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Messing about in boats Fun days out on the water

It’s a dog’s world Hong Kong’s oldest charity turns 95

Back to school in style All the latest gear

Oh we do like to eat beside the seaside

Dining with an ocean view

From trailing spouse to career with nouse

Could you go back to class?

August 2016

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CONTENTs 2

Editor’s letter

42

4 Contributors 8

ISSUE 028

We sit down with French International School’s Deputy Headmaster Ian Clayton.

What’s on Dates for your diary. Plus mum about town shares her plans for August.

44

What’s happening on the parent scene.

48

Lots of free stuff.

Stationery and supplies for the new school term.

22

Book review Beat the heat with a good book. Plus an interview with children’s author Matt Cooper.

24

50

26 50

The Big Interview

54 Food

64

Travel news

My Hong Kong Ultra-runner Marie McNaughton shares her life in the SAR.

School news

68

The latest school news to keep you in the know.

Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com

Eat up the latest dining news.

Building bricks at Legoland in Malaysia.

Meet the mums who have gone back to school.

We find out about French International School’s new Tseung Kwan O campus.

Food news

60 Travel

Modern Family

Open day

36

52

Our pick of hotel, resort and travel news.

Ways to mess about on a boat on hot summer days.

38

Cycling tracks in the New Territories for the whole family.

58

26 Feature

36

Big day out

Chill out at Hong Kong’s best beachside bars and restaurants.

The SPCA celebrates its 95th anniversary.

32

Me & my hobby Delve into a book with young writer Anahita Kaman.

16 Giveaways Things we’d buy

After school Try out these Olympic sports without going to Rio.

12 News

20

Principal’s office

Bald truths Simon Parry talks about sex.

38

20

64

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editor’s message

who’s in charge?

Editorial editorial@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Callum Wiggins

Editor Carolynne Dear

Contributing editor Shreena Patel

Contributing editor Annie Wong

Design cindy@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Sérgio Marçal

Senior Graphic Designer Cindy Suen

Sales & Marketing ads@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons

Sales and Marketing Executive Maria Jones

Sales and Marketing Executive Egbert Cheung

Sales and Marketing Executive Bonnie Li

Accounting Executive Jason To

Digital Marketing charmaine@fastmedia.com.hk

A

nd so we reach mid-summer, and mid-school holiday, too. As a family, we’ve enjoyed a fabulous break so far - a happy couple of weeks in the south of France with the kids brought back many great memories of my own childhood. We caught up with family, ate and drank until we could eat and drink no more, and relaxed surrounded by gorgeous scenery. There’s nothing like getting away from it all to give you a new perspective. At one point I even caught my two teens lounging by the pool with a book each - yes, one of those old fashioned things with pages and writing. As they’d been religiously plugged into Snapchat during the seven hour drive down to Provence from Paris, I was pleasantly amazed. And obviously posted the shot straight to Facebook - I know, pot calling the kettle black and all that.

Back in Hong Kong, the kids have been escaping the heat with trips to the cinema and bouncing themselves silly at the local trampoline parks.

We have also been hitting the water both on junks and on kayaking trips - read all about it in our Feature this month, Messing About In Boats. I was surprised to learn that there is an abundance of corals and other marine life up in Sai Kung Country Park, with regular snorkelling trips arranged by local company, Countryside Adventure Tours (page 26).

Of course the children are all longing to get back to the classroom this month. Ok, maybe that should read “their mother is longing to get them back to the classroom this month”.

But whatever their feelings, we’ve at least been trying to inject some fun into double French by stocking up on new school gear - there are loads of funky ideas in our Things We’d Buy section.

I was also very interested to interview three mums this month who opted to go back to class themselves. Despite the trials of several international moves with a family in tow, they have all managed to keep their career dreams alive by going back into education. The interviews are part of a brand new section in Expat Parent called Modern Family. Each month we’ll be looking at the issues that are affecting you, as a family, right now.

We were also delighted to help Hong Kong animal charity, the SPCA, celebrate its 95th birthday. Find out how the group has spent a century changing attitudes towards animals in the Territory in The Big Interview on page 24.

Wherever you are this month, enjoy the rest of your break.

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Digital Marketing Manager Charmaine Mirandilla

Digital Marketing Divya Parekh

Digital Marketing Stephanie Kim

Digital Marketing Allison Nacino

Office Security

Peace Keepers

Cat the dog

Fish & Chips

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Fast Media Ltd, 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

Kate Springer...

Simon Parry...

Rebecca Simpson...

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

... is a British newspaper journalist and father of four, all of them raised and schooled in Hong Kong. He was a reporter and news editor on regional and national titles in the UK for 12 years before moving to Asia where he was news editor of the South China Morning Post. Simon is currently Asia correspondent for the Mail on Sunday newspaper in the UK and a regular contributor to publications globally.

...visited the French International School for this month’s Open Day. Rebecca grew up in Australia but now calls Hong Kong home. She used to be delighted spending her time flying around the region getting paid to chat and write. But with the arrival of her two daughters, Rebecca now works from the family’s floating home on Lantau, writing and living a new dream.

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

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book now

AUG 20-21 Arnold Classic Asia Multi-Sport Festival Inaugurated by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Asia Multi-Sport Festival is coming to Hong Kong for the first time. As a celebration of sports, fitness, and health, the MultiSport Festival brings together amateurs,

professionals, and enthusiasts. The festival will feature sporting competitions and interactive workshops for over 20 sports as well as testing the grey matter with chess and Rubik’s Cube workshops. The Arnold Seminar will feature Schwarzenegger himself so be sure to grab your tickets fast

($350 for regular admission and $2000 for VIPs if you’re feeling flush) Festival tickets are free for children under the age of 12.

10:00am-6:00pm. General admission tickets are $150 each day or $255 for the weekend.

Tickets can be purchased from www. ticketflap.com or www.hkticketing.com.

UNTIL AUG 2

AUG 6 & 7

AUG 16

Hong Kong Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong’s most popular event involving digital entertainment, comics, animation, video games and toys industries. For all comic, games, and animation fans, this event includes cosplay, stage performances and competitions.

10:00am-9:00pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. www.ani-com.hk

Flower Pressing & Flower Basket Workshops Aimed at kids aged four-10 years, recently opened Potato Head in Sai Yung Pun has teamed up with local florist, June In March, to offer these two workshops. 10am-11.30 am, info@hkgpttfamiky.com for details.

Suede Live in Hong Kong English rock band Suede is appearing in Hong Kong for a live concert at AsiaWorld Expo, following the release of their new Album - Night Thoughts. Free standing tickets. $580-$780 for seated tickets. Starts at 8pm. Tickets on sale at hkticketing.com.

UNTIL AUG 7

UNTIL AUG 14

AUG 17

International Arts Carnival A series of entertaining productions throughout Hong Kong, including The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Space Odyssey, concerts, theatre performances and much more. Prices vary based on venue and production. Runs until August 14. More details at www.hkiac.gov.hk

Yu Lan Hungry Ghost Festival According to traditional Chinese belief, this is the day when restless spirits roam the Earth. Be sure to watch out for people tending roadside fires, burning fake money and making offerings for ghosts and ancestors.

AUG 15

Swan Lake One of the most complex and dramatic theatrical ballet performances. Suitable for ages six and above. Auditorium Yuen Long Theatre,

Lai Yuen Super Summer 2016 The Hong Kong nostalgia continues as Lai Yuen returns for the summer in a new location at AsiaWorld-Expo. A 650m car race track, craft and science workshops, plus inflatable obstacle courses, bumper cars and more. Free admission for kids aged three or below. Regular ticket prices range from $70-$180 with ten tokens included. Additional tokens will be $10 each. AsiaWorld Expo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok. Buy tickets from www.laiyuen.hk

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Back to school Autumn term begins at ESF schools.

UNTIL AUG 28

tell me more or Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre. 2:30pm or 7:00pm. Prices range from $100 to $1000 depending on venue and seating. More information at www.hkballet.com/en/index.html

UNTIL AUG 21

Mum about town

SummerFest Central Harbourfront A wide variety of free public events at this pop-up event, including art, leisure, entertainment, design and sports activities. Presented by Central Venue Management, this event runs every day from 9am-9pm, Central Harbourfront Event Space, cvm.com.hk.

AUG 7 & 14 Journey To The Colourful Bubbles A children’s puppet show presented by Little Smudges Theatre and shown at The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Ferry Pier 8. Suitable for threeeight year olds. 3-3.45pm, see eventbrite.com for ticketing details.

AUG 24-29 Slide the City Slide the highest slippery dip in Asia.

This year, the event has moved to the Central Harbourfront Event Space and includes a mini-beach. Live music, food and drinks keep the party going.

9am-11pm. Tickets start from $180.

Visit slidethecity.hk for more details.

The devastating effects of Hong Kong’s typhoons of 1874 and 1906.

In the great T10 of 2012, a junk washed up in my friend’s backyard.

Ever since, the kids have been fascinated by typhoons and the havoc they are capable of wreaking. Fortunately, these days the Hong Kong Observatory has a detailed warning system in place, but an exhibition at The National Maritime Museum tells a very different story. At In the Midst of the Storm: Hong Kong’s Early Typhoons, we are offered a glimpse of life during the catastrophic storms of 1874 and 1906. The exhibition has been initiated by master mariner Michael J Jones, who has spent many years researching Hong Kong’s typhoons, and the Observatory. Until Sept 30, Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

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Book now SEP 28

DEC 8 - JAN 1

Queen + Adam Lambert On Tour in Hong Kong With over 70 sold out shows in every part of the world, the band is set to perform their first show in Hong Kong.

Tickets prices range from $580 to $2380. Concert starts at 8:00pm. AsiaWorld-Expo. www.hkticketing.com

Wicked The spellbinding musical, which has cast its magic on more than 50 million theatre goers worldwide, will take to the stage at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz, find out how the wicked witch of the west became so wonderfully wicked. Tickets from $445 at hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

NOV 25-27

OCT 8-9 FIA Formula E HKT Hong Kong The world’s fastest electric racing cars zoom into Hong Kong for the first time. The race, to be staged on the streets around Central Harbourfront, is a new addition to the Formula E Championship.

Championing the three “E”s energy, environment and

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entertainment - the series has all the excitement of top-flight motorsport racing, minus the emissions. A pre-race carnival and eVillage keep the part going over the weekend. Adult grandstand tickets start from $2,380. Concessions available.

Tickets from www.ticketflap.com

Roald Dahl’s The Twits Mr Twit has a hairy face and his beard is spiky and smells of sardines. Mrs Twit is just as awful. Earthworms as spaghetti and more revolting tricks from the gruesome couple.

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets from $295 from hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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news

City of lights Hong Kong witnessed an impressive light show last month following the hottest July day in 48 years. The mercury hit a whopping 37.9 degrees in Happy Valley according to Hong

Kong Observatory, the heat triggering “unstable air” in the atmosphere and the two subsequent thunder-storms. According to the Observatory, 5,905 bolts of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes

were recorded on Saturday evening, with a further 4,095 bolts after midnight on Sunday morning. Most were centered around Lantau and the eastern New Territories.

“Dirty” debris discovered in beach waste Hong Kong’s beaches have been inundated this summer with huge amounts of rubbish.

Volunteers and council employees have been working to clean up the mess, but locals are now calling on the government for action.

However, according to Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong, much of the waste on one Lantau beach was found to be dangerous medical debris.

“What is now needed is an in-depth investigation into the type and source of the waste, rather than black bag beach cleaning actions,” he insisted.

Together with Julia Leung, program manager of Education of Plastic Free Seas, and Moran Zuckerman, a local Lantau resident, Zimmerman discovered items amongst the waste including syringes, dialysis bags, medical pills and intact glass ampoules.

“From the brands and simplified Chinese text, it is obviously coming from locations in the Guangdong Province,” he said. “We even found a work pass from a Chinese government transport officer amongst the waste.”

Open waste dumps are a long standing problem in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, with exposed waste subject to flooding and washing out into rivers and the sea.

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Lisa Christensen of Hong Kong Cleanup has also voiced her concern in letters to various environmental bureau officials.

“The vast majority of this trash is not coming from Hong Kong’s beachgoers and shoreline recreational activities,” she said. “The sheer volume and diversity suggest either illegal dumping on a large scale, or an unacceptable amount of trash being mismanaged or escaping the system.”

In a recent report, China, including Hong

Kong, was ranked number one out of 192 countries that border the ocean in terms of mismanaged plastic waste.

According to Leung, the hospital debris discovered on Lantau will be sent to the Environmental Protection Department for investigation.

“We urge the government to seriously investigate the medical waste we found,” she said.

If you would like to get involved in the clear up, contact hkcleanup.org.

Beach cleaners get to work at Stanley - Hong Kong’s beaches have been deluged with unprecedented levels of rubbish this summer.

news

Back to school, back to sport August sees most Hong Kong students return to the classroom, and back to the playing field as well. But if you’re struggling to decipher a long list of sports kit, you’re not alone, according to professionals.

“Many children sign up for sports their parents have never played,” said Escapade director Shakeel Nawaz. Escapade runs a number of sports shops around Hong Kong and is witness to numerous bemused parents at this time of year.

“For example, you do not “grow into” a hockey stick,” explained Nawaz. “A hockey stick larger than a child’s navel can be extremely dangerous as it pushes into a child’s stomach. Rugby scrum caps should always be tried on as every head shape is different. The list goes on.”

Further hockey essentials include mouthguard and shin pads - the pads are bigger and wider than soccer pads and you will not be allowed onto the playing field without them. Rugby must-haves include mouthguard,

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correctly fitted scrum cap, boots with correct outer soles and optional body protection.

If you’re struggling, Escapade stores are located in Causeway Bay, Central, Repulse Bay and Clearwater Bay, or online at onlineescapade.com.hk.

In brief… ...calling all wannabe cake bakers and decorators, The Sweet Tooth Fairies is offering cake decorating workshops at its dedicated kitchen studio this month.

Learn how to bake and professionally frost cupcakes, or try your hand at putting together a 6” or 8” special occasion cake. Contact tstfhk@hotmail.com for info. ...Martial arts centre Espada is offering Parent ‘n’ Tot classes for parents and their offspring aged between 15 months and three years. The classes are being held at 4pm on Thursdays, and 9am on Saturdays, and the Sheung Wan-based centre promises a full workout for all concerned. For more information, see espada.hk.

Schools sports kit sorted with Escapade.

news

In the swim Entrepreneur and mum of three-under-three Angel Tsang launches a range of swimwear designed exclusively for mums this month.

The thoughtfully designed pieces aim to complement after-baby curves and were born of a need, says Tsang, for swimwear that is both flattering and practical when caring for babies and toddlers poolside.

The suits are made from Italian Carvico fabric, with “bump control” technology including fluid contours, inner linings and control panels to shape and trim hips and waste, and bra support.

“Mothers are so consumed in helping others that they don’t get to take care of themselves,” said Tsang, who admits to struggling to find suitable swimwear post-pregnancy. “Afterbaby curves should be complemented and celebrated. Aurein swim puts the focus back on mum, with a feel good factor sewn in.”

Not only that, for every swimsuit purchased, Tsang will be donating a percentage of the sale to local charity Changing Young Lives Foundation.

For more information, see aureinswim.com.

Creative kits for kids

The play-based kits aim to nurture kids’ creative side.

Moinarchy has launched monthly subscription-based activity kits for kids. Each box comes with themed project kits, easyto-follow instructions, a mystery gift and a scratch and win card. They are available as one, three, six or twelve-month plans, or you can buy kits individually.

The play-based learning packs are science, technology, engineering or craft

themed and are designed for young creators aged from two to eight years. Founder Natalie Lau hopes the kits will allow children to experiment with real world ideas and tools, exposing them to situations outside of their normal play spheres and away from the tech screen.

This summer, the company has been sponsoring Jumpstart start-up holiday camps.

“It means a lot to us to be a part of cultivating young entrepreneurs in Hong Kong,”

says Lau. The kits will be available for direct sale to the public for the first time at the Discovery Bay Sunday Markets on 14 August. “We are thrilled to be able to meet customers and demonstrate our learning packs,” added Lau. The kits cost from $88 each month and are available by contacting moinarchy.com

expat-parent.com 15

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

Mulberry House

​ ast track your child’s Mandarin F learning journey through interactive and engaging activities at Mulberry House. The Mandarin Immersion Programme for children from eight months to eight years allows children to speak, read and write Mandarin with experienced native teachers.

With a maximum class size of six children, little ones are guaranteed lots of one-on-one time with the teacher.

We have one $2,000 voucher for six 60-minute classes to give away. www.mulberryhouseasia.com Deadline: August 22

Aurein Swim

Founded by Hong Kong entrepreneur and mother of three under threes, Angel Tsang, Aurein Swim is a proud Hong Kong swimwear brand that puts mothers’ needs first.

Each design provides comfort and convenience while staying flattering, and there are matching swimmers for daughters too.

We’re giving away a swimsuit worth $1,090 to one lucky mum. www.aureinswim.com Deadline: August 25

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G.O.D.

For products that are truly Hong Kong, G.O.D. (Goods of Desire) is your best bet. The Hong Kong brand represents the Fragrant Harbour through clothing, furniture, and tongue in cheek designs.

They’ve recently released 100% cotton scarves that feature ten unique Hong Kong prints, and we have ten (worth $320 each) to give away. god.com.hk Deadline: August 23

PICNIC on Forbes Otterbox

Whether you’re trekking through a jungle or skiing on snow-topped mountains, LifeProof’s NÜÜD phone case will keep your device safe. It’s water-, dirt-, snow- and drop-proof, and keeps your phone functional without compromising on strength. We’ve got one iPhone 6s Plus case worth $788 to give away. www.otterbox.asia

Inspired by casual French cafe culture and picnicking, PICNIC on Forbes is known for its delicious French food and signature panniers (baskets) containing gourmet French treats.

Founded by the same team behind ON Dining and Upper Modern Bistro, their signature dishes include the free range chicken and lemon tart.

We’re giving away a Sunday family feast for one lucky family of four, worth $1,500. www.picnic-forbes.com Deadline: August 24

Deadline: Deadline: August 23

expat-parent.com 17

debate of the month

Sports classes for pre-schoolers?

Vital for their development, or an expensive babysitting service?

“It gives my helper a break and my son seems to enjoy soccer (I work full-time). He’s not exactly Ronaldo, but seriously, it fills an hour. Ok, so maybe it is expensive babysitting. So what?”

Miriam, Causeway Bay.

Oh my goodness, if it gives some worn-out mother an hour off, where’s the harm?

Meg, Kowloon Tong.

“When my first daughter was a toddler I was also new to Hong Kong and didn’t know a soul. An hour of mini-athletics each week was a life-line, I actually got to meet other mums.”

Claudette, Stanley.

Running around, socialising with other kids. Seriously, how can that be a bad thing?!

Suz, Mid-levels.

“My daughter started dancing at the age of two. Fourteen years later she’s still dancing. I couldn’t have torn her away if I’d wanted to.”

Liz, Pok Fu Lam.

You really have to be careful how good the instructors are.

My daughter once did a ballet class where all they did was skip and get a sticker at the end.

Angela, Kowloon Tong.

VS.

“Oh my god, if I hear one more kid screaming in the pool because they’re basically too young to be there... Chill, they’re not going to make the Olympics just because they were attempting breast-stroke at eighteen months.” Jan, Sai Kung.

Running around a park or scootering along the front at Repulse Bay is all free. And just as athletic as a paid-for class.

Kylie, Pok Fu Lam. “My mother-in-law dropped my three year old at tennis once while I was at work. She was the only non-helper, the only one concentrating on what the kids were actually doing. She left fairly unimpressed.” Ju, Repulse Bay.

“I don’t think their muscles have developed properly to benefit from swimming lessons before the age of three?

Or maybe I’m just a lazy mother!” Claire, Sai Kung.

We want to hear from you! Next month: Homework - love it, or loathe it?

Email your views to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk or go to www.expat-parent.com 18 expat-parent.com

Happy Baby, Happy Family Antenatal Friendly and experienced team of health professionals • Prenatal classes conducted in four languages (English, Cantonese, Putonghua, and Japanese) •

During hospital stay

Postnatal

24-hour breastfeeding support service • Flexible mother and baby bonding time • Accommodation of special postnatal requests

•

•

Follow-up support after discharge Parentcraft classes available • Postnatal home support service •

At Adventist Health, our experienced healthcare team offers premier prenatal and postnatal care through a holistic approach. Our range of luxurious and easily accessible services offers you a five-star birthing experience, providing you and your baby the best start to your new life together.

Enquiries: (852) 3651 8914 Website: www.hkah.org.hk Address: 40 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong

expat-parent.com 19

things we’d buy Gelati button bag tags $69 from Stuck On You

A4 Document holder $195 from G.O.D., god.com.hk

Back to school Stationery and school supplies for the new term

Octopus card holder $10 from G.O.D., god.com.hk

So Young Cooler bag and Backpack $249 and $380 from Mirth, www.mirthhome.com

Bamboo pencil set $45 from G.O.D.

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things we’d buy Spinout Notebooks $40 from Cotton On, cotton.com/hk

Dinosaurs! Pencil case $70 from Ohh Deer, ohhdear.com

Kiddie Backpacks $380 from Smateria School, www.inspired-collection.com

Insulated monkey food jar $199 from Indigo Living, www.indigo-living.com

Zoo lunch kits $115 from Bumps to Babes

Mini snack bags $125 from Bumps to Babes, www.bumpstobabes.com expat-parent.com 21

books

Lounger lizards Beat the heat with a good book.

The Butterfly Summer

The Muse

The Invitation

Harriet Evans (Headline Review)

Jessie Burton (HarperCollins)

Lucy Foley (HarperCollins)

Brilliant characterisation of a family in crisis. This imaginative read follows the story of Nina Parr and crumbling Keepsake, a long-forgotten house hidden in the depths of Cornwall - and Nina’s birth-rite. The tangled tale takes us back to the 1930s and pre-war London as her grandmother fights to escape both the house and her abusive father, and forward to the modern day as Nina discovers the truth of what she is about to inherit.

Complex, engaging and at times dark, this is a captivating novel.

From the author of bestselling novel, The Miniaturist, comes The Muse, a complex tale of two very different young women and the mystery that ties them together. Odelle Bastien is a Caribbean immigrant working at a prestigious London gallery in the 1960s. She discovers a painting rumoured to be the work of Spanish painter Isaac Robles whose mysterious death has confounded the art-world for decades.

An epic love story that sweeps readers from the glamour of the 1950s Italian Riviera to 1940s war-torn Spain. Hal Jacobs falls in love with New York society darling, Stella, but she disappears as quickly as he finds her. A curious invitation from an Italian Contessa to join her on her yacht travelling to Cannes brings the pair together again. Although everyone on board has dark secrets from the war years, Stella is nursing the darkest of all.

into the daugher/mother-in-law relationship.

American student Wilson arrives in Naples fresh out of college and falls in love with handsome, studious Salvatore. She then quickly finds herself enveloped by his elegant mother, Raffaella, which is when her “real” education begins. Sacred rules such as never eat the crust of a pizza first, mealtimes are sacred and food must be prepared fresh are just the beginnings of years of indoctrination into the Italian way of life. A sumptuous and fascinating read.

Acclaimed British journalist Miranda

Sawyer examines the modern mid-life crisis in Out of Time (4th Estate). Her “death-maths” moment (when you suddenly realise you have less time left than you have lived) came at the age of 44. “It’s as though you went out one warm evening - an evening fizzing with delicious potential - for just one drink… and woke up two days later in a skip,” she says. Not a selfhelp book, the memoir is an exploration of this sudden crisis, examining how we change as we get older and the potential pleasures the second-half of life might hold.

Memorable memoirs Betsy Lerner leads the pack with an interesting look at mother/daughter relationships in The Bridge Ladies (Macmillan). For the past fifty years, Monday afternoons in New Haven have always been the same - four ladies, a folding card table and a plate of (largely untouched) homemade cookies on the counter somewhere.

In turn fascinated by these immaculately turned out ladies as a child (all frosted hair-dos and shiny nylons), then embarrassed by their anachronistic, housewifely status as a teenager, Lerner is brought back to the town of her childhood in her 40s when her husband’s job is relocated. The Bridge Club is still going, and Lerner is determined to discover what really drives these ladies. As it turns out, they are anything but dull.

A must-read for anyone who loves Italian food (so pretty much everyone then), Only In Naples by Katherine Wilson (Fleet) delves 22 expat-parent.com

bookS Local author Matt Cooper reveals his top reads.

Tell about your writing career...

I started out as a scientific advisor for The Royal Society - the UK’s national science academy - then later as a medical writer. Since then, I have had two children’s books published - Lost in Hong Kong is about a boy who chases his mischievous dog across Hong Kong taking every form of transport imaginable; Black Rain Day is about a girl stuck at home on a day of torrential rain who goes on an adventure with talking animals (all Hong Kong native species) and gets to see the wilds of our amazing city.

What was your favourite book as a child?

I absolutely loved the Adventure series by Willard Price. They were about two teenage brothers who travelled to exotic places to help their father collect animals for zoos and nature parks. Along the way they faced perilous situations, nasty villains and scary animals but the subtle message was a conservation one.

They really did it for me as a 10 year old boy.

What do you read to your kids now?

My daughter (Neve, aged 5) loves The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton which is a classic and a good bedtime read. My son (Noah, aged 8) likes sharing the reading of the Sam Silver: Undercover Pirate books by Jan Burchett and Sara Vogler. I’m hoping to get my kids onto the Willard price books soon though!

What’s the most memorable book you’ve read?

That’s such a difficult question to answer - like trying to choose a memorable film or record - but I’d say it was Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. The book was written in 1962 and is often credited with kick-starting the global environmental movement. It’s as relevant today as it was then and has definitely shaped my views on our natural environment.

If you could magically forget a book and reread it all over again, what would it be?

Probably The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. It’s technically a young adult

novel but doesn’t pull any punches. The story is told through a 12 year old boy who lives in a future world where all the women have been killed by a virus (or so he believes) and the remaining men can hear each other’s thoughts.

It sounds very weird but I couldn’t put it down.

What’s on your nightstand right now?

I’m reading a non-fiction book called The Winter of Our Disconnect about a mum who decided she’d had enough of her kids being glued to electronic devices and so pulled the plug on all electronic media (including TV) for six months. It’s a subject very close to my heart.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just completed a book called The Last Gibbon. It’s about the Hainan Gibbon, which is the most endangered primate on the planet. It lives on Hainan Island, just an hour’s flight from Hong Kong, yet virtually no one knows that it exists. The book is being illustrated and will (hopefully) be available in the autumn.

expat-parent.com 23

THE big interview

Mad about cats and dogs This year, Hong Kong’s first, oldest and largest charitable organisation - the SPCA - celebrates its 95th anniversary. Carolynne Dear joins the celebrations.

It’s celebrations all round for the SPCA’s 95th birthday.

How to get involved The SPCA runs a varied volunteer programme. From fund-raising, to backoffice personnel, kennel staff or dog walkers, there are lots of opportunities to help out.

“We have family and junior memberships, and pet fostering is popular with families who might be unable to commit to fully owning a pet,” says deputy director (Welfare) Fiona Woodhouse.

Contact spca.org.hk for more information.

24 expat-parent.com

T

he Society for the Protection of Animals (SPCA) began life in 1903 as a voluntary, informal welfare group, financed by the moneyed elite of Hong Kong society, and primarily by the wealthy Ho Tung family.

“In those days, the reach of the group globally touched upon all social issues, not just the mistreatment of animals,” explains deputy director (Welfare), Fiona Woodhouse. “It was set up, as in other areas of the world, by wealthy philanthropists interested in the humane treatment of both animals and people.”

It was in fact the founder of the American SPCA in the 1870s that successfully brought

to trial the first case of child abuse, after local authorities were reluctant to act.

The Hong Kong SPCA was in 1921 formally incorporated, the mission being to promote kindness to animals, protect their health and welfare, to prevent animal cruelty and - through education - to inspire in the community a respect for all living creatures.

Today, it boasts more than 25,000 members with around 200 staff, and handles over 16,000 community or abandoned animals through its welfare programmes.

While these days it is grappling with issues wider than cats and dogs, such as leading campaigns against fur, sharkfin and ivory, its

THE big interview

Inaugura l children ’s pet show , 1959.

7 torate, 193 rst Inspec fi ’s A C P The S

g’s Hong Kon up, 1922. basic raison d’etre - the humane treatment of animals - has remained constant throughout.

“While Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change since the SPCA was founded, we have stayed true to our mission,” says SPCA executive director, Alice Choi.

In 1922 the Association set up Hong Kong’s first Dog Home, which operated out of premises on Waterloo Road, Kowloon, and was largely funded by Lady Ho Tung.

In 1935, after much lobbying by the Society, The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance was introduced, and in 1937 the SPCA set up an Inspectorate to help police ensure the legislation was upheld throughout the Territory.

In the 1950s it began an anti-rabies campaign and successfully lobbied for the Dogs and Cats Ordinance, prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats. Human consumption of dogs and cats was still permitted until this point.

But it has never always been about domestic animals. In the 1930s, the Society appealed to the government to stop pigs and cows being transported in bamboo cages broken bamboo poles could cut the animals and use wooden crates instead.

Issues around “food” animals, such as chickens, pigs and fish, remain a challenge today.

“There are a lot of cultural issues,” says Woodhouse. “The preference here is for animals

ome set first dog h

to be transported live to keep them fresh, so treatment of these animals during transportation or inside wet markets is an issue.”

Other highlights over the last 95 years include the introduction of cat boxes in public places for unwanted cats and kittens in the 1960s; the setting up of a temporary dog-boarding service for owners travelling overseas in the 1970s; and the first mobile veterinary clinic in 1987 - these days, the Society has seven static clinics, a mobile clinic and an animal welfare vehicle conducting over 70,000 procedures every year. And in 1992, with funding from the Jockey Club, SPCA headquarters were opened in Wan Chai.

But there has been anguish over the years, too. During the Second World War it was forced to cease operations under the Japanese occupation. One of its last acts as the invaders approached was to euthanise the dogs at its Kowloon kennels before staff retreated to Hong Kong Island, lest the animals be left in the hands of the occupiers. Fortunately, the Society was able to reform and continue its works in the late 1940s.

These days, there are still challenges. Its six main areas of work include animal rescue and cruelty prevention, animal birth control, animal adoption, pet health promotion, animal welfare education and animal welfare advocacy.

“Our staff and volunteers are involved in all

Founding members 1903. in

aspects of animal welfare, from inspection, to care, to education,” says Choi. “This puts us in a unique position to make a critical difference for animals who are neglected, abandoned or abused.”

Moving forward, the Society is hoping to strengthen its efforts in both education and advocacy. It plans to offer more talks and educational programmes for schools and the local community - its animal welfare programme can tie in with PYP and IB courses. It will also be setting up more tours and classes at its Wan Chai headquarters on how to better take care of animals.

To celebrate its birthday, the SPCA will be launching a 95th anniversary commemorative coin featuring drawings by local animal illustrator, Ballzi. Donors will receive a coin for every $500 given to the charity.

The Society is also planning to open a new flagship centre in Tsing Yi in time for its 100th anniversary in 2021. A fundraising campaign will be launched later this year to seek support.

“Thanks in large part to the SPCA, Hong Kong people view animals much differently from 95 years ago”, says Choi. “We are thrilled to celebrate our 95th anniversary and to commemorate the Society’s many achievements. Of course, there is still much work to be done and we are grateful for Hong Kong people’s continuing support.” expat-parent.com 25

feature

All at sea

Sunshine, friends and oodles of great scenery - you can’t beat messing about in a boat, writes Carolynne Dear caption

26 expat-parent.com

feature Kayaks, craters and clownfish Spend a day kayaking Hong Kong’s famous Geopark.

Photo courtesy of hkestonian

I

t’s a balmy morning in Sai Kung as we wait on the New Pier for our speedboat pick-up out to the famous Hong Kong Geopark.

We’ve booked onto a family kayak and hike adventure day with local water sports specialist, Paul Etherington, and have been promised kayaking, a “light” hike, snorkelling, a speedboat tour of the geopark, and a Chinese seafood late-lunch by the beach to finish off. All in all, we’re pretty excited to get going.

We are soon bouncing our way across Sai Kung’s Inner Port Shelter to Yau Ley, or High Island, located within Sai Kung East Country Park. This is where the kayaks are stored and our point of departure for the paddling part of the adventure. The sea kayaks are all twins or trios, and Etherington soon has us appropriately teamed up and equipped with paddles and life-vests ready for the short trip round to Millionaire’s Beach in the next bay. My sevenyear old son has been allocated the middle seat, with my eleven-year old daughter taking the front, and me in the engine room at the back.

We have a quick snack and a cool off on Millionaire’s, before hitting the water again for the longest paddle of the day, across to Bluff Island. We are accompanied by several safety kayaks and a safety speed boat. It’s a gorgeous paddle, although the seven-year-old is relegated to “wave watching” duty after a few near misses between the end of his wildly enthusiastic paddle and the back of the eleven-year-old’s head.

We pull up triumphantly on the beach at Bluff - even the teen and her friend in their twin kayak are quite proud of themselves.

Now for the hiking part of the day. We pull on socks, trainers and hats and scramble through the undergrowth at the end of the beach to the beginning of a rugged trail that takes us up to the highest point on the island. The views are breathtaking - the shimmering Sai Kung Inner Port shelter and its emerald green islands on one side, and the wild, sapphire blue ocean on the other. The jewel-like imagery is richly deserved.

Then it’s back down to the beach where Etherington pulls out some snorkels and shows us a small patch of coral to the west-side of the sand.

Incredibly, Hong Kong boasts more species of coral than the Caribbean, but it has been systematically destroyed over the years.

expat-parent.com 27

feature We were lucky enough to spot lots of darting fish and some colourful corals, and the water is beautifully clear.

From Bluff, we jump onto the speedboat for a whizz around the spectacular geology of the area. Etherington is a wealth of information, and the kids are enraptured to discover that they’re speeding around on what used to be the crater of a super-volcano.

Once on the beach again, it’s back into the kayaks for the final, and toughest, paddle of the day, around to the ocean-side of Bluff and through a sea-arch. The sea is pretty rocky, which adds to the adventure, but we are well escorted and it’s great fun skimming through

the surf. The sea arch itself is one of the finest examples in Hong Kong and it’s really special floating through the arch and having an upclose look at the rock formations. The water is so clear we can see right to the bottom. In fact it’s so impressive we paddle round and back through a second time, while Etherington and the rest of the group patiently wait on the other side.

Even I’m beginning to feel slightly weary by this stage, so it’s a welcome relief to climb into the speedboat and be driven back to Yau Ley, the kayaks roped up and bobbing along behind us.

Sai Kung’s super volcano 140 million years ago, volcanoes were active in

than the more usual basic basaltic lava seen in

the area. Whenever there was an eruption, great

other parts of the world.

lava flows gushed out, along with scorching

Over the years, the sea and weather have carved

volcanic ash. They spread across the ground and

out spectacular sea cliffs, sea caves, sea arches

formed lava layers, which contracted on cooling

and sea stacks, all of which can be seen in the

and gave rise to the spectacular hexagonal lava

Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark which covers

columns that can be seen today.

50km2 of the New Territories

Sai Kung’s columns are unique, being formed from acidic silica-rhyolistic volcanic rock, rather

28 expat-parent.com

While Etherington and his team pack the gear away, we enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at laid-back High Island restaurant. Dishes of steamed fish, fried rice, noodles, garlicky scallops, prawns and sweet and sour pork are ravenously consumed, with ice creams all round for the kids. Once little tummies have been topped up, the children have a great time fossicking on the beach and leaping from the pier into the cool water, while we adults kick back with a beer and re-live our day of adventure on the high seas.

Kayak and Hike can be booked at kayakand-hike.com.

feature

Think pink on Lantau Hong Kong Dolphinwatch has been running ecological tours to view Hong Kong’s resident Chinese White dolphins since 1995. Also known as “pink” dolphins, these creatures splash around in the waters off Lantau.

Unfortunately these days they are threatened from under-treated sewage, ferry traffic, over-fishing, net entanglement and the various construction programmes currently being

ExpatParent_Aug16.indd 1

carried out on Lantau. The Dophinwatch tours include information sheets and a detailed presentation on the environmental situation of the pink dolphins by experienced guides.

“There’s no “best” time to view the dolphins,” says Dolphinwatch’s Janet Walker.

“We are busy right the year through and some of our best sightings occur “off-season”.”

The tour includes return trip by coach from

TST to Tung Chung New Development Pier on Lantau, a three-four hour tour on a luxury cruiser, presentation and light refreshments.

Trips run three times a week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and are generally scheduled in the mornings.

For more details, see hkdolphinwatch. com.

7/14/2016 5:12:23 PM

expat-parent.com 29

feature

There’s loads to see under the waves at Hoi Ha.

Happy days at Hoi Ha For a full-day snorkelling adventure, Wouter van Marle of Countryside Adventure Tours leads trips up to Hoi Ha in Sai Kung Country Park.

“There are no coral reefs in Hong Kong,” explains van Marle. “The geology of the area is just not right for reefs to build. The corals grow on rocky sea floors, generally in shallower waters (up to ten metres), as Hong Kong’s waters are not clear enough for sunlight to penetrate any deeper, and corals need light. This means that snorkelling is a great way to see the corals - there is no need for scuba to get up close to them.”

30 expat-parent.com

A typical tour run-down includes travel out to Hoi Ha, followed by instruction on how to use the snorkelling equipment and the kayaks.

“We then paddle the kayaks out to the first snorkelling area, the first of three colonies at Hoi Ha, which takes about 20 minutes,” says van Marle.

There is then plenty of time to swim around and admire the corals, before heading on to the second coral colony.

“The two places are quite different,” says van Marle. “The first has more corals but generally less fish, the second area has

more and also larger fish swimming around.”

Once the colonies have been investigated, it’s back in the kayak and back to shore.

Hooked on Hong Kong’s beauty, van Marle has been adventuring his way around the Territory since 2002.

Hoi Ha is a sheltered bay at the north of Sai Kung Peninsula. It is a designated marine park of around 2.5 km sq, with significant biodiversity.

For more tour information, see adventure tours.hk.

feature Get squi-shing Squid fishing (although we’re liking “squishing”) is a brilliant way to spend the evening with older kids in summer. The season runs from approximately May through to October, and bobbing boats laden with huge floodlights can be spotted on waterways all over the territory at this time.

Boat rental companies Jubilee (jubilee. hk) and Saffron Cruises (saffron-cruises. com) both offer squid fishing packages that run from approximately 7 to 11pm. Pick-ups are generally from Tsim Sha Tsui (although there are also Aberdeen and Sai Kung options), from where the boat will motor for around 45 minutes to reach the best squidladen patches of water.

Once you’ve anchored, huge floodlights on the boat illuminate the water to attract the wily creatures, while the kids can toss the simple fishing devices (a wooden handle with a line and a hook) into the inky waters.

If they’re lucky, with a deft flick of the wrist they’ll be hauling dinner on board,

Dinner?

which the boat crew will happily cook up for you. But if luck isn’t on your side, a simple buffet dinner is also available. Alcohol is

BYO, so don’t forget a bottle of wine or two and you can enjoy a glass while soaking up Hong Kong’s lights at night.

expat-parent.com 31

modern family

School for mums

Three expat parents explain how they transformed their lives by going back to class.

Taking it out of the studio in Sai Kung - a yoga hobby has become a flourishing business for Emma Linnitt.

Emma Linnitt stretched her career horizons with a yoga course.

I left the UK in 2001 as a trailing spouse. My husband had swapped his job in the British police force to work for a security consultancy in Jakarta. To be honest, it was a bit of an adventure. The plan was to do something different for a couple of years.

I had already given up on my career in finance when we got married in 1997 and had our son, Max. A police officer husband working shifts and a baby just didn’t mesh very well with the demands of my city-based job. So I down-shifted and found part-time work with a local high street bank.

But after two-and-a-half years in Jakarta, instead of going home, we moved to Hong Kong. By now my daughter Freya had been born, and in 2006 my third child, Zach, arrived.

I was well and truly in the “mum-zone”.

We decided to live in Sai Kung, which at that time didn’t have much in the way of fitness classes. I’ve always been keen to stay healthy, and in Jakarta I’d managed to juggle my children with trips to a gym. The only option

32 expat-parent.com

here was to join a local pilates class, which I attended religiously for five years. And then my life changed when Yoga Limbs opened up near Clearwater Bay School. They had a special offer for long-term membership, so I signed up for a year, purely for financial reasons. The membership meant I could go every-day twice a day if I wanted - and the studio was right next to school for pick-up at 2.30pm.

I absolutely loved it and decided that I wanted to take things further with a teacher training course. So through Yoga Limbs, I signed up for a 250 hour Yoga Alliance course, which was part-time over 18 months.

It was modular based with options to take the modules during the day, evening or at weekends, so I could work it perfectly around my family-life. I ended up completing it in nine months.

For my final exam I had to lead a one-hour practical, with no notes or guidance, so I asked three friends to come along three times a week for a couple of months to help me perfect my final session. When I qualified, these ladies asked if I would carry on and even offered to pay me for classes. By word of mouth,

the class got bigger and I had to add more sessions.

In September 2014 The Yoga House was officially born. It has continued to grow and these days I run 14 classes, six-days a week, with private lessons as well.

I haven’t looked back - I’ve taken a couple of extra courses for teaching children and teens and I’m hoping to soon complete the next chunk of my teacher training, which will take me to 500 hours and allow me to instruct teachers.

I never planned on a career in yoga, I think it rather found me. But I absolutely love it and feel truly blessed. I would encourage anyone to give something different a go - I just wish I had had the confidence to break out and do it earlier.

The Yoga House is based in Sai Kung. For class details, email Emma at emmalinnitt@ hotmail.com or see www.facebook.com/ theyogahouse.hk/ Gecko Yoga runs certified Yoga Alliance teacher training courses in Hong Kong, geckoyoga.com

modern family

Mum-of-two Sharyn Ridley is relishing her time at Hong Kong Art School.

After years of dabbling, Sharyn Ridley has packed up her brushes and gone back to art school fulltime.

I moved to Hong Kong from Australia sixteen years ago, during which time I have travelled extensively, married and had two children.

I have always wanted to return to full-time study, but unfortunately the timing was never right.

I am an artist and have always been involved with art. For the past four years I have been attending life drawing with fellow artist Helen Boyd at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. We have a very talented and diverse group and we get together once a week to practise life drawing. I also share a studio space with Helen in Sai Kung - Studio SKink - where we hold regular life drawing and art jams.

Fortunately my husband and children have been incredibly supportive and gave me the confidence to return to full-time study last September.

I am studying a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) at the Hong Kong Art School (HKAS) in Chai

Wan, in collaboration with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). HKAS offers both a Higher Diploma and Bachelor of Arts programme with practice of four majors painting, photography, sculpture and ceramics.

On completion, I will have a degree in Fine Art, with a major in painting. I am hoping to follow this up with a Master of Fine Arts.

My course is full-time over three years. I attend lectures in the evenings twice a week, and two lectures on Saturdays. The weekend commitment is tricky, as my husband often works on weekends and I have to juggle my study time around this and the kids’ sporting and social commitments. It’s not easy, but I must say, we are so lucky in Hong Kong having easy access to extra help. I am fortunate to have a wonderful domestic helper who I can rely on, as well as a great network of supportive friends.

Painting itself is very time consuming and because I paint in oil, I have to allow time for the paint to dry. I submit work to both the Hong Kong Art School and also RMIT via their website. I have updated my internet skills

accordingly - there are so many amazing online tutorials these days which can really help.

So far the course has been extremely rewarding and worth all the effort. I had enormous satisfaction recently submitting my first art history essay. It was fun to write on a subject I love.

My first semester has flown by and I have loved every second of it. I have really welcomed the challenge of returning to study in my forties. I relish being surrounded by other creatives and learning different techniques every day. I kept putting it off for years, thinking the timing wasn’t right, but really, is there there ever a “right” time? Time goes so quickly, you need to grab opportunities when you can. I am lucky to have such a supportive family who are proud of my accomplishments.

Studio SKink runs regular art jamming classes and workshops for adults and kids. See facebook.com/studio-SKink to learn more.

Hong Kong Art School offers a range of courses, see hkas.edu.hk for more details.

expat-parent.com 33

modern family Amanda Mullins never gave up on a career in counselling, despite several international moves.

My degree was in psychology, sociology and English literature, which I completed straight after school in the UK. I also completed a post-graduate diploma in counselling, specialising in addiction and trauma. I initially worked with homeless youths who needed support when they left institutionalised care-homes at the age of 18. I met some amazing kids and was inspired to pursue youth counselling.

I then moved to Sydney with my husband and two children and worked with the Department of Community Services for almost five years, in areas such as child protection and early intervention. I really felt things were taking off and lined myself up to go back to university to complete a Masters in counselling and psychology, a qualification I really needed to develop my career.

But at this point my husband’s job was relocated to Hong Kong and we moved as a family to Pok Fu Lam. I managed to find work supporting bank employees with stress management, parenting solutions, marital help and so forth, but to be honest I felt pretty cheated about not being able to study for my Masters.

So after a couple of years I plucked up the courage to apply to Hong Kong University (HKU). Amazingly, I passed the entrance exam and was offered a place

Time for a career change?

Art - If you want to master a canvas but don’t fancy a full-blown art course, Hong Kong Art Tutoring holds adult painting and life drawing classes, both one-to-one and in groups hkarttutoring.com.

Business studies - give your skills a boost at The Knowledge Academy.

They run online and classroom-based courses in management, web and graphic design, digital marketing, software programming and more theknowledgeacademy.com.

Cake decorating - Blossom Cakes School of Cake Decorating and Confectionary Arts in Tin Hau has a variety of courses and Master classes, whether you’re looking to create a one-off masterpiece or want to develop your skills further. It also runs

34 expat-parent.com

studying social work with counselling. It was two years full-time and to be honest, if I knew then how competitive it was going to be, I might not have applied.

When you’re studying full-time, there is no work/life balance. I had to prioritise my studies, the kids and my husband - and the rest of my life I just had to park for two years. Studying in an Asian university was also much more fast-paced than what I had been used to.

I was catapulted right out of my expat bubble and suddenly I was part of a very powerful alumni, discovering a totally different side to the Hong Kong I had known. I have amazing memories of this time and formed friendships that will last all my life.

Not only that, I achieved my dream and got my Masters. To be honest, when it happened, I was too tired to feel relieved. I went out in Kennedy Town with some other students and we really let our hair down.

But the best part of the course was the practical element, which involved spending ten weeks in Mumbai counselling street

children. This was amazing - life-changing and something I will never get to repeat. I lived in a hut in the slums with no shower and a tin roof that blew off regularly. I’m renowned amongst my Hong Kong friends for my penchant for the Mandarin Oriental hair salon and other comforts, but my new circumstances quickly became my reality - and I loved it. It was a totally back-tobasics existence - I hand-washed my own clothes, ate with my hands and got used to not blow-drying my hair every day. The kids themselves were amazing - they had nothing, yet I never saw any of them ever throw a tantrum or squabble with each other.

I would say if you’re thinking about going back to school or university, just go for it. If I’d stopped to think about how I was going to manage it all, I think I would have given up before I’d even started. While I lost some expat friendships, I gained so much more. Yes, it’s tough, but so worth it in the end. I still can’t believe I have a Masters degree.

A two year Masters in social work at HKU saw Amanda Mulli counselling Indian street kids in Mumbai - a far cry from life in the “expat bubble”.

PME Professional Diploma courses blossomcakes.com.hk.

beginners and advanced amateurs hkphotoworkshop.com.

Floristry - Hong Kong Modern Flower Arrangement School runs courses designed and acknowledged by the International Floral Arts Association.

The School offers Professional Florist Certificate courses and Higher Diploma studies - mfrs.com.hk

Technology - brush up on your digital skills with General Assembly. They offer a variety of education opportunities in design and technology on both a full and part-time basis, as well as one-off evening classes - generalassemb.ly

Home decoration - Insight runs a range of interior design courses, from vocational short courses to one year intensive professional diplomas insightschoolhk.com.

Photography - if you fancy yourself behind a camera, Hong Kong Photo Workshop’s self-confessed mission is “to make great pictures accessible to anyone with a camera and a love for photography”. It offers private tuition and classes for

And don’t forget...

The Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement at Hong Kong YMCA, Macdonnell Rd, Mid-levels, offers a range of evening and short courses for adults - clle.ywca.org.hk.

Or take a look at the range of courses available at the Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education, from evening courses, to part-time and full-time classes - hkuspace.hku.hk.

expat-parent.com 35

school scenes

School News Hong Kong students achieve perfect IB scores Hong Kong’s IB students have performed exceptionally well this year with 18 students receiving the maximum score of 45 marks on their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas. Of the 150,000 students worldwide who participated in the IB Diploma, only 146 students received full marks this year. Seven of these students come from Hong Kong ESF schools, two from the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, one from Victoria Shanghai Academy and another from The French International School. This year’s global average score is 30.1 points. Congratulations to all the students!

Alina Bharwani and Margaret Ho achieved the maximum score of 45 in the IB Diploma.

Best of British in Admiralty

The British Countil iis launching its first ever pre-school.

The British Council will be opening its first ever international pre-school in HK thia month.

The Admiralty-based centre is offering a bi-lingual, UK-based International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to all children eligible to study in HK. In line with the British Council’s policy of equality, diversity and inclusion, the pre-school will welcome both local and international students.

Jasmina Wadhwani, with 18 years of experience in local and international HK kindergartens, has joined the British Council as head of British Council HK International Pre-School. “Childhood is a beautiful journey of discovery, exploration, imagination and play,” she said. “We respect the unique 36 expat-parent.com

developmental pattern of every child and let them grow and learn at their own pace.”

The IPC curriculum is a thematic-based curriculum with clear learning goals and guidelines for evaluating students. An English and Chinese immersion programme plus daily Putonghua time will also be offered to promote bilingual and bicultural learning.

British Council HK International PreSchool is currently accepting applications from children aged from two years and eight months to six years for Nursery (K1), Lower Kindergarten (K2) and Upper Kindergarten (K3) for the 2016-17 academic year.

Contact britishcouncil.hk/en/preschool for information.

New kindie puts down roots in Tung Chung ESF will be opening its largest kindergarten to date next month, The Visionary. Building on its experience running four existing Hong Kong kindies, the Tung Chung centre will offer English medium early years education for children aged three to five years. Children who attend the school will receive priority for interview at ESF primary or ESF private independent schools.

The design for the new kindergarten is made up of individual classrooms that open up into a shared learning space designed for collaborative play.

When the kindergarten broke ground in February, children and parents were invited to the new space and to plant seeds for the new school garden.

“We look forward to watching this kindergarten come to life,” said principal Sandra Hite. “Its opening gives local parents the opportunity to secure a quality ESF play-based education.”

See esfkindergartens.org.hk for registration information.

expat-parent.com 37

open day

French International School Rebecca Simpson learns more about the school’s new Tseung Kwan O campus, due to open in 2018.

Artist’s impression of the new French International School’s Tseung Kwan O campus.

L

ast year, The Wall Street Journal reported Hong Kong as the hottest spot in the world for French expats.

Over the past six years, Hong Kong has seen an influx of French professionals and their families to the city. So it’s no surprise that the French International School (FIS) is expanding. The school is due to throw open the doors of its new Tseung Kwan O campus in 2018, at which point it will accommodate over 3,000 students across multiple locations.

Currently, FIS boasts four campuses in Hong Kong and runs two streams of education, from reception through to high school graduation: the French stream (French curriculum) and the International stream (English and IB curricula). The Blue 38 expat-parent.com

Pool Road campus in Happy Valley is home to high school students from both the French and International streams. Jardine’s Lookout houses reception to Year Four from both streams; these children move to Chai Wan for Years Five and Six, following which the French stream students return to Jardine’s Lookout for two years. Finally, the school has a temporary campus in Hung Hom for French stream primary school students.

A new campus, a new way of learning Once the new state-of-the-art Tseung Kwan O campus opens, French and International stream students will have the chance to learn side by side. Final confirmation of which years groups will be located at the

new campus is yet to be confirmed.

The new campus is being pegged as one of the most innovative and green schools in the city. So what makes it so cutting edge? “It is a very clever design by a Danish company that is a leader in this area. Educationally, it’s what we’re calling the villa concept”, says Ian Clayton, Head of International Stream at FIS. The villa concept offers a new way of learning for FIS students. “There will be three classes of the French stream and two classes of the International stream sharing a villa”, explains Clayton. In the middle is the Agora: the shared area. The walls separating each room will be retractable and students will share a large area in the middle of the villa where they can experience intercultural

open day A Green Campus To Share With The Community FIS is a green and community conscious school. Since 2008 the school has been annually awarded as an international “EcoSchool” by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The new TKO campus will see the school deliver a new level of sustainable building design and integration throughout the new campus.

The new campus will feature a botanical garden with native Hong Kong flora for students and the community to share sustainable development projects and activities. This eco garden will be maintained by the student body. The TKO campus will serve the local community, allowing access and shared facilities for the immediate community out of school hours.

The exterior of the existing Chai Wan campus.

and bilingual teaching and learning.”

This new way of working is designed to allow fluidity within the teaching staff and offer students more exposure to teachers from the other stream. “There will be times when the French teachers teach the international class and the international teachers teach the French students. This exchange will be for a percentage of the week. The students will also do lots of shared projects in this common area. The classrooms are big, specifically for that reason – so students can share, so they can interact, so they can mingle”, says Clayton.

This non-traditional approach is the

brainchild of the FIS teaching body, driven by the school’s Principal, Christian Soulard.

“When we were planning for TKO, the idea evolved. Our Principal drove the idea. As a school we are focused on our bilingual offering, so this new villa style of teaching is an experience we believe will help our students. Schools are traditionally built in a linear fashion, but we wanted to build our classrooms around this shared nucleus. And that’s where the brilliance of the designers really came into its own. They helped make our vision a reality.”

An Academic Legacy The FIS has an established history of academic excellence. “Academic results are our strength” boasts Ian Clayton.

Not only is the school delivering strong academic results, but it’s also well regarded by universities in both Europe and the US. FIS has a stable relationship with an array of universities and staffs a dedicated team of career guidance experts to help senior students with their journeys to further education.

Recently, student Noé Ensarguet was honoured at the old Ecole Polytechnique in Paris for winning the Mathematics Olympiad.

21,000 students took part in the Olympiad and only 38 were winners, with Noé named

expat-parent.com 39

open day

The villa style concept at the new campus.

one of them. He was recognised in the presence of Najat Vallaud- Belkacem, the French Minister of Education.

In 2015, FIS students excelled academically in the IB, IGCSE, and the French Baccalaureate. 100% of FIS IB students secured a place at their first or second choice university. 75% of the IGCSE graduates were awarded an A* or A across all subjects. The French Baccalaureate students had a year to remember too as student achieved the best academic results to date for the school.

A Place Where Students Feel Valued Proud of their strong reputation for academic excellence, the school is also keen to emphasise the relationship that each student forges with the school. “Students have great relationships with the teachers – they feel the teachers know them well and they know the teachers well. It’s a mutual understanding.”

He cites modest class sizes as a contributing factor to the way FIS students feel valued, “This is linked to our small class sizes – in the senior school, it’s not unusual for our students to be in a class of only 10 40 expat-parent.com

or 15 students.” A reduced student-teacher ratio means FIS students are offered not only academic but also pastoral monitoring.

The FIS sense of community and student sentiment of being recognised is a powerful proposition for parents and students alike.

“Students don’t fall through the cracks here. As a student, you can’t go unnoticed at FIS. Everyone knows you and you know everyone.”

A Bi-Lingual Education The FIS offers students an opportunity for robust academic achievement supported by a sense of belonging and care from teachers. When the TKO campus opens in 2018, the students will also benefit from a new way of learning and state-of-the-art facilities.

But what makes the FIS truly unique is the bilingual immersion the students experience. While English is the common playground language at FIS, students graduating from the school are fluent in both French and English. Perhaps most importantly though, embracing and understanding respective cultures could be the most valuable life lesson of all.

School Report

French International School

Established: 1963 Number of students: circa 2,600 Curriculum: French stream: French National Curriculum (French Baccalaureate) International stream - English National Curriculum to IGCSE then IB Fees 2016/2017: $96,589 - $184,038 Address: Blue Pool Road Campus French and International Streams 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley Jardine’s Lookout Campus French and International Streams 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout Hung Hom Campus French Stream 68 Gillies Avenue, Hung Hom Chai Wan Campus French and International Streams 1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan Tel: 2577 6217

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principal’s office

Getting my first teaching job was pretty funny. I didn’t really want it so I didn’t put in much effort - it was a tough school, but turned out to be a very rewarding role.

Ian Clayton, Head of the International Stream and Deputy Headmaster, French International School

What are some of the challenges being a Head?

The biggest challenge is being pulled in lots of different directions. In my role, everyone wants a piece of me.

Unfortunately I can’t make everyone happy and that can be a challenge.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

Everything really, it’s a magical place. If you could somehow bottle Hong Kong and sell it, you’d be a very wealthy person. It’s so dramatic and the scenery is beautiful.

And of course the people too – they’re fantastic.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy developing teachers and students, having an impact on their lives.

Seeing them develop and grow as people, I never forget it and neither do they.

Do you have any hobbies?

I used to play a lot of sports. I spend more time now living vicariously through my children as they play sport. I do like to read and go to the cinema too.

What has been the most memorable event in your career?

Getting my first teaching job was a pretty funny and memorable experience. I didn’t really want the job so I didn’t put in much effort. I must have been very relaxed and confident because I got it! It was a tough school but a very rewarding role.

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

I had a couple of standout teachers. One I remember well is my history teacher, I became a history teacher partly because of him. He had a way with us that was great – he was interested in us but tough. He was assertive but not aggressive. Also he could take a joke and knew how to speak to big classes of kids. He was well respected by his students.

Did you always want to work in education?

No, I didn’t. I wanted to be a professional sportsman or musician. For a while corporate life looked attractive to me.

But in my final year of University, I knew teaching was for me, it was the only thing I would do.

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

‘Sit down and shut up Clayton!’ Which I did.

Also, I was advised that art was not going to be my subject. The teacher told me to never pick up a paintbrush and I have followed those instructions.

What qualities do you value most in people?

Forgiveness and tolerance. These are amazing and difficult qualities to have, I don’t always have them. People like Nelson Mandela are such an inspiration, it’s hard to imagine you could forgive the person who has beaten you for years. That’s incredible and almost a super-human quality.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d love to be able to play an instrument, I think going on tour would be fun.

What was your favourite subject at school?

History and lunch time. I loved playing football and cricket at lunch time.

Tell us a secret about yourself.

In an emergency, I might be able to land an airliner - if someone could talk me through it. It might be a bumpy landing!

Sponsored Column

Preparing Your Child for the New School Year 1. Get to know the school.

If this is your child’s first year at primary school, start talking about it and what changes they should expect. There are always formal orientation days and the focus of the first week is to help children transition to their new classroom and get to know their teacher and classmates.

a friend.

4. Early bedtimes start now.

Most children stay up later in the summer months, but children need up to 11 hours of sleep a night depending on their age.

Imposing an early bedtime cold turkey the night before school starts is likely to be too little too late.

2. Make friends.

Children are always nervous about their new teacher, but if they know any of the other children, they’ll feel more at ease.

New to Hong Kong? Make a special effort to meet other children in your neighbourhood.

5. Wake up your child’s brain.

But remember - you aren’t the teacher and you don’t need to start school early by pulling out the flashcards. If your child has been reading throughout the summer months, congratulations! If not, this is the time to start...gently.

3. Talk about what’s to come.

Get your kids excited by talking about what they can expect - from snacks, to playtime, computers and more. If you know other children at the school, be sure to mention this so they are excited about playing with

6. Get stocked up.

Obtain the class supply list and go on a special shopping trip together. Supply lists also provide a great insight into the work ahead.

7. Visit your doctor.

Make sure your child’s immunisations are up to date. This information will likely be requested by the school as part of your child’s medical records.

8. Finally, when the big day arrives...

Be prepared and remain calm during the “before school” routine. If you’re upset, try not to let your child see. Children starting school can bring out all sorts of emotions in parents, from pride to concerns about their ability to cope without you (and vice versa).

Put on a brave face.

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 details, contact 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

expat-parent.com 43

afterschool

Going for gold

You don’t need to travel to Rio to take up an Olympic sport. Robyn Ma finds out what’s on offer in Hong Kong.

Sharp shooters Ever wanted to emulate Robin Hood’s epic archery skills? Well look no further. Golden Trust Archery offers private archery courses for adults and children aged five or above - novices or experienced shooters. Students will learn how to use the Recurve bow as an introductory weapon and as their skill level progresses, they move from short distance shooting to long range shooting.

Private lessons are at $580 per hour. 781 Yu Chau West Street, Lai Chi Kok, Wing Hong Factory Building, 2/F, Block C. 6521 8288 Golden Trust Archery, archery.com.hk.

Sail away Since 1890, The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has worked to popularise the sport of sailing. The club offers comprehensive five-day courses covering all the bases of sailing. Their Youth Summer Programme extends from June to August and is offered to sailors aged 6-18. The least experienced sailors start off on Optimist dinghies as introductory boats before progressing onto Pico dinghies, RS Feva gennakers, Laser dinghies, and Keelboats. Each course teaches sailors basic boat handling techniques such as rigging, tacking, and gybing. Children will learn how to control a boat and sail against the wind. Course fees range from $1,154 to $3,069 for members and $1,500 to $4,200 for non members.

Lessons take place on Middle Island.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, rhkyc.com.hk

Row your boat Children looking for a more rigorous sport can opt for rowing. The Hong Kong China Rowing Association is affiliated with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, and hosts a series of classes for anyone interested, from novices to veterans of the river. Their Youth Rowing Development Programme is aimed at nine-20 year olds and is split into three phases, starting from an indoor assessment to rowing in open water.

Participants will be introduced to the use of basic rowing equipment, techniques and safety guidelines. After completing several courses, outstanding rowers have the opportunity to become members of the Hong Kong Junior Rowing Team.

Membership fee is $240 and the course itself costs $80 for 3 months. Sha Tin Rowing Center, 27 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin or Jockey Club Shek Mun Rowing Center, 27 On King Street, Sha Tin. Hong Kong China Rowing Association, rowing.org.hk.

On guard For children looking for a more daring sport, fencing is a great option. The Fencing Sport Academy coaches are certified by the Hong Kong Fencing Association (HKFA). They offer both private and group lessons for children aged three or above.

Fencers will learn how to handle the three weapons used - foil, epee, and sabre and junior fencers will have the opportunity to compete in interschool or regional competitions. Regular group lessons for kids aged six or above are $1,100 per month, while private lessons start from $600 per hour. For parents worried about safety, lessons using plastic foil weapons are offered for children aged four-six years with class fees from $600 for four sessions. 1/F, Po Shau Centre, No. 115. How Ming Street, Kwun Tong.

Fencing Sport Academy, fencingsport.hk

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afterschool

Splashdown Water polo is a fun and quirky sport that combines all the best aspects of ball games in the water. The ESF Sharks Swimming programme offers water polo lessons once a week. Players will learn to tread water, develop hand to eye coordination and master basic game strategies.

Their courses are open to children aged eight to 18 and over two terms.

Term one begins from September 1 to November 24 with course fees from $2.640. Lessons are every Thursday at South Island School from 7:00pm-8:00pm.

ESF, esf.org.hk

Easy as one, two, three Can’t decide between swimming, running, or biking? Why not do all three? 26 Coaching offers a Youth Development Programme for triathletes aged 10-20 to excel in this competitive sport. Training is rigorous with young athletes dedicating up to 18 hours per week. There is also plenty of scope for competition too with a number of local races up for entry.

The Elite Squad Running and Triathlon programme will also train athletes up to national and international level to compete in local and international events. Athletes in this programme train for up to 15-20 hours a week with a view to hopefully making the national squad. Participants must be aged 14-20. The course fee is $1,000 per month for an unlimited amount of sessions per week from January to June and July to December. Training grounds vary from the Aberdeen Sportsground, Redhill Peninsula, Pok Fu Lam Waterfront and other venues. 26 Coaching, 26coaching.com

Pedal power Hong Kong is known for its bright city lights but its stunning green mountains are often overlooked. The forested hills and grassy trails make for an ideal environment for mountain biking (MTB). Cross Country Hong Kong is a one-man band headed by Steve Coward, an MIAS accredited MTB instructor from the UK. He provides guided bike rides for anyone interested in mountain biking and takes riders through several of Hong Kong’s unique trails. Cross Country Hong Kong caters to all riders so even novices can take the course and learn how to set up and handle their bike properly. Course fees are $1,150 for the first rider and an additional $600 for any riders joining thereafter. Bikes and helmets are included.

Cross Country Hong Kong, mtbhk.com

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Doing the dojo Judo is a sport that requires great mental discipline and physical strength. The Hong Kong Judo Kan is the oldest traditional dojo in Hong Kong and was the past sponsor of Hong Kong’s national judo team coaches. They offer both walk-in and pre-registered lessons for interested players aged eight or above. Their instructors have up to 40 years of teaching experience and work to ensure that their students are learning Judo in a fun yet safe environment.

Membership fee is $1,000 with lesson fees from $900 per month for members and $1000 for non-members. Classes are held once or twice a week. Room 1202, East Point Centre, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay. Hong Kong Judo Kan, hongkongjudokan.com

expat-parent.com 47

me & my hobby

Bookworm

Hong Kong student Anahita Kaman has clocked up six million readers of her first book, Falling Too Far. Mawgan Batt caught up with her.

What is it that you love about writing?

There are many things that I enjoy about writing, but the main reason I love it is the idea of how I am creating a whole new world.

Although it is completely made up, I somehow find myself getting attached to my own plotline and characters, so much so that their pain is my own, their happiness is the reason behind mine. As I have been writing and gaining readers, it has happened for them as well, and to really see them getting invested into the whole tale is truly magical.

Kaman first started writing just for fun.

How old are you?

I am fourteen years old.

Which school do you attend?

For the past year I have been attending Hong Kong International School, but before that I was at Kellett. I’m slowly working my way towards Hogwarts.

So how did you fall into writing?

As far back as I can remember, I have been an avid reader. My favourite book as a child was Harry Potter, so naturally I took it upon myself to write a Harry Potter rip-off. The result was an embarrassing mess. As I moved further up the school, I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing teachers who have helped me develop my writing skills into something much more acceptable. This led me to participating in the Hong Kong Young Writers’ competition in fourth grade, where my work was shortlisted and published.

What’s the book about?

It explores the life of a seventeen-year old girl, Noelle Richards, in her last year of high school as she is faced with many obstacles - social, mental, and emotional issues that seem to throw her into a danger zone.

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What was the inspiration for the story?

I wrote the first chapter for my friend for fun.

However, after discovering this incredible website called Wattpad, I decided that I should try to continue with it, maybe write a few more chapters. However, somewhere along the way I got whisked up into the whole magical writing process. Although the book does talk about typical high school life, it explores topics that I feel are not spoken about enough, such as relationship problems and mental illness that are not given the awareness that they should be.

What do you put your success down to?

To be honest, writing needs serious commitment. So often I would rather be watching Taylor Swift music videos, but I make it a point to dedicate my time to writing.

I attribute much of my success to the Wattpad online writing community and its constant support - I honestly don’t think there is any other platform in the world that so openly welcomes young, unknown writers with such welcoming arms. It’s always eager to try out new books that haven’t made their way into the limelight yet. My book was recently ranked as number two in Wattpad’s teen fiction category and has just reached six million reads as well as over twenty thousand followers.

How do you juggle writing and schoolwork?

Each week, I dedicate at least five hours to writing the next chapter. Yes, it’s always a juggle with my schoolwork and other extracurricular activities, but I always find a way to get round it as writing is something I truly enjoy doing.

Your fans have already created YouTube videos of your work and have offered to translate it into other languages. How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel very special, honoured and humbled. Honestly, the fans and readers of my book make me feel amazing due to their constant support in whatever I write.

Any tips for budding young writers?

Write something that you are passionate about, something that you can see yourself developing and finishing, because if you are passionate, you are committed. Along the way, you will have to make sacrifices, but if you work hard they will not be in vain. Another tip is to read a lot. Different periods in time, different authors, different genres - they will all help develop your writing.

Falling Too Far can be found under Kaman’s username “antifantasies” at wattpad.com.

Kids4kids is running a writing competition, Writing for a Cause, for young people in Hong Kong. See kids4kids.org.hk for entrance details and deadlines.

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big day out

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big day out

Free-wheelin’ Yuen Long Annie Wong explores Hong Kong’s wetlands by bicycle.

I

t’s a sunny day – make the most of it by going cycling. From Tseung Kwan O Seafront to the paths around Tolo Harbour, cycle tracks are surprisingly plentiful in the New Territories. One of our favourite routes, however, is the Yuen Long to Nam Sang Wai circuit.

course, and with motorists, cyclists and keen adventurers all sharing the road, things can get hairy. Much of the route is designated cycle track, but in some stretches cyclists rejoin the main road.

What is it?

There’s something for the whole family. The 20km trail is long enough for bike junkies, but there are plenty of shortcuts for less enthusiastic cyclists, and families can take a break while the kids run free in open grassy areas. Pack a picnic and plenty of water for a great day out.

In the heart of the New Territories, Yuen Long is a flat area with expansive tracks through the wetlands that are perfect for riding a bike. Away from the town centre lies a rural area that feels worlds away from the city, which attracts explorers alike. The 20km circuit is easy going, offering plenty of scope for taking in the villages and mangroves of the Nam Sang Wai wetlands.

End the day with a drink and maybe a bite to eat at a stilted cafe on the bank of the Kam Tin River in Yuen Long before taking a boat trip across the river back to your starting point.

Why go?

What’s near by?

Make a longer day of it, by visiting the Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. The 61-hectare park hosts regular learning workshops and guided activities which are open to the public. Check website for upcoming programmes.

Tickets $30, children $15. Open WedMon 10am-5pm; closed Tuesdays.

Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, 3152 2666, www.wetlandpark.gov.hk.

Bicycle rental: bicycles are $45 a day (10am7pm) on weekends, $30 Mon-Fri. Tin Fung Bicycle Company, Shop B, G/F, Lee Kwan Building, 37 On Lok Road, Yuen Long, 2442 3808, www.yl.hk/ad/3808. MTR: Yuen Long Station, Exit B.

Where is it?

When to go?

Photo by: momo

August and September herald a drop in humidity while the sun is still out. There is no better time to get outdoors. On blue-sky weekends you are unlikely to be alone, of

Photo by: Wing1990hk

Begin your trip in Yuen Long, where those who don’t have their own bicycles can rent one for the day from one of the many shops outside the Yuen Long MTR station.

(Tandems are also available, but tend to sell out quickly.) Follow signs to the cycle tracks, then head north along the river to the Nam Sang Wai wetlands. The route passes through scenes of old Hong Kong, including the ancestral halls, temples and stalls of old villages such as historic Kam Tin, with its ancient walls.

Other cycle tracks in the New Territories Black Diamond Trail For more experienced cyclists. The mountain bike trail stretches across 3.8km in Tai Lam Country Park and passes Fire Lookout and links up to the MacLehose Trail. The course was designed by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Tseung Kwan O Seafront A 1.5km cycle route connects Tseung Kwan O town centre with the seafront,

with green areas along the route to enjoy the harbour views. Tiu Keng Leng MTR station Exit A2, or Tseung Kwan O MTR station Exit A2.

Tai Po, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park The family-friendly route covers the Science Park through Tai Po to Plover Cove with sea and mountain views and a tuck shop for refuelling. Take no. 27 minibus from MTR Sha Tin station on Pai Tau Street. Parking available.

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light bites

New bites at the pulse

Barbeque in style Smouldering charcoal and the aroma of grilled meats sum up summer. The only thing better is not having to cook it yourself. The Optimist, the northern Spanish inspired restaurant in Wan Chai, serves up top quality meat and seafood straight from the grill to the table. Putting garden barbeques to shame, the Josper grill burns charcoal at temperatures of up to 300 degrees celsius to cook quickly and keep meats tender.

Highlights from the grill this summer include the Flat Iron Steak ($290) served with Chimichurri sauce and the whole grilled squid ($310) which is gently charred before being lightly brushed with garlic and paired with sweet onion purée and crunchy mangetout.

G/F-2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, www.theoptimist.hk, 2433 3324.

Baking classes with The Butchers Club The Butchers Club is hosting a new Doughnut and Choux Paste Class with Head Pastry Chef Nick Ratzlaff. For $1,000 per person, the class starts with a brunch buffet, and will teach students how to rest the doughnut dough, whipping up pastry cream, making and piping choux paste, and baking and filling éclairs and savoury puffs. Classes will run from 11am-5pm on August 6 with a maximum of 12 students per class. Dates for the rest of the year include September 10, November 12 and December 10. To make a booking, email events@butchersclub.com.hk, 13C Sun Ying Industrial Centre, 9 Tin Wan Close, Tin Wan.

CRFT PIT’s new retail website In addition to their weekend brunch offering, CRFT PIT, the smoked meat specialists in Ap Lei Chau, has launched a new retail website. Premium and ethically sourced Southern-style smoked products including hickory-smoked hand-pulled pork and Texas-style brisket are sourced from internationally renowned farms. Besides smoked foods, CRFT PIT also sells raw meat products such as burger patties, steaks and seafood as well as a selection of cheeses and homemade condiments. Visit crft-pit.com to see their selection of products. Unit 2, 3/F, Harbour Industrial Center, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2476 2800.

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Amalfitana, the artisan pizza bar has opened in the pulse. Already home to some of Hong Kong’s finest restaurants by the beach, Amalfitana serves up Italian classics inspired by the colourful Amalfi coast. Chef Michel Degli Agosti’s menu has something for everyone with a selection of starters and salads including the eye-catching ‘Tricolore’ ($90) a delicious combination of tomato bruschetta, avocado and Bufala Mozzarella.

Using a long rising dough to make the pizzas lighter and easier to digest, the Amalfitana pizza ($250) is topped with Bufala Mozzarella, tomato, porcini mushroom, rocket and Parma ham.

Kids are kept entertained with games and colouring sets while the Bambino menu features fun fish-shaped pizzas with a number of kid-friendly toppings including pepperoni and cheese and tomato.

The pulse, G/F, Shop 105, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, www.amalfitana.hk, 2388 7787.

Newly launched Gold Coast Prime Rib Inspired by the old guard steakhouses and sporting a cozy setting, newly-launched restaurant, Gold Coast Prime Rib, serves up prime cuts of steak, salads and desserts.

Try the signature cut prime rib set ($368) which includes salad, soup, dessert and is served with a side dish and gravy. The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows with a view of the swimming pool and yacht club. Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, 1 Castle Peak Road, Gold Coast, www.sinohotels.com, 2452 8636.

Food Lover’s Day at Oliver’s The Delicatessen Beach Escape at Sugar From August 7 to September 25, the rooftop bar/ deck/lounge is collaborating with nail art brand MoYou-London (MYL) to offer a ‘Beach Escape’ afternoon tea. Inspired by MYL’s fashionable patterns and colourful polishes, the tea features crab salad, gazpacho and seared beef fillet brioche. The white and pink macarons are particularly good. Available Sundays 2pm-6pm ($388 for two). Afternoon tea guests can try MYL’s beachside nail art or temporary tattoo service onsite and get a bottle of nail polish to take away.

32/F, EAST, 29 Taikoo Sing Road, Tai Koo, 3968 3738, www.sugar-hongkong.com

Shoppers at the ready - Oliver’s is hosting a Food Lover’s Day at the Central store on August 20. Pick up high quality ingredients, speciality groceries and fresh produce, with a 10 percent discount storewide. From 11am to 6pm, enjoy food and wine tasting in store at Oliver’s The Delicatessen, which also houses Oliver’s Meal to Go counter and a brand new wine shop.

Shop 201-205, 231-237 & 250, 2/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, 2810 7710, www.oliversthedeli.com.hk

Happy hour at Classified To get you through the week, Classified has kicked off a new weekday happy hour promotion.

Running every Monday to Friday, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, selected wines, spirits and beers are priced at $30 each. Cheers to that. Available at all Classified branches. www.classifiedfood.com

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food

Wet your appetite Eat up sea views and gourmet food at some of Hong Kong’s best beachfront bars and restaurants. By Kate Springer. au South Lant

The Beach House There’s a reason people keep moving out to Lantau — the island is home to beautiful beaches, hiking and clear blue skies. Anchoring Lower Cheung Sha Beach is a fantastic spot for grazing and sunbathing: The Beach Club looks out onto the stretch of sand with unobstructed views of the water. The massive open-air restaurant has a contemporary look and feel, as well as a modern menu that focuses on casual international fare such as juicy burgers, salads and fresh prawns. Bring the dogs and kids along — on Cheung Sha beach, you’ll find all kinds of activities for the entire family, from windsurfing to kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

Closed Monday and Tuesday, except public holidays. 32 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, 2504-4788, www.thebeachhousehk.com.

Beach views and fresh fish at The Beach House.

Mavericks Sporting a laid-back surfer vibe and frontrow seats to Pui O Beach, Mavericks has quickly become a weekend hotspot for sun worshippers who appreciate good food, great brews and live DJ music. A mini escape for city dwellers, the chilled atmosphere is accentuated by funky graffiti and menus made of bamboo fiber — plus kids’ menus that double as colouring books. The gastropub is serious about its beer, serving up a great selection of craft drafts from the likes of Young Master Ales and Kona. As for the grub, Chef Neil Tomes (of Fat Duck, Alfie’s, and Beef & Liberty) makes a strong showing with a versatile menu that covers everything from pulled pork sandwiches to short ribs, battered fish, ahi tuna and quinoa salad bowls. Many of the dishes can be adapted to suit those with dietary restrictions, so ask about the gluten-free or veggie variations.

Open Fridays-Sundays and public holidays. Pui O Beach, South Lantau Road, Lantau Island, 5662-5882, www.mavericks.hk.

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au South Lant

A DJ, skate ramp and a juicy burger at chilled out Mavericks.

food

y Repulse Ba

Limewood A photogenic address from Maximal Concepts, Limewood offers diners fresh surrounds and unique flavours. Situated in a prime beachfront location at the pulse, Limewood has quickly established a reputation for its tangy margaritas, fish tacos, BBQ flavours and massive roasts. The cooking style is hard to pin down — a little bit California, Caribbean, Southeast Asian — but all you need to know is that the grilled surf and turf pair nicely with a sunny day in Repulse Bay. While tykes tap into beach games and a diverse children’s menu, parents will want to reach for a charred coconut pina colada, a craft brew or crisp rosé G/F, Shop 103-104, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866-8668, www.limewood.hk.

Go a little bit Caribbean-Asian at Limewood.

Cococabana This Shek O favorite offers a reprieve from the sun, chilled cocktails and front-and-centre seats to watch the waves roll in. Just steps from Shek O main beach, Cococabana is home to a relaxed and elegant atmosphere with an equally sophisticated French Mediterranean menu from chef-owner Jean Paul Gauci. Using organic and locally sourced ingredients, chef Gauci’s menu features a long list of fresh salads, starters, surf and turf — think bouillabaisse, grilled salmon, baked goat cheese, foie gras, and scallops marinated with lime and ginger. There’s a convenient kids’ menu too in case your toddlers aren’t terribly interested in oysters and carpaccio.

G/F, Shek O Beach Building, Shek O, 2812-2226, toptables.com.hk.

Shek O

Grilled fish is on the Mediterranean-inspired menu in Shek O.

Shek O

Ben's Back Beach Bar A popular hangout among Shek O villagers and daytrippers alike, Ben’s Back Beach Bar is a cool spot right across from the quiet back beach. The colourful wall murals, reggae music, wooden stools and brick bar lend a funky feel to the place, while drinks are extraordinarily reasonably priced for Hong Kong — think $25 beer and $40 cocktails.

Thanks to outdoor seating, you can watch the waves roll in as you lap up a drink. Don’t hesitate to bring your pup along, as this outpost is dog-friendly.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wed-Friday, 6:30pm-1am; Saturday-Sunday, 1pm-1am.

Shek O Back Beach, 273 Shek O Village, 2809-2268.

au South Lant

The Stoep One of the longest-standing beachfront restaurants and the only South African restaurant in Hong Kong, The Stoep is a labour of love by psychologist-turned restaurateur Dolla Bruce, originally from Namibia. The restaurant has been around since 1999, just recently relocating a few doors down to a new location, now home to a tranquil garden and unobstructed ocean views from the alfresco deck. Daytrippers can gladly bring the little ones along, as the menu has something for everyone, from fish ‘n’ chips and freshly baked seed loaf to Bobotie (a Cape Malay curry), South African barbecue and Boerewors (farmer’s sausage), homemade using Bruce’s grandmother’s recipe. If you’re thirsty, a shortlist of South African beers, ciders and brandy should do the trick.

50 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Cheung Sha, Lantau Island, 2980-2699.

Ocean views and a taste of South Africa at The Stoep.

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food Coconuts Thai Hidden away in Deepwater Bay, Coconuts Thai has everything you need for a day of sun, sand and satisfying food with colourful Thai umbrellas, teak furniture and handmade crockery. The alfresco space boasts direct beach access, but a delicious spread of Northern Thai food and cocktails may keep you land-locked all day. Chef-owner Jean Paul Gauci’s revamped menu offers a compelling introduction to Isaan-style Thai food, featuring spicy salads, grilled fish, and homegrown vegetables. Can’t handle spicy food? Not to worry, simply ask for less chilli when ordering and the team can accommodate.

Upper G/F, Beach Building, Deep Water Bay, Island Road, 2812-1826, www.toptables.com.hk

Bay Deepwater

Thai treats overlooking Deepwater Bay.

Lamma

Beachfront bliss at Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

d Park Islan Easy eats overlooking Tung Wan Beach.

Cafe Roma If you’ve only ever been to Park Island to see Noah’s Ark theme park, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the tiny island is also home to one of the best beach restaurants in Hong Kong. Helmed by Executive Chef Jaakko Sorsa, who also oversees FINDS, Cafe Roma is a pet-friendly retreat with an outdoor deck offering great views of Tung Wan Beach and the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge bridge in the distance. While FINDS is known for its Nordic cuisine, Cafe Roma serves up an approachable European menu with pizza, pasta, steaks and burgers. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu, making for fuss-free family day trips.

L1, Shop 7-8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, 3446-1226, www.caferoma.com.hk.

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The Palm Tree Beachside Café A charming beachfront restaurant at the Concerto Inn on Lamma Island, the recently renovated Palm Tree Beachside Café sits right on the edge of Hung Shing Yeh Beach — about a 20-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan pier. On the menu, find a mix of international bites such as Singapore-style chicken satay and pan-fried gyoza, as well as crisp cocktails

Tsuen Wan

Cocktail hour on Ting Kau Beach.

Yin Yang Coastal Run by Chef Margaret Xu, Yin Yang Coastal is the very definition of a hidden gem. The private kitchen is tucked away on Ting Kau Beach in a

to go along with. If you’re keen to stay the night, take a peek at the 14 kid-friendly rooms inside, all with story-themed decor. Parents will appreciate the children’s activities too, which include regular baking and painting classes.

26 and 28 Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, 2982-1668, www.concertoinn.com.hk.

quiet residential area of Tsuen Wan, about 30 minutes away from Central by taxi. There’s an alfresco terrace and dining room inside Chef Xu’s home, and it’s just a minute’s walk to the beach for a pre- or post-dinner stroll along the coastline. Focusing on healthy Cantonese cuisine, the private kitchen is best known for its charcoal-roasted Yellow Earth Chicken and suckling pig — you can almost always find these signatures on the six- and 10-course tasting menus, along with organic ingredients, homemade sauces and locally sourced seafood.

From $880 per person for six-course dinner.

Minimum four people to book. House 117, Ting Kau Village, Ting Kau Beach, Tsuen Wan, 2866-0868, www.yinyang.hk.

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travel news

British Airways supports Hong Kong students

New DreamWorks experience in Macao

British Airways is looking to give students studying abroad from Hong Kong a helping hand with all their travel needs. Students can now enjoy special bundle tickets that include four tickets to London in World Traveller economy class, fares start from $10,960 per ticket. Tickets can also be used by both students and their families. The student fares include return travel between Hong Kong and London and a complimentary short-haul trip within the UK or Europe.

Students can also enjoy double baggage allowance of up to 46kg per passenger, perfect for students bringing everything they need for the start of the new school term.

To book the special student fares, call 3071 5083.

Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao has launched a new DreamWorks Experience for the whole family this summer. Breakfast starts with Po’s Kung Fu Feast which features stage performances and photo opportunities with some of DreamWorks’ best-loved characters. Work off all that food at the Kung Fu Panda Academy where families try to complete a five-zone interactive obstacle course.

“The newest edition of the Kung Fu Panda Academy at Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, and our summer family package, are designed to offer guests the perfect summer getaway, and will showcase our position as a family destination of choice in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Daniella Tonetto, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central and The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central. Kung Fu Panda Summer Packages start from $1,398 which includes accommodation, ferry tickets, dining offers and entry to the

‘Fam-tastic’ offers at Mövenpick’s Asia resorts Family holidays with granny and grandad in tow has been made easier thanks to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Asia.

Family getaways with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts

in Asia

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Families playing and staying together in hotels in locations including Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and China should find everything on offer to keep the whole family happy. “We have developed the Fam-tastic programmes with suitable room configurations, healthy meals, creative fun and learning activities for all ages”, said Andrew Langdon, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President Asia.

Highlights include creative arts and dance activities in Thailand and the Philippines, a kids corner at the weekend brunch at Chef’s Theatre restaurant in China, and at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach in Phuket activities include candle making and face painting.

All hotels and resorts have a supervised complimentary kids club for children.

For more information, visit www.movenpick.com

Kung Fu Panda Academy.

For more information, visit sandsresortsmacao.com

Join Po at the Kung Fu Panda Academy.

Hokkaido tops Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Asia’ list.

Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main island, has come out on top of Lonely Planet’s inaugural ‘Best of Asia’ list. Celebrated for its ‘year-round charms’, the increasingly-accessible Japanese destination fought off stiff competition from Asia’s popular cities including Hong Kong which came 5th. While not the closest destination for travellers from Hong Kong, flights take around five hours to Sapporo, the island’s largest city.

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TON OF BRICKS A REAL HIT

Disco lifts and drop slides have one Hong Kong family hooked. Carolynne Dear reports on a long weekend at Legoland, Malaysia.

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travel

Just another brick in the pool - family fun at the Lego waterpark.

D

espite initial fears, Legoland Malaysia won us all over in the end.

We turned up for our two-night, mid-week mini-break with the thirteen-year-old muttering darkly about “totally lame holidays”, the eleven year old plugged into Minecraft, and me, well, let’s just say after a sweaty August afternoon battling the crowds at Ocean Park one year, theme parks these days are locked firmly away in my “room 101”.

The reason for the trip were my two littlies, aged eight and six, and both big Lego fans.

They were bursting with excitement and eagerly descended on the huge bins full of Lego in the reception area.

The park was opened in Jahor, Malaysia, in 2012, boasting a 249-room hotel and theme park with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. The adjacent water park opened its doors the following year.

We had booked an “Adventure room” (the alternative was a “Pirate room”) which was decked out in a castle theme, with flaming sconces on the walls, a four-poster double bed with a coate of arms hanging over it and various other castle-like details. Little touches like Lego shaped bars of soap and a Lego treasure hunt leading to a goodie bag in the safe when we first checked in took it to the next level for the kids.

The room itself was entirely practical for large families - there was a lounge area, two sets of bunk beds with pull out trundles, two 62 expat-parent.com

bathrooms and a separate double bedroom.

There was also a travel-cot neatly stowed in one of the wardrobes.

Further attractions include an open air pool on the roof and restaurants. Unfortunately we never got to use the pool - after a full day in the park and dinner, everybody was more than ready to hit the hay.

The restaurants comprised the Bricks Family restaurant, the Skyline Bar (which with four kids in tow we never got around to using), and the Di Mattoni Restaurant. The Bricks Family restaurant was buffet style, but rather bland for adult tastes. The Di Mattoni Restaurant on the second night was more of a hit. There is also a small shopping mall adjacent to the hotel which did a good line in cafes, sandwich shops and waffle bars.

However, the highlight of the hotel were the lifts, which boasted spinning glitter balls and piped disco classics (Village People, anyone?).

By the third consecutive ascent/descent I feared we were never actually going to reach the park.

The park itself is divided into several areas Lego City, Imagination, Lego Technic, Miniland, Lego Kingdom and so on. Mid-week the crowds were non-existent and we barely had to queue all day. There was enough to keep all ages satisfied, with Project X (an aerial roller coaster) in Lego Technic the overall favourite.

We had pre-bought two-day tickets, so having nailed the theme park on day one, we

used the second day to explore the waterpark.

This has been imaginatively constructed, with big foam lego bricks to build your own raft on the lazy river, and a lego boat construction area with water feature for racing the finished vessels. This kept the six-year old fully engaged for almost an hour. Again, there were enough thrill rides and flumes to keep the older kids happy, too.

By the second night I was feeling a bit Lego-ed out, but the kids were now hooked, all four of them happily adding bricks to a huge Lego mural on the wall of the Italian restaurant.

“Actually, it was pretty cool,” admitted the 13-year old in the car back to Singapore, before plugging herself back onto Instagram. High praise indeed.

Booking details for Legoland Malaysia are at legoland.com.my The park can be reached by flying to Singapore, from where a Legoland car can be booked to meet you from the airport.

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My hong Kong

The ultra-trail runner

Mum-of-three Marie McNaughton is currently ranked third in the world on the Ultra Trail World Tour Women’s league table. Carolynne Dear caught up with her between races.

Ultra-runner Marie McNaughton gearing up for the Mont Blanc 100 mile Ultra Trail this month with husband, Carl, and daughters, Gabrielle (5), Orla (7), and Jaime (3).

I

was always a bit of an all-rounder when it came to sport. But as a Kiwi, being active pretty much goes with the terrain.

I arrived in Hong Kong from London six years ago with my husband, Carl, and my then one-year old daughter, Orla. We have subsequently had two more daughters, Gabrielle, now aged five, and Jaime, aged three. We have always lived in Wan Chai.

Both myself and Carl used to enjoy running before the children, and had clocked up a few marathons together, but I didn’t start ultrarunning until after Jaime was born.

When I’m running, I love the sense of calm and well-being that you get from being outdoors. I enjoy the slow grind of the ultradistances - I’m too old for the short stuff these days - but I mostly love experiencing this with good friends. Trail running is a very social sport 64 expat-parent.com

and Hong Kong has a fantastic trail community.

I was really lucky this year to win best Hong Kong Female Trail Runner in the inaugural Gone Running trail running awards.

This was a real privilege given the talented runners we have in our community.

I try to get out three to five times a week with different sessions - some speed, some hills, some weights, and some longer stuff if I’ve got time. Around twelve hours of training a week is ideal. In Hong Kong I am blessed with a perfect training ground. Heat permitting, the hills and trails are easily accessible. I’m also lucky to have the support of an amazing husband and helper who make the time for me to train.

I predominantly train on Hong Kong Island around the Hong Kong Trail, the Peak, Mount Butler and Cecil’s Ride.

Time goals in a trail race are less important

than in road running as there are far more variables. Weather, elevation profile and trail conditions all play a part, so I tend to focus on running “to feel” in any race or training session rather than hitting a particular time.

I’ve run 100km races that have taken 13 hours, and others that have lasted 24. The best psychological preparation is to expect the worst so you are prepared if that is what you end up facing.

I’m still not sure what my best distance is. I think it might be 50km with a decent elevation profile - I mostly like the fact that at this distance I’m not (hopefully) out there all day.

Career highlights include toeing the line at the 100km Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy last month with Lizzy Hawker and Rory Bosio, two of the world’s most accomplished female trail runners. That was amazing and I managed a fifth placing. The HK100 in January around the stunning Maclehose Trail has been my favourite run to date. But Hong Kong hosts so much great racing.

I hope my children will enjoy running in some shape or form when they are older, but there’s plenty of time for that. I’m not sure you can count Lugard Road as a “trail”, but as a family we have managed to summit High West once. We’ve not been hugely adventurous so far. At the moment, being Hong Kong kids, the children just love to swim.

To relax, I try and grab a foot massage once a week - it’s great for recovery. To be honest, the cheap and cheerful Thai places are just as good as, if not better than, the high-end spas. As a family, we also enjoy dining at Oola, which is pretty kid friendly.

Normally I spend the summer in Hong Kong, but after the Lavaredo I spent some time with extended family in Annecy, France, where my sister lives. Then it was on to visit more family in the UK. Later this month I will be taking part in the Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc, a 100-mile mountain trail-race through France, Italy and Switzerland it’s the “super-bowl” of trail running.

Sign up for the HK100 in January 2017 at hk100-ultra.com from September.

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

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Eden serves to restore freedom for the captives of Asia’s red light districts through holistic programs. Using our international jewelry business as a platform, we provide career and skill training- empowering women for a new life and future.

We have just opened a new shelter in Hong Kong and we need your help to speak up for the oppressed!

For more information and to buy our handmade jewelry, visit www.edenministry.org To get involved email: edenministryhk@gmail.com

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bald truths

Let’s Talk about Sex …

Simon Parry gets ready to talk about the birds and the bees.

I

t was a bald middle-aged man with a goatee beard and a lime-green tank top called Mr Turnbull who first introduced me to sex. I was a vulnerable, naïve 12 year old and, nearly four decades later, I still harbour a feeling of having been violated.

There was no foreplay or sensitivity in Mr Turnbull’s approach. He bypassed all the unnecessary pleasantries and went straight to penetration, whipping out a series of alarmingly precise anatomical drawings of male and female bodily parts.

It was all horrifyingly stark and unromantic, but my experience was nothing unusual. Most children of my age in 1970s England had a similar brutal introduction to sex education at the indelicate hands of High School science teachers like Mr Turnbull.

To this day, some of my Worcestershire school friends are so scarred by those lessons they are unable to perform sexually unless they have a Bunsen burner and an assortment of petri dishes scattered around the bedroom, along with a generous sprinkling of ammonia.

The only way to deal with it was to close your eyes, think of English football formations and let Mr Turnbull carry on with it until he was finished (which on reflection may be why I missed a lot of important stuff about birth control and ended up with four children).

A few hundred miles north in Lancashire at about the same time, my as-yet-unknown wifeto-be Hazel was having an even more surreal sex education administered in her convent school by an elderly nun.

The nun, Hazel recalls, spent six weeks elaborating on the difference between loving ice-cream and loving a man. Then, in the very last lesson, the nun handed out a slip of paper with two brutally technical sentences written on it and walked out of the classroom, refusing to take any questions.

There were few other resources for sex education in those pre-internet days. Older siblings (two sisters in my case) were seen as the most reliable point of reference, or if they were otherwise engaged, the letter pages of their Jackie and Cosmopolitan magazines.

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

He lives in Hong Kong.

It was all horrifyingly stark and unromantic, but my experience was nothing unusual

Then there was the Joy of Sex. Everyone’s parents had a copy of this hidden away somewhere – in my case tucked discretely away between dusty theological tomes in the study of my Anglican vicar father.

Now, if Mr Turnbull hadn’t already extinguished your adolescent interest in sexual congress, The Joy of Sex was guaranteed to do so. It featured pencil drawings of a singularly unattractive Hippy couple joylessly

working their way through a series of unlikelylooking sexual acts and positions.

Some of the drawings involved chairs, tables and other pieces of random furniture and looked as if they would require you to be double-jointed and under the influence of a large quantity of illicit 1960s-era drugs to have any reasonable hope of replicating them.

The poses apart, the physiology of the couple featured throughout the book was such that any clean-faced 12 year old like myself was left imagining you had to acquire roughly the same amount of body hair as an Orangutan before being ready to attempt intercourse.

Between them, Mr Turnbull and The Joy of Sex author Dr Alex Comfort (who rather creepily handed his publishers a series of Polaroid pictures of himself and his mistress as the basis for his book’s unsettlingly hirsute illustrations) were responsible for the retarded sex education of a generation of Worcestershire schoolboys.

Appalled and disgusted, we forgot about girls and switched our attention to the fortunes of West Bromwich Albion, Top Trumps card games and the relative merits of Genesis, ELO and Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow for the next few terms.

Fast forward 38 years, and I’m secretly pleased to hear that my youngest son William was reluctant to go to school in Lancaster one day recently because he wanted to avoid the cringe-worthy sex education class.

Because everything is done online today, including sex, the lesson apparently involved watching a video about ‘sexting’ which featured a girl altering a photograph to give her friend a more ample chest. He came away bemused and wondering what the fuss is all about.

We don’t have a copy of The Joy of Sex at home so as a substitute I’ve hidden some DVDs in the bookcase such as Gorillas in the Mist and Planet of the Apes to do the job of Dr Alex Comfort and hopefully steer William back towards the purer pursuits of boyhood … for a little while longer at least.

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