Southside Magazine November 2015

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

November 2015

CHINA CALLS

A weekend in Xiamen

Come dine with me Introducing PlateCulture

Life’s a beach

Interview with a sand sculptor

269

ways to get your kicks

2 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

The really useful magazine NOVEMBER 2015

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 10 Happening in November What’s on.

NEWS 16 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS 22 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

16 Chris Shum The sand sculptor.

LOCAL 26 Hot seats The district council elections what would you do if elected?

NEWS FROM THE GREENS 27 Global Goals Spread the word.

OUTDOORS 28 Clean up Hong Kong Get involved and improve Hong Kong’s environment.

FEATURE 30 Go extreme Seven action sports to try on the southside.

ARTS & CULTURE 38 Cuba Interview with artist Jo Farrell.

EATING 40 Come dine with me We try out new dining concept PlateCulture. Plus nibbles.

EDUCATION 46 School days A visit to Parkview International Pre-School.

FAMILY 52 Fair season Festive markets to visit leading up to the Christmas holidays.

HOME & LIVING 56 Home affairs The new kids on the block at Horizon Plaza.

BIG DAY OUT 60 Natural world Discovering Hok Tau Reservoir.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 70 Coconut crazy Snack on, slurp up or smear over your body.

PETS 72 Pins ‘n’ needles Healing your pet’s ailments with acupuncture.

CREATURES 72 The Falcated Duck Quack.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 80 Moo-ving on Pok Fu Lam Dairy Farm.

TRAVEL 66 Xiamen A weekend north of the border.

f

Find us on Facebook Southside Magazine

“KEEP CLOSE TO NATURE’S HEART… AND BREAK CLEAR AWAY, ONCE IN AWHILE, AND CLIMB A MOUNTAIN OR SPEND A WEEK IN THE WOODS. WASH YOUR SPIRIT CLEAN.” JOHN MUIR

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 1

contributors

Evie Burrows-Taylor

Rebecca Keiller

Amanda Sheppard

Evie Burrows-Taylor has been a freelance journalist in Hong Kong since January 2014. In addition to writing for Fast Media she has written for several publications including the South China Morning Post, Tatler and the Huffington Post. While writing on everything from business and finance, to education and travel, Evie enjoys experiencing the cultural delights that Hong Kong and its neighbours have to offer.

Rebecca is the Editor & Community Manager for local travel startup Klook. Luckily for her, part of the job description entails discovering cool travel activities around Asia. When she’s not exploring undiscovered parts of Hong Kong, Rebecca is ardently pursuing her passion for travel. She recently took a trip north of the border to the Chinese city of Xiamen. Read about her adventure on page 66.

Amanda is a freelance writer and researcher, and former Art & Culture editor at Time Out Magazine Hong Kong. When she isn’t scoping out the city’s cultural climate, Amanda is on the hunt for hidden curiosities and a good, strong coffee. Now as southside magazine’s resident culture vulture, she speaks to documentary photographer Jo Farrell on her latest exhibition, CUBA, on page 38.

Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

2 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

people Snaps from Southside

4 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

say cheese Snaps from Southside

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5

people Slideluck Hong Kong II, Wong Chuk Hang

6 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 7

people

photos by: Christine Yang, Eddie Hui Bon Hoa, Jimmy Leung/Clean Half Swim

The Clean Half Extreme Marathon Swim, Stanley Main Beach & Deep Water Bay

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

8 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 9

planner

NOV 22

Race with Pink Heels Put on a pair of heels and run for charity for the annual race in aid of breast cancer awareness. Races for men, women, families and even the pet pooch (no doggy heels required). Stanley Main Street, Stanley. Enrol by Nov 8 at www.pinkheels.hk

NOV 1 Movember!

Movember will once again see men across the globe cultivating their facial hair all in aid of raising awareness for men’s health issues. www.hk.movember.com

NOV 1 Southside Market Long Lunch Enjoy a day of unlimited food, drink, music and entertainment on the rooftop of The Butchers Club Deli. 12-5pm, tickets start at $550 (free for undereights), from www.ticketflap.com. The Butchers Club Deli Rooftop, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768, www.butchersclub.com.hk

NOV 1 Pumpkins and Pooches sponsored dog walk Work off those treats from the night before whilst helping a good cause on Halloween weekend by

10 WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK |

participating in Kirsten’s Zoo Charity’s sponsored walk. Help raise money for abandoned and neglected animals; there are even prizes for best costumes (for children and dogs) and most money raised. Aberdeen Country Park, Magazine Gap Road. Download your sponsorship form at www.kirstenszoo.com

Hong Kong’s booming art districts. Gallery tours including Blindspot Gallery and Mur Nomade.

Details at www.hk-aga.org

NOV 1-30 Kin Hong Seafood Festival 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 1-7, & 15 Hong Kong Art Gallery Week Art talks, activities and over 100 exhibitions at

NOV 5 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay Hong Kong 2015 Teams of 10 runners will run a one mile relay around Edinburgh Square with the fastest team to donate their winning prize money to a charity of their choice. Race starts at 6pm, www.squaremilerelay.com/hong-kong

happening in November UNTIL NOV 7 Marco Polo Oktoberfest

NOV 11 Happy Diwali

NOV 14-15 Men of Harlech

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.

Looking for somewhere to celebrate? Ovolo Southside will be running a three-course Indian menu, November 11-14. If you’re in a party mood, head to above on November 14 for their Bollywood-inspired bash, featuring two guest DJs. 9pm-1am. Tickets $350 per person. For enquiries, call 3460 8100, www.ovolohotels.com

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 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

NOV 7 Charity Race for Hong Kong Homeless Dog Shelter A 4km walk with your pooch with 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 14 Yoga and Wellness Festival Flex Studio celebrates its 10th birthday with yoga, dance and other classes. Special guests include the YogaSlackers. Proceeds go to Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation.

Free admission into the festival, classes are $50-$290. 9am-6pm, Cyberport Podium, 2813 2212 or email info@flexhk.com

NOV 14-15 The Pulse International Hong Kong Beach Water Polo Tournament Over 20 Beach Water Polo teams from around the world descend on Repulse Bay. Dodgeball sessions and classes by Flex Studio on the beach too as part of Hong Kong Beach Festival. Free admission.

Repulse Bay Beach.

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

NOV 15 Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Around the Island Race 2015 Spectate Hong Kong’s largest sailing event with more than 200 boats and canoes sailing the 26nm course. Prizes will be awarded to each division. Enter before 6pm on November 9, details at www.rhkyc.org.hk

NOV 7 Lamma Fun Day Live music, market stalls, children’s games and lots of food and drink at laid-back Lamma. All proceeds go to Child Welfare Scheme. 11am10pm. Free entry. Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island, www.facebook.com/LammaFunDay

NOV 8 CyberRun for Rehab 2015 Enjoy a leisurely walk or run to raise awareness and funds for rehabilitation training and programmes. There will be a party with fun booths and a lucky draw following the race at Cyberport Arcade. Registration details at www.cyberrun.hk

NOV 8 Southern District Sand Sculpture Competition 2015 See sand castles get taken to a whole new level.

Shek O Beach. For enquiries call 2555 1014.

Yoga and Wellness Festival

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11

planner NOV 17-22 Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships With a grand prize of over $2.7million, competition will be intense. Matches will take place at the Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon. Tickets available from URBTIX at www.urbtix.hk.

Admission on the first day is free by ticket; otherwise, prices range from $40 for early rounds to $680 for top seats at the final. Concessions available. For enquiries, call the Hong Kong Badminton Association at 2504 8318.

NOV 21 Dragon Run 2015 This year’s event encompasses two distance races. The long course (24 kilometres) starts at Clearwater Bay and heads southeast to the rugged Ninepins Islands, then past the breathtaking Cape D’Aguilar finishing in Stanley.

The short course (open to single and double surf skis, OC1s and OC2s and SUPs) is around nine kilometres for skis and OCs and five kilometres for SUPs, starting and finishing at Stanley’s Hong Kong Sea School. Register online by 4pm Friday November 20 at www.thedragonrun.com.hk

NOV 22 Hong Kong District Council Elections Don’t forget to vote!

NOV 26 Thanksgiving Turkey time!

NOV 19-22 Macau Grand Prix 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

12 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.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

NOV 27-29 Clockenflap 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 29 Diamond Sedan Competition 2015 Teams of six race towards the finish line by carrying wheelchair competitors to promote active ageing. Prizes are awarded to the fastest three teams and best dressed. Kick off ceremony at 1pm, race starts at 2pm. Stanley Plaza and Stanley Main Street, www.diamondcab.com.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13

BOOK NOW DEC 22-JAN 3 Cirque Adrenaline Adrenalin and death-defying performances from a troop of 50 trapeze artists, mixing clowns, and acrobats. Tickets $295-$895 from www.hkticketing.com.hk, 3128 8288.

Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets from $220 from www.hkticketing.com.hk, 3128 8288.

DEC 4-6 & 10-13 Hong Kong Players Cinderella Panto

DEC 4-FEB 14 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.

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 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

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.

14 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 15

news

in your backyard

photo by Louise Ng, TTT

New openings

The Ocean, Repulse Bay

New to the shores of Repulse Bay, The Ocean serves seafood with a minimalist approach.

Now taking reservations for lunch and dinner (Wednesday to Sunday), including a special brunch menu on Sundays. Shop 303-304, 3/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. www.theocean.hk, 2889 5939.

Newly madeover, Repulse Bay’s Market Place by Jasons now sports a country rustic design inspired by North American farms. New products include dry aged Angus beef, Iberian ham and Tasmanian smoked salmon. Shop G128, Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2812 0340, open daily 8am-10pm.

Global high street fashion label H&M now occupies three floors of the historic Murray House. 23 Carmel Road, Stanley.

Beef and Liberty will soon opens its doors in Stanley. Watch this space.

Try before you buy It’s open house at Miles ELP International Academy. Experience the preschool’s inquiry and project-based curriculum in a 45-minute free class in their rooftop seaview garden. A school tour and introduction seminar will also be arranged while children have fun in a music session. November 28, 2.30pm. To register email info@milesinternational.com.hk.

For the music-loving, RockAbaby Music Academy’s Taste the Music Day let’s you try classes for free, including music and instrument exploration group class, assessment class, and private instrument class. Enjoy live music performances by teachers and talk to professionals about your child’s music education. November 14, 3pm. Register at info@rockababy.com.hk.

B102, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. www.miacademy.com.hk, 3586 3071

16 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

578 species found in Tai Tam mangrove A 24-hour ecological survey of Hong Kong Island’s last remaining mangrove has identified 578 species. Over 300 students, volunteers and experts took part in the “BioBlitz” at Tai Tam Tuk Village near Stanley, part of Hong Kong’s “Biodiversity Festival”.

The data will be used to help shape policy with regards to sites of special scientific interest, curricula, and general conservation and protection.

Experts were surprised at the breadth of biodiversity that they found.

Highlights include two species of moth that are extremely rare yet native to only Hong Kong, the first record of coral in Tai Tam Bay and the first official record of juvenile horseshoe crabs in Tai Tam mangrove.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 17

news

Stanley gets fruity Best of British

Stanley Plaza World of Food and Music festival returns for a fifth year. This time, gigantic fruit print bubble soccer ‘balls’ will descend on Stanley Plaza from November 1 for three consecutive Sundays. To take part in the bubble soccer games for free, register online (you must be 14 or above). There will also be a Kids’ Corner with games for little ones, a juice bar, and a snapshot zone where you can don

18 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

the fruity bubble soccer ‘ball’ for a selfie. A minimum spend at Stanley Plaza may apply to some promotions.

Special fruity dishes and offers will be available throughout the month at Chez Patrick Deli, Waffleman, Mijas Spanish Restaurant and King Ludwig Beerhall. Visit LinkHK.com for details and free registration, or call 6113 2730 for enquiries.

Throughout November, some of Hong Kong’s best venues will be hosting events to celebrate British culture and enterprise, from ‘The Great British Pub Quiz’ at Chater Garden to ‘The Great British Garden Party’ (hopefully without the rain) at Tamar Park. And whilst Bake Off might be over for 2015, those who think they can teach Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood a thing or two in the kitchen can compete for the title of Great British Cake-Off champion.

An outdoor cinema will screen British classics, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Notting Hill, not forgetting the adventures of Britain’s most famous secret agent, James Bond. Grab a pint and some fish and chips at ‘The British Drinks Experience’ in Central or get your Christmas shopping in early at Hong Kong’s very own Carnaby Street, which will be lined with some of Britain’s best-known retailers and fashion labels offering plenty of discounts for shoppers. All events are free but you must register for the cinema tickets. www.bestofbritish.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 19

letters Dangerous waters Sunday October 18, a beautiful hot day here in Hong Kong. We are at Big Wave Bay with hundreds of others relaxing on the sand, many people are surfing on their boards. The water is filthy, and a submerged plastic bucket hits me with a wave. Emmanuel, our 23-year-old son, is surfing further away on the bigger waves. By afternoon, even more people gather across the sand and in the water.

Suddenly, Emmanuel rushes out of the water as people start gathering around him.

I hear screams. I run to him and see blood gushing from the bottom of his left foot onto the wet sand. Sophia, his girlfriend, responds quickly and applies pressure on the wound with one of our towels. Lifeguards arrive, and Emmanuel explains that he believes the cut was caused by a broken bottle sitting underwater near the shore; he warns other surfers and swimmers about the danger. The ambulance arrives and takes him to the closest hospital.

Later that night he undergoes surgery to repair the muscle, tendon and skin under his foot; he

have your say

needs twenty stitches.

A staggering amount of pieces of broken glass and rusted metal is lying on the ocean bed around Hong Kong, not to mention the tons of plastic waste floating on the surface and currents filled with debris flow. Although the

majority of beachgoers have not suffered a fate similar to my son’s, if we continue to pollute our oceans, I wonder, how many of us will remain so lucky?

Eric Grinda Shek O

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

20 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

free stuff

win at www.southside.hk

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

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe 22 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23

five minutes with...

Mr. Sandman

Editorial

Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Acting 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

Amanda Sheppard Anji Connell Carolynne Dear Evie Burrows-Taylor Hazel Yin Tong Mawgan Batt Nigel Griffiths Nissa Marion Dr. Reanne Kwok Rebecca Keiller Rory Mackay Sally Andersen Steffi Yuen

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

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

Photo by: Kuno Mejina

Chris Shum

The sand sculpture artist explains where it all began and why he’s happy for his work to be washed away. By Shreena Patel.

I never intended to be a sand sculpture artist, but when I was young I lived in a rural area.

There was nothing to play with but sand.

It all began on a school trip to Cheung Chau. I was feeling nervous and excited about starting high school so, one night, I went for a walk along the beach by myself. I started playing with the sand and ended up making a pair of legs.

One of my friends came to find me and from a distance in the moonlight he mistook it for a pair of real human legs. He thought we’d found a corpse and wanted to call the police.

But after I showed him it was just sand we laughed about it.

Whenever I go to the beach I recall that night.

I took part in my first competition in 1989. We came runner-up and I went on to create the Sand Hand Team, which now has 20 members.

24 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

It’s all very temporary: Chris Shum, far left, celebrating with his team.

Now, I work in construction sales. I do sand sculpture in my spare time and teach classes for people aged three to 80. It’s a good way to meet people, good exercise and it’s environmentally friendly. I enjoy building sculptures that have a message, for example about peace or the environment.

To sculpt sand you need physical endurance, practice, a good design, the right proportion of sand to water (usually 3:1), and, of course, you must like sand.

The hardest type of sculpture to build is usually human or building related. It’s hard to make human faces look realistic and buildings require a strong and level foundation which takes time.

Through sand sculpture I have travelled to different countries. In Japan, the proximity of volcanoes means the sand contains charcoal and tends to be darker. This makes it lighter and harder to pack

and shape. The sand in Hong Kong is really good, particularly in southside. It’s fine and packs well, and the large number of beaches means there is lots of it. I particularly like sculpting in Shek O because the beach is big so there is plenty of space to build.

The longest I’ve ever spent on a sculpture is 60 hours. It was part of a two-month exhibition at Ma Wan shopping centre on animal protection.

I’m not disappointed when the sculpture washes away. When I build it, I am taking away from nature, so allowing it to wash away is like giving back.

When I see people building sand sculptures on the beach I feel happy because they look like they are having fun.

See Chris in action at the Southern District Sand Sculpture Competition on November 8 at Shek O Beach.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

local Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk

election reflections

Hot seats With the District Council elections happening this month - the first citywide elections since the Occupy protests - Hazel Yin Tong hits southside’s streets to ask people if they’ll be voting and what they would do if elected.

Sales & Process Manager Alastair Grigg alastair@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Accounting

Accounting Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Accounting Assistant Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk

Printer

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

David Hannah, 40+, Stanley “I can’t vote because I’m still not registered, but I’ll register next year.

If in office, I would persuade the government to undertake more long-term investment into things like air quality and education. The government should not just save money; it should do more to invest for the benefit of the public.”

Ms. Tsui, 65, Ma Hang Estate “Yes I will be voting, but I am not sure who I’ll vote for yet. The most important thing I care about is whether the candidate will really be helpful to the community and residents. If in office, I would promote tourism to drive the development of this area.”

Adrian, 36, Mid-levels “No, I am not registered. I’m interested in policies about pollution and house prices. If in office, I would do something about the pollution, control house prices, and offer more opportunities for kids to go to school.”

www.southside.hk ads@fastmedia.com.hk

Did you know… @southsidemag

3,693,942 people in Hong Kong are registered to vote in 2015, that’s just over half the population.

facebook.com/SouthsideMagazineHK

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

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

There were a record 951 nominations for this year’s elections, although 58 seats (about 15 per cent) will be uncontested.

Mr. Lee, 40, Ma Hang Estate “Yes, I’ll be voting, I’m still not sure who for. Public transportation is the most important thing that should be improved in this area. It is not efficient enough to cope with the amount of passengers. If elected, I would lower the fares for public transportation.”

Mr. Lai, 60, Stanley “Yes I will be voting, but I don’t know who I’ll vote for right now.

I think the most important thing is whether it is a fair election.

If elected, I would do more to supervise the government.”

District Councillors serve a fouryear term. Those elected this year will take office on January 1 2016 until December 31 2019.

The registration deadline for voting has now passed. To vote, those who are registered should visit their designated polling station on November 22, open from 7:30am-10:30pm. The first batch of results will be announced at 1am on November 23; all results will be announced by 5am.

See www.elections.gov.hk for more details.

26 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

outdoors

call to action

Hong Kong needs you A number of organisations are 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. Highquality 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 Christine Dean with donations from a clothing drive.

28 WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK |

(from top); Tracey Read from Pastic Free Seas: Lisa Christensen and Nissa Marion of Hong Kong Cleanup.

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 encourages individuals and businesses to eliminate the use of plastic straws.

A range of Take-Action postcards are available from their website to help individuals and businesses communicate effectively. 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 following 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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

feature

Take it southside From paragliding to deep sea sportfishing, southside’s outdoor junkies are spoilt for choice this autumn.

Shreena Patel gets expert advice on where and how to get involved.

Main photo by Jeremy Austin

30 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

feature

Paragliding Yuen Kit is a policeman by day but has been paragliding for 15 years during which time he’s been tangled up with an eagle, injured his hip and broken his foot. He teaches lessons throughout Hong Kong.

Where do you like to fly?

On any given day, flying conditions vary across Hong Kong - I choose my location depending on the conditions. In southside, I prefer to fly in Shek O: it has good landing areas and photo opportunities. If flying over Stanley, be sure to fly high enough to pass over the ocean otherwise you will end up swimming.

The full course with Kit, which includes P1 (flying with other experienced flyers) and P2

(flying solo) is usually around $12,000. It can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. www.hongkongpilot.com, 9183 1885.

Kit’s top five tips for paragliding: 1. Have a flight plan.

2. Check your equipment before flying: the essentials are a compass (GPS is better), helmet, gloves, harness and elbow protection.

3. Before you fly, learn how to control the wing above your head on the ground.

4. Don’t be a hero: judge carefully whether to fly and where to land.

5. If you are in any doubt about flying, pick up your wing and walk back.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

feature

Flyboarding One for fans of “Back to the Future”. It’s not quite a hoverboard, but pretty close. Ivan Lee, instructor at Flyboard HK, explains all.

What is flyboarding?

The flyboard, much like a snowboard or a wakeboard, is connected to a jet ski by a long hose. The water propulsion that usually powers the jet ski is diverted through the hose to the flyboard, lifting the rider out of the water. You can “steer” the board with your feet and by shifting your weight. With experience, you can do fun manoeuvers. The flyboard “captain” (on the jet ski) controls the propulsion, which controls your height. Professional flyboarders can fly over 40 feet above the water.

Ivan’s top five tips for flyboarding 1. ALWAYS listen to your instructor and follow their instructions.

2. Make sure your body and mind are relaxed.

3. Maintain the right posture to help you keep your balance.

4. Make slow adjustments with your feet and then wait for the board to move. Little movements are exaggerated by the board, so move slowly into the turns.

5. Don’t look down. Look to the horizon. Looking down will often mess up your balance.

Flyboard HK has a team of qualified instructors and offers introductory piloting courses for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced level training. A 60-minute session starts from $1300 depending on your choice of experience (Flyboard, Hoverboard, Jetblade or Jetpack).

Lessons take place in Deep Water Bay. www.flyboard.com.hk, 9761 1232.

Open water swimming Seasoned swimmer Ian Polson runs the Open Water Swimmers of Hong Kong, a friendly group of swimming enthusiasts which meets at 8:30am every Sunday morning at the main entrance to Repulse Bay beach. Swimmers are split into three groups based on ability; newcomers must be able to swim two kilometres non-stop. There is no joining fee but all swimmers must use a safety buoy (provided). On public holidays the group holds “adventures swims” in different locations. www.openwaterswimmershongkong.com, 9094 2101.

Where are the best places to swim?

All southside beaches are great for open water swimming, though parts of Deep Water Bay seem to accumulate large amounts of floating rubbish due to tidal flow.

What about gear?

Escapade Sports at the pulse in Repulse Bay has everything you need to get right into open water swimming, including safety buoys.

32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Ian’s top five tips for open water swimming 1. Never swim outside the shark net alone.

2. Always use a safety buoy to make yourself visible to any water craft.

3. Choose a route that will not clash with other activities such as sailing or rowing events.

4. Know your limitations and do not try to exceed them.

5. Be aware of tidal flow and hidden rocks.

When you swim in the open sea you must take nature as you find it. The best thing is to come along to the group swim on Sundays and talk to experienced swimmers.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 33

feature

Steve’s top five tips for MTB 1. Build your fitness. The fitter you are, the faster you can respond to changing terrain by adjusting your speed, gear and posture. Start by riding on quiet roads uphill.

2. Look where you want the bike to go, between three metres and as far down the trail as you can see. This will give you more time to respond to hazards.

3. Be prepared. Tell someone your route and how long you’ll be gone. Take enough water and food. Know the basics, like how to fix a flat tyre and mend a broken chain.

4. Check your bike before every ride, covering essentials like tyres, brakes and steering.

5. A bike is only as good as its operator.

Work on your skills and fitness long before upgrading. Nothing is more satisfying than passing a rider on a $70,000+ bike when you’re on a $2,000 secondhand steed!

Mountain biking Owner of Crosscountry HK Steve Coward has been living and mountain biking (MTB) in Hong Kong for 19 years.

Three great trails Of the 11 official trails in Hong Kong only the Dragon’s Back trail falls on Hong Kong Island.

Beginner: Tai Lam Chung Reservoir trail. The 13km loop starts at the Tai Lam Correctional Institution and gets harder towards the end, but you can leave at around the 10 kilometre mark and head to the Gold Coast for lunch.

Intermediate: start in the same park up the hill at the Route Twisk entrance, either taking the Ho Pui Trail or the fast track option: MacLehose Road stage nine.

Expert: Chi Ma Wan Peninsula on Lantau Island.

Barely any of the 20 kilometre loop from Mui Wo is flat but it has some great coastal views.

Gear The minimum is a correctly fitting helmet.

Gloves will protect your hands in the event of a spill. Leg and elbow pads are optional in entry

34 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Get the gear level trails but should be worn when tackling faster downhill trails. Stores I visit regularly are Friendly Bicycle Shop (Mui Wo Waterfront), Sky Blue Bikes (Sheung Wan) and Flying Ball (Lai Chi Kok).

Crosscountry HK offers skills training and guided rides using its own fleet of bikes.

Typically, prices start at $1,150 for the first rider with each additional rider coming in at $600. www.mtbhk.com, 6300 1980.

Asia Pacific Adventure, Wong Chuk Hang Stocks a range of gear, from camping and biking to watersports equipment. Shop online or in store. Unit A, 16/F, Gee Chang Hong Centre, 65 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 2792-7128. Open Monday to Friday, 10am7pm. www.asiapacificadventure.com Escapade Sports Everything from triathlon to rugby gear, nutrition and accessories. Shop online or in store. 110, Level 1, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2395 2778. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am-8pm. www.escapade.com.hk Marathon Sports Stocks a range of international sports brands. Shop G11-G14, G/F, Port Centre, 38 Chengtu Road, Aberdeen, 2814 1208.

Open Monday to Sunday, 10:30am9:30pm. www.imarathon.com

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 35

feature

Surf SUP Though somewhat of a misnomer, Big Wave Bay is where Hong Kong’s surf scene began.

Antony Dickson has been surfing there for 18 years and runs surf school Surfing Hong Kong.

In Big Wave Bay, I go to Ho Lok (coca cola) shop. It has good food, lockers, warm showers, lots of boards and wetsuits, and a good surfer vibe. You can rent a board there for $50 per day.

Where are the best surfing spots in southside?

Big Wave Bay and Shek O are great. They are easily accessible by road, with shower and toilet facilities. You can SUP there too, although it will be rougher. Other good places to SUP are the Victoria Recreation Club in Deep Water Bay, Tai Tam Bay and Stanley.

Go out in the early morning or late afternoon: it’s not as crowded. It is beautiful being in the water at dawn and watching the sun come up.

Antony runs lessons at Big Wave Bay throughout the year (6am-6pm at weekends; 6am-9am on weekdays). A one-on-one lesson (one hour and 15 minutes) costs $800, or $1000 for two hours. Group sessions can also be held.

Surf and SUP boards are provided. www.surfinghongkong.com, 6485 1673.

What about gear?

Up to December, women can wear bikinis (plus optional board shorts and a lycra top to prevent sunburn); for men the minimum is a pair of board shorts (wear speedos inside to reduce rash), though I prefer a no-arms or short-arm 2mm wetsuit. A surf hat with a stiff brim can help to reduce glare. In Winter, go for a 3mm x 2mm full-seamed sealed wetsuit - thicker ones are warmer but more restrictive.

36 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Antony’s top tips for surfing 1. Safety first. Recognise rips and currents that can drag swimmers out to sea. Stay calm, swim perpendicular to the current and relax. Being scared is fine, but don’t panic.

2. Watch out for other surfers. Many are inexperienced and do not control their boards. Learn to dive under the water, hold your head and count to ten. Do not be like a stunned cat in the headlights of a car, MOVE! 3. Make sure you can swim.

feature

Trail running Passionate trail runner and former Associate Editor for AsiaTrail magazine Nic Tinworth gives some helpful hints for those looking to put their best foot forward.

Nic’s top five tips for trail running 1. Look straight ahead, about 10 feet ahead so you can see upcoming terrain.

2. Lift your feet slightly higher than normal to prevent tripping over roots and rocks.

3. Be courteous. Stay to the right; call out when passing if approaching people from behind.

4. Get a good pair of shoes. Shoes made for trail running have better support, stronger grip and last longer than regular road running shoes.

5. Play it safe. Tell someone where you are going and take a phone. Note the trail markers you pass so you can tell someone exactly where you are if you get hurt.

What do you like about trail running?

There is something soothing about being outdoors on the trails alone, free from the madness of the city and daily grind of life. It’s back to basics: one foot in front of the other.

Repeat.

Three great trails Beginner: ‘Snake Alley’ aka Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path. A flattish contour path that starts off at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and winds its way above Repulse Bay. Great views and not too technical. Just watch out for snakes.

Intermediate: Dragon’s Back. Be prepared to meet half of Hong Kong at the weekend.

Hong Kong Trail Section 8 goes up and over the Dragon (great for views and more technical climbs), but the contour path around the side is a great, flat run if you want to build speed.

Expert: The Twins. Not much ‘trail’ but technical and intense. Start at Parkview and

finish in Stanley, or turn around when you hit the road for the infamous ‘Double Twins’.

Gear For shoes, go to a specialist trail running store like GoneRunning in Wan Chai or Action X in Sheung Wan for good advice. I also advise running with food and a hydration pack.

To connect to trail runners and discover new trails, join the HK Trail Runners meetup group, www.meetup.com/HKTrailRunners or join the Trail Running HK Facebook group.

Go fish Aberdeen’s Captain Kim Stuart tells us about his best day fishing, his first Marlin, and why he doesn’t allow bananas on his boat.

Where did you learn to fish?

I used to fish with my father for Tiger Fish in the Zambezi River when growing up in Africa.

I love sport fishing, especially the excitement when you get to see Marlin. To me, it’s the ultimate pelagic fish. I caught my first one when I was 16 off the Kenyan coast. I was amazed at the size and beauty of it. It must have been about 300 pounds.

Have you had other jobs?

I started out as a pilot in Kenya and moved to Hong Kong in 1986. Now I have two boats: a sports boat, which I use for fishing, and a larger junk, which I live in. Being on the water is a great lifestyle, I love sitting on the foredeck in the cool of the evenings.

What’s been your best or worst sport fishing experience?

I’ve never had a bad day fishing. Once, we had a Tuna on the line when suddenly a

Marlin came in and took it, hooking itself in the process. We spent over four hours fighting it before the line snapped and it was gone.

There’s a video of it on my website.

Why don’t you allow bananas on your boat?

It’s from the days when sailing boats used to load fruit to offset scurvy. Bananas are the first to rot and quickly turn all the fruit rotten, hence they are believed to bring bad luck.

Why did you name your sports boat Kidusi?

It’s Swahili for “strong odour of fish”.

What do you do with the fish you catch?

We keep enough for the anglers on board and the rest are released. All Billfish are tagged and released for research purposes.

I like catching Wahoo: it’s a great fighter and an excellent fish to eat.

Tailchasers runs offshore fishing trips from September to April. The price for the day is $2,500 per angler. A private charter costs $20,000 per day (maximum of 10 anglers).

Trips usually depart from Aberdeen Boat Club at 7.30am and include all fishing gear. www.hongkongfishings.com, 9122 0695.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

arts & culture

black and white

CUBA Amanda Sheppard talks to renowned photographer Jo Farrell about her latest exhibition.

It will be a sad day when the first Starbucks or McDonald’s opens on the island

photo by: Calvin Sit

interest in the country and re-established it as a popular tourist destination. I was fortunate enough to attend a free open-air concert in Santiago de Cuba in January 2002, featuring some of the original band members.

Artist Jo Farrell.

Perhaps best known for her work Living History: Bound Feet Women of China, cultural anthropologist and documentary photographer Jo Farrell considers preservation to be of the utmost importance. It’s why she is drawn to the vanishing traditions and cultures of yesterday’s world. Nowhere is this a more poignant debate than Cuba – with the lifting of the 54-year long trade embargo with the United States, change is undoubtedly on the horizon. Farrell exhibits a series of silver gelatine prints in an exhibition simply titled, CUBA. The unique black and white stills perfectly capture the sempiternal Cuban spirit at a time when it is under threat.

The photographs in this series, CUBA, were taken between 2001 and 2002. Why have you decided to exhibit them more than a decade after your travels?

Cuba is very much on my mind at the moment.

It is about to go through a huge transition and

38 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

my series of photographs represent a time before it is transformed, for better or for worse.

It will be a sad day when the first Starbucks or McDonald’s opens on the island.

Cuba is often portrayed as a country of dichotomies; how did you look to capture this in your photography?

The role of a photographer is to tell stories through images. My aim is not to explore the dichotomies of a country, but to show what everyday life is like in a place. My interest lies in taking a portrait of a place through its own lens.

How have you seen Cuba develop and change over the years?

In 1997, the Buena Vista Social Club released its first record. Their music and the documentary that was created in 1999, was an international success and grew to symbolize the spirit of Cuba and its people. It revived people’s

How would you characterise what you experienced during your month-long travels?

In December 2001, I arrived in Havana and over four weeks I travelled overland by bus and in a 1950 Chevy to Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Trinidad and Remedios, documenting the streets and culture of Cuba. Each place was unique in its structure and its environment, and the people were extremely welcoming and genuine. There is rhythm in their every move.

Most people in Cuba have just enough to survive on, but it is a struggle. Food is rationed, and items that we may consider readily accessible – clothes, books, petrol and car parts – are in short supply. Store shelves are extremely bare, and there are queues outside shops for the sparse provisions.

You cite tourism as a key influence on the country...

A lot of people go on package holidays to Cuba. They don’t experience the actual place or its culture, but a fabricated reality. I ventured to the beach only two or three times. My first time in Trinidad, the beach had been commandeered by the hotels, and locals were not allowed there. It was a stale environment that could have been anywhere.

In Baracoa, in the north east of the island, we shared the beach with hogs and children selling tropical fruits and fish. I met a young man with his bicycle who took me to meet his family. His mother and father showed me a reading book, when I looked inside there were personal photographs kept flat between the pages, an ad-hoc photo album; it was rather beautiful.

arts & culture Your work often documents disappearing traditions throughout the world…

I have decided to focus on women’s traditions that are fading away before they are totally eradicated. To capture their essence before it is too late. Having been in and out of Asia for the past 20-25 years, my first thought was of women with bound feet. It is a long-term project, which I have been doing for the past nine years. A lot of research has gone into it.

As a cultural anthropologist, are you more drawn to places that are undergoing lasting and dramatic changes?

Completely, I find old traditions and ways fascinating. It is what socially and culturally tells us apart. I have always been interested in traditions and cultures that are dying out.

My father is an architect and a lot of his work has been about rejuvenating and regenerating buildings or areas, rather than demolishing and building something new. I deeply value this idea of looking at the cultural significance and history of a place. This expanded into my own interest of recording the world disappearing around us and endeavouring to capture it on film – the loss of what was once important.

CUBA is on display from November 15-28 at the Ovolo Southside Hotel.

A series of prints from Farrell’s upcoming exhibition CUBA.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

eating

come dine with me and PlateCulture helps the food to shine in a different perspective: it comes with great company - you can meet 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?”

Off the eaten track

Shreena Patel tries out new dining experience, PlateCulture.

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 PlateCulture co-founder Reda Stare and dine in the home of one of its budding southside chefs.

Reda Stare Co-founder and CEO, PlateCulture Tell me about yourself.

I am 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

40 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

an online form and we will get in touch with 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

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.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

eating Do you practice the menu beforehand?

Yes, sometimes. I have to be very sure about the spice level that my clients can handle. I want it to be just right. Plus, I love trying out new recipes and my husband and daughter are always very willing guinea pigs.

What’s your favourite ingredient?

Though I have many favourites, one ingredient that always seems to work is the Kashmiri Lal Mirch (red chilli powder from Kashmir). I love it because it lends a gorgeous red color to my curries but does not make the curry too hot - most of my friends and the clients from my cooking classes cannot handle very hot food.

It’s all smiles around the table as dinner is served.

Tiya Sinha Ghosh Tiya’s Indian Plate - secrets from all corners of India, Repulse Bay Tell me about yourself I moved to Hong Kong last June from Manila. I live in the most picturesque side of Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay. We are a family of three: myself, my husband Aruni, who drags us along every time the company asks him to move, and our seven-year-old daughter Asya. I love to travel - that’s why I’ve always been fine with the moves.

When did you join Plate Culture?

I was already teaching Indian cooking: a very close friend of mine, who teaches Japanese cooking, encouraged me to start. One day, I was browsing through Facebook when I saw a pop-up about PlateCulture. The idea fascinated me as I thought it could help me to spread my wings in this field. I joined immediately.

What do you like most about it?

My husband has been moving faster than I can find a job for myself. PlateCulture seems to be my answer. I love cooking and hosting people who appreciate Indian cuisine. I’ve only just joined and I’ve received great support in setting up my profile.

How did your love of cooking begin?

My mother would never let my sister and I work in the kitchen. She believed that if you love to cook, it will come to you. So all my unmarried life, I only made demands and food just magically appeared on the dining table, lovingly made by mum in her kitchen.

My husband loves to eat and my love for cooking began with him - the only way to his heart is through his stomach.

42 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

What’s your motto when it comes to food?

Somehow, cooking loses its charm if you have no one to share it with. My motto has always been “the more the merrier”.

Do you prefer cooking or eating?

Though I love to eat, my love for cooking for my husband and daughter wins, hands down.

Why did you create this menu?

Originally, I wanted a luxurious 12 course Indian meal for my guests, but I was not sure it was a practical decision so I came up with three different menus: the Royal Menu (my original 12 course menu), the Taste Of India Menu (nine courses) and the Club Menu (a light lunch or brunch). I hope this will allow my guests to find something they like in each one and choose what’s right for them - for the stomach as well as the pocket.

My experience PlateCulture’s website is easy to use: the chef profiles are useful and prices start from around $200 per person. Upon registering, one of PlateCulture’s Hong Kong ambassadors got in touch to help me book my first meal. Booking is simple and upon payment you receive directions to the chef’s house.Only outside the door to Tiya’s home did I feel a little nervous about going for dinner to a stranger’s house, but Tiya and her husband could not have been more welcoming. After 10 minutes we were all

If you had to write a cookbook, what would it be called?

“100 Ways to Cook Chicken”. Aruni and Asya can’t live without chicken, even for a day! It is both boring yet reassuring that I have to think of one less item to cook each day. I am not a great fan of chicken myself. I love vegetarian food. I think that vegetables can be even more delicious than meat if cooked with love and passion.

sitting around the table laughing at each others’ stories of Hong Kong, exchanging advice about where to buy cheap Christmas decorations and tucking into Tiya’s tasty homemade Indian food.

My favourites were the lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink to start the meal, and the gajjar ka halwa, a dessert made with carrots and cream to just the right level of sweetness. If you’re new to Hong Kong, or if you’ve lived here a while and feel like meeting new people and trying new food, I recommend you give this a go.

“Please, not chicken again.”

eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene

The Ocean arrives at the pulse The Ocean has finally opened in the pulse.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant boasts a panoramic view of Repulse Bay beach, a built-in aquarium wall and offers 10,000 sq feet of space for a comfortable dining experience. Led by Executive Chef Agustin Balbi, The Ocean features a selection of seafood inspired three, five, eight, or ten-course menus. Brunch is available on Sundays. 3/F, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2889 5939, www.theocean.hk.

3/3rds launches delivery and online service Hip Wong Chuk Hang cafe, 3/3rds, will soon launch a delivery and online ordering service to serve its growing customer base. Customers will be able to order and pay online for delivery to parts of Hong Kong including Wan Chai, Admiralty and Central. A minimum spend of $150 will apply to orders delivered within Wong Chuk Hang. 22/F, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, 3462 2951, www.three-3rds.com.

Picnic season Hit the parks with Le Meridien’s picnic baskets in the cooler weather. Starting from $788, the picnic baskets have enough treats for up to four people. The hamper is filled with hams, spring chicken, a bed of garden greens as well as breads, muffins, fresh seasonal fruits and a bottle of wine or champagne. To order in advance, call Prompt at 2980 7417 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com for more information.

The Fat Pig Renowned British chef Tom Aikens will launch his second restaurant, The Fat Pig, in mid November. The group-sharing menu will feature predominantly pork dishes, with Western and Asian influences. Open daily, 11am-11pm. Shop 1105, 11/F, Food Forum, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay. Best beer in town In a vote in which 500 beers were judged, Young Master Ales’ Classic Pale Ale was named best beer brewed in Hong Kong at this year’s International Beer Awards. Expect new releases in November, including a series of citrus IPA collaborations with Shanghai based Boxing Cat Brewery and a second series of their long-term barrel aged beers. Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.youngmasterales.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

(Advertisement)

ProPectin The Powerful Detox Beverage

Apple pectin - a soluble fibrous substance found beneath the skin of apples - is a natural detoxifier which has the ability to bind with harmful substances so the body can easily expel them.

In our daily lives, we come into regular contact with a wide range of heavy metals, toxins and environmental radiation. It is important for families to find ways to protect themselves and ensure a healthy lifestyle.

ProPectin itself is made only from apples sourced from Poland and grown organically. These apples are free of pesticides. The ProPectin formula harnesses the power of very refined extracts of apple pectin to help deliver powerful health benefits. The pectin that is so detoxifying is found in very small amounts in every apple, so ProPectin uses 250 kilograms of apples to make just one

“The most concentrated apple pectin available”

“ProPectin purifies your body of unnatural environmental toxins” kilogram of pharmaceutical grade apple pectin. This patented process is unique in the market and that is why each ProPectin Sachet contains so many times more apple pectin than competitor products.

ProPectin can safely be used by any member of the family because its active ingredient is 100% natural apple pectin.

Thanks to its six-step patented process, the three grams of concentrated apple pectin in each sachet is equivalent to the amount of pectin found in nine apples and delivered in a way that allows the body to easily use it for detoxification, because it is impractical to eat nine apples everyday.

“Taking a supplement such as Apple Pectin helps on so many levels to stay ahead of toxin exposure and helps the body maintain balance. This is truly a

unique and natural product that has many additional benefits besides detoxification.

By incorporating quality, soluble, Apple Pectin such as ProPectin into our everyday detox protocols, we create an environment where our bodies can succeed despite the forces we cannot control” says Chernobyl Survivor Katrine Volynsky.

In a world in which we are constantly surrounded by heavy metals, radioactive particles and other toxins which can damage our health, ProPectin is a completely natural product that can help our bodies expel man-made pollutants for the benefit of families everywhere.

“Pectin is so powerful, it was dispensed to children by the government to combat radiation exposure”

ProPectin should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition for overall holistic wellness. For further information please visit www.propectinlife.com.

ProPectin can be purchased online. Available from 16 November 2015 at Watsons Hong Kong.

education

early learners

Parkview International Pre-School Evie Burrows-Taylor spends a day at PIPS.

It’s storytime at PIPS.

A school’s sense of community is crucial for a parent’s wellbeing and peace of mind, and at no age is this truer than during preschool years.

Struggling over whether your children are ready to spend hours at a time in the care of strangers, and almost as importantly, whether you’re ready to send them there, is one of the most difficult times in a parent’s life.

Parkview International Pre-School, on the Parkview estate near Tai Tam, tries to make this important transition easier by offering a programme that gently eases children into good learning practices.

The cosy environment of the PIPS Parkview branch is warm and inviting, a veritable playground, filled with murals, soft seating and bright displays of the children’s work covering every inch of the walls.

Launched in 1988, the pre-school, which offers places to children aged one to six years old, now operates across three centres. In 1994, Parkview Rhine Garden International Nursery, located on the podium of Rhine Garden, was launched, and a Kowloon

46 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Education is not just learning things, doing an exam and getting a good job branch opened its doors in 2007. In 2009, the inaugural institution became an IB world school, following the PYP curriculum. In short, the programme encourages children to become aware of the world around them, which is no small feat when dealing with such a young age group.

“It has fairly high aspirations but we can make a start,” says Mary Scarborough, principal of the Parkview and Kowloon centres.

“We’re encouraging the children to become aware that we have responsibilities in small ways, and showing them that education is not just learning things, doing an exam and getting a good job. We want to show that they can do something as a consequence.”

With this in mind, the school keeps several

small pets, including a frog and turtles in the garden as well as a guinea pig, to demonstrate the importance of looking after other living things.

Children are also taken on regular trips to explore the city in ways that relate to the PYP learning units. Recently, some of them were taken to the post office to post their own hand written letters as part of a unit on communication. Even the littlest learners don’t miss out on the fun, with walks around the woods close to the school providing the opportunity to learn more about the five senses. On more adventurous trips, pupils have explored where food comes from on a trip to Peng Chau where they visited a small farm, shop and wet market.

“The inquiry based programme is really tapping into children’s natural curiosity,” Scarborough says. “Children, if they get a chance, always want to be touching and tasting, so it’s really a normal way to teach them. We’re not forcing a curriculum on them, we’re seeing what they understand and know.”

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

education The PIPS playgroup, which welcomes children with accompanying parents or carers from the age of one, helps to develop the necessary skills to progress into the preschool. Children can attend two or three times a week for two-hour sessions, where they can socialise with other children and adults. Here they can indulge in sensory play, puzzles and art, as well as music lessons and begin to learn Mandarin. They are also able to play in the garden, giant sandpit and visit the school pets.

While PIPS does run some English language classes, it is a bilingual school and promotes the learning of Mandarin. All IB schools must teach a second language, and students have the advantage that they are learning alongside native speakers. Over 70 per cent of the school’s children are born outside of Hong Kong, including children from mainland China, Americans, Europeans and Australians. To celebrate this diversity, PIPS is committed to celebrating the festivals of different cultures, even those not currently represented by its students. With Diwali approaching, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chinese New Year, children are constantly encouraged to engage with other cultures. “We try to incorporate different festivals wherever we can so that they are not only

48 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Children can have fun indoors and outside.

education Children should learn about things they might not otherwise experience

aware of Western and Chinese celebrations.

Children should learn about things they might not otherwise experience,” Scarborough says. “We’ve just been celebrating the lantern festival, so the children learn the fun aspects of other cultures, including different foods.”

These celebrations are often combined with raising awareness for charity. Foodlink Foundation, a charity launched in 2001 to combat hunger among those in need, while also reducing the city’s food waste, is one of the regular benefactors of the school’s philanthropy.

At Christmas, a bazaar is held to fundraise with a different charity represented each year. In the past, the school has raised money for the Lamma animal refuge.

Annual tuition fees for the playgroup are $46,000 for three days, and $38,000 for two days a week. Once children join the pre-school itself, fees increase to $90,000 for half-day pupils, or $180,000 for full-day learners.

“The important thing about teaching children is to understand them: what they need and how they learn. We make sure what we are doing with children is of interest to them and important,” says Scarborough. There’s no doubt that the bright, comforting environment, provided by PIPS and its staff, is all a parent could ask for in that crucial stepping stone between home and primary school.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

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

50 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

family A family affair Christmas is almost upon us, start filling the stocking at these fairs.

Shopping Hong Kong

NOV 4 Shopping Hong Kong Start the festive holiday season with this 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 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.

NOV 13 AWA Charity Bazaar 2015 Organized by the American Women’s Association, the charity

52 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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. 11.30am8.30pm, 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-4pm, 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 serve lunch and snacks throughout the day, plus, there will be hourly lucky draw prizes. Make

fair season

Hidden Truffles X’mas Artisanal Bazaar

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 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. 12pm-6pm, 3 Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, 2699 1811.

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 9, 25 Conrad Fairs Hundreds of stalls will be 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.

AWA Charity Bazaar 2015

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

family NOV 27 South Island School Go back to the future at this year’s night fest at South Island School. There will be plenty of stalls, games, food and live performances. Entry $20 per person or $60 for a family. 5pm-10pm, 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, 2555 9313.

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.

NOV 29 Jewish Women’s Association Charity Bazaar Shop toys, homeware and holiday items. All proceeds go to charity. Free admission for children, $20 for adults. 10am-5pm, Island School, 20 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels.

German Swiss International School

54 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

DEC 4 Quarry Bay School It’s an international affair at Quarry Bay’s Christmas Fayre this year. There will be international food stalls selling specialities from

family different countries, including Korean, Japanese, Filipino and Italian. 6 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North Point, 2566 4242.

DEC 5 Italian Women’s Association Sample Italian delicacies and snap up bargains at the II Mercatino bazaar. The event’s proceeds will go to the Duchess of Kent Pediatric Hospital and several other charities. Entry $20; bring your own bag. 10am-5pm, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam. DEC 5 International College Hong Kong (Hong Lok Yuen) The school’s first Christmas event will include various commercial stalls, festive food and drinks, such as minced pies and mulled wine, and a visit from Father Christmas. 11am-4pm, 20th Street, Hong Lok Yuen, 2658 6935.

DEC 5 St Stephen’s Chapel There will be bouncy castles, stalls, and an entertainment programme filled with marching bands, Chinese lion dancers and acrobats at this charity fair. Look out for Santa making a special appearance at the fair at 12.30pm. Free admission for children, $20 for adults. 11am-

4pm, Sports Ground at St Stephen’s College, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley, 2813 0360.

DEC 5 French International School Held at the Jardine’s Lookout primary campus, FIS’ Christmas fair is jam-packed with activities, stalls and festive food, including a Christmas concert and Kids Wonderland. 10am-5pm, 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, 2577 6217.

DEC 5 Singapore International School The Christmas fair will be held at the primary school campus and will feature stalls, activities, bouncy castles and a Christmas concert performed by SIS students. All funds will be

donated to the SIS Foundation. Cash coupons can be purchased in advance for food, drinks and games on the day. 10am-4pm, Singapore International School, 23 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, 2872 0266.

DEC 13 Discovery Bay Christmas Market 2015 Start filling the stockings with the Discovery Bay Christmas Markets. There will be over 150 stalls selling local gifts including eco-friendly stationery, ceramics, jewellery, and snacks for your pets. D Deck restaurants will provide food and beverages on the day. Free admission, 11am-6pm. Discovery Bay Main Plaza, www.handmadehongkong.com.

Discovery Bay Christmas Market 2015

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

home & living

home affairs

New kids on the block Anji Connell visits Horizon Plaza’s three stylish new occupants.

Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau first came to our attention in the 90’s when Goods of Desire and Lane Crawford took advantage of the low rents and large industrial spaces. Now, with the opening of the MTR on the horizon, luxury furniture brands Natuzzi, Savoir Beds and Roche Bobois have taken over the Ferrari and classic car showrooms on the ground floor. I take a peek inside and pick my three favourite items.

WISH LIST Mah Jong sofa A modular sofa whose beauty lies in its comfort and the myriad of possible layouts and fabrics. Its current guise - in collaboration with Missoni Home - can be seen in store. The starting price, using non-designer fabrics, is $25,000 per piece.

Roche Bobois Renowned for its collaborations with leading fashion houses and designers such as Ora Ito and Cédric Ragot, Roche Bobois makes highend, contemporary furniture and accessories.

There are two collections: Les Contemporains (modern trends and designs) and Les Nouveaux Classiques (traditional furniture reinvented for today’s style). Everything is custom-made with a lead time of four to six months.

Instantly recognisable Roche Bobois design classics include the Eero Aarnio ball chair (1996), and the iconic Mah Jong Sofa by Hans Hopfer (1971), its best-selling sofa design for over forty years. Spring/Summer 2015 saw the arrival of the Mah Jong bed.

Shop 1, G/F, 2580 0488, open 10:30am6:30pm, www.roche-bobois.com.

WISH LIST No. 2 “The Savoy Bed” Created in 1905 for London’s Savoy Hotel, it remains their best seller. $165,000 for the King Size mattress; around $400,000 for a full set including box spring and topper.

56 WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK |

Savoir Beds If you dream of a bed with your family crest and initials embroidered on your mattress, a secret drawer for your jewellery or general bedtime luxury, this is for you. But luxury doesn’t come cheap: the full set of box spring, mattress and topper will set you back $120,000 to $800,000.

All Savoir beds are handmade, with each mattress taking up to 120 man hours. There are four bed types, but all are customizable. If you choose to splash out, you’ll be in good company: Sir Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, the Aga Khan and King Hassan of Morocco have all experienced the “cloud-like comfort” of Savoir’s hand-crafted beds.

Even better, CEO Alistair Hughes reportedly invites potential buyers to try out his beds in any hotel that uses them: if you place an order, he will pick up the hotel tab. Upon mentioning this to a store representative I’m told, “we are discussing this currently.” Hughes himself then offers the next best alternative, “we invite clients to our showroom: it’s peaceful and we serve great coffee. Bring a book!”

Shop 2, G/F, info@savoirbeds.hk, 2836 6630, open 10:30am-7pm, hongkong.savoirbeds.co.uk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

home & living

WISH LIST Re-vive chair Using a compensating mechanism, instead of manually operated levers, the Re-vive arm chair moulds and reclines to the body’s natural movements. The Quilted model ranges from $28,500-$38,300 (leather); $22,800-$27,300 (fabric).

58 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Natuzzi Specialising in sofas, armchairs and beds with a mid to high price point, the Natuzzi style blends modern comfort and technology with Italian craftsmanship. Floor to ceiling windows surround the massive 12,000 square foot showroom, with thirty room arrangements to inspire you. Furniture and home accessories, including lighting and rugs from Turkey and India, are available in three product lines: Natuzzi Italia, Natuzzi Editions and Natuzzi Revive. Natuzzi Italia is the premier line: everything in this range is strictly made in Italy. Natuzzi Editions offers a range of stylish, comfortable leather sofas, while Natuzzi Re-vive is the world’s first “performance recliner”.

Each style has a set range of in-stock colours; any other choice will have an 18-week lead time. Natuzzi has a two-year guarantee on the coverings and a lifetime guarantee on the frames.

Thinking about a re-design? Try ‘Your Design by Natuzzi’, a new 3D interior design system that allows you to create your perfect space with Natuzzi products and take a virtual ‘walk-through’.

Shop 3-4, G/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2320 1032, open 10am7pm, int.natuzzi.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

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 discover hidden gems that lie within.

60 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Keep an eye out for some delightful wildlife

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 surrounding hills. Keep an eye out for some

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

big day out

Pat Sin Leng main ridge from the southern end of the trail.

62 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

big day out 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 anticlockwise adventure makes for the best

A day trip here serves up an insight into Hong Kong’s past

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.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

64 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 65

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. It’s a destination that I knew little about but had done enough research on to discover it is a popular Chinese holiday getaway. Arriving in Xiamen I realised my fears

66 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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 and 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.

travel As a bonus, 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 Gulang Yu is a great place to see for any first-time visitor. This small island, just a short hop across the water from bigger Xiamen island, is a (not undiscovered) treasure. Heavy influences remain in Gulang Yu from its time as an International Foreign Settlement. European and Japanese consulates were established on the island in the late 1800s. Stay for a couple of nights at one of the island’s beautiful colonial villa hotels to soak up its charm.

The southern parts of Gulang Yu house 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 westernstyle cafes, hotel restaurants and tap houses are also very inviting.

Due to overcrowding (it’s said that the island sinks more and more each year due to

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 67

travel 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 west to Wuyuanwan bridge in the north east.

Pedal, walk or jog past beaches, fortresses

68 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

travel 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 sataylike 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.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69

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

70 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 71

pets

pins ‘n’ needles

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

72 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

head 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.

photo by: Tony Hisgett

By Steffi Yuen

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 73

marketplace

STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kong’s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

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

74 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 smillie.cynthia@gmail.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

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

marketplace

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 75

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

76 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 77

marketplace

GET LISTED! 2776 2772 marketing@fastmedia.com.hk 78 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

distribution

where to find us

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

Aberdeen - Aberdeen Boat Club - Aberdeen Marina Club - Brain Child - Canadian International School of Hong Kong - Colour My World - Establo - GCX - K Academy - MUM - Ovolo Southside - Park N Shop - South Island School - Southern District Office - The Mirth - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

Ap Lei Chau - Bumps to Babes - Chapin House - Everything Under the Sun - Indigo - Indigo Discount Outlet - Indigo Kids - Larvotto - Little Picasso Studio - Mothercare & Early Learning Centre - Pacific Gourmet - Shambala Cafe - Sift Patisserie & C. Kitchen - Tequila Kola - Toof Contemporary - TREE

Causeway Bay & Wan Chai - Craigengower Cricket Club - Escapade sports - Jaspas - Pets Central (North Point)

Central & Sheung Wan - Epic MMA - Escapade sports

Repulse Bay

Shek O

- Baguio Villa - Bel Air on the Peak - Cyberport Arcade - Indigo Living - International (Park N Shop) - Le Meridien Hotel - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Strive Fitness

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

- Ben’s Bar - Black Sheep - Cococabana - Happy Garden Restaurant - Lulu Shop - Ming’s Cafe - Shining Stone Restaurant

Deep Water Bay

Stanley

- Hong Kong Country Club - O Thai Restaurant and Beach Bar - Park N Shop - Victoria Recreation Club

- BIVA - Boathouse - Chez Patrick - Classified - Core Fitness - Cuppers - Le Magasin - Lucy’s on the Front - Mayarya - Pacific Pets - Paisano’s - Pickled Pelican - Pizza Express - Print House - Regalia Bay - Ricacorp Properties - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia - Stan Café - Stanley Cave - Stanley Main Street Bar & Café - Stanley Veterinary Centre - Starbucks - Taste Supermarket - Vern’s Beach Bar

- Habitat Property - ITS Educational Service - Quintessentially Lifestyle - Starlit Art Space - Wynd Co-Working Space

Cyberport

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

Pok Fu Lam - Kellett School - Kennedy School - Mount Davis - Safari Kid - Sense of Touch - Sunshine House Pre-School - The Merton - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School

Tai Tam - American Club - EtonHouse International Pre-School - Fusion (Park’N Shop) - Hong Kong Cricket Club - Hong Kong International School - Hong Kong Parkview - Pacific View - PIPS Kindergarten - Red Hill Clubhouse - Soma Spa - The Manhattan - Wellcome - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-school

Wong Chuk Hang - Art Loop Limited - Flex Studio - One Island South

TO VIEW OUR MAGAZINE ONLINE

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

Visit www.southside.hk

f

Search: Southside Magazine HK

79 WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 65

southside secrets

moo-ving on

Pok Fu Lam Dairy Farm

(clockwise from left) the empty seven-storey dormitory building behind Pok Fu Lam village; the remaining silo; two old converted cowsheds from the farm

Callum Wiggins visits the site of Pok Fu Lam’s former dairy farm before imminent renovation works begin.

In 1886, Scottish physician Dr. Patrick Manson, together with his partners, established Dairy Farm Co. Ltd., turning seaside slopes into natural landscape capable of supporting grazing herds of cows and and cowsheds.

At its peak, Pok Fu Lam Farm covered over 300 hectares of grassland and raised over 3,000 imported cows. The establishment of the farm brought an influx of people into the once isolated Pok Fu Lam village and a thriving community developed with the farm at its heart.

Located within the agricultural landscape was the old Senior Staff Quarters, otherwise known as the Braemar. Built in 1887, it is the only surviving monument out of the six Senior Staff Quarters owned by the Dairy Farm since its closure in the 1980s and the subsequent decay of the site.

80 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

At its peak, Pok Fu Lam farm covered over 300 hectares of grassland In early 2015, charity outfit Caritas-Hong Kong fought off competition from rival bidders to revive the site. Together with Pokfulam Village Cultural Landscape Conservation Ltd., the group will facilitate the establishment and operation of a new community enterprise.

It is envisaged the Senior Staff Quarters will be turned into a living museum by 2019 and will exhibit tools and artefacts recovered from the

days of the working farm. Workshops and tours will be available for educational visits and for members of the public, showcasing the lives of workers, the process of running a dairy farm as well as the Pok Fu Lam area.

For now, while the buildings remain closed to the public awaiting redevelopment, curious walkers can wander around some of the slopes surrounding Pok Fu Lam village and the old dairy farm site. While it’s hard to imagine the area in its present state ever supporting a farm and herds of cows, a few remnants remain.

The silo, with its spacious and circular interior, used to store a large amount of hay as fodder.

While there used to be up to eight silos, only one remains today. Trek up the hillside behind the empty seven-storey Dairy Farm dormitory building to find it.