are all ways in which we are integrating
and plugging into the community. Our aim is to make the Hive a space for all, where great work also happens to get done. www.thehivesaikung.com.hk
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family
fair season
A family affair Christmas is almost upon us, start filling the stocking at these fairs. NOV 4 Shopping Hong Kong Start the festive holiday season with the yearly Holiday Bazaar event where you’ll find local and international high-end vendors. As well as old favourites, there will be new additions to the list this year including 13th Element, Cafe Perfecto and jewellery brand Boho Betty. Free admission. 12pm-8pm, The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, www.shoppinghong kong.blogspot.com. NOV 7 Clearwater Bay School The theme for this year’s fair is “Wicked, Wild West”. Expect cowboys, cowgirls, Indians, sheriffs and much more. There will be stalls, food, games, and arts and crafts activities. Lot 235, DD229, Clearwater Bay Road, Kowloon, 2358 3221. German Swiss International School
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family NOV 9 & 25 Conrad Fairs Hundreds of stalls selling toys and accessories on November 9, followed by The Pre-Christmas Gift Parade which will feature international pop up shops selling jewellery, stationery, food and beverages on November 25. Free admission. 10am-8pm, Grand Ballroom, The Conrad Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, www.prestigefairs.hk. NOV 13 AWA Charity Bazaar 2015 Organized by the American Women’s Association, the charity bazaar will include over 70 vendors selling gifts, toys, clothes and food and wine. Plus lucky lai see and a silent auction. The bazaar will be held at PMQ in SoHo. 11.30am-8.30pm, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, www.awa.org.hk. NOV 14 Island School The retro-style themed fair will have an abundance of food and commercial stalls, entertainment, as well as lucky draws, a haunted house and a silent auction. Entry $10, 12pm-4.00pm, 20 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, 2524 7135.
NOV 14 Hidden Truffles X’mas Artisanal Bazaar Shop till you drop at the fourth X’mas Artisanal Bazaar hosted by Hidden Truffles. Back at this year’s bazaar are over 35 different artisanal vendors selling unique, homemade products. A bistro area will be set up, serving lunch and snacks throughout the day, plus hourly lucky draw prizes. Make sure to stop by the kids’ corner for fun and games. 11am-6.30pm, The Space, 210 Hollywood Road, Central, www.hiddentruffles.com. NOV 21 Chinese International School This year’s theme is “CIS Gives Back”, highlighting the school's involvement in charitable service work. There are prizes, t-shirts and bags to be won, along with charity and food stalls. Donations of books and clothing are welcome. 10am-4pm, 1 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, 2510 7288. NOV 21 Sha Tin College and Sha Tin Junior School The school’s annual fundraiser, “Back to the fair”, returns with live music, food, and over 75 stalls. Enter the raffle to win Christmas treats. 12pm6pm, 3 Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, 2699 1811.
NOV 28 German Swiss International School Rock out at this year’s GSIS bazaar with musical performances by GSIS Big Band and other musical acts. The traditional German bazaar will include various stalls, games and traditional German and Swiss food and drinks. Free entry. 10am-4pm, Peak Campus, 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, 2849 6216. DEC 5 International College Hong Kong (Hong Lok Yuen) The school’s first Christmas event will include various commercial stalls, festive food and drinks like minced pies and mulled wine, and a visit from Father Christmas. 11am-4pm, 20th Street, Hong Lok Yuen, 2658 6935. DEC 5 & 6 Sai Kung Christmas Carnival Co-organised by the Sai Kung District Community Centre, the Christmas Carnival will include pony rides, bouncy castles, Christmas carols and of course, Santa Claus. Free admission. 11am-5pm, Mei Yuen Street, Sai Kung (next to Sai Kung District Community Centre), 2792 1762.
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outdoors
eco warriors
Hong Kong needs you There are a number of organisations doing great work across Hong Kong trying to improve our environment. Here is how you can get involved. Redress Redress aims to promote environmental sustainability in the fashion industry by reducing textile waste, pollution, water and energy consumption. The charity works along the whole fashion supply chain and is involved in fashion design competitions, education workshops, fashion shows and clothing drives to raise awareness about Hong Kong’s high clothing waste. A number of clothing drives take place throughout the year. Find details of the latest campaigns at www.redress.com.hk. Crossroads Donate unneeded goods such as home and office furniture, household goods, toys, clothes, electrical items and many more things. High quality goods are distributed to those in need in Hong Kong and around the world. Information on how to donate or volunteer can be found at www. crossroads.org.hk DB Mothers & Friends This Discovery Bay-based social enterprise provides a donation collection service and works with a network of local charities and social workers to redistribute collections to those in need. DB Mothers & Friends collects unwanted household items including furniture, appliances, toys, clothes and has to date saved over 700 tonnes of potential waste from going to landfill. www.2ndhanditem.wordpress.com Feeding Hong Kong Feeding Hong Kong’s mission is simple - to feed those who would otherwise go hungry. As well as raising awareness about food waste and poverty in Hong Kong, Feeding Hong Kong also works with food retailers and manufacturers to donate surplus food to local charities. Individuals can donate their time in a number of ways by helping to organise food drives or working with the organisation as a volunteers. Full details and sign up forms can be found at www.feedinghk.org. Hong Kong Cleanup Register for the 2015 Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge which runs until December 1. Clean up a country park or take on a coastal cleanup to tackle the rubbish that finds its way onto to our beaches. Individuals and teams can sign up at www.hkcleanup.org. Founder of Redress Christina Dean
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outdoors Plastic Free Seas Plastic Free Seas works to change the way that we all view and use plastic and ultimately have cleaner seas and beaches. One current initiative underway is the Plastic Straws - Choose to Refuse campaign which aims to influence individuals and businesses to eliminate the use of plastic straws. More information on current projects and how to get involved can be found at www.plasticfreeseas.org Friends of Hoi Ha Friends of Hoi Ha (FOHH) is an environmental concern group which seeks to protect the natural environment of Hoi Ha Marine Park and the Hoi Ha River Valley, whilst encouraging safe and responsible eco-tourism and field trips which use the area as an educational resource. FOHH works closely with other NGOs and educational institutions to inform the wider community about the rich biodiversity of Hoi Ha and the surrounding area. Keep up to date with matters affecting Sai Kung’s country parks by keeping up-to-date with community organisation Friends of Sai Kung for news of any developments and petitions. Environmental Protection Department The government website includes tips on waste reduction as well as information on how and where to recycle materials. www.wastereduction.gov.hk
Tracey Read of Plastic Free Seas doing her best to keep Hong Kong's coastline clean
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education
playtime
Busy little bees Evie Burrows-Taylor visits newly-opened Bumble Bee Playgroup.
The entrance to newly-opened Bumble Bee Playgroup on Wan King Path
With its bright and sunny location on Wan King Path, recently launched Bumble Bee Playgroup is looking to breathe some fresh air into Sai Kung’s early child care offering. The new playgroup, open Monday to Saturday, next to Man Yee Playground, is aiming to be a place where parents, in need of a spot of respite, can bring their little ones for some much-needed fun and games. Having launched at the beginning of October, with the hopes of garnering early interest from Sai Kung families, Bumblebee opens in earnest this month. “We want the playgroup to be exciting. We don’t just want some toys in a room to leave the children to get on with it,” says Kathy Marshall, the brains behind the new venture. “And it’s also important to us that we target and welcome
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We’re a happy playgroup, not somewhere that will pressure children to learn children from all families, including Chinesespeaking families.” Children aged 18-36 months are welcome at Bumble Bee, in groups no bigger than ten, with the very youngest expected to be accompanied by an adult. Separated into two groups, children will spend their time either upstairs, where they will find a gym designed for tots, a slide and projection screen, or downstairs, the larger of the two spaces. Here
they are able to play with child-friendly stimuli and explore the centre’s outdoor space, which is kitted out with a large slide and decorated with children’s handprints, giving it the stamp of familiarity. The interior has also benefited from some unique artwork, with a bright mural featuring the sun, clouds and wild animals. Marshall - also a veteran Hong Kong restaurateur - has wanted to open a kindergarten since studying child psychology 30 years ago. “The businesses are unrelated”, Marshall says. “I just love to eat.” “We’ll see whether we can turn this into a kindergarten one day. Right now, I have a team of experienced people behind me,” she says. As well as a space for fun, she wants the playgroup to help children develop their motor and sensory skills, and also introduce them
education to important self-management skills, such as tidying up. One of its draws is that children will be spoken to in English, something which parents have told Marshall can be hard to find in Sai Kung for a reasonable price. Marshall says she will charge a “competitive fee” and offer children an immersive experience. There will, however, always be a native Chinese speaker on hand, for parents and tots alike. With this in mind, application forms are available in both languages, offering a degree of comfort to families who don’t speak English. By welcoming all sides of the Sai Kung community, Marshall hopes to offer children the opportunity to truly integrate with their peers. According to Marshall, children from local Chinese-speaking families often need more attention to help bring out their confidence compared to children she sees from international and expat families, something which will be managed by having two teachers in the room at all times. Classes run for up to two hours and children are divided into groups, such as bumble bee, butterfly, dragonfly and ladybug, according to their different age groups. Who doesn’t love a slide into a ball pit?
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education
We’re just starting. I’m not in a hurry. “We’re a happy playgroup, not somewhere that will pressure children to learn. This is the time for them to learn through play, they have more than enough time for everything else later on,” Marshall says. In addition to Bumblee Bee, Marshall also has plans to open an education centre next door. This will be a place where older children can go for extra tuition for exam-based subjects, phonics and help with reading and writing, to name a few of the classes she plans to run. Despite having so much on her plate, Marshall seems to take it all in her stride, “We’re just starting. I’m not in a hurry,” she says. Her relaxed attitude certainly seems to be wearing off in the playgroup too as parents fill out application forms and happily chat to the teachers while children potter about nearby. The Bumble Bee looks ready to take off. Interiors are brightly decorated with strong animal themes throughout
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sponsored column
Cracking the School Interview Tips to help you fully prepare your child for Reception and Primary One interviews. A child will need to listen carefully, make good eye contact and must not interrupt the teacher. It is important for the child to be natural and to smile as much as possible. Also remind your child not to mumble but to speak clearly and not to answer with “yes” or “no” Bring your child to new and different social situations, such as a restaurant, office or family gathering where they can interact with “approved strangers.” Ask children to introduce themselves by making eye contact, shaking hands and answering questions. Encourage children to order their meals at a restaurant or answer the phone. Remind your child to sit up straight and to avoid nervous habit taboos, such as playing with their hair or pulling on the sleeve of their sweater. And last but not least, remind your child to have good manners, to say please and thank you. It’s important for a child to be cooperative and always listen for instructions. Teachers have no way of
assessing a child’s ability if they do not know what is asked of them. Many educators say a lack of basic motor skills can be an indication of larger learning challenges. To test for this, teachers mark down how a child grips his or her pencil, copies a series of shapes or builds with blocks. To help develop this dexterity, parents can ask kids to participate in household activities, such as pouring their own juice, cleaning up toys or putting away dishes. Drawing is also a largely-tested skill. Many schools will ask children to draw basic and notso-basic shapes, such as squares, rectangles, hearts, as well as personal portraits and of their family members. A child who draws members of their family in different positions and adds glasses or earrings to a figure, shows a much higher level of development than a child who only draws family members with eyes and a mouth. Make time to practice drawing a family picture with your child. While most kids are accustomed to listening as parents simply read them a book, group
interviews typically involve what educators call reading comprehension. During the story, teachers may ask children why characters feel a certain way or what they think will happen next. Rather than drilling kids and making them robotic, incorporate skills into daily routines and normal play. Not only is it better for a child’s learning, but it can assuage schools on the lookout for too much test prep. Visit the school before the interview. Tell your child some nice things about the school. Attend an open day or family event with your child and show your child the classrooms and playing areas. ITS Education Asia 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.
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home & living
finding your feet
New Territory Long-term expat but newcomer to Hong Kong, Jennifer Harbottle takes a look at the challenges of moving overseas and shares ways to make settling in easier.
When the idea of a move to Hong Kong was first muted, chances are you didn’t have to think twice. One Google session is enough for most people to know they want the glamour, excitement and cliché of everything Hong Kong has to offer. Choosing to live in Sai Kung comes with the added benefit of having both city and sea to dip in and out of whenever you want. Could life get any better? So why is it then, that moving to a new country can feel lonely, frustrating and leave you wondering “what have we done?” Let’s face it, moving your family to a new country is anything but glamorous. Whilst your Facebook friends may be jealous of your
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Let’s face it, moving your family to a new country is anything but glamorous fabulous new life set against the glittering backdrop of Hong Kong harbour, the reality is a little more sobering. As the excitement of being in a new place wears off, there’s a small issue called life that needs to go on. In a new place, things aren’t always as straightforward as you first imagine. Apart from the obvious stress of finding
a house, a school and a name for yourself in a new office, the first few months of a move overseas should come with free marriage counseling. Daily shopping expeditions to IKEA and Ap Lei Chau are not conducive for any marriage. (Tip: You can shop for furniture online at both and get home delivery - marriage saved). One quick job to open a bank account can take several days here if you don’t go prepared with your passport, driving license, proof of a permanent address in your country of birth and the umbilical cord from you and your great Grandmother. Once that job is off the list, there’s the month of your life you’ll
home & living never get back spent organising a phone plan, Octopus cards and internet in your home, which - depending on where you live - may involve waiting weeks for PCCW to negotiate with local villagers over laying new cables. As a short-term measure, get yourself a USB dongle, which you can run multiple devices off at average speed. If you’ve lived previously in a non-English speaking country, getting on in Hong Kong will seem a breeze. However, even seasoned migrators will suffer the same problems as first-time expats when they move to a new place, such as learning a country’s unwritten rules. Here, those include ‘Hong Kong’s Guide to Parking’ (ISBN: 12345, Available absolutely nowhere) which change daily and do not bear any resemblance to the official signage. As a general rule, unless you have paid for parking, assume you can’t park there. In my experience, even if you have lived overseas before, it doesn’t make you immune to the cultural differences of living in Asia. “Yes, we have a mattress in that size” does not mean, “yes you can buy a mattress in that size.” In fact, you may need several visits to the mattress shop before that mattress is actually yours - see earlier tip regarding marriage counseling. Loneliness is often the main cause of feeling unsettled in a new country. From a heady social
You’ll meet more people and find mates for life much quicker if you’re open to new people and new experiences. life back home to an embarrassingly scribblefree social diary post-relocation, pangs of homesickness can creep in. While it’s tempting to stay in watching Strictly Come Dancing online, making the effort in the first few months to join groups and say yes to invitations, even if it’s not your thing, will open up your social life. True, you’ll have to endure endless conversations about where you’re from, what you do (open bank accounts at the moment mainly) and why you’re here, but like speed dating, you’ll meet more people and find mates for life much quicker if you’re open to new people and new experiences. Children are another social opener to Hong Kong life. Sports, drama and art-related clubs will give them a feeling of belonging and are a great way for you to meet new people. Make yourself a list of important numbers and stick it on the fridge. Hopefully you will never need them, but knowing the number of the emergency services as well as the nearest
hospital, vet and snake catcher should anything go wrong, will give you peace of mind as well as something to look at each time you get a bottle of wine out the fridge. Hunt down and frequent all the things that make a place feel like home as soon as possible. Having a local hairdresser, gym class, doctor and dentist will give your new life a sense of permanency. Avoid the mistake of waiting to go back to get these things done, or you’ll never consider Hong Kong home. Finally, keep in mind that it can take months to feel like a new place is home and up to a year before making close friends. Hang in there and rest assured your life is glamorous and exciting – you live in Hong Kong for goodness sake!
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big day out
new adventures
(clockwise from left): lakeside reflections; stone steps on the ascent; light fighting through the dense vegetation.
How to Hok Tau? Rory Mackay ventures deep into the New Territories in search of adventure.
If you fancy exploring a hidden natural world that lays undiscovered, then a day trip out to Hok Tau Reservoir could be just what you are looking for. Located within the innermost depths of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, it is a region that is as much unknown as it is remote. Fortunately it is easy to access via public transport and well worth the effort to reach. Nestled amongst rolling hills and forming the gateway to the northern parts of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Hok Tau is truly rural. Life moves at a different pace here and the locals are as relaxed as you will come across in Hong Kong. It rubs off quickly and once there, you certainly won’t be in a rush to leave. Continue to venture into the higher peaks of Pat Sin Leng and
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Keep an eye out for some delightful wildlife discover hidden gems that lie within. The simplest way to get there, other than driving, is to head into the northern New Territories on the MTR East Rail Line before disembarking at Fanling Station. From there, catch the 52B minibus that departs roughly every 20 minutes. Hop off the bus at Hok Tau Wai and make your way to the T-junction. Continue along the sealed road in a southerly
direction following signs for Hok Tau Reservoir. The imposing ranges of Pat Sin Leng loom ever nearer and before you know it you’re in amongst the rocky peaks. After rising up, a dam wall and the impressive panorama of the lake held behind is unveiled; from this point onwards the adventure begins in earnest. Keep right and climb the stairs following signs for the ‘Hok Tau Family Walk’. You will be quickly rewarded with stunning views across the lake below and mountains above. The well maintained dirt path then delves under the forest canopy, into a realm where light fights its way through the lush vegetation emerging in ethereal rays. Every now and then, a glimpse can be caught through the undergrowth of the
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big day out
Pat Sin Leng main ridge from the southern end of the trail
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big day out surrounding hills. Keep an eye out for some delightful wildlife, especially on the quieter weekdays. There are a couple of ways to circumnavigate the reservoir - the simple way and the adventurous way. If you want to take the simple route, keep turning left and follow the well signposted Family Trail, which takes just over an hour to complete. Alternatively, follow the signs for Sha Lo Tung to delve deeper into a genuinely remote portion of terrain. This route can take up to three hours depending on your speed and navigation skills. The land flattens out as you pass by abandoned Hakka settlements, mountain vistas and multiple streams. Make sure to then take all left hand turns at junctions in the path if you wish to return towards Hok Tau. There is the option to continue south over Cloudy Hill and back to Tai Po, but I recommend heading back to Hok Tau Reservoir. Back at the reservoir, you can either rejoin or continue along the Family Trail beside the lake. This final leg of the loop is particularly pleasant, walking along a flat paved surface under large shady trees that cloak the water’s edge. Have a breather and soak up the tranquil atmosphere and relaxing views across the water. It’s perfectly feasible to walk the lakeside loop in a clockwise direction, but the
A day trip here serves up an insight into Hong Kong’s past anticlockwise adventure makes for the best experience and simplest navigation. Once back at the dam wall, retrace your steps down the valley to Hok Tau village. Return travel from Hok Tau Wai is fairly simple being more or less the same way as when you came in. However it is probably worth catching a taxi back to the main highway near Fanling if possible to avoid
waiting for a minibus. This far-flung corner of Hong Kong has an incredible amount on offer for those who enjoy venturing into the wild; a day trip here serves up an insight into Hong Kong’s past and the full scope of her landscape. Escaping to Hok Tau provides a peaceful retreat for those wishing to find space for reflection or satisfy a burning urge of wanderlust. Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com.
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travel
Ahoy Amoy! Rebecca Keiller spends a weekend in the historic Chinese port city Xiamen.
There’s a certain hesitation about travelling in China. It’s not for everyone and a busy weekend over a Chinese holiday is enough to give anyone second thoughts about future travel plans. With some trepidation I visited Xiamen (formerly Amoy) over a long weekend and Chinese national holiday. A destination that I knew little about but had done enough research to discover it was a popular Chinese holiday getaway. Arriving in Xiamen I realised my fears
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were unfounded and a delightful weekend in China’s Fujian province awaited. Getting there Travelling to Xiamen from Hong Kong is remarkably easy. After crossing over the border into Shenzhen, a three-and-a-half-hour bullet train direct to Xiamen is both comfortable and relatively cheap - return tickets can be had for
less than $400. Leaving Hong Kong after work on a Friday night, staying in Shenzhen for an evening to be ready to catch the 8am train from Shenzhen North Station the next morning is a highly achievable feat. Alternatively, catch one of the six flights per day from Hong Kong. The journey by bullet train is itself something special. Sit back and relax in the spacious carriages and take in the luscious views gliding past the windows on either side. As a bonus,
travel the price difference between First and Standard class is negligible if you are looking for a bit of extra legroom. On arrival in Xiamen North Railway Station, follow signs for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to the centre of town. Zhongshan Lu is the main tourist strip and this wide pedestrianised street should be the first point of call to orientate yourself on Xiamen island. Lined with cafés and tourist boutiques, it has a laid-back holiday vibe. Combine this with nearby Renhe Lu or ‘Taiwan snack street’ where endless delicious savoury and sweet food stalls jostle for position, you have the perfect introduction to Xiamen.
What to do In terms of must-visit attractions to tick any first-time visitor’s list is Gulang Yu. This small island just a short hop across the water from bigger Xiamen island is a (not undiscovered) treasure. Heavy influence still remains on the island from its time as an International Foreign Settlement and European and Japanese consulates were established on the island in the late 1800s. Staying for a couple of nights at one of the island’s beautiful colonial villa hotels to soak up its charm is highly recommended. The southern parts of Gulang Yu houses
the more touristy attractions; a terrarium reminiscent of Jurassic Park, a walled Chinese garden, the piano museum and the island’s summit at Sunlight Rock. For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll into the residential area to discover the impressive colonial mansions amongst a warren of narrow alleyways and backstreets. Cars are banned on Gulang Yu which makes for a peaceful afternoon strolling around. The area is well-known for its quality seafood restaurants whilst the many western-style cafes, hotel restaurants and tap houses are also very inviting.
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travel Due to overcrowding (it’s said that the island sinks more and more each year due to the volume of visitors), tourists now can only access the island from Dongdu International Ferry Terminal (don’t forget your passport), and the price has been increased to 35RMB return (previously 8RMB). Despite these methods of crowd control, the island is still extremely busy especially during weekends and holidays. Get back to school Xiamen University and its grounds and surrounding area are well worth a visit. Stepping onto campus is akin to entering an American university with its wide palm tree lined boulevards, students whizzing about on bikes, leafy green spaces and imposing red brick buildings. The Jiannan Auditorium is immediately noticeable with its three stories of white colonnaded architecture topped by an upturned, Chinese palace-style roof - a metaphor for wearing a Western suit and a Chinese hat - and it overlooks the university’s grand sports stadium. The university’s one-kilometer long Furong art tunnel deserves a special mention for its dedicated display of graffiti artwork. Finally make a detour to Xiamen island’s seascapes and the road that hugs the coastline all the way from the university in the south
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travel west to Wuyuanwan bridge in the north east. Pedal, walk or jog past beaches, fortresses and sculpture parks then stop for a dip in the ocean or for some watersports at one of the many beachside sailing clubs. Grab a bike from one of the many rental stalls and allow time for the full route. The further along the coast from the university you venture, the nicer and less crowded the beaches become. What to eat Rich, flavoursome and not too spicy with a heavy emphasis on soup bases and seafood, Xiamen cuisine is something the locals are rightly proud of. The most popular local dish is undoubtedly Shacha Mian, a peanut satay-like noodle soup incorporating a variety of seafood. Peanuts are a recurring speciality in many dishes. Those after something sweet should try Huasheng Tang, a delicious sweet peanut soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, the sea worm jelly, which takes pride of place at any Xiamen banquet table, is a risk worth taking. Any regular visitors to Taiwan will certainly see similarities in Xiamen’s cuisine and general laidback and friendly approach to life. An unexpected pleasure and easy weekend getaway from Hong Kong, I can’t wait for my return trip.
My top tips Train Tickets: I booked through www.english.ctrip.com Flights: Dragonair and Xiamen Airlines have flights daily. On the water: Huandao Beach near Hulishan Cannon Fort rents all sorts of watersport equipment such as paddle boards, kayaks and windsurfers. There’s also a pool and inflatables at the beach club. Bicycle rental: Many locations near Baicheng beach and the university’s south gate.
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health & beauty
so versatile
A tough nut to crack
Superfood or superfad? Callum Wiggins finds out if we’re all going coconuts. Hard, hairy and a real effort to open up, the coconut is the man of all fruit. But as blueberries become boring and kale turns stale, the health movement is after a new superfood. Enter the coconut (which in botanical terms is a drupe, not a nut). Whether used for its water, milk or oil, we’ve found the best coconut-based products out there for you to snack on, slurp up or smear over your body.
Coconut Matter Founder of Coconut Matter, Diane van Zwanenberg, describes coconut oil as “a natural gift from nature, uncomplicated and incredibly versatile” and we wouldn’t argue with her. Containing antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, coconut oil is fast becoming a household essential. Sourced from the Solomon Islands and hand pressed within 60 minutes of harvest from fairtrade farmers, Coconut Matter’s WILD Virgin Coconut Oil has a huge number of practical uses. Use it in the bathroom as a moisturiser, hair serum, makeup remover and lip balm or in the kitchen in everyday frying and baking. Have fun in the bedroom and use as a massage oil. For more information and to buy online visit www.coconutmatter.com
Raiz The Bar Put down that Bounty bar. Organic evaporated coconut nectar is the best way to incorporate all that coconut goodness in your chocolate. Founded by sisters Priscilla Soligo and Rachel Whitfield, chocolate from Raiz The Bar is organic, cold-processed, low-glycemic, single origin, and allergen-friendly made using unroasted beans sourced directly from a farm co-op in Indonesia. “We employ coconut nectar in our locally made bean-to-bar organic raw chocolate because of its low glycemic index, which makes
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it a much more suitable sweetener for people to enjoy their chocolate without the sugar highs and lows that so often are associated with eating chocolate”, says co-founder and chef Priscilla. Unique flavours from their growing range include Raspberry Rose Acai, Orange White Mulberry and Chai Chaga Chipotle Chili. For more information and to buy online visit www.raizthebar.com
health & beauty
Jax Coco The Hong Kong-born brand may have been delivering bottled coconut water to the masses since 2011, but its market reach and diversity of products show no signs of slowing down. Jax Coco 100% pure coconut water has become a staple in most supermarket aisles and gyms around Hong Kong. Using coconuts sourced from The Philippines, the coconut water contains no added sugar or artificial preservatives. It claims to pack a powerful punch of potassium and can act as an ideal post-workout drink. Looking for something to snack on? Jax Coco has launched their Toasted Coconut Chips range ($14.50 per bag). Available in three flavours including Sea Salt, Wasabi, and Chilli & Lime, the lightly toasted chips are suitable
for vegans and are gluten and trans fat free. Be careful, the Wasabi chips are an acquired taste. For more information and to buy online visit www.jaxcoco.com
He’s getting his coconut fix, are you?
One Organic One Organic is a one stop shop for all your coconut-based product needs. As well as selling organic extra virgin coconut oil in jars of up to one litre, One Organic stocks harder to find organic coconut sugar, organic coconut flower cider vinegar and organic coconut flower syrup. A dollop of coconut flower syrup on your morning toast is a sweet treat that won’t spike your sugar levels. For more information visit www.one-organic.com or email info@one-organic.com to find your nearest location to purchase their products.
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marketplace
pets
top dogs
Veterinary acupuncture Can acupuncture work for your pet’s ailments? Dr. Reanne Kwok explains.
Many people naturally ask - is it painful for animals?
Acupuncture is a 5,000-year-old healing art involving the placement of sterile acupuncture needles in anatomical locations to create a therapeutic effect. The Chinese call this balancing the “chi” or “energy”. This technique has been practiced in both human and veterinary medicine in China for thousands of years to treat a variety of
conditions. The Chinese also use acupuncture as part of preventative medicine and The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has accepted acupuncture as a valid veterinary method. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also formally proclaimed that acupuncture is an effective medical treatment. Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work very well for some ailments. So, how does it work? Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, nervous system stimulation, and the release of antiinflammatory and pain relieving hormones. The aim of acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself by correcting energy balance in the body. Conditions that can be successfully treated by acupuncture are many. It can be employed in treatment of pain, reducing anxiety, muscle and tendon strains and sprains, and even spinal or nerve injuries. Many people naturally ask - is it painful for animals? When the needle is being inserted, a tingling, numbing sensation may be felt. This
may seem uncomfortable to some pets initially but not all animals will feel that way. Once the needles are in place, it should be virtually painless. Most animals become very relaxed and may even fall asleep during their session. Finally, is acupuncture safe for animals? Acupuncture is a very safe medical treatment when it is performed by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects are rare and substantially less common than with many drugs and other accepted conventional treatments. Because of the differences in anatomy, and the potential for harm if the treatments are done incorrectly, only a properly trained veterinarian should perform acupuncture on animals. In general, acupuncture can be safely and effectively combined with conventional medical therapies. I would recommend pet owners to consider acupuncture when other methods of treatment may not be working.
Dr. Reanne Kwok is a professional veterinarian based in Pets Central, North Point. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist accredited by the Chi institute USA.
hong kong creatures The falcated duck The falcated duck is quite uncommon and only visits Hong Kong in winter. Due to increased levels of hunting the bird is now classified as ‘near threatened’ and its numbers in China and other Asian breeding grounds are believed to be declining. Also found in Russia, North and South Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, the falcated duck is migratory, which unfortunately makes it the carrier of some viruses. This can happen, for example, when one of the ducks is bitten by an infected mosquito and the infected blood is taken to a new place. The breeding male of the species is easily recognisable with its large dark green head
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and white throat with a bronzed crown. The female has dark brown plumage but its long grey bill is a simple identifier. The breeding season runs from May until July. Falcated ducks feed on larvae and pupae, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs and nests on ground near water usually under the cover of tall vegetation. They are very sociable birds and enjoy moving in pairs or small parties. They have been seen mixing with other dabbling ducks especially Northern Pintails and Eurasian Wigeons. Where to find them in Hong Kong: Mai Po, Shuen Wan, Long Valley.
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photo by: Tony Hisgett
By Steffi Yuen
marketplace
marketplace
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marketplace
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marketplace
Carpet washing & Repairs Professionals
Our Cleaning & Repair services are among the best in hong kong We also selling Persian carpets and rugs for your home
Free pickup & Delivery MR IQBAL Tel: 90180897 28513665
Email: iqbalhk@me.com website: iqbalcarpets.hk
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marketplace
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marketplace
on patrol...
top cop
Cyber crime How to stay safe in the digital world and ways to avoid cyber crime. By Janet Chan.
Cyber crime is a fast-growing area of crime - it’s speedy, convenient and anonymous. There are several billion devices worldwide and there is no barrier, either physical or virtual on the Internet which makes committing crime online attractive. Cyber crime is one of the hardest cases to detect and the toughest to crack. In 2014, there
was an upsurge of technology-related crimes. Cyber crime can be divided into four broad areas namely online gaming, unauthorized use of computers, online fraud and other types of crime. Extorting computer users for cash either through malicious software or blackmail is a key area of concern which has been highlighted in Hong Kong. Cybercriminals usually offend in a routine manner and committed by criminals living outside of Hong Kong. Recently there has been an upsurge in the number of individuals falling victim to exploitation through ‘sex chat’. Via social networking platforms or instant messaging software victims are requested to befriend an unknown person. Using fake accounts and gaining your trust, the victim is lured into revealing compromising material or committing sexual acts via webcam. At the same time, the criminals will use software to capture images or videos. Threats are then issued to deposit money into an unidentified account; otherwise they will upload the video onto the internet. To avoid falling into the trap, remember the following: • Don’t trust unknown people online.
•
Inform children about the importance of cyber security and take steps to monitor their online activity. • Use privacy settings to protect your information and beware of phishing scams and emails from unknown persons. In order to tackle this type of crime, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) was established in early 2015. The unit is responsible for handling cyber security issues and carrying out technology crime investigations, as well as promoting technology crime prevention. CSTCB also works closely with local and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat similar cross-border crime. If you encounter any type of cyber crime, report the case to us immediately and we can work together to make the Internet a safer place.
Janet Chan is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung Division, tel: 3661 1630
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vines in sai kung
stephen says...
What’s all the fuss about? Stephen Vines struggles with PCCW, is left bewildered by the Sai Kung District Council, and calls for an end to all the fussing.
Stephen Vines questions whether we need extra supervision for escalators
Making a nightmare out of a deluge…thanks PCCW It will take a while to forget the deluge of rain that hit Sai Kung in the second week of last month. This was an isolated deluge, bringing 102mm of rain, mainly to the Tai Mong Tsai side of Sai Kung, around ten times the amount of water affecting other parts of the territory on that day. The Observatory hardly covered itself in glory by declaring that it was unable to issue any kind of alert because this was not a territory-wide problem; a perfect bureaucrat’s excuse for ineptitude. However other parts of the public service came out of this much better. Both the police and fire services were prompt in sending officers out to handle slippages, and in one case rescuing a stranded motorist. The Highways Department also promptly sent out repair workers to clear serious road obstructions. In my house, water cascaded down from the roof. I can testify to the speed with which the deluge wrought havoc. Power supplies were knocked out, telephone lines and broadband service went down and all sorts of damage ensued. China Light and Power performed admirably restoring power in a matter of hours. Some of the telephone service suppliers were also quick off the mark but there was one major
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exception – PCCW. Three days after the event both my landlines and broadband service remained either dead or semi-dead as the broadband sparked back to life but quickly fell out of service again. This was quite bad enough but trying to contact PCCW and get anything done provided a nightmare that seems to be a specialty of this company. On day one repairs were promised for the following day but no one showed up, the excuse being that they could do nothing because of the flooding. In fact the flooding had cleared by then. On day two there was no progress because of, well, it’s not clear why. On day three the broadband finally died altogether and a vague promise was made of repairs two days later. After spending more time on the phone than I have spent in a very long time, the repair schedule was moved up another day, i.e. to a mere four days after the event. In between there were suggestions of my own incompetence in this matter because of a failure to test the lines. The phone calls to PCCW (which stands for Perhaps Can’t Care or Worse) turned, how can I put it…rather sharp. PCCW has something of a monopoly when it comes to telecom services in this area; it appears to believe that this is a license to ignore its customers.
One notice board, good, three notice boards, bad Spending other folk’s money is great fun; if you don’t believe me ask the good folk who run the Sai Kung District Office, which, evidently, has lots and lots of cash to splurge around. However things are getting out of hand, as seen by anyone taking the Sai Kung Country Park’s well trodden path to the historic Sheung Yiu village. At the top of the path stood one perfectly serviceable wooden notice board, mainly occupied by a map. Then the council decided to erect another notice board next door, this time using concrete and glass and filling it up with the usual nonsense that absolutely no one is interested in reading. Now yet another bigger and better notice board has been erected opposite. This time it is even more solidly built with metal and has an absurd looking glass canopy on top. At the time of writing there is absolutely nothing on the newest notice board, so we shall have to wait and see what thrilling items will be posted there but why is money being thrown away on things like this, which are not only extremely ugly, but 100 per cent superfluous to requirement. Readers will undoubtedly be able to cite other little projects dreamed up by the district council that really loves to spend. Enough fussing, thank you Like many people in the area, I rather admire the indefatigable Sai Kung District Councilor Christine Fong Kwok-shan who can literally be seen out in all weathers with a microphone addressing passers by on some matter or other. Her hard work is highly admirable but I am not sure about one of her recent campaigns for ‘enhancement of supervision for escalators’. We all know that there have been a couple of recent accidents on escalators and, no doubt there have been incidents of people tripping up in the streets and even wind blowing down tree branches, but surely this is part of life. There really is no need for endless nannying and establishing precautions for every known hazard. Less fussing is better fussing. Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.