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the really useful magazine
February 2016
Baby on Board Getting around HK with a baby in tow
Let’s go Canto
Fine dining for Lunar New Year
Young learners
A day in the life of a kindergarten teacher
Flying solo
Two single mums on life after divorce
278 New Parent 101 The lowdown on life post-baby
things to do at CNY
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CONTENTs 2
Editor’s letter
8
4 Contributors 6
School photos and news
38
After school
Tuition centres.
42
Me & my hobby
Double Bass player, Roisin Byrne shares her passion for music.
What’s happening at schools across the city.
8
ISSUE 020
43 Mumpreneurs
What’s on
Dates for your diary.
Dress to impress with Yeechoo.com founder, Shan Shan.
12 News
44
Big day out
What’s happening on the parent scene.
A rocking day out at Tung Lung Chau.
14 Giveaways
Cantonese fine dining to ring in the Lunar New Year.
46 Food
Lots of free stuff.
16 Stuff
The best in baby transport.
18
Baby on board
42
14
50
Money & Me
TREE founder, Nicole Wakely.
52 Travel
Getting around HK with a baby in tow.
Six Hong Kong staycations.
20
Meet the parents
60
Bald truths
Single mums finding their footing.
Simon Parry on the music of his youth.
24 New baby 101 The lowdown on life post-baby.
30
Open day
We pay a visit to Discovery Montessori Academy.
34
Principal’s office
Christie Leung.
38
A day in the life
We speak to K1 teacher, Julie Walton of Anfield International Kindergarten.
38
20
16
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expat-parent.com 1
editor’s message
who’s in charge? Editorial editorial@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Mawgan Batt
Managing Editor Callum Wiggins
Sub-editor Shreena Patel
Digital Editor Annie Wong
Design kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip
Art Director Kelvin Lau
Sales & Marketing ads@fastmedia.com.hk
W
ith the arrival of the cold weather, it must mean only one thing - Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Enjoy the spectacle and welcome in the year of the monkey with the parade of floats, marching bands, acrobats, dragons, lions and firecrackers that will travel through the Kowloon Peninsula and culminate in a huge fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. I’m delighted to share with you our new additions to Expat Parent Magazine this month. Take a peek into the classroom of kindergarten students in our new ‘A day in the life’ feature on page 36. This month we hear from a K1 teacher at Anfield Kindergarten in Kowloon Tong as she shares a day in the life of her students and their activities. Our ‘New parents’ section is all about making life in Hong Kong with a young baby easier and more straightforward. From getting around the city with minimum stress, to navigating the emotional ups and downs, our features on pages 18 and 24 will help you breeze through those early days as a new family. Finally, if you are celebrating the Lunar New Year with a meal with family and friends, Annie Wong shares with us the city’s best Cantonese fine dining to help you ring in the New Year in style (page 46). And if you fancy a quick getaway over the long weekend, don’t miss our roundup of the city’s best hidden staycation gems on pages 52-55. Wherever you are celebrating Chinese New Year this month, from the team at Fast Media Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Sales Manager Oliver Simons
Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee
Sales & Marketing Assistant Maria Jones
Accounting connie@fastmedia.com.hk Accounting Manager Connie Lam
Office Security
Accounting Assistant Jason To
Peace Keepers
Cat the dog
Fish & Chips
Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772
about the cover This month’s cover was illustrated by Maritsa Cortes, a designer with a strong passion for all things art and design. She studied graphic design at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2010. After four years as a designer at Clipper Magazine in the US, Maritsa is now working as a freelance designer traveling abroad working on various projects. Find out more: www.maritsacortes.com
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Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So
Published by Fast Media Ltd, LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
www.fastmedia.com.hk Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. 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. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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contributors
Rory Mackay
Simon Parry
Kate Springer
New dad to twin daughters, Skye and Siena, Rory is no stranger to adventure. Whether scaling munros in the Scottish Highlands, sailing to the North Pole, finding waterfalls in the New Territories or cycling solo across Africa, he loves to explore new places. As an experienced traveller, he enjoys meeting fellow travellers and showing them a different side to Hong Kong. Find out about his latest Hong Kong exploits on page 44.
Simon Parry is a British newspaper journalist and father of four children, all of them raised and schooled in Hong Kong. He was a reporter and news editor on regional and national titles in the UK for 12 years before moving to Asia where he was news editor of the South China Morning Post. Simon is currently Asia correspondent for the Mail on Sunday newspaper in the UK and a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and overseas.
Kate Springer is a freelance writer and editor who focuses on travel, dining and culture reporting. In addition to working with Fast Media, Kate is co-founder of new online lifestyle guide The Loop and has contributed to BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, TIME, Fodor’s, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and many others. When she’s not ambling around Asia, Kate is most likely Instagramming soon-to-be consumed xiaolongbao. This month she meets the parents on page 20.
Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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school photos & news Canadian International School
Upper School student production of “Legally Blond”
Senior Administrators serve up breakfast to staff on last day of school before the Christmas break Students take part in a team building exercise
Harrow International School
Christmas carols by candlelight
Christmas inter-house singing competition
Victoria Educational Organisation
VEO celebrates a successful Guinness World Attempt for “Most Contribution to a Painting by Numbers”. In celebration of the organisation’s 50th anniversary, 2,706 participants used their fingers to complete a Chinese painting.
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school photos & news Island School
Natalie Wong, Tiarnan Neville and Monique So Learning how to make traditional Chinese dumplings
Peak School
Nathan Cheng playing the trumpet for the Christmas Concert at St John’s Cathderal
Sprinter Chris Appel at the Island School Athletics Day
Year 5 Raft building at the Hebe Haven Boy Scout
Year 6 students team building activities at Outward Bound HK
Nord Anglia International School
Yew Chung International School
Primary choir singing “Walking through the Air” at school’s annual carol concert
Principal Mr. Brian Cooklin visiting the Primary and Secondary schools giving out chocolate drops
Christmas carol concert
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what’s on
FEB 8
Lunar New Year Night Parade Welcoming the year of the monkey, 2016’s night parade features floats, marching bands, acrobats, dragons, lions, firecrackers and more as they march through Kowloon. Roadside viewing free. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com, 2508 1234.
FEB 1
FEB 6
Cantonese Operatic Songs by Guangdong Hong Kong Music Association Fancy sampling Hong Kong’s traditional art form? The Guangdong Hong Kong Music Association is putting on a performance of Cantonese opera at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $50-$220 (half price for concessions) from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
Sai Kung District Music Festival Youth Opera The HKAPA bring a modern twist to Cantonese Opera with special lightings & effects. 4pm7pm Tin Hau Temple Square (near Po Tung Road), Sai Kung. Free admission. www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/sk, 3907 0132.
FEB 4 Piano Opera: Music from Final Fantasy Presented by Sound of Faeries, this piano concert is dedicated to the music of the video games series Final Fantasy in their first world tour. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $340-$890 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
FEB 5-6 Bach: The 6 Brandenburg Concertos Baroque virtuoso director, Benjamin Bayl and musicians of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing Bach’s most celebrated works. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $180480 (discounts available for concessions and group tickets) from www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661. 8 expat-parent.com
FEB 6 Double Haven Islands Tour Tour via speed boat through one of Hong Kong’s most stunning remote landscapes. The tour starts at the Wong Shek Pier and goes through the Geopark and the abandoned Kat O Village. 9.00am-6.00pm, HK$390 per person
including taxi from University MTR to Wong Shek, speed boat transfers and experienced geopark guide. Tickets from www.eventbrite.hk. Seafood lunch in Sam A Tsuen is an additional $100/person. More info at www.adventuretours.hk
UNTIL FEB 7 Kidsfest! Stage productions of The Gruffalo, Little Red Riding Hood, Aliens Love Underpants and more. Don’t miss out on the three-week festival of world class theatre for young people. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. Full details can be found at www.kidsfest.com.hk
what’s on Cantonese, Shanghainese and Beijing opera performances will be performed in various areas. Tickets will be distributed on 29th Jan. For more info on dates, times and locations, visit www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/sk.
FEB 14 Valentine’s Day Time to splash out for some chocolate for your lover or for yourself!
FEB 14 Bonaqua Lifeproof Action Sprint Repulse Bay Action Asia Events organises a variety of racing events across stunning locations with both short and long distance events on various terrains. www.actionasiaevents.com
FEB 14-15
FEB 8-10
Lunar New Year Kung Hei Fat Choi!
FEB 7 Lunar New Year’s Eve
FEB 7 Walk for a Cause Fat Big Heart Sai Kung Hong Kong have organised a charity walk, with a raffle draw and prizes. Pak Tam Chung, 10am-3pm. $35 registration fee, contact Liezel Villariez to register 9341 5216.
UNTIL FEB 8 Lunar New Year Flower Markets To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Victoria Park will be transformed into a sea of flowers and plants, all available to buy. Free entrance, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.
FEB 9 Lunar New Year Fireworks Don’t miss one of the most spectacular fireworks in the world. 8pm, free, Victoria Harbour.
FEB 10 Chinese New Year Race Day Featuring a grand opening show, traditional lion dance, cultural performances and merchandise bazaar, The Hong Kong Jockey Club goes all out for one of Hong Kong’s most
popular horse racing events. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment. hkjc.com.
FEB 10-29 Pulse 3D Light Show The Hong Kong Cultural Centre will showcase a stunning Lunar New Year themed light show. Free, 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly. Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com.
Cold Half Swim A 15km winter marathon swim on Hong Kong Island from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island Beach. Swimmers can go solo or in teams of two. www.openwaterasia.com
UNTIL FEB 17 Out to Sea? The Plastic Garbage Project With the aim of raising public awareness of plastic waste, this exhibition combines science and art to show us the destructive effects of plastic waste on birds, marine animals and the environment. Tickets: $25, $17.5 (special rate for groups of 20+), $12.5 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays. Opening Hours: Mon, Weds-Friday, 10am-7pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays, 10am-9pm; Chinese New Year’s Eve, 10am-5pm. Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year. Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2732 3232, www.hk.science.museum
FEB 12-13 Rodgers & Hammerstein on Stage and Screen Got the musical bug? The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing highlights of epic film and stage scores such as The Sound of Music, The King and I, South Pacific, Oklahoma! and Carousel. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $180-$480 (discounts for concessions and groups available) from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
FEB 13-16, 24 & 25 Sai Kung District Music Festival Chinese Opera expat-parent.com 9
what’s on FEB 20 Kundalini Yoga Fest Open to all ages, levels of flexibility, and experience. Experience the techniques of KY yoga and leave with a tool kit usable in everyday life. 9am-6pm, Red Doors Studio, 21/F Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2110 0152. Contact info@red-doors.com
FEB 20
MSIG Sai Kung 50 - HK50 Series Get active for a trail run or hike. Race starts at Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden, Sai Kung. Prizes for age group winners. 6.30am start for 50km, 7am start for 12km and 21km. www.actionasiaevents.com
FEB 20 A Soldier’s Story - The New Generation by Hong Kong Sinfonietta Stravinky’s The Soldier’s Tale is presented in a unique way as a ‘concert drama’. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $180-$400 at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.
FEB 19 Concert in Commemoration of the 4th Centenary of the death of William Shakespeare Musica Viva Limited takes us back to high school English Literature classes with this concert to honour one of history’s literary geniuses. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $150-$220 at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.
FEB 19-20
FEB 17-21 Circus in Town: Bianco by NoFit State Circus (UK) This circus performs above, behind and all around a standing audience, immersing them in this dramatic, jaw-dropping promenade performance. Queen Elizabeth Stadium Arena, Wan Chai. Tickets $380 (no audience seating available) at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.
FEB 18 Board Games Night The Hive in Sai Kung hosts a free monthly board games night open to the public and with no reservations required. Enjoy games such as Scrabble, Risk, Cards Against Humanity, Carcassonne and more plus attendees are also welcome to bring in their own games. 6-9pm, The Hive, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. 10 expat-parent.com
FEB 26
Route Arts Association presents Open Box: Muted Combining mime, physical theatre and sound effects, this play explores the culture and feelings of the hearing impaired in a series of hilarious short stories. Macao Cultural Centre – Small Auditorium, ART. Tickets MOP$120 from www.macauticket.com, 2380 5083.
Sai Kung Open Air Cinema Club screening of Jumanji Enjoy a movie under the stars at The Hive in Sai Kung. In addition to the movie, there will be live performances and a BBQ. Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm. $120 per person with a complimentary drink and popcorn. The Hive, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung.
FEB 19-21
FEB 28-29
The Longines Masters of Hong Kong Interested in show jumping and luxury? The world’s 25 best riders and their horses will compete in CSI 5-star classes in this prestigious social event. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $590-$980 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333.
Double Handed Race From 12am Sunday to 12am Monday, teams of two will race on sailboats. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, 10.5 Miles Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. www.hhyc.org.hk, 2719 9682.
FEB 19-MAR 20 Hong Kong Arts Festival The city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Opera, music, theatre, dance and more. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.
FEB 28 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup As part of the Hong Kong Speed Series, both local and international racers will compete for HK$10mil. Get ready for it to be intense. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com
Book now! MAR 15
MAR 23-26
The BMW Hong Kong Derby Racing for one of the most historic and coveted prizes, the BMW Hong Kong Derby is the battlefield of four-year-old horses. Derby winners often go on win at international level. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com
Art Central Over 100 exhibitors showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established contemporary galleries from across Asia and the globe. With 30,000 collectors, VIPs and the art-loving public attending the first edition, Art Central has firmly established itself as a must-see event in the annual art fair calendar.
UNTIL MAR 21 Wearable Blessings: Traditional Chinese Children’s Clothing Exhibition More than 200 items/sets of clothes dating from the late Qing dynasty to the Republican period will be displayed. See the auspicious patterns that adorned clothes and accessories that were believed to repel evil spirits. Tickets starting at only $10. Free on Wednesdays. Opening Hours: Mon, Weds-Friday, 10am-6pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays, 10am-7pm; Chinese New Year’s Eve, 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, 2180 8188, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
MAR 10-13 Taste Festival Bringing together some of Hong Kong’s best restaurants including Aberdeen Street Social, Duddell’s, Yardbird and Serge et le phoque, The Taste Festival gives foodies the chance to create their ultimate tasting menu, plus attend interactive workshops from visiting international chefs. Hong Kong Central Waterfront. Tickets range from $108-$608 per person and available from www.ticketflap.com/tasteofhongkong
at Hong Kong Academy. There’s something for everyone including academic, athletic and artistic offerings in tailormade half and full day programmes. Courses run from 9am to 3pm. For more information call 2655 1111 or visit www.hkacademy.edu/extendedlearning
APR 7 Tom Jones live in concert Welsh singing legend, Tom Jones, will be in Hong Kong for one night only this April. Performing a combination of his classic hits and newer material, tickets are now on sale for this intimate event with one of music’s biggest stars. $688-$1488 from www.hkticketing.com.hk
MAR 29-APR 1 Easter Camps at Hong Kong Academy Extend your child’s learning this spring holiday
expat-parent.com 11
news
Science Alive
Science Alive, jointly organised by the British Council, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education City Limited, returns for another year this March with the 2016 theme, “Impossible to Possible”. Showcasing how the power of science can
achieve the ‘impossible’, a programme of family and student workshops, lectures, and science drama shows will be held by leading UK science academics to promote fun and easy ways to learn science. For more information, visit www.britishcouncil.hk
Burst your bubble A Facebook post went viral last month after a woman was reportedly told to stop her son from blowing bubbles in a public park. The child was approached by a guard in Tong Ming Street Park in Tseung Kwan O and the mother was warned that her son’s bubbles were disturbing other park users. Many parks in Hong Kong already prohibit kite flying, cycling, dog walking and sitting on the grass, will bubble blowing be next on the list? If you have a funny story to tell about Hong Kong’s overzealous playground supervisors, drop us a line at editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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Love story This February, Bookazine is celebrating love and has curated 40 great reads ranging from classics to literary fiction so that you can say I love you... with a book. And for those who have no plans for Valentine’s Day, a selection of Valentine’s Day books will be individually wrapped for a surprise purchase for each customer.
Tee-rific The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children (SRDC) is hosting its Charity Golf Tournament on March 14 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. All proceeds will be used to fund essential hospital equipment at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Hong Kong. For more details and to register a team, visit www.srdc.org.hk
Story time
Baby boom
Hong Kong based charity Kids4Kids is looking for young volunteers for its Buddy Reading Programme. Each week, children aged between six and 17 visit local community centres and schools to read stories to children. If your child is interested in participating in the programme, details on how to volunteer can be found at www.kids4kids.org.hk/en/buddy-readingprogram
At the end of February, Bumps to Babes will be welcoming the newest member to its family and opening its doors in D Park, Tsuen Wan. Open seven days a week, 10.30am-8pm, the new Tsuen Wan store will stock the leading brands from around the world in baby essentials, baby equipment, toys and children’s ranges from birth to eight years. 1/F, D Park, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, www.bumpstobabes.com
news
Serving justice Human rights NGO Justice Centre Hong Kong is inviting applications from passionate and enthusiastic students for the Young Advocates Programme (YAP) 2016. YAP is open to select students between 15 and 18 years old who are interested in law, international relations, politics, or social work. Young Advocates benefit from hands-on experience and will get involved in all areas of The Justice Centre’s work. The deadline for applications is March 31 and interviews will take place in April. The programme will run from June 6-July 1; July 4-29 or August 1-26 2016. To request an application pack, visit www.justicecentre.org.hk/YAP
Ding ding! Making an itinerary for visitors to Hong Kong just got easier with the launch of the Hong Kong Tramways Sightseeing Tram. The one hour TramOramic tour onboard the 1920s-style heritage tram will depart three times a day from both the Western Market and Causeway Bay terminuses. Tales of local life and the history of
Hong Kong will be narrated in eight languages for riders. Child tickets from $65 and adult tickets from $95. Children under four years old ride for free. Ticket holders can enjoy unlimited rides on regular tram services for two days afterwards. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.hktramways.com
Learn a Language Local charity Bring Me A Book Hong Kong is hosting a talk on language education. On February 19, join Dr. Stephen Krashen, a world renowned expert in second language acquisition, for his presentation on ‘Why Language Education Needs A Makeover’. This event is suitable for parents and/or adults interested for themselves or their children to learn a second (or third) language. Visit http://www.bringmeabook. org.hk/ for more details.
Clean out your closet DB Mothers and Friends is collecting items for redistribution amongst charities, schools, churches and people in need. If you are having a Chinese New Year clean out, please consider donating your items. Collection dates in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, Park Island and Hong Kong Island are 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of February. To arrange collection email Nikki Boot at nikkiboot@gmail.com
Fundraiser Goodman and Feeding Hong Kong are teaming up for the fifth Interlink Magic Mile Charity Ramp Run on March 6. Teams will race up 15 floors of the Goodman Interlink cargo ramp, and all funds raised will be donated directly to Feeding Hong Kong, the first food bank in Hong Kong. Funds
will help Feeding Hong Kong to raise sufficient money to serve 200,000 meals to local families in need. Race entry for a family of four starts from $1,000. Breakfast, live stage performances and children’s entertainment on the day. More details available at www.goodmanmagicmilerun.com.hk expat-parent.com 13
giveaways WIN HERE! Click the Giveaways tab on our website: www.expat-parent.com
Mothers en Vogue
AwareStore
Flatter those growing bumps and postpartum curves with Mothers en Vogue’s nursing and maternity wear. Products are stylish, practical and are made from natural and eco-friendly fabrics. We are giving away three $500 vouchers. www.mothersenvogue.com Deadline: Feb 29
Go green with AwareStore. The e-store sells a range of eco-friendly products including baby care, bamboo toothbrushes and waterproof zip bags. All products are made of raw materials, biodegradable and can be recycled. We are giving away ten $100 e-coupons. www.awarestore.com.hk Deadline: Feb 20
Asia Contemporary Art Show March in Hong Kong is officially the month of art. At the Asia Contemporary Art Show (March 24-27), browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists – from emerging and mid-career artists, to those who have already achieved recognition in private and public collections, and at auction. We have 10 pairs of tickets to giveaway. Deadline: March 10
Benefit’s Southside Pretty Party Get prepped and pretty at Benefit’s Southside Pretty Party on March 11. The two-hour party (6-8pm) includes goodie bags, photo ops, free lip waxing, special shopping privileges, canapés and drinks. Plus professional brow artists and beauty advisors will be on hand to give you a makeover and pass on their tips and tricks on the night. We are giving away six pairs of tickets, valued at $315 each. www.benefitcosmetics.com Deadline: Feb 25
Grobag Baby Sleeping Bags The adorable Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag is a great solution for babies who kick their covers off in the night, leaving them cold and disturbing their sleep. Keep little ones snug, safe and looking great with these cute 2.5-tog sleeping bags worth $389 each. We have 20 to giveaway. www.bloomandgrowdirect.com Deadline: Feb 23
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: expat-parent.com/subscribe 14 expat-parent.com
expat-parent.com 15
stuff BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle $1,799 from Mobe, www.mobe.hk
Reflex Silvercross Stroller $2,999 from Tiny Footprints, 10/F, 1 Duddell Street, Central, www.tinyfootprints.com
Easy stroller
Go for a stroll with the best in baby transport. Pronto Changing Station - Triangles $285 from Bloom & Grow, www.bloomandgrowasia.com
Trunki BoostApak $449 from Ourbaby, www.ourbaby.com.hk
Babyzen Yoyo Stroller $5,799 from Tiny Footprints
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stuff Travel Friends Total Support Headrest $99 from Baby & Me, Shop 2, G/F Kwan Yick Building, 430-440 Des Voeux Road West
ErgoBaby Four Position 360 Carrier $1,650 from Bumps to Babes, www.bumpstobabes.com
Goodbaby Pockit Stroller $1,790 from Bumps to Babes
Babasling $540 from Bloom & Grow, www.bloomandgrowasia.com
Dreambaby Car sticker $25 from Baby Central, www.babycentral.com.hk
expat-parent.com 17
new parents
Baby on Board Mawgan Batt shares some top tips for getting around Hong Kong with a baby in tow.
4. Taxis If you rely on taxis to get around, then there are a few simple tips to ensure a safe trip. Take a car seat - many strollers have a frame that will connect your car seat, which can then be belted into the back of a taxi. The government has launched a new taxi service, Syncab, aimed at disabled passengers, but also accessible to those travelling with children. With a fleet of larger vehicles, ramp access and patient drivers, this is a great solution for parents to navigate around Hong Kong - call 8191 1219 to book. Many parents in Hong Kong use a baby carrier, with the seatbelt between the adult and the child, however, safety experts do not recommend this option, as the baby is at risk of serious injury if an accident were to occur. A great option is to use the Sit ‘n’ Stroll stroller which is a car seat that can be pushed like a pushchair. And don’t forget to check the boot before the car drives off - it’s amazing how many parents lose strollers in the boot of taxis!
So your baby is here, and you are ready to show them off to the world, but first you have to get out of the door and navigate the challenging streets of Hong Kong. Walking solo round some of our city’s busiest streets can be a frustrating experience, but add in a new baby and things just got that little bit harder. We’ve spoken to parents who have been there and done it to give you the low-down on how you can make your outings straightforward and (relatively) easy. 1. Baby carriers The narrow pavements, hills, steps and escalators mean that the best way to get out and about in Hong Kong is to use a baby carrier. There are a plethora on the market and the choice is personal depending on what suits your budget and your baby, but parents in the know recommend the i-Angel, Ergo 360 and Moby Wrap for ease of use and comfort for both the baby and parent. 2. Strollers The temptation to buy a large and robust stroller to carry around your precious baby is strong, however, unless you live somewhere like Discovery Bay or Lamma, it may prove to be more of a hindrance when out and about. It makes sense to choose something lightweight and portable and recommendations include The Babyzen Yoyo and Maclaren’s range of foldable umbrella strollers. Take a baby carrier along too, just in case the terrain gets tricky. 3. Feeding and changing Unlike many other cities, Hong Kong is lacking facilities for feeding and changing babies. Many of the malls have changing and feeding rooms, but these are often small and uncomfortable as well as in high demand so you may find yourself changing a wriggling baby in a tiny toilet cubicle. 18 expat-parent.com
It pays to be prepared so make sure you always have a portable changing mat with you plus enough nappies, wipes, hand sanitiser, a change of clothes for baby to get you through your trip. However, you are never too far from a pharmacy in case you need emergency supplies!
5. Public transport Hong Kong buses are strict in their policy of asking parents and caregivers to collapse strollers before alighting a bus. So be aware that if you are heading out on the bus with a young baby, or with a baby and toddler either use a carrier, or be prepared to fold your stroller. If you are planning to use the MTR, the MTR station map shows entrances and exits closest to the lifts to make life a little easier, plus there are often disabled access routes through buildings that will save you from having to haul your stroller up flights of stairs or escalators.
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meet the parents
Flying Solo Kate Springer talks with two single mums about how they found their footing. Sonia Lee Nazzer Half-Canadian, half-New Zealander Sonia Lee Nazzer moved to Hong Kong with her ex-husband in 2006. A mother of four children and owner of Academy of Jazz dance studio, Nazzer is currently going through a divorce. How did you come to Hong Kong? I was traveling with my husband and my baby was an infant. We were supposed to head up to Tibet, but it was Chinese New Year and we hadn’t booked tickets yet so there were no flights available. We ended up staying in Hong Kong for two weeks and I fell in love with the city. It felt like a place where anything was possible. We had our second baby back home in New Zealand and then moved to Hong Kong to work as kindergarten teachers. At what point in time did you and your husband separate? We have been separated for 16 months. We gave things a last shot by moving back to New Zealand for a short time. It wasn’t going to work, so I kept my business here under management. When things didn’t work out in the marriage, I had something to keep me going both financially and with purpose. How did you tell the kids? In an ideal world, we would have sat down and done it together. I didn’t have an ideal situation, and the other party told them in a very negative way so we have had to work through a lot of issues. There is a lot of blame and anger from the kids because they feel I am responsible, because I made the choice to leave. What would you have done differently? I got engaged at 21 and was married at 23. If I had the chance to go back, I would wait until I was 28 or 30. I think I would also tell myself to have more confidence. I would not have hesitated to make the decision earlier. Sometimes if you leave things too long, then it 20 expat-parent.com
can have a sharper and more difficult ending. But I have beautiful kids, and I had them young, so I still have a lot of life left in me. Where do you find support here? I see an amazing therapist and Hong Kong has good counseling services and good churches. People online also tend to be really supportive. They are more willing to be vulnerable and open with each other — you can break down the barriers faster online, and then meet for coffee later.
Depending how you end your marriage, the grief is not something you really expect
meet the parents
How has the divorce affected you emotionally? I jumped into another relationship really fast after separating, which was probably not the best idea. Depending how you end your marriage, the grief is not something you really expect. For me, it was a difficult end. You have a lot of anger and when that’s gone, it’s the feeling of being robbed of the dreams that you had that are now no longer feasible. How did the divorce affect you financially? My business was in ruins when I came back to Hong Kong from New Zealand. My business partner cancelled our contract and at that
point, I was in serious financial crisis — I had four kids to feed and clothe. Hong Kong is a very expensive place. What about the price of the divorce itself? It takes a lot longer — and a lot more money — than you think. If you’re even thinking about going down this road, get all the legal aid set up before you even start. I thought it was a matter of filling out some forms; going to court and that would be it. It’s much harder to exit a marriage than to get into one. My legal aid hasn’t processed yet and every time my lawyer has to reply to a simple letter it costs me $3,000. It’s insane.
What was an unexpected side effect? It’s a double-sided sword here. Breaking up the marriage and losing the business partnership were both really hard things, but they got me on the path to doing it on my own and trusting myself. My business has grown by 50 percent in the last four months — so I went from having a tiny dance school to now having two schools and 14 locations around Hong Kong. I had good support from my father to open my own space and then things started to work for me. What advice would you give to others? When you’re newly single, try to meet new people. I like to go to meet-up groups and interest groups, working at a church or volunteering — doing something that reminds you that you’re a person in your own right and not just a mother. I also think it’s important to exercise. You have all this anxiety and you feel like you’ve stopped breathing. Yoga helped me to breathe and take time out off my phone, no kids — even an hour in a quiet yoga room was amazing.
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meet the parents
Lior Sade Originally from Israel, recently divorced Lior Sade moved to Hong Kong 18 years ago for her job. She remarried in Hong Kong and had a daughter, later divorcing her second husband in 2007. How did you find yourself in Hong Kong? I moved to Hong Kong divorced with two sons who were 10 and 13 at the time. I worked at a high-tech company and I moved out here for my job. My boys adjusted well but I found myself struggling with my social life at the beginning. At that period of time it was unusual for a woman to move to Hong Kong by herself. When did you meet your second husband? I met my second husband in Hong Kong and we got married. Everything was fine for a while. I was working and we had a helper. However, I was travelling all the time. After I had my daughter, I wanted to be at home more. I didn’t want to skip those early steps in her life. So, I left my job after 30 years and found myself working in a similar company where I was able to spend much more time in Hong Kong. 22 expat-parent.com
It’s important to remember that you are divorcing your husband. You are not divorcing the father of your kids
When did things start to fall apart? I was living the expat life — huge house on The Peak, big budget for two helpers at home. After two years or so, the new company wanted me to start travelling. And then the marriage started to crack. And then all life started to crack. Five months into the divorce, which was very time consuming and acrimonious, I reduced my job to part time but, soon enough, I was fired.
Was the divorce expensive? Yes — very expensive. I was married for four or five years, and the divorce took just as long. The problem was with the money. Hong Kong law splits the assets 50-50 for everything in your name, even before you met your husband. I have many more assets outside of Hong Kong, and it cost a lot of money to fight it. What happened at the trial? I found myself out of a job, spending all my time on this divorce, and then in 2008 I got the judgment, which really threw me down. It was a shock. I lost. He got 50 percent. I will not lie to you, for many months I was really depressed. I was waking in the morning just because I have a daughter. What was the process like to appeal? There are only 28 days to appeal the judgement, but I woke up to life seven or eight months later and no lawyer wanted to take my case. The only one who considered it wanted fees in the region of US$100,000. So I went to university, studied everything, and tried to
meet the parents do it myself. The same judge denied me. But I didn’t give up and I went to the high court.
texting is uncivilised. But it’s important to remember that you are divorcing your husband. You are not divorcing the father of your kids. I am encouraging mums not to be miserable, not to be sad, not to blame their husbands in front of the children — what we feel, the children will feel.
What happened in the end? To cut a long story short, in front of the high court judges, I won my case. However five days later my ex-husband disappeared and didn’t resurface for two years. So we were left with no money, and I was stuck in Hong Kong with a judgment that we couldn’t enforce. It was terrible. I decided to change my life and do something about this.
How has the divorce affected your daughter? My daughter is growing up differently. She has suffered a lot. My first problem was how do I continue to pay for her life? However I think all of us single parents, can take this lemon and make lemonade in order to create with our children, better citizens for the future.
What did you do? I studied and studied, and created my own business. I am a qualified mediator but the most important thing that I do is my work as a McKenzie friend. I help people represent themselves if they don’t have money for a lawyer. In most cases, I manage to convince the other side to mediate instead of go to court.
had to do was change our luxurious flat to something else. I moved from Peak Road to Pok Fu Lam then later to a tiny flat on Mosque Street, which had no buzzer or elevator.
How did your life change due to the divorce? Fortunately, I am permanent resident so my husband could not cancel my visa. However my daughter suffered a lot. The first thing I
What’s it like today? Even today, because our divorce was so acrimonious, we can’t speak so we communicate via text messages. Even our
What advice do you have for other women? As expats we are exposed to one level of earning capacity but if you look at the total of Hong Kong, that lifestyle is not the norm. Hong Kong is a bubble and what you have can be taken in a minute. There are more women than before who are initiating the divorce and more women are working and trusting themselves. Being a mum is great, but one day the kids are by themselves. And then what?
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Fe at ur e
NEW PARENT 101 THE LOWDOWN ON LIFE POST-BABY
by Mawgan Batt
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he arrival of a baby is a leap into the unknown and the beginning of a steep learning curve. In a city like Hong Kong where many cannot rely on family close by for help, it’s important to prepare yourself for what to expect in the early days. Mawgan Batt speaks to the city’s parenting experts to help you navigate a smooth path during those first weeks and months as a new parent. The birth of a baby is a time of significant change, not only physically but also emotionally. According to clinical psychologist and postnatal mental health specialist, Dr. Quratulain Zaidi, it pays to be prepared for what’s to come. “Before your baby arrives, talk to your partner and discuss issues like how you are going to handle visiting family 24 expat-parent.com
or who will take care of the baby during the night,” says Zaidi, “It’s important to be on the same page with your partner emotionally and intellectually on parenting strategies.” Hulda Thorey, midwife and owner of Annerley echoes the importance of being prepared. “We sit down with parents early in the pregnancy and ask them to separately answer a questionnaire relating to parenting, and their experiences with their own parents,” she explains. “It’s important to discover and discuss potential differences and difficulties ahead of the birth.” The unavoidable sleep deprivation coupled with physical and emotional exhaustion can heighten issues between a couple, so by spending time discussing and clarifying important elements of how you plan to approach parenthood will help ease the transition.
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Fe at ur e POSTNATAL EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise is a great way to connect with other mums and helps you get back in shape. Once you’ve been given the all clear to exercise from your doctor, here are options for post-baby workouts. Postnatal Pilates at Flex - The highly trained team at Flex will help you recover your pre-pregnancy shape, plus strengthen your core and tone your stomach with specialist classes that incorporate both mat and Allegro exercises. www.flexhk.com Mom in Balance - Join a group workout and meet other mums at these outdoor fitness sessions designed specifically for postnatal mums. Workouts are held at the Botanical Gardens and Victoria Park throughout the week. www.mominbalance.com/hongkong/en/ Stroll in the Kong - Not quite ready for bootcamp-style classes, and want to get out and about with your baby? The team behind Stroll in the Kong arrange regular, stroller-friendly walks throughout Hong Kong with parents and their babies. For details on their latest walks, visit their website www.strollinthekong.com Mumba - Strengthen your core, tone up, and be with your baby at the same time, thanks to the innovative TRX , yoga and pilates workouts with Jill Marshall and Mumba. Offering private and small group classes in a supportive environment, enjoy time with other mums and their babies, and get back in shape. For more details on classes, contact Jill Marshall jill@jillmarshallpilates.com
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In the early days, it really pays to have some professional support to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Organisations such as Annerley or A Mother’s Touch provide home visits, including mother and newborn check ups and breastfeeding support to enable a smooth transition after returning home from hospital. With all the questions that are associated with a new baby, having some professional support available can make all the difference. It can also be a significant factor in protecting the mental health of a new mother. “We recommend trying to prioritise sleep and encouraging mums to get outside for some fresh air as soon as they can,” outlines Thorey. “However, if we suspect that a new mother is struggling, we will ascertain if it’s tiredness, a medical issue or if potentially, she is heading towards postnatal depression,” she continues. “Many don’t want to confront it, but we will send them to their GP to take the next steps if we suspect PND.” The shift in focus and priorities that a new baby brings can impact on a relationship and the early months of a baby’s life can be particularly challenging for new parents to manage. In Hong Kong, many of us are
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MEET UP SPOTS In a city where getting around with a baby can be tricky, these are some tried and tested places for meeting up with other parents and babies. Rosie Jean’s Cafe on Caine Road is one of Hong Kong’s most child-friendly cafes. With an outdoor space complete with toys, space for prams, and most importantly, cake and coffee, this is a popular spot for mums to meet up. www.rosiejeanscafe.com Tamar Park is a perfect place to take a walk with a stroller. The large open space and flat paths make it a good location for the entire family to enjoy some fresh air.
lucky enough to have a helper to assist in the seemingly never-ending cycle of feeding, washing and nappy changing, however it’s vital to keep investing in the relationship with your partner. Dr. Zaidi recommends a weekly date night. “Set a ground rule where you are only able to talk about the baby for 10 minutes,” recommends Dr. Zaidi, “It’s important to make time for each other.” Finding time for each other does not have to involve going out in the evenings, when the combination of tiredness and a fussy baby can really kick in. Thorey suggests that, if possible,
couples catch up for a quick lunch once or twice a week. “Often dads can miss out on seeing the baby if they are working long hours. Lunch meet ups are a great way for a couple to connect, and for the father to have chance to see and enjoy the baby.” Plus getting out of the house and taking some light exercise is great for mother and baby too. Although having a baby results in huge changes and disruptions to your schedule, the experts all recommend trying to do some light exercise from as soon as you physically feel well enough.
Baumhaus is a family space offering programs and events for early childhood development, but also has a playroom and coffee lounge that is open daily. Located close to Pacific Place, there is an HK$80 charge for use of the playroom. www.baumhaus.com.hk Parent-focused private member’s club, Maggie and Rose has just arrived in Hong Kong and has set up home at the pulse in Repulse Bay. Offering a home-from-home environment as well as a range of classes and activities, it’s a space dedicated to spending time with family. More details on membership: www.maggieandrose.com.hk
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POSTNATAL, FEEDING AND SLEEPING SUPPORT Annerley Run by a team of highly experienced midwives, Annerley offers a comprehensive range of services for new parents including postnatal home visits for both mother and baby; postnatal and breastfeeding support; baby and breastfeeding clinics as well as courses specifically tailored for helpers covering first aid and childcare. www.annerley.com.hk A Mother’s Touch Offering visits in hospital to help you get off to the right start with breastfeeding as well as support visits at home and online, the lactation consultants at A Mother’s Touch can help you overcome challenges and difficulties and allow you to enjoy those early days with your baby. The team also offer pre and post natal support and courses including infant first aid and baby yoga. www.amotherstouch.com.hk Nest 4 Mums Run by the team at A Mother’s Touch, the monthly Nest 4 Mums meet up sessions are a great way to meet new mums and receive baby and post natal check ups. Contact 97080187 for more details on the next meet up.
“It can seem counterintuitive, but when you’re tired, exercise can boost your energy as it produces chemicals that are helpful for your mood,” explains Zaidi. Even just a short walk with the baby in a carrier or stroller can help break up the day, improve your mood and help you feel in control. One way to ease that transition into parenthood, is to meet others going through the same experience. GeoBaby.com and Little Steps Asia both run Due Date Clubs giving new parents the opportunity to ask questions, and arrange to meet up with other parents expecting babies around the same time. In the first weeks and months of being a parent, making friends to share the tales of feeding, sleeping and general worries and anxieties is crucial. Even if it’s just a coffee and chat or someone to walk with, getting out and about with others will allow you to know that you are not alone. However, as parenting author, Orla Breeze outlines, for some mothers, baby groups may not be the answer. “If you are not keen on group get togethers, then try to find one or two women with babies of the same age.” These friendships often last a lifetime, “My best parenting friend was introduced to me just before we both gave birth and we’ve been excellent friends ever since!” says Breeze. If you have a helper supporting your family in caring for your baby, then it’s crucial that he or she fully understands how you 28 expat-parent.com
want them to look after the baby. Consider providing them with first aid training in case of emergencies and be clear and consistent regarding your expectations of how their duties are performed. If you are returning to work, ensure that your helper has had time with the baby to understand their routine and habits – this will help smooth the transition for you all. There are a range of classes including CPR and babycare that will enable your helper to develop their skills and give you the confidence that your baby is safe and nurtured while in their care. Do you have a burning question that you need an answer to? An incredible resource for all parents in Hong Kong, is the “Hong Kong Moms” Facebook group. With over 20,000 members, it’s a fantastic source of information on anything parenting in the city. However, as Dr. Zaidi advises, although online forums and social media can be a great sanity check for new parents, it pays to be mindful of information overload, and to understand that not all advice is relevant for your family. So while having a baby is probably the biggest life event that you will ever go through, with some preparation and planning, those early months don’t need to be a huge struggle. As Orla Breeze remarks, “It will feel like climbing a mountain, but time flies when you’re a new parent and before you know it, you’ll be at the summit.”
In Safe Hands If you need help and support at establishing a sleep routine for your baby, In Safe Hands provide CPR trained, and highly experienced night nannies and maternity nurses. www.insafehands.com.hk Dr. Quratulain Zaidi, is a clinical psychologist and highly experienced in helping women with postnatal depression. Contact her to arrange a consultation via www.mindnlife.com La Leche League Hong Kong This international, non-profit organisation offers support and encouragement to all women who want to breastfeed. You can either attend one of their monthly meetings or call one of their supportive and accredited leaders for help. www.lll-hk.org Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHC) There are 31 MCHC’s across Hong Kong, providing lactation support as well as newborn health screens and vaccinations. For your closest, visit www.fhs.gov.hk The Family Zone Run by British trained Health Visitor, lactation consultant and community nurse, Yvonne Heavyside, The Family Zone offers a comprehensive range of services including antenatal classes; lactation and postnatal consultations; sleep coaching; first aid, CPR and childcare for domestic helpers, and more. www.thefamilyzone.hk Mrs. Chee - Lactation Consultant, Everdawn Midwives If you are having trouble breastfeeding, then mums throughout Hong Kong recommend a visit to Mrs. Chee. She runs a clinic in Wan Chai, however does not carry out home visits. For more information, call 2705 9322 or email yochee@netvigator.com
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open day
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open day
Discovery Montessori Academy Callum Wiggins takes a tour.
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ever has the journey to school been so pleasant. Half an hour on the ferry from Central to Discovery Bay and then a simple exchange onto a bus from Discovery Bay bus terminus to Discovery Bay North Plaza. Beautiful views and no crowds in sight, it’s a luxury few commuters in Hong Kong get to enjoy. While most families of students at Discovery Montessori Academy (DMA) are already residents in Discovery Bay, the journey to the school gates is nonetheless a pleasant one. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Lantau and magnificent sea views as the sun shimmers and glistens on the water, parents looking for a new school would be hard pressed to find a nicer location in Hong Kong. With no cars and a generally sedate atmosphere at the North Plaza, the school sits in an ideal spot for its students to learn with minimal distractions looking out the window to the views of the sea is, however, highly encouraged. Opening its doors to families just last year, DMA held its ‘Grand Opening’ party last month as a way for teachers, staff and families to
We are the first school in Hong Kong to implement both the Montessori Elementary and IB programmes in conjunction celebrate the start of the new school. With a capacity for up to 200 students, the school is pleased with its current intake in its first year. “We had a little bump in the road when opening the new campus”, says Christie Leung, School Supervisor at DMA. “Moving such a large body of staff and materials into the new campus was a big challenge but we are thrilled to be open and getting the new school year underway”.
Joining its Montessori pre-school which is located next door, the school is now able to accommodate its pre-school students directly into its primary programme as well as welcome new students to the school body. “Some children enroll at the school from a non Montessori style of education”, says Leung. “It can be a bit of a challenge getting children accustomed to our Montessori way of learning if they have not been educated in that style during pre-school, however, we find it does not take too long before they adapt and thrive with the other students”. Discovery Montessori Academy offers a combination of the Montessori Elementary and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculums. The school is currently a candidate to be an official IB school and expects the accreditation process to take up to two to three years. “We expect to finish the teacher training element by the end of this year and begin the first trials of teaching for a one year period soon after”, says Leung. “We are the first school in Hong Kong to implement both the Montessori Elementary and IB programmes in conjunction. Many schools in
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open day
other countries have successfully followed this same path and we are looking to emulate that”. Immediately noticeable upon entering the school is the bright and fresh feel to each classroom. Natural light streams in through large windows and wooden desks and chairs seat small groups of children busy with their tasks. True to its Montessori approach, students are encouraged to choose their own learning activities and the class teacher will introduce a topic and support the student when needed. As a result, a walk around one of the classrooms at any given time may see a group of students working through numeracy problems using counting blocks, another group busy tracing Chinese characters with a native Chinese-language teacher and even a spot of quiet reading on the carpet. Each class at Discovery Montessori Academy features mixed age groups, where students aged six to nine will be grouped in one class and students nine to 12 years in another. This, Leung believes, creates a special learning atmosphere in each class. “For the younger children there is a motivation to follow the example of the older children. And the older children have a chance to become young leaders and act as role models for their younger peers”. Looking forward to the upcoming Lunar 32 expat-parent.com
New Year celebrations, students will soon be recreating scenes from one of Hong Kong’s largest markets. “The whole school will get creative. We will have our very own flower market at the school just like in Victoria Park”, says Leung. “The children will set up booths to sell flowers, Chinese ornaments and art pieces while other students will use some pretend money to buy them and take home.” Keen to incorporate the ample opportunities for outings in and around Discovery Bay into the curriculum, Leung has lots of exciting plans ahead. “The children have a couple of bigger field trips per year and then some smaller outings throughout the year. I am in the process of organising a fun camping trip and classes often go down to the beach and have even done a rubbish collection drive to learn about our local environment and how to protect it”. The students are also excited for their new playground to grow a shade of green as each class will tend to a section of the organic garden to grow plants, herbs and vegetables. “The children will take a very hands on approach and the playground will look lovely come the summer months”. With a brand new campus and a growing number of families and students to support,
Leung knows the challenge will only get bigger from here on in but is relishing it all the same, “I want to be able to see the children learn and to be successful and that’s my biggest goal with the opening of the new school”.
School Report Discovery Montessori Academy Established: 2015 Number of students: Capacity for 200 Class size: 25 Curriculum: A combination of IB and Montessori Elementary (6-12Y) curriculum Fees 2015/2016: $11,000/month Non refundable school development levy: $25,000 (one -off payment)
promotion
Quality early years education For 37 years Woodland Pre-Schools has successfully guided thousands of children across Hong Kong through their early childhood education.
Since 1978 Woodland Pre-Schools has become the trusted early childhood education provider for parents looking for a high-quality international pre-school. Woodland Pre-Schools currently operates 11 schools strategically located across Hong Kong from Hong Kong Island to Sai Kung. The pre-schools follow the curriculums of both the Early Years Foundation Stage of the UK national curriculum and Montessori pedagogy. Children aged from six months are welcomed into the Woodland family where parents can opt for the English, bilingual or Mandarin stream. The quality of pre-school education at Woodland is underlined by its accreditation to internationally recognised education certifiers. The traditional schools are accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance (London) and the Montessori schools are certified by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board. Woodland is the only group of pre-schools to be accredited in Hong Kong. At Woodland, parents can be assured that their child receives plentiful support from class teachers thanks to the low student-to-teacher ratio in each class. With some teachers having
been with Woodland for up to 23 years, not only does each child receive greater individual attention from the class teacher, but the participation of the child during class is more profound. Not only developing a passion for learning but also enhancing all-round development, Woodland has a strong track record for ensuring children gain a place at their desired primary school. “Over 65,000 children have successfully passed through our pre-schools and 98% went on to the primary school of their choice”, says Ina Lester-Smith, Curriculum Coordinator at Woodland. “More than 70% of new students have come through word-of-mouth referrals from other parents who are genuinely thrilled with the Woodland experience”. A wide range of extra curricular clubs, open to students as well as non-students of Woodland Pre-Schools, allow children to explore their creative side and develop important social skills with new friends. “We encourage children to form positive relationships and develop respect for others” says Lester-Smith. “We aspire to develop the child’s confidence and independence whilst
learning to concentrate and to enjoy sharing as part of a group”. Parents are involved every step of the way at Woodland Pre-Schools. As well as a weekly and termly newsletter to keep parents updated on all the latest school events, each child’s progress is recorded in a school diary and teachers are always available for a catch-up thanks to its open-door policy. Woodland Pre-Schools is excited to welcome many more faces into their growing family ensuring that each child fulfills their potential and has a smooth transition to primary school.
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principal’s office
Christie Leung School Supervisor of Discovery Montessori Academy speaks to Callum Wiggins.
I think for any successful person there must be a great mentor behind them
What are some of the challenges of being a school leader? There are lots of things that need to be managed when running a school. It’s not just teaching children in a classroom. It takes a lot of preparation to get to the stage where the teachers are in the classroom with a full class of happy students. It’s a long process from the initial enquiry from parents about enrolling their child at the school to the day that that child eventually graduates. You have to manage not just the staff, but hundreds of children and hundreds of parents as well as those parents’ expectations. What has been the most memorable event in your career? I don’t have one specific memory but each year seeing a child graduate the school always gives me a sense of pride, but most importantly I am proud of them. The child has not just physically grown and changed but developed into a smart and confident young learner. 34 expat-parent.com
Did you always want to work in education? I have worked in education for over ten years. When you can see the bright future of the child, knowing that you have planted the seeds, it makes me happy. Did you have an inspirational teacher? I think for any successful person there must be a great mentor behind them. If you are lucky to meet a great mentor in your life then this will be a key to your success. I had teachers that mentored me in my past. They cared not just for my studies but also for my personal well being and my future. I especially value our teachers who really care for the students and their development. What do you like most about Hong Kong? I have three children and we love to go hiking and camping together. There are so many wonderful hiking trails and routes all over Hong Kong, from Lantau to Sai Kung. Going out walking and hiking was something that I never even considered when I was younger and living in Hong Kong. When I became a parent I became more interested in the outdoors and exposing my children to a healthy lifestyle. Do you have any hidden talents? I like to draw. I’m much more of an artistic person and I enjoy making things from scratch. I haven’t had a chance to dedicate a lot of time or study to develop my artistic skills but I think when I eventually retire, I will explore my creative side. At our school we hold many activities related to other talents such as music, performing and visual arts. I encourage all the children at our school to explore their talents in these areas when they are young as I think having a creative and artistic side is a great outlet.
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GCSEs Perhaps some of the biggest changes to the National Curriculum are with GCSEs. Tiering has been removed for many subjects and there will no longer be foundation and higher tiers. In these cases students will all sit the same exam. Maths will now include harder subject material, including set theory, iteration and functions, and teachers will have more to teach for this subject. English no longer exists as a single subject and instead is split into English Language and English Literature. The foundation course has been removed and spelling, punctuation and grammar will be given more weight towards the final grade. Students studying English Literature will be required to read a wider range of texts but there will be no set texts. The Grading System will change from letters (A*-F) to numbers (9-1). 9 will be the highest grade possible and is considered harder to achieve than an A*.
A Levels AS levels will no longer count towards the overall A Level, and exams will be taken at the very end of the course based on 2 years’ worth of material. If a student wishes to study at AS level only then they may take their exam at the end of Year 12 for a standalone qualification. If they then change their mind and decide to pursue a full A Level, they will be re-examined on the material they learned in Year 12 as well as Year 13 at the end of the course. ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.
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A day in the life
ANFIELD INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN Kindergarten teacher, Julie Walton, opens the door to her K1 Class. needs by regularly setting and planning for the next steps in their learning. Parents are very involved in the school through specific curriculum festivals, school trips, sports day, workshops and the art exhibition. A recent parents phonic workshop was so popular that we had to plan more evening sessions! At home, I recommend that parents of preschoolers plan maths activities involving measuring and counting through simple cooking activities. Also visits to local museums provide opportunities to gain new knowledge and develop the ability to ask questions. Reading stories regularly will help develop your child’s language skills and ability to use their imagination. I would also encourage parents to organise play days where they can invite friends to play as this really supports children’s social development.
A
nfield International Kindergarten in Kowloon Tong is a thriving community school following the learning objectives of the Early Years Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum. Julie Walton teaches two K1 classes per day with 20-25 students and two to three supporting teachers. Our morning sessions start at 8:15am and end at 11:30am and the afternoon sessions start at 12:15pm and finish at 3:30pm. A typical day in my K1 class starts with play and prayers in the garden followed by 55 minutes of play based learning alongside a variety of focused adult activities. Then there is a 20 minute carpet session, 15 minute snack time, 15 minute outdoor playtime and 60 minutes of specialist subjects including music, P.E, library, cooking and Mandarin. The last part of the day includes a short 15 minute carpet and story time.
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If the class is working on problem solving and calculating skills, I may ask the children to try and sink a boat in water and investigate how many toys are needed to do this. This could lead into other discussions about making boats and the best kind of materials to use. We play lots of language activities where we hide objects and the children have to recognise what is missing. Or we dress up and pretend to be different characters from stories and make up new endings for the stories. Lots of time is given for children to talk about their experiences which helps them gain confidence particularly when they share with the whole class. We use the learning objectives from Early Years Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum to plan our various activities. The children learn through play and exploration, being active, and through creative and critical thinking. Every day we track the children’s learning and respond to their unique
To find out more information about Anfield International Kindergarten, visit www.anfield.com.hk or contact the school at admin@anfield.edu.hk.
School Report Anfield International Kindergarten Application date: Closing date is October but applications will be considered throughout the year. Year founded: 1999 Total number of pupils: 216 children at the Kowloon Tong Campus plus a playgroup for younger children School fees: $6,400 per month for half day sessions, $8,900 for the full day.
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after school
In tuition Where to find a tutor. By Shreena Patel.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center Sylvan uses a diagnostic assessment to establish a child’s strengths and weaknesses and designs a tailor-made programme accordingly. Tuition in Maths, Science, Mandarin and English reading and writing is available in addition to homework help, preparation for school entrance exams (UK, US and Hong Kong) and for the IGCSE, IB, SAT and ACT. Lessons are available for children aged five -18 and are taught in groups of three (students work on their individualised programme with two other children at the same table). Sylvan’s holiday camps are available during the summer, winter and spring breaks. They include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), robotics and coding, 38 expat-parent.com
as well as writing. Sylvan has two locations on the southside of Hong Kong: 2/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Aberdeen; G209 The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2873 0662, www.sylvanlearning.com International Tuition Services ITS provides educational support for children and adults across a range of subjects as well as exam preparation services for SATs, iGCSEs, A-levels, IB and more. Take a tutorial programme at one of ITS’ Hong Kong schools or use the online learning service. In addition to tutorials, ITS offers university admissions advice and an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for children in Hong Kong, from nursery
to secondary schools. Locations in Central and Mong Kok. For details, visit www.tuition.com.hk Kumon Originally developed in Japan, Kumon has since spread throughout the world and is now used in over 40 countries and regions. Subjects are limited to English, Chinese and Mathematics. The Kumon method is based on individual instruction and the completion of daily worksheets to develop basic building blocks. Students are not split into groups by grade or age, but work at their own pace through the worksheets provided. Available across Hong Kong. For details of your nearest centre, call 2890 6533 or visit www.kumon. com.cn/KHK
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after school Miles International Academy This southside preschool runs after-school Mandarin classes at all levels for children aged six and under. Classes are held every Friday, 4pm-5pm. B102 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. For details call 3586 3071 or visit www.milesinternational.com.hk PGEM For support outside the classroom, PGEM offers online tuition and academic support in a range of subjects, as well as essay help, online SAT/ACT test preparation and university counseling. PGEM also covers IB MYP, IB DP, AP, A-Levels, IGCSE and HKDSE including languages. Learners can book slots with tutors through the PGEM website for a one-on-one session using interactive video calling, live chat and whiteboard facilities. Online fees for live one-on-one tutoring are USD$60 per session; fees for essay help and writing support are between USD$60-USD$150 (for USD$150 essay supervisors provide four rounds of feedback/comments on a student’s work). Ask questions, receive feedback and develop a deeper understanding of academic subjects
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Miles International Academy
from the comfort of your own home. Suite 3203 Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2500 6078, www.teachers-to-go.com Southside Mandarin As well as offering straightforward Mandarin lessons, this learning centre has playgroups and immersion programmes for children aged six months to 12 years. Babies up to 24 months old join the Putonghua playgroup whilst
older children can attend art, music and drama classes taught in Mandarin. A special fun club combines language and cultural learning with play-based activities for children aged three to seven. All classes are taught by professionally qualified native speakers with experience in early childhood and primary education. Shop 106-107, 1/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 3427 9619, www.southsidemandarin.com
after school The Graduate The Graduate, a recently launched online platform, enables students and tutors to connect through face-to-face lessons and video conferences, on the soon-to-belaunched integrated platform. All tutors are carefully vetted and parents can engage with the panel of academic experts to ensure a good match. The service is open to children from primary school right through to university undergraduates. Tutor services start from $200 per hour depending on the experience of the tutor and difficulty of the subject. For more information, visit www.thegraduate.com.hk Snapask by Appedu Used by over 20,000 students across Asia, Appedu’s Snapask is a mobile app that provides instant on-demand learning support to secondary school students. With tutors from universities across Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and China, 17 seconds is the average time it takes for a tutor to pick up your question. Buy credits online or at 7-Eleven stores. The Starter Pack costs $150 and comes with 150 credits (each in-app question costs 10 credits). www.snapask.co
Mentorhood Learning Center Specialising in Maths tuition, Mentorhood Learning Centre teaches students to solve problems using the Thinking Block Model from Singapore, a systematic way of representing word problems and number relationships in a visual way. The centre also offers English lessons and a playgroup for ages three to 12,
as well as tutoring for public exam courses in the IB, British and American curricula for students aged 13-18 and consultations for university preparation. It has centres throughout Hong Kong, including one at Marina Square, West Commercial Centre, Shop 209A, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau. Details at 5160 1828, www.mentorhood.com.hk
Mentorhood Learning Center
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me & my hobby
ALL ABOUT THE BASS Mawgan Batt speaks to 14 year old, South Island School student, Roisin Byrne about her passion for the double bass. When did you start playing the double bass? When I was five years old, I started at Trinity Guildhall Junior Strings music near the Barbican in London. For the first couple of years we did Kodály and Dalcroze teaching, which is listening, understanding and full body movement. At the end of the second year, students that demonstrated musicality were invited to continue for a third year, and at that point choose an instrument. That’s when I started to learn to play the double bass.
made during previous years. We live in the dormitories of a boarding school and have the run of the school for the week. I love walking into the hall on the final night and seeing our parents who have come to watch us play. With so few double bassists around, particularly in England, I play not just the senior orchestra but the juniors as well. Most years I am the only bassist. How do you juggle your school and music commitments? Now that I am in Year 10 and the school work varies each week, I have to carefully juggle my schoolwork and music commitments. However I do not stay up late to fit it all in as I understand that a good sleep is more important.
What inspired you to start playing the double bass? I first heard the cello at a school concert and I loved the sound of it. I started playing the cello at school to see if I liked it, but my school music teacher pointed out that as I was already tall and strong, the double bass would be a better choice. She was probably right as I am already taller than my mum and nearly overtaking my dad! I started on a 1/8th size and now play a 3/4 size double bass. How much time do you spend practicing? I study at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts so that takes up my Saturdays between individual lessons and orchestra practice. Over the period of a week, I have a clarinet lesson, wind band, a double bass lesson, school orchestra, and Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, HKAPA Symphony orchestra and double bass technique. In total it’s about 12 hours of lessons a week and then I fit in practice as and when I can around school work. To join and remain in the HKAPA you need to audition and then perform for assessment at the end of the year. The standard is high and I know that I need to practice everyday to keep my place there. How much time do you spend performing? I am in a Chamber Orchestra, HKAPA Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and regularly do concerts to highlight what we have been working on. It gives us the chance to play a great selection 42 expat-parent.com
of styles of music. It also means that I am doing a major concert on average once every two to three months. My next performance is in Zhuhai, China and I will attend a four day camp with other kids from schools in Hong Kong and China. Tell us about your favourite moments playing music? I really enjoy going to music camps, not knowing what we will play, yet doing a concert a few days later and making great friends along the way. Every summer I attend a week long camp in England and I look forward to spending time with friends that I’ve
Do you plan to study music or work in the industry in the future? Yes I would like to study music. My parents have looked into sending me to boarding school in England to one of the specialist music schools. I have started advanced music at South Island School and I am doing an iGCSE in music. They have a great music department and inspiring teachers, which has meant the decision to go to the UK has been put off. At SIS I also get the chance to do media studies including film making and now I’m also considering sound design for films as an option. In the short term, I would one day like to try out for the annual “Share the Stage” concerts by The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, where you audition and join the professionals on stage for a couple of concerts. Any tips for young budding musicians? Learn how to manage your time properly to get in practice. Feel the music and enjoy playing. Playing pieces of music just to prepare for an exam limits your exposure to all the music that is out there. I keep an eye out for masterclasses, free lunchtime concerts, graduating student concerts and seeing world renowned performers if I have the chance.
Mumpreneurs
Dress to Impress Mawgan Batt speaks to Shan Shan, founder of Asia’s first high-end designer dress and accessory rental platform, YEECHOO.com. How long have you lived in HK? I have lived in HK for almost five years. I moved here from Melbourne in 2011, then met my husband Stanley, got married, and we now live in Pok Fu Lam with our 11 month old daughter, Olivia, 10 year old Chinchilla cat, Buding and 3 year old Chow Chow, Baozi - a pretty happening family! What did you do before launching YEECHOO? I worked in investment banking for six years at JPMorgan and UBS, working on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raisings for large financial institutions. Where did the idea for the business come from? We came up with the YEECHOO idea, simply because we were facing the same problem that all girls do – what to wear? We were always looking for the perfect dress, because we never wanted to wear the same thing twice. So we created this shared closet that is filled with thousands of designer dresses and accessories. For as little as 5% of the retail price, women can pick whatever they like, wear it once and never need to worry about it again. With YEECHOO, our clients can really be adventurous and play with fashion How did you translate it from concept to reality? To execute this idea, we flew to New York and Paris, met almost 50 designers and convinced them to officially partner up with us. Without any IT background, we were lucky to find a highly experienced tech partner to lead the website construction. How has the concept been received? We are the first and largest designer fashion experience platform in Asia and the response has been amazing. As soon as ladies find out that our service exists and see our second-
What has been the biggest challenge to date? The biggest challenge we faced was learning everything about running a startup which is completely different to our investment banking days. Here we have to learn about fashion, e-commerce, marketing, logistics, PR, recruiting, social media... It’s challenging but at the same time very rewarding. What do you love most about what you do? I love the fact that we are creating something meaningful, something that makes every woman’s life more beautiful and colourful. We believe that experience is the new ownership. We are making high fashion accessible to YEECHOO founders Abby Zhang (left) everyone. Fashion is supposed to be and Shan Shan (second from right) fun and burden-free, and we are making to-none high fashion collection, most of them this a reality. sign up with us right away. Over 80% of our customers repeatedly use our service and claim How do you juggle the business that it’s addictive! and your family? I’m lucky that my family is very supportive of How has the busines evolved my startup adventure. With the help from my since its launch? mum and mother-in-law and a helper, I’m able YEECHOO has been operating for over a year to work full time during the day in the office now. We finished our first round of financing with my team. But of course, I always squeeze March this year, which enabled us to upgrade time to spend with my daughter, getting up our website and significantly expand our dress early to play with her in the morning, go home collection. We have also started the bridal line early for dinner and put her to bed, then work which rents out the most prestigious bridal late at night. It’s not easy to balance this, designers’ collections. We are the only place but I firmly believe that being a person who’s in HK where you can rent the latest couture motivated, determined and dedicated to what pieces from Vera Wang, Monique Luillier, Oscar we believe is meaningful, will always be a dela Renta, Carolina Herrera, Pronovias, J positive influence on our kids. Mendal and many more. What’s next for YEECHOO? What are your How do you and your partner divide your plans and aspirations for the business? roles in the business? We are expanding really fast, both in terms I concentrate more on designer relationships of geography and product offering. We are and sourcing management. My partner opening showrooms in Shanghai, Beijing, Abby is more focused on operations and Taiwan, Singapore and Jakarta, and also marketing, and being a startup, both of us continuously growing our designer portfolio and are very involved in strategies and business style options. Our vision is to build YEECHOO management. to be every girl’s infinite cloud closet. expat-parent.com 43
big day out
Tung Lung Chau – A rocking day out! Rory Mackay takes a trip to the rugged island of Tung Lung Chau.
R
ugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Lung Chau possesses a little bit of something for everyone. From family friendly outings and historical reccies, to rock climbing and zip lining sessions, this craggy outcrop has all the tricks to keep you more than entertained for the day! Easily reached, it makes for a convenient full or half day trip away from the city. To reach the island, take a ride on the ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Yau Tong (5 mins walking distance from Yau Tong MTR Station). Several sailings make their way to Tung Lung Chau each day until 4:30pm. Make sure to check out climatic conditions on the day before venturing onto the water. If the weather is wild, it may not make for the most pleasurable of experiences, but on a fair day the island and its surrounds are simply stunning. Departing adjacent to the picturesque Lei Yue Mun Village, the ferry then embarks across the open waters of eastern Victoria Harbour. There are brilliant views across the Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the north and to Shek O Peninsula to the south. After half an hour on board the ferry, Nam
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Tong ferry pier soon comes into view. Once ashore, you’re greeted by a selection of route options. For those who fancy either a relaxing day out or desire to cut out the fuss, hang a left at Nam Tong following signs for Tung Lung Fort. A twenty minute stroll will take you to the eastern side of the island. For the more intrepid traveler, a longer walk around the island may suit. There is an 8.5km route circumnavigating Tung Lung Chau that takes around 4 hours to complete and is best experienced in an anticlockwise direction. This trail is a great way to pack in all the sights of the island, including a climb to its 232m pinnacle. No matter which of the two routes you choose, you will arrive at Tung Lung Chau’s northeastern promontory where Tung Lung Fort is located. Close to the campsite lie the remains of Tung Lung Chau Fort, which was built between 1662 and 1722 by order of Yang Lin, Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi. It was used to defend the island from pirates attempting to enter Victoria Harbour from the South China Sea. Climbers don’t forget your chalk bag! Regarded as one of the best places in
big day out
Hong Kong for rock climbing, the eastern escarpments of Tung Lung Chau offer bountiful climbing lines in a spectacular setting. There are several operators that provide climbing and zip lining sessions here, visit www. hongkongclimbing.com/guide/tung-lung-chau/ for more information. Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for return to the mainland at 5pm, unless an overnight stay is more your cup of tea. Camping in HK can be an awesome experience and Tung Lung Chau is a superb
destination to experience it at its best. The campsite beside Tung Lung Fort has adequate facilities and a rugged waterfront setting. Weekends and public holidays can be busy here so be wise with your timing, try not to visit on a public holiday. If you have a bit of time to kill before the next ferry departure, perhaps make a detour to see Hong Kong’s oldest and largest rock carving. Dating back over 5000 years, the dragon depiction is a relic worth seeing. Alternatively, relax at one of the islands several dai pai dongs.
All in all, this is a cracking little spot that everyone can enjoy. Among the list of Hong Kong’s many islands, Tung Lung Chau flies under the radar and punches well above its weight. Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com.
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food
Let’s go Canto As Lunar New Year approaches, Annie Wong explores the finest Chinese cuisines Hong Kong has to offer.
Above & Beyond Perched on the 28th floor of Hotel ICON, Above & Beyond boasts panoramic views of Victoria Harbour in a stylish yet intimate dining area which is lined with books and eclectic Asian artefacts. Specialising in dishing up Cantonese favourites, guests will also be able to find a range of other Chinese regional
cuisines inspired by Chef Joseph Tse’s time in Shanghai and Beijing. Dishes have a delicate yet creative touch like the crispy crab claw with shrimp mousse and steamed garoupa fillet with egg white and yellow broth. Open daily from 11am-11pm, 28/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 3400 1318, hotel-icon.com
Mott 32 Glide down the glitzy stairwell into upscale Cantonese restaurant, Mott 32, named for the address of New York City’s first Chinese convenience store. The service is impeccably matched by the food, which is prepared with gourmet ingredients by chef Fung, Malcolm Wood and his team. Mott 32 houses a custom-made duck oven and fridge for airdrying and roasting the apple wood-smoked Peking duck (pre-order only). The menu also sees a fare of Cantonese delights including barbecued Iberico pork with yellow mountain honey and Kurobuta pork, crab and caviar soup dumplings. For larger groups there are five private rooms available which seat up to 50 people. B/F, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, 2885 8688, www.mott32.com 46 expat-parent.com
food Lai Bun Fu Lai Bun Fu embodies elements of culinary elegance and sophistication, transporting diners back to the colonial days of yesteryear, with marble floors, forest green panelled walls and clad with refined Chinese antiques. Led by the former head chef at Hong Kong’s Government house, Chef Chung Kin Leung delivers Chinese fine dining at Lai Bun Fu, with the menu featuring favourite plates of VIPs from Government House as well as his own signature dishes. To celebrate the year of the monkey, the restaurant will be introducing nine items to the a-la-carte menu, including braised beef brisket with assorted peaches ($238), steamed lobster with chencun noodles in hudiao sauce ($328) and stir-fried lotus roots with young ginger, chestnuts and goji berries ($128). A special eight course menu ($488) is available on Sunday which includes traditional favourites like double boiled soup and pan fried foie gras and deep fried tofu. 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, 2564 3868, www.laibunfu
Spring Moon Reminiscent of a 1920s style Shanghai mansion, Spring Moon is embellished with wooden flooring, porcelain antiques and stained glass windows. Sit at the Chef’s Table and watch chef Frankie Tang and his team in action in Spring Moon’s kitchen. The Chefs’ Table seats up to six people, and is priced at $2,888 per person, with a minimum of four people. Chefs will prepare an eight-course menu featuring a range of signature dim sum and Cantonese dishes like baked barbecued pork puff and pan-fried garoupa fillet with supreme soy. The restaurant has its own tea counter which houses over 25 selected Chinese teas with highly trained tea masters. Check website for opening hours. 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, 2696 6760, hongkong.peninsula.com
Dong Lai Shun Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Dong Lai Shun’s two Chinese casseroles (poon choi). Both casseroles feed 6 people, with a choice of spicy Chinese casserole ($2,388) which includes Alaskan crab legs, prawns, sea cucumber and fish maw whereas the traditional mutton casserole ($1,388) includes five kinds of mutton. Casseroles need to be ordered one day in advance. Basement 2, 69 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2721 5215, www.rghk.com.hk expat-parent.com 47
food Duddell’s Founded by hospitality powerhouse Yenn Wong and recipient of two Michelin stars, Duddell’s is a vibrant space combining both a restaurant and an art gallery which showcases works of prominent art personalities. The unique space is topped off with an exquisite outdoor terrace. Executive Chef Siu Hin Chi puts a modern stamp on traditional Chinese food with a wide selection of all-day dim sum dishes including shrimp dumpling with pepper, abalone puff with chicken and signature dish fried fresh lobster with scallion and shallots. Diners can also choose from their specially crafted dim sum dinner sets, suitable to share between four people, “decadent platter” ($800), “fiery specialities” ($850), “delicate morsels” ($350) and “wholesome bites” ($530) and include signature dishes like barbecued Iberico pork with honey and pork dumpling with scallop and crab coral. Duddell’s also offers an attractive weekend brunch which includes unlimited portions of Cantonese dishes, with an option of free-flow Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, cocktails, wines and soft beverages. 3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, 2525 9191, duddells.co
T’ang Court Three Michelin Star T’ang Court embodies the classic timelessness of China’s golden age the Tang Dynasty, with old antiques and tones of red and gold tinted through every corner of the restaurant. Experience dim sum delicacies and handcrafted puddings by Executive Chef Kwong Wai-keung and his team. To ring in the Year of the Monkey, T’ang Court has created a special Chinese New Year lunch menu available from February 8-14 featuring dishes such as steamed egg white with bird’s nest, minced Yunnan ham, crab meat and crab roe, signifying bounty of good health while the shrimp paste dumpling represents prosperity. Alternatively, try the New Year Pudding or the turnip and taro pudding ($168 and $188, respectively, available until February 7). Check website for opening hours. 1/F-2/F, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2132 7898, www.langhamhotels.com
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expat-parent.com 49
money & me
Nicole Wakely The founder of TREE, speaks to Annie Wong about her passion for design, sustainability and investing in the future. Tell us about your organisation TREE is a home lifestyle brand that specialises in timeless eco-wood furniture and natural finishing touches. We’ve just celebrated ten years of bringing beautiful, sustainable living to Hong Kong, and can’t wait for the next ten! We are strong believers in “profits with principles”, and we actively partner with those who share our passion for ethical sourcing and sustainability,
What was your worst investment? Probably the baby doll sheep I bought for my farm in Australia. We had originally invested with the intention of raising them for food, but ended up falling absolutely in love, to the point that they became like an extension of our family. So of course we couldn’t eat them, and in that sense I suppose they were our worst investment, although the joy they gave us from being a part of the family was simply priceless.
What was the inspiration to set up the business? I had originally moved from the UK to Hong Kong to practice law, but I have always known in my heart that the corporate lifestyle wasn’t for me. I turned to my passions for inspiration, combining my love of design, detailing, and a desire to create a more sustainable future for the next generation – and that’s how the idea for TREE was born.
Do you have any advice on teaching children about money? My family means everything to me and one of the things I want my boys to learn is the importance of money as a means, not an end. When they were small, my husband and I moved out to a rural farm in Australia to learn how to live sustainably off the land. One of the things I wanted to teach my boys through this experience was that everything has a value beyond the monetary.
Are you a spender or a saver? Actually, I would say that I am an investor. I invest in the future, in my children’s futures, and in high quality products that promote values that I believe in, such as sustainability and ethical sourcing. I am also a strong believer in investing in shared experiences, such as traveling with my family. To me, the memories made and culturally-enriching experiences for my two boys are simply priceless. How much is in your wallet? I have no idea! I have been traveling a great deal at the moment, developing exciting new plans for TREE around the world and as a result my wallet looks a little like a currency exchange centre. What was your best investment? I would have to say the TREE Café, an extension of our flagship TREE store in Horizon Plaza. I love that the café has become such a gathering ground for friends and family – this truly makes it a wonderful investment. 50 expat-parent.com
Do you invest in stocks? No, I don’t. I prefer to invest in things with longevity that have the potential to make a positive impact on the future, such as land. Do you own property? I own a farm in Australia where I spent time raising my children. I love this property because it also encompasses hundreds of acres of natural rainforest, which we retain to protect the land and amazingly diverse and, in some cases, endangered wildlife living there. I see this land as a sentry for the future, an investment for my children and for the generations to come.
I am an investor. I invest in the future, in my children’s futures
Any final thoughts? There is a saying that goes, “I’m not rich enough to buy cheap products”. I suppose this is a personal mantra of sorts as, for me, quality is everything. Invest in a quality product and then take great care of it – it could last you for lifetimes, protecting our precious resources and saving you plenty of money down the line.
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travel
Six Hong Kong staycation destinations Keep it local for your next family holiday.
I
f the thought of a long haul flight with the kids fills you with dread, but you are in need of a quick getaway, then a staycation in Hong Kong couldn’t come at a better time. Whether it’s an outlying island bed and breakfast, a campsite deep in the New Territories or something with a little colonial grandeur, there’s something for everyone should a stay in Hong Kong be your preferred choice.
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Heritage Lodge Heritage Lodge, perched on a hillside in Lai Chi Kok, is part of a cluster of red brick buildings which make up the Jao Tsung-I Academy. The historic compound has over time served as a quarantine station, prison, infectious disease hospital and a psychiatric rehabilitation centre. Don’t let its rather grim history put you off from visiting. The site’s revitalisation into a hub promoting Chinese culture has regenerated the buildings and surroundings into something rather special. The Lodge has 89 guestrooms spread over five double storey buildings all furnished with simple yet cosy Chinese décor.
A choice of rooms is available from the smaller standard size to larger suites, which come with an adjoining living room and excellent views over the hillside. While the rooms may not be able to rival modern hotels for comfort and facilities, the beauty lies in the peaceful surroundings and the chance to stay in one of Hong Kong’s historically important buildings. The Lodge is only a few minutes walk from Mei Foo MTR station and Lingnan Garden is just a few minutes walk which is well worth a visit to enjoy the classical Chinese garden designs. For more information visit www.heritagelodgehk.com
travel
Cheung Chau B&B It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong is blessed with a number of small islands where a quieter and more laidback approach to life is ingrained in the local population. Cheung Chau, easily reached by ferry from both Central and Aberdeen piers, has good food, a couple of beaches and enough walks and sights to keep you occupied over a relaxing weekend. Cheung Chau B&B with its four-storey yellow and blue painted buildings and rooftop terrace hints towards the Mediterranean but
in a very Chinese setting. The B&B is split into three different buildings - the main building, a smaller one opposite near to Tung Wan beach, and a small building near to Pak Tai Temple. Rooms are simple but clean and come with all the facilities needed for a couple of nights stay and breakfast is included - toast, eggs, coffee and tea. Get up early or watch the sunset from the rooftop garden for wonderful sea views and a timely reminder of how lucky we are to be in Hong Kong. For more information visit www.bbcheungchau.com.hk
Mingle Farm Forget camping and go glamping instead at Mingle Farm. Thanks to its location deep in the New Territories, the Tin Shui Wai campsite is situated in a large greenland area and offers a variety of glamping options. The campsite is split into five different areas; Caravan, Box Life, Car Camp, AEcoSphere and Fantasy. The kids will never let you hear the end of it if they are not allowed to stay in the Fantasy zone which features a large inflatable Mushroom House, Candy Castle, Rainbow House, Spaceship or Igloo. Each holds up to six people and comes with air conditioners and heating if needed.
Public toilets and shower facilities are located nearby on the campsite. Those looking for something even more out of the ordinary should opt for the AEcoSphere zone. Bubble igloo tents and spheres that come in varying degrees of transparency. A romantic night under the stars or awkward moments with the neighbours? For the more traditional campers, static caravans and the option to bring your own car are available. Bubble and Fantasy tents start from $1,300. For more information visit www.minglefarm.com
Stay on a boat Ditch the hotel all together and head to the harbour for a weekend on the sea (albeit docked at the moorings) using AirBnB. A number of boat owners - check out listings in the Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang area - are now using the online booking platform to offer visitors to Hong Kong and residents alike a very different stay. Most boats should come fully-equipped with air conditioning, fresh hot and cold water and other essential amenities for a short stay. Bring a bottle of wine and kick back and relax on deck and imagine the life of living at sea even if only for the weekend. Check availability and contact AirBnB hosts at www.airbnb.com
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travel
Tai O Heritage Hotel In 1902, a police station was built on the small hill next to the Tai O Ferry Pier. Envisaged as a station to reinforce the police presence on Lantau Island, the police stationed in the rural outpost helped to maintain safety in the island’s villages and patrolled the area in sampans. Declining crime rates saw the station’s presence decline and the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited revitalised the station into a nine room boutique hotel from 2009. Guests can enjoy the colonial grandeur of the hotel as a number of original historic
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touches are evident throughout, including the station’s former cannons and searchlights. The nine rooms and suites all have sea views and explain their former use in the old police station. The Tai O Lookout, the hotel’s spectacular glass-roofed restaurant, is a stunning location to dine while watching the sunset or under the
stars. The Tai O fried rice made using local shrimp paste comes highly recommended. Book in advance to secure a room at the weekend and leave plenty of time to explore laidback Tai O and its surroundings, which feel a world away from busy Hong Kong. For more information visit www.taioheritagehotel.com
travel bucket soakers, floor fountains and swimming pool. Make time during your stay to check out some of Tsuen Wan’s local sights including Sham Tseng, a seaside town known for its local delicacies and Hong Kong-style desserts, Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery and Ping Shan heritage trail which winds through three ancient villages and a well-preserved walled community. Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier thanks to its complimentary shuttle bus service operating between the hotel and Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi or Tsim Sha Tsui. For more information on the adventure packages visit www.sino-hotels.com/hk/gold-coast
Wild Adventures Travel to the wild plains of Africa or get ready for a swashbuckling pirate adventure at Gold Coast Hotel’s themed rooms. Perfect for a short stay with children, dive into a daylong adventure which includes an in-room treasure hunt for a special gift and afternoon art workshop, before resting tired heads in
special themed beds - a Jumbo Jeep in the Safari room or a Caribbean Pirate Ship. The whole family can enjoy the breakfast buffet and afternoon tea set which arrives served in either a giant uncovered treasure box or safari tent. The fun doesn’t stop there as guests also enjoy full access to the Gold Coast Kids’ Club, and Water Fun Land featuring water sprayers,
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bald truths
David Bowie and Me by Simon Parry
“I
t’s a God-awful small affair/ To the Dad with the missing hair/ But his children are yelling ‘no’ /Because they know it will never grow.’ Life on Mars was one of the first records I ever bought. So you can imagine just how grief-stricken I was when I heard the news last month that David Bowie was dead at 69. Grief-stricken mainly because while everyone else was boring their children with Bowie anecdotes, I had to admit that Life on Mars was only one of the first singles I bought. It wasn’t actually the first, and it was the last Bowie record I bought before Let’s Dance a whole decade later. Instead, embarrassingly, my vinyl virginity was cast wantonly aside to Chicory Tip’s Son of a Father – a forgotten one-hit wonder that topped the charts in 1972, some 18 months before I toddled down to Woolworths at the age of eight to buy the Bowie single now regarded as the greatest song ever written. Probably. To make matters worse, in the intervening months, I believe I might have gone out and spent my pocket money on the Wombling Song, along with a poster of Orinoco which briefly disgraced my bedroom wall. Even when I did get around to buying Life on Mars, my primary school infatuation with Bowie’s seven-inch masterpiece was shortlived. A lout called Graham in the year above me who lived down the road persuaded me with an unspoken threat of imminent violence to swap it for his copy of Standing in the Road by Blackfoot Sue. I realised as soon as I got home what an aesthetically atrocious exchange it was but was far too intimidated by Graham to ask to swap it back. So, as the world mourns the passing of a musical icon and gushing newspaper and TV tributes credit him with inventing bisexuality, cross-dressing, the space age, the internet and post modernism, I feel strangely left out. Everyone except me seems to be 60 expat-parent.com
Simon Parry is a jaded, middleaged journalist and father of four. He lives in Hong Kong.
Everyone except me seems to be sprinkled with a bit of Bowie stardust
sprinkled with a bit of Bowie stardust. The Croydon Advertiser even ran an article headlined ‘I delivered David Bowie’s milk in 1969.’ And the best I can come up with is that I once bought one a single of his but swapped it with Graham the Goon a fortnight later. To tell the truth, though, I was never really that much into Bowie. I liked some of his stuff but he didn’t change my life, reshape my
adolescence and invade my subconscious in the way Paul Weller, Elvis Costello, David Byrne and Debbie Harry later would. So as Bowie’s legend grows posthumously, my best hope is that Chicory Tip will one day be re-evaluated by a later generation and recognised for their cultural influence and impact. Admittedly that would represent a stunning turnaround for a band who currently rank somewhere alongside Bay City Rollers, the Rubettes and Bucks Fizz in terms of street credibility, but there are grounds for hope. Chicory Tip were truly ahead of their time. Son of a Father was the first number one in Britain to feature the heavy use of a synthesiser – a vintage Moog, no less – and the song itself was written by Giorgio Moroder, the Godfather of Synth Rock. So the song is in some respects a portent of Are Friends Electric, Autobahn and Tainted Love. The day will surely come when the Kentbased quartet fronted by Peter Hewson (last seen running a mobile disco in Maidstone) will be seen as epoch-breaking pioneers of pop. Warming to my tone as I play the song at full blast and dance maniacally around the living room, I yell to my eldest son James: “The Human League and Daft Punk might never have existed if it hadn’t been for Chicory Tip, you know.” James seems unmoved as Hewson’s epic closing chorus rings out: “Son of my father/ Changing, rearranging into someone new/ Son of my father/ Collecting and selecting independent views/ Knowing and I’m showing that a change is due.” Surely that eclipses ‘Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.’ “Loser,” James mutters, rolling his eyes. But for all his adolescent contempt, I know one thing. When the world grieves anew and the BBC, CNN and CCTV report the passing of the Chicory Tip frontman, both Peter Hewson and me as one of his earliest disciples will be Heroes – even if it is for just one day.
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