FAMILY | FOOD | ARTS & CULTURE | OUTDOORS
November 2016
YOUR GUIDE to Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival
Inside Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market The best hotel in the world
Nihiwatu
PLUS!
Christmas markets
Lam Tin
Campus
Hong Kong
Island Campus
Year 1 to Year 13
Nursery, Reception & Year 1,2 & 3
Enrolling for Year 10 from August 2017
Opening August 2017*
* Subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals
Applications now being accepted
Join one of our Parent Information Sessions to see for yourself what makes our school special. Contact the Admissions Team to reserve your place.
www.nais.hk
admissions@nais.hk
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+852 3958 1488
Why Choose Our School? As part of an international family of 43 schools, and exposure to our unique Global Campus, we give your child access to unparalleled learning experiences and resources. Taught by outstanding teachers, and underpinned by our Be Ambitious philosophy, we empower students to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. This, combined with our exclusive collaborations with two of the worlds most prestigious organisations, The Juilliard School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), means your child will be engaged, challenged, and inspired throughout their educational journey with us. Students at NAIS Hong Kong follow the EYFS framework, IGCSEs and IB Diploma. With a focus on individualised learning, our rigorous curricula ensures that students have a creative and challenging learning experience.
The really useful magazine November 2016
PEOPLE
NEWS FROM THE GREENS
4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER
23 Access all areas Is Hong Kong walkable? LOCAL
8 Happening in November What’s on. FAMILY 14 Stocking fillers Christmas markets start this month. NEWS
24 Heartbreak hotel Plans are afoot for a waterfront hotel in Stanley. FEATURE 26 Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival 20 things you need to know about this once-in-a-decade event. EDUCATION
16 What’s going on? In your backyard.
34 Canadian International School Rebecca Simpson chats to the new principal.
GIVEAWAYS 20 Free stuff Fab things to win.
ARTS & CULTURE
FIVE MINUTES WITH... 22 Wong Man Kwong Leader of Shek O village.
40 Waxing lyrical A new exhibition inspired by the Southside. Plus, Hong Kong Literary Festival.
EATING 46 Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market A little piece of Thailand in Hong Kong. OUTDOORS 52 Outrigger canoeing What it is and where you can sign up.
DOCTOR DOCTOR 64 Ask Dr. Anders “How should we prepare our dog for the arrival of first child?” SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 72 Finding sanctuary Béthanie, Pok Fu Lam.
TRAVEL 58 The best hotel in the world Nihiwatu, Sumba. HEALTH & BEAUTY 62 Making a splash We try Hydro 1.0. PETS 64 SPCA case files Pandora, the wobbly kitten.
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“I ATTRIBUTE MY SUCCESS TO THIS - I NEVER GAVE OR TOOK ANY EXCUSE.” - FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
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contributors
Annie Wong
Hayden Kwok
Tom Hilditch
Queen of Nibbles. Annie works at Fast Media as Editor of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay Magazine. Over the weekend, you’ll find her eating her way around Hong Kong and playing the occasional tennis game. Hailing from Australia, the thing she misses most in Hong Kong is her big four-wheel drive.
Hayden grew up in Canada, but now works at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong. Passionate about her work, her free time is often spent with the cats at the SPCA’s adoption centres or with her pet Schnauzer Daisy at their local park. Read about her latest case on page 64.
Travelling with children makes everything fun again. This month Tom, publisher at Fast Media and a former writer for Esquire Magazine, checks out the Nihiwatu Resort - allegedly the best hotel IN THE WORLD, and sees it through the eyes of his three-year old son, Harry Hilditch. Read the review on page 58.
Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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people Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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people SRDC Step Out for Children Charity Walk and Carnival, Cyberport
Santa Shops at
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Italtrike Classic Passenger red, pink, blue
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Isabella with Flower Activity Rocking Car Walker Seat
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Jewellery Craft & Explosive Experiments
Creatix Rescue Station
aqua, pink, purple, blue
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$299.90 Raleigh Bikes 3-8yrs
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from
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NEW Central Location Entertainment Building Store, Central T 2522 7112
Horizon Plaza Store, Ap Lei Chau T 2552 5000
Stanley Plaza Store, Stanley T 2555 6318
Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223
D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923
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www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk
say cheese Clean Half Extreme Marathon Swim
Share your event photos with us at editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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Photo by Doan Ho Photography.
planner
NOV 12
Dragon Run 2016
Distance racing in outrigger canoes (OCs), skis and SUPs. There are two courses available: long (24km, starting at Clearwater Bay and finishing in Stanley via the rugged Ninepin Islands and Cape D’Aguilar) and short (9km for skis and OCs; 5km for SUPs, starting and finishing at Stanley’s Hong Kong Sea School ). Register online by 4pm, Friday November 11 at thedragonrun.com.hk
NOV 1 Melbourne Cup
UNTIL NOV 4 Box Of Hope
NOV 4 Southern-Brew
Fascinators at the ready for another knock-out Melbourne Cup.
A great charity which looks to provide useful and educational gifts to underprivileged children throughout Hong Kong and Asia. Wrap up an old shoebox, fill it with your choice of gifts and take it to one of the numerous drop off locations dotted around Hong Kong. There’s even a competition for the best box design, so get creative! Visit boxofhope.org
Head to Ovolo Southside’s rooftop bar, ABOVE, for an open-bar beer festival with a live DJ, games and prizes. Enjoy a range of beers on tap, plus beer-inspired nibbles. Tickets are $199, available at the door or via eventbrite.hk. 7-9pm, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road.
NOV 3 Kids’ Ocean Day Join close to a thousand school children, teachers and volunteers at Repulse Bay Beach for educational activities and a chance to be part of a piece of human art designed to promote ocean conservation in Hong Kong. 9am - 2:30pm. Registration is open to those aged seven and above; those aged 15 or older may volunteer. To find out more, volunteer or request an assembly talk at your local school on ocean protection and awarenes, visit oceanrecov.org
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NOV 4-13 Hong Kong International Literary Festival A smorgasbord of workshops, talks and performances with authors from around the globe, speaking from a variety of venues across Hong Kong. Authors are also available for school visits (suitable for children aged 14+) as part of the Festival’s Schools Programme. festival.org.hk (See page 44 for the inside scoop).
happening in November NOV 5 Out in the Open
NOV 6 Family Art Day
NOV 8-13 Best of British Fair
The official closing event of Pink Season takes place in Repulse Bay this year in the shape of a family-friendly beach day. This year’s festival programme celebrates inclusion and diversity. Expect food, drink, live music performances throughout the day. Free entry. Visit pinkseason.hk
Free and open to all: children, youth, students, families and charities. Spend your Sunday at the park and enjoy creative activities, from outdoor sketching and crayon art, to an ‘I Spy’ Art Treasure Hunt, a collaborative Van Gogh-style installation, art workshops and exercise sessions by professional fitness instructors. 11am-5pm, Ampitheatre, Tamar Park, Harcourt Road, Admiralty. Get your tickets at ticketflap.com
A little slice of Britain comes to Tamar Park, showcasing top British grub, live music, croquet on the lawn and children’s entertainment. Don’t miss out on the open air cinema with British classics shown each night including Love Actually and Four Weddings & A Funeral. For info, visit bestofbritish.hk
NOV 5 The Big Picnic
Photo by Vincent Ypersiel
Picnic in the Park is back but with a brand new name - The Big Picnic! This music and dance festival brings together past favourite acts as well as debut talent. Whilst you’re there, chow down on some market food with even more choices than last year. Plus, Handmade Hong Kong will be there, with lots of stalls selling unique Hong Kong crafts. Free entry. 10am-9.30pm, Discovery Bay. For info, visit thebigpicnichk.com
NOV 5 Art Day Galleries in the South Island open their doors to visitors for exhibitions and tours, plus special activities and events. 12-7pm. For a list of participating galleries and bus routes, visit hkartweek.org, get your tickets at ticketflap.com
Little people, big responsibility Leaving home is difficult for everyone, but we give extra help to the youngest relocators. Relocating is a big change for most people. It can be difficult and stressful, but it should be exciting and rewarding for everyone. Our experience and knowledge, built up from nearly fifty years as a worldwide relocations company, is shared by all our people in more than 200 locations. We’ll always be there to help you get the most from your relocation.
Tel: +852 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com
Go knowing
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planner NOV 10 Red Dragon Race Team SUP (stand up paddleboarding) racing launches in Hong Kong. Competitors will race in teams of four, including one female, around a 200-metre course at Deep Water Bay. Organised by the Victoria Recreation Club, Ovolo Hotels, RedPaddle and HK Stand Up Paddle Board Association. The teams have already been decided but you can go along to the beach and spectate. 4pm, Deep Water Bay beach.
Maggie & Rose, Shop 301, 3/F The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. Free entry. Register at info@maggieandrose.com.hk, 2368 7191.
NOV 12-27 Woodlands Pre-Schools Open Days Several Woodlands Pre-Schools are holding open days throughout November; no need to RSVP, just drop by. Kennedy Town PreSchool (November 12), Happy Valley Playgroup Annexe (November 26), Montessori Pre-School (November 27). Visit woodlandschools.com
NOV 13 Race with pink heels Don a pair of heels and run for charity at Stanley’s annual race in aid of breast cancer awareness. Everyone can take part - even the dogs! This year’s event also includes a Pink 5K Run in the morning. Stanley Main Street. Enrol by October 14 at pinkheels.hk
NOV 13 Remembrance Sunday
NOV 11 Slideluck Hong Kong III Slideluck returns to the Southside, providing an audience for budding artists to showcase their work. Free entry if you bring a dish, dessert or appetizer to share; otherwise a $50 minimum donation. Potluck starts at 7pm, slideshow starts at 8:30pm. The White Loft, 10th Floor, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. For info, visit slideluck.com
NOV 12 Lamma Fun Day Beach Music Festival Spend the day listening to some of Hong Kong’s best bands playing live on Tai Wan To Beach. Plus, enjoy DJs, a licensed bar, arts and crafts stalls, food, free water, a charity auction, sports and activities for kids. Organised by volunteers and the Child Welfare Scheme Hong Kong, this popular community event has been running for 16 years, raising money for education projects Nepal. Free entry. 1-11pm, Tai Wan To Beach (Power Station Beach), Lamma Island. For info, visit facebook.com/LammaFunDay
NOV 12 Roalddahlicious Party To celebrate 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl, Bookazine and Maggie & Rose are hosting an open day with storytelling, an outdoor library, Roald Dahl-inspired cooking sessions, film screenings (Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), a treasure hunt and quizzes. For children aged four to ten. 10am-4pm,
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Don’t forget your poppy (it should be worn neatly on your left-hand lapel), the proceeds of which support ex-Servicemen and their families in Hong Kong. A ceremony of Remembrance will be held at 11am, The Cenotaph, Statue Square, Central, britishlegion.org.uk (Hong Kong and China Branch).
NOV 13 Around the Island Race - Rowing and Paddle Sports Separate to the main event this year due to the growth of the competition. Watch local and international teams paddle it out for first place. For info, visit rhkyc.org.hk
NOV 18-19 Beertopia This year’s beer festival is expected to include over 500 different beers from around the world. Not a beer lover? Don’t worry - with over 20 restaurants, there’s plenty of food to choose from as well. Tickets start at $285 from beertopiahk.com
NOV 19 World Toilet Day Happy flushing!
NOV 13 Peak to Fong
NOV 20 & DEC 10 Faust trial workshops
Dogs and dog lovers walk from The Peak to Lan Kwai Fong in aid of Hong Kong Dog Rescue. Treats await walkers at the end. Tickets are $250 for adults and $220 for children, combination discounts available. The walk begins at 11am. For info, visit hongkongdogrescue.com
A great opportunity to be introduced to the world of theatre. This year’s workshops are being held on 5/F, Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan. To secure a place, call 2547 9114 or register online at faustworld.com.hk
happening in November UNTIL NOV 24 Live lunchtime concerts at Taikoo Park Working too hard at the office? Get out and enjoy live concerts every Thursday lunchtime down at Taikoo Park. Each week sees a different artist perform on stage. Listen to genres ranging from pop to jazzy brit-rock. The lineup includes: Siu Yuen, SIU 2, 9 Maps and Light Engine. Free admission, 1-1.45pm. Find the programme schedule at taikooplace.com
NOV 24 Thanksgiving Day UNTIL NOV 25 All Points of the Compass The Nockart Gallery hosts a unique exhibition featuring two renowned Australian visual artists: Terry Batt and Ted Powell. Showcasing original pieces created during their time exploring Hong kong. 10am-6pm. For info, visit nockartgallery.com
Old sins make long shadows, oil on linen by Terry Blatt.
NOV 25-27 Clockenflap The annual music festival changes location to Central this year, after five years at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The line-up includes Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós, reggae Kiwi band Fat Freddy’s Drop and Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist José González. Tickets from $850 from clockenflap.com. Concessions available.
NOV 27 Around the Island Race 2016 - Sailing The main event of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s annual celebration race. It’s been going since 1864 - last year saw over 200 boats set sail around Hong Kong Island, this year they’re expecting even more. For info, visit rhkyc.org.hk
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planner
BOOK NOW DEC 1 The Annual Christmas Carol Concert Appeal This annual event has been running for five years in support of Society for Community Organisation (SoCO), a charity which supports the poorest of Hong Kong’s society, many of whom are “cage dwellers”. This year’s event takes place at The Helena May. Open to all, tickets are $600 from ticketflap.com, and include free flow food and drink. Visit facebook.com/ ChristmasCarolConcertAppealHongKong
SELECTED DATES BETWEEN DEC 11 & 18 The Snow Queen Those talented Hong Kong players are back this Christmas with another laugh-outloud pantomime. This year’s truly wicked performance sees the icy princess and her evil trolls strike terror into the hearts of local villagers. Will the villagers triumph over
winter and bring back summer? Suitable for all ages, there will be gags a-plenty as the magnificent Dame Gloria leads the charge - oh yes there will! This year the cast will be taking up residence at Kellett School, 7 Lam Hing St, Kowloon Bay. Tickets available from ticketflap.com/snow-queen
JAN 5 - FEB 12 KidsFest 2017 The biggest children’s theatre festival returns to Hong Kong, with productions for all ages. Julia Donaldson will be appearing live on stage during Gruffalos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts; and don’t miss Romeo and Juliet Untold, Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians and The Best of Barmy Britain. Fun for all the family. Book now (group discount packages are available) at kidsfest.com.hk
This year’s Christmas panto, The Snow Queen, is sure to give audiences the chills.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.
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planner
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family
Christmas Markets
Get a headstart on your holiday shopping.
NOV 21 & 29, DEC 8 & 14 Conrad Fairs Hundreds of stalls selling gifts and lifestyle products on November 21, followed by The PreChristmas Gift Parade which features international pop-up shops selling jewellery, stationery, food, beauty products and more on November 29. The Christmas Gift Showcase and The Christmas Gift Festival follow in December. Free admission. 10am8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, prestigefairs.hk
NOV 15 The American Club Local and international high-end vendors. Open to members, guests and RSVP. 10am-6pm, 28 Tai Tam Road, Vista Ballroom. Credit cards accepted. For more information, contact shoppinghongkong@gmail.com
NOV 23 Kee Club Annual Holiday Bazaar
NOV 18 South Island School The theme for this year’s fair is ‘Nightfest - a Virtual Reality’. There will be a raffle, games, food stalls as well as live performances. Tickets $20 per person or $60 for a family. 5-10pm. 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, sis.edu.hk
Shop Hong Kong’s best brands under one glamourous roof. This year's event spans both floors of KEE, with an all day "dim sum" bar and plenty of mulled wine, minced pies and tunes to get you into the holiday spirit. This year’s charity partner is Room to Read. Free admission and open to the public. 11am to 8pm, KEE Club, 32-40 Wellington Street, Central
NOV 6 Jewish Women’s Association Annual Charity Bazaar
NOV 26
Shop clothes, homewares, cosmetics, toys and more. Take ID for admission. Free admission for children, $30 for adults. All proceeds go to charity. 10am-5pm, Island School, 20 Borrett Road, Mid-levels, jwa.org.hk
German Swiss International School
NOV 19 The HK French Catholic Community annual Christmas Fair and Garage Sale Need to get rid of unwanted toys and books and make a bit of space (and cash) for Christmas? Head here. Reserve your spot for $200 in aid of charities Mayaa Nepal and PSE. No need to pre book, simply bring your blanket to mark out your space. All unsold items must be removed at the end of the day. 3:30-6pm, Rosary Hill School, 41B Stubbs Road, Wan Chai
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Compete in fun and challenging games, snack on a mix of German and Asian delicacies and groove to live music at GSIS’ Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar supports the charitable efforts of the school’s senior students. 10am-4pm. Free entry. Peak campus, 22 Guildford Road, The Peak, mygsis.gsis.edu.hk
stocking fillers DEC 3 NOV 27 The Repulse Bay Christmas Fair Live music, children’s activities and more. 109 Repulse Bay Road, www.therepulsebay.com. For stallholder enquiries, email marketingtrb@peninsula.com or call 2292 2883.
French International School The school’s Christmas fair returns with a kids’ wonderland, festive refreshments and over 35 stalls for all your Christmas shopping needs. Plus, a surprise visit from Santa. 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, 2577 6217, fis.edu.hk
DEC 3 Il Mercatino, a charity fair by the Italian Women’s Association Italian food and wine, clothes, toys, ornaments, crafts, jewellery, Christmas cards, and much more. Don’t miss the Italian Gourmet Corner. Bring your own bag. Entrance fee is $20. All proceeds go to charity. 10am - 5pm, the gardens of The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam. Closest parking is Cyberport.
DEC 3 DEC 1 The Fayre of St. John’s Raise fund for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre at the magnificent St. John’s Cathedral with an evening of carols, mince pies, mulled wine and performances from some of Hong Kong’s noted celebrities and singers. Tickets start from $2,500 and can be purchased by making a direct donation to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre.
Singapore International School Held at SIS’ primary school campus, the Christmas fair will include food and beverages, bazaar stalls, games, arts and crafts and flea market for second hand books and uniforms. 10am-4pm. 23 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, 2872 0266, www.singapore. edu.hk1-5pm. Lot 235, DD229, Clearwater Bay Road, 2358 3221, cwbs.edu.hk
DEC 11 Discovery Bay Christmas Market Find one-of-a-kind, locally crafted gifts for everyone on your list. Free entry, 11am-6pm, Main Plaza, Discovery Bay. Stay for dinner at one of the designated D’Deck restaurants and enjoy a free ferry ride back to Central. handmadehongkong.com
DEC 2 Quarry Bay School Run by Quarry Bay School’s parents, the Christmas Winter Fayre will include an international food stall where you’ll find delicacies from around the world. Don’t miss the lucky draw, games stalls and special performances. Tickets $10 per person. 5.308.30pm, 6 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North Point, 2566 4242, qbs.edu.hk
DEC 3 St. Stephen’s Chapel Annual Christmas Fete Pick up some excellent Christmas puddings, fudge and second-hand books at the stalls. There will also be bouncy castles and an entertainment programme packed with a coconut shy, Santa's Grotto, Chinese Acrobats, Lion Dancers, a magic show, marching bands, Morris dancers, festive music, Scottish Highlanders and Soak the Vicar! Free admission for children, $20 for adults. 11am to 4:30pm. St Stephen's College Sports Ground, Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley. 2813 0360, ststephen.org.hk
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news
LAST MONTH OF HERITAGE FESTIVAL
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS Swire Symphony under the Stars - Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual concert - will grace Central Harbourfront on the evening of November 12. With the iconic skyline as its backdrop, this year’s free concert features Australian Maestro Nicholas Carter leading a programme of classical orchestral favourites. The evening will see up-and-coming Hong Kong pianist Chiyan Wong play Liszt’s dazzling Fantasy on Themes from Beethoven’s Ruins of Athens while sand artist Hoi Chiu will amaze by creating sand art in sync with the music. The evening will be topped off with a firework display. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and a comfy mat. Register for tickets at ticketflap.com
WORLD’S OLDEST PANDA DIES
The Warehouse Teenage Club, formerly Aberdeen Police Station.
The Heritage Fiesta 2016 continues until the end of this month, during which 25 buildings of historic importance are open to the public to showcase Hong Kong’s rich heritage. Admission to all participating buildings is free of charge with some offering free guided tours, snacks, discounted food and beverages. Buildings of historical importance in the
Southside area include the Crown Wine Cellars in Shouson Hill (formerly the Central Ordnance Munitions Depot) and The Warehouse Teenage Club (originally Aberdeen Police Station) in Aberdeen. Visitors can also collect special stamps at participating buildings. Full details at heritage.gov.hk
Jia Jia, the world’s oldest panda in human care, has died at Ocean Park, aged 38. Although 38 may not sound very old, for a panda this is equivalent to 114 human years. Since the start of October, Jia Jia’s health had rapidly deteriorated. She was spending less time awake and her food intake had dropped sharply from over 10kg to less than 3kg a day. “Her state became so debilitated that based on ethical reasons and in order to prevent suffering, veterinarians from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Ocean Park agreed to a humane euthanasia for Jia Jia”, said a representative of Ocean Park. Jia Jia lived at Ocean Park for 18 years, after she and other pandas were given to Hong Kong by China as a gift. Rest in peace, Jia Jia.
NEW GALLERY TO OPEN IN WONG CHUK HANG The 26 galleries and art institutions of the South Island Cultural District are set to welcome a new addition in the coming months. De Sarthe Gallery has announced it will be opening a new gallery in Wong Chuk Hang, its second in Hong Kong (the first is based in Central). Gallery owner Pascal de Sarthe says he chose the location “to embrace the energy of the area and open a gallery space that is unrivaled in Hong Kong. It will allow us to properly honor masterpiece art works as well
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as expand our Hong Kong program to show an international roster of contemporary artists.” De Sarthe Gallery was founded in Paris 1997, later establishing galleries in the United States, Hong Kong and Beijing. The Hong Kong space exhibits a range of international artists, from French Impressionists to Asian and Western modern and Post-War masters as well as emerging artists. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Jia Jia had just celebrated her 38th birthday.
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news
NEW OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA ON SEAVIEW PROMENADE Next time you take a stroll down the Seaview Promenade, you’ll notice a new set of fitness equipment has been installed at Repulse Bay Beach Rest Garden. The new fitness area includes a set of pull up bars, dip bars and more - so you can now fit in a quick workout even if you skipped gym today.
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HONG KONG DOG RESCUE RAISES OVER $1MILLION AT GALA Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) has raised over $1million at its 2016 charity gala at the Aberdeen Marina Club, “Game of Bones”. HKDR has held an annual gala for the last 13 years, rescuing and rehoming over 7,500
dogs during this time, but this year’s total broke all previous records. The money raised will go towards improving HKDR’s Tai Po Homing Centre facilities.
BOOK YOUR FUNCTION AT FRITES THIS FESTIVE SEASON Our reputation for fantastic European fare, family-sized portions and one of the Asia’s largest selection of premium Belgian beers is your guarantee of the perfect party every time.
CONTACT BELLE TO BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY Call 2544 2433 or email belle@frites.hk
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win at www.southside.hk
GIVEAWAYS Insight School of Interior Design Insight School of Interior Design is Hong Kong’s only school dedicated to all things design. It offers a year-long diploma, plus 16 different short courses, from textiles to history of furniture, lighting and feng shui. This month, one lucky reader will win the opportunity to attend a day-long course at the school. To enter, tell us which short course you’d like to study and why. www.insightschoolhk.com Deadline: November 21
enter to win! Massada Spa Massada The Natural Therapy combines the newest biotechnology and pharmaceutical technology to offer natural, non-surgical facial solutions for different types of skin. For over 30 years, it has been using minerals, muds and precious plant extracts collected from the Dead Sea and other places around the world. Originally from Spain, Massada has opened its first spa in Hong Kong. The Causeway Bay retreat specialises in anti-aging facial treatments, body treatments, professional manis and pedis. We’re giving away one Massada Anti-aging Caviar Deluxe Facial Treatment worth $1,680 for a lucky reader. Deadline: November 22
Bilingual Education Bilingual Education aims to give your child a solid bilingual foundation through Mandarin and Cantonese courses taught by native speakers. They also have themed classes for students up to 6 years old, and cognitive classes for those aged 4-12. One lucky winner will win a $2,000 voucher for eight 90-minute one-on-one classes (including interview workshops, Mandarin classes, Cantonese classes, and speech therapist consultations). www.bilingual.com.hk
Sleep Naked Sleep Naked is Hong Kong’s leading online bed linen supplier, supplying luxury linens throughout the world to many of the world’s leading hotels including W Hotels, The Plaza, Fairmont and Hyatt. Shop online at sleepnaked.hk and enter our giveaway for the chance to win a bedding set made with 400-thread-count luxury cotton in their new cross corded colour. Deadline: November 23
Deadline: November 25
Tute.HK Tute.HK provides premium online tutoring in all subjects with experienced tutors from the best UK universities. What would you like your child to learn online? Tell us the what and why and win a free online lesson worth $500! We have two lessons to give away. The free lesson may be used for any subject. The two winners will be announced on November 10 on Tute.HK’s Facebook page. The free lesson must be used by November 30, 2016. facebook.com/Tute.hk Deadline: November 9
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe 20 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK
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five minutes with
WONG MAN KWONG Publisher
Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
The President of Shek O’s decennial Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival talks to Robyn Or about wartime life in Shek O.
Editorial
Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Contributing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Editorial Assistant Eric Ho eric@fastmedia.com.hk
Design
Design Manager Cindy Suen cindy@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz anna@fastmedia.com.hk
Thanks to
Amanda Sheppard Anna Cummins Dr. Anders Kulhavy Belinda Bamford Esther Chan Hayden Kwok Jean Gorguet Kimberley Woo Nicole Roquel Paul Zimmerman Rebecca Simpson Robyn Ma Robyn Or Sérgio Marçal
Published by
Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Illustration by Nicole Roquel
I was born in 1938, the fifth son amongst seven siblings. My parents fished and farmed vegetables. My sisters helped my mum while I attended school. In the 1940s, Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese for three years and eight months. School closed for war so I helped my father and brother catch fish. During the occupation, villagers in Shek O were not allowed to walk in the main street or else they would be killed by the Japanese soldiers. But Stanley was the main hub for the military. My mother saw some locals being shot on Big Wave Bay beach and buried beneath the sand. My uncle, who was a fisherman, was killed for illegal fishing in the ocean. Food like grains and oil were allocated by the soldiers. It was not enough to feed the whole family, so we would soak the inner part of the Papaya tree in water and eat it with rice.
After the surrender of the
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Japanese, my father worked on a British military warship as a chef. My elder brother took over the fishing. At that time, it was really hard to go to the city so some villagers bought a car together so we could buy daily necessities from Shau Kei Wan. Some years later, I too was referred to work on a British Royal Navy warship. I worked as a dish cleaner, room attendant and cook. We were trained in Britain as the unofficial army, ready to go on the battlefield in times of war. When the ship berthed at different British colonial islands, we would go sightseeing. Later, I worked on a commercial ship and visited Canada, America and Europe. The only time we could make phone calls was when Typhoon Wendy hit Hong Kong in 1962. Shek O was badly hit. Otherwise, when I missed home I would write my family letters. My wife escaped to Hong Kong during the Chinese Civil War and sought refuge with my aunt. She went to school in Shek O and did
the housework at our home. When the war ended, she stayed and married me. We have three sons and two daughters. Around 400 guests were invited to our wedding, at home in Shek O. I was 24. My brother and the villagers cooked for us near the beach. We designed a eight-course menu with chicken, pork, fish and shrimp which was sumptuous. I have taken part in Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu since I was 24. Back then, it was held in front of Tin Hau Temple in Shek O. There was just a ritual altar and puppet performance. The latter was replaced by Chinese opera due to the scarcity of talent in Hong Kong. The festival unites Shek O and reunites family and old friends who have emigrated to other countries. I have been leader of Shek O village for three years. I lead community meetings, send out resources to villagers and liaise with outside parties. I also handle compliments and complaints and help to solve disputes between villagers.
news from the greens
sponsored column
WALK THE WALK Paul Zimmerman asks, “Is Hong Kong walkable?”
I
s Hong Kong walkable? Ask Government officials and they will immediately highlight how many people walk every day to get to public transport, shops or schools. 80 percent of Hong Kong’s population over five years old make walking trips on any given day. Moreover, most people in Hong Kong can access shops and transport within 400 metres of their home. With this excellent access to whatever one needs, car ownership – although growing – is very low compared to other cities. But does accessibility equate to walkability? This question dominated conversations in the corridors of Walk21, a five-day international conference on walkability held last month in Hong Kong. Experts, planners and city officials from around the world shared their insights on how to improve walkability. For some countries it is all about access to shops, schools and work without the use of a private car. For others it is about increasing the road space given to pedestrians instead of vehicles – wide pavements, pedestrianised central services and shopping districts. Other countries face more basic issues including safety and pollution. Hong Kong faces a myriad of challenges. Our core urban areas are dense which leads to intense use of land and roads
and overcrowding of pavements during peak hours. To cope, we have a tunnel or footbridge for every 500 metres of road, resulting in forced detours and level changes. Our city is walkable for the fit and able, but not necessarily for the elderly and those with disabilities. In some districts, secondary pedestrian networks are “growing” below ground (Tsim Sha Tsui) and above – either organically (Central, Tsuen Wan) or planned (Tseung Kwan O). In-depth knowledge of an area is needed to get to a destination on foot. Some walks are spectacular – Central to Aberdeen, or Kennedy Town to Central – but most people don’t stray far from the public transport stop. City planners must address crowds, pollution, heat and intermittent footpaths; the lack of crossings, shade and seating; and accessibility for local and international visitors to get people to walk further before opting for transport. For more information, visit facebook.com/walk21hk
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of Save Our Country Parks Alliance.
WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23
local
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Does Stanley really need another hotel? Plans are afoot for a development near the waterfront, but many residents are aghast. Anna Cummins reports.
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A rendering of the new hotel by Toco Planning Consultants Ltd.
P
lans are afoot for a 30-room hotel on the site of the former Apple Mall on Stanley Market Road. The plans have been met with objections from local residents, who argue that the already-congested area won’t be able to handle the increase in traffic and footfall that the proposed eight-storey structure would bring. It was 2014 when Stanley’s Apple Mall was dramatically cleared by the landlord after
government fees soared by 50 percent. The site has been vacant ever since. “It’s really depressing to see empty and derelict shopfronts in Stanley,” sighs Marianne Yeo, a long-time resident of Stanley Main Street, pointing to the metal shutters pulled down along the front of the former Apple Mall building. “People really like that bazaar atmosphere; browsing and bargaining...Tenants were in tears leaving their stores.” There are currently two
‘apartment-style’ hotels in Stanley – the Stanley Oriental along Main Street and the Mini Hotel on nearby Tung Tau Wan Road (a separate hotel is also currently under consideration at the location of the Boathouse restaurant). Then, in August, a planning application was submitted by Toco Planning Consultants on behalf of Rostar Company – a subsidiary of developer Eton Properties, which still runs Apple Malls in various locations.
checking out The application requests permission for a minor relaxation in the current building height restriction of 21 metres for a hotel development. If granted, this would likely clear the way for the development. The Stanley Residents Concern Group and the local kaifong association have put forward official objections and residents are fighting to get their views heard. “The roads around here were [originally] built for horses,” Yeo ruminates. “They cannot handle the level of traffic we have as it stands.” There is indeed some cause for concern over whether the infrastructure in the vicinity of the proposed hotel is robust enough to cope with the additional demands a new hotel would bring. The old underground water pipes along Stanley Market Road have burst on multiple occasions, and residents say that the broadband is occasionally overloaded, turning off altogether at times. The sewage system is also at capacity – the nearby Stanley Oriental Hotel has to use sewage holding tanks that are emptied twice per week. Ms Chan Yee Pui-ying, district council member for Stanley and Shek O, declined to offer a comment to Southside Magazine about the fact that she and her husband
currently own four properties located close to the proposed hotel along Stanley Main Street, and could potentially benefit financially from such a development. Ms Chan has, however, stated in recent interviews with Chinese media that she is supportive of the proposed hotel.
The roads arund here were originally built for horses... they cannot handle the level of traffic we have as it stands.
Ted Chan, principal planner at Toco Planning Consultants, who produced the design for the hotel, says that plans have been conducted sensitively, and that a new lay-by outside the hotel would aid traffic flow during loading and unloading. “Stanley is one of the [most] popular tourist spots in Hong Kong,” he notes. “The shopping facilities not only serve
the residents in the area but also [attract] tourists from overseas.” Chan argues that the the proposed hotel would “make better use of the site and upgrade local environmental conditions” by providing “convenient accommodation and entertainment to these tourists.” He also confirmed to Southside Magazine that all nearby banyan trees would be conserved in the design, in response to residents’ earlier concerns. As the application rumbles toward the Town Planning Board meeting on October 28 (not yet held at the time of writing), campaigners are doing their best to keep up the momentum. “We [Stanley residents] are not against improvement [in general],” says Yeo. “We just want to preserve Stanley as a nice place to live.“
Want to find out more about the discussion at the Town Planning Board meeting on October 28? Visit www.info.gov.hk/tpb
Got a local story? Have your say by emailing editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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feature
20 facts you need to know about Shek O’s decennial festival. By Robyn Or. Photos by Shek O Residents Association Ltd, Samuel Pleitgen and Robyn Or.
Piu Sik Parade.
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once in a blue moon
Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival takes place at the outdoor car park; Inset: : The stage is set for Chinese opera.
20. Tai Ping Ching Chiu (literally, “the Purest
18. Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu is the longest
Sacrifice Celebrated for Great Peace”) is a Taoist festival of peace and renewal, celebrated by over 50 villages in Hong Kong.
surviving religious festival on Hong Kong island. The first celebration took place in 1816. Since then, it has been held every 10 years - with the exception of 1946 due to scarce resources after World War II. This year is the nineteenth Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival in Shek O.
19. The festival is celebrated every one to 60 years, depending on the village. It’s very expensive and only a few places can afford to hold one every year. In Cheung Chau it is held annually (the Cheung Chau Bun Festival), whereas in Shek O it is held once every decade. Offspring from around the globe are expected to fly back to Shek O for the four-day festival, which takes one or two years to prepare for.
17. All the Gods are invited to enter a temporary temple, so that the villagers can thank them for their protection. Taoist priests hold a long series of rituals to placate the ghosts of all the men and animals who have been killed since the previous “Tai Ping Ching Chiu” festival and to cleanse the area of all malevolent spirits.
Parading through Shek O, the headland and Big Wave Bay with the effigy of the King of Ghosts.
16.
The essence of Tai Ping Ching Chiu is to drive away evil - the community unites to placate roaming spirits and pray to all the Gods for safety and security, including Goddess of the sea Tin Hau. Given that for many years Hong Kong’s livelihood was tied to the ocean, Tin Hau is of great significance to Hong Kongers, especially in fishing villages like Shek O.
15.
Traditionally, Tai Ping Ching Chiu falls on April or May in lunar month, but Shek O citizens choose to celebrate it in November to avoid typhoons and the summertime crowds.
Samuel Pleitgen, Festival Photographer This is my third time being the official photographer for this festival. I was born in Hong Kong and went to boarding school in India at the age of 13. After that I lived in different cities over the world before moving back to Hong Kong. I’ve lived in Shek O for the last 23 years. I used to be a music producer and played bass professionally in a rock band for 13 years so I help with audio facilities and sound mixing for events organised by the Shek O Residents Association.
I experienced my first Tai Ping Ching Chiu festival in 1996. I didn’t really know what was happening, but the most unforgettable moment was during a private ritual to call the spirits. I was the only one allowed to be there to capture moments that even the villagers were not allowed to witness. I could feel the energy. This year I will be taking more portraits of villagers to immortalise the faces residents and the spirit of Shek O.
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feature
Tse Chi Hang, Festival Consultant I was born in Big Wave Bay in 1953. At that time there were only 30 native families living in the village. I studied at Man Sang Primary School, the only school in Shek O. I left Big Wave Bay when I turned 34, though after my mother moved to Shek O, I often went to visit her. Since she passed away, I come back less often, but always for village festivals. I took my friends to Big Wave Bay beach once. They enjoyed the scenery but I was
upset about how my home had changed there was a lot of rubbish on the beach. I felt like part of my heart was broken. I have taken part in two terms of the Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival. My role is to make sure things happen in accordance with tradition. We started preparing for this year’s festival two years ago. It’s wonderful to see every part developed from scratch.
14. In February 2015, all male residents of
12. At each ceremony to invite the Gods, the
10. There are seven different bamboo stages
Shek O were invited to visit the local Tin Hau Temple and cast divination blocks (known as “bok bui” - a pair of kidney-shaped blocks, each with one flat side and one curved). The man who obtained the highest number of “sing bui” (one block facing up and one block facing down), was selected as the leader of the festival - in this case, Mr Chun, who achieved a total of seven sing bui. Chun will act as the representative of all villagers to pray for safety and health in front of the ritual altar.
priest reads out the names of the families that have registered to participate in Tai Ping Ching Chiu festival - to inform the gods about the villagers’ donations and expected attendance. There are three separate ceremonies to make sure no family has been missed out.
or altars set up for Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu: 1. Chinese opera stage. 2. Jiu Altar for worshipping the Gods and where the priest recites prayers. 3. Altar for offering sacrifices to ancestors. 4. Office. 5. Taai Si Wong effigy - also known as the King of Ghosts. His job is to maintain order and police the crowds of ghosts who come out during the festival. The effigy is burned at the end of the festival to send the King of Ghosts back to hell. 6. Yu Huang statue - the highest ranking deity of the Taoist pantheon, one of the Three Pure Ones - the three primordial emanations of the Tao. 7. Guan Yin statue - known as the Goddess of mercy, with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her.
13.
Lists of participating families and donors were registered in March this year, following which the first of three special ceremonies was held to invite Tin Hau and the other Gods to attend the festival. As well as prayers, food and music, burnt offerings were made, including a paper horse and messenger who carried the invitation to the Gods.
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11. During Tai Ping Ching Chiu, it is forbidden to eat meat for four whole days to avoid bad luck and to keep the body and soul clean. In previous years, eateries and stores in Shek O have been supportive of this tradition by increasing their offerings of vegetarian meals. Those who plan to visit the festival should keep in mind not to take non-vegetarian food into the area.
9.
At the first few Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu festivals, residents would bring their old oil lamps from home and secretly swap them for
Burning the sacrificial offerings to Gods and the deceased.
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feature
Setting up for prayers; Inset: During the ceremonies to invite the Gods, priests and villagers walk along the beach to show respect to Tin Hau, Goddess of the sea.
new ones at the festival. “Oil lamp” means “son” in Chinese. In China’s patriarchal society, males were often preferred to females. It was believed that the more working oil lamps you had, the more sons you would have in your family. Besides swapping oil lamps, some festival goers would tear off part of the King of Ghosts paper effigy in the hope of getting better academic results for their children.
8. During the festival, certain objects are offered to the Gods, including vases, statues and items made from gold and silver. To spread the luck and blessings from Shek O Tai Ping Ching Chiu, these objects are auctioned off at the end of festival. Since
they have been sacrificed, it is believed they will bring blessings to their new owners.
7.
There are three groups of people who, according to the rituals of Taoism, are forbidden to enter the ritual altar during the festival to avoid contaminating the spirit of the Gods: women, those who have experienced a birth in the family and those who have experienced the death of family member within 100 days of the festival.
6.
Piu Sik Parade takes place on the last day of the festival. This is where children under 4 years old dress up as legendary deities. Standing on steel frames, they are paraded around Shek O Village to chase
away evil spirits. People are welcome to join the Piu Sik parade by making donation to the festival.
5.
A Chinese opera performance is staged for the enjoyment of the Gods and dead souls. Since the Ming dynasty, this traditional Chinese musical performance has incorporated elements of drama, music and martial arts. The performances are usually based on stories of folk and stories about the deities. There are nine performances in total.
Andy Li Wai Yiu, Festival Public Relations & Liaison Section I first participated in the festival in 2006, though my family has been taking part for many years. I was 24 years old and part of the Lion Dance team. My position this year is brand new. I grew up in Shek O and find it healing to be surrounded by people I’ve known for so long. Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen young people move out for work and foreigners move in in search of a more laid-back lifestyle. By taking part in Tai Ping Ching Chiu
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festival, I hope people can learn more about the history of Shek O and the importance of family. Although it is a traditional festival, we should be open to new ideas to improve it and stay in line with the society. For example, we have set up social media platforms for sharing stories and information that the public would be interested in.
once in a blue moon
Jean Paul Gauci, Owner of Cococabana Restaurant in Shek O I am from Corsica, an island in the West Mediterranean Sea. I’ve lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. Before that, I worked in Japan and Taiwan as a chef. Now I live in Big Wave Bay. During weekends Shek O is filled with tourists. It is nice to see a mix of locals and tourists in the weekdays. Shek O is a small community where if you open your heart, it is possible to know everyone in the village! I feel
4. Most of the traditional events and several rituals take place in front of the Tin Hau temple. Built by fishermen as long ago as the Ming dynasty, the temple also serves as a shrine for the eleven original family clans including the Lees, Chans, Ngs, Lams, Laus, Wongs, Chus, Yips, Sos, Tsangs and Mans.
3. Young male villagers are selected to run around every street and alleyway in Shek O and Big Wave Bay, carrying a paper horse. The horse weighs eight pounds and acts as an inspector to secure peace and safety from the devil. During the run, residents are discouraged from wandering the streets where the paper horse will pass by.
2.
On the last day of the festival the King of Ghosts parade takes place. Male villagers carry the 20-feet high paper effigy of the King of Ghosts around the village, behind which it is believed all other ghosts follow. The villagers aren’t allowed to call each other by name, otherwise the ghosts will be able to find their homes. Women aren’t allowed to join the parade as it is believed to bring bad luck to the family.
like part of it since I opened my restaurant here four years ago. I hope people coming here don’t just look at the scenery, but also learn about the culture and customs. This is my first time taking part in Tai Ping Ching Chiu Festival - I will design an authentic Mediterranean veggie menu for the occasion, using fresh ingredients from the market.
1. This year’s festival takes place in the car park near Shek O main beach. The beach has fantastic feng shui as it is guarded by the small Turtle Island, with the turtle facing the sea. (Turn over for the calendar of events.)
(Clockwise from left): Chinese opera is performed to entertain the Gods and dead souls; burning incense; the Lion Dance; Shek O’s Tin Hau Temple.
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feature
09 NOV
12:30pm - Lion Dance
10 NOV
9pm - Chinese Opera Performance
2:30pm - Tai Ping Ching Chiu Opening Ceremony and Consecration
11 NOV
2pm - Young villagers run around Shek O and Big Wave Bay holding the paper horse 4pm - Ceremony of contributor’s billboard (this shows all the donors’ names, to inform the Gods about their contributions)
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12 NOV
10:30am-2pm - Parade through Shek O, the Headland and Big Wave Bay (Piu Sik parade) 5-7pm - Parade through Shek O, the Headland and Big Wave with effigies including the King of Ghosts Midnight - Burning of the effigies on the main beach
feature
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education
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Rebecca Simpson pays a visit.
S
ometimes it’s easier to shy away from the tough subjects. But when it feels tough and overwhelming, that’s exactly when parents need to lean in and learn. And that’s exactly what’s happening at the Canadian International School (CDNIS), they’re leaning in towards some of changing, challenging parts of modern education. The CDNIS community has leant right into technology, they’re learning about what it means to be a good local and global citizen, and even about what a healthy sexual experience is for young adults. If that last one makes you squirm as a parent, you’re not alone but it’s an uncomfortable truth that has to be faced. And that makes this school, along with its impressive facilities, community feel and robust curriculum, a great place to be for many families.
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A new year brings new leadership First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Any prospective parent who has Googled CDNIS will see it has forged through some rocky times in the past few years. But in 2016, the school has its eyes firmly on the future under the leadership of a new Interim Head of School, David Baird. With years of experience at a raft of international schools, Baird has come out of a very brief retirement to join CDNIS as Interim Head. After a long chat I get the impression he’s a kind fixer with the powerful but understated gravitas to move the school forward and leave history where it belongs: in the past. What’s important is that, with all his international experience, he’s genuinely impressed with the school and speaks with great regard for the close community the
CDNIS teaching and student bodies have created, “I’ve worked in a lot of schools, very quickly when you walk into schools you can feel the tone. I knew right away this was a place that has a really good tone.” Since arriving this summer, he’s worked with CDNIS staff to redevelop the school’s mission and vision, including a firm plan that’s both actionable and accountable. “We’re using our 25th anniversary to redefine - where do we want to go as a school of excellence?” he says. “How do we keep that Canadianness, that family feel and the joy and happiness here.” “It’s an excellent school – the resources that are here, the location, the clientele, the international flavour. It was put on hold for a bit, but we want to take an excellent school and continue to be excellent. And that’s where we’re going”.
turning a new leaf
CDNIS has been through rocky times but has its eyes firmly set on the future.
A sense of belonging CDNIS is a sizeable school, with around 1,780 students currently enrolled. Despite its size, Principal Baird assures this is not a faceless school. “That family feel is here...the kids are really happy here, they fit in.” He continues, “It’s extremely important for a kid to be happy and accepted. They feel that here.” He credits the teaching staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure the community at CDNIS feels connected, “The ability to keep that friendly, family feel when you get up to this size – that’s hard to do. But I know the teachers continue to work really hard maintaining that special atmosphere”. Dual curriculum delivering strong academic performance CDNIS uniquely offers a dual curriculum for secondary students – the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as well as Canada’s Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This is an important point of difference, not just for Canadian families looking for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma but also as a seal of approval for the quality of education at CDNIS. This dual system means the school is monitored by two highly respected third parties – the International Baccalaureate Organization and Ontario Ministry of Education. Baird believes his teaching body has a unique and very Canadian connection with the students. This relaxed, mutual respect fosters a different way of instruction to other schools. CDNIS teachers are both IB and Ontariocertified, and the school offers consistent training for staff. The school sees enormous academic success with multiple students achieving perfect scores in the 2016 IB.
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education Walking the technology talk Schools across the globe are spending significant amounts of money on technology to facilitate learning in the classroom. CDNIS is one such school that has a robust technology offering, with students and teachers able to access a plethora of tech. What sets the school apart though, is the way CDNIS is managing its technology offering, “I’ve never seen a school like this that has so much I.T.” says Baird, remarking how impressed he is with the digital integration and the staffing provided to support CDNIS teachers and students. “I’ve seen it in many places, schools come up with the funds for the hardware, because they want to keep up, but where they fall short is the professional development”, he explains. At CDNIS the school has a dedicated faculty of five learning teachers who work with other teachers to integrate new technology, support IT needs and offer ongoing professional development. The school also has a dedicated, physical space called ‘One Door’ where students and teachers can source, often immediately, IT help desk support. The One Door team are a busy team helping CDNIS students are to immerse themselves in technology, whether that’s building robots or even coding websites.
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“We’ll be moving to coding, looking at it almost as a foreign language”, says Baird. “When you think of what people need in the 21st Century – they need coding. So it’s great to have grade fours learning to code to make robots work. We also have grade five and six students designing apps. That’s a big thing in the school here”. Helping students navigate the knowledge explosion It’s not all robot battles and app creation, technology is serious business at CDNIS and that means a serious discussion about how it impacts on our lives. The school employs an acceptable use policy which students adhere to, and this policy provides education around how to use technology safely. This is an education that even spans the school’s librarians who teach students how to verify information and identify when sources can be trusted. Baird explains this is about helping kids navigate the knowledge explosion. “How are kids trained to ask the right questions and access the right information? It’s the people who know how to access the right information in a timely fashion, that’s what we want the students to know. We don’t want to pack their heads with content, because content changes rapidly.”
turning a new leaf
School Report
A strong Chinese connection Hong Kong is home to a large number of Canadian citizens, many of whom are of Chinese heritage, thanks to a significant wave of immigration to Canada from Hong Kong back in the early nineties. This celebration is manifested in the school’s Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC), a $60 million dollar venture
created to expand the exposure of CDNIS students to the Chinese language and culture. The CCC features teaching spaces, a library and performance facility in a design that honours the Chinese Yin & Yang philosophy of balancing elements of life. Hong Kong and Canada enjoy a bonded relationship, one that is embraced and celebrated at CDNIS.
Established: 1991 Number of students: 1,780 Class size: 18-26 Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme; IB Middle Years Programme; IB Diploma Programme and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Fees 2016/2017: $98,000-$178,000 Non refundable capital levy: $29,000 Address: 36 Nam Shan Road, Aberdeen Tel: 2525 7088
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sponsored column
THE SCHOOL INTERVIEW The school admissions process varies from one school to another, but one requirement is universal: the interview. Here’s what to expect. RECEPTION TO YEAR 2 First stage: Students are observed in small groups (of six to eight) on their interaction and speaking skills, before a teacher takes each aside for a one-to-one interview. This often includes oral comprehension, drawing and discussing a picture, counting, naming animals, shapes and colours, etc. Second stage: Students who make the shortlist may be invited back for a second interview. Final stage: Prospective students and their parents may be invited to meet the Admissions Director or Principal. YEAR 3 TO 6 Students must typically complete a written or online assessment in verbal, non-verbal, spatial ability, English reading and comprehension. Some schools use Cognitive Abilities Tests (CAT), to test general intelligence in three different areas: verbal, quantitative and non-verbal reasoning.
38 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK
YEAR 7 First stage: Assessments are typically conducted over two to three hours, and include tests in English (reading & writing), Mathematics, non-verbal and verbal reasoning. Some schools in Hong Kong use CATs; American-based schools often use the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination). Bilingual schools often also test Chinese skills (writing and speaking). Second stage: Those shortlisted may be invited for an interview in English with the Head of School. PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW • Create realistic targets. Temper ambition with a rational perspective of how your child will cope with the assessments. • Ensure all subjects – e.g. English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – are paid attention, but proportion this according to relative strengths and weaknesses.
• Practice timed mock tests well in advance of the assessment date. • Prepare some questions in the week leading up to the interview. • Get your child to meet and interact with new people, so that they feel comfortable doing it. • Decrease subject learning and increase revision and mock tests in the run up to the exam.
ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.
WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39
Photos by William Furniss
arts & culture
WAXING LYRICAL Callum Wiggins talks to renowned British artist Richard Winkworth ahead of his new exhibition.
R
enowned British artist Richard Winkworth is steering clear of Hong Kong’s art galleries to exhibit his latest work, The Hong Kong Sea. Instead, Ping Pong Gintoneria, Sai Ying Pun’s popular Spanish gin bar will play host to Winkworth’s exhibition as part of the bar’s rolling programme of art and music events. The choice to exhibit in the former ping-pong hall, now one of Hong Kong’s trendiest bars, is a deliberate attempt by Winkworth to reach a new audience outside of the gallery scene. “It’s very exciting to be presenting my work in a different environment”, explains Winkworth. “Art galleries and museums can be so stuffy and many people are intimidated by going to an art gallery opening night for fear of not knowing enough about art. Exhibiting your work at a bar means that anyone can go, it has a democracy to it.”
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Out of his studio in Ap Lei Chau which faces out towards the South China Sea, Winkworth has sought inspiration from his daily view of cargo vessels from around the world traversing Hong Kong’s waterways against a backdrop of outlying islands. “The work that I’m exhibiting at Ping Pong would never have happened if it wasn’t for my studio in Ap Lei Chau”, says Winkworth. “Everyday just looking out of the windows inspires me.” For this latest exhibition, Winkworth will be showcasing encaustic paintings, a medium that may be unfamiliar to visitors. Encaustic painting employs wax to suspend pigment. Layers of wax are repeatedly added by heating the previous layer and painting on top of it so that each layer is locked into place. While providing an exciting luminosity and layers of depth, encaustic
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arts & culture painting can be a dangerous medium, as evidenced by a number of small burns and scars on Winkworth’s arms from years of working with the hot paint. Importantly, encaustic paintings remain unaffected by exposure to the sun and moisture, a definite bonus in Hong Kong’s hot and humid climate. “I want people to stick my paintings on their walls at home”, says Winkworth, whose works in the upcoming exhibition are all for sale. “One of the kindest things I ever heard didn’t come from a critic or art dealer, it came from a lady who purchased one of my paintings and hung it up in her bedroom. She told me it made her happy that the painting was the first thing she would see when she woke up in the morning and the last thing she would see at night.” Clearly inspired by Hong Kong’s maritime tradition and view of its stunning scenery from his studio in Ap Lei Chau and home on Lamma island, Winkworth is excited at the opportunity to share this passion with a new audience and remind us of what makes Hong Kong so special. “We should never forget what a wonderful place we live in. There really is some of most beautiful scenery in the world here. Hong Kong is much more than the iconic view of Hong Kong island from Victoria Harbour. No matter how much our way of life may change in these tumultuous times, the hills, the islands and beautiful scenery will always be ours and I want to remind Hongkongers to get out there and enjoy it.” The Hong Kong Sea by Richard Winkworth will be exhibited at Ping Pong Gintoneria from November 3 until the end of the year.
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promotion
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STAY FRESH As well as the fresh air that is introduced into the aircraft cabin through air scoops in the side of the fuselage, an additional gaseous filtration system also removes odours, irritants and gaseous contaminants, some of the primary contributors to throat, eye and nose irritation. The Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner cabin is pressurised to a maximum level of 6,000 feet – 2,000 feet lower than most other aircraft. Altitude chamber tests show that the body absorbs eight per cent more oxygen into the blood at this altitude, leading to fewer headaches and less dizziness and fatigue. The aircraft has an 8-fold reduction in the number of passengers experiencing motion sickness, thanks to technology which senses turbulence and commands wing control surfaces to counter it, smoothing out the ride. Using the latest LED technology, over 20 specially tailored lighting scenes help your body clock adjust to crossing different time zones in both business and economy class. Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com
Mood lighting in the Qatar Airways B787 Dreamliner
arts & culture
THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL Amanda Sheppard speaks to Phillipa Milne, Manager of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, about this year’s tough-to-beat programme.
F
rom November 4-13, bookworms throughout the city will be coaxed from their favourite reading spots - temporarily - to celebrate some of the world’s greatest authors, as well as our own burgeoning literary community. Reflecting upon the current social climate, there is perhaps no better time to celebrate the power of the written word. We speak to Festival Manager Phillipa Milne about what to expect at this year’s festival and her personal highlights of the programme. Hi, Phillipa! Tell us about the festival’s history. The Festival was founded by Nury Vittachi and Jane Camens in 2001. Its goal then was to promote literacy and the literary arts whilst uniting book lovers in Hong Kong: a mission we are continuing fifteen years later. In 2012, the Young Readers Festival was founded and in 2013 we were given charitable status. Since its beginning, the festival has featured literary greats including Seamus Heaney, Margaret Atwood, Colm Tóibín and Anne Enright. Has the festival changed? Our aim has always been to celebrate literature and to encourage people to read, write and exchange ideas. We want the world’s greatest writers to share their stories and writing experiences with our book loving community. Over the years, the programme has developed to reflect the interests of our audience – we have more non-fiction and current affairs events than ever before. We are also increasing the number of “Off-Festival” events held outside the festival. We strive to promote works by local writers and always look forward to hosting book launches.
‘in conversation’ style talks as well as panel discussions, readings, literary lunches, writing workshops and signings. We also have an annual gala dinner – this year it features the brilliant Lionel Shriver at the American Club. You’ll also be able to catch writers at various venues including the Fringe Club, the Visual Arts Centre, KEE Club and Hong Kong University. Which event(s) are you most looking forward to? So many! Of course, the big names like Lionel Shriver, Adam Johnson, Hanya Yanagihara and Bei Dao. I can’t wait to see Helen Oyeyemi – her writing is wonderful. I’m also really looking forward to our North Korea series and in particular the talk with North Korean defector Hyeonseo Lee. Her memoir, The Girl with Seven Names, is incredible. What led to your own interest in literature? Was there one particular book that stood out to you as a child? I read voraciously as a child. My parents read a lot and we would make trips to the local library every week. The Wind in the Willows, the Nancy Drew series and pretty much everything written by Roald Dahl were particular favourites. As a young adult, I completely fell in love with Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. I’ve read them countless times and they never get old.
Philippa Milne Manager of the Hong Kong Literary Festival
What advice would you give to aspiring authors in Hong Kong? There are some great writing groups in Hong Kong. Women in Publishing, Hong Kong Writer’s Circle and SCWBI are just a few offering fantastic support to local writers. Of course, I also recommend coming to the festival; you never know, you might just find the inspiration to finish the novel you’ve always wanted to write! For more information, visit www.festival.org.hk
What’s different this year? Well, it’s cheaper, for one! We have reduced the cost of tickets considerably in order to encourage higher attendance. We’re already seeing a big difference, with a number of events selling out. I’m proud of the diverse line-up on offer this year – we have writers coming from the world of science, translation, hip-hop, journalism, fiction, poetry…even yoga! It’s a cliché, but there really is something for everyone. Let’s talk about the programme… There are public talks taking place throughout the mid-week evenings and there are two weekends jam packed with events. We have
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Indian poet, novelist, libbretist and musician Jeet Thayil was at the festival in 2012.
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eating
NAM LONG SHAN COOKED FOOD MARKET Robyn Ma and Eric Ho grab a bite to eat in Aberdeen.
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nam, nam, nam
A
Robyn washes down her food with an iced glass jelly with coconut milk.
s the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. In the case of Aberdeen’s Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market, this couldn’t be truer. The market’s faded and crumbling white exterior easily goes unnoticed. The street is bare aside from a bus stop, a nearby temple and the partially completed South Island MTR line which passes above. Two rainbow directories flank the entrance - the only indication of what lies within.
Inside the market, an array of stalls line the periphery of the area, from traditional Cantonese dai pai dongs to the popular Thai eateries. Be sure to have a good browse before settling down for a meal. Stall owners make use of their allocated spaces as best as they can by covering walls and pillars with copies of their menus and pictures of their food, adding hints of vibrant colour. There is an informal, lively atmosphere here in the evenings - the market’s busiest time.
The first floor of the market caters to those looking for lighter meals. For a traditional Cantonese breakfast, try Mei King Kitchen - we recommend the egg and ham toast with a Hong Kong-style milk tea. The egg is fried just right, leaving the yolk warm and gooey when you cut into it, and the toast, lightly charred, wraps up the whole meal with a crunchy bite. The owners of the stalls are all incredibly friendly and approachable so if you can’t decide what to order, feel free to ask them for suggestions.
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eating
Then: a magazine cutting on the wall shows Wendy, back when she first opened her restaurant.
Now: Wendy is not sure how long the market will survive.
If you’re looking for a larger meal, such as lunch or dinner, head up the spiral stairway right in the center of the building to the second floor. Don’t be fooled by the size of the stalls - they may be small but each is a food powerhouse. Green Curry House Thai Food offers a large menu of Asian fusion cuisine. “I opened up the restaraunt in 2008,” says owner ButrasarnWanphen - she says we can call her Wendy for short. “At first it was so quiet in the market that everyone only opened for lunch. Now we see lots of young people, office workers and families coming down together to enjoy the food and atmosphere. During the earlier stages of the MTR development, we had a lot of construction workers coming here for lunch, but now that it’s nearly finished they’re all gone. ” Of the dishes we order on our visit, the standout is the fried rice. It’s a medley of assorted ingredients, the stars of which are pork floss (also known as rousong) and Chinese sausages (lap cheong). Although the lap cheong has a strong rustic flavour, the rousong is delicate enough to balance it out nicely. We also order the iced glass jelly with coconut milk which is delicious, light and silky smooth. Wendy buys most of her ingredients from the Wan Chai Gi See. “Plus, my little brother lives in Sai Ying Pun and sometimes he brings over food from the market there”, she adds. Take a look around and you’ll quickly notice that most of stalls on the second floor are serving
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Thai food; Wendy explains why, “We were the second Thai restaurant to open up here. I chose this location as it was close to where I live in Wah Fu Estate, but word soon got out that you could find great Thai food at Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market. People began travelling here from many different areas to get a decent Thai meal, and it wasn’t long before other Thai restaurants moved in.” When we ask how she gets along with her neighbours in the market, she admits, “We very rarely argue, but when it comes to business it can
We happily welcome Westerners here.
be very competitive.” Don’t be afraid to go to Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market just because your Cantonese is not up to scratch. Many of the restaurants have English menus and their staff can speak a little English. “We happily welcome Westerners here. My English is good enough to explain what’s in the food, any allergy problems and make some good recommendations,” says Wendy. In fact, the market has seen an increase
in expat visitors in the last few months. “A lot more Westerners have been coming here recently, including many who have just moved into the area because of the new MTR line.” Still, gentrification of the area and rising prices could spell the market’s demise. “The future is still unknown, I’m not sure if Nam Long Shan or my restaurant will survive. It’s getting very difficult to hire people for this industry and I have to do a lot of the work myself which is very tiring.” If you’re looking for a casual yet delectable meal, the Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market is must-visit. Step out of your comfort zone and head here for a taste of traditional Hong Kong food and culture. According to Wendy, there’s no better time to go, “Business is seasonal - in the summer it is too hot here because there is no air conditioning, and in the winter it is too cold! Now is the best time to come down.” Any recommendations? “Our most popular dish by far is the Pad Thai Noodles,” she says with pride. “Other dishes I recommend are: Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup and Grilled Squid.”
How to get there 1 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang. Open 6am-2am. Tel: 2553 3730 (Market Office) Buses 75, 72A and 48 all stop nearby.
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eating
NIBBLES
News from the dining scene. Pomegranate Kitchen launches new lunch service
Southside-based Pomegranate Kitchen is now open for lunch Monday to Friday, 12.30pm to 3pm. Lighter options on the menu include a chargrilled chicken and chorizo salad ($88) and Pomegranate’s herb salad ($83; add $20 for halloumi, and $30 for grilled chicken). Heartier meals include a slow-cooked steak stew ($93) and an Australian Wagyu beef burger ($95). Finish off with the dessert of the day ($48). Deliveries available. 4/F, 4B, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2580 0663, pomegranate.com.hk
Thanksgiving with Young Master
Join the Young Master team on November 26 for a Thanksgiving celebration in their new brewery. Watch football games and tuck into a feast prepared by Crft-Pit. Free flow on select Young Master beers, including the popular Rye On Wood Ale. Starts at 4pm. $800 per person. Pre booking and advance payment only. E-mail info@youngmasterales.com. G/F Sungib Industrial Building, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road
The Flying Winemaker’s Red Party
Enjoy a rocking Friday night of great wine, tasty food and pumping music from local talent, DJ Xlarge. Hosted by Eddie McDougall from TLC’s hit show The Flying Winemaker and Cosimo Tadei, Italian chef and owner of Southside private kitchen Dine Art. Eddie will be showcasing his own brand of Australian, French and Hong Kong made red wines. Tickets $488 for free flow red wine, sangria and buffet food, available at flyingwinemaker. hk. Dresscode: red. November 18, 8-11pm, Dine Art, 16/F A, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen
The Peak Lookout Thanksgiving
Give thanks with CRFT-PIT
CRFT-PIT gears up for Thanksgiving this year with a set that includes a 5.5kg whole stuffed hickory-smoked turkey, sweet potato mash, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce gravy, and pecan pie for dessert. The set is priced at $1,988 and serves six people. Additional add ons available. Order your Thanksgiving combo by November 18 and pick it up at the kitchen in Ap Lei Chau. Deliveries available throughout Hong Kong at an extra charge. To order, email info@crft-pit.com
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Available on November 24 only, The Peak Lookout’s four-course Thanksgiving menu ($468 per person) starts with a crab and avocado salad and chestnut soup with parma ham. But the star of the show is the roasted turkey roulade with duck mousse, gammon ham, roasted yams and turkey sauce. Finish with something sweet: pumpkin pie, bourbon ice cream and coffee or tea. 121 Peak Road, The Peak, 2849 1000, peaklookout.com.hk
Limewood goes healthy
Detox and feel wholesome with Limewood’s new health conscious menu. Perfect for lunch or as an afternoon snack, Limewood has introduced three healthy bowls - acai berry bowl, carrot bowl or a banana soy bowl - containing a selection of superfoods. Additionally, Limewood is also offering superfood smoothies and juices and three types of shots - wheatgrass to boost your immune system, turmeric which brings anti-inflammatory properties and activated charcoal, to detox your digestive system. G/F, shop 103 & 104, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866 8668, limewood.hk
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outdoors
CANOEDLING
A crew of nine Hong Kong men just came third in their category at the outrigger canoeing world championships. But what exactly is outrigger canoeing? Shreena Patel finds out.
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L
life begins at 40
ast month, nine members of the Victoria Recreation Club in Deep Water Bay achieved a podium finish in a race across one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the world. The brutal 41-mile Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe (OC) race in Hawaii is regarded as the sport’s world championships. It began in 1952, with three traditional wooden boats competing and finishing in just under nine hours. This year’s race saw close to 100 international teams battle it out in hi-tech fibreglass boats. The fastest time was 4 hours and 49 minutes. The VRC sent two teams to compete, with the over-40 crew taking third place in the Masters 40+ category. Both crews faced waves up to five metres high, fierce winds and unpredictable currents - not to mention roaming sharks and jellyfish - as they made their way from Molokai Island to Oahu across the Kaiwi Channel. Known as the “Channel of Bones”, it has claimed the lives of entire ancient canoe fleets as well as modern-day watermen. We chatted to VRC Head Coach Scott Dale and some of the team upon their return from Hawaii to find out more about outrigger canoeing, why they do it and how you can sign up.
Where are you all from? (Franck): We are a multinational bunch hailing from Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, France, America, Germany, Canada, Malaysia, Russia and Australia.
How often do you train? For the Molokai Hoe, we trained six days a week in the boat, plus additional circuit training, weight training and swimming.
Has such intense training affected your personal lives? (Stephen): The woman I love now paddles, of course. (Steve): To do well in this sport, like any other, you need to commit a significant amount of time to it. Friendships outside do suffer unfortunately, but within the community we have social activities.
Photo credit: Jean Gorguet
How did you get into outrigger canoeing? (Steve): Back in 1994 the VRC (formerly the Hong Kong Island Paddle Club) purchased a part-share in two OC6 boats. We started outrigger canoeing in Hong Kong! The only outrigger canoe race at that time was in Hawaii, so we just had to use our dragon boating experience. That made those early days very difficult. (Nick): I started off in a corporate dragon boat team, which is a common way to get into paddle sports. After the dragon boat season ended I wanted more so I joined the VRC's rookie programme. It didn't take long until I was hooked.
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outdoors OC - the basics What is it? Designed for riding the swells of the Pacific Ocean, the outrigger canoe (OC) is similar to a normal canoe, but with a float attached to one side of the hull, which helps keep the vessel stable in rough seas. Traditionally made of wood, but these days mainly crafted from fibreglass, outrigger canoes can be paddled solo (OC1) but teams usually compete in a six-person boat (OC6), with three in a support boat for crew rotation.
Who does what in an OC6?
(Arnie): One day I looked down to the ocean from my apartment and thought, “I need to learn a watersport as this might be the only time in my life I live on the water.” I saw a canoe off to one side, located the club and showed up for the open day. That was a year and three months ago.
What's the best thing about outrigger canoeing? (Stephen): Sunrise training with rainbows over Ocean Park, seeing fish jumping over the canoe and spotting the odd stingray breaching the surface. (Benny): Learning about the ocean - how it changes throughout the day, month and year - how to connect and move along with it. (Mark): Getting out on the ocean with your mates, racing in Hawaii and other cool destinations.
And the worst? (Lee): A bad day out on the water in a canoe is better than a good day in the office! (Mark): Getting up at 5am in the winter and paddling in the cold and dark. Oh, and paddletics.
What do you eat before a race? (Lee): A six-pack of IPA and a bunch of bananas. (Stephen): Race day is no time for experiments. My secret ingredient is peanut butter. (Arnie): Oatmeal, bananas, plenty of fluids. (Franck): The boys always make fun of me for this, but M&Ms and Red Bull.
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How many calories do you eat a day when training? (Stephen): It can probably hit 5,000/day when paddling over 110km/week plus doing a few intense land training sessions for strength and explosive power.
What is your most memorable race? (Christian): The first time I did Around the Island and paddled through Victoria Harbour, close to the Macau Ferries. It was scary. (Nick): This year’s Three Peaks Challenge - a combination of outrigger paddling and hill running through the best of Hong Kong's great outdoors: the sea and the mountains. We won following a close battle with our arch-rivals, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
The first person in the canoe sets the pace. If seat one is paddling on the left, seat two is right, seat three left and so on until seat 6, who is the steersperson but also paddles. Seat three calls out on every 14th stroke and everyone switches to paddle on the opposite side. three in a support boat for crew rotation. The key to a successful team is perfect timing, a strong catch (the power portion of the stroke when the blade of the paddles enters the water and pulls back).
Where does the sport come from? Outrigger canoeing dates back around 2,000 years, originating with the Austronesian people who lived on islands in the southern, western and central Pacific Ocean. Remnants of their outrigger canoes have been discovered on the western coasts of Peru and California, leading some to argue that their arrival in the Americas predates Columbus by at least 400 years.
Who are the main clubs?
(Mark): My first and only Molokai solo in 2005. 32 miles on my own. Made running the Honolulu marathon six months before seem easy!
There are several OC clubs on the Southside of Hong Kong Island, plus others based on Lamma and Lantau. Victoria Recreation Club Paddle Club in Deep Water Bay boasts an impressive fleet of vessels and hosts Hong Kong’s most popular monthly OC race – the 2016 Zolfo Cooper VRC Race Series.
How often do things go wrong?
How do I sign up?
(Nick): We don't often flip (or 'huli') canoes, but we did manage to huli a dragon boat whilst being filmed for the Travel Channel. The camera crew's speedboat sent a large wave over us and flipped us right over.
Visit vrcpaddleclub.com, our Facebook page @HongKongVRCPaddleClub or @vrc_paddle_club on Instagram for more information.
(Lee): Rio. Enough said!
(Scott): Right at the start of the 24km Around Po Toi race, all the canoes were very close together and a competitor lifted our ama and huli'd us. Not a great way to start but we still finished. Afterwards, a crew member went diving and recovered the five
VRC has one Open Day each year right after the Dragon Boat season finishes and also conducts Dragon Boat corporate workshops.
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outdoors
The Masters 40+ crew in Hawaii, from left to right: Jason, Arnie, Mark, Scott, Andy, Lee, Gregory, Andy and Alex.
pairs of lost sunglasses off the seafloor. (Stephen): One early morning before work, we launched two canoes for a one-way paddle to VRC when the ama detached on one canoe. Fortunately we could do emergency repairs in the water. Getting a taxi to work proved the hardest part of the morning.
Jargon buster Huli When the canoe capsizes. away so are much thicker and more powerful than in Hong Kong, even during a typhoon. Yes, I do go out and paddle my OC1 in typhoons, but with a group and a safety plan in place.
Are you friends outside of the canoe? (Lee): Yes - we live, eat and breathe each other all year round, both on and off the water. It’s a lifestyle. (Jean): We are a bunch of guys with different personalities - and often big egos - on a small boat in the middle of the sea for two hours a day. It is intense. But after a good race we’ll have a drink and a barbecue together. (Scott): I consider most of the Hong Kong paddling community as ohana (family). Paddling is a lifestyle choice more than a sport. People that connect with the ocean share a special bond.
What is it like to race in the Molokai Hoe? How do you keep motivated for five hours? (Scott): It's great to participate in international events like the Molokai Hoe and have the opportunity to learn from the best. The time goes surprisingly fast - you’re just focused on what's required to get to the end point.
Does training in Hong Kong prepare you well for such treacherous conditions? Do you go out in typhoons? (Mark): No, not really. Since Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific, the waves come from a lot further
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Have you ever encountered a shark? (Lee): In 2014, we were competing in the Molokai Hoe race in Hawaii. I was sitting in seat 1; Scott was in seat 2 behind me. We were happily paddling away, concentrating on our timing. A change was called (where some of the crew jump out of the canoe to recover while others slide into their seats and take over the paddling) and Scott and I were wondering which one of us was out next. Just as the call was made a huge shark swam straight underneath the boat. It was like slow motion, smooth and determined, but aggressive. I heard Scott say, “I ain’t b****y getting out”, and I certainly wasn’t about to go anywhere, so we told seat 3 to do the change as he obviously didn’t know what was going on. Importantly, nobody got hurt!
The races are very long. What do you do if you need the toilet? (Steve): DON’T HOLD BACK! It’ll get bailed out eventually.
Why should someone start outrigger canoeing? (Lee): Tranquility, space, being close to the simple things in life. Failing that, it’s the best excuse to get large on some delicious IPA beers at the club house with your teammates.
Bail The process of removing the water stuck in the canoe. If you do not bail from time to time, the water will accumulate in the canoe making it heavier and harder to paddle.
Ama The big floater which keeps the canoe stable on the water. It is always located on the left side of the canoe.
Iako The connectors between the ama and the canoe. They can be wood or carbon.
Brace stroke Used to prevent the canoe from huli’ing. Pressure is put on the back of the blade against the water so the ama stays on the water instead of flying over and capsizing the canoe.
Change race The Molokai Hoe is a change race, which means you a six-seater canoe and nine paddlers. You are allowed to swap the paddlers in and out so they can rest for a few minutes. The three resting paddlers are on a speedboat which follows the racing canoe.
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travel
NIHIWATU The best hotel IN THE WORLD? Tom Hilditch finds out.
OK, luxury travel bugs, your first question is... At the Nihiwatu Resort guests have their own: a) Swimming pool b) Butler c) Horse Wrong! The answer is: All of the above. Perhaps this is why, earlier in 2016, Condé Nast proclaimed the Nihiwatu Resort, on the Indonesian island of Sumba, to be the best hotel IN THE WORLD. The capitals are mine. It’s such a bold claim, this is the only way I can write it. And, I am ashamed to say, the only way I can say it. “Where are you going for your holidays?” ask friends and colleagues, as I clatter around the office with my recently purchased Panama hat, Havaianas and waterproof copy of the Bhagavad Gita. “Oh, nowhere special,” I reply,
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“just the best hotel IN THE WORLD”. OK, travel bugs. Next question: The Nihiwatu Resort is on the Island of Sumba, about an hour’s plane ride from Bali. But where on Sumba? Is it: a) On a private, completely unspoilt, 2.5 kilometre beach. b) On a coastal mountain top with views of some of the best surfing breaks in the world. c) In a 567-acre nature reserve that incorporates several local villages, where the tribes people follow ancient rituals, the men carry long knives and the women are not getting married unless you tip them at least 20 buffaloes. Answer: Yup. All of the above. The resort’s 32 luxury villas sit “on the edge of wilderness”, all with stunning views and absolute privacy. “Basically, Sumba is
like Bali 400 years ago,” says Christopher Burch, the fashion entrepreneur who acquired Nihiwatu a few years ago and has transformed it from a surfer’s retreat into a world-class luxury hideaway. “This resort is profoundly connected to nature.” Our villa is stunning. Daytime activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba, surfing, paddle boarding, the aforementioned horseriding, visiting local villages, making chocolate bars in the “Chocolate Factory”, releasing baby turtles back to the wild, yoga, spa safari’s, and my son Harry’s favourite activity: throwing stones at the sea. At night, we soak together in the gigantic outdoor bathtub, dine on locally caught fish and pass out among soft sheets in a pure white, mosquito netted, bubble.
simply travel the best
Nihiwatu facesheet Gettting there: Fly to Bali, then one hour’s flight to Sumba, then 2 hours by luxury SUV. (The resort will arrange all this.) • 28 Villas, in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 room configurations. • 90% of the workforce is local Sumbanese • 300+ staff • Meals, drinks, laundry are included. No bills! • Babysitting services. www.nihiwatu.com
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health & beauty
WET, WET, WET
Hydro training is an effective and low impact exercise alternative.
Esther Chan tests her limits with hydro training.
I
f you love water and working out, Hydro 1.0 may be the perfect place for you. This aquatic fitness gym is tucked away down an alley in Kennedy Town and sports minimalist décor. The workout zone creates an unpretentious vibe and the owner, Simon, has a friendly yet matter-of-fact manner, which strikes a good balance for an instructor. Simon and I dive right into the world of hydro training: aqua CrossFit, spinning and paddling. The gym hosts all levels of trainees with regular sessions for professional athletes and workouts for rookies like me. Standing next to the main pool, we discuss the benefits of aqua fitness as opposed to land exercise - less lactic acid buildup and impact on joints. The buoyancy of water also makes hydro training particularly effective for toning up the core, back and thighs because you must tense these muscles just to stand still. Simon says aqua shoes are a must to avoid slipping (available to rent at $20 per class or purchase a pair for $250). As he prepares the pool, I rinse and change before stepping out of the changing room, ready to conquer the world of aqua sports...or so I think. Feeling genuinely relaxed, I wade into
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waist-deep room temperature water, but as Simon begins to brief me on my training plan, a sense of impending doom begins to take over. My first task is to press kickboards under my palms, push them backward while bringing my legs up, then pull them up and kick back at the same time. After 20 repetitions, I’m still about as coordinated as an elephant trying to do the Argentinian Tango. The trick, I’m told, is to squeeze the core and focus on each part the body. We move onto spinning where I am able to witness on the underwater camera the true extent of my limbs’ abilities to fly in any and all directions. We not only attempt different speeds but also spinning while sitting and standing. Simon takes my pulse and I’m proud to see it standing at a cool 100 beats per minute. He then leads me to the hydraulic treadmill, where I kick-start a 10-minute circuit with a three-set workout: free running with arms outstretched, dashing and high jumps. As an avid runner, I’m certain the treadmill will be my strong point and I am pleased to hear for the first time that I am moving correctly. My confidence however fades three minutes in as I start to notice the need to exert
myself a lot more to glide comfortably through the water. By the time I finish the circuit I have not only built up quite a sweat but am breathing very heavily, my heart rate elevated to 144 beats per minute. The aqua workout is undoubtedly impressive in terms of its effectiveness and presents a comparatively low-impact alternative to the trendy High Intensity Training (HIT) now popular across Hong Kong. What strikes me the most, however, is how fun Hydro 1.0 is - quite naturally my usual serious workout face transformed to a pseudo smile. Yes, you have to get wet, but like most of Hong Kong I spent the majority of last month getting soaked in the rain anyway. This is much more entertaining.
Essential info Private coaching is $800, group classes are $450. Hydro 1.0, 28 Praya Kennedy Town, Brilliant Court Store #6, Sai Wan, 9475 0737, www.hydro1hk.com
HK$6.98 million
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pets
ASK...
DR.ANDERS Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Anders Kulhavy answers your questions. Q: “We are about to have our first child. How should we prepare our dog for our baby’s arrival?” - Anna, Repulse Bay Pandora has mastered the art of finding the cosiest spots for her snoozes.
WOBBLY KITTEN SYNDROME
Stray cat Pandora was born with a neurological disorder for which there is no cure. The SPCA helped her to find a home. Pandora arrived at the SPCA as a four-week-old stray. She had a clumsy stance, walked with her legs wide open and experienced tremors when attempting to focus on objects such as food and toys. After careful examination by the veterinarian team, she was diagnosed with feline cerebellar hypoplasia, commonly known as “wobbly kitten syndrome” - a condition in which the cerebellum, the part of the brain which controls fine motor skills and coordination, is underdeveloped. Although there is no treatment for this condition, it is non-progressive and afflicted cats can live a happy and healthy life if given proper care. This includes being kept indoors and having sturdy, non-spill dishes. Owners should also take precautionary steps to minimize accidental injuries, such as placing cushions or mats close to window sills, coffee tables and other elevated places to act as crash mats. Initially, Pandora was fostered by a member of staff to assess her special needs. She thrived
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in a home environment. Her playful and sweet personality became an instant attraction to other household dogs and cats. Despite being a little wonky, she soon found a family to adopt her and is now happily settled into her new home. Diagnosing cerebellar hypoplasia MRI and CT scanning can confirm the diagnosis. Characteristic clinical signs include: • Lack of coordination. • Tremors that increase when focusing on a task or object, but subside when the animal is relaxed. • A wide-based stance and poor sense of balance. Animal adoption If you are interested in animal adoption, visit www.spca.org.hk or call the Homing Department at 2232 5529. Alternatively, visit the animals in person at one of SPCA’s adoption centres.
A: Dogs tend to adjust to a new baby fairly well. I think they sense it is a new family member and accept them for the most part. One obvious thing is to create a barrier when necessary. Babies and kids tend to make a mess and dogs tend to try and eat messes. Dogs can get sick from eating new foods and can ingest small things that can potentially get stuck in their stomach. Dog gates, cages, and separate rooms are sometimes necessary. The new baby will take away lots of attention from your dog. To ease this transition, make sure and set aside time to spend with your pets without the baby (like going for a walk). Buy your dog some new toys or treats so he or she associates the change as a positive thing. The initial introduction should be closely supervised to make sure everything is safe for the baby. If your dog begins acting out (such as urinating unappropriately, hiding, not eating) then it may be worth consulting with your veterinarian to see if anxiety medication is indicated. Certain pheromone sprays and diffusers can also help to calm down pets. Got a question for Dr. Kulhavy? Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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w.. . Th e n at io n a l flo we r o f H th e “ Ba o ng K o n uhinia b g, la k e an a” dis c o ve re was firs d ne a r M t o un t Da pr ie s ts v is by Fr wh o to o e nch k c u t t in t re e and g s o f th plan te d e ra re th em in Bét h anie th e g a rd . In th e e n of e a r ly 20 Supe r in th ce n t te nde n t u r y, o f th e A De p a rt m f fore s ta e n t, Ste t io n ph e n T. th e t re e Dunn, n af te r th ame d e th e n G Sir He n r o ve r nor, y Bla k e .
BÉTHANIE Shreena Patel goes in search of history in Pok Fu Lam.
S
ituated on a hilltop amongst pine trees and overlooking the Lamma Channel, lies Béthanie, Hong Kong’s first sanatorium. It was built in 1875 by Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris (The Society of Foreign Missions of Paris) as a place for sick French missionaries to recover from tropical diseases. Béthanie would serve as a base of the French Catholic missionary work in East Asia for over a hundred years until its closure in 1974, receiving around 6,000 missionaries during that time. The missionaries and priests also organized a small but successful printing press, publishing religious items in 28 languages. The idea of building a sanatorium in East Asia had been discussed by French priests since 1856. Hong Kong was selected in part because of its medical knowledge and skills for handling common illnesses in tropical countries. Pok Fu Lam was considered an ideal place because of its safety, elevation, exposure to the sea breeze and proximity to the stores and doctors of Victoria City (just an hour away by palanquin). The site (approximately 24 acres) was purchased for $3,000.
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The sanatorium was named “Béthanie” after the village in the New Testament, the home of siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus. When Lazarus became ill, Martha sent word to Jesus, who later brought Lazarus back to life. Her message, “Domine, ecce, quem amas infirmatur” (“Lord, look, the one whom you love is sick”), was carved into the stone above the front door of the sanitorium to encourage ailing missionaries to keep their faith in Christ. Opposite Béthanie, on Pok Fu Lam Road, stands Nazareth or “Douglas Castle”. While Béthanie aimed to restore the bodies of French missionaries, Nazareth aimed to restore the spiritual health of those who sought to rediscover their missionary zeal. Most of those who stayed at Béthanie returned to their missions with their health restored, but during the early years of its operation, the death rate was high due to immature medicinal technology and the spread of tuberculosis. During World War Two, both Béthanie and Nazareth were requisitioned by the Japanese. Béthanie was left a shell - even the electric system was ripped out for its copper - but
following refurbishment, it was reopened in 1949. As China and other countries in Asia closed their doors to Catholic missions in the 1950s and the population of Hong Kong rocketed (from 1945 to 1955, it grew from 600,000 to 2.5 million), the Society turned its attention to local pastoral work in Hong Kong. In 1974, Béthanie was sold to Hongkong Land. It was later taken over by the Government and leased to The University of Hong Kong, followed by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). The premises is now the Academy’s School of Film and Television.
Essential info Access to Béthanie is through a scheduled half-hour tour, conducted daily in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. $25 per adult. Book your tickets online in advance at www.hkticketing.com No. 139, Pok Fu Lam Road, 2584 8633 / 2584 8918.
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EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN TO SECONDARY A STRONG COMMUNITY ETHOS BEAUTIFUL GREEN LOCATION
International College Hong Kong HONG LOK YUEN | SECONDARY
International College Hong Kong is a dynamic IB world school across two campuses in the beautiful New Territories ICHK Hong Lok Yuen has been providing high quality education for more than 30 years, and follows the IB Primary Years Programme, with a solid foundation in Maths and English. At our primary and secondary sites, inspirational teachers work in partnership to deliver a through train education to students of all nationalities. ICHK Secondary is a school which is proud to embrace innovation in learning, and a unique and stimulating curriculum has been developed for students. Classes are kept deliberately small as individual attention and guidance is key to the learning philosophy. Learning is centred on emerging best practices, using insights and innovations from around the world. In Years 10-11 students follow IGCSEs, then the IB Diploma in Years 12 to 13. The school celebrates strong academic results, has a strong community ethos and provides a supportive environment where students of all nationalities can thrive. Kindergarten and Primary Campus 3, Twentieth Street, Hong Lok Yuen, New Territories. Tel: (852) 3955 3000 Email: info@Ichkhly.edu.hk Web: www.ichk.edu.hk Secondary Campus 60 Sha Tau Kok Road, Sha Tau Kok, New Territories Tel: (852) 2655 9018 Email: info@ichk.edu.hk Web: www.ichk.edu.hk