Expat Parent Magazine April 2016

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the really useful magazine

April 2016

Paws for thought Time to adopt a pet?

Your Rugby Sevens Guide Kick it

Kids who jiu jitsu

Hit The Peak

You’ve never done it like this before...

248 things to do

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CONTENTs 2

Editor’s letter

36

A day in the life

We speak to Nursery teacher Catherine Jenkins from Woodland Repulse Bay campus.

4 Contributors 6

ISSUE 022

School photos and news

What’s happening at schools across the city.

38

8

42

After school

Water sports for all ages.

What’s on

Dates for your diary.

Me & my hobby

Rugby star, Daimhlinn Darling, on tries, tackles and training.

12 News What’s happening on the parent scene.

44 Mumpreneurs

13 Giveaways

46

Lots of free stuff.

14

Sevens Guide

The ultimate do’s and don’ts.

16

Wellness Warrior, Jo Soo Tang.

24

30

Things we’d buy

Travel essentials for kids.

18

48 Food Afternoon tea. Treat yourself.

52

Money & Me

Katie Campbell and Emma Pike of Farmer’s Kitchen.

New Parents

54 Travel

Feeling blue - postnatal depression.

20

Big day out

Victoria Peak, but not as you know it.

Bali.

Meet the parents

14

Martial arts kids. Don’t mess.

24 Paws for thought

60

Bald truths

Simon Parry enters a parallel universe.

Adding a pet to the family.

30

Open day

We take a visit to Beacon Hill School.

34

Principal’s office

With Beacon Hill School principal James Harrison.

6

16

48

Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com

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editor’s message

who’s in charge?

Editorial editorial@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Mawgan Batt

Managing Editor Callum Wiggins

Sub-editor Shreena Patel

Digital Editor Annie Wong

Design kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip

Art Director Kelvin Lau

Sales & Marketing ads@fastmedia.com.hk

I

s it just me, or is the year flying by? Now that the Easter break is over and the children are in term three of the school year, my thoughts are already turning to the arrival of the hot weather and the summer holidays. Before that though, there is the one big Hong Kong event that I look forward to all year - the Rugby Sevens. Every year, this spectacle brings people together in the spirit of sport, and alongside a healthy dash of fancy dress and early morning beers, is one of the highlights of the city’s sporting calendar. Find out how you can make the most of the weekend with our Do’s and Don’ts guide (pg.14).

Taking on a pet is a subject close to my heart, and one that my family have recently been through as we welcomed our rescue dog, Wilbur, to our household just before Christmas.

Inspired by this, I take a closer look at the crucial considerations you should make before taking the plunge and getting a pet (pg.24).

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for your children to dip their toe in the water and try a new sport. We’ve rounded up the best watersport options in Hong Kong on page 38. If you are looking for the city’s most delectable afternoon teas, Callum Wiggins has put together a round-up of the best tables in town (pg.48) - it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!

Rebecca Simpson continues her visits to schools around the city, and this month meets the staff and students of Beacon Hill ESF (pg.30). We also pop into the classroom of kindergarten teacher, Catherine Jenkins, from Woodlands Repulse Bay to discover more about the school and students (pg.36).

Finally, we meet some inspiring entrepreneurs. Kate Farr chats to Jo Soo Tang, founder of Wellness 360 Consultancy and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Fund (pg. 44), and Annie Wong meets Farmer’s Kitchen founders Emma Pike and Katie Campbell (pg. 52).

Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So

Sales Manager Oliver Simons

Sales and Marketing Executive Maria Jones

Sales and Marketing Executive Egbert Cheung

Sales and Marketing Executive Bonnie Li

Accounting Executive Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk

Office Security

Peace Keepers

Cat the dog

Fish & Chips

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Fast Media Ltd, LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

about the cover This month’s cover photograph features the Ricklow family and their dog Jax enjoying an event organised by Kirsten’s Zoo. Jax was adopted from Hong Kong Dog Rescue and is a regular sight on the trails of Hong Kong.

Photo by Carmen WL Ng

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

www.fastmedia.com.hk Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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contributors

Dr. Quratulain Zaidi

Rebecca Simpson

Kate Springer

Dr. Zaidi (BSc., MSc., MSc., PhD) is from the UK, and is a British registered Clinical Psychologist. Her broad experience includes working with individuals, families, educators, and executives both in Hong Kong and internationally. She understands the challenges her clients face and integrates a range of current psychotherapeutic approaches to fit the needs of each individual, couple, and family.

Rebecca grew up in Australia but now calls Hong Kong home. Arriving in Asia years ago for a dream PR role, she delighted in spending much of her time flying around the region and getting paid to talk about beauty products. After having two daughters, Rebecca now works from their floating family home on Lantau, writing and living a new dream.

Kate Springer is a freelance writer and editor who focuses on travel, dining and culture reporting. In addition to working with Fast Media, Kate is co-founder of online lifestyle guide The Loop and has contributed to BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and many others. When she’s not ambling around Asia, Kate is most likely Instagramming soon-tobe consumed xiaolongbao.

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

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school photos & news Christian Alliance International School

Musicians from the Christian Alliance International School bands and choirs performed during the annual Spring Concert.

French International School

More than 350 guests enjoyed the French International School’s Gala Dinner at the Aberdeen Marina Club raising more than $2.6 million for the French International School’s Development Fund.

The school also welcomed visiting actors for acting workshops during the French International Theatre festival.

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school photos & news Harrow School

Events at Harrow School over the past month included weekly social work at Maggie’s Cancer caring Centre; Pre-prep students made dollies for underprivileged children in Thailand; and lower school students enjoyed Sports Day.

Nord Anglia International School

Nord Anglia International School hosted the Global Games Asia 2016, welcoming British International School of Hanoi, British International School of Guangzhou and Discovery Bay International School for three days of athletics, swimming and football. A great time was had by all!

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what’s on

APR 8-10

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Rugby madness descends on Hong Kong for three days of tries, tackles and copious amounts of beer. Find out how to make the most of this Hong Kong spectacle in our guide to the Sevens on page 14.

APR 1

APR 4

April Fool’s Day Be prepared for practical jokes and mischievous pranks!

Ching Ming Festival Public holiday for the tomb-sweeping festival.

APR 1

An Evening with Tom Jones The Welsh singing legend is appearing in Hong Kong for one night only. Performing hits that span his illustrious 50 year career, fans can enjoy an intimate evening with one of the music industry’s biggest stars. Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $688-$1488 from www.hkticketing.com

APR 7

Public pools open It’s warming up, so dig out your swimming stuff and head out to one of Hong Kong’s many public pools.

APR 3 Sai Kung Sunday Market Browse through over 60 stalls of food vendors and artisans at this well-established indoor market. Children can enjoy face painting and cuddles with adorable puppies, while you eat, browse and shop. 11am - 5pm, Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung.

APR 9-10

APR 3 Thunder from Down Under Looking for a fun girls’ night out? Don’t miss the intimate Vegas stage show featuring toned and chiseled troupe of performers from 8 expat-parent.com

Australia, who are in Hong Kong for one night only. Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $480$680 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Wellness 360 Fair By The Beach In partnership with Healthy Living HK, Lantau Mama, Basics for Basics, Sommer Life, and many more vendors. Drop by for shopping, children’s activities and healthy raw vegan bites at the cafe. 10am-6pm, the pulse rooftop, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. For more information, email wellness360@josootang.com

what’s on APR 14 - 24

The Illusionists Be prepared to have you mind well and truly blown by this smash hit Broadway magic show. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts the must-see event for two weeks and audiences of all ages will be astounded by incredible acts of magic, illusion and mind reading. A combination of seven world-class illusionists and breathtaking costumes and set design, The Illusionists promise to deliver incredible showmanship, death-defying stunts and acts of grand illusion. Tickets $395-$995 from www.lunchboxproductions.com.

APR 10 Bonaqua LIFEPROOF Action Sprint Sai Kung A 12km sprint and hike over the beautiful trails of Sai Kung. For a race pack, head over to www.actionasiaevents.com

Impala will make their Hong Kong debut at Macpherson Stadium. Tickets from $590, both standing and seating. 7:30pm-11:00pm, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mongkok. www.ticketflap.com/tameimpala

APR 17

APR 25-MAY 7

My First Tri A day for children to experience the triathlon, with parent workshops, professional coaches, a demonstration by the HK National Squad, child-parent fun aquathon (100m swim; 800m run) and barbecue. Children must be aged six to 18, have their own equipment and be able to ride a bike without stabilisers and swim at least 100m unaided. A non-biking option is available. Tickets are $100 per participant, $100 per accompanying adult. 9:30am12:30pm, Chinese International School.

Register at www.26coaching.com

Mega Ice Hockey 5’s Hong Kong’s only international standard ice rink hosts the rough and tumble of the Mega Ice Hockey 5’s. Youth Division matches take place from April 25 - 30 and Adults Division matches from May 2 - 7. Free to watch.

MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, www.megaice.com.hk

APR 19 Tame Impala Live in Hong Kong Australian psych rock champions Tame

APR 29 Tin Hau Festival One of the most colourful celebrations taking place in Tin Hau temples around Hong Kong, celebrating the birthday of the Goddess of the Sea with paper floral towers, kung fu troupes and marching bands.

APR 27-MAY 28 Swan Lake on Ice The classic love story told on ice from the award-winning Imperial Ice Stars troupe.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $395-$995 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. expat-parent.com 9

Book now!

MAY 4-7 Gypsy The Hong Kong Singers take on one of the greatest American musicals of all time which tells the tale of one mother’s desire to get her two daughters into show business.

Children under six will not be admitted.

Tickets from $300. Studio Theatre, Hong

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Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.hongkongsingers.org

MAY 6-8 Tiddler and other terrific tales Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a host of colourful

characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $195 - $435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Book now! children under 16. Hong Kong Convention and trade Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. www.affordableartfair.com/hongkong

MAY 14-15 Peppa Pig live! Treasure Hunt Seen by more than half a million fans around the world, the popular pig comes to Hong Kong for the first time with her live theatre show. Oink, oink! Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $280-$580 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

JUN 3-5 Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Join James and his friends - Miss Spider, OldGreen-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-$595 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 13-15 Affordable Art Fair Returning with a fresh mix of artworks and featuring over 100 galleries, the Affordable Art Fair is sure to inspire and enlighten with its extensive collection of high-quality yet affordable art pieces. Tickets are $150 for adults, $80 for concessions and free for

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news

Honestbee

Honestbee, an online shopping platform which gathers the best supermarkets and grocery stores in one online store, is now delivering across the whole of Hong Kong Island. The service sends a personal shopper with your grocery list to your favourite stores including Marks & Spencer, Fusion,

The power of community

Great Food Hall and City Super amongst others before delivering to your door within a selected one hour time frame. Use the code HKEP100 when you next shop with Honestbee to receive a $100 discount on any purchase exceeding $350. www.honestbee.hk

Free food!

Until April 30, kids can eat for free at selected Maximal Concepts restaurants. From Monday to Wednesday any child under 11 can enjoy a complimentary meal from the special kids’ menu at Limewood restaurant in the pulse. While kids can also enjoy a free brunch at Fish & Meat on Sunday and at Blue Butcher over the whole weekend. Now that’s something to keep the whole family happy.

Let’s get this party started The newest party planners in town have arrived.

Hirely, created by Hong Kong couple Jessica Choi and Thomas Merritt, has recently gone live to party planners across Hong Kong.

Providing everything that a party could possibly need, planners can search through a host of food caterers, cake designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, DJs, photographers and even photo booth rentals. Simply search through the services you need, receive quotes from vendors, and pick the price that’s right for you. Find out more at www.hirely.asia 12 expat-parent.com

For Canadian couple, Mike Watson and Lisa Needoba, a trip to Hong Kong for Mike to receive a liver transplant (with Lisa as the live donor), was the final chance he had for survival.

Leaving behind their three children in Canada and potentially spending three months in Hong Kong, however, was going to push their finances to the limit. At the end of February, a childhood friend of Lisa’s, Johanna Lynn Hood, posted about their visit on the Hong Kong Moms Facebook group, and from there, a small team of individuals came together to try and raise money to support Mike and Lisa’s costs during this difficult time. Mum of three, Ivoneke Taylor, reached out to the family offering support and has since gone on to coordinate a cupcake fundraiser along with baker Jay Tan, who is donating her time for free to the project.

The initiative received overwhelming support from the Hong Kong Moms community, and orders for 600 dozen cupcakes have been received. Tamim Batcha, founder of SpotHelp, is volunteering his team to deliver the cupcakes for free. Ivoneke, Jay and Tamim hope that the funds raised will fully cover Mike and Lisa’s accommodation costs during their time in Hong Kong, showing just what a powerful tool social media can be in bringing people together. The best news of all is that Mike is now recovering well from his life-saving surgery and he and Lisa are looking forward to the future.

Ground breaking ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten broke ground on its new space in the Visionary in Tung Chung last month. The new, purpose built school will become the largest of ESF’s five kindergartens once it opens later in August.

The new Tung Chung campus will be ESF’s first kindergarten on Lantau Island. Places are still available for K1 and K2 enrollment. www.esfkindergartens.org.hk

giveaways WIN HERE! Click the Giveaways tab on our website: www.expat-parent.com

Sugar Snap Prints Boutique design company Sugar Snap prints sells a range of Hong Kong-inspired prints, canvases and themed cards which make for ideal gifts for friends and family. We’re giving away a fantastic Sugar Snap Prints bundle which includes a Hong Kong Typographic print, a Hong Kong Art notebook and a six-pack of Hong Kong themed cards worth more than $1,000. www.sugarsnapprints.com Deadline: April 27

Happy to be Blu

Sai Kung Camping & Hockey

Hong Kong mum and author, Sheetal Tahilramani, has recently published her children’s adventure book Happy to be Blu. Join Blu, a sweet water drop, on his adventure through the water cycle as he experiences the beauty of change. Suitable for children aged three to seven years, we have 10 copies to giveaway.

Deadline: April 22

Sai Kung Camping & Hockey is run by a team of outdoor and hockey enthusiasts whose mission is to provide the best camping and hockey products from a variety of leading international brands. Designed with the enthusiast in mind, functionality and performance of all products is at the core of the business. We’re giving away two $500 vouchers to purchase any product from the online store.

Skcampinghockey.com Deadline: April 25

Biltong Chief Biltong Chief imports the finest air-dried grass-fed beef biltong (dried and cured meat) from South Africa. We have two $500 vouchers to giveaway for you to get your biltong fix. The Biltong Chief range includes Original beef, Chilli and BBQ bites.

Deadline: April 29

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: expat-parent.com/subscribe expat-parent.com 13

Rugby seven special

Rugby Week Planner APR 6 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Kick-off Concert Start your rugby weekend with a bang! 5pm 11pm, Sevens Village, 63 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay. Tickets $199 from Ticketflap, www.ticketflap.com APR 6 Kowloon RugbyFest A big, fun social tournament which hosts teams from across the world including a women’s pool. King’s Park, Kowloon. www.rugbyfest.org APR 6-7 HKFC 10s The world’s best 10s competition. 11.25am - 9.30pm, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, www.hongkongtens.com APR 7-8 Women’s Sevens Twelve women’s teams from around the world compete. Free to attend at King’s Park, Kowloon. 9am - 6pm. Cup Final takes place at Hong Kong Stadium on April 8.

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APR 8-10 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens The premier stop on the Rugby Sevens tour kicks off in Hong Kong on the Friday night of a frenetic weekend of action. The fast and furious rugby matches combined with the carnival atmosphere keep the fans coming back for more and more each year. 16 teams from around the world will battle it out to become champions. Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. www.hksevens.com

Dos and Don’ts

No tickets? No problem!

HSBC Sevens Village Fans without a ticket can still soak up the atmosphere by heading down to the HSBC Sevens Village opposite the stadium at the Indian Recreation Club. The tournament will be streamed on the big television over the weekend, have a go at some interactive rugby, tennis and golf games while the Kids’ Zone will have art workshops and face painting.

Beer and snacks aplenty from the likes of The Butchers Club and Cali Mex. Indian Recreation Club, 63 Caroline Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. HKSEVENS Party, Chater Garden.

The Hong Kong Sevens party comes direct to the heart of Hong Kong in Chater Garden with a big screen to watch all the games and live entertainment for free.

The Hong Kong Rugby Union will host live rugby clinics for youngsters on Wednesday April 6 (10am - 4pm) and Thursday April 7 (10am - 5pm). Watch out for appearances from some of the international players and the Hong Kong team mascot, Wai Bei. From Friday night a big screen will show all the action from the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony on Sunday. As well as the big screen, food and drink stalls, game booths and face paints will keep the whole family entertained. Chater Garden, Central.

Watch on the grass The Cyberport Arcade will be showing all the action in a live broadcast on the big outdoor TV on the lawn. The Podium, Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk Watch on TV The tournament is no longer available to watch on free-to-air television since Now TV bought the rights last year. Now TV subscribers can watch all the action through its dedicated Sports channels. Non-subscribers can still enjoy the action by downloading the free Now TV app on any iOS or android smart device. Viu TV and the Viu TV app will also broadcast selected matches.

Your seating guide to the Hong Kong Stadium Cover

Sun

Alcohol allowed

Age limit

West Stand, upper

Yes

am

No

None

West Stand, lower

Yes

am

Yes

None

East Stand, upper

Yes

pm

No

None

East Stand, lower

Yes

pm

Yes

None

North Stand

No

All day

Yes

None

South Stand

No

All day

Yes

Over-18s

o get your face painted and post a message D on the diamond screen.

Do take a rain jacket or umbrella.

Don’t wear your best clothes. It gets messy.

Do wear a sunhat, but not too big or the people behind you will complain.

Don’t take drinks, they will be confiscated at the gate (baby bottles exempted), although you can take a picnic.

Do wear comfortable shoes – after a long weekend the walk to the MTR is a killer in heels, mums.

Do take a pen for autographs. Most teams sign Sevens memorabilia at the front of the stands after matches.

Don’t forget cash, or prepare to queue for the HSBC ATM in the East Stand, near the entrance.

Do buy sevens merchandise at the start of the weekend – certain sizes and styles often run out.

Do write your mobile phone number on your little ones’ arms. The Sevens is family friendly and wandering offspring won’t come a cropper, but one stand can look much like another.

Don’t sit in the South Stand if you plan on staying sober.

Do have a hearty breakfast. The stadium food isn’t gourmet, although there are Starbucks and Pacific Coffee concessions for a decent coffee.

Don’t streak. You may be quick (and buff), but police have cracked down in recent years and penalties are severe. An indecent exposure conviction carries a fine of $1,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment.

Do start a Mexican Wave.

Do cheer for HONG KONG! Don’t boo the Aussies – it’s a Sevens tradition, but they really don’t like it.

Do boo the boxes. They have the best seats yet rarely join Mexican Waves (or even turn up before Sunday afternoon – prove us wrong, box-invitees).

Don’t wear a gorilla suit (too hot), but do go in fancy dress. Regulars recommend something cool, comfortable and original.

Do decide where to sit before the event, you’ll need to get up early for seats in the lower East and West stands.

Don’t stand up in the aisles during a match – siddown!

Do dance to the Village People, the march past, the ads…

Do be polite to the Carlsberg girls – it’s a tough job.

Do learn the words to Sweet Caroline.

It’s the Sevens anthem.

Don’t ignore the mini-rugby games – give them a cheer. At 7am, what else do you have to do?

Do have a great time!

expat-parent.com 15

things we’d buy Personalized markers colouring kit $149 from Stuck On You.

Passport Covers $39.92 from State of Muse, www.etsy.com/hk

Kids’ Designer Bag Tags $69 from Stuck On You.

Come fly with me Travel essentials for kids

Duffle Bag $399 from Stuck On You, www.stuckonyou.hk

Lattjo Stacking Game $129.90 from IKEA.

London sticker bus ride-on suitcase $790 from The Cuties and Pal, www.babyonline.com.hk

Lattjo Playing Cards $19.90 from IKEA.

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things we’d buy Knotted fabric cross body bag $199 from Zara.

Cross-body bag with tassels $199 from www.zara.com/hk

Straw hat $119 from Zara.

Hundtass Glove Puppet $69.90 from IKEA, www.ikea.com.hk

Minions Crayons $24.90 from Toysrus

Skip Hop Zoo Kids’ luggage $341.50 from Toysrus, www.toysrus.com.hk expat-parent.com 17

new parents

Feeling blue Clinical Psychologist Dr Quratulain Zaidi explains postnatal depression and coping strategies.

Depression differently and some specific symptoms may not be listed here but if you’re aware that you don’t feel quite ‘right’ within yourself, seek professional help. As a new mother, it’s crucial to recognise and pay attention to your emotional state - don’t ignore your feelings or pass them off as insignificant.

T

he minute that tiny baby lands in your arms you are only supposed to feel joy, or so you’re told. Having a baby can be difficult and challenging. It’s hard to admit to feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and afraid. These feelings are common — so why is there a code of silence? We don’t talk about it because depression makes us uncomfortable. There is a stigma around being a struggling mum. Yet women, especially firsttime mothers, brave a gauntlet of life-changing events when they have a baby. A new mum loses her old identity and has to come to terms with a new one, relationships with friends and family change overnight and all this happens alongside other psychological and physical changes. It is a profound shift. It’s essential for us to know and recognise the warning signs of pre- and postnatal depression. Around one in every ten pregnant women experiences pregnancy depression (antenatal depression).

Postnatal depression affects one in seven women and can start within one or two months 18 expat-parent.com

of giving birth, although it can also be several months after having a baby before symptoms start to appear.

What are the symptoms?

Postnatal depression is similar to major depression, but the symptoms are often specific to motherhood. It can happen gradually or all of a sudden, and can range from being relatively mild to very hard-hitting.

These symptoms might include apprehension about giving birth, feelings of guilt, fear of abandonment, incessant crying, a lack of energy, and worrying about being a good mother. Don’t dismiss these signs as being part of the normal hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, or the result of sleepless nights. Further symptoms can include obsessive and irrational thoughts, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, comfort eating, panic attacks, feeling a sense of inadequacy or overpowering anxiety.

Every mother experiences Postnatal

Coping strategies Before your baby arrives, talk to your partner and work out a plan and discuss issues including visitors, night wakings and baby care. It is important to be on the same page with your partner emotionally and intellectually on parenting strategies. Things seem much more manageable and disagreements can be resolved easily when you are not sleep deprived and physically and emotionally exhausted. So don’t leave it until the baby arrives.

As counterintuitive as it seems, exercise is a wonderful way to boost your energy. It changes the brain chemistry and produces chemicals that are helpful for your mood. Even just a walk with the stroller can be enough to help break up your day and lift your mood.

If you are a new mother or expecting a baby, it’s important for you to ignore notions of perfection; let things go, do more pleasurable activities, surround yourself with caring people. Talking to other pregnant women or mums of similar-age babies can beat back feelings of isolation and anxiety. Treat yourself as you would treat another new mum: with compassion, patience, generosity and a sense of humour. Above all, maintain perspective and always remind yourself this phase of baby’s dependency on you is temporary and it will pass. Be honest with yourself, and seek help if you are struggling.

Dr. Zaidi’s Clinic: www.mindlife.com or contact info@mindnlife.com to make an appointment Annerley Post Natal Support group: www.annerley.com.hk Government health department: www.gov.hk/ en/residents/health/sexedu/afterbirth.htm.

expat-parent.com 19

meet the parents

Fight Club Kate Springer kicks it with two dads of budding Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners.

Howard Levy A father of three — Ariella, 16; Saul, 13; and Shira, eight — Howard Levy and his wife moved to Hong Kong 10 years ago. In the last few years, the sporty father has watched his son Saul fall in love with jiu jitsu.

Are sports a big part of your lives?

We are a very sporty family, especially the kids.

Not so much me anymore, but I used to be. My oldest daughter swims and plays football. Saul does jiu jitsu three or four times a week and plays football. My youngest swims and plays football just as much as the other two. It can get a bit competitive sometimes. We are happy 20 expat-parent.com

when the weekend is over so we can relax. We live for Mondays! I’m really lucky that I get to work at home, so I can be around to watch a lot of their trainings and matches.

When did Saul start getting into martial arts?

About three years ago, I noticed he was watching a lot of WWE [World Wrestling Entertainment]. I thought there might be a martial art that would be interesting to him. At the time Epic MMA had a lot of programmes for kids: muay Thai, judo, jiu jitsu and more.

At first Saul was doing a little bit of everything, but he started moving towards jiu jitsu. I think he realised there’s a lot more to it. You never stop learning.

What have you learned about jiu jitsu along the way?

They call jiu jitsu the gentle art, and it is, but it’s also deadly. Kids learn some dangerous moves, but the instructors are careful and they teach them in a responsible way. Saul is one of two kids allowed to practice with the adults on a Saturday morning. I think they see his dedication. When Saul steps onto the mat, he doesn’t muck around. The black belts and the brown belts and the blue belts, they all look after him and make him feel like a little brother.

Is there one coach in particular who Saul looks up to?

His ultimate coach, if you like, is a guy by the

meet the parents name of Alberto Mina — Saul just absolutely worships him. And when Alberto was going to fight in South Korea, he said to Saul, ‘Come with me. You can be my corner man and we can go into other Octagon together’. We didn’t go, but we watched the match and Saul was just so excited, screaming, and shouting. It’s a very special relationship. It means a lot to him.

It teaches you how to approach problems with strategy. If you’re in a tough situation, what do you do? Don’t panic.

How’s jiu jitsu different than other martial arts?

As it’s a contact sport, it’s not like some of the other martial arts where they are shadow boxing against each other. This is up close and personal. If someone has his arm around your throat, it teaches you how to approach problems with strategy. If you’re in a tough situation, what do you do?

Don’t panic. Do what you’ve been taught.

Sometimes you have to tap out. There is no dishonor in losing.

What does it teach kids about losing?

It’s important to learn how to lose, and how to lose gracefully. But even if you’re in a losing position, you can still win. If you’re thinking ahead like in a chess match, you can still

come out ahead and win. It doesn’t matter if you’re losing now; it’s what you do next that matters. That’s just like life — life is a competition. We don’t always tell that to our kids.

What else do you think Saul gets out of the sport?

I think it gives him confidence. He is humble and doesn’t seek the limelight, so it’s great to see him acknowledged for what he accomplishes. He’s learning that he has to take responsibility for his actions. I think it’s an important one for kids in Hong Kong, to take responsibility for their actions. As expat kids, they do get spoiled a lot. The kids live in a cocoon.

Saul has competed in a few tournaments.

What has that been like?

It’s not really that important for him to compete, not to win at least, but just to see how he measures up against other kids at other clubs and internationally. There were kids from all over the world, from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia — all over. It’s a really great international family.

expat-parent.com 21

meet the parents Vaughan Mason Originally from New Zealand, Vaughan Mason is a professional golf coach at The Golf School of Hong Kong. His daughter Brindy Mason, 11, took up Brazilian jiu jitsu six months ago and has been addicted to the martial art ever since.

Has Brindy always been really athletic?

Ever since the day she was born, Brindy was really athletic. She was walking early, running, and on her feet right from the start. There were always golf clubs hanging around the house. She would just pick up clubs and start swinging. She started rugby at a young age, and has always been on the move.

So how did Brindy first get involved?

I started jiu jitsu about two years ago and really loved it. One day I was going to a 6pm session at JAB MMA. I took Brindy along because we were going to go to the movies afterwards. She looked at it, and just said: ‘Can I have a go?’. She was really into it from the very first moment.

How can you tell she’s in love with the martial art?

She’s not a morning person but if you mention jiu jitsu, she jumps straight out of bed. She just can’t wait for her training on Saturday mornings at the gym. In her free time, she looks up YouTube videos, studies the belt ratings. I have never seen her this passionate about anything.

Who does she normally fight against?

The first fight she did was against a girl, but actually most of the fights are against guys.

She is training with guys who are way bigger than her. But she has no fear! She has found her sport that she has fallen in love with and she works hard at it. She does burpees and pushups just to get stronger. I can’t stand burpees! Who does that? But she can do a full plank pushup. I can’t believe she can even do that.

She’s not a morning person but if you mention jiu jitsu, she jumps straight out of bed

When did she start competing?

She started last August and her first competition was in September. She competed after just one month. She just had another competition in January. I couldn’t believe she was walking onto the mat to fight a girl from Beijing. This is a full combat sport. There’s no mucking around.

Why do you think she likes it so much?

I think the team actually has a lot to do with it.

22 expat-parent.com

meet the parents Her coaches have made it really fun for her.

She says they make her feel like she’s part of a team. They have taken a shine to Brindy and that’s her favourite time in the world. They are great motivators and they know how to keep people interested.

What’s different about the sport?

It’s a grappling sport. It’s the most practical self-defense sport or martial art there is because most fights end up on the ground.

It’s a great sport for girls, because you learn self-defense and how to protect yourself.

Are there any common misconceptions about jiu jitsu?

It’s not about size and weight, but more about technique and strategy. You learn how to do choke holds, arm bars and submission fighting — it’s quite aggressive. It’s hard and it requires physical ability. The rewards are amazing and it’s a life journey. It’s not something you can learn in five minutes. You have to keep at it to learn the intricate parts.

What else do you appreciate about it?

I like the fact that it is a life journey and

it teaches you a lot about life. Brindy has competed in a couple of tournaments and she has learned a lot about losing. She didn’t win, and she had to deal with the fact that she didn’t win that day. When you get knocked down, you have to get back up and get better.

Do you think she’ll stick with it?

She wants to get her black belt and in time compete internationally. She isn’t so worried about the prizes but she has her eye on being an Olympic gold medalist. She has talked about these goals, and she wants to get her black belt before she’s 20, which is pretty much unheard of. The likelihood is really small but it’s nice she has a goal.

It sounds like she’s ambitious!

None of this comes from me. I wasn’t that serious about anything when I was 11.

I was just playing some rugby. I’m happy she’s found something she loves doing, and I’m happy to support her in whatever that is.

I think it’s important to have something you’re passionate about. That’s what it’s all about.

expat-parent.com 23

Fe at ur e 24 expat-parent.com

e ur at Fe

If the time has come for you to welcome a pet to your family, doing your research is the vital first step. Mawgan Batt speaks to vets and experts from Hong Kong’s animal organisations to help you weigh up the options and make the right choice for the whole family.

The first major consideration is the practicalities. Check if your building allow pets. Review your lease and check with your building management. Do you live in an area where you will be able to exercise a dog? They are not allowed into parks (except designated dog parks) so thinking about where to take them for exercise is important. Do you live on a high floor? Is your balcony secure or will you need to add some extra protection for inquisitive animals? Does anyone in your family have an animal allergy - what about your helper, if you have one? Do they like animals and would they be happy to be involved in some elements of the animal’s care?

Having an animal in the home brings with it a number of benefits. Children can learn and see firsthand the time and input that caring for a pet involves, teaching them responsibility for the future. A happy dog wagging its tail when you come home is a warm welcome after a hard day’s work. Children derive confidence and friendship from their pets, not to mention the benefits for the whole family of exercise from daily dog walks. However, taking on a

pet is not a decision to make lightly. “Everyone should be involved in not only choosing the right pet, but also with the care involved,” remarks Veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor of Pets Central.

Considering what type of pet would be the right fit for your family is crucial. Taking on a

dog is of course a totally different commitment to caring on a hamster or guinea pig, but all animals require a certain level of daily care, attention and exercise, so it’s important to assess how you would integrate this into your family routine. “Consider the breed, size and age of a pet to find a good match for your family,” says Veterinarian Dr Matthew Murdoch from Homevet “Also think about how suitable your space is and if you are able to fulfil your pet’s need for exercise or attention.”

Dr. Taylor echoes those views views. “You don’t necessarily need a dog or cat to benefit from pet ownership,” she says. “A small animal such as a hamster or gerbil is an ideal first pet and still teaches children about responsibility.

However the care commitment and short lifespan, mean that they are ideal starter pets.’”

Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment, and living in a transient city such as Hong Kong, where many families move every few years, throws up the extra consideration around long term obligation to a pet. A visit to one of the local animal rescue charities such as HKDR or Kirsten’s Zoo quickly highlights the issue that relocation can have on animals. expat-parent.com 25

Fe at ur e The expense, quarantine requirements and paperwork involved in relocating a pet are not to be underestimated, so if your family moves frequently, then it’s crucial to think carefully about what you would do if your family was relocated out of Hong Kong.

On top of the time that a pet requires, there are of course the costs to consider.

Animals require annual vaccinations, monthly heartworm and tick prevention and deworming, which can run into a few thousand dollars per year. Desexing is also a crucial responsibility of all pet owners and can cost a couple of thousand dollars. Although pet insurance is available, it often comes with so many restrictions, that a sensible approach is to set up a pet fund and allocate money each month to cover costs as and when they arise.

It’s worth remembering that in the tropical climate of Hong Kong, there are some specific medical problems and risks that owners should be aware of. According to Dr. Murdoch of 26 expat-parent.com

Homevet, tick bite fever, heartworm disease and Leptospirosis (transmitted via rats and muddy water) are all risks for dogs and cats.

He recommends speaking to a veterinarian in Hong Kong to get advice on protection from these conditions. The heat can be an issue to certain types of dogs, so doing your research is vital in order to choose the right type of pet for your lifestyle.

Kirsten’s Zoo is a charity focused on providing shelter to lost, abandoned, surrendered or neglected animals and its team of volunteers work with the community to ensure that animals receive the medical treatment they need, including neutering, before then being adopted. “Being a responsible pet owner is a lifetime commitment and not just the time you are in Hong Kong,” says Founder, Kirsten Mitchell. “It’s also important to consider the amount of time you can spend with your pet.

There’s no point in getting a dog or cat, and then leaving them alone for significant lengths of time.”

Sally Andersen, founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR), highlights the importance of involving the whole family in the decision making process before taking on a dog. “If you can’t commit to at least one good daily walk, and some one-on-one attention, then a cat or another pet that doesn’t need exercising would be more suitable,” advises Sally. “If you rely on a helper to walk the dog, make sure that it’s something that they enjoy doing.”

expat-parent.com 27

Fe at ur e

Everyone should be involved in not only choosing the right pet, but also with the care involved Photo by Eric Tang of HKDR

Ensuring your dog gets the walks and interaction it needs is vital, and often behavioural issues are the result in a dog’s needs being neglected. Andersen emphasises the importance of planning ahead rather than taking on a pet on a whim or due to pressure from children. “If you are thinking of getting a puppy or kitten for your child, remember that both will grow and change”. However, there are distinct benefits to taking on a young animal, especially when it comes to behaviour training. Dr. Taylor explains that puppies under 14 weeks of age are easier to socialise and train. “The window before 14 weeks is crucial to socialise a puppy. For kittens, it’s slightly younger, and so taking on a puppy or kitten at a young age, enables you to imprint core behaviour and socialisation traits, that may be more difficult to teach an older animal”.

Lara and Chloe Davids, with their adopted puppy Chimney.

Puppies and kittens are without a doubt very cute and appealing, but that first year of their lives involves a significant amount of work.

From house training to behaviour training, it’s crucial to invest this time to ensure a happy pet, that fits well into your family. “Although dogs aren’t humans, all baby animals learn the same way and are imprinted with information that will affect them for their whole lives,” says Andersen. “Puppies also go through the equivalent of human teenage years when they are transitioning into adults, and it is the age when most are given up by their families for “bad” behaviour. Be especially patient and understanding, and this time will pass”.

PET OWNER’S RESOURCE 101 Rescue organisations HKDR: Offers puppies and older dogs for adoption. Find out more at www.facebook.com/ hkdogrescue Kirsten’s Zoo: Cats and dogs for adoption and fostering. More information www.kirstenszoo.com SPCA: Dogs, cats and other small animals available for adoption in addition to veterinary services. Further details www.spca.org.hk LAP: Dogs and cats available for adoption.

For more information, visit www.lap.org.hk Veterinarians Homevet: Provides housecall veterinary services seven days a week. www.homevet.com.hk, 9860 5522.

Pets Central: Six clinics across Hong Kong. www.pets-central.com/hk

28 expat-parent.com

Valley Veterinary Centre: G/F 15 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, www.valleyvetcentre.com.hk, 2575 2389.

Acorn Veterinary Hospital: G/F 68-80 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, www.acornvets.com, 2540 0228 Kowloon Veterinary Hospital: 50 Kai Tak Road, Kowloon, kowloon-vet-hospital.com, 2382 3300 SPCA Veterinary Clinics: Seven locations across Hong Kong. www.spca.org.hk/en/veterinary/ourveterinary-clinics Pet Supplies Whiskers and Paws: Large store with a wide range of pet supplies, grooming facilities and outdoor doggie playground, 10F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.wnp.com.hk, 2552 6200.

Pet Project: Online store for cat and dog food, toys and accessories, www.petproject.hk

Animal charities in Hong Kong including Hong Kong Dog Rescue, Kirsten’s Zoo, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity and the SPCA work tirelessly to rehome unwanted animals, and also raise awareness around the issues of puppy farms and disreputable breeders.

If you are unsure about whether a dog or cat is the right pet for your household, many of the rescue organisations allow you to foster.

There are always animals in need of a loving home for a short term period and fostering allows you a little more flexibility plus gives an older animal the opportunity to be rehomed. To find out more, contact one of the organisations and pay a visit to discuss your family situation and find out more about the animals they are caring for.

So if you have decided to make the leap and add a dog, cat or other furry friend to your family, don’t forget to do your research and planning beforehand, speak to the experts, visit the rescue centres, and wait for the right pet to find you.

E Pet: A one-stop-online-shop for cat and dog supplies, www.epet.hk Vetopia: Online store with cat, dog and exotic animal supplies including food, toys and accessories, www.vetopia.com.hk Grooming facilities Pets World Resort: A luxury dog boarding facility that also offers grooming services, www.petworldresort.com Megapet: Various locations throughout Hong Kong. Offers cat and dog grooming, www.megapet.com.hk Dogotel: Dog boarding facility that also offers grooming and pampering services to dogs, www.dogotel.com Whiskers and Paws: Comprehensive range of grooming services for dogs at the Horizon Plaza Store on Ap Lei Chau, www.wnp.com.hk

expat-parent.com 29

30 expat-parent.com

open day

Beacon Hill School Rebecca Simpson takes a tour

“B

eacon Hill School is an inclusive, happy school. People always comment on that.

And we’re proud to be on the leading edge of learning technology,” replies Principal Mr James Harrison when I asked him what makes his school special.

Beacon Hill School is a place where the individual needs of each student are met, whether that’s extra support, more challenging work, guidance on creative expression or the chance to make a difference in the community. Whatever the child’s need, Beacon Hill School, situated in Kowloon Tong, seems to have it covered.

Teaching with technology There’s no denying technology has a starring role in our day to day lives. At Beacon Hill School, technology also has a starring role in the classroom. “We’re very well equipped with IT, we have Chrome Books for each student from Years 4 - 6”, says Harrison.

That will be extended to Year 3 shortly. Each dedicated computer is used by a single student throughout the entire school year”.

The school has a legacy of learning technology with the current ESF Learning Technology Advisor being a previous teacher at the school.

“This year we’ve introduced 3D printing”,

When you walk through the school door you get that buzz of excitement, it’s a happy school explains Harrison. “The students design their creations on an iPad and then they’re able to print them out on campus. That’s new for the students to explore this year, they love it!”. The students even have a dedicated, colour-filled room kitted out with 3D printers, a stack of iPads and lots of space to get creative. The room looks more like a space created for a San Francisco tech company than a Hong Kong school. Far removed from a traditional learning space, it’s filled with colourful padded seating, whiteboard walls for brainstorming and a stack of student-made 3D prints adorn the windowsill.

Hong Kong’s next generation of techpreneurs may well be born from Beacon Hill School.

An inclusive and caring community Beacon Hill is well known throughout the ESF network and beyond for their inclusive nature, and their work with special needs

children. Across the school they have over 20 students with more moderate to severe learning difficulties. Each special needs student is fully integrated into the mainstream classroom, thanks to a lot of extra support. The school has a special needs department and a Head of Special Needs, Belinda McLaughlin, who oversees the programme. McLaughlin works with classroom teachers to adapt lessons for students when necessary, and also provides guidance to the special needs teachers and assistants. Within the special needs department there are three additional learning support teachers and another three additional learning support educational assistants.

“Our size is the perfect size for a primary school and everybody knows everybody”, reflects Harrison. “Even though our catchment area is quite elongated, we still have a strong sense of community. When you walk through the school door you get that buzz of excitement, it’s a happy school.

Beacon Hill School students are also actively working to bring their unique brand of happiness to the wider community. Students meet once a week for an after school club called MAD Club (Make a Difference), where they get involved with activities and help their community. In February, the school collected spare lai see packets for charity, and they’ve been involved in beach clean ups along with

expat-parent.com 31

open day

other volunteer activities.

The Year 3 students visited the Crossroads Foundation in February and learned about refugees as part of their unit of inquiry. They’ve worked together to collect toiletries and food from students throughout the school, collating their donations and sending them to others in need.

Budding green thumbs “We try to involve the students in regular green initiatives. In fact, every Monday we kick off the week with GREEN time. That’s Go Reduce Energy Efficiently Now, an energysaving activity where we return to class from our assembly and turn off everything we’re not using,” shares Mr Harrison. “The students drive GREEN time and they even came up with the clever acronym!”

Beyond GREEN time, the week is punctuated with a slew of other environmental initiatives including recycling in classrooms and on the playground; composting students’ fruit waste on ‘Fruit Friday’ via specific composting bins; fundraising initiatives at the school’s International Food Fair; and the Entrack program that helps students monitor the school’s energy consumption.

The Beacon Hill School Green Team is a student group that meet weekly to discuss the 32 expat-parent.com

school’s environmental efforts, with a focus on including students from all year levels. The older students work to create puzzles and activities that deliver important green messages for the younger students.

The school’s resident green thumb, Paul Melsom, visits the school regularly to engage the students in planting efforts. The kids love to get busy in the community gardens within the school grounds.

Well-rounded high achievers Beacon Hill School’s approach to learning is clearly effective. It is home to children who are achieving impressive feats across the entire spectrum of learning, from maths to creative arts.

“The arts is a strong focus here, we are always encouraging our students to participate in musical endeavours”, says Harrison proudly.

“Some of our Year 6 students were main characters in The Sound of Music last year in Hong Kong. Musically, Beacon Hill School kids do well in secondary school, we even have exstudents come back to the school to perform for us.”.

Fusing the school’s passion for technology and its fun approach to academics, students have participated in a next-generation online science competition. Student Ryan Zhang competed against children from different parts

School Report Beacon Hill School Established: 1967 Number of students: 540 Class size: 30 Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) Fees 2015/2016: $78,700 per year Non refundable capital levy: for students entering Year 1 (this amount will be reduced on a sliding scale for students who join in later years) Address: 23 Ede Road, Kowloon Tong Tel: 2336 5221

of the world to be crowned world champion.

A great academic feat, achieved with a fun technology twist on the traditional approach to science. “Kids have such a lot of fun here, they love it, they love coming to school”, says Harrison. “Learning has got to be fun or it becomes twice as hard”.

expat-parent.com 33

principal’s office

James Harrison Principal of Beacon Hill School speaks to Rebecca Simpson.

What are some of the challenges of being a principal?

For me, time is always the biggest challenge.

Dividing my time between all of our school’s stakeholders is a challenge that can leave me feeling like I’m not able to give enough time to everyone. Not only am I meeting with so many people from our community, I also have to dedicate time to actioning our discussions after we meet.

This is my second year of being a Principal at Beacon Hill School. I’ve taken over from a very successful Principal and there are challenges to evolving an already fantastic and successful school. In my new role, I’ve had to re-establish myself among the community.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the variety. Despite creating a plan every week, that very rarely happens to be the way my week pans out. I also love the randomness of things that come across my desk. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to deal with so many different things each and every day.

And of course the students. If I’m having a particularly hectic or stressful day, I try to wander through the school and into the classrooms. The students always brighten my day.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

Being appointed as the principal here at Beacon Hill School. It was a fantastic moment when it happened. I’ve been at ESF since 1999 and ten years at Beacon Hill School.

Moving to Hong Kong was also a highlight.

Being offered a job in Hong Kong has opened up so many opportunities for me. It’s gone by very fast.

Did you always want to work in education?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a teacher, but it was in there somewhere. When I 34 expat-parent.com

was six I used to come home from primary school and pretend to be a teacher. I would write out my own test papers and do them myself. And then mark myself! After A-levels, I decided I’d go and do teacher training. I was primary trained and did a four year Bachelor of Education with music as well. Music is my passion, I play piano, and the college I went to had a well recognised performing arts stream.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

There is such a huge variety of things you can do, and so easily, in Hong Kong. You can be out hiking in the hills in the morning, then have lunch in Causeway Bay and be at the beach in the afternoon. Public transport makes getting around so easy. The international community and the huge mix of people here in Hong Kong is fantastic.

If I’m having a particularly hectic or stressful day, I try to wander through the school and into the classrooms

Did you have a standout teacher when you were at school?

In primary school there was a teacher who wasn’t even my teacher, but we had him every so often and he was very calm, positive, gentle and very encouraging. He would always encourage us to have a go. I still remember him and it’s impacted the type of teacher I hope I am.

What qualities do you value most in people?

I value loyalty, politeness and thoughtfulness.

I strongly believe in courtesy and manners, of thinking about other people. I’m actively promoting a lot more of that here at Beacon Hill School. I see something every day in our city where people aren’t thinking of others.

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I once performed on stage at the Wakefield Opera House in a musical called Blondel, I played King Richard the Lionheart. During my performance I had to bite into an apple, I bit into the apple, then choked and couldn’t sing!

Sponsored Column

UK and US Universities – Differences in the Application Processes Michael Li, Director of US University Admissions, ITS Education Asia

Applying to university in the UK or US, students will need to submit applications along with their secondary school transcripts and teacher recommendations.

For UK universities, a student need only submit a single UCAS application.

Depending on the subject that the student is applying for, s/he may need to take a standardised test like the BMAT (for medicine) or LNAT (for law).

For the US, a student must submit an application for each university and either an SAT or an ACT score. In the US, students must take the SAT or ACT to apply to the majority of US universities. Students applying to top tier schools may also need to take two or three SAT II Subject Tests.

For the UK, a student has to write a single, formal structured essay for his/her UCAS application. Students need to talk about

their academic accomplishments and personal reasons for specialising in a particular subject.

Applying to the US requires students to write a variety of different essays, many pushing students to come up with creative and unconventional answers. While students applying to only Common App schools can use their major essay for each of these schools, students will also be asked to write unique supplemental essays for each university.

In the UK, once a student has passed the first round of the application process, interviews are mandatory. The interview is of utmost importance in the application process, as it determines if a student will receive an offer (usually conditional) from that university.

However in the US system, interviews

are rarely mandatory and often they are not even offered.

Overall, students need to be aware of how time-consuming the application processes. Due to the variety of essays required for students applying to the US, it is strongly recommended that students identify target universities and begin applications in the summer before the year they graduate.

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.

expat-parent.com 35

A day in the life

Woodlands Beachside Campus, Repulse Bay Pre-school teacher, Catherine Jenkins, shows us around the Woodland Beachside Campus books are being shared and enjoyed at home as well as school. We encourage children to be independent, let them carry out self-help tasks such as hanging up their own coat, carrying their own bag, and managing their own belongings.

At home I recommend having a games night where your child can play board games - such as snakes and ladders - which helps children to learn how to share and take turns. Let them have fun through role-play to encourage their early literacy skills. Also, have a pen and paper at the ready, even getting them to help write your shopping list to develop their writings skills.

Children love to have stories read to them at home and school; making a trip to the local library is a wonderful way for children to take pleasure in reading books.

The highlight of my day is when we open the doors to the children and see their happy smiling faces arriving in class full of enthusiasm.

It’s a wonderful start to the morning! It is lovely to see our students arrive at school keen and eager to start their learning day which begins with developmental play. This is a time for children to gain independence when selecting an activity of their choosing. It also builds on their social skills as they interact with us and their peers. Throughout the morning and afternoon the children have the opportunity to join in with circle time, teacher-led activities, snack-time and our wonderful outside playground and indoor playroom with its very own ice-cream van and fish and chip shop!

Growing up in the UK, I always lived near the beach so being based on the southside suits me down to the ground. I have sea views from our classroom as well as from my home 36 expat-parent.com

in Stanley. I love the fact I can go hiking easily, relax on the beach, or watch the world go by from one of the many lovely beachside cafes.

Asking your child to do things for themselves goes hand in hand in building their social awareness. Children love to feel that they are being helpful; make it fun so they feel it is not a chore.

We follow the Early Years Foundation stage or EYFS of the British National Curriculum and use the early learning goals as a base for our curriculum plans. It is so rewarding for us to see the children grow into independent learners while preparing them for the challenges that face them in primary schools.

We encourage working in partnership with parents and support an open door policy.

The children’s parents have the opportunity to come in for a snack and story and join in with special events. If the children have family visiting, especially grandparents, it is lovely to see them too.

As an educator it is wonderful to hear how

School Report Woodland Beachside Campus Application date: Year round Year founded: 1978 (Woodland Group) Total number of pupils: 110-120 School fees: $2,000 - $12,400 depending on age of child and number of classes

expat-parent.com 37

after school

Splash!

Kristy Wong dives down and discovers what water-based activities are on offer for children.

In the Water Scuba diving Give your children the opportunity to discover the underwater world of clownfish and seahorses with the Splash PADI Bubblemaker, Seal and Junior open water diver courses. Budding underwater naturalists will be introduced to the wonders of the sea by the professional trainers from the Splash team. Beginners can develop their skills on the Bubblemaker programme, while the Seal Team is for young scuba divers looking for more adventurous underwater missions. For children over eight, a half day Bubblemaker course is $1200 and a full-day Seal session is $1800. Children over 10 can also join the PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course which lasts for four days, at a cost of $4800. Unit 5, 1/F, 58-72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung. www.splashhk.com Water Polo What’s the oldest team sport in the Olympics?

Water Polo, aka Beasts in the Water!

38 expat-parent.com

Organised by the HK Amateur Swimming Association, the Learn Water Polo course introduces novices to one of the toughest sports around. Basic skills of water polo include passing, shooting, egg-beater treading water and game structure are all covered in the course. Kids can experience an intense competition at the end of the course where they can show off their skills and beat their opponents. Courses are suitable for children aged 12 or above and who are able to swim 200m freestyle and 200m breaststroke continuously, $340 for each four-month course.

Wan Chai or Victoria Park Swimming pool. www.hkwaterpolo.com On the Water Kiteboarding Combining wakeboarding with paragliding, kiteboarding offers extreme thrills to kids who are up for a great workout and daring experience on water. The Kiteboarding Association HK, an affiliate of the International

Kiteboarding Association, offers a one-day kids discovery lesson where children can learn basic skills such as flying a four-line kite on short lines and launching. The three-day course includes more advanced techniques such as self-launching and independently rigging up long lines. Course fees are $600 for one-day group discovery sessions and $5400 for three-day sessions with two children in a group. Shui Hau Wan, Lantau in September to March, Lung Kwu Tan, Yuen Long from March to August. www.kiteboarding.org.hk Kayaking Children who prefer a relaxed yet refreshing adventure can opt for kayaking. The HK Aqua-bound Centre offers kayak tours to children aged eight or above and able to swim at least 50 metres. Those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour begins with an introduction to kayaking equipment and safety requirements. Following on from that,

expat-parent.com 39

after school

participants then launch from the beach onto the protected waters of Stanley Main Beach and enjoy the views of Stanley Prison Hostel and Tung Tau Wan. Courses start from $300 excluding equipment rental. Stanley Main Beach. www.aquabound.com.hk Windsurfing Growing increasingly popular due to the success of Lee Lai Shan, Hong Kong’s only Olympic gold medalist, windsurfing is a musttry for kids who want to impress their friends and get fit. The Windsurfing Centre Hong Kong offers windsurfing training to children aged nine or above and able to swim 50 metres. They will learn windsurfing principles, uphauling and tacking techniques. A course costs from $450 per day, with a certificate upon completion. Sha Ha Beach, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. www.windsurfing.com.hk Swimming To experience any kind of watersport, you must learn to swim first! Harry Wright International offers swimming classes to children for all

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abilities. Along with classes, fun events such as inter-club meets, fun ‘splash days’ and club dinners are held to motivate young swimmers to excel. The Infant Aquatic Programme caters for babies aged four months to four years, giving them an early start in the water. The Learn to Swim Programme introduces children to various swimming techniques and skills based on ability level. Classes take place in Aberdeen Marina Club, West Island School, South China Athletic Association and other locations. Prices vary. harrywright.com.hk

after school

Skimboarding For younger children who are less confident or experienced swimmers, skimboarding is an excellent option. Long Coast Seasports on Lantau Island offers skimboarding beginner and improver classes for children who want to learn how to control and balance on a board. They will learn where to catch the waves to get the best ride along the long coastline at Cheung Sha Beach. $350 per one-hour session for all ages. 29 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island. www.longcoast.hk

expat-parent.com 41

Photo by: Gozar Images

me & my hobby

Ruck and Maul Daimhlinn Darling, 17, is a student at International College Hong Kong.

She speaks to Mawgan Batt about tackles, training and tries.

When did you start playing rugby?

I started playing touch rugby about four years ago and full contact about three years ago.

What inspired you to first get involved?

I have always had an interest in rugby; I have watched it all through my childhood and growing up it was always either on the TV or a topic for discussion. However, when I was in Ireland, I didn’t hear of any female rugby clubs and since I already participated in other sports, my time was committed. When we moved to Hong Kong, I noticed that a lot of my friends at school played rugby and that was where I was first introduced to the whole lifestyle. I actively went to training with the touch team at my school and I was asked to join the team within my first year. Each year we have two inter-school tournaments in which my team are reigning champions and for the past two years our team has competed in the touch league against professional teams, placing honourably.

How do you feel about playing a contact sport?

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As far as contact is concerned, it was a bit of a bumpy ride. I first joined contact rugby because my friends played and told me I would be good at it. I would say that initially, it was the welcoming community and my love of the sport that got me so obsessed with rugby. I now train twice a week for touch, and up to four times a week for contact. Rugby takes up a lot of my time and, even though I am doing IB and need to balance my time management, it is a big part of my life and I don’t think I could ever drop it.

Tell us about your favourite moments playing?

Playing against the team that a lot of my school friends play for is always so much fun.

We always joke about how we are going to beat each other, however even though we are competitive on the pitch, we have fun. I remember in one match we were playing at the end of last year, the girls knew that I wasn’t that strong at receiving the catch at the kickoff so they deliberately made sure that the ball was kicked to me. They also continuously attacked me so that I would get tired of tackling them

and would eventually let them though. Although it was frustrating and difficult at the time, we all laughed and joked about it afterwards and we still joke about it now. I think that’s the important thing about rugby, its that whatever happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch; we don’t keep grudges, we just have fun. At the end of the day, it isn’t about winning, it’s about playing as well as you can and making yourself a better player.

Any tips for budding young players?

I know how scary it can be to come into such a physical sport, but the aggressive nature that most people associate with rugby is very misleading. In reality, rugby girls are some of the nicest people you can meet. The only thing you need to do is not give up. Keep your head down and try as hard as you can. It’s okay if you make mistakes, you just need to get back up and keep trying. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, coaches love to see a player eager to learn, it shows how much you want to be there and that’s always a good thing!

expat-parent.com 43

Mumpreneurs

The Wellness Warrior Kate Farr chats to the founder of the Wellness 360 Consultancy and Chairman of the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Fund, Jo Soo-Tang.

What is Wellness 360?

Wellness 360 is a marketing consultancy that exclusively works with wellness, health, fitness and family-focused firms. Among the marketing services provided are strategy development, media relations, design, digital services and event planning and management.

contacts. From that point, the fairs have grown larger each time, and my consultancy work has increased alongside them.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

Initially, it was doing everything on my own – not being able bounce ideas around with colleagues. Fortunately, I now have staff with whom I can share the victories and disappointments, but those start-up days can be lonely.

Tell me about your family Our family of five consists of me, my husband and our three gorgeous kids. Mischa is ten years old, Myles is seven and our youngest, Mia, is four years old.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love that I learn something new every day. I’d stopped learning within my corporate job and felt like I was put into a box with no doors, so this is such a contrast. I also love the freedom of being able to control my own schedule... byebye nine-to-five.

What did you do before launching your business?

I worked here in Hong Kong for a multinational company, heading up a marketing communications department. I also currently chair The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation… which has really become another full-time job!

Where did the idea come from to go it alone?

A very good question! I’ve been working since my university days, and as a parent I believe that it’s vitally important to pass the values of working, making your own money, being independent and the associated self-worth on to my children. I was very lucky in that I always had flexi-hour roles which meant that my schedule was manageable with two kids. Of course I was tired, but which mother isn’t?

When Mia came along, my stress levels went through the roof. I realised that something had to give and that I had to reorganise my priorities.

What I needed was a role that would allow me to plan my own schedule, dress how I wanted, pick up my children from school and still manage to have a career. This is how Wellness 360 was born.

What made you choose wellness?

After I left the property industry, I wanted to spend more time learning. I was already very interested in wellness, health and fitness issues due to my charity work at Adventist 44 expat-parent.com

Hospital. Once I realised that I was looking after everyone’s well being but my own, I knew that I needed to address this and so my personal interest in the sector grew as my knowledge did. I’m still learning every day – this sector is constantly growing, and organising the Wellness 360 fairs always brings new businesses and initiatives into the spotlight.

How did you translate your business idea from concept to reality?

With the support of friends. I decided to go completely back to basics with the concept and now I only take on clients that are already within my network – in fact my first client was the husband of one of my girlfriends who needed marketing support. She lent me a venue to host my first fair then partnered with me to invite her

How do you juggle your business with family life – what’s the biggest challenge in maintaining a good balance?

I’m at a very happy place with the balance right now. I make sure that my office days are very focused, and leave Fridays free. I work from 8.45am until 2.30pm every day when I pick up my children from school, and then I don’t check email again until around 9pm. The biggest challenge is in finding time for yourself, your friends and business partners.

What advice would you give to other working parents? Any specific pros and cons?

Make sure that you enjoy what you do and that you can fit your family into the mix, but most importantly try to dedicate half a day each week to yourself. Surround yourself with people who are positive, have good energy and that will support you no matter what.

What’s next for your business? What are your plans and aspirations?

I would eventually love to build a wellness centre and work with more like-minded people, and while I have no immediate plans to execute this, it’s important to have dreams.

expat-parent.com 45

Peak performance Rory Mackay takes a detour from one of the city’s best known trails.

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big day out

V

ictoria Peak, you may have heard of it... Yes, Hong Kong is for many of us our home and long time residents may question the value of me telling you about visiting such a wellknown area. However, it is packed full of lesser-known nooks and possesses bountiful options for exploration. I must admit, until recent times ‘The Peak’ was a spot I would only frequent when showing visiting friends around town and I never went there on my own. However, I have recently been hitting the hiking trails of Hong Kong Island more frequently and have been thoroughly impressed with what I have found!

With such a plethora of options I’ll keep things simple here, sharing with you my favourite route over The Peak and highlighting a few appealing detours along the way. My optimal route begins in Admiralty, runs over Victoria Peak and finishes in Aberdeen.

Now as a local, I aim to walk the entire way up and over. But of course, there are no rules and if you want to take it easy or you’re short on time, half the route can be done on foot and the other by alternate means of transport. I love starting my adventure in the city and finishing in more tranquil surroundings on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Beginning in Admiralty, head on foot up the hill to Hong Kong Botanical and Zoological Gardens (otherwise catch the number 15 bus or a taxi from Queensway to the Peak Galleria, don’t bother queuing for the tram up).

Passing through the botanical gardens, you immediately escape the hustle and bustle of Central. The gardens contain many interesting bird and marsupial enclosures and I love having a wander around before pressing onwards and upwards. Ascending Old Peak Road, the gradient steps up a notch. The going gets much more physical, but a glance

over your shoulder reveals an increasingly expansive view of the skyscrapers, just enough to motivate you to carry on. Once you are above all the housing developments, Old Peak Road transforms into a charming laneway. A smooth surface winding its way through the trees, the shady shelter harbours many native bird species, their calls providing a soothing soundtrack for the final uphill section.

Once at the Peak Tower, there is the option to climb further to the summit of Mount Austin or to do the circular route around The Peak. Both of these I recommend if you want to lose the crowds and enjoy great views.

After a stop for ice cream or to reload your water bottle, the more adventurous leg of the walk begins. Heading south, many people head down the trail that leads to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and Pok Fu Lam Road. This route is pleasant but short, so if you have a bit more

time to spare, try heading down Peel Rise towards Aberdeen.

Walk along Peak Road for a couple of hundred meters and over the small arch bridge onto Gough Hill Path - Peel Rise is then a turn down the hill to your right. Peel Rise has a similar vibe to heading up the later stages of Old Peak Road. It is densely forested and offers a relaxing stroll, where the frenetic pace of Hong Kong suddenly feels an exceedingly long way away.

Half an hour or so down and you will find yourself at the end of Peel Rise where you can then turn right and arrive in Aberdeen.

However, I recommend turning left and taking a detour to explore the Upper and Lower Aberdeen Reservoirs. This area flies under many people’s radars, yet is incredibly scenic and the large dam wall at the upper reservoir alone is worth the visit.

Back down in Aberdeen and a timely return to civilisation. The whole walk should take between two to five hours depending on your pace and choice of route. There are plenty of dining options here for a post-hike meal, or simply shoot back to wherever you want on a bus or taxi. The MTR opening in Wong Chuk Hang later this year will be a game changer for the area.

This is a versatile itinerary that can satisfy a range of abilities, from families in search of a spot of fresh air to athletic individuals seeking a workout. One way or another, heading up Victoria Peak is a must do for anyone spending time in our great city. That magical view from the top never gets old.

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

expat-parent.com 47

food

Tea time Callum Wiggins samples the best afternoon teas around Hong Kong.

The Lobby A stay in Hong Kong is incomplete without trying The Peninsula’s classic afternoon tea and enjoying the colonial grandeur of The Lobby. The Lobby Strings provide live musical accompaniment (except Mondays) as diners take a seat amid the elegant columns and gilt-edged decor of Hong Kong’s most famous hotel, for a multi-layered tea served on a silver-framed three-tier plate. During the week, the top tiers include homemade tarts, pastries and finger sandwiches filled with those quintessentially British tea time favourites, smoked salmon, egg salad, prawns and cucumber (naturally), while on the bottom tier, fat little scones made to a 50-year-old recipe are served with organic strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream.

The Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea is $358 ($628 for two), served daily from 2pm to 6pm. G/F, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, hongkong.peninsula.com, 2920 2888.

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food The Continental Styled after the grand cafes of Europe, the emerald leather seats and retro gold globe lighting present a smart, sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a fine afternoon tea above the hubbub of the streets of Hong Kong. The afternoon tea is a safe yet well executed selection of moorish sandwiches including duck egg mayonnaise and prawn brioche bun. Sweet treats include victoria sandwich, carrot cake and chocolate and raspberry tart. Not forgetting the plain and raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam served with a choice of Illy coffee or an array of teas. The Continental Tea Set is $365 for one ($650 for two including a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne), served from 3pm to 5pm.

L/4, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, www.thecontinentalhongkong.com, 2704 5211.

Feast (Food by East) Inspired by premium Italian chocolatier Venchi, the new ‘Buono Buonissimo’ afternoon tea set is ideal for those with a sweet tooth.

Executive chef David Parkin has created a set of savoury bites including seared tuna loin, tea smoked salmon brioche with pickled cucumber and avocado butter, and emmental and truffle panini. Using Venchi’s 75 per cent extra dark chocolate, sweet items include chocolate mousse, Cuba rhum brûlée and Piedmont hazelnut cupcake. Further chocolate cravings can be indulged at the Venchi pop-up store at the entrance to Feast. The ‘Buono Buonissimo’ afternoon tea is $288 for two from Monday to Friday and $388 on the weekends. Available from April 5 until May 29.

East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Quarry Bay. www.east-hongkong.com, 3968 3777.

Seasons Although a quintessentially English tradition, Seasons by chef Olivier Elzer has created its own afternoon tea set with Gallic touches throughout. Served on a traditional three-tier afternoon tea stand and accompanied by Seasons’ signature wooden box, the tea set combines a delectable mix of savoury and sweet delicacies. Savoury selections include indulgent duck foie gras cream egg, croque monsieur, lobster jelly and Seasons’ mini burgers. Sweet offerings include matcha green tea mousse, dark chocolate rocher, chestnut and meringue tart as well as apple tart tatin.

The French afternoon tea is complete with a selection of plain and raisin scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam. The Seasons afternoon tea is $248 ($468 for two), served daily from 3pm to 5.30pm. Fancy some bubbly? Enjoy a glass of NV Jacques Picard Brut for an extra $105.

3/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. www.seasonsbyolivier.com, 2505 6228.

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food

The Parlour Popular for its East meets West 19th Century architecture, The Parlour at Hullett House overlooks the fountain and is particularly fetching with the afternoon sun streaming through its arches. Visitors for afternoon tea can opt for the traditional Hullett House Afternoon tea which includes a classic selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pastries served with clotted cream and Hullett House jam.

The innovative Old Hong Kong Afternoon Tea includes all the favourite local tea time favourites such as baked mini pineapple bun, French toast, “wife cake” and baked bird’s nest and egg white tart. Best served with Hong Kong’s own silky smooth milk tea. Both afternoon tea sets are $418 for two and served from 3pm to 5.30pm.

Hullett House, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.hulletthouse.com, 3988 0101.

Cafe Gray Deluxe In celebration of the Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) Spring Collection 2016 ‘Fortuna’, Cafe Gray Deluxe at The Upper House has sought to capture the essence of the iconic designer’s latest looks in its afternoon tea set, available from April 5 until May 15. ‘Fortuna’, the Roman goddess of fate and fortune, and the subject of the very first painting that Diane bought for herself, represents happiness, colour and joie de vivre. Highlights of the tea set include sea buckthorn berry macarons in DVF’s Peace Palm saffron print, strawberry and jasmine shortcakes with DVF’s signature lips and a mousse of creme de cassis full of spring colours. The special afternoon tea is $310 ($560 for two), served from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Guests will also receive a voucher that can be exchanged for a special DVF gift in the Pacific Place shop.

Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. www.upperhouse.com, 3968 1106.

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expat-parent.com 51

money & me

Katie Campbell and Emma Pike The founders of online butcher, Farmer’s Kitchen, speak to Annie Wong about supplying Hong Kong with ethically produced meat and fish.

Tell us about your organisation?

Katie: Farmer’s Kitchen is a familyowned, online butcher, that delivers restaurant-quality Australian meat across Hong Kong. Our beef and lamb is 100 per cent grass fed, ensuring a distinctive, rich taste that is more full-flavoured than grain-fed products. We also stock salmon, chicken, pork and smallgoods from family-run farms in Australia that are ethical producers, clean and green.

What was the inspiration to set up the business?

Emma: Being Australian, we had come to expect delicious, succulent meat at a reasonable price and we noticed in Hong Kong that this was lacking. We set out to provide naturally farmed, not-previouslyfrozen meat that would make dinner time an experience to savour.

Katie: Another inspiration behind launching Farmer’s Kitchen was the opportunity to educate people about meat. We try to teach people about the different qualities of meat and why it is so important to know what you are putting in your mouth and where it came from.

Are you spenders or a savers?

Katie: That’s an interesting one. I’d say in a business sense we are both - we like to save our money so we can spend it on worthwhile things, rather than just spending it the minute it comes in.

How much is in your wallet?

Emma: Not much at all! Neither of us carry much cash. It disappears too quickly if it’s on hand.

Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?

Emma: The key is to give them an understanding of the fact that everything does actually cost money and money must be managed so you can afford everything you 52 expat-parent.com

us to know exactly what is happening, what is working and what could do with improvement.

What was your best investment?

Katie: Thinking in the now, Farmer’s Kitchen has been a very rewarding investment for both of us. Although there have been other investments, we have gained huge satisfaction from providing our customers with what they want.

need. The sooner you can get them using their own money, even just for small, basic things, the better they will be.

How much pocket money do you give your children?

Emma: In our household there’s no set amount but we both like to make sure they are getting enough, but not too much.

This ensures our kids learn that, in life, you can have some things, but you can’t have everything.

When were you poorest? What did you go through? What did you learn?

Katie: When we started Farmer’s Kitchen at the end of 2014, there were certainly times when it seemed like money was just running out the door, and not too much was coming back in. I guess the lesson is that with all investments, especially small business, patience is a virtue and you have to be prepared to play the long game, rather than jumping ship at the first sign of trouble.

Do you prefer to manage your own affairs?

Emma: Being a family-run and owned business, we take pride in our hands-on approach and like to be as involved as possible in all aspects of our business. It helps

Who is your inspiration?

Emma: I’ve always admired Jamie Oliver for the way he champions naturally grown food and organic growers. He has a pretty astute business mind too.

Emma and Katie: It goes without saying, family.

What was your worst investment?

Emma: I don’t think either of us has made a big, bad investment. We’re both cautious and careful about these sorts of things.

How do you guarantee a healthy cash flow for the company?

Emma: Network and communicate with everyone that you can. If you’re building a sustainable business, it’s really important to build networks.

Katie: Always do the best for the customer.

Do you invest in stocks?

Emma: We’ve dabbled. But if you do something well, it takes time.

Do you own property?

Katie: Does the family farm near Eden in Australia count?

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?

Katie: Bought or brought-up? The children that are part of the Farmer’s Kitchen family are just beautiful, but raising a family in Hong Kong isn’t something I’d say was affordable.

expat-parent.com 53

travel

Eat, pray, Selfie Tom Hilditch checks in to the familyfriendly Alila Seminyak Bali hotel.

54 expat-parent.com

travel

A

lila’s uber-chic resorts are famous among the party set for awakening their inner child. But would they be any good with actual children?

The new Alila Seminyak Bali is the group’s first hotel aimed at families with young children as well as couples. And it shows that their concept of “experience first” plays equally well with the Peppa Pig crowd.

Alila’s secret is they make their hotels fun and photogenic.

First off, the building is a zen den triumph. It’s really just a collection of boxes that frame mother nature and give you a series of sudden and stunning views. It’s impossible to move from your room to the pool without taking at least three selfies. This place was built for social media. And photobombing every picture is the sun, the real star of this hotel. Bali’s southwest coast has some of the world’s most stunning sunsets and Alila frames them perfectly.

The lobby has no wall and opens straight onto the beach - so the exploding dusk sun can blow the minds of arriving guests.

Everyone gets a balcony. And everyone gets a view. But the best place to enjoy the sunset is down at the beach bar. Here, Alila make the end of each day an almost theatrical event, with the DJ and the tiki torches, the free shooters and the beautiful people sprawling on beanbags.

Another ingredient that Alila has got right is the staff. They go beyond the call of duty, chasing after your kids, taking photos and making sure you enjoy your stay.

Here’s some of the things we loved: The hotel has three infinity pools. Yup. Three. No battle for sunloungers here. Plus, there’s a pool for families, a pool for laps and a pool for just lazing around.

The rooms all face the ocean, with balconies and giant sliding doors that bring in the fresh sea breeze. But when you are done with all that, you can seal the room, black-out the windows, crank up the aircon and snuggle under crisp white duvets.

The lady who manages the children’s playroom goes beyond the call of duty.

We loved the breakfast buffet with its fresh baked breads, a la carte treats and myriad fresh juice cocktails.

Top tip. Try to be at Alila when it’s your birthday… Free cake!

And Indonesians take their cake seriously…

Top tip 2. Try to be at Alila when it’s your child’s birthday, Then you get a free a toy and a cake.

Bathtime. Someone at Alila is seriously into bubble baths. All the rooms have giant baths and all the baths have ocean views.

Romantic experience. “We prefer spiritual experiences to souvenirs,” goes the Alila mantra. To this end, guests can choose from a wonderful variety of missions, including temple experiences, beach dining, picnics, bicycling and more.

Free water by the pool.

Morning Yoga is at 7am and 9am. The teacher is really good.

Walks on the beach.

In the end, a holiday by the sea is all about the ocean.

Seminyak’s long, white sand beach is a microcosm of Bali… surfers… lovers… dog walkers… pensioners… hipsters… father and sons… all walking the line where the land meets the sea, kind waves rolling out, cleaning the sand, smoothing it down, and then erasing their footsteps endlessly and forever.

For more information visit www.alilahotels.com/seminyak.

Garuda, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines fly daily to Bali.

Alila Seminyak, Taman Ganesha No.9, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia. +62 (0)361 3021 888. expat-parent.com 55

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bald truths

The Thick Blue Line …

Simon Parry enters a parellel universe

I

t’s surprising what you miss about your children when you’ve been away from them for a while, as I have been since my four left Hong Kong nine months ago to move back to England with their mum.

I miss the laughter and the incessant chatter, the hubbub of school mornings, the thrill of Friday afternoons and the bedlam of every meal time. But I also miss things I never imagined I would look back on with nostalgia.

I miss their argumentativeness, their stubbornness, their truculent obstinacy when they do something wrong and refuse to own up, however damning the evidence.

As toddlers, any one of them could stand surrounded by broken glass and with chocolate spread smeared over their mouths and hands and declare with absolute conviction: “I never went near the Nutella.”

Since they left, though, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of that muchmissed stubbornness and truculent obstinacy from an unexpected source: The Sai Kung constabulary.

It began in September when I left my car parked as usual off the road and pavement in front of my rented house in Sai Kung Country Park and went to work overseas for a fortnight.

The parking space was on government land but set back off a straight, quiet stretch of road on the edge of the village. It had been used without incident or complaint as a parking space since the house was built some seven years ago.

A few weeks before I left, indigenous villagers approached my landlady asking for a $300 monthly fee to use the space. As it wasn’t on village land, she quite reasonably declined.

Then, without warning, police began to ticket my car in my absence: Not once, not twice, but six times in the space of three days.

A friendly neighbour alerted me and I spent 27 minutes on the phone to Sai Kung police from Indonesia patiently explaining why I couldn’t move my car until I got back to Hong Kong.

I was told bluntly that being overseas

60 expat-parent.com

Simon Parry is a jaded, middleaged journalist and father of four.

He lives in Hong Kong.

It suddenly dawned on me that this wasn’t persecution: It was a pure Nutella moment.

was not an excuse and the ticketing would continue. My call would not even be logged. It was only after I asked the Lands Department as landowner to intervene that police agreed to stop issuing tickets.

The tickets, it turned out, had been issued in response to repeated complaints from an individual anonymous complainant.

Naively, I thought the issue would be sorted out once police knew the background and I would end up with a warning or at most one parking ticket.

I thought wrong. Here is a brief but accurate summary of my exchanges with the Divisional Commander (DC) at Sai Kung police station: Q: Why issue parking tickets for causing an obstruction or danger to other road users or pedestrians when my car was well off the road and doing neither? A: It might have caused an obstruction or danger when you parked. The police can use conjecture to imagine the traffic conditions and manoeuvres when you parked, even though we weren’t there.

Q: Are you going to further investigate any connection between the complaints that led to my repeated ticketing and the demand for illegal payment for my parking space? A: No. Q: Why did your officers repeatedly ticket my car when I was obviously away? A: You might have pretended to be away by parking your car in the same position and leaving the tickets on the windscreen.

Q: In that case, why not stop ticketing after I phoned from Indonesia? A: How do we know it was you? You might have got someone to call from overseas pretending to be you so you could continue doing the above.

By now, it was clear I was some weird parallel universe where road laws and logic warped and twisted at will. Then, as I trudged grumpily out of the police station and back to the real world, it suddenly dawned on me that this wasn’t persecution: It was a pure Nutella moment.

The DC wasn’t being unreasonable. He was simply taking community policing to the extreme and helping me come to terms with my family separation by giving me some of blinkered childish obstinacy I missed.

Chuckling, I chided myself for even bothering Asia’s Finest with something so trivial. These people have far more important things to worry about – like how to restore their credibility after Occupy and Mongkok, for instance.

And let’s face it: If my surreal exchanges with the local DC reflect police attitudes in general, they need every precious minute of uninterrupted thinking time they can get.

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