Expat Parent Magazine May 2016

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the really useful magazine

May 2016

s! iew ev os Th we H tha elpe nk rs, you Dim sum an then som d e

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Ding ding Ride the t ! ram

REASONS FAMILIES LOVE HONG KONG

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CONTENTs 2

Editor’s letter

4 Contributors 6

6

ISSUE 025 42

A day in the life

Co-teachers Aileen Doyle and Waiyin Suen of Hamilton Hill School.

School photos and news

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After school

What’s happening at schools across the city.

Game, set and match tennis classes for kids.

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48

What’s on

Me & my hobby

Dates for your diary.

Swimming star Eloise Raper.

16 News

50 Mumpreneurs

What’s happening on the parent scene.

Pilates powerhouses Heather Shalabi and Anna Serafinas Luk of Flex Studio.

18 Giveaways

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Lots of free stuff.

Tsing Yi - the isle of bridges

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54 Food

Things we’d buy

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Gifts to spoil mum this Mother’s Day.

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New parents

Big day out

Family dining adventures.

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Money & me

Preparing your helper to care for your baby when you go back to work.

Raymond Shuai of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe.

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Meet the parents

Families with children living with diabetes and food allergies.

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28 50 things we love about having a family in Hong Kong

Bald truths

Simon Parry’s children are full of questions.

The adventures, the lifestyle, the food, the travel and more.

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Open day

We take a visit to the Japanese International School.

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Principal’s office

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With Japanese International School Principal, Simon Walton.

20 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

Digital Digital Marketing Manager Charmaine Mirandilla

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk

charmaine@fastmedia.com.hk

Sales & Marketing ads@fastmedia.com.hk

I

’ve been raising my two sons in Hong Kong for five years now, and they both firmly identify that the city is home. Sometimes my parent guilt kicks in and I worry that my boys are missing out on typical childhood experiences - we all worry about the lack of space and air quality don’t we?

However when I started writing this month’s feature about reasons to love being a parent in Hong Kong, I realised that they aren’t missing out at all. In fact, my sons are lucky (as we all are) to live in a place that combines all the conveniences of city life, with country parks, beautiful beaches, travel opportunities, a vast array of cuisines and that are so culturally rich and diverse.

Read our 50 reasons that families love Hong Kong on pages 29-35.

Continuing our series profiling mumpreneurs, two of Hong Kong’s health pioneers, Heather Thomas Shalabi and Anna Serafinas Luk of Flex Studio speak to Kate Farr about how their partnership has created one of Hong Kong’s most successful fitness studios. Discover more about these pilates powerhouses on pages 50-51.

Also this month, Kate Springer speaks to the mothers of children who follow special diets due to allergies and diabetes. Discover how they have incorporated these life-altering changes into their lives pages 22-27.

We go behind the scenes at the Japanese International School in Tai Po and speak to Principal Simon Walton about how this small and authentic community school supports a diverse multicultural and multilingual student body. Rebecca Simpson takes a tour on page 36-40.

Finally, step off the beaten track and enjoy some family friendly dining adventures across Hong Kong. From dim sum overlooking a waterfall to enjoying beachside sunsets accompanied by a delicious meal, be inspired with our dining ideas on pages 54-56. We hope you’re enjoying family life in Hong Kong as much as we are..

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 Assistant Jason To

Office Security

jason@fastmedia.com.hk

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, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong 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

Laurence Fauchon

Rebecca Simpson

Rory Mackay

Laurence is the Co-Founder and CEO of HelperChoice, a social impact startup which hopes to eradicate illegal agency placement fees by directly connecting employers and domestic helpers. Laurence started her entrepreneurial adventure while she was pregnant with her first daughter. She gives her top tips for smooth parent-helper relationship after mum goes back to work on page 22.

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.

Growing up between Hong Kong and Scotland, Rory is no stranger to adventure.

Whether scaling munros in the Scottish Highlands, sailing to the North Pole or cycling solo across Africa, he loves to explore new places. Find out about his latest Hong Kong adventure to Tsing Yi on page 52.

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

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school photos & news Renaissance College

A cast and crew of over 100 students helped put together this wonderful production of the musical Bugsy Malone.

Kellett School

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Kellett School hosted the U13 FOBISIA Games 2016, which saw squads of girls and boys from five other schools from around Asia come together to compete in athletics, swimming, football and basketball.

The students demonstrated fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship over the three day competition.

school photos & news Peak School

The Peak School recently performed their whole school production of Into the Woods and upper school students took part in their Sports Day.

Island School

Glenealy School

Different student groups launched original campaigns in hopes of winning the Island School Student Union Race.

Students got dressed up for the Glenealy School Book Week Parade. expat-parent.com 7

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what’s on

Bun-tastic!

MAY 11-15

Cheung Chau Bun Festival Bun towers, colourful parades and lion dance performances, plus don’t miss the bun scrambling contest at midnight on the last day of the festival.

Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau, www.cheungchau.org

MAY 1

Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $395$995 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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.

MAY 8 Mother’s Day Mums, sit back, relax and enjoy your special day. (See pg.20 for gift ideas).

MAY 12

MAY 2 Labour Day Public Holiday Put your feet up, it’s a public holiday.

UNTIL MAY 2 Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show 2016 Back for its 16th edition, the four-day event features the latest cruisers, yachts and watersports equipment on the market, as well as live entertainment for the family.

Visit www.hkgcboatshow.com for the event’s schedule.

MAY 7 Garden House School Open Day An open day will be held at Garden House 10 expat-parent.com

School’s Silverstrand Campus. There will be a school tour, craft sale, refreshments and activities on the day. Educational talks and Q&A will be held at noon. 10.30am-1pm, 7 Silverstrand Beach Road, Clearwater Bay. For more information, email info@gardenhouse. edu.hk or visit www.gardenhouse.edu.hk.

UNTIL MAY 8 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

Olivia Newton-John Live in Hong Kong You’re the one that I want! Olivia Newton-John comes to town. 8pm, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets from $488-$1,288 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 14 Buddha’s birthday Public holiday (although this one falls on a Saturday).

MAY 14 & 15 Peppa Pig Live! Treasure Hunt Peppa Pig and her friends are making their debut on stage with singalongs, new

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what’s on

One for the family

MAY 13-15

Affordable Art Fair The Affordable Art Fair returns to Hong Kong this May. Visitors can browse through thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photography by young emerging artists and established names. Price tags range from $1,000 to $100,000. All art at the fair is for sale and prices are clearly displayed. Children under 16 go free. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets from www.affordableartfair.com

adventures and snorts of laughter. Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Tickets from $280-$580, www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAY 14 Stanley Dragon Boat Warm-up Races Get ready for Dragon Boat season at the 250m pre-races. 8am-5pm, Stanley Main Beach, www.dragonboat.org.hk

MAY 15 Junior Sailing Family Fun Day Young sailors can get a taste of Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s sailing sessions at the Junior Sailing Family Fun Day. Participants are taken out on dinghies and will learn basic skills, enjoy games and a friendly race. 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. $365 for members; $525 for nonmembers, includes child and adult. To register, email sailadmin@hhyc.org.hk

MAY 18 Summer Holiday Shopping Bazaar Local and international

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wares, including ethnic and contemporary jewellery, gourmet wine and foods and even yoga mats. Free entry. 12pm-7:30pm, The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. www.shoppinghongkong.blogspot.com

MAY 25-JUN 3 Asia Week Hong Kong Appetite for art still going strong? A week long series of events showcasing and promoting Asian art, through collaborations with galleries, museums, auction houses and cultural institutions. For the full programme of events and to buy tickets, go to www.asiaweekhk.com

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what’s on

MAY 28-29 Italian Market 2016 The Italian Chamber of Commerce brings an event dedicated to good food and drink, hand crafts and music all the way from Italy.

Ocean View court and Sea View Terrace, The Arcade, Cyberport. 12pm-9pm on May 28, 12pm-8pm on May 29. $50 entrance fee, www.icc.org.hk/en/italian-market-2016

attendance fee. Starting at Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre at 4pm. Details at sites.google. com/site/saikungsaturdayh3

MAY 28

MAY 28

Sai Kung Saturday Hash Join the monthly hare around the Sai Kung countryside. Child and dog-friendly, 8km, $10

Soul Sister Spring Concert The Hong Kong Women’s Choir are raising their voices for a number of good causes with

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The Hong Kong Women’s Choir

the ‘Soul Sisters’ gala event at Grappa’s Cellar at Jardine House. The divas will run through a medley of soul hits throughout the night which also includes a three-course dinner and lucky draws. Doors open from 6.30pm. Grappa’s Cellar at Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central. Tickets $528 from Ticketflap, www.ticketflap.com

Book now! fun of singing and dancing with a fabulous supporting cast. Play Mat zone available for children. Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets start at $225, www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUL 22-AUG 7

JUN 7-19 Faust Festival The annual celebration of live theatre returns for a 17th triumphant season. Two weeks of a variety of shows all performed by Faust’s budding young actors. Y Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan. Tickets $125 from URBTIX, www.urbtix.com, 2111 5999

JUN 10-12 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Join the Potts family for an adventure of a

lifetime as Face Productions transports Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Hong Kong. Watch out for the childcatcher! Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $195 - $395 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUN 17-19 Mister Maker and the shapes live on stage Mister Maker’s first ever live theatre tour in Hong Kong with only eight shows. Lots of audience participation and kids can share the

Shrek the Musical The live adaptation of everyone’s favourite ogre from a faraway land comes to Macau.

Featuring over a dozen fairytale misfits including donkey and a not-so-handsome prince.

The Venetian Theatre, The Venetian Macau.

Tickets start from $180 from Cotai Ticketing, www.cotaiticketing.com, 6333 6660.

AUG 27 & 28 Hi-5 Fairytale Your favourite fairytale stories told with a Hi-5 twist. The popular gang return once again to Hong Kong with their high-energy show. Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $250-$688 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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news

NEW places to eat

Maison Eight Maison Eight promises to bring the best of French cuisine, cocktails, champagne and parties under one roof while guests take in stunning views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour.

The 8,000 square feet concept destination in Tsim Sha Tsui is home to a French restaurant, cocktail bar, ballroom with private terrace and a Bollinger Champagne Room while the adjacent wine cellar boasts a collection of over 2,000 bottles. www.maisoneight.com, 2388 8160.

OUT NOW

Above Hong Kong Island Above Hong Kong Island, a high-quality photographic book published by Fast Media, is now available to buy. Featuring stunning aerial photography over Hong Kong Island, shot by professional photographer Graham Uden in conjunction with Heliservices, the book captures the wonders of Hong Kong Island, from Victoria Harbour up to The Peak and around to the Southside. The book is available to buy at www.abovehongkong.com.

Fashion forward

Buying something extra special for babies and young children to wear just got much easier with the launch of Retykle. The online resale platform allows parents to buy second-hand designer children’s fashion from global brands including Bonpoint, Ralph Lauren, Jacadi and Chloé from parents whose children have since outgrown the clothes. “As a new parent myself, I quickly realised how much I was spending on clothes and how fast my son was growing out of new clothes”, says founder Sarah Garner. “I started Retykle to improve our ability as parents to carry on the lifecycle of outgrown kids’ clothes. I want parents to save time, reduce the environmental impact and improve sustainability through the shared economy”. Visit www.retykle.com for more information on how to buy and sell clothes.

Pets Central expands and adoption drive Pets Central will be hosting their Pets Central Open House-Doption Day on May 14 at their newly renovated flagship Sai Kung clinic. Animals of all sizes are looking for new homes and the Open House will be the perfect time for the family to come down and speak with the experienced Pets Central team. The Sai Kung store has also undergone a revamp with an extra 2,000 sq ft of space added to the veterinary clinic and shop as well as adding five new vets to the team. Shop 4, 66 Yi Chung Street, Sai Kung.

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Amalfitana Already home to fab restaurants Limewood, The Ocean and TRi, the pulse in Repulse Bay has added some casual Italian fare to its list of dining options. Amalfitana, a pizza bar drawing inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi coast, serves up all your favourite Italian dishes lead by chef Michel Degli Agosti. Pizza and pasta while the sun sets over Repulse Bay? Yes, please. the pulse, G/F Shop 105, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay.

The Ribcage Serving up that all-American classic dish of slow smoked ribs, The Ribcage is Kennedy Town is already gathering a loyal following. Smoked with hickory and applewood until juicy and tender and then based in a BBQ sauce, the beef and pork ribs are served with beef-fat skinny fries and homemade coleslaw. The restaurant may only have space for a few tables but judging by the rave reviews in K-Town, it’s worth the wait. Shop J, G/F May Sun Building, 1 Smithfield, Kennedy Town.

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

Coffee Roasters Asia

Coffee Roasters Asia is a newlyopened premium specialty coffee roaster based in Aberdeen. Their classic black collection is a strong and robust coffee blend consisting of coffees from Brazil, India and Columbia.

We have ten 200g classic black packs up for grabs worth $107 each. www.coffeeroasters.com.hk Deadline: May 26

Skin Laundry

ABA Productions Ltd.

Skin Laundry offers quick and easy facial treatments by using lasers to go deep down into pores. Skin Laundry’s 15-minute ‘Laser and Light’ treatment removes dirt and acne-causing bacteria leaving skin cleaner, clearer, tighter and brighter. We’re giving away ten $750 mask and treatment sets which includes a ‘Laser and Light’ treatment, beauty mask, Skin Laundry tote bag and face towel. www.skinlaundry.hk Deadline: May 31

OtterBox

As the number one selling smartphone case in the US, OtterBox is introducing their new Strada Series for the Samsung Galaxy S7.

Designed for protection, the drop-proof, softtouch sleek leather phone case features an easy slip on and off case clip with a vertical card slot that keeps all your cards together.

We’re giving away a ‘Ruby Romance’ Samsung Galaxy S7 phone case worth $348. www.otterbox.asia Deadline: May 27

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International theatre company ABA Productions is bringing Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach to Hong Kong this June. Join James, his cruel aunts Spiker and Sponge and many more marvelous characters on his adventure of a lifetime. Win a family set of four tickets worth $595 each to see this classic tale on June 3. www.aba-productions.com Deadline: May 20

Henry and Brothers Henry and Brothers provides beautiful blankets for families in hot and humid climates. These bright and beautiful 100% Cotton blankets are designed for happy kids to love and cuddle for years. We’re giving away two ‘Rainbow’ blanket sets worth $520 containing a Henry and Brothers Rainbow Toddler Blanket and a Rainbow Travel Blanket. www.henryandbros.com Deadline: May 30

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things we’d buy... for mum!

“Hong Kong Mahjong” print by Louise Hill Design From $2,600 (plus $250 delivery), www.louise-hill-design.com

Tea For One $830 from get-give.co

Bauhinia Sarong $800 from Louella Odié, louellaodie.com

Mamma Mia! Our favourite Mother’s Day gifts.

Greenwich Rose Frame Cosmetic Bag $290 from Cath Kidston, www.cathkidston.hk

Mother’s Day cards $32 from Nocturnal Paper, www.nocturnalpaper.com

Soy Jar Candle $225 each from G.O.D. Locations throughout Hong Kong, including Stanley Plaza, www.god.com.hk

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things we’d buy... for mum!

Orchid Designs Tea Strainer with butterfly $140 from Town House, Shop 210-211, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central

Words of Wisdom Book of Quotations $150 from www.kikki-k.com

Mother’s Day Edible Pineapple Bouquet $600 from Invisible Kitchen, www.invisiblekitchen.com

Barr-Co. Honeysuckle Bath Soak $399 from Bowerbird

Mixed Lilies Bouquet $699 from Gift Flowers HK, www.giftflowers.com.hk

Hong Kong Coin Keyring $580 from Patinova. www.patinova.com

Cloisonné ensemble Tiles from $90; boxes from $950; leather trays from $2,500, all from Lala Curio. Branches in Wan Chai and Central, www.lalacurio.com expat-parent.com 21

new parents

A helping hand Laurence Fauchon, Founder of HelperChoice, gives her top tips for preparing your return to work after having a baby.

R

eturning to work after the birth of your baby brings with it many emotions, not least of all, guilt.

Guilt about leaving your baby, of being a bad mother, or perhaps prioritising your career over your family. In Hong Kong, there is also the added dimension of leaving your baby in the care of your helper. Hiring your helper is a great luxury, but is not without its own challenges. There are a few steps you can take to smooth the transition for all parties involved, which ultimately, will make everyone happy.

1. Discuss baby rules. You’re now not only a mum, but also a manager. You ultimately decide on how things go, but your helper has to agree to the childcare code. Do you want to use a pacifier? When should the baby be fed? What do you want her to wear? Be as specific as possible and write everything down including emergency contact numbers because accidents can happen to all of us.

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And remember to be consistent and to follow the same rules to avoid confusion.

2. Share the tasks. Naturally before you return to work, you will prefer to do everything related to the baby by yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that, but this is also the perfect time to train your helper. You can go over all the tasks and share them out; you bathe your baby one day, your helper tries it the next day.

One prepares the baby bottle in the morning, and the other helps during the evening. Giving constructive feedback now may help in the long run.

3. Observe and adjust. Your baby will have to get accustomed to having your helper around.

It’s vital that the relationship between your baby and your helper is a positive one. Let the helper hold your baby regularly so you can observe how they react to each other. If the baby looks calm and peaceful then things will probably be fine.

4. Don’t go cold turkey. Instead of leaving your baby full-time for the first time when you go to work, you can start to leave the house for a few hours a day. Go to that hip new brunch spot with friends. Gift yourself a spa day to fully recharge.

Or go shopping for a back-to-work outfit. Discuss how things went with your helper afterwards and make changes if necessary. The first few times may be tough, but don’t give up. You may also give your baby something that has your scent on it, so he or she will still feel as if you’re around.

5. Trust your helper. When you’re working, you’ll have no physical control over how your helper handles your baby. Have confidence in her capability of handling the baby – after all you saw something in her when you hired her.

Control the urge to micromanage or check in throughout the day.

Remember that some days will be better than others. Enjoy your work and treasure the hours that you’re together with your little one.

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meet the parents

Health Bites Kate Springer talks with the mothers of children who follow special diets due to allergies and diabetes.

Tracey Cheung Born in the UK, Tracey Cheung moved to Hong Kong in 1997. A teacher, Tracey and her husband Kevin have two children: Lucas, five; and Indra, three.

Which of your children has dietary intolerances?

Lucas has a lot of allergies, not just food allergies, though that’s a big part of it. We discovered this when he was actually three months old. I was breastfeeding and I must have eaten something that triggered it. It started off as something that looked like cradle cap, but it wasn’t. It started spreading all over his face and body. Our pediatrician said he would grow out of it and gave us some ointments. But it got worse, and he was just 24 expat-parent.com

turning into a big scab, oozing and cracking.

He was in so much pain and discomfort. He wanted to be held all the time. Every time I put him down, he would just wake up and cry, which meant that I wasn’t sleeping either.

How did you finally figure out what it was?

The baby was in so much pain and discomfort that I just didn’t think it could possibly be normal. A friend of mine, who works in a holistic centre, told me that her child went through the same thing. She gave me some contacts, and one of the doctors was Adrian Wu. Before we met Adrian, I was running around the city with this baby trying to see everyone and anyone, just hoping that someone could help. But as soon as we met Adrian, he said right away it was from allergies and I had to stop breastfeeding because it

was me who was passing on whatever he was allergic to.

What did you do next?

We put him on Neocate (an amino-acid based infant formula suitable for children with food allergies). It was another stressful time because he didn’t want to take the bottle or drink the milk. If you’ve ever smelled it, it’s really quite disgusting. We covered him in steroids and then wet wrapped him every day, so he looked like a baby mummy. Within a week, we could see a difference. His scabs started going away and his skin started healing. We did the wet wrapping for about three weeks. Then we covered him in this petroleum jelly after the redness and the scabs came off. We continued applying the petroleum jelly after bathing him until he was about three years old.

allergies Did you ever find out what triggered it?

I think the initial trigger was that I had eaten a Chinese dish with prawn paste or something similar. And that’s when it all started. After he started eating solids, we kept a food diary and a poop diary, so we could see how he was reacting to each new food and to help us remember. Keeping the diary was the best thing we did because we could see if there were patterns and monitor his reactions. He first reacted to dairy, carrots and lentils, and then continued to react to so much more - he would vomit right away and get a rash all around his mouth.

How is he doing now?

He is five years old now and attends school.

He’s a happy little boy most of the time. He’s very sensitive and aware of how others are feeling. He is a little bit obsessive about certain things, he was really into trains at one point and he was so into the MTR that we had to go and stop at every single station so that he could have his photo taken with the sign.

Can Lucas manage his allergies himself?

He knows when he feels something is coming

How do you finance the medical appointments and treatments?

The school that I work in offers fantastic healthcare and it covers almost everything.

We pay 20 percent of the bill. If you don’t have good insurance, a consultation can cost up to $1,000 even if you’re only in there for five minutes. We’re really lucky because if the school didn’t offer such coverage, I don’t really know what we would do. I am sure we could stay in Hong Kong, but it would be a totally different lifestyle.

on. He is brave enough now that he can tell an adult he can’t eat something because he is allergic. But it’s not just food, it’s also dust and even chemicals in cleaning products - like the product they use to clean the toilet seats at school; every time he sits on one, he gets a rash on his bottom that takes ages to heal. He now has to take wet wipes to school to clean the seat before sitting on it. It’s tough, but we need to teach him to cope because it’s not going to go away anytime soon.

What has helped you cope?

I remember thinking while I was wet-wrapping him, that I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s learning to deal with it, and getting in touch with others who are going through the same thing. There are so many platforms, like Hong Kong Moms on Facebook, friends who always know of someone who can help. Hong Kong is a small place and news of practitioners with a good or bad reputation spreads quickly. There are a lot of people out there who are open and happy to give advice.

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meet the parents

Melissa Brewster Originally from upstate New York, Melissa Brewster and her husband Simon moved to Hong Kong eight years ago. She has three daughters: Gemma, six; Gia, four; and Grace, two.

What was your first experience dealing with food intolerances?

My eldest Gemma is six and a half years old, and we found out she had some food intolerances when she was 18 months old. That really set the tone for our entire lifestyle: we all became gluten-free because it was too much to manage two different diets.

How did you come to realise that Gemma might have some dietary issues?

Gemma was really sick as a baby - always with bronchitis and respiratory infections.

She was on steroids, but I didn’t want to keep her on them. I went to The Body Group with Gemma, and they found out that she had intolerances to wheat, gluten, and egg whites. It’s something she would likely grow out of. When she was three she did outgrow the food intolerances, but her diet had been changed already so we wanted to continue that healthier path.

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And did you see any changes?

When we started taking gluten out of her diet, her appearance changed within a week. She used to have a kind of a gaunt appearance and dark circles under her eyes. People would think I wasn’t feeding her as she looked a little undernourished. But once we took the gluten out, she could better process the nutrients that she needed.

What happened with your second eldest, Gia? I was gluten-free during my second pregnancy, and we all ate a lot healthier. Gia didn’t have any food intolerances that we knew of, and she was a happy healthy baby. Once she was about 15 months, she seemed really unsettled all of a sudden. She was thirsty all the time. I thought it was strange, but didn’t look that much into it. But then, we were away in Thailand for a holiday while I was pregnant with Grace. My husband was meeting some friends, and I was Googling Gia’s symptoms. The results suggested that she might have diabetes.

I thought it was crazy; my husband thought it was crazy; friends thought it was crazy.

And was it crazy?

Fast-forward - and we took her to the emergency room and they admitted her for

a bowel obstruction. They did a lot of tests and found out that she had Type 1 diabetes.

It was completely new to us. We didn’t have any experience with diabetes in our families or anything like that. So we went through the whole process of learning how to take care of a child with Type 1 diabetes. She couldn’t really talk yet so communication was hard. It’s easier to tell now - she is lively and loud and bubbly, so if she’s not her normal self, then I can tell something is up and normally it is that her blood sugar is low.

How did you learn to manage diabetes?

We would plan out her diet and give her insulin before she eats. She can eat pretty much anything, we just have to adjust her insulin depending on what she’s consuming. I don’t want her to go through life thinking that she has to sneak things, so they have treats just so they know it’s all okay in moderation.

Then what happened with your youngest, Grace?

With Grace, the pregnancy was fine. And then as a baby, she started to get colds that never went away, which was something that Gia had as well. Grace didn’t have the textbook symptoms that Gia did, but there were some behaviors that indicated that she might have

diabetes How do you think growing up with more dietary awareness will affect your kids in the future?

One thing our kids will know growing up is a healthy lifestyle and they won’t know anything else. So I guess that’s a plus side. I also love to get them involved in the kitchen, even if it’s as simple as making popcorn. My six-year-old loves to read the recipes and delegate whose turn it is to put ingredients in the bowl. They sit on the kitchen floor and watch it bake. It’s all very cute!

diabetes. I didn’t want to believe it. I just thought it was impossible. But we decided to check her finger, and it was a really high reading. We freaked out and called the doctor, who said we had to get her to the hospital immediately.

Was she okay?

What happens with diabetes, is that if you don’t manage it, you can go into hyperglycemia. That leads to ketoacidosis, where your blood acidifies and your body shuts down. That’s actually the state that Gia was in when we took her to the hospital. She was just a day away from dying. That was terrifying especially since the test to determine the disease is so simple and not invasive.

How were you feeling at that time?

She was this precious little thing, and it was hard to accept. But, we made a promise to ourselves when Gia was in the hospital, that we wouldn’t let diabetes run her life, or define our lives. It wasn’t easier to accept this the second time around but we had to stick to our promise. I remember Gemma hugging her and saying, ‘Don’t worry I will take care of you.’

One thing our kids will know growing up is a healthy lifestyle and they won’t know anything else

Do you have any advice for other parents?

There are some great diabetes support groups for parents, like Youth Diabetes Action where we meet once a month and talk about issues and advice, or maybe you just want to find out where to find syringes on a Friday when Queen Mary Hospital is closed. Silly little things like that. It’s good to have a network of people who understand what you’re going through, and offer advice on everything you could possibly want to know. It’s a sense of comfort as well.

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things we love about having kids in Hong Kong Being a parent in Hong Kong has its challenges — space, school fees and high rents to name just three, but it’s also a wonderful place to raise a family. The opportunity to enjoy weekends at the beach, go for hikes in the jungle and have friends from a myriad of different countries and cultures all make this vibrant city a wonderful place for children to grow up. Mawgan Batt picks out 50 reasons to love having a family in Hong Kong.

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The adventures We live in a city of contrasts - huge skyscrapers dominate the landscape, but the backdrop of mountains and lush green vegetation also gives us the chance to be close to nature. Here are our favourite Hong Kong family activities:

1. Celebrating the Lunar New Year with dragon dances, fireworks, street parades and lion dances.

2. Experiencing the thrill of the roller coasters at Ocean Park.

3. Taking a sampan ride from Sai Kung to enjoy a picnic on a remote beach far from the crowds.

4. Hiking to Tai Long Wan beach for a night under the stars. no.

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Picking out fresh seafood for lunch at a restaurants on Lamma Island. Try Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, Sok Kwu Wan First Street, Lamma.

6. Taking the cable car up to the Big Buddha.

7. Roasting smores on the open fire and camping in the Teepees at Palm Beach on Lantau Island.

8. Enjoying a day at sea on a junk. Try Jungle Jane for a day of sea-based adventure: www.hongkongyachting.com/jungle-jane 9. After school visits to the beach for a picnic, swim and to watch the sunset. South Bay and Deep Water Bay are perfect spots for watching the sun go down.

10. Playing hide and seek amongst the trees and pagodas of Victoria Peak Gardens.

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Ding ding! Kids love to watch the sights and sounds from the top of tram. An hour of entertainment (or two if you make the return journey) all from just $2.

12. Spending a rainy afternoon at one of the free public indoor playrooms located across Hong Kong. We love the one in Stanley Sports Centre.

My boys love nothing more than an after school picnic on South Bay beach enjoying fish and chips and pretty sunsets.

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The culture curry in which our kids grow up should stand these little individuals in good stead as they get older.

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13. Taking in the spectacular lightshow on an evening cruise on the Star Ferry.

14. Spending a hot summer morning cooling down on the ice at one of the city’s skating rinks.

15. Walking amongst beautiful birds at the Hong Kong Park aviary.

16. Watching out for pink dolphins on the Hong Kong Dolphin Watch tour. To book a tour, contact Hong Kong Dolphin Watch www.hkdolphinwatch.com 17. Shopping for Hong Kong themed toys and trinkets at Stanley market.

18. Discovering the hidden beauty of Chi Lin Nunnery and enjoying delicious dim sum lunch with a view over the waterfall.

19. Heading to Stanley for the Dragon Boat festival and cheer on the paddlers.

20. Stepping into Hong Kong’s colonial past with a visit to the Museum of Coastal Defence.

21. Touching, seeing and experiencing science at the Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui.

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Swimming, sliding, splashing at one of the city’s public outdoor pools. We love the slides and pools at Pau Yue Kong in Aberdeen.

23. Discovering the wild side of Hong Kong at the Geopark in Sai Kung. Take a boat trip to view the dramatic rock formations, caves and explore the ancient volcanic landscape. Book at tour at Countryside Adventures: www.adventuretours.hk 24. Bouncing away the morning at one of Hong Kong’s purpose built trampolining parks Ryze in Quarry Bay or Bounce in Kowloon.

25. Whizzing over the ramps at the Hong Kong Jockey Club BMX track.

26. Rattling up to the top of Victoria Peak on the Peak Tram.

27. Taking the ferry to Lantau island and enjoying lunch at Lantana or Mavericks on Pui O Beach - don’t forget your bucket and spade!

28. Enjoying fresh seafood and discovering the village on stilts at Tai O on Lantau.

29. Scooting along Bowen Road between Mid Levels and Happy Valley.

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The lifestyle Family life in Hong Kong is made easier with our wonderful domestic helpers; apartment living means ready made friends for the kids; and short commutes means more time together as a family. Here’s why we love the Hong Kong lifestyle:

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It’s so small. Getting around is quick, and cheap.

31. You can give birth in a public hospital and leave with only a $200 bill - payable with an octopus card!

marion udall

32. Domestic help makes it easier for both parents to work without the typical childcare challenges. For all the rules and regulations, visit: www.gov.hk/en/residents/employment/ recruitment/foreigndomestichelper.htm 33. It’s a melting pot of cultures. The whole family will have friends from all around the world in no time at all.

34. It’s so easy to escape the city and enjoy one of hundreds of trails in the 44,300 hectares of country parks.

35. New sporting opportunities - dragon boating, stand up paddleboarding or even Tai Chi. Many companies have their own dragon boat team, but if not, contact the guys at BuzzDragon www.buzzdragon.com

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Varied nightlife - make new friends in LKF or host a dinner party in a private dining room - there’s something for everyone. For a special night with friends, try the private dining room at Pomegranate Kitchen in Wong Chuk Hang.

37. Take on a new career direction networking is easy, and the startup community is vibrant. Heels and Deals is the city’s leading women-only networking group and hosts regular events throughout the year.

38. By the time you and the family leave Hong Kong you will be fluent in Cantonese ha! How many expats leave Hong Kong able to string more than a few words together?

Buck the trend and sign up for lessons at Hong Kong Language School: www.hkls.com.hk

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I have been running my own orientation business for 10 years and I know many expat wives who, due to the affordable child care, have had the freedom to explore their commercial interests.

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Hong Kong offers every type of cuisine imaginable, from street-side dai pai dongs to three star Michelin restaurants, from local specialities to exotic fusion experiences, family dining has never been more exciting.

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Don’t miss out on the famous egg tarts from Tai Cheong Bakery at 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central.

40. Kids will love choosing dim sum from the traditional trolleys at City Hall. 2/F, Low Block, City Hall, Central.

41. High tea is a Hong Kong institution - our favourites are The Peninsula (but be prepared to queue) and Café Gray Deluxe, Admiralty.

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42. Pull up a plastic chair at one of the city’s dai pai dongs and dig into a steaming dish of noodles or a local dessert - kids will enjoy a bowl of sago and coconut. Try Sing Heung Yuen, 2 Mee Lun Street, Central.

43. Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen offers a uniquely Hong Kong view and a vast weekend brunch. To get there, head to Sham

Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, and enjoy the sampan trip to the boat.

44. The free flow champagne brunch at Zuma is the ultimate family weekend dining destination with a playroom to keep the kids entertained and freeflow bubbles for parents.

Levels 5 and 6, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central.

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Growing up in Hong Kong exposes my sons to different types of cuisines from all over the world. Our new favourite is eating at the local wet market - an experience they would not have if we were living in Australia.

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Being based in Hong Kong has allowed us to see so much of Asia.

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Qintai Road historic district, Chengdu

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The travel There are few places as well-connected as Hong Kong and we’re on the doorstep of some of the world’s most interesting destinations. Here are our favourite spots for a few days away with the family:

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Less than three hours flight away, Chengdu is a great family friendly destination with stunning temples, beautiful parks, and the chance to get up close with cute and fluffy pandas.

46. For the ultimate easy getaway at just over an hour’s flight away, Da Nang has all you need for a few days of rest and relaxation by the pool.

47. A trip to Niseko with it’s large number of family-friendly slopes, oodles of fresh powder and incredible food makes for a fun-filled week of ski-based adventure.

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For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to Myanmar and take a hot air balloon over the temples of Bagan.

49. Escape the city just for a night and head over to Macau. Enjoy a day of swimming pool fun at the Galaxy Hotel, meet famous cartoon characters over breakfast at the Sands or enjoy a day of relaxed colonial style at the Grand Coloane Resort.

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Expat Parent- the really useful magazine!

Since we launched in May 2014, we’ve tried to make sure every issue is full of all the best parts of Hong Kong - the people, the places and everything in between. We look forward to many more issues in the future.

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Mountain Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

Shwezigon pagoda, Bagan

What do you want to see in future issues of Expat Parent? Have a suggestion for a great interview or feature? Let us know at editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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open day

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open day

Japanese International School Rebecca Simpson takes a tour.

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t seems I have found what many parents may consider the holy grail of international primary schools in Hong Kong – a very small and authentic community school with creativity at the core, sharing an impressive campus and the facilities of a school ten times its size.

‘Impossible!’ I hear your cry. But it’s real, I’ve been there and there’s even an artist-inresidence working with the kids on a schoolwide creative project. Here’s the real score - there’s no debenture.

The Japanese International School (JIS) is a one form entry only school, meaning there is one small class of 25 students for each year level. This village-sized Primary School in Tai Po offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), and is led by a PYP trainer and experienced long-term Hong Kong educator, Mr. Simon Walton.

Principal Walton leads a happy student body and a passionate, close-knit teaching staff with a kindness and patience that is unique in our bustling and overstimulated city.

A small school with big ideas With a maximum capacity of a mere 170 children, JIS is a very small international school by Hong Kong standards. “We are a one form entry only school, which makes for a very nice and cosy community”, says Walton. “It’s ideal for parents who don’t want their child in a facility of 900 kids, but prefer to be in a school where everybody is on a first name basis”.

taken the nucleus of a very small international school, and nurtured our positive values to grow into a unique school that is now on the map”.

Wild visitors occasionally infiltrate the school playground from the neighbouring country park That sense of authentic community is prevalent as he walks through the school, greeting each and every child by name. We’re stopped along our tour to receive an update from the Student Council as they cleverly deal with a change in lunchtime sports plans.

These are confident, resourceful and polite students.

“My mandate with the JIS staff is that relationships count”, explains Walton. “We are a small school with big ideas – there’s nothing we can’t do. Over the past few years we’ve

Facilities galore nestled at the edge of a country park Surrounded by lush greenery, JIS is located in a beautiful setting. Wild visitors occasionally infiltrate the school playground from the neighbouring country park so the school has an official protocol for students when they find a monkey in the playground. Pretty cool stuff if you’re 10 years old. While the thought of a monkey stealing morning tea isn’t exactly heart-warming, it’s a welcome alternative to the concrete jungles which surround many Hong Kong schools.

“We are an authentic community school but we are not compromised by having to be in a small building tucked away somewhere”, says Walton. “We’re in a building that has every facility that a proper international school should have, and more, because we have a shared campus with twenty square kilometres of country park across the road. If we want to put on a drama performance we have a lovely auditorium; we have a pool, a field and a gym.

We’ve got all the bells and whistles”.

So how does such a small school find themselves swimming in such impressive facilities? The Japanese Ministry of Education supplies education for Japanese nationals living overseas, and there are currently four Japanese schools in Hong Kong. The JIS Tai

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open day

Po campus is the most recent to be allocated by the Hong Kong government (1997) and built by the Japanese Ministry of Education. When the land was allocated for the school, the Japanese Ministry of Education also agreed to host an international school and so JIS Tai Po was born alongside the traditional Japanese primary school on the same campus. While the schools are remarkably different in their approach to education, they are graced with the same world-class facilities.

Leading with creativity Creativity is at the core of JIS and a personal passion of Principal Walton. The school hosts an annual artist-in-residence who works with the children on a creative arts project. “We run a yearly artist-in-residence program - the arts is huge on my agenda”, says Walton. “In the past we’ve had artists that did sculpture, typography and calligraphy. This year, we have Jacqueline Nilsen, who started the ‘Paint the Music’ movement in Hong Kong. Put simply, she plays music to kids and invites them to let go and paint, to explore their mood and their own creativity. Using this approach, Jacqueline is working with the students on a personalised furniture project”.

The arts in all their forms are embraced by the school, with authors visiting for the Hong Kong Children’s Literary Festival and the P6 class hosting a ‘Poetry Café’ event on the morning after my visit. Not only do the students enjoy this creative approach to learning, but the class teachers are also on board.

“We’ve been doing the PYP longer than most schools and we do it very well”, explains Walton. “The staff are here because of the type of school that it is. We have positive and 38 expat-parent.com

like-minded staff, they work in an environment where resourcing, space and support is probably second-to-none.”

JIS also offers a huge extracurricular program that covers martial arts, dance, drama, computers, maths, music, an array of sports and more; arranged by a company offshoot of the main school – Sports International Services Ltd. A conscious and caring community Like all PYP schools, JIS is committed to teaching students about the importance of community. Understanding this sense of community, and the students’ role in helping others, plays out very practically at the school.

JIS has an established history with a less fortunate school in rural China: Guojiashan Friendship Primary School, in Gansu Province.

Each new school year, the children inherit an obligation to work with the students in China and help them with facilities and funds. This is a legacy and connection they are very proud of. JIS teachers visit Guojiashan School and liaise with a Hong Kong-based charity to identify their most pressing needs. “We’ve rebuilt the school bit by bit”, says Walton, who has visited the school on numerous occasions. “The children are very supportive of the school, they organise crazy hair days, popcorn days and other sponsored events to raise money.”

What is unique and very appealing about JIS is the chance for student-initiated action.

Each student has the opportunity to address the school assembly and share the stories of their home countries and regions. Two student siblings who previously lived in Fiji shared the news of the Fiji typhoon and how it had

School Report Japanese International School Established: 1997 Number of students: 168 Class size: 25 Curriculum: PYP (I.B.) Fees 2015/2016: $91,900 Non refundable capital levy: $14,000.

(No debenture currently required) Address: 4663 Tai Po Road, Tai Po Tel: 2834 3531

affected their friends. These types of personal interactions among the entire student body are encouraged and happen naturally as part of life at JIS. Beyond primary One concern for parents interested in this school would be placement for secondary school. JIS is, however, a feeder school into International College Hong Kong (ICHK). The team at JIS were an active part of the creation of ICHK and the schools retain an innate link.

For those looking at alternative secondary schools, the team at JIS work with parents to help with the admissions process at other schools too.

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principal’s office

Simon Walton Principal of Japanese International School sits down with Rebecca Simpson.

What are some of the challenges being a principal at JIS? In a multi-cultural, multi ethnic, multi-lingual environment, the challenge is to find the best option for the students and their learning. One that is accepted by the school community as a whole and can be developed for the benefit of all students. We are putting together the pieces of a very complex jigsaw puzzle.

drive, the scenery, the places, the options and the energy of the city and its people. I was born in Hong Kong, so have a strong natural affinity to it all, which has empowered me to explore a lot of the city and its wider environment.

Do you have any hobbies?

I like exploring the hills and hidden valleys of Hong Kong through hiking and running. I also enjoy travelling and have been lucky to have explored a lot of this wonderful planet.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The people and the relationships that are developed between the students, community and the school. Supporting the children in their learning and personal development is also very important to me. As a school we have a deep rooted passion for our curriculum and we spend many hours developing and improving it.

The four key values of our school explain a lot about my passion for my job: Our people, our curriculum, our diversity and our relationships.

What has been the most memorable event in your career?

It is almost impossible to say as there have been so many positives over the years. My transition from England to Hong Kong must rate as the best decision I have ever made.

I have been able to have such a rich and varied career in education in Hong Kong.

Did you always want to work in education?

No, I did not particularly enjoy being at school so it was not an obvious choice at all. At university in the U.K. I found that my focus shifted towards primary education and I began to see it as a positive choice and followed it through.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

Pretty much all of it! The contrasts, the 40 expat-parent.com

What’s the best advice you were given by a teacher?

Whilst on teaching practice as a student I was advised to ‘keep smiling whatever happens’ – however naive this may seem, it really does help and I try to do it a lot.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

With family and in the hills of Hong Kong, enjoying this magnificent city that I call home.

What qualities do you value most in people?

Being positive, having the vision and commitment to improve and do great things together, wanting to help and support others.

My transition from England to Hong Kong must rate as the best decision I have ever made

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I really enjoy dragon boat racing and I have been involved in different teams for many years. We now have a social team through the JIS staff, which is great fun and a fabulous way to get to know your colleagues.

Sponsored Column

Prepare for school admissions during the summer Preparation for competitive school admissions is a process which requires careful planning. From application deadlines to mandatory interviews, there is a lot to keep track of and get done in a short period of time. It is advisable not to cut corners during this process, as it is essential to meet application deadlines and to apply to the right schools on time.

Therefore, it is a good idea to use the summer to get a head start on all that accompanies applying to schools in Hong Kong.

All schools invite prospective students for an interview and from Year 2, students are expected to complete an entrance test in numeracy and literacy while older students are expected to complete an entrance test as well as an oral interview.

The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is broken into three

levels depending on the age of the student.

Each of these levels is divided into three sections that measure test takers’ learning capability, reading comprehension, maths skills and essay abilities. While taking entrance tests can be stressful, it is important for parents and students to remember that schools also consider reports and teacher reference forms to be of high importance when choosing a student.

The summer is an ideal time to enroll your child in enrichment programmes and tutorial classes. Particularly for older pupils, principals and teachers like to read about the commitment to voluntary work or other worthy activities by students during their summer break.

During the summer months, families can makes plan to visit the schools that they are interested and put a timeline in place so that applications are submitted on

time and all necessary documentation is up-to-date and read to go. It is the perfect time to prepare appropriate answers for the application questions without rushing through each question when the applications officially open.

Preparation for school admissions can seem daunting. However, careful planning will ensure you move through the process successfully and find the school which best suits your child’s needs.

ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

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A day in the life

Aileen Doyle and Waiyin Suen Mawgan Batt speaks with K1 Co-teachers of Hamilton Hill International School.

the unit of inquiry we are working on. At the moment we are exploring water rooted in the idea that water is an essential resource that we need to value and respect. We have created a weather record chart which we take turns to fill in each morning.

AD: We are also practising hard for our next drama presentation so this takes up a large part of our day. Of course we also have other regular routines such as snack time and music activities and Waiyin helps to ensure a bilingual environment throughout the day.

AD and WS: The highlight of our day is definitely drama time. This is when our students really spring to life. We’ve just finished our ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ show which was performed to our parents and it was great fun. We find that our students are most relaxed when focused on a piece of work for drama.

AD: We like to do lots of ‘hands on’ activities.

To incorporate some Reggio Emilia into our new unit we have been planning water and recycling activities. We will be going outside when we finally see the sun and drawing with water bottles to show how water evaporates in hotter weather.

Aileen Doyle (AD): I’m originally from Scotland and have spent the last five years in Hong Kong.

Waiyin Suen (WS): I am from Australia and have lived and worked in Hong Kong for 10 years.

WS: We are lucky to have similar teaching styles and values in the classroom so coteaching was relatively smooth from the start. Aileen has bags of energy and I like to think we keep each other on our toes in the activities we do. We make the bilingual environment as comfortable as we can by keeping it fun.

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AD: The mix of children and their backgrounds is different from back in the UK. I think we are more play-based here which makes for a lively classroom. The children in the UK are probably a bit more confident and comfortable though with performance arts.

AD: My two children come with me to school so I get the best of both worlds. I get to watch them grow while I work.

WS: I don’t have children yet - I’m looking for Mr. Right!

WS: A typical day at Hamilton Hill starts with our morning routines usually related to

WS: We are big advocates of messy play, so if you follow our lead prepare to get your hands dirty! Grab some of dad’s shaving cream - watch the eyes - spray into the bathtub and add some coloured paint. Softly swirl it around with a chopstick and you’ll be amazed at how the patterns form into a rainbow of colour.

AD and WS: We are a bit of a silly school I suppose! We laugh a lot, dance to silly songs and get messy with our play. The staff here are a bunch of big kids too really, the director plays the guitar for us, our rabbit has a funny ear and there’s always a silly drama going on.

That’s why we love working here!

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after school

Game, set and match Kristy Wong scores an ace with tennis classes for children.

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after school Hong Kong International Tennis Academy With extensive worldwide connections, HKITA focuses on overall player development and character-building. The training programme is based on a combination of coaching philosophies and styles, aiming to assist players in reaching their full potential.

For budding young players, the tiny tots programme is specifically aimed at three to six year olds, while the beginners, intermediate and high performance programmes are developed for players across all levels. There is an elite programme for those who wish to take their tennis to the next level and HKITA also helps with college placement for student athletes. Venues include courts in King’s Park, Morse Park, Hin Tin, Sai Kung and Hong Kong Island, from $200 an hour. www.hkita.com ESF ESF offers a variety of classes for children of different levels. The Beginners, Improvers and Advanced courses assist students aged four and above to build up basic court skills as well as develop tactical strategies. For more experienced players aged 12 or above, they

may opt for the development programme or youth academy squad. The competitive framework of ESF tennis programmes allows students to progress further through friendly tournaments. Prices range from $1980 to $3300 per two month course. www.esf.org.hk Advanced Tennis Performance (ATP) ATP offers junior kids classes for children aged five years and under and six to ten.

Young players receive high-quality tennis training from a team of experienced coaches either in groups or in private. Classes are held weekly at various locations around Hong Kong, including Sai Kung, Victoria Park and Wah Yan College Kowloon from $200 per hour. Online enrollment is required. Hitting and sparring sessions are also available for those who just want to hit tennis balls for fun or to focus on technical skills. www.advancedtennisperformance.com

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after school Monster Tennis Children’s first experience with the game can be made perfect by Monster Tennis’ tailor-made programmes. Differing from other centres, Monster Tennis is a tennis-specific physical play academy that only provides classes for children aged two to ten. By utilising specialised equipment, shorter court dimensions and other teaching aids, kids as young as two can savour the fun of the game.

The programmes cater to the specific needs of different children according to their age and ability. Classes take place all over Hong Kong, costs range from $190 to $500. www.monstertennis.hk On the Rise Tennis OTR Tennis operates a colour group system which allows fledgling young players to advance from one colour group to the next.

Through small class sizes and supervision from qualified coaches, the five colour groups encourage children to progress up the ranks by improving their skills. Children are given the opportunity to accelerate their learning by competing in weekend junior tournaments.

Classes take place in Hong Kong Island. www.otrtennis.com

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Hong Kong Football Club Tennis Society Renowned for their fun and energetic approach to the game, the Australasia tennis aces’ junior tennis coaching programme offers comprehensive and enjoyable tennis training.

Classes aim to install great sportsmanship and strong tennis fundamentals in children.

The programme is divided into mini aces for three to five years and development squads for four to 10 years. Those who are more competitive can tryout for the HKC Academy

after school squad. Private and semi-private lessons are also available upon request. Classes range from $190 to $420, non-members must be accompanied by members. www.hkfctennissociety.org Multi-Sport Mini-tennis is designed to introduce the fun of tennis to young players. With softer balls, shorter rackets and smaller courts, students are able to pick up tennis skills more easily.

Coaches aim to help children improve hand eye co-ordination and learn fundamental strokes through small class sizes. They are encouraged to create their own style of play after being introduced to the physical, technical and tactical side of the sport.

Classes are divided to stages one to three, for kids aged three or above and take place at a variety of locations on Hong Kong Island. multi-sport.com.hk/portfolio/tennis

training programme. For more advanced players, the junior squad is available for kids aged six up to 18, while the young athletes training scheme targets those aged ten or above. HKTA also organises numerous renowned local tournaments, allowing kids to progress in a competitive yet motivational environment. Classes take place across Hong Kong and costs vary according to group size. www.tennishk.org.

Hong Kong Tennis Association Aiming to promote tennis to everyone interested, the tennis for all training scheme is a budget-priced course of a high standard.

First-timers are welcome to try the junior

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me & my hobby

Making a splash Talented young swimmer and Discover College student, Eloise Raper, speaks to Mawgan Batt about early morning training sessions, winning medals and tackling adventure races. swim challenges and Aquathons in Hong Kong and I competed in the Team Fear 2015 adventure race, winning first place with our mixed under 10 team.

What is it that you love about swimming?

I find training tough, but when I finish, I feel proud of myself because I am the youngest in the squad. Every swim training session I usually swim somewhere between 1,000m and 3,000m.

Any special memories so far?

I participated in my first swimming competition at the age of five and won four medals - I felt really proud of myself and decided to join the swim club in Discovery Bay. At the club championships in 2014, when I was eight years old, I won the age eight overall championship.

I was also awarded a trophy for the open point score champion. Last year, I won four gold medals and was awarded the age nine years girls trophy and tied in top place with my older sister for point score champion.

How long have you been swimming for?

I started swimming when I was three and started swim training when I was seven years old.

I find training tough, but when I finish, I feel proud of myself because I am the youngest in the squad.

How much training is involved? Is it hard to combine with school and social commitments?

I train with the competitive squad of Aquagym in Tung Chung twice a week from 5.45am to 7.30am. I am also about to start swim training for my school for a competition in May so I will increase my training to three times a week.

Are you also involved in other sports?

I play U13 netball for our school sports team, I have also played in basketball, rugby and football tournaments. I dance twice a week at Future Stars Dance Academy and in my free time I like to surf and skateboard.

Last year I started competing in open water

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Do you have any tips for budding young swimmers?

My coach always tells me to never give up, stay committed and to try hard.

Swimming clubs Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club: Offers six levels of competitive swimming training and one non-competitive group: Hong Kong International School Swimming Pool, 1 Redhill Road, Tai Tam, www.hkstingrays.com Harry Wright: Programmes for swimmers that are keen to get competitive experience.

Sessions held at the SCAA in Causeway Bay, West Island School in Pok Fu Lam and Discovery Bay, www.harrywright.com.hk Aquagym: Based in Tung Chung, the club offers junior and elite squad swimming training in addition to cycling and running: Tung Chung Swimming Pool, 5 Tat Tung Road, www.aquagym.com.hk

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Mumpreneurs

The Pilates Powerhouses Flex Studio Co-Founders, Heather Thomas Shalabi and Anna Serafinas Luk chat to Kate Farr about the inspiration behind their successful business.

Heather Thomas Shalabi

Anna Serafinas Luk

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Mumpreneurs Tell me about your families HTS: My husband and I moved here in 2001 after three years in Tokyo. We have three Hong Kong-born children –13 year-old daughter, Noor and our 10-year-old twin boys, Rafi and Sami.

I’m originally from the States and my husband was born in Beirut.

ASL: I have lived in Hong Kong for almost 25 years now, originally following my husband when he came to work at Chek Lap Kok airport back in 1991. We have three children – 22 yearold Isabella who is studying at The University of Sydney, 20 year-old Sophia who’s at the University of Glasgow, and 17 year-old Joe, who is in his final year of high school here in Hong Kong.

base from teaching Pilates for two years before opening Flex, so we were confident that we would draw people through the door from day one. We spent a lot of time working out the best group class schedule – both in terms of times and also class mix – and recruiting great teachers. As our first studio in Stanley was only 1,300 square feet, we had to be superorganised and thorough about everything from storage space to the reception – even the layout of the washrooms.

How did you meet?

HTS: We met through Anna’s husband, Tony. When I first moved here, I was furniture shopping, and happened to wander into Tony’s store. We started chatting, and I subsequently began working for him as a marketing consultant, at which point I was introduced to Anna. I’d already had the idea to open a Pilates studio on Hong Kong’s Southside, so when I learned that Anna had been a professional dancer, I asked if she would be interested in joining me. The rest is history!

What did you both do before launching Flex Studio?

HTS: I had actually studied ballet quite seriously from a young age, however academics took precedence and I ended up putting dancing aside in order to pursue university and graduate school. However, movement was always in my bones, and after working as a marketing manager for Disney, then in PR and fundraising, I decided to go back to my roots and pursue Pilates when we relocated to Hong Kong.

ASL: I also danced from an early age, becoming a professional ballet dancer. On arrival in Hong Kong, I worked with the Hong Kong Ballet as the company’s Ballet Mistress, but found the hours difficult to manage once my children came along. Once my youngest child was at primary school, I completed my Pilates teacher training.

Where did the idea come from to go it alone?

HTS: Deciding to open a Pilates studio on the Southside was very simple, as there was nothing comparable back in January 2004 when we first opened Flex. We didn’t overanalyse the decision; we saw a gap in the marketplace and went for it.

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

HTS: We signed a lease! I already had a client

Do you have specific individual strengths and weaknesses that you bring to the business?

HTS: I deal largely with the business side of things – for example IT, retail, HR management and business development – while Anna overseas the Xtend Barre programme, which is well matched to her dance background. I seek out talent through international recruiting and auditioning, while Anna is very good at working with new instructors to help refine that talent.

What do you love most about what you do?

HTS: Teaching! I can honestly say I’ve never plateaued in my love of learning more about Pilates and yoga with every class I teach, every book I read and every body I see on the mat. I see the beauty in every client; it’s always my goal to help them see that beauty within themselves.

ASL: I love that no two days are ever the same.

I really enjoy teaching and being able to impart

my knowledge and love of movement to my clients, helping them to realise their potential.

I’m especially enjoying teaching the Xtend Barre program.

How do you juggle your business with your respective family lives? What’s the biggest challenge in maintaining a good balance?

HTS: I now believe that I sacrificed too much time away from my children when they were young. Flex needed as much nurturing as the children did in order to evolve, and time with my husband suffered, as I devoted all my energy to my “children.” When you own your own business it’s very difficult to maintain boundaries – saying no to extra teaching hours, and closing the laptop at night. Life has settled into a better equilibrium now that both kids and the business are older.

ASL: I was fortunate that when we first started Flex, my youngest had just begun primary school, so I was able to manage my time to work within school hours. As the business has grown, my clientele base has expanded and due to my Xtend Barre commitments, I find it increasingly challenging to find personal time for my own practice. That said, I still find that I am getting quite a good daily workout from teaching group classes.

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

HST: Don’t underestimate the importance of being present for your children as they grow older – their intellectual needs become more intense. I thought that once the nappies were off I’d have more freedom. In actual fact, not only do my kids now want to discuss a far more diverse array of topics than ever before, they’re also very interesting people and I wouldn’t miss out on them for the world. Try to structure work around this understanding.

ASL: I couldn’t agree more. Family has always been my number one priority, and being present while the children were growing up was essential for me. If you can, make use of the drive to and from school – this was my favourite time for chatting and learning about their day.

It’s good for the kids to see that Mum has to work too, and I feel that my job and enthusiasm for it has inspired and motivated them to have their own goals and aspirations in life.

What’s next for your business?

What are your plans and aspirations?

HTS: My number one aspiration is to make Pilates as fundamental in everyone’s daily life as brushing their teeth. Then Flex will have done its job to educate people to live healthier, happier lives. expat-parent.com 51

big day out

Tsing Yi Rory Mackay makes a trip to the isle of bridges.

O

nce remote and untouched, the island of Tsing Yi is now anything but. Located to the northwest of Hong Kong Island and south of Tsuen Wan, it has become a major transport hub and commuter base. Many of us pass through on a regular basis, but most overlook the island as a destination due to its urban appearance. Despite the feats of civil engineering that dominate Tsing Yi, it still possesses some surprisingly secluded areas, peppered with nature walks and stunning viewpoints to accompany them.

Tsing Yi’s name literally means “green clothes”, but the island actually got its name from a type of fish once abundant in nearby waters. Before the Tsing Yi South Bridge was built in 1974, the old Tsing Yi Pier was the only link between the island and the outside world. Fastforward to today, the island is now home to about 200,000 people and is connected by eight bridges all around the island. This includes the Tsing Yi and Stonecutters Bridges, respectively the largest and third largest of their kinds in the world.

There are a couple of fantastic short to mid length walks around the rural parts of the island, offering a range of experiences from an easy-going family stroll, to challenging ascents. Either way, you’re guaranteed a peaceful retreat from city life, epic bridge vistas and fresh air.

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Option 1, Tsing Yi Nature Trail (easy) Covering the western hills of the island, the Tsing Yi Nature Trail offers an easy-going, family-friendly option. The network of paved paths is well mapped and signposted throughout. Peppered with exercise areas, pavilions and viewpoints, it suits those who want an accessible and flexible route. From end to end, the trail is approximately three kilometres in length and can be completed within an hour if you stay on the move. I recommend taking time to follow some of the detours along the way and admire the stunning views over the Tsing Ma Bridge and out to Lantau.

The most convenient way to reach the trailhead via public transport is to hop off the MTR at Tsing Yi Station and ride the 248M bus to the last stop, from there it’s a 10 minute stroll up Liu To Road to the start of the trail network. Alternatively, you can walk straight to the trails from the MTR; this will take around half an hour.

Option 2, Sam Chi Heung (challenging) For the more adventurous folks out there, climbing up Sam Chi Heung is an awesome option. The route is direct and prominent, gaining a few hundred meters of elevation above all the surrounding areas. The three summits of Sam Chi Heung are not as heavily forested as the Tsing Yi Nature Trail, thus providing uninhibited panoramas over Tsuen Wan, Kowloon and Hong

Kong Island. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of climbing Sam Chi Heung is the unique vantage point it provides looking over Stonecutters Bridge and Hong Kong Port. Find the trailhead located beside Cheung Ching Bus Terminus and follow it past some football pitches. You will start to ascend and reach a large burial area scattered across the hillsides. Once at the top of the first peak, it’s worth continuing along the trail until you reach the third peak for the best views. The simplest way down is a return to Cheung Ching Bus Terminus. However, for the really adventurous folks out there, keep an eye out for ribbon marked alternate routes down.

If you ever wish to stop and take in views of the Tsing Ma Bridge without having to go hiking, the Lantau Link Visitor Centre is worth a visit.

Open every day apart from Wednesdays, the centre can be reached by public transport via the 308M minibus from Tsing Yi MTR, or it’s easy to reach by car or taxi. If you’re really enthusiastic, both walks can be completed in one day. What is great about all of these itineraries is the ease in returning to public transport and other amenities. Accessibility is one of Tsing Yi’s main draws: it’s a tremendous place to visit on a whim without too much pre-planning. But once you have arrived and gotten under the skin of this dramatic island, the rugged hillsides and ‘bridgetastic’ vistas will sell themselves. Once you’ve come to truly appreciate this underrated area of Hong Kong, a trip through Tsing Yi will never feel the same. expat-parent.com 53

food

Family-friendly food adventures Take a trip to one of these off-the-beaten-track restaurants for a memorable family meal.

Mavericks Whether you are escaping the city for the day or camping out over night in Pui O, be sure to make a visit to Mavericks. The surf shackinspired restaurant is a sanctuary located on Lantau’s tranquil Pui O Beach and has a relaxed atmosphere with an open-air setting. Mavericks is decked out with wooden furniture, artsy wall murals and countless surfboards. The grub on the menu is a highlight as well, serving street foods like burgers, tuna platters and wonton nachos. So kick back with a beer in hand and enjoy the sunset.

Only open on weekends. Pui O Beach, South Lantau Road, 5662 8552, www.mavericks.hk.

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food Cococabana Mediterranean Restaurant A great hideaway on Shek O Beach is Cococabana. The restaurant boasts a panoramic terrace and a 360-degree view of the beach. Headed by Chef Jean Paul Gauci, and inspired by his background, Cococabana serves up a delicious fare of French-Mediterranean cuisine using fresh seafood. The menu features French classics like bouillabaisse, pan-fried duck liver and baked seabass fillet. Ask about the vegetarian options and kids’ menus.

Open daily, noon-11pm. G/F Shek O Beach Building, Shek O Beach, 2812 1826, www.toptables.com.hk/coco.

Chi Lin Vegetarian A trip to Chi Lin Vegetarian is well worth the hike. Nestled in the blissful Nan Lian’s Tang Dynasty Gardens which stretches across 3.5 hectares, Chi Lin Vegetarian is set in a scenic environment surrounded by lush greenery and oriental architecture. Take in the peaceful atmosphere with the symbolic Silver Strand waterfall right outside the restaurant’s full length windows while you devour Chi Lin Vegetarian’s meat-free dishes.

Closed Sundays. Long Men Lou, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, 3658 9388.

Casa Sai Kung Casa Sai Kung has become a popular go-to tapas bar since it opened. Located just off the waterfront in Sai Kung square, the menu sees a varied mix of Asian and Western tapas, reinvented to incorporate different flavours and fresh ingredients. Casa has a long list of wines and craft beers and holds regular beer

events to celebrate local breweries. Check out Casa’s Kennedy Town branch which has been recently rebranded as a wine bar and their soon-to-open second location in Sai Kung in the square.

Shop 1, Sui Yat Building, 1 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, 2440 9288, www.casagroup.co. expat-parent.com 55

food

Food Lab Hidden along the Pak Shek Kok promenade in Hong Kong Science park is Food Lab, a new healthy food destination. The ‘farm-tofork’ restaurant uses farm-fresh and natural ingredients to deliver a refreshing taste of contemporary Asian and Western cuisine. The healthy restaurant aims to reconnect with the water and land where the ingredients come from. Situated along the lake-side, Food Lab is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment making it perfect for family days out.

S067-069, 12 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, 2676 6900, www.hkstp.org.

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food

The Beach House Away from the city hustle, The Beach House is a delightful spot located on Lantau Beach. The restaurant prides itself on using sustainable seafood and organic vegetables to serve up some great dishes like Chilean sea bass with pineapple and pepper salsa, pulled chicken salad and Australian rack of lamb. A delectable breakfast menu is available

with a selection of vegetarian and glutenfree options. Make a day trip or enjoy sunset cocktails with a beautiful backdrop of the South China Sea. Open 8am-9.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays. 32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, South Lantau, 2504 4788, www.thebeachhousehk.com.

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money & me

Raymond Shuai The owner of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe speaks to Mawgan Batt about the elusive work-life balance and his love of sweets.

When were you poorest?

What did you learn?

At school. I learnt how much money you have now is not as important as having cash flow coming in. I also realised the importance of not relying on just one source of income.

Tell us about what you do I own Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe in Hong Kong. We have two stores, one in Central and one in Wan Chai. I am also a partner in Emack & Bolio’s, an American ice cream brand situated next to Central - Midlevels escalators.

Are you a spender or a saver?

A secret saver. I save around a third of my income each month and use it to access inexpensive ETF’s. For me, this long-term investment is important, plus this way, I don’t really think about saving, I just do it. I also don’t spend much - I prefer experiences such as going out for great meals.

Will you be opening more stores in in the near future?

We are always looking for the right locations and the right spaces for new stores. With rents coming down, we are taking our time to find the right property.

What was the inspiration to open Mr Simms?

I wanted to escape corporate life, have more flexible time with family and I love sweets!

Do you prefer to manage your own financial affairs?

Yes. I am a chartered accountant and with my background in finance, I’m more comfortable managing my own finances rather than paying fees to fund managers.

Have you managed to achieve your goal of greater work-life balance?

I can now control my own time. I take the children to school, to their playgroups and I’m generally around to put them to bed. I then work in the evenings. Now that we have a great general manager at Mr Simms, who takes care of a lot of the day-to-day running of the stores, I have managed to achieve the flexibility I was aiming for.

What was your best investment?

A domain name I bought in 1999 for US$5 a year. It’s actually shuai.com which is my surname. I am not selling it though!

What was your worst investment?

I bought shares in some obscure dotcom company that ended up at zero.

How much is in your wallet?

Right now about $400.

What credit cards do you use?

Amex, Mastercard, Visa.

Do you play Mark 6?

No. I think I have only played it about three times since moving to Hong Kong.

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I wanted to escape corporate life, have more flexible time with the family and I love sweets!

Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?

I think it’s important for them to aim to have multiple income streams by their mid thirties so they are not too dependent on one job.

For example, income from a rental property or from other investments.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?

A watch I never wear.

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marketplace

marketplace

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

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marketplace

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

OUT NOW

From the team behind the sellout Above Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay comes Above Hong Kong Island.

Order your copy online now at www.abovehongkong.com *First 100 copies signed by photographer Graham Uden

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bald truths

What Elbows are For...

Simon Parry discovers that children sometimes find the answers to their own questions.

C

hildren say the funniest things, don’t they? I mean those wacky, unintentionally hilarious things they come out with which are so side-splittingly amusing that as soon as they utter them we simply have to post them up on Facebook so everyone in Cyberspace knows what our amusing little darlings are up to.

Take the other day at our house in Lancashire for instance. After waiting crosslegged for 40 minutes, my 13-year-old son shouted to his older sister asking how much longer she was going to take in the bathroom.

Quick as a flash, she yelled back: “P*** ***. Why don’t you **** *** and die in a hole you irritating little *** *.”

How we chuckled at her witty riposte.

Or at least we did once the neighbours had been mollified and the police had been round to serve us with another ASBO (AntiSocial Behaviour Order) for disrupting the neighbourhood peace.

Okay, so I’m exaggerating just a little (she only used two not three expletives) and admittedly it wasn’t the best example of childhood witticisms, as I realised when I saw how few likes it got once I posted it on Facebook. But we do have four teenagers now so the standard of domestic verbal exchanges has had some of its spontaneous wit and repartee washed away beneath a sea of raging hormones.

Nevertheless, hearing my second daughter’s voice ring out in anger from behind the bathroom door made me hanker for the days when she was full of wide-eyed wonder at the world around her and a quirky, surreal curiosity about how it all worked as she grew up in Sai Kung.

Back in those days of course it was always questions, questions, questions. Our first daughter Georgie had peppered us with a stream of endless whys. Why is that cow doing a poo outside our house? Because cows don’t have toilets. Why don’t cows have toilets? Because they’d be too expensive and

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

He lives in Hong Kong.

Lauren’s brain worked differently and she had an infinite capacity to catch you out with her questions complicated to design and cows wouldn’t use them anyway. Why wouldn’t cows use them? Because cows move around and never stay in one place long enough to make the toilets economically viable. Why do they move around and never stay in one place? Because New Territories cows have no roots and an inherent and unquenchable spirit of wanderlust.

Why do New Territories cows have no roots and an inherent and unquenchable sense of

wanderlust? Oh look, just BECAUSE – all right?

After a couple of years of this, we thought we had all the answers nailed down when daughter number two Lauren reached the inquisitive age. Only Lauren’s brain worked differently and she had an infinite capacity to catch you out with her questions. On a drive through the country park on her way to Leapfrog playgroup one morning, for instance, she cocked her head to one side in deep thought then asked: “Why do trees line up at the side of roads?”

Other classic Lauren questions were: “Do earwigs watch TV?” and “Do cockroaches like hats?” (Note the subtle use of language here: Not ‘do cockroaches wear hats’ but ‘do cockroaches like hats’ – suggesting they might be capable of an aesthetic appreciation of headwear, and might even have a collection of fancy hats at home, without ever possessing the inclination or the appropriate cranial shape to actually wear one.)

Then there’s my personal favourite: “What are elbows for?” My wife swears that it was when she asked this particular question that she broke her golden rule of never taking the easy option out when a child asks an unanswerable question and told her: “Go and ask your father.”

I was stumped too, I must admit and had to tell her: ‘I’ll get back to you on that, Lauren.” To my paternal shame, I never did of course. What the hell are elbows for, after all? That question has haunted me down the years to the extent that I’ve woken up in the middle of the night stretching and contracting my arms and trying to figure it out.

Then, more than 10 years on, Lauren eventually unequivocally answered her own question on the day she was badgered to hurry up in the bathroom.

What are elbows for? Easy: They’re for hitting younger brothers with, sharply and painfully in the ribs, when you exit the bathroom to find them puffing, sighing, rolling their eyes and being generally annoying outside.

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