Sai Kung Magazine March 2016

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

March 2016

Save Hoi Ha’s coral Learn to sail at HHYC Sai Kung Beach Boys kick off

Join the art

moo -vement!

Brushes out for Sai Kung art fair

Vines & Zimm chewin’ the cud

The really useful magazine March 2016

PEOPLE

NEWS FROM THE GREENS

6 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life.

THE PLANNER 10 Happening in March What’s on.

NEWS 14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

21 A new congestion charge?

Electronic road pricing comes to Hong Kong.

LOCAL 22 Coral calamity Coral colonies around Sai Kung are under threat.

FEATURE 24 Art and about We meet Sai Kung’s artists.

GIVEAWAYS 18 Free stuff Fab things to win.

EATING

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

20 Tim Stevens Personal trainer and owner of Basecamp Sai Kung.

32 Tseung Kwan O delights The best restaurants around Tseung Kwan O. Plus nibbles.

EDUCATION 36 Bradbury School Behind the scenes at Bradbury School.

HOME & LIVING 40 Defy the damp Protect your home from the humid weather.

SPORTS 42 It’s a goal Sai Kung Beach Boys Football Club.

OUTDOORS 44 A sail away A beginner’s guide to getting out on the water.

BIG DAY OUT 46 Off the beaten track Take a trip to the south of Lantau Island.

TRAVEL 48 Let it snow Asia’s best ski resorts.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 Achoo!

An alternative solution to allergies.

PETS 54 How to train your...dog Dealing with behavioural issues.

HONG KONG CREATURES 54 The Rhesus Macaque Boldly going where no monkey has gone before.

VINES IN SAI KUNG 60 Park it The trendification of Sai Kung old town and the future of Pak Sha O.

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Find us on Facebook Sai Kung Magazine

“IT DOESN’T MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE HOW THE PAINT IS PUT ON AS LONG AS SOMETHING HAS BEEN SAID. TECHNIQUE IS JUST A MEANS OF ARRIVING AT A STATEMENT” - JACKSON POLLOCK

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contributors

Laura Paul

Robert William Gordon

Sascha Howard

Laura Paul is the founder of Healthy Living Asia and the member-based Facebook forum Healthy Living in HK. When she isn’t thinking, reading or writing about natural health, she is running a parent support groups for highly-able children as a Certified Facilitator of SENG parent groups, working on commission oil paintings and hiking around Hong Kong. She shares her top tips for combatting Hong Kong’s humidity on page 40.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Robert William Gordon is an open water scuba instructor and practicing veterinarian in Sai Kung.

A passionate diver and eco conservationist, Robert believes in education through action getting out there and experiencing it first hand.

Read about his recent visit to the coral colonies at Hoi Ha Marine Park on page 22.

This month’s cover image is by Sascha Howard, a Hong Kong-born and Sai Kung-based artist who paints and has a passion for both wildlife and the natural world. Through her paintings she hopes to help raise awareness about both the extrinsic beauty of animals as well as their worth. She exhibits regularly and her artwork has been published in many magazines, books and greetings cards.

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

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese

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people MSIG Sai Kung 50

Sai Kung District Music Festival Youth Opera

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

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planner MAR 9-12 Hong Kong French Theater Festival Making its theatrical debut, this festival is organised by southside residents Sebastien and Beatrice Biessy. All theatre companies will be performing for free. Profits will go to Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, a charity whose schools educate over 7,000 Cambodian children in need.

- Pyjama pour six (A Pyjama for six) by Marc Camoletti (March 9, 8pm) - Inconnu à cette adresse (Address Unknown)

by Kressmann Taylor (10 March 10, 8pm) - Le plaisir de l’amour (The Pleasure of Love) by Robert Pouderou (March 11, 8pm) - Le médecin malgré lui (The Doctor in Spite of himself) by Molière (March 12, 8pm) Book your tickets online at www.thkftf.com

MAR 28-APR 1 & APR 4-8

Easter Watersports Week Hebe Haven Yacht Club offers a week of watersports adventure for kids this Easter with sailing, kayaking, beach games and day trips to outer islands of Sai Kung. For kids aged 7-14, $2,625 for members and $3,675 for non-members. For more information, visit hhyc.org.hk

MAR 5-18 Science Alive 2016: “Impossible to possible” A showcase of how the power of science can be harnessed to achieve the “impossible” with leading UK science academics. Discover how science applies to our daily lives through activities including family days, science drama shows, workshops, debates, and more. Free admission. Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. For more information, visit www.britishcouncil.hk

MAR 6 Sai Kung Sunday Market Get ready for an indoor shopping day! The first Sai Kung Sunday Market this year brings together various vendors and products. 11-5pm, Hong Kong Academy. www.saikungmarkets.com.

UNTIL MAR 6 Hong Kong Restaurant Week A 10-day tasting journey awaits! With over 80 popular restaurants offering a discounted 3-course menu during the Restaurant Week this spring, you are sure to find cuisines that fit your taste! Restaurant Week’s winners will be offering another round of tasting menus starting March 18. www.restaurantweek.hk

MAR 8 Mumtrepreneur’s Breakfast Gathering Following a successful first event, the Mumtrepreneur’s Gathering is back, this time at Pomegranate Kitchen. Eat and mingle. 10:30am till noon, Pomegranate Kitchen, 4B, 4/F 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Sing Tek Building, Wong Chuk Hang. Tickets $250 per head. RSVP jo@josootang.com

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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

MAR 11-20 Hong Kong Flower Show Don’t miss this year’s Flower Show “Blossoms in Vivid Art”. The show features the flower, Antirrhinum majus, and is a refreshing oasis and comfort zone in the middle of the city. Tickets $14, 9am-9pm, Victoria Park. www.lcsd.gov.hk, 2601 8260.

MAR 15 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.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

happening in March accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased onsite or in advance through HK Ticketing, 3128 8288, www.hkticketing.com.

Book in advance and get two for the price of one, plus fast-track entry to the fair. www.artcentralhongkong.com

MAR 24-26 Hong Kong Art Basel Art galleries from the Asia-Pacific region gather in Hong Kong to show off their best artworks!

One-day ticket at $250, opening hours vary daily, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, www.artbasel.com

MAR 25 Barney’s Greatest Hits MAR 18 The Hong Kong Gala Dinner in support of Help for Heroes 2016 Enjoy a black tie four-course meal with matching wines, followed by a charity auction.

The dinner aims to raise funds for the British charity helping those wounded in Britain’s armed forces. Drinks at 7pm, dinner at 7.30pm. $2,250 per person; or from $26,400 for a table of 12. The Grand Ballroom, The Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place. www.ironmongerevents.com

MAR 19 Sunshine House International Pre-school Open Day An open day will be held at Sunshine House newest campus at Clearwater Bay located in Silverstrand Plaza. To celebrate, a BBQ will be held on the pre-school’s new rooftop.

For more information, email clearwaterbay@ sunshinehouse.com.hk or call 2358 3803.

MAR 21 Art Gallery Night A chance to mingle with fellow art lovers and enthusiasts ahead of ‘Hong Kong’s Art Month’.

On the night, special events and exhibitions will take place at participating HKAGA member galleries throughout Hong Kong. Free. No registration required. 6pm-8pm, followed by a ‘by invitation only’ VIP party at the Central Harbourfront. Open to the public. www.hk-aga.org

MAR 21-26 Art Central Hong Kong’s vibrant contemporary art fair returns with large-scale installations, engaging talks, performance art and tours. Official opening night on March 21, 5pm-9pm; VIP Preview on March 22. Central Harbourfront.

Tickets priced at $500 for opening night.

Otherwise: $230, adults; $110, concession; $50, student: free for children aged 12 and under

Kids of all ages can sing and dance with Barney and his friends on stage. Varying show times. Star Hall, International and Trade Centre, Kowloon Bay. Tickets available at www.hkticketing.com.

MAR 27 Easter Egg Hunt Held at the Victoria Recreation Club at Emerald Bay, enjoy a day of egg hunting, children’s games and lunch. Prizes for the most Easter eggs found. Members $50, non-members $70. RSVP by March 18 by emailing events@ victoriarecreationclub.com.hk. 11am-3pm, Victoria Recreation Club Emerald Bay, Sai Kung.

MAR 31 The Chocolate Wonderland Watch a drama as well as participate in it! Don’t miss out on the Theatre Wonderland’s brandnew drama experience for families this Easter and find out where the first Easter Egg comes from. Tickets $210-240, Black Box Theatre, Kwai Chung Theatre, www.youth.gov.hk

MAR 19-20 Sai Kung Art And About Sai Kung’s first street art fair will bring together artists of different genres including graffiti, visual arts, avant-garde artists, and handicrafts.

Performances, demonstrations and workshops will be held on Mei Yuen Street while an outdoor gallery will be held at Sai Kung Waterfront Park.

11am-6pm. Free admission. www.facebook. com/saikungAAA

MAR 21-APR 9 ESF Easter Camps Keep your child active and entertained with ESF’s Sports and Language and Learning Camps this Easter. Full day and half day camps available and run daily from March 21 to April 9.

More information at www.esf.org.hk/camps

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planner

BOOK NOW APR 10 Bonaqua Lifeproof Action Sprint The third race in the series is a 14km hike and trail run starting at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung.

Starts at 8am. Entry fee $280, early bird prices available. www.actionasiaevents.com

APR 14-24 The Illusionists Astonishing acts of magic, illusion and mindreading from the biggest selling magic show in Broadway history. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $395-$995 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 13-15 Affordable Art Fair A fresh mix of high quality yet affordable artworks and over 100 galleries. Tickets are $150 for adults, $80 for concessions and free for children under 16. Hong Kong Convention and Trade Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, www.affordableartfair.com/hongkong

JUN 3 - 5 Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Join James and his friends - Miss Spider, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm on their adventure of a lifetime as they venture to New York City in their giant peach. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $265-$295 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

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news

in your backyard

ESF Easter Camps Keep your children happy and active with ESF’s Easter Camps. The Multi-Sports Camp includes various sports and activities to improve social and motor skills, while children can brush up their language skills with the Language and Learning Camps. Open to ESF and non-ESF students, Multi-Sports Camps run from March 29-April 9. The Language and Learning Camps run from March 21-April 1. For more information, visit www.esf.org.hk/camps or call 2711 1280.

New solicitors opens in town

Ready, steady, cook!

Learning has never been so delicious thanks to newly launched cooking and kitchen management classes by Spatu.La. Offering a variety of courses to cater for everyone, current workshops include ‘Cooking with Kids’, ‘Help for your Helper’ and ‘Spoken Mandarin in the Kitchen’. Students can learn up to four yummy dishes per lesson in a fully-equipped student kitchen in Hang Hau. They also receive a set of Spatu.La gear to use in their own kitchens.

Course and enrollment details can be found at facebook.com/spatulahk or email nathan@spatulahk.com

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PANG, KUNG & Co., Solicitors & Notaries has opened a new branch in Sai Kung. The team of six solicitors specialises in a range of services, including corporate and commercial matters, civil litigation, mediation proceedings and solemnisation of marriages. The firm has been awarded the “Caring Company” logo by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service in recognition of its commitment and services in caring for the community, its employees and the environment over the past years. The new office is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm.

G/F, 30 Sai Kung Yee Kuk Street, (near Tin Hau Temple). Concessionary rates available for holders of senior citizen cards.

Visit www.plaw.hk

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news

ESF Education Seminar

World of ants Sai Kung-based author and university teacher Susanna Ho recently published her second novella, ‘Who’s that Ant? Whose Dead End?’.

Detailing education and real world political issues in a humorous way, the novel is set in a small ant colony. It explores how the ant colony becomes known throughout the world for its

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achievements in education while connecting three contexts at once: the far past, the immediate past and the present. A book signing will be held at Little Cove Espresso, where Ho will be talking about her book and performing a reading, on March 12 from 7pm-9pm.

ESF will hold two seminars during March to help parents find the right school for their child.

The first seminar on March 3, 6pm-7pm, will cover kindergarten and primary school levels. Rebecca Clements, ESF Senior School Development Officer (Primary and Early Years) and Sandra Hite, Principal of ESF International Kindergarten Tung Chung, will share their insights into the IB Primary Years Programme and the advantages of the ESF curriculum and approach to learning.

The second seminar on March 15 (7pm8pm), led by ESF School Development Adviser (Secondary) Chris Durbin, will explore a personalised approach to learning in ESF secondary schools.

In both seminars, ESF Head of Student Support Jonathan Straker will talk about the admissions criteria and procedures. All parents are welcome.

ESF Centre, 25/F, 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, www.esf.edu.hk

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giveaways

win at www.saikung.com

Reebok CrossFit Asphodel CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning programme made up of short, intense daily workouts.

We’re giving away a three-hour ramp session to three lucky readers. Once completed, the winners will also receive a free week of classes. The total prize value is worth over $2,000.

The session will take place at Reebok CrossFit Asphodel, G/F, Fook Hing Factory Building, 33 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan. www.crossfitasphodel.com Deadline: Mar 22

Chef’s Choice

Raiz The Bar

Rafferty’s Garden

Chef’s Choice specialises in offering customers a great variety of high quality imported steaks, marinated and smoked meats, poultry and seafood as well as a selection of wines, cheeses and cold cuts. Opening its third branch in Sai Kung just last month, we have two $500 vouchers which can be used in any Chef’s Choice store.

Hong Kong’s first and only local bean-to-bar. Raiz The Bar specialises in organic, raw, vegan, low-glycemic, paleo and allergen friendly handcrafted chocolate.

We’re giving away three ‘Bundle Me Gift Packs’ valued at $495 each. Each pack includes six bars of your choice from the Raiz The Bar collection plus Raiz The Bar drinking chocolate.

Rafferty’s Garden is Australia’s premium brand of baby food selling a range of cereals, rusks, smoothies, meals and snacks for babies as young as four months.

We’re giving away a Rafferty’s Garden hamper worth over $1,000 packed full of flavoursome products your baby will love.

www.chefschoice.com.hk Deadline: Mar 24

www.raffertysgarden.hk Deadline: Mar 25

www.raizthebar.com Deadline: Mar 21

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe

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five minutes with...

back to base

Editorial Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Acting Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Editor-at-large Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Sub-editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Robert Gordon Polly McGovern Rory Mackay Dr. Mike Muir Laura Paul Rebecca Simpson Hazel Yin Tong Stephen Vines Kristy Wong Steffi Yuen Paul Zimmerman

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

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

Illustration by: Sascha Howard

Tim Stevens Polly McGovern catches up with the owner of Basecamp.

At the age of 21, I had an opportunity to join a small firm in Hong Kong as a money broker.

I had been living at home with my parents in Kent, England, so this was my first step away from the nest. It was exciting, a real eye opener, and I enjoyed all the privileges of an expat life in the 90s.

Just before the hand over, there were some changes going on in the market and I lost my job.

As one chapter closed, another one opened. I was already very interested in sport and had some money so I took a personal training course and started my career in the fitness industry.

I met my wife Anne at a party in 2000. We moved to Sai Kung and bought a house together. It was the stepping-stone to building our foundations for the future and starting a family.

I realised there was a gap in the market in Sai Kung so I started Fitcamp, a challenging outdoor training programme. It’s still going today and is affordable fitness for everybody. There’s a social network that has grown around

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Owner of Basecamp Tim Stevens.

it, a lot of friendships have been made there.

Fitcamp has been the cornerstone of everything I’ve done. Nowadays, I centralise everything out of Basecamp, a personal training studio in the heart of Sai Kung. I often get asked why there aren’t any other gyms in the area and the reason is that a lot of people who live here are already fitness enthusiasts, they are selfmotivated and most prefer to train outdoors.

Basecamp also runs a weekly evening ‘Run Club’ for adults but exercise for kids is definitely the future. I started ‘Junior Run Club’ with another local personal trainer Warren Warner. It’s a non-competitive athletics training group. An opportunity to get fit, improve technique and confidence through a comprehensive structured training programme. I am really proud of it and I get a real buzz going down to the stadium and seeing the kids train.

Another initiative, ‘Splash’, is into its third year now and is a massive success.

Held at the Victoria Recreation

Club, it gets kids into the water in a safe yet competitive environment without making it elite. Last year we had over 100 participants.

Sai Kung is a real hub of energy and community sport – just look at the Stingrays rugby club – I started off as a dad on the sidelines and am now the supporting head coach of the Under 8s. Taking my sons to rugby on a Sunday morning is not a hardship, I love it!

I was fortunate that my parents were very sporty and I want to give back to my kids the opportunities that I had as a child.

I’m definitely not a tiger dad, if they don’t want to do it then I don’t make them, but I am passionate about sport and I want them to appreciate the same things.

Some kids naturally don’t like sport but they all enjoy participating in games and being active. If you can make sport fun then they are going to get something out of it. You just need the desire and to find the time.

For more details about Basecamp, visit www.skbasecamp.com

news from the greens A new congestion charge?

Paul Zimmerman discusses the Government’s new pilot scheme for electronic road pricing.

Current traffic management methods include toll booths, such as those at the Aberdeen Tunnel.

The Government is preparing a pilot Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme. The plan is to start with a small area between Rumsey Street, Caine Road and Admiralty.

The public is invited to provide input and respond to 13 specific questions online. The consultation ends on March 18.

I’m in favour of adding tools for managing traffic and encouraging the use of public transport.

However, the ERP system should be designed to deal with the real problem: the increasing density of development in older urban areas is attracting more cars. The resulting traffic cannot be absorbed by limited road networks, leading to queues which block main roads.

The ERP pilot scheme on Hong Kong Island should therefore cover the older area from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay south of the Gloucester/Connaught Road corridor. Drivers should be charged for time spent on small roads. The Aberdeen Tunnel Road, Gloucester Road and the future Central Wanchai Bypass should not be charged. North of the corridor, we need new parking facilities as a complementary measure, and all revenues should be spent on improving the elevated and street level pedestrian networks. This would help to create a high quality “park’n walk” environment in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Central and Sheung Wan. ERP risks disenfranchising lower income segments of the

community in favour of those who can afford to pay. Although it is expected that bus passengers will benefit from reduced congestion, it is critical that we also accelerate new rail lines, especially the Northern Island Line (a parallel rail from Central to North Point) and the South Island Line (West) connecting Aberdeen, Wah Fu, Cyberport and Queen Mary with HKU station.

Finally, the chosen technology should allow ERP to be scaled up for the entire territory, including the tunnels and border crossings.

Our closed road system will be quickly opened up to the mainland.

Vehicular trips across the boundary will rise from 50,000 to 220,000 per day once new crossings such as the bridges to Macao and Zhuhai are completed. This will introduce new demand for our already congested road network. The charging system should differentiate between visitors – both private vehicles and tour coaches – and local residents entering urban areas.

Have your say at www.erphk.hk

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

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local

here today, gone tomorrow

Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Egbert Cheung egbert@fastmedia.com.hk Maria Jones maria@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Accounting

Accounting Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk

A photo taken by the Reef Check team in October 2015

Accounting Assistant Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk

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

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

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A photo in the same area taken in January 2016

Coral colonies under threat Robert Gordon details his recent visit to Hoi Ha Marine Park and the threat of destruction faced by Hong Kong’s coral colonies.

How long does it take for a coral colony to disappear? I can tell you from my own experience - no longer than five months.

In October last year, a survey by the Reef Check Foundation found that the coral cover around Moon Island (Mo Chau) in Hoi Ha Marine Park stood at about 32%.

When my team and I repeated the survey in January of this year it had gone. There were a few

coral skeletons and debris but little else. The before and after photos (above) are pretty self-explanatory.

So how did it just disappear?

When coral becomes stressed it bleaches and becomes vulnerable to attack by Drupella – a small snail that eats coral. Exposed coral becomes a site for algae growth and the appearance of Diadema (a long spiney urchin). It grazes off the algae and starts to etch the

coral skeleton. The coral skeleton becomes weakened and collapses becoming susceptible to loss by waves and currents. This process does occur naturally, however, in the case at Moon Island the process has been dramatic and has caused the loss of an entire coral community.

On my visit to the coral colonies around Moon Island, many large coral heads had been

decimated and there was widespread bleaching and algal overgrowth. Dead crustaceans and eels littered the seabed while fish were left gasping in low oxygen conditions caused by a recent red tide.

The coral colonies in Hong Kong are unique – in fact they are quite incredible.

They survive in what can be best described as extreme conditions. Coral do not like too much fresh water, high nutrient levels, silt or big temperature variations, and yet they are here - all 84 or so species of hard coral (which is more species than in the Caribbean). Our corals have caught the attention of many top coral researchers around the world because they can survive when other coral species would have long perished. The loss of a whole coral colony in our protected Marine Park raises important

Image courtesy of AFCD.

The process has been dramatic and has caused the loss of an entire coral community.

questions and investigations by the Agricultural and Fisheries Departments are underway.

As an organisation, Reef Check has its origins in Hong Kong and every year hundreds of volunteers put on their scuba gear and survey the coral colonies around Hong Kong.

Regular surveillance of these ecosystems is the key to detecting any problems early and establishing a possible solution to either prevent or at least minimise the damage. The recent damage witnessed in Hoi Ha is serious

and ongoing. It will take a big effort on the part of the Government and its relevant departments to diagnose the root of the problem and, hopefully, come up with a solution. Great care needs to be taken in controlling development in Sai Kung’s country parks to prevent any further catastrophes.

You can find out more information about Reef Check and their activities in Hong Kong by visiting www.reefcheck.org

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feature

Helen Boyd

Art is all around As Sai Kung prepares to host its very first art fair, Sai Kung Art And About, Callum Wiggins chats with some of Sai Kung’s talented artists.

L

ocal artist Tony Cheng explains more about what’s in store for ‘Sai Kung Art And About’ and how his concept finally came to life.

What is ‘Sai Kung Art And About’?

It’s a gathering of creative minds from all over Hong Kong to showcase and promote their artistic talents while involving the local public.

We hope to educate visitors about art and show them that Hong Kong’s arts scene has much to offer. The artists will explain the rationale behind their work and discuss the various skills and techniques that they employ.

When did the idea first come about?

The idea came to me about four years ago whilst I was taking a stroll in Sai Kung Waterfront Park, taking note of the park’s design and the surrounding area. I thought that the upper balcony would make an excellent outdoor gallery. I continued on my walk with this in mind and the idea developed as I spotted

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other areas of note. I imagined all these areas filled with pieces of work and what I would do with this space, but also what others might do if they were also given the opportunity to display work in this public forum. Thus the idea of ‘Art and About’ was formed to be a group exhibition for artists across Hong Kong to join, exhibit, promote and share ideas.

Why has it finally come to fruition this year?

When ‘Art And About’ was mentioned in Sai Kung Magazine a few years back it was just an idea. I made a few proposals, took photographs of possible locations, discussed the idea with interested artists and also asked around Government departments about how I could apply for such an event. Unfortunately, nothing concrete ever seemed to arise from these discussions. For years it remained an idea floating around my head.

As luck would have it, during a meeting with the District Office about this year’s Sai Kung Calendar last December, I proposed the idea

once more and there was some interest. We met up again at the start of the year and they told me “let’s make this happen”. So here we are.

What can visitors expect on the day?

The event is not just about standing and looking at paintings. There will be seminars, workshops and other creative activities, where artists show the public how they make their art and the public can also get involved.

I want the event to show artists in Hong Kong that they are not alone, there are many others out there like them with whom they can share ideas and discuss different philosophies about art. It should be a chance to network with other artists so that more opportunities will open up for creative minds in the future.

Sai Kung Art And About takes place on March 19 and 20. A Gallery walk will be held at Sai Kung Waterfront Park and the artist exhibitions and workshops will be located on Mei Yuen Street (next to the sports ground).

feature

Claire Billson

I’ve drawn and painted since childhood, I can’t recall ever not drawing. One of my earliest memories is discovering art books on Renoir, Titian and Michelangelo and being absolutely mesmerised by the images.

My art is inspired by my surroundings, my imagination and my family including my beautiful new granddaughter; one of the series is completely inspired by her. Currently I’m working on a few bodies of work for several upcoming exhibitions in March in both Sai Kung and Hong Kong Island.

The human figure is an ever expanding volume of sketches in my studio as I run life drawing sessions at both the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and at our studio, Studio SKink, in Sai Kung. It’s a great way to meet other artists and foster an artistic community.

I co-run Studio SKink - it’s a working artists studio with a difference. So far, we’ve hosted regular life drawing sessions, monthly free art talks featuring guest artists from all over Hong Kong, art jams and workshops for adults.

The culture of Hong Kong - and specifically

I have always drawn and painted. It has been a constant throughout my life.

Some fairly major events a few years ago persuaded me to take my art more seriously. I started my Ground Level series to capture people working at the ground level of Hong Kong society. These are the street sweepers, road workers and others who keep Hong Kong clean and moving and whom we pass by everyday but hardly ever really see. It became almost an obsession. When I would see a new FEHD cleaner with a crazy hat or a group together that I hadn’t seen before, I had to paint them. Once you start noticing these people, they are everywhere, helping to keep Hong Kong the success it is. It was very well received at the Asia Contemporary Art Show which was my first exhibition. I sold quite a lot and even had a couple of people commissioning me to paint their local cleaners and sweepers as a truly local reminder of their time in Hong Kong.

I mostly work in oils on canvas at the moment, but previously I did a lot of watercolors. Oil is a lot more forgiving!

I work from home which is both a blessing and a curse. It is quite lonely, which is good for concentration, but as an introvert I can go for days without seeing anyone except my family.

Sai Kung - constantly inspires me; the environment, festivities, rituals, even people simply going about their daily routines are a curiosity. I photograph and journal my surroundings daily. The fusion of cosmopolitan urbanity and old style ways is a delight.

The upcoming Sai Kung Art And About art fair is something to look forward to. Promoting more art in a community can only be a positive thing.

It should prove to be an enriching event for the artists involved and Sai Kungers alike.

I know many practising artists creating fantastic work who reside in Sai Kung. It’s my hope that we can generate more opportunities for them to showcase their art and inspire others.

Sometimes I have to force myself to socialise.

My current project is called Feminicity.

Feminicity grew from my experiences with my eldest daughter who has had a long journey through gender identity. I felt the need to look at women around me of all shapes, ages and appearances and paint them. I will be exhibiting Feminicity at the upcoming Asia Contemporary Art Show at the Conrad hotel over the Easter weekend.

Living in Sai Kung has given me the space to paint and I have a small group of closeknit friends here who have all been incredibly encouraging. I love being able to paint in the morning and then pop into Sai Kung for lunch and be back in time to do the school run.

Recently, however, I became an empty nester for the first time which means much more time for my painting.

There are plenty of artists who live in Sai Kung, but up until now I think the possibility of exhibiting and selling in Sai Kung as a working painter has not been there. We need to go to the Island to be taken seriously. Hopefully that will begin to change.

Helen Boyd

helenbronteboyd.squarespace.com

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feature When I was little I used to spend most of my time drawing. Listening to The Jam record ‘Art School’ made up my mind that I wanted to go to art school and be an artist. On leaving university I decided to become an art teacher and illustrator. It’s only in recent years since having children that I’ve started to exhibit my work in Hong Kong and London.

My first exhibition in Hong Kong focused on the plight of the Chagossians, a people who were displaced from an island called Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in the 1960s. I worked with local NGO Vision First. The profit from sales went to help refugees in Hong Kong and the UK. Above all I want my work to have a voice and communicate a message - often it has a social and political theme fuelled by current affairs or a narrative that interests me. I work in a variety of media and I like to experiment with materials with a recent specialisation in screen printing.

My latest work looked at the disappearance of the book sellers from Causeway Bay and censorship in China. Living in Hong Kong allows us freedom but with recent events I worry for the future of art in our vibrant city, especially if artists feel the need to self-censor.

I’m not looking to make pretty or saleable art but rather to try and provoke people to think.

Lori Foster

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katherinehodgson.wix.com/katesparrow I will be showing my work during Sai Kung Art and About and I’m looking forward to seeing fellow local artists’ work. It opens up art to the public and makes it accessible to all, hopefully inspiring creativity in others.

Art should be for everyone and not about buying art for investment - buy it because you love it.

I am quite new to undertaking visual art on a full time basis. Being a graphic designer, I was tired of working digitally and really wanted to return to the fundamentals of art and design.

Much of my work at this stage is exploration into technique and materials and learning

Kate Sparrow

to work freely without the constraints of a design brief. I work primarily in acrylic, pastel, ink and papier mache on paper and canvas.

Recently I was offered a space at Studio SKink; it was a perfect opportunity to explore ideas and see how far I can go as an artist.

Over the years I have taken many photos of Sai Kung’s natural environment and I am interested in the details of a natural or urban landscape. There are some really amazing looking insects and a great diversity in plants.

These have become my reference for some work, however, I also work purely from imagination. It’s not always clear what has sparked an idea.

It would be great if Sai Kung could have an annual arts festival with music and art workshops as well as exhibitions. Hong Kong is great for art trade fairs, selling and buying art, but it definitely needs a National Gallery.

The arts are intrinsic to our cultural heritage, identity and humanity. It’s not just about buying and selling. It should be accessible to everyone.

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Magi Chen I have been passionate about art ever since I can remember. One of my earliest memories is having the freedom to draw; using chalk on our red gloss painted floor in India where I spent the first few years of my life before moving to the UK. I drew figures over and over again all over the living and dining room. At school, Art was my favourite subject. I have always been surrounded by the creative process - my family is involved in various aspects of the art, craft and design industries. My training is in textiles although currently I am more focused on my drawing, for its immediacy of expression, as well as a way of gathering information visually for possible future works.

I am particularly interested in exploring the human figure and I love experimenting with all kinds of media, from charcoal and pastel, to ink and mixed media. I aim to capture and reflect the mood the person might be feeling. My works undoubtedly reflect my own mood as well. I draw people who are deeply absorbed in their own thoughts or activity, whether that is dancing or playing in a band or simply seated; relaxing and day-dreaming.

Sai Kung has a vast array of subject matter to inspire the artist; sampans by the piers, the cafes and restaurants, and our own Tin Hau temple. Further afield, I have visited the country park to sketch. There’s the fantastic natural landscape, the spooky ‘ghost villages’ and the Hakka house dating back to the 1830s, which is now a Folk Museum; a great spot for sketching, both for its exterior and its artefacts.

I think Hong Kong’s art scene is a vibrant one. There is lots out there, from the commercial and well-known names to the new, up-and-coming, and the experimental and conceptual artists. I love the array and contrast of the blue-chip galleries and annual blockbuster art fairs with the art walks, open studios and large industrial settings that you can find in places such as Chai Wan and Fo Tan.

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feature When I was at school my teacher liked a painting that l did of a rainbow and she hung it in the school office. I remember going to the office everyday just to see it hanging on the wall. I loved hearing my peers and adults respond to my work and I was hooked at that moment.

My identity inspires my current work which illustrates the hybrid journey of an Australian artist exploring my Aboriginal heritage in postcolonial Australia.

I am particularly proud of my recent works entitled Virtually Embedded in the Landscape.

The images are autobiographical: they are portraits, personalised narratives. My work makes reference to present cultural influences and my Indigenous heritage. It speaks to the many facets of my identity and unites my Australian heritage with other cultural influences.

The silhouetted self-portrait figure (right) is convened with my back to the audience. I gaze in the direction of the horizon and contemplate my journey of self-discovery. A constant sense of not belonging, isolation and bewilderment are experienced as courage and determination are sought after, before embarking towards the horizon in anticipation of unearthing what lies beyond. The landscape offers an abundance

Sascha Howard

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of obstacles and unfamiliar ground challenges my every footstep. As l advance towards the horizon, it steadily moves further away. I acknowledge my predicament and come to the conclusion that I am personally obligated to continue my pursuit of attempting to negotiate the horizon, in order for me to attain self-identity. l will not be involved in the upcoming ‘Sai Kung Art And About’, however I think it is a fantastic initiative. It provides emerging and professional artists with a great platform to showcase their work and also brings people together to enjoy and celebrate the arts.

Narelle Cridland

Over 20 years ago I painted my first giraffe in Botswana and I have been painting wildlife ever since. I work in all mediums, however, since moving back to Hong Kong five years ago I have been working in Chinese inks. Chinese inks are an unforgiving medium that require me to own every brush stroke and mistake. I like the way the lights and the darks capture the natural form of my subjects.

I love painting and I cannot imagine doing anything else. Growing up in Hong Kong has brought its own highs and lows. I have witnessed the beautiful and wilder parts which I explored with my father as a child gradually destroyed in the name of development.

I seriously love Sai Kung. It is teeming with wildlife and the beauty of the landscape simply takes my breath away. How could I not be inspired to paint, living here?

Over the last five years I have been privileged to witness Sai Kung’s collective creative spirit grow as more artists move into the area. It is an exciting time to be an artist in Hong Kong and an honour to be a part of its creative community.

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Sharyn Ridley

I work with a wide range of print and paint media and I am constantly exploring new ways to create artwork. For my last two exhibitions I explored encaustic painting with wax and digital manipulation, both very different processes which I love equally. My work tends to be very layered and textured and is usually inspired by the urban environment.

My inspirations usually come from travelling, drawing and photographing the urban environment, which to me is a mass of colour, texture and pattern. I have recently started a new collection called Meta for selling digital prints online.

I am most proud of my large scale encaustic pieces which sold in the Rare exhibition in 2014.

Pouring and painting with hot wax on a large scale was both challenging and rewarding. There is something special about working with such a natural media. In contrast to this, working with digital manipulation is much more suited to travelling, as I can make my art on location rather than waiting to get home to my studio space.

I have lived in the Sai Kung area for over 12 years and I love the space and the lifestyle.

I have not based any works specifically on the area but living here definitely compliments my art practice.

Over the past few years I have been working with acrylic, pencil and charcoal.

Recently, after a long break, I have picked up oils again, and I am enjoying the change. This year I have started a Bachelor of Fine Art at the Hong Kong Art School and RMIT in Australia.

I have worked in many creative areas through the years. Along with extensive international travel, I am constantly inspired by the cultural diversity of this colourful and vibrant city. As an expatriate I have a great interest in the sense of belonging and what brings people to live in a foreign country. I have called Hong Kong home for 16 years.

The first painting I ever sold at an exhibition in Hong Kong came after a considerable break in my own art work. I remember that I put so much time and energy into that particular piece.

Sai Kung is a feast for the creative eye.

Our colourful village has something going on everyday. Every now and then I have have to remind myself to stop, look up, and take in the mountains that surround us. We are truly lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world.

I have been keen to promote the art community in the local area and was actively involved in the creation of the original Sai Kung Artists group which meets on Saturdays at Studio SKink. There is a strong core group of us but I know that there are more artists out there whom everyone should recognise and celebrate.

It is difficult to exhibit and market art in Hong Kong, so the more exposure we can give to local artists the better.

Sue Perks

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feature Though I started art at a very young age, deciding to become an artist was a something that happened gradually over many years through studying the works of past masters, education and as a hobby. I wanted to leave my mark for later generations to view and try to decipher to understand my view of the world at that time.

Of the work I have done since moving to Hong Kong, I am most proud of the commissioned mural in Causeway Bay for the restaurant Waa Laa. Called “Landscape from the Peak”, it covers the entirety of the restaurant’s exterior. It is the largest piece I have ever had to paint.

I love this piece because of the challenge, its scale and the limited deadline I was given to complete it. It was an experience all in itself, working from atop a three-metre-tall scaffold as the decorators continued to work around me, the sun glaring down on me, always worrying that Hong Kong’s heavy rain might fall at any moment.

Sai Kung has always been a place of great inspiration to me - I spent a few years of my youth here with my grandparents when I visited after moving to England. I have seen the cultural and structural changes in the town from the

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eighties to the present. I watched the Sai Kung expand with each and every visit. I would walk around in amazement as large sections of the town had been added within only months of my absence.

Sai Kung offers more inspiration to me than the hustle and bustle of high modernity where everything is often bland, stale and artificial.

Themes and designs are copied repeatedly throughout every shopping centre.

I feel Hong Kong needs a little push for its artists. We need to give them a chance to compete with others from around the world by showing that Hong Kong has much as creative talent as anywhere else and showcasing what Hong Kong culture is all about.

Tony Cheng

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Zoe Coughlan

I started doing pottery about 14 years ago at a Saturday morning hobby class. I wanted to push myself further so I completed my BA in Fine Art from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), co-presented by the Hong Kong Art School, in 2010.

Clay is so versatile and has such a rich history that I am inspired by the medium itself. My work engages with ideas about how the spaces in which we live are constructed daily, and reflect our cultures, our lives and our histories.

I work mainly in ceramics, but also printmaking, photography and I have recently started exploring working with textiles. My ceramic work usually involves printing onto the clay surface, a technique which allows me to use imagery based on my own photographs of Hong Kong.

I am still particularly proud of my graduation work from 2010: I spent many months in an abandoned village near Sai Kung making work in response to the peculiar history and vibe of the place. The work itself consisted of a sitespecific installation which I documented through photographs and a book.

The complex history around Sai Kung - of indigenous villagers, the creation of the New Territories, the Japanese occupation, the impact

of the factories in Kowloon and now the housing development boom in the area - is rich pickings for an artist interested in architecture, history and place.

Hong Kong is an exciting place to be, particularly with the political tensions with mainland China; Hong Kong artists are on the front line. The biggest issue, as always, is space, but there are always exciting things happening under the surface.

I think Sai Kung Art And About is a fantastic opportunity. I will be doing demonstrations on the potter’s wheel while also showing my printing technique.

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eating

bon appetit

Tseung Kwan O delights Polly McGovern finds the best restaurants around Tseung Kwan O.

La Piazza There are plenty of places to eat in bustling Hang Hau Village but this Italian restaurant and bar stands out from the crowd. Owned by three chefs – Gary Brar, Man Fok and Wing Kam – it has become a local institution and deservedly so. All three were former chefs at the famous Lardos Steak House but left in 2004 to start their own business.

Here you will find the best pizza in the area while there are also plenty of pasta options including scallop and porcini mushroom ravioli.

Chef’s recommendations include mango and quail egg salad and roasted Spanish Iberico ribs. The set menu is available daily as are the desserts including scrummy crème brûlée and banana pancake. To top it all off, there is no shortage of great wines to work your way through. Overall a fantastic family restaurant.

24 Hang Hau Village, Tseung Kwan O, 2719 5688.

The Chef’s Table The Chef’s Table offers all-day dining for those with a large appetite. Feast your eyes on one of the few buffet options in the area.

This is a family-friendly, reasonably-priced restaurant and children will love the impressive dessert section featuring marshmallows and a chocolate fondue. It’s an impressive spread with seafood galore, lobster, lamb, pastas and pretty much anything your heart desires. Priced at under $300 per person for lunch, it’s a good deal for an indulgent feast. Dinner is slightly more expensive coming in at around $500 per person.

1/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3983 0688.

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agnes b. cafe – l.p.g.

If you want a classy snack and a decent cuppa, then the agnes b.cafe - le pain grillé is the place. The open style café with a vibrantly tiled floor is easy to locate on the ground floor of the PopCorn Mall and just opposite the agnes b. boutique. It’s the perfect place for a baguette with all sorts of fillings or a cake if you’re after something sweeter. To tempt you further, huge slabs of chocolate and box sets are sold at the adjoining agnes b. délices.

An easy place to meet a friend for a quick latté or a pitstop from all the shopping.

G14, PopCorn Mall, 9 Yong Tin Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2485 1168.

Old Street Kobiteh Old Street Kobiteh takes its origins from traditional Malaysian coffee shops and is a pleasant surprise in Tseung Kwan O’s PopCorn Mall. Old school décor creates an inviting ambience and its simplicity is appealing.

Busy at lunch times, the Malaysian-inspired menu is complimented by Thai and Vietnamese influences. The set lunch includes Nanyang seafood laksa and Malay style curry pork.

The evening à la carte menu – available from 6pm – has all the classics including beef rendang, Malay style chicken curry and nasi lemak. No alcohol is served but there are plenty of beverage options including Vietnamese lychee and coconut special. Everything is under $100 making this a good value, no frills establishment.

F54, 1/F, PopCorn Mall, 9 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3974 5118.

Grand Restaurant and Pub Next door to La Piazza, the Grand Restaurant and Pub is an extremely popular Thai restaurant in the heart of Hang Hau Village. At lunch time its outdoor tables are packed with locals who enjoy generous portions of all the classic Thai dishes including pad Thai, stir fried kale with garlic and fried tofu. If you are curious for new dishes then there’s even a Thai style pizza.

Fresh lime soda and Thai young coconut are also served to quench your thirst.

25-26 Hang Hau Village, Tseung Kwan O, 2335 5099.

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eating INA by Inagiku For a special occasion or even date night, this trendy Japanese teppanyaki restaurant is a perfect choice. The sleek interior offers a choice of seating at regular tables or at the sushi and sashimi bar. For teppanyaki, you need to book ahead to reserve your seat at the counter and delight in your food being cooked in front of your eyes. Chef’s special recommendations include Australian black abalone ($800) and foie gras ($120). For date night, the Kinki fish grilled with salt is a good choice or opt for the lobster with sake for something out of the ordinary. The tempura noodles in soup is probably the best value item on the menu at $180. The high tea set is also a good way to try the menu without breaking the bank.

2/F, Holiday Inn Express, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2623 2300.

Cielo Cielo offers a relaxing dining environment with its stunning rooftop bar and fantastic views of Junk Bay. It’s the perfect setting for al fresco dining on a clear day. The panoramic windows inside the restaurant create an inviting ambience and the Italian menu has plenty of steak, seafood and vegetarian options. You can even choose to have food grilled at your table on a hot lava stone. The recently introduced Oyster Bar tasting combo and seafood market are a welcome addition to the menu. Valet parking is complimentary.

47/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3983 0688

W28 Steak House The sister restaurant of the Wan Chai branch, this sleek steakhouse is owned by Tseung Kwan O local Andy Davies. The booth style tables and blue lighting are welcoming, while the monthly promotions include baked snails cocotte and seared goose foie gras. For the less adventurous diner, crunchy beetroot and apple salad and a selection of soups for appetizers are good choices. Meat lovers will enjoy the signature dishes which include the grilled Australian wagyu sirloin steak. There are no vegetarian mains on the menu but there are plenty of seafood choices. The set lunch menu offers the best value with a three-course meal at a fraction of the à la carte cost in the evening.

701, 7/F Holiday Inn Express, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2623 2300.

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Tze Yuet Heen Tze Yuet Heen might just become your go-to place for dim sum any day of the week. The restaurant is impressive in size and décor with a purple swirl theme. The large round tables and booths are often full at weekends so it’s best to book ahead, especially for dim sum which starts at 9am. You can also order à la carte to enjoy the signature dishes including roasted Peking duck with New Zealand honey sauce and poached Garoupa fillet with fresh ginseng and wolfberries. From March 1, the fish maw temptation set menu will be introduced, using lavish ingredients such as fish maw, ginseng and silky fowl. The food is consistently delicious and it’s unlikely you will be left disappointed.

Take any visitors to Hong Kong to experience some truly authentic local cuisine. Valet parking is complimentary.

2/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3983 0688.

eating

Nibbles Eat big at Big Fish Starting from March, Big Fish will introduce a buy one, get one free deal on their main courses, excluding the Big Fish seafood platter.

The menu is predominantly seafood-based, with options including seafood bouillabaisse (small $188; large $288) and pan-seared black cod. Non-seafood options include US Angus ribeye and Berkshire pork chop. The promotion is available Monday and Tuesday (except public holidays). Dine in only. G/F, 18 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2751 9177.

Happy hour at Ice Mango Cafe Located on the waterfront, Ice Mango Cafe is running a happy hour promotion until the end of April. For $50, you’ll be able to get a glass of 1664 Blanc beer with two buffalo wings.

Available 3pm-5pm on weekdays. G/F, 47 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 9070 4860, www.facebook.com/IceMango.Cafe

Prosecco. Brunch options include black pepper beef on sizzling plate, fried eggplant with string beans, and Changsha fried rice. Available Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm. Free for children under 12. G/F, 16 Wan King Path, www.facebook.com/cksaikung, 2191 2498.

Casa Kennedy Town rebranded The team at Casa has recently rebranded their Kennedy Town branch to Cellar Door by Casa. With a strong focus on wine, the venue will house a long list of wines including New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Australian Shiraz.

Casa’s classy minimalism will be retained but with an added quirky character. Expect live music, sharing style food, and a good old time.

14-16 Woo Hop Street, Kennedy Town.

Chinese style brunch Take the family out to a weekend brunch Chinese style. The regular four-course brunch is priced at $288 per adult and includes unlimited hot drinks, soft drinks and juice while the bubbly brunch at $468 includes free-flow

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education

Bradbury School Rebecca Simpson takes a tour.

B

efore I was somebody’s mother, I was much cooler. In that previous life working at record labels, I took many celebrities to TV and radio interviews.

Humans are drawn to celebrities, those with golden souls that give something intangible back to their fans – it’s a positive energy exchange and it really does inspire good things.

As the Principal at Bradbury School, Sandra Webster, kindly showed me around the grounds, I got a little flashback to my days babysitting pop stars with golden hearts. Bradbury kids adore her, they come running to tell her about their day with bright eyes bursting with important stories.

Bradbury School is led by a woman the students love – and who loves her students. “I love my job. Can you see why I love my job?” remarks Webster, in the role for over ten years since moving from New Zealand.

While on our tour of the school, one student even shares her disbelief – her friend goes to another school and the principal there is a boy.

A boy! Webster bends down and reassures her boy principals can be pretty good too.

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Bradbury School is led by a woman the students love As Webster and I walk around the school and interact with the student body and visiting parents, she shares with me her belief that children learn best when they feel happy, safe and want to come to school. “Even though we are a large school, we are fostering a strong sense of community”, she says. “This is what sets us apart from other schools. We have a great staff who have been here a long time”.

Employing a teaching body of about 50 passionate educators, the ESF primary school is dedicated to creating an enjoyable learning environment for all young minds. Currently the school supports over 20 children with moderate learning difficulties who need significant support to access the mainstream curriculum. The school

supports these students to remain with the mainstream curriculum as much as possible with the help of specialist staff members.

Webster is clearly known to the students and parents alike and talks with great fondness about Bradbury families, delighting in getting to know them personally over time. “We have a fantastic parent body here, I really enjoy meeting the parents”, says Webster. “We have parents who enroll their first child when they’re five years old and then subsequently enroll their younger children. I remember when I first started we had one family who had been here for over 20 years after putting all their children through Bradbury”.

Every day, every student gets visibility with the school’s leader as Webster stands at the school gate to greet each student in the morning.

Including her farewells as they leave in the afternoon that’s 1,500 hellos and goodbyes a day. Her status as one of Happy Valley’s mostloved celebrities is certainly well earned.

A creative and green campus The Bradbury School campus is not significant

education in size and the facilities are by no means stateof-the-art, but the school has created beautiful spaces and resources for its students. The school grounds are steeped in student expression from artwork on the walls to student-styled and maintained landscaping. “Facilities fall into insignificance when you consider the emotional health of your child”, says Webster. “If they have beautiful classrooms but are miserable, then the school doesn’t work. Just because a school has a rugby field, it doesn’t mean it’s inspiring incredible rugby athletes. We go down to Happy Valley for rugby and use South Island School’s swimming pool. Facilities don’t make the school, a community makes the school.”

One facility that the school is proud of - and which budding bookworms adore - is the school’s library. The space is an inviting, colourful, winding, seemingly endless cavern of books. It’s a beautiful library loved by the children and proudly maintained.

In the concrete jungle of Hong Kong, Bradbury School is breath of fresh air. Literally.

The school is consistently adding green elements, including NASA-recommended air purifying plants across the campus, and green walls in outdoor spaces. Add on-site composting initiatives run by the Year 6’s and the school has 750 little green thumbs ready to make a difference to the environmental future of our city.

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education The Hong Kong government has acknowledged the school’s green efforts as the Cultural Department recently awarded a $600,000 grant to develop a green space on the school roof. This new initiative will allow students to increase their green efforts and grow even more plants.

Student showcases Bradbury students are a bright and busy bunch.

They’re rightfully very proud of the work they do.

Each class is offered the chance to showcase their work to parents and guardians throughout the year. These showcases allow parents to visit the school and see the students’ recent work on display. It’s a chance for students to shine in front of their parents and for parents to see their child within the campus context and to explore their hard work. These events also provide opportunities for the teaching staff and parent body to connect with each other.

Navigating Hong Kong’s school choices Webster is clear with her advice for parents seeking input on the right school path for their child. “Choose the school that you feel comfortable with, when you walk in the door you feel welcomed, you’re comfortable with the staff and you have a good vibe about it”, says Webster. “It’s a relationship that goes on for six

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years. So, you need to feel confident your voice is going to be heard, you are going to be listened to as a parent and your child will be looked after and nurtured. Don’t worry about what you hear from other people. Choose the school that in your heart feels right, the one that you have a good gut feeling about”.

School Report Bradbury School Established: 1992 Number of students: 720 Class size: 30 Curriculum: IB Fees 2015/2016: $78,700 Non refundable capital levy: $38,000 Address: 43C Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Tel: 2574 8249

sponsored column

International School Trends in Hong Kong Anne Murphy explains why the number of international school places is rising.

After years of a shortage in the supply of international school places, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. Children seem to be progressing through waitlists faster, thanks to the expansion of existing schools and opening of new campuses since 2011, including Anfield, Kellett, Harrow, ICA, Hong Kong Academy, Island Christian Academy IMS and Nord Anglia.

Furthermore, the recent allocation of new land will lead to the expansion of two existing campuses and the opening of three new international schools in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

NEW LOCATIONS: French International School. Opening in 2018, in Tseung Kwan O, the new primary campus will include a spacious gymnasium, state-of-the-art swimming pool, running track, 300-seat auditorium and three large playgrounds. www.fis.edu.hk

The Harbour School (primary and secondary education) is moving to a new location in Ap Lei Chau. The new campus will include an indoor forest, open-plan lounge, and a two-story library. The school is known for its inclusivity, dedication to each student, and experiential approach in science, history and the arts. www.ths.edu.hk NEW SCHOOLS The American School Hong Kong (ASHK) opens this August in Tai Po. Open initially for Kindergarten through to Grade 6, it will evolve to a full-scale K-12 school, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, US High School Diploma and Advanced Placement options. The curriculum is based on the US Common Core. Contact Admissions Director Mary Ewing on 3974 8554, mewing@ashk.hk The UK’s Shrewsbury School is to open its second international school in Hong Kong. The

new co-educational Primary School will open in Tseung Kwan O (Siu Chik Sha) with space for over 850 international students aged five to 11.

It will offer the National Curriculum for England.

Contact reception@shrewsbury.org.uk Malvern College Hong Kong will open in Tai Po in September 2018 with 380 primary places, and capacity rising to 960 once full. The school will offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum and will be open to children aged six-12. Applications open this September.

Contact Communications & Marketing Director Gill Keefe on 3898 4688, gill.keefe@malverncollege.org.hk ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

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home & living

keeping it dry

Defy the damp Laura Paul of Healthy Living Asia, shares her top five natural tips for keeping your home clean and dry in humid weather.

Mould We all know the consequences of pernicious mould. Distilled white vinegar is one of the best and most popular options to both clean and prevent mould growth; it’s easy to clean carpets, walls and clothing. For carpets, spray undiluted white vinegar and leave for one hour before cleaning with a damp cloth. If the mould is still there, add half a tablespoon of baking soda to the vinegar spray bottle and try again.

For walls and hard surfaces where colour is not a factor, try spraying a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Keep the area dry with a dehumidifier to prevent regrowth. If you get recurrent mould, spray every so often to prevent growth using the baking soda and white distilled vinegar spray.

Dust mites The enzymes in the faeces of dust mites as well as their shells are the cause of many chronic environmental allergies. What may not be known is that dust mites thrive on humidity. Reducing relative humidity in your home or apartment to below 50% significantly reduces the numbers of mites and calms any dust mite related allergy symptoms. For serious allergies, consider investing in mattress and pillow protectors specifically designed for dust mites.

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What may not be known is that dust mites thrive on humidity.

Check sealants Make sure the bathroom is water-tight to prevent mould and mildew from creeping into your home. If you use a shower curtain, spray the curtain, especially the bottom half, with vinegar at least once a week to prevent growth. Mildew thrives in humid areas and when ambient home temperature is above 25 degrees. Keeping a dehumidifier close to the bathroom will help prevent moisture from escaping into the open and promoting mould growth elsewhere throughout the home. Aim for a relative humidity of 50% or lower. In the summer, running the air conditioning also helps keep rooms dry. Only open windows and doors if the temperature outside is eight degrees lower than inside. Although not environmentally friendly for small areas with higher moisture levels, purchase individual dehumidifying boxes.

Wash your washing machine Whether you have a front-loading or top-loader washing machine, it is a good idea to regularly clean the rubber seals and inside the drum.

First, wipe the door and inside drum with a cloth or scrub pad soaked in vinegar. For stubborn areas, add baking soda. Next, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda in the drum of the washing machine. Add vinegar to the detergent area, and set the machine for a hot cycle without any clothes. After the cycle has finished, any smells should have disappeared and your machine should be sparkling. Remember to leave the door open to prevent odours and to let the washing machine dry between loads.

Protect your belongings It’s not just moths eating your favourite sweater.

Many other pests in Hong Kong gnaw away wool, feather and silk such as warehouse beetles and cockroaches. Silverfish and booklice also like to munch on adhesives and other glues in books and artwork. All of these pests thrive in humid conditions. Keeping rooms properly sealed, relative humidity low, using disposable dehumidifying boxes and installing fans in damp areas can prevent creepy crawlies from attacking your prized possessions.

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sport

good vibrations

They think it’s all over… they’re just getting started Ready to ace the German All Stars Over 40s Tournament next month, Sai Kung Beach Boys Football Club has come a long way.

Starting out, as all greats things do, over a few beers in the pub, a small group of middle-aged men dreamt of fulfilling their youthful dreams on the football field and even losing a few pounds on the way. “While most beverage-aided challenges such as this are usually discarded on Monday morning, we managed to pull ourselves together the following Sunday and turn up at the concrete pitch on Wai Man Road”, recalls Jon Martin, long time Sai Kung resident and sponsor of the team’s distinctive pink and black kit.

Challenging themselves against a group of local young lads, the match went well and became a regular weekend fixture. Numbers on both sides soon started to grow as the group reached over 30 players.

With international ambitions, it was not long before the players took part in competitions beyond Hong Kong. “Although the weight loss across the board could be counted in mere ounces we improved as a team and decided to test ourselves internationally”, says Martin.

“We set off for a competition in Taiwan last March and did very well until injury and

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advanced age slowed us down a bit. The tour was great fun and spurred us on to look towards the next one”.

Last November’s Manila Nomads Veterans Competition saw the team achieve their best result to date by reaching the semi-finals.

The team is now looking to attract more players to their growing club. “We are always on the lookout for committed veteran football players and anyone living in Sai Kung who feels the need to reignite past glory”, says Martin. “We can now be found every dry Sunday morning at our new location, Pak Kong, at 10.30am. Afterwards we relocate to our headquarters, The Beach Bar, where we talk tactics and fix the world's footballing problems over a few cold ones. We love our football but appreciate it is a little late to mount a world or Olympic challenge. So having fun is the name of the game. Sport brings people together and bumping into fellow players in and around Sai Kung is always a pleasure”.

Interested players can email skbb.fa@gmail.com for more details.

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outdoors

all aboard

Set sail In preparation for those hot summer days, the sailing instructors at Hebe Haven Yacht Club Sail Training Centre have some expert tips for beginners to get out on the water.

Have you ever considered taking up sailing? Many seasoned sailors will tell you that sailing is not just a sport, but a lifestyle. As many sailors learn the skills of commanding their own boat, the experience is fulfilling and earns a real sense of achievement.

There are many ways to learn to sail, but the best start would be investing in a beginner’s course and starting small. Small boats like dinghies are ideal as they are more responsive and easier for the beginner to manoeuvre. Keep it simple by having a boat rigged with just one sail. The less complicated it is, the quicker you will be able to pick up the basics.

For a beginner, most of the course activity is spent on the water, gaining experience, confidence and most importantly, having fun.

Sail training for beginners would typically include the following skills; • Basic rigging and rope work knots • Sailing techniques, maneuvers and collision avoidance • Clothing and equipment

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Many children who have completed sailing courses describe an increase in self-confidence

friends. While letting kids loose on the waters around Sai Kung in their own boat would not be safe for anyone, structured sailing lessons are a wonderful way to get children outdoors, learn lifelong skills and inspire their imagination. Many children who have completed sailing courses describe an increase in self-confidence and independence. Getting out on the water is also a great chance to socialise and make new friends, for children and adults alike.

A guide to beginners’ courses:

• Parts of a boat, sailing and sail control • Gaining experience with sail trim, steering and handling of your boat • Capsize recovery • How to launch and recover your boat You may remember reading Arthur Ransome’s books “Swallows and Amazons” as a child, day-dreaming over their many adventures which included sailing and exploring; perhaps wishing you too could jump in a boat and set sail with

Stage One A foundation course tailored for beginners between seven to 10 years of age. Children will learn the basic skills for: rigging, launching and recovery, rope-work, clothing and equipment, capsize recovery, sailing techniques and maneuvers and meteorology. To achieve this, they will spend time learning theory and sailing on the water - obtaining experience with sail trim, steering and handling of their boat.

outdoors

Stage Two Stage two consolidates and expands on Stage One and is aimed at eight to 11 year olds who have a basic knowledge of sailing. At this stage, children will be encouraged to complete tasks with less supervision and more confidence. In addition to Stage One skills, participants will be required to learn more complex rules and the Port/Starboard right of way rule.

Hong Kong Sailing Federation Level One The aim of this course is to provide a brief experience of dinghy sailing for someone who has never sailed before. By the end of the course, participants will have had a short introduction to the sport of dinghy sailing, including basic boat handling techniques and essential background knowledge.

Hong Kong Sailing Federation Level Two By the end of the course the successful sailor will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing a dinghy without an instructor on board in light winds.

The majority of conventional beginners' courses cover both Level One and Two and are normally of not less than 30 hours duration.

If you would like to have a taste of life on the ocean, pop along to the Hebe Haven SLAM Sailing Centre Open Day on Sunday March 20. From 10am to 5pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club instructors will be offering free experiences on stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and dinghy sailing.

The Hebe Haven Yacht Club Sail Training Centre offers wide range of courses to introduce new sailors to life on the ocean, suitable for all ages.

For more information visit www.hhyc.org.hk or call 2719 0926.

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big day out

Off the beaten track Rory Mackay heads to the south of Lantau for his next adventure, hiking from Shek Pik to Tai O.

T

here are many spots in Hong Kong that can feel far removed from the city, but are in fact just round the corner or over the hill from town.

Then, there are those rare confines that are genuinely far removed from civilisation. The southern tip of Lantau Island is such a place.

Take the time to venture out to this enclave and you will be rewarded with a trip back in time! An untarnished landscape bursting with deserted beaches, fertile valleys and lush jungles lying in wait.

Despite southern Lantau’s geographical isolation from the rest of Hong Kong, it is easily accessible and can be reached from the city within a couple of hours. Once there, southern Lantau is best explored by foot. My favourite route follows the coastline regions, starting

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at Shek Pik in the east and finishing at Tai O in the west. As a direct hiking route, more experienced hikers can complete the 15 kilometers within four to five hours.

However, there are many sights worthy of a cheeky detour along the way and it is worthwhile dedicating an entire day to this adventure. As a coastal hike, the main path avoids any major hills and is ideal for families who enjoy the outdoors. It is advisable to bring a map along if you are unsure of your directions and bring plenty of fluids during the warmer months.

To reach the start of the trail, catch either the no.11 bus from Tung Chung, or the no.1 bus from Mui Wo to Tai O. Keep an eye out for Shek Pik Reservoir and disembark at the first bus stop immediately after crossing the dam

wall. Take in the beautiful sight of Shek Pik Reservoir and Lantau Peak before following the Lantau Trail south. The first part of the walk follows a catch-water and serves as a gentle warm up before hitting the dirt track. Staying up above the coastline, there are beautiful views to be had across many bays and beaches on this section.

The path then descends to the idyllic Fan Lau Peninsula and its two sandy beaches.

There is a small dai pai dong here with a friendly owner who can whip up a wholesome bowl of noodles, complete with drinks and fruit.

This is the only such facility along the way, so make sure to recharge before heading on. If you are interested in historical sites, you can take a half-hour excursion to visit Fan Lau Fort on the far end of Fan Lau Peninsula.

big day out

Built in 1729, during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor, the fort was subsequently abandoned by the British in 1898 and a large stone rectangle is about all that remains today.

The second half of the walk from Fan Lau to Tai O follows a much more sheltered section of coastline. The area possess great biodiversity, so keep an eye out for interesting plants and animals. Pass through the majestic village of Yi O; complete with agricultural farmland, grazing cattle and abandoned buildings, it’s an exceptionally surreal settlement to stroll through.

Shortly after passing through Yi O, the path meets an area of mangroves on the coast. At this juncture there is an option to check out the most stunning of detours at the Man Cheung Po waterfalls and infinity pool. Turn right onto

a less distinct path and follow your way up the hill past a few abandoned houses. Continue for around 20 minutes up the valley until you reach the pools. It’s quite a popular spot, so you may suddenly see more people in the first five minutes than you have on the entire walk up to that point. Although it is prohibited to swim in the infinity pool (as it serves as a reservoir for Tai O), the numerous rock pools and waterfalls behind it are fair game.

Once you’ve gone for a dip, go back down the same way you came up to return to the main path. From here, it’s a simple one hour walk to reach Tai O. Once in Tai O, make sure to wander around the village and grab a bite to eat as reward for a long walk. From Tai O you can simply hop on the bus back to civilisation, although

beware that the no.11 bus to Tung Chung can sometimes have long queues during holiday seasons. If this happens, I strongly recommend cutting your losses by opting for the no.1 bus to Mui Wo and an onward ferry to Central.

Southern Lantau is an incredible part of Hong Kong so take the time to explore. Any adventure here will leave you with a bunch of great memories and a sound night’s sleep!

Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com

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travel

Let it snow Wishing you had a white Christmas? Remember, the mountain never came to Muhammad. Here are eight of Asia’s best ski resorts. By Shreena Patel.

JAPAN Niseko Village, Hokkaido The Niseko United ski area was named Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the 2015 World Ski Awards.

Characterised by ancient caldera lakes, the protected area comprises a number of interlinked ski resorts with a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Niseko Village, at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, has accommodation, two hot springs (with indoor and outdoor onsen) and an art gallery. Winter activities include reindeer sledding and horseback riding.

Where to stay Kasara’s three-bedroom townhouses come with priority privileges and a private concierge service. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Hilten and Green Leaf onsen. Alternatively, the Hilton sits next to the Niseko Gondola that takes you to the top of Mount Niseko Annupuri. It has restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, onsen and a children’s playground. Finally, The Green Leaf offers ski-in ski-out accommodation, a spa and onsen. Get 10% off when you book 60 days in advance.

Appi Kogen Resort, Tohoku Known for its well-groomed slopes and Aspirin snow (light and fine), Appi Kogen Resort has over 45 kilometres of runs (some are for skiing only). Lessons are available in English. There is a family park for beginners, snow play area, child care and a small petting zoo. Tours available in February include ice fishing, sake tasting and a trip to Iwate Snow Festival.

Kiroro Resort, Hokkaido Situated in the mountains west of Sapporo, known for accumulating ample amounts of powder snow, Kiroro is further from the city and less well-known than some of its neighbouring resorts, but also less crowded. Fun extras include snow segway, snow banana boat and snow rafting. To relax, visit the hot springs, the resort pool, or get a massage at the spa.

Where to stay The Hotel Appi Grand has direct access to the slopes, a heated pool, squash court, games room, massage therapists, and an all-you-can-eat crab and steak restaurant.

Alternatively, the Appi Grand Annex is a 5-minute walk (or a free shuttle bus ride) from the lifts and has newer facilities and direct access to hot springs. Rooms at the Appi Grand Villa can accommodate up to seven people - ideal for groups. For cheaper accommodation, check out the pension village about one kilometre from the resort.

Where to stay The Sheraton Hotel offers ski-todoor accommodation and is directly connected to the Mountain Centre where you’ll find rental shops, lockers, children’s facilities and a public bath. Alternatively, The Kiroro, is a three-minute bus ride from the ski lift and has more capacity.

Season Mid-December to early May. Season December to March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Sapporo Chitose Airport. From there, it’s take the Hokkaido Resort Liner to Niseko Village - book in advance. Alternatively, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Kutchan or Niseko. A free shuttle service runs from Kutchan station to Niseko Village; taxis available from both.

Getting there Direct flights available to Narita Airport. From there, take the JR Narita Express to Tokyo, then the Shinkansen “Hayabusa” train to Morioka. From Morioka Station, get a bus to the resort or take the JR Hanawa Line to Appi Kogen, from which there is free shuttle bus to the resort. Beware: shuttle buses do not run for early morning and late night trains.

www.niseko-village.com

www.appi.co.jp

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Season December to the first week of May. Getting there Direct flights available to Sapporo Chitose Airport. From there, take the Hokkaido Resort Liner (adults, ¥3,980; children, ¥1,990) to Kiroro. Alternatively, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Otaru Chikko and hop on a shuttle bus (seats are free but it’s first-come, first-served). www.kiroro.co.jp/en

ski season

KOREA The Intercontinental at Alpensia Resort, Korea.

YongPyong Ski Resort, Pyeongchang-gun The largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea.

Yongpyong will host the technical alpine skiing events of slalom and giant slalom for the 2018 Winter Olympics and 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang. Nearby attractions include Sam Yang Ranch and Mt. Oh-Dae National Park.

Where to stay There is accommodation to suit a range of budgets, including the five-star Dragon Valley Hotel, three condominiums and cheaper youth hostel accomodation.

Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang The filming location for “Take Off” (2009), a movie about Korea’s first national ski jumping team, Alpensia Resort is the main venue for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. It has a ski jump tower, cross-country routes, bobsled facilities and an indoor water park that is open all winter. Nearby attractions include Odaesan National Park and Korea Botanic Gardens.

Where to stay The main providers in the resort village are Intercontinental Hotel (Korea’s first five-star resort hotel), Holiday Inn Hotel, and Holiday Inn Suites (a village condominium).

Season Mid-November to early April.

Season Late-November to March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, the easiest option is to take the three-hour nonstop Purple Ski Bus to Yongpyong resort. Buses run five times a day. Book in advance. Adults: W35,000; children: W25,000 (one way).

Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, take the Purple Ski Bus to Yongpyong resort. Buses run five times a day. Book in advance. Adults: W35,000; children: W25,000 (one way).

www.yongpyong.co.kr

alpensiaresort.co.kr

TOP TIPS There is often a big variance in price between off-peak and peak season. Consider going offpeak: there are great deals to be had and the larger the group the cheaper the price.

If you’re unable to book directly with the resort, there are other options. Ski Korea offers bespoke ski packages and transportation from anywhere in Korea. This season it has partnered with Yongpyong Ski and Board school to offer discounted rates. It can book large groups, arrange tours of the area and maintains a presence on the resort. www.ski-korea.com

High 1 Resort, Gangwon The highest altitude of all the Korean ski resorts, High 1 is 1,345m above sea level, making it one of the best resorts in Asia to find natural, fluffy powder snow. It has 18 runs for all levels of skiers, all starting at the summit (so you get a longer run). The resort also has a revolving restaurant and a casino for those who like to get their thrills off the slopes. Also home to Korea’s first ski school for those with disabilities.

Where to stay A standard room at the High 1 Hotel starts from ￦160,000/night. More expensive options include the Kangwonland Hotel (home to the only casino in Korea where Korean nationals are permitted to gamble) and the Convention Hotel. Three condominiums offer standard rooms up to family suites.

Off-resort, the nearby village of Sabuk has pensions, hotels and apartments.

Season Late-November to March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. From there, only one Ski Bus per day operates to the resort.

Book in advance. Adults: W33,000; children: W30,000 (one way). Alternatively, take the intercity bus to Taebaek. Get off at Gohan or Sabuk Bus Terminal and catch a metered taxi (around W5,000 from Gohan) or shuttle bus to the resort. high1.com

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travel

CHINA

Nanshan Ski Village, Miyun County, Beijing Just a half-hour drive from Beijing (confirmed host of the 2022 Winter Olympics), this resort boasts 25 trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, a snowpark with a half-pipe and jumping trail, an advanced mogul trail and a children’s playground.

You’ll also find sledding, a 1,318 metre toboggan run, a children’s snowmobile route, and cable hang-gliding.

Where to stay Within the resort, the Shirton Inn - an Alps-style log cabin - overlooks the nearby Rimbaud Pond and has 30 double rooms, each equipped with a fireplace. Rooms from RMB580 per night, RMB680 during holiday periods.

Groups may prefer one of the two six-bedroom Norwegian Villas. Prices start at RMB4,880 per building per night (rental also available by floor).

Yabuli Ski Resort, Shangzhi Host of the 1996 Winter Asian Games and the training ground of China’s national team, Yabuli is China’s largest ski resort. During the Qing Dynasty, the area was a hunting ground for feudal lords. Nearby attractions include the world’s longest toboggan run and the controversial Siberian Tiger Park. The Harbin Ice Festival in the neighbouring snow town of Harbin runs until February 25.

Where to stay For those seeking R&R, Club Med Yabuli is home to a L’Occitane spa with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steamroom, and sauna. It also offers a number of bookable excursions.

Alternatively, try the resort’s two three-star hotels, the Windmill Village and the Tinyihu, whose facilities include indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, restaurants and a bowling alley.

Season December to late February.

Season Mid-November to late March.

Getting there Direct flights available to Beijing. Once in the city, hop on the 980 bus from Dongzhimen bus station to West Bridge (Xidaqiao), then take a taxi to the resort (around RMB20 per car). Alternatively, book a place on the shuttle buses, which depart daily at 8.30am from Sanyuan Bridge and Wudaokou subway stations (book at least one day in advance).

Getting there Direct flights available to Harbin.

A special tourist train leaves Harbin Station every morning to Yabuli South, a short taxi ride (RMB20) or 10-minute walk from the resort.

Book in advance. Alternatively, take a threehour bus or train to Yabuli Town, approximately 20km from the resort, and from there a minibus.

nanshanski.com

www.yabuliski.com, www.clubmed.com.hk

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health & beauty

Allergy season As we move into allergy season, Dr. Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas, Founder and Director of Maya Health Institute, tells Shreena Patel how homeopathy might help.

House dust mites and mould thrive in this weather, increasing skin irritation and nose and chest allergies. Allergic bronchitis and asthma are common in Hong Kong, especially in February, March and September.

How many people do they affect?

Globally, allergies affect 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. In Hong Kong, statistics show that one in three children suffer from at least one allergic condition, with asthma and allergic rhinitis being the most common, while food allergies are increasing rapidly.

What are the common signs of skin and respiratory allergies?

At the start of a reaction, skin may be bumpy with itching. More advanced stages include recurrent hives, rashes or dry scaly skin with scabs and oozing. Secondary infection is common: once the body is in a reactive state, it can start flaring up at other triggers or without exposure. For example, a person sensitive to mould reacting to dust mites or dog dander.

What is the ‘allergic march’?

Allergies tend to appear in a particular sequence during childhood (skin allergies usually appear first, respiratory allergies later on). This progression of symptoms and allergies is known as the ‘allergic march’. It is commonly seen in babies with atopic dermatitis who react to cow’s milk in formula or their mother’s diet. They have a tendency to develop nasal and chest allergies as their immune systems are in a hyperreactive state. What starts out as a skin irritation can develop into allergic airways and recurrent bronchitis if not assessed comprehensively.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a natural therapeutic science.

The aim is to assess all the symptoms of a person and treat the complete unique picture, not just the diagnostic label.

Natural homeopathic remedies are given to reduce immediate discomfort and balance the body’s immune system, which should in turn reduce external reactions. Nutrition and lifestyle changes may also be suggested.

What is the basis of homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on three principles: The ‘Law of Similars’ is the basis of prescription. It says, “let like be cured by like”, meaning the responses to a substance are a guide to the diseases it can treat. For example, Allium Cepa is a homeopathic remedy for hay fever. It’s made using onion (known for causing watery eyes and nose).

The ‘Law of Infinitesimals’ states that only a minimal dose is required to initiate change (the

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In Hong Kong, statistics show that one in three children suffer from at least one allergic condition substances within homeopathic remedies are diluted to ultralow doses).

‘Potentization’ is the technique used to prepare homeopathic remedies. It involves dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) to reduce the material dose and chances of side-effects while releasing the therapeutic power.

Why do skin and respiratory allergies flare up at this time of year?

Hong Kong is well known for its high humidity and air pollution. The cold, damp weather increases exposure to respiratory allergens.

What are the conventional methods of treatment?

Conventional medication for skin allergies helps to reduce discomfort locally through mild steroid creams or antihistamines which quickly reduce inflammation. In severe cases, cortisone ointments may be suggested. For respiratory allergies, steroid sprays for the nose, bronchodilators and steroid-based anti-inflammatory puffs can bring acute relief, which is important. Medication may be given for chronic sufferers.

What do homeopathic remedies do differently?

Medication that suppresses external symptoms can help at surface-level, but, since the immune sensitivities within the body remain, the tendency for allergic reactions continues.

Holistic treatments such as homeopathy and nutritional therapy aim to balance from within and thus help mitigate the overall allergic tendency.

health & beauty Is homeopathy safe?

The point of homeopathy is to gently stimulate the body to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies are made using natural sources, such as plants and minerals. When processed in sterile licensed laboratories and prescribed by an experienced practitioner, they are safe for children and pregnant women, do not have side-effects or withdrawal reactions and are non-addictive.

In the case of food-based intolerances, elimination diets must be sensible and done under nutritional guidance to ensure correct substitution of the essential nutrients.

usage without clinically documented proof.

However, there is positive clinical and trial evidence of the benefits of homeopathy for illnesses including allergies and ADHD. Eczema is my favourite as the before-and-after pictures are objective evidence of healing. It is important that your homeopath is clear on what he or she can and cannot do and gives you a timeline for recovery.

1. In damp weather, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent to reduce mould and dust mite growth. Avoid constant contact with upholstery, cushions and carpets that cannot be washed often.

2. For infants, generally, I suggest solely breastfeeding in the first year of life with the introduction of solids from six months and formula after the first year.

In your experience how long do these treatments take?

For a few recent rashes homeopathic treatment would show results within a few weeks. With generalised long-term hypersensitivities, it would take between three to 18 months. In most cases, positive changes are seen within the first two to three weeks. Once the treatment is complete, stopping the remedies should not result in a return of the original symptoms.

What would you say to those who are skeptical about homeopathy?

Homeopathy has received a lot of criticism: firstly, for the ultra-high dilutions and secondly, as some “homeopaths� suggest prophylactic (preventative)

Dr. Hattangdi-Haridas’ tips for combating allergies

3. Adults, children and pregnant women should take the appropriate combination and dosage of probiotics and omega-3 oils.

4. Reduce processed food in the diet and include more homemade whole foods.

Wash vegetables and fruit before eating to remove oil-based pesticides on the outer surface.

Dr Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas has been in private practice for nealry 20 years.

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marketplace

pets

on best behaviour

How to train your...dog Dr. Mike Muir of Pets Central shares his advice on dealing with behavioural issues.

Some of the most common issues that vets get asked about relate to problems with dog behaviour and how to modify it - from how to train puppies, to curbing behaviour that causes inconvenience, to more serious issues such as aggression towards other dogs or humans.

In theory, the basics of training are simple.

The key is to reward appropriate behaviour consistently, not to reward inappropriate behaviour and to make sure all household members follow the same methods.

For puppies, it’s a good idea to get them socialising as early as possible to reduce potential anxiety issues later in life. Done well, this should resolve or prevent many behavioural problems, but owners often require help to make sure they have a good program in place.

Help is available in several forms. For example, puppy classes provide an opportunity for puppies to socialise with other humans and pups. They are usually run by someone with dog training experience, who can advise on a training program.

Trainers can also be a fantastic aid to resolving behavioural issues, but some trainers can do more harm than good, especially where family pets are concerned.

Traditional training is based on the idea of dominance, specifically owners enforcing their dominance over the dog. However, it has been

If owners do not also change their behaviour, bad habits will likely return.

proven recently that the idea of an alpha male dog is incorrect and that - even in wolf packs there is not a stereotypical alpha male dog.

Dominance-based training is therefore undesirable and trainers using these methods are best avoided. Using fear or pain to control dogs - including shock or prong collars - means that either ever-increasing levels of force are required to ensure the correct behaviour is maintained, or the human-dog relationship is permanently damaged.

It is also a good idea to avoid trainers who take dogs away for a period of time and return them once they have been trained. Part of the role of a good trainer is to train owners on how to work with their dogs: if owners do not also change their behaviour, bad habits will likely return.

Visiting your vet is important, especially if

there has been a sudden change in behavior such as inappropriate urinating or aggression.

Often these are not behavioural problems but medical issues, such as a urinary tract infection and pain, respectively. The behaviour usually improves as the underlying problem is fixed.

For genuine behavioural issues, the vet will try to ascertain what the underlying issues are and design a treatment plan which may include pheromone treatments, behaviour toys and possibly medication.

Very serious cases may be referred to a veterinary behaviourist, who can apply a wider knowledge of the causes and treatments for different behavioural conditions.

This is a brief and generalised introduction to approaching dog behaviour.

It is not a substitute for getting professional advice, but it’s a good starting point.

hong kong creatures The Rhesus Macaque The Rhesus Macaque is no stranger to monkey lovers. It is one of the most commonly seen and thoroughly studied monkeys of all nonhuman primates. Widely distributed and close to humans anatomically and physiologically, it has been used extensively in medical and biological research.

The rhesus factor, one of the elements of a person’s blood group, is named after it. Several rhesus macaques have been launched into space including Miss Able, one of the first two animals (along with “Miss Baker” on the same mission) to be launched into space and return alive.

The rhesus monkey is common in Hong Kong and also found in Afghanistan, India,

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photo by: PeterAndrewL

aka Macaca mulatta. By Steffi Yuen.

A family of Rhesus Macaques on a Wilson Trail monument

North Thailand and parts of China. It can adapt to many habitats, including arid, open terrain, woodlands, mountains, wetlands,

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and agricultural and rural areas. Some even become accustomed to living in human communities.

These monkeys have greyish-brown or golden brown hair, a pinkish face and rump, and cheek pouches to store food for later consumption. The young can swim when they are just a few days old. They feed on roots, fruit, seeds and bark, but also insects and small animals. Rhesus Macaque troops have an average of 20 to 200 individuals. Males are the dominant sex, though females may outnumber the males by a ratio of four to one.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: Ma On Shan, Sai Kung, Tai Lam Country Parks and the North District.

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vines in sai kung

stephen says...

Something smells not quite right Stephen Vines is concerned about the future Sai Kung old town and Pak Sha O, while there is something suspect in the air, and not just at the Sai Kung District Council.

a bigger increase in levels of air pollution than elsewhere. It should however be stressed that although air pollution is rapidly rising in the East, the familiar air black spots are still far worse.

Tuen Mun and Tung Chung easily top the bad air table, but even here it’s nothing like as dire as measurements from roadside stations in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Central.

Apparently the deteriorating conditions are largely explained by rising ozone emissions in the Pearl River Delta. Out here in the East we are in uncomfortable proximity to the border and although areas like Sai Kung always seem to have fresher air, this is presumably not the case.

The trendification of Sai Kung old town Is it just my imagination, or is Sai Kung old town becoming rather trendy? I am well aware that this process of so called gentrification is not new but it seems to have accelerated with the opening of a number of shops selling everything from cute knickknacks, to specialist coffees and cakes and wines.

Don’t get me wrong, these are perfectly nice stores and, most importantly, from my point of view, none of them belong to one of those big, impersonal store chains.

However something is being lost here, perhaps inevitably, as the rather rackety and frankly dusty old shops fade. They sure had a bundle of character though, which will almost certainly soon disappear.

This raises the question of what comes next as nothing changes in Hong Kong without rapacious landlords profiting. Presumably rents are going to rise with a vengeance and lower cost rental opportunities will diminish for imaginative store start-ups in the old town.

Pak Sha O’s future in the balance Meanwhile let’s get back to another part of Sai Kung’s history, the old Hakka village of Pak Sha O in Sai Kung West Country Park. As previously reported in Sai Kung Magazine, the village is under threat following a clutch of applications for house building under the highly controversial

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small house programme that gives land to indigenous male villagers for the sum of $0.

A draft Outline Zoning Plan for the area was published in December, followed by an alleged consultation exercise ending last month. The Conservancy Association has been on the case, stressing the historic importance of Pak Sha O, not forgetting its distinctive beauty.

However, there is evidence that the indigenous villagers are so keen to live there that they have sold and reshuffled their building rights to a property developer who seems to be adept at getting around the tedious rules that govern this scheme.

We have yet to learn what will be the outcome of this consultation exercise but the track record of the Planning Department is distinctly unimpressive when it comes to a choice between conservation and building. The fact that in this instance there is strong evidence that the putative developer has found a way of skirting around the laws governing small house rights should have been sufficient to put pay to development plans. That’s, however, not how things tend to work.

Smell the air…unfortunately Did you see that interesting report from the Environmental Protection Department on Hong Kong’s air quality in 2015? Unfortunately, it found that Eastern parts of the territory were suffering

George’s reign continues and continues So, George Ng will continue his 21-year long reign as Chairman of the Sai Kung District Council. Given the council’s’ composition there was no messing about with anything as vulgar as an election for the post. The old guys remain in charge, and I do mean old guys because the council only has one female member, the redoubtable Christine Fong.

Discussion and debate is not a highly regarded feature of the council’s proceedings.

Besides the seats filled under the rotten borough system, two of the other so-called elected seats were uncontested in last year’s election and have not seen the whiff of an election for decades.

It has been argued that this unsatisfactory status quo is only maintained because not enough people are prepared to come forward and vie for election. This is true in the more rural parts of Sai Kung but in some of the more built up areas with large housing estates there were vigorous contests leaving candidates connected to the democratic movement as the biggest vote winners. Despite this high level of support, the way seats are allocated ensures a built in majority for smaller electorate constituencies, whose winning candidates attract only a fraction of the votes in the bigger constituencies, yet end up with a bigger share of the seats. Here is another example of the wonders of the Hong Kong election system Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur.

He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.