Mid-levels May 2017

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | HEALTH | TRAVEL

Mid-levels magazine

May 2017

OISHII!

Our favourite sushi restaurants

HIKE-ARUMBA! A day out to Sham Chung

WE LOVE MUMS Gorgeous gifts for Mother’s Day

FIVE MINUTES WITH… ...Lancer Khan, “guardian” of Jamia Mosque

The

Relocation guide

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Mid-levels magazine

The really useful magazine May 2017

PEOPLE

COVER STORY

4 Snapped!

Life around Mid-levels.

22 The relocation guide New to Mid-levels? We’ve got you covered.

THE PLANNER

EATING

8 Happening in May Events for your diary.

32 Oishii Our favourite sushi restaurants.

Plus Nibbles.

FAMILY 14 The mother lode Gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

EDUCATION 38 The American School Hong Kong Kate Davies takes a tour.

NEWS 16 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

HOME & LIVING

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

18 Lancer Khan “Guardian” of Jamia Mosque.

LOCAL

42 More is more Channeling quintessential colonial Hong Kong.

PICTURE THIS

20 Union Church We report on redevelopment plans.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 48 Best foot forward Our top feet treats in Mid-levels.

BIG DAY OUT

MY MID-LEVELS 64 Nissa Marion The former Editor-in-Chief of Ecozine on cooking, career changes and foot massages.

50 Rory Mackay heads to...

Sham Chung.

TRAVEL 52 The Anam A new luxury resort in Cam Ranh, Vietnam.

ZIM CITY 58 Paul Zimmerman on...

Recycling incentives and waste disposal.

HOROSCOPE 60 Signs from the stars Adam White predicts your future.

46 “Man Mo Temple” A 60-second interview with artist Kiyoko Yamaguchi.

“THERE IS NOTHING MORE DECEPTIVE THAN AN OBVIOUS FACT.” - SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

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contributors

Rhea Mogul by d a y rit er a n d edito r w e nc la ee fr a ... is ht. rds bin g er by nig a n d Hou se of Ca ng, you will fi n d worki r Whe n sh e’s not , fra g ra nt ha rbou zy a cr is th g in or he r expl nd e dog s, Ba ile y a u sc re o tw r he h wit a bri ng s you th e he R , th on m s hi Pippa. T Midewco m ers to th e n r fo e d ui g to g og e 22. leve ls a rea on pa

Kiyoko Yamaguch i

...is this m onth’s co ve r artist. Hailin g fro m Kyoto, Ja pa n, Kiyok o fir st drew Th e Fri ng e Cl ub in 2008. “As I lived an d wo rk ed in Sh atin (N T), goin g all th e wa y to th e Isla nd wa s a litt le adve nt ure. I don’t lik e cont em po ra ry hig hris e bu ildin gs, so I wa s overwhe lm ed arou nd Ce nt ra l station. Th en I m et this ch armin g brick bu ildin g, it wa s a nice su rp ris e.” Fi nd out m ore on pa ge 46.

Emily Petsko

n sylva n ia, n y town in Pen ti a in p u w re e of ... g a mt of a ch a n g re d ys a lw a ut USA, b to Vietn a m to ed ov m e sh , 15 0 Hon g scen ery. I n 2 n d re located to a t, lis a rn u jo a d work a s h u ntin g fo r g oo e u in nt co to hiki n g, K on g in 2016 din g, d a n ci n g, ea d a re s ve lo e h S storie s. foods. R is co ve ri n g n ew d d n a g n lli g e 20. ve tra ion C h u rch on pa n U on y or st st h er late

Want to write for Mid-levels Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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people Mid-levels snaps

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have your say “How do you feel about the level of pollution in mid-levels?”

I think it’s terrible, but I work in Shanghai during the week, so that’s the alternative - it could be worse.

- Anonymous I think if I lived right next to the construction I wouldn’t be too happy about the idea, but I live just far enough from it that I can look at the positives mostly.

- Brad Hodson Usually I think it’s okay, but there are some days when I can definitely feel it in my throat.

- Aarti Jitender It’s not as bad as other Asian cities, but it isn’t ideal. I’ve only got a couple of months of data to go on myself, but it seems to be getting better as the temperature rises and the wind picks up.

- Daniel Wilson I can’t really tell if there is more pollution here than in other parts of the city, there is certainly more than where I came from in Stockholm, but I’m not surprised about that. I am impressed by how clean Hong Kong is for a city of its size.

- Ben I don’t think I’ve been here long enough to have an opinion about it, it doesn’t seem terrible.

- Emily WWW.WWW.MID-LEVELS.CO | 5

people Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

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planner

MAY 13 & 14

IRIS: YOUR ESCAPE

Hong Kong’s largest health and wellness festival is back with fitness, music, yoga, meditation, performances, silent discos, family activities, shopping and more. Over 60 classes take place over two days. Two-day festival entry is $150 for adults (12+), $75 for children (3-11). Prices are $200 and $100 on the door, respectively. Single-day entry also available. For the full lineup details and class descriptions visit: www.irishkg.com/lineup. West Kowloon Nursery Park

MAY 1 Labour Day Public holiday.

MAY 2 Bachata dance class Learn the basics all the way through to intermediate and advanced classes. Walk in, no registration required and you don’t need to bring a partner with you. Check the schedule at www. dancetrinity.com . 8/F, Fung Woo Centre, 279281 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong

MAY 3 Buddha Birthday Celebrations Public holiday.

UNTIL MAY 4 Cheung Chau Bun Festival A colourful and unique Hong Kong festival featuring bun towers, performances and lion dances. Don’t miss the Bun Scrambling Contest at midnight on the last day of the festival. Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau, www.cheungchau.org.

For the ferry timetable, visit www.nwff.com.hk Cheung Chau Bun Festival: contestants scramble up towers covered with buns. Whoever collects the most buns wins.

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happening in May MAY 4, 11, 18 & 25 Learn to do latte art Weekly latte art classes take place at Space Cafe on Thursdays (2pm-4pm). 86 Wellington Street, Central.

MAY 4-7 Geronimo Stilton, Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy Mouse adventurer Geronimo Stilton embarks

on his biggest adventure yet as he attempts to rescue the Queen of the Fairies. To succeed, he must walk through seven doors that transport him from kingdom to kingdom, bringing him face to face with witches, mermaids, dragons, pixies, gnomes, fairies and a giant. Tickets start from $295 from www.hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288. School bookings are available on May 4 and 5. For more information, email yvonne.mak@mei-worldwide.com or call 3929 9453. Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai

MAY 4-29 Nicolas Buffe: The Dream of Polifilo Part of Le French May, Nicolas Buffe’s first exhibition in Hong Kong features his famous site-specific mural drawings, large scale “cut-out” sculptures and new works inspired

by Hong Kong. Expect a blend of cultural and historical references, classical culture and pop culture and everything from Baroque ornaments, Renaissance grotesques and American cartoons, to Japanese anime and manga. A labyrinth is forms the centrepiece of the exhibition and guests will be invited to delve into the artist’s personal vision of a fantastic world via a video game. Public guided tours on May 6, 13, 14, 21 and 27. Free admission. Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. To register, visit www.bit.ly/2og3qTj

MAY 6 Parents and kids - fun family fencing with an Olympic fencer Join an olympic fencer for a fun and inspirational fencing day for the family. Tickets from $350-600 at www.eventbrite.hk. Shek Tong Tsui Sports Centre, 470 Queen’s Road West, www.hkfencingmaster.com

MAY 6 Malvern Meet & Pre-school Meet Malvern College Hong Kong regularly holds small group sessions for prospective parents to learn more about the school, expected to open in September, 2018. Teachers and senior management will be there to answer any questions you may have. The next one is from 9:30-11am (pre-school) 11:30am-1pm (primary and secondary), Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Bauhinia Room, 4/F, 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Sign up at www.malverncollege.org.hk/infosession

MAY 6 Mother’s Day Special - 3D Printing Workshop Design and create a special card for your mum, complete with a 3D print flower of your own design. This workshop is designed for beginners and starts with an introduction to 3D modeling. It then covers 3D design elements and principles, dissecting how 3D printer works and modeling simple structures. Suitable for ages 7 to 11.

Participants should bring a laptop (PC/Mac) with charger and mindset to create and experiment. $580, register at hk.firstcodeacademy.com/en.

4:30-6pm, First Code Academy, Unit 302-305, 3/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road.

MAY 6 Darkness into Light Join thousands of other people across the world at sunrise for a 5km walk that aims to increase awareness about suicide and self-harm and eradicate the stigma associated with mental health. The event, which originated in Ireland, is being held in Hong Kong for the first time this year - funds raised will go to The Samaritan Befrienders. 5am, Sun Yat Sen Plaza, Sheung Wan. www.dil.pieta.ie

MAY 6 FOB X Collective Minds presents BONDAX British duo Bondax (Adam Kaye and George Townsend) debut in HK. Hailing from Lancaster, they initially attracted interest through BBC Introducing, a system of discovering new talent, and released a flow of tracks between 2011 and 2012, including “Just Smile for Me” and Baby I Got That”. After starting their own Justus Records, production came to a halt in 2013 when the duo lost a laptop containing new

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planner material while they were on tour in Bulgaria.

However, they recovered and wrote new tracks, including their biggest hit to date, “All I See.” Tickets from $200 at www.ticketflap. com. 10pm-2am, Volar Basement, No. 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

MAY 6-14 Serve-a-thon Hong Kong

MA 10 & 2Y 4

Sky High Yoga

Take a lunch break from city life and soak up the rays on CÉ LA VI’s rooftop with an energizing yoga practice and a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. This month’s yogis are Mindy & Nadine from Yoga for Life (www.yogaforlife.com.hk). There will be one 60-minute session available on each date, at 12:45pm. Classes are $100 (bring your own mat). If you’re feeling peckish, add on a Poke Lunch Trio (Salmon, Tuna and Seasonal Whitefish), served with rice for an extra $188 - opt to take away, redeem within two weeks or dine in after class.

To book, call 3700 2300. 25/F California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street.

In its inaugural year, this event aims to bring together NGOs, corporates, government, media and the public to highlight the importance of community engagement in helping address social issues. Over nine days, the city will unite through hundreds of volunteer activities taking place across Hong Kong. Whether you are an individual, family, school or corporation, find out how you can join in at www.serveathonhk.org.hk

MAY 7 Central street art tour Could you imagine that a humble painting on the wall of a small alley could be worth $2 million? Do you know the stories behind the street art you pass by every day? One-hour art tours around SoHo take place at 11am every Sunday. $150 per person, (maximum of 12 people per group). Book online at www.accidentalart.co (tickets are neither exchangeable nor refundable). Wear comfy shoes and bring an umbrella. Meet at G.O.D, 48 Hollywood Road.

Affordable Art Fair

MAY 11 Workshop - Antique Chinese Furniture In preparation for the arrival of the International Antiques Fair (May 26-30), antiques dealer Oi Ling Chiang is running a workshop on antique Chinese wooden furniture and how to authenticate it. Over the years, Oi Ling Chiang has been called on for advice by the likes of Christie’s,

MA 19-2Y1

Shop high-quality yet affordable art. Tickets $160 for adults, $90 for full-time students and senior citizens. Children under 16 may enter for free. Purchase online at www.hkticketing.com before May 17 for 25 per cent off. Hall 3DE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, www.affordableartfair.com

Sotheby’s, and various museum curators and private collectors. After the workshop there will be an optional lunch at Sohofama (PMQ). Hosted by the Friends of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Museum. Tickets $100-225. Book online at www.eventbrite.com or contact Jennifer Kozel at jenniferkozel@mac.com. 11am-2pm, Chinese Cultural Studies Centre, 23-39 Lyndhurst Terrace, Mid-levels.

MAY 13 & 14 Shi Fu Miz This two-day festival was created to offer modern and original cultural activities in Hong Kong, and includes a varied program of global music, electronic music, live performances, DJ sets and art activities and workshops - all based on the idea of well-being and ecology.

Tickets from $350 Free for kids under 12, no tickets at the door. Public camping is free (bring your own tent). You can also book a tent at extra cost. Life Base, Pui O - for details on the lineup, how to get there and to book tickets, visit www.ticketflap.com/shifumiz-may

MAY 13 & 14 International Museum Day Hong Kong 2017 For two days only, most of the city’s public museums, including Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum, are open to the public, completely free of charge. With a whole host of educational programmes and activities for visitors to take part in, it’s a great family day out. Find out more at www.museums.gov.hk

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planner MAY 14 Mother’s Day See page 14 for gift ideas.

MAY 15-17 The Residence

Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship

May 30

Don’t miss one of the most competitive and exciting dragon boat races this year!

8am-5pm, Stanley Main Beach. (Warm-up races on May 6), www.dragonboat.org.hk

Take your drinks seriously? In celebration of Quinary’s fifth anniversary, it will be transformed into The Embassy: two bars in one, with a smaller invite-only space, The Residence, where guests are treated to classic drinks - and more unusual ones - from around the globe.

The Residence will offer a luxurious six-drink, 75-minute degustation hosted by drinks maven Angus Winchester. Guests will be treated to a selection of food that also highlights the rituals and traditions of different drinks cultures. Rare, first edition cocktail books, vintage shakers and other objects are designed to transport guests to the last golden age of cocktails. Four sittings per night, up to eight guests per sitting ($500 per person) Book online at www.ticketflap.com.

The Embassy Pop Up at Quinary, G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central.

MAY 17-20 All in the Timing and A Minor Case of Murder CSR Theatre Company presents David Ives’s All in the Timing and Paul Johnson’s A Minor Case of Murder: two plays, both comedies, that explore timing, love, existentialism and wordplay. Show starts at 8pm. 90 minutes (no intermission), recommended for ages 12 and up.

Tickets are $160 for Fringe Club members, $200 for non-members. Book online at ticketflap.com or visit the Box Office. Fringe Underground, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central

MAY 26-28 HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens The 18th edition of the tournament takes place,

as usual, at the Hong Kong Football Club.

Featuring youth and academy teams from top clubs in Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Europe including Leicester City, West Ham United and Aston Villa. Tickets $160-300 from www.ticketflap.com/hkscocer7s. Free entry for HKFC members via the main entrance and children under 16 all weekend. Free entry for all on Friday May 26. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley

MAY 27 Round the World: Russell Howard live in Hong Kong UK comedian Russell Howard takes the stage at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academic

Community Hall. Tickets from $488 at www.hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288 to speak to an agent.

MAY 29 Pitbull – Climate Change Tour Live in Hong Kong Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, presents his latest album, Global Warming: Meltdown featuring hit singles such as “Feel This Moment” with Christina Aguilera, “Don’t Stop The Party” and “Timber” featuring Ke$ha. Tickets from $688 at hkticketing.com. Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok

UNTIL JUN 30 Le French May Arts Festival The annual festival celebrating all things French returns with over 150 programmes which run until the end of June, covering art, dance, cinema, music, gastronomy and more. Highlights include an exhibition on the Musée du Louvre, a performance by dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, European ballets and Hong Kong Ballet and a live jazz series. Every year Le French GourMay honors a different wine and gastronomy region of France. This year, it celebrates Champagne.

For more information, visit frenchmay.com

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Russell Howard.

happening in May

BOOK NOW JUN 3 Sting - 57th & 9th Tour The music legend tours his latest album, 57th & 9th. See him perform live at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a threepiece band. Tickets from $588 at www.hkticketing.com

JUN 9-11 My Fair Lady Join Eliza Doolittle on a journey of self-discovery, as she practices her ‘p’s and ‘q’s, guided by Professor Henry Higgins.

Tickets from $250 at www.hkticketing.com.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

JUNE 9-11 Don’t Stop Believin’!

A family show by local performing arts group The Performers Studio. The setting is New York in the ‘80s and the story follows a group of inner-city misfits one hot summer.

Featuring evil local town planners, corrupt

councillors and annoying neighbours, can these crazy kids save their local community centre? Sizzling with rock and pop songs plus toe-tapping ‘80s numbers, you’ll find it hard to stay in your seat. Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Harbour Road, Wan Chai, tickets start at $180 from www.urbtix.hk

The cast of My Fair Lady.

JUN 27 Britney Spears Live in Hong Kong

That’s right, Britney’s in town for one night only. The ‘90s pop icon will be performing in Hong Kong as part of an international tour, before she ends her four-year Las Vegas residency in December. Tickets from $588 at www.hkticketing.com. Arena, AsiaWorld-Expo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok

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

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family

Cheers coasters $195 from G.O.D www.god.com.hk Shop 105, 1/F, Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2673 0071

Mother’s Day cards 25-40 from The Lion Rock Press $ www.thelionrockpress.com

The mother lode Gorgeous gifts for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Gift Box 880-1,200 from Ms B’s Cakery $ www.msbscakery.hk 39 Gough Street, Central, 2815 8303

Cosmetic bag $280 each from Mirth, www.mirthhome.com

Vintage Rattan Suitcases From $1,590 from Bowerbird www.bowerbird-home.com 8/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 2727

Pure Lano Natural Sea Salt Exfoliator $395 from the Pure Lano range available at www.zalora.com.hk

Cristina Re Rose Quartz teacup 419 from Indigo Living $ www.indigo-living.com Shop B2, G/F, 63-69 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, 2317 0368

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mum’s the word

Hong Kong Typographical Map $750 from Colonial Hong Kong www.colonialhongkong.com

Svenska Hem Scented Candle $220 from kikki-K www.kikki-k.com Shop 220, 2/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, 2116 0870

Skyline Tote Bag $800 from Louella Odie, louellaodie.com

Ginger Flower iPhone 7 Case $368 ($398 for iPhone 7 Plus) from Shanghai Tang www.shanghaitang.com Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell street, Central, 2525 7333

“Super Mum” by Leah Russack $60 from Bookazine G/F Oriental Commercial Building, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace

The Ruby (36 scarlet roses) $1,280 ($2,180 for 64 roses) from ANDRSN www.facebook.com/andrsnflowers

Major Mitchell round platter $240 from Thorn & Burrow www.thornandburrow.com

Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil $495 from the Edible Beauty Australia range available at www.lanecrawford.com and www.sephora.com.hk

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news

ELEPHANT GROUNDS OPENS NEW BRANCH LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR ANIMALS ASIA’S CHARITY GOLF DAY

Popular coffeehouse and café Elephant Grounds has opened its fifth outlet at 61 Caine Road. The new location features a well equipped brew bar with a variety of single origin coffee beans, on top of the locally roasted Elephant Grounds signature OG blend.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner items are available at varying times throughout the day (there is a

brunch option on weekends). Minds are also catered to in the upper loft space/library, which houses a collection of books and magazines; a small alley garden lies at the back of the café for those who want to catch some sun.

Open daily, 8am to 10pm. www.elephantgrounds.com

LAUNCH OF CITYWIDE STORYBOOK DONATION DRIVE

DOMESTIC THANKS

Kids4Kids has launched its annual Sharing for a Cause – a Hong Kong-wide donation campaign carried out by secondary school students under the organization’s Youth Empowerment Program.

The campaign aims to collect over 10,000 English storybooks for children aged 3-12.

Donated books will help to build mini libraries in Kids4Kids’ 30 local community centre partners and others via Crossroads Foundation.

Since 2011, Sharing for a Cause has collected and donated over 100,000 books, stationery items, household and computer appliances and sports equipment.

This year, the campaign will target 150 collection points but anyone can collect - from individuals and households, schools and corporates, to businesses, malls, and residential estates. Kids4Kids is a Hong Kong based nonprofit organization which aims to inspire young people in Hong Kong to take action and make a positive social impact. To date, it has partnered with over 65 schools, 40 charity organizations, and has engaged over 15,500 students.

To find out more, visit kids4kids.org.hk/en/sharing-for-a-cause

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May is being billed as Helper Appreciation Month, with the goal that eventually the event becomes a self generating, community driven part of the annual calendar, much like Breast Cancer Awareness in October and Men’s Health in November.

According to Steve Chitty of MayHelperAppreciation, the movement is nonpolitical, not a protest and not an opportunity to cast blame. Instead it encourages schools, individuals, families and businesses to acknowledge all that domestic helpers add to our lives and the sacrifices they have made to be here.

“Domestic workers make a tremendous impact on our daily lives,” explains Chitty. “For example, helpers enable many families to bring in double incomes, they free up time by taking so many worries and time consuming tasks off our hands, they provide extra care and support to our kids and elderly, and so on.

“We also know most helpers have made huge sacrifices to work in Hong Kong and daily life can be tinged with a sense of loss and sadness being so far away from their children.”

May has been chosen because it is also host to International Labour Day (May 1), Mother’s Day (second Sunday of May) and

Tickets are selling fast for Animal Asia’s first Charity Golf Day on Friday, June 16.

Whether you prefer a leisurely round or fierce competition, this is an opportunity to meet fellow golf enthusiasts and animal lovers and play alongside world ranking professional golfers Choo Tze Huang of Singapore and Hong Kong’s Eva Yoe. Food and drinks will be served before and after playing and there will also be a silent auction.

Lunch at 11:30am; shotgun at 1pm; dinner at 6pm. Format: scramble. Dress code applies.

Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling.

Register as an individual or team by May 31 at www.animalsasia.org. Book by May 8 for the earlybird discount.

United Nations International Day of Families (May 15).

For more information and ideas about how to celebrate, see www.facebook.com/ MayHelperAppreciation

in your backyard

ON YER BIKE Hong Kong’s first bicycle-sharing system launched on International Bike Day last month.

Over 1,000 smart bicycles have been spread across the New Territories, including bikefriendly Sha Tin, Tai Po and Ma On Shan.

It is hoped the number of bikes will increase to 20,000 by July, covering Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, Park Island and Discovery Bay by the end of the year.

Unlike other cities that have public bikesharing systems, the Hong Kong version allows riders to drop their bikes at any public space, without the restriction of fixed bicycle stations.

The bright green bicycles are equipped with with a basket, smart light for night rides and integrated alarm system to prevent theft. To rent a bike, cyclists need to log into the gobee. bike app, locate the nearest bike via an active map, and unlock it by scanning a unique QR code placed on the smart lock of each bicycle.

When the bike is locked after use, the system automatically ceases to charge and the total usage time and price are made visible. Rental costs $5/half hour. The cloud-based system is currently only available on Android phones, goobee.bike

MATILDA HOSPITAL OPENS MID-LEVELS CLINIC

Matilda International Hospital has opened a clinic in Caine Road, extending personalised primary health care to individuals and families living in the Mid-levels area.

The new primary care clinic is open Mondays to Saturday, and offers GP consultation, blood tests, and vaccination services.

“There was a strong pull from our patients to extend our personalised care within the community and the clinic is part of a new model of ‘family care services’ convenient to where they live,” says Linda Burgoyne, CEO of the Matilda International Hospital. “The district has a mix of young and mature residents, all with a strong commitment to their health and wellness and our

approach to individualised healthcare is ideally suited to support them.”

In Hong Kong, over 70 per cent of primary care is delivered by medical practitioners in private practice.

Matilda International Hospital is a not for profit private hospital providing personalised patient care. Key areas of expertise include health screening, women’s health, orthopaedics/ spinal, ear nose and throat, and general surgery.

GP consultation fees are on special offer now at $320 (excluding medication fees) until June 1, 2017), fees are $380 thereafter.

116 Caine Road, Mid-levels, matilda.org

SAIL AWAY Aqua Restaurant Group has launched a new junk to join Aqua Luna. Chinese junk Aqua Luna II boasts distinctive blue and white sails displaying the imperial blue and white dragon from the Ming dynasty. The dragon is a symbol in Chinese culture of power and good luck for all it touches. Like its sister ship, Aqua Luna II will be offering cruises on Victoria Harbour.

It has taken two, painstaking years to build Aqua Luna II. Leading the construction was 86-year old Sifu (master craftsman) Au, who is said to have built more wooden boats than any other person in Hong Kong. The vessel is made exclusively of wood, using bamboo for waterproofing and not a single nail in the whole structure.

Both boats have been named in Chinese after Hong Kong pirate Cheung Po Tsai, who

it is said used the caves of Cheung Chau to store his pirate treasure over 100 years ago.

Aqua Luna is Cheung Po Tsai and Aqua Luna II is Dai Cheung Po (big brother of Cheung Po) indicating its greater size.

The junks were commissioned by the Aqua Restaurant Group and conceived by founder David Yeo in response to “the sad disappearance of one of Hong Kong’s great traditions - the Chinese wooden junk,” according to Yeo. “The Victoria Harbour was once filled with glorious red sail Chinese junk boats, however over the years they have disappeared one by one. What better way to raise the spirits of the city than to recreate such a visually stunning and quintessentially Hong Kong icon,” he said.

To celebrate the launch, there will be

complimentary rides on the new junk on May 13 and 14 for all Hong Kong ID holders (noon to 5.30pm). And until May 31, all restaurants in the Aqua Restaurant Group will be serving random dishes using Ming Dynasty china - if you are served a Ming Dynasty ceramic you will receive complimentary tickets for the new junk. See www.aqualuna.com.hk for more details.

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five minutes with

Mid-levels Lancer Khan magazine

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

The “guardian” of Hong Kong’s oldest mosque, Jamia Mosque in Mid-levels, talks to Viola Gaskell.

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Contributing Editor Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Acting Editor 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

Adam White Anna Cummins Emily Petsko Kate Davies Kiyoko Yamaguchi Paul Zimmerman Rhea Mogul Robyn Or Rory Mackay Viola Gaskell

Published by

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

Cover illustration: Fringe Club (c) Kiyoko Yamaguchi, courtesy of Maiko Ukeba Architects

I’ve been here all my life. I was here for the riots in the late 60’s, the economic boom in the 80’s, the handover in the 90’s, and the Umbrella movement three years back. I am retired now, but I see it as my duty to speak to people who come through the grounds if they want to know anything about the Mosque, this area or the history of Hong Kong. I suppose I’d call myself the Guardian of the Mosque, nothing more than that.

My father was from British India (as it was known then), specifically Peshawar, in the far north of Pakistan - near the border of Afghanistan. He joined the British Army and was sent to Burma and all around Southeast Asia, then finally to Hong Kong where he was told he would be liberating Hong Kong from the Japanese.

When the Japanese surrendered he was given a choice to stay or to take passage

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back home. He decided to stay because he’d met a Chinese woman: my mother. She grew up learning about Confucianism so she was not religious; my father, on the other hand, was a Muslim.

When they married she too became Muslim, that was what was done in those days.

My father was from British India...he was sent all around Southeast Asia, then finally to Hong Kong.

I think that the somewhat atheist background of Chinese culture makes Hong Kong a religiously tolerant place.

Hong Kongers focus on the human world, like Confucius did.

Clearly there is some Buddhism as well, but I think most people here are drawn to human morality without any need for a god.

I was born in the New Territories. When I was 2, my mum and dad moved into the same house I live in now. My mother, father, sister and I lived in the back room for many years until my sister moved to Pok Fu Lam and my parents passed away. This place is my home.

For primary, I studied at Sir Ellis Kadoorie AM School. Half the students were Chinese and the other half were Indian and Pakistani, mostly from fathers like mine who had fought in the British Army. The Indian students were taught in Hindi, the Pakistani students in Urdu, and the Chinese in Cantonese.

the guardian I decided to learn in Cantonese because I identified as a Hongkonger: my mum was from here and I had never even been to India or Pakistan. I think one of the reasons the British were so successful with their colonies compared to other European colonizers, was that they allowed people to preserve their own cultures under British rule.

I was 46 at the time of the Handover. It didn’t affect my life all that much, rather it seemed to be something that existed on paper and in documents.

Some people, the intellectuals (lawyers and professors, etc…), were upset that Hong Kongers didn’t have much of a say in the writing of the Basic Law - I think that’s where some of the resentment you see today comes from - but I wasn’t really

involved. There was a separation into the “haves” and the “have nots” - I think the haves were more upset than the rest of us because they had been so successful with things the way they were and could not be sure that the transition would work out in their favour. I had a lot of faith in the documents that were drafted around the Handover, so I wasn’t too worried.

I decided to learn Cantonese because I identified as a Hongkonger

Do you know where nearby Lascar Row got its name from?

“Lascar” is a word referring to Indian sailors.

Back when Hong Kong was

called the City of Victoria and the head of the British occupation was down on Possession Point, a lot of (Muslim) Indian sailors were coming into the city. They would stay in this area and Lascar Road was where they would go to pray. As the neighborhood changed, they came this way, towards what is now Soho. There used to be a small house here that the Muslim community put a minaret on and turned into a makeshift mosque. Now it has been completely rebuilt as Jamia Mosque.

About 100 people live here in the housing behind the Mosque, but it’s hard for me to keep track.

I’ve been living in Soho for nearly 65 years, on Mosque Street. Years ago, most of the buildings were four, maybe five stories, not like these giant high rises. But what’s interesting about Hong Kong is that despite all it’s been through, the streets have stayed the same.

That is why it’s so difficult to get down to Central from Mid-levels and they had to put in the escalator. Other cities like London were leveled and rebuilt when things like the Great Fire of London happened, but not Hong Kong.

These streets are a part of our history. M

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The building is to be redeveloped into apartments, with five floors reserved for the church’s new facilities.

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Union Church building to be razed, replaced with apartments

Mid-levels’ Union Church is to be redeveloped. Emily Petsko reports.

T

he historic Union Church on Kennedy Road in Mid-Levels is earmarked for demolition. In its place, a 22-storey building will be constructed, which will serve as both a house of worship and a home in the traditional sense.

The church’s Building Union for the Future (BUFF) committee signed a contract with property developer Henderson Land on March 28 to construct an apartment building with five floors reserved for the church’s new

The plan has been under discussion since 2014

facilities. The plan has been under discussion since 2014 when the

church’s congregation voted in favour of redevelopment.

However, proposals to renovate or rebuild the church have been tossed around since the 1990s, according to a Union Church representative. The nearly 70-year-old building is in disrepair, and the current facilities have limited seating and are not wheelchair-accessible.

“The redevelopment opens the opportunity for Union Church to continue growing and ministering to our members and

bricks and mortar the Hong Kong community,” Senior Pastor Greg Anderson said in a statement.

The congregation will vacate the building in August, but it’s unclear when construction will begin. Henderson Land did not respond to enquiries seeking comment. The project is expected to take five years to complete, and in the meantime, Union Church will hold its services at Sunlight Tower in Wan Chai.

According to an ordinance from 1911, if the church is vacant for more than two years, its ownership reverts to the London Missionary Society, which established the Mid-Levels church in 1844 and has since merged with other societies to form the Council for World Mission.

In order to avoid any potential disputes, the church sought clarification from the High Court, which ruled last November that the church could proceed with redevelopment plans. In court documents, the church stated that it “decided that the best option was to seek co‑operation with a financially strong property developer in the redevelopment, in which the developer would take the construction and financing risks.”

Henderson Land was chosen to carry out the work, and “will be entitled to the proceeds from the sale of 26 apartment units and 26 car parking spaces.”

An additional 19 apartments will be retained by the church, and seven of those will be reserved for church, governmental, institutional or community use. The building will have a basement with 40 parking spaces, plus a ground floor with 28 parking spaces reserved for church use.

The original church was destroyed during World War II.

to the Garden Road off-ramp and will create a very dangerous intersection.”

This will not be the first time the church has been rebuilt. The original church was destroyed during World War II. “The Japanese invasion of Hong Kong took place in December 1941, and by Christmas Day the territory had capitulated,” Brooke Himsworth wrote in ‘Histories of Union Church Hong Kong.’ “Liberation came in September 1945, but Union Church was no more.”

Although the current building will be demolished, the bell from the bell tower and the church’s original capstone will be preserved and incorporated into the new building’s design. M

J Lee Rofkind, an architect and former member of the congregation who lives down the road from the church, said she has some concerns about the project.

“There does not appear to be a master plan for Kennedy Road and it cannot bear the increased congestion that will come with this development,” she said. “The entrance to the church development will be extremely close

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Photo by HK Arun via Wikimedia Commons

cover story

Mid-Levels: the relocation guide So you’ve just moved to Mid-levels. Read this guide for a quick and useful introduction to your new home. By Rhea Mogul.

Hong Kong Park.

W

here skyscrapers rub shoulders with seven-storey walk ups, Michelin-star restaurants mingle with hawker stalls and the countryside is always a 10-minute drive away, Hong Kong’s urban landscape is as unique as it is fast-paced, giving residents the best of ‘eastmeets-west’.

Each neighbourhood in the city has its own identity. Mid-Levels, like its moniker suggests, is located about half-way between The Peak and Central. With no shortage of restaurants, schools, recreational activities, amenities and transport links, Mid-Levels is the ideal choice of abode for young couples and families. We’ve compiled a guide to cater to your every need, from family-friendly activities to the best happy hours in the vicinity.

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Clubs Hong Kong is famously tight on space, so if you’re looking for facilities like pools and tennis courts, or just a place to hang out, meet new people and network with like-minded individuals, consider joining a private membership club. Here are a few to get you started:

in Hong Kong, but the one-year temporary membership ($45,600 annual fee, plus $1,950 per month) is open to all nationalities.

Contact: 2842 7400; membership@americanclubhk.com Floor 48-49, Two Exchange Square, Central (town club)

The American Club Established in 1925, The American Club is one of the most family oriented clubs in Hong Kong and houses a 2,500sq/ft play-pen for children.

There are two clubhouses: one in Central (town club) and the other in Tai Tam (country club).

Adults are also attended to, through facilities such as the Elements Spa and a wide range of sports amenities.

American Individual Membership ($438,000 joining fee, plus $2,570 per month) is only available to permanent U.S. citizens residing

The American Club

relocation, relocation, relocation Helena May Founded in 1916, The Helena May Club has graced Garden Road for over 100 years. With dining and accommodation facilities, the club doesn’t offer as many facilities and activities as its counterparts, but is home to one of the finest English-language libraries in Hong Kong and has a beautiful reading corner with great views of the city.

An entrance fee of $8,000 is payable upon registration, plus a monthly fee of $560.

35 Garden Rd, Central. Contact: 2522 6766

Helena May

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Founded in 1943 in Japanese occupied Hong Kong, The FCC is a members only club and meeting place for people in the media, business and diplomatic community. The club holds several events ranging from awards ceremonies to talks with prominent figures around the world. It also has a range of dining and entertainment facilities. Membership is open to everybody and divided into several categories.

To become a correspondent member (foreign media based in Hong Kong), the joining fee is $2,000 with a monthly subscription of $1,100. For a journalist membership (bona-fide journalists based in Hong Kong who earn more than 50 per cent of their income from locally-based journalistic activity), the joining fee is $1,000 and a monthly subscription of $1,100.

2 Lower Albert Road, Central Contact: 2521 1511; www.fcchk.org

The Hong Kong Football Club Located in Happy Valley, the club is minutes away from Causeway Bay MTR and easily accessible via the tram. It has a wide range of facilities, including a fitness centre, sports theatre, hockey pitch and indoor sports hall.

A children’s playroom and a large movie and book library keep the little ones entertained.

Membership prices and categories vary.

3 Sports Road, Happy Valley Contact: 2830 9500; www.hkfc.com.hk

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club One of the oldest sports clubs in Hong Kong,

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has a rich history stretching decades of social and competitive sailing and rowing. It provides sailing and rowing courses for both members and non-members. There are three club branches; one at Kellett Island in Causeway Bay, another at Shelter Cove in Sai Kung and the last at Middle Island in Repulse Bay (Middle Island is a private island solely served by the Yacht Club and has its own private beach).

Candidates who have a proven record of experience in sailing or rowing and wish to continue to participate in sailing or rowing activities may apply for single (entry fee $83,500) or married membership (entry fee $125,200). Monthly charges also apply.

Kellett Island, Causeway Bay Contact: 2832 2817; www.rhkyc.org.hk

clubhouse has a swimming pool and dining facilities that cater to all palates and tastes.

The club has a number of membership options available. The entrance fee for Subscriber Membership starts at $238,000, plus a monthly subscription of $1,625.

137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road Contact: 3511 8668; www.hkcc.org

Ladies Recreation Club Not just for ladies. With tennis courts, a movie gallery and library, indoor and outdoor pools, a playroom for children and a bowling alley, the LRC has a lot going for it. But its most luxurious feature is surely The Sanctuary, a 5-star spa offering a full range of body, facial, beauty and relaxation treatments. Ordinary single membership is priced at $150,000 with a monthly subscription fee of $1,420.

10 Old Peak Road, Mid-levels Contact: 3199 3770; membership@lrc.com.hk

Hong Kong Cricket Club Located in the heart of Hong Kong, amid the hills and plush country-scape of Wong Nai Chung Gap, the Hong Kong Cricket Club has a range of activities on offer, from tennis to cricket to bridge and yoga. Its modern

Hong Kong Cricket Club

Hong Kong Jockey Club

Photo by Chan Lup Hang Harry

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club

A non-profit enterprise dedicated to the betterment of the Hong Kong community, the HKJC is a leader in horse racing and responsible sports wagering. Members of the Jockey Club can access many club locations around Hong Kong, including Happy Valley, Sha Tin and Beas River in Kwu Tong.

Membership is divided into five different categories with special services and privileges attached to each. The entrance fee for full membership is $450,000, plus a monthly subscription fee of $2,100.

Shan Kwong Road (Happy Valley site) Contact: 2966 1330; hkjc.com

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relocation, relocation, relocation

Gyms and fitness studios Epic MMA & Fitness offers a range of different wellness activities, ranging from Muay Thai, Crossfit, Kickboxing, Yoga, Gymnastics and even Kids’ Martial Arts. Rates: $3,500 for unlimited classes per month. Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 10pm; Saturday 7.30am - 8pm; Sunday 7.30am - 5pm Location: The flagship centre is located on 29 Queens Road Central Contact: 2525 2833; info@epicmma.com

Man Mo Temple Culture and leisure Perched under the famous skyscrapers of Central, Hong Kong Park is one of the only large spaces with abundant foliage in the heart of the city. Featuring an aviary, a greenhouse, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and a plethora of fountains, ponds and lakes, Hong Kong Park makes for a fun day out with the kids. Admission to all places within the park is free and the outdoor area is open from 6am–11pm daily.

Nearby, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is the oldest park in the territory. Home to aviaries and children’s playgrounds, here you can find birds and mammals, from the American Flamingo and the Hawaiian Goose to the Bornean Orangutan and Emperor Tamarin. Admission to the gardens is free and opening hours are from 5am–10pm daily.

If keeping fit is a priority, but you don’t like the idea of running on Hong Kong’s congested streets, try the Bowen Road trail for a more tranquil running environment and stunning views of the city. This popular 4km trail is flat, shaded and mostly car-free. Weekends are busier with parents with strollers, dogs, people doing Tai Chi and fellow joggers.

Mid-Levels is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. The Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral is a grade I Gothic historical building, located on Caine Road. Built in 1883, it holds a relic of Pope John Paul II, the only city on Chinese soil to do so. The Ohel

Jamia Monsque

Leah Synagogue on Robinson Road is also listed as a Grade I historic building and has been serving Hong Kong’s Jewish community for over 100 years. Sat between modern day bars and restaurants on Hollywood Road, the incensefilled Man Mo Temple, built in 1847, remains the largest Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong and is a pleasant surprise amid the city’s shops and skyscrapers. The Jamia Mosque on Shelley Street is a beautiful Grade I Building in the heart of Mid-Levels. It was the first Masjid (mosque) in Hong Kong and still serves Hong Kong’s Muslim population of over 250,000 people.

For a fun night out with friends, head to the Happy Valley Races, held every Wednesday night at the Happy Valley Jockey Club. The racing season in Hong Kong runs from September to July. Even if you’re not into betting, you’ll enjoy the electric atmosphere.

The basic admission price is $10 for standingroom only at the race track level. The seated public area is priced at $20.

The Hong Kong Fringe Club sits in the throws of Central’s busiest area. This contemporary space for the arts showcases performances throughout the year, including the annual Fringe Festival and other visual arts exhibitions, gigs and plays.

This month, from May 24-27, ít’s hosting a play featuring the complete works of William Shakespeare.

2 Lower Albert Rd, Central.

For tickets, visit www.hkfringeclub.com Peel Street Poetry is a weekly open mic poetry night that has been running for over 10 years in Hong Kong. Held from 8pm every Wednesday of the month (except the first) at Orange Peel (2/F, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central), it offers something different to your normal Happy Hour in Central. www.peelstreetpoetry.com

XYZ is the city’s most sought after place for indoor cycling with their unique studio, more akin to a nightclub. Leave feeling fresh and alert and filled with adrenaline. Rates: $270 for a trial ride and subsequently $350 per ride thereafter.

Discounts for package bookings.

Location: 2/F, New World Tower, 18 Queen’s Road Central.

Contact: www.youarexyz.com PURE Fitness’ Kinwick branch is conveniently located in the heart of SoHo and offers a range of different classes including spinning, BOSU, bodypump and yoga, plus a dedicated Strongman area and an area for boxing and kickboxing. After your workout, head to nood food on the ground floor to replenish with one of their healthy smoothies or super salads. Rates: $1,499 per month plus a joining fee of $2,999 to access to all fitness and yoga locations in Asia (branch-specific membership is cheaper) Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 6am - 12 midnight; Sundays & Public Holidays 8am - 10pm Location: Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road Contact: 2180 8088; www.purefitness.com PURE Fitness also has a branch in California Tower with an immersive spin studio. PURE Yoga has branches nearby in The Centrium and Asia Standard Tower.

Pure workout

Relocation services If you haven’t yet made the move and are looking for help, contact a relocation service for a quote. Crown Relocations (www.crownrelo.com) offers its clients a dedicated move manager from start to finish and provides a full range of services, from packing to school searches, personal property and home protection, cultural and language training, pet relocation and storage.

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cover story

Eating out Staunton Street, Elgin Street and Hollywood Road are the go-to places for bars, restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends or a couple trying to enjoy date night, there are plenty of options.

While it is mainly young executives with an active lifestyle that frequent SoHo, there are a few places to choose from if you’ve got kids to worry about. Hit up Linguini Fini at 49 Elgin Street for a fuss-free family dinner. This pizza joint has a happy hour that extends from Monday to Friday from 4-7pm, where anyone under the age of 12 can dine for free. While the kids are tucking into their mini grilled cheese sammies and massive pizza slices, we’re sure mum and dad will get some quiet time to enjoy dinner too.

Education

$98 per person. The deal runs from MondayFriday from 5-7pm so make the most of it! If you’re staying for dinner, we hear the Chicken Milanese is a stand out.

Alternatively, neo-dive bar The Pontiac at 13 Old Bailey Street has beers starting from $15 and wines and spirits from $40. With an actual juke-box and an all-female bar staff, this Coyote Ugly style joint is always a fun night out.

If you’re in a larger group, head on over to Oolaa! at 1-17 Bridges Street and indulge in everything from wood-fire pizzas to pre-dinner cocktails. The extensive menu includes a large breakfast selection, lunch, dinner and a kids’ menu. Great for a Sunday lunch with family or friends.

Linguini Fini For a quick bite, try Rosie Jean’s Cafe at 119 Caine Road, often hailed as the most kid-friendly restaurant in Hong Kong. It has a playground within the grounds of the restaurant which will occupy your tiny tot long enough for you to chow down on that all-day breakfast.

If you’re a young couple looking to unwind on a Friday night, head on over to Posto Pubblico at 28 Elgin Street, where the happy hour gives you all-you-can-eat charcuterie and free-flow prosecco, beer and wine, for just

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Oolaa!

For a healthy option, check out Mana!, on Wellington Street. The restaurant prides itself on being a vegetarian, organic and environmentally friendly zone with a zero-food-waste policy. It is renowned for its healthy flat breads and salad boxes.

International schools are a popular option amongst expat families.

ESF has a number of schools in the city, including Island School (Borrett Road) - one of the oldest ESF schools to provide secondary education to Hong Kong children. Its catchment areas include Kennedy Road, Old Peak Road and Macdonnell Road among others.

ESF’s Glenealy School on Hornsea Road offers primary education and includes Old Peak Road, Tregunter Path, Conduit Road, Hatton Road, Po Shan Road and Robinson Road within its catchment area.

If you are looking for a kindergarten, Woodland Pre-Schools is one of the oldest pre-school establishments in the city and has a branch near the Mid-Levels escalator on Caine Road. The school provides both traditional and Montessori teaching approaches, offering English, bilingual or Mandarin classes.

Hong Kong University is internationally recognized and currently ranked at number 43 in the Times Higher Education Rankings Table.

The campus is located in nearby Pok Fu Lam.

Soon to open...

Shrewsbury School will open an international primary school in Tseung Kwan O in 2018. It is now accepting applications for the 2018/19 academic year. Register for one of the Open House sessions or set up an appointment by emailing admissions@shrewsbury.hk Malvern College is another independent, international school set to open in 2018.

Located adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park in Tai Po, the school inherits its ethos from Malvern College, UK, whose notable alumni include Nobel laureates and world class athletes and artists. The school will cater to both, primary and secondary students.

HK acceU is ea the ssible v sily MTR ia

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cover story

Beauty and spa The alleyways of SoHo are packed with billboards for spas and beauty salons.

Sparadise is a modern Oasis in Mid-Levels offering a range of treatments from facials, massages and even mani-pedis. All of their products used are non-toxic and organic an ideal place for those with sensitive skin or pregnant or nursing mothers. Opt for the Lymphatic Drainage Detox Massage to reduce all those toxins and improves circulation.

Location: G/F, 21 Mosque Street, Mid-Levels, Contact: 5962 2236

Health Care Public Hospitals

Private Hospitals

MacLehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre

Canossa Hospital

Opened in 1984, the Centre provides comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for the physically disabled. The hospital specializes in neurosurgical rehabilitation, orthopaedics rehabilitation, medical rehabilitation and geriatric rehabilitation.

Address: 7 Sha Wan Drive, Pokfulam, Contact: 2817 0018; www3.ha.org.hk

Queen Mary Hospital

Sparadise Iyara gives off a modern day resort vibe with its interiors and treatments on offer. Indulge in the Essence of Iyara Treatment, a two-hour treatment comprising of a full-body massage and a facial.

Location: 5 Prince’s Terrace, Mid Levels Contact: 2530 1666 Freeda’s is a chain that offers beauty services to its diverse clientele all over the city. Head to the branch on Caine Road for quick and cheap treatments ranging from waxing to threading (just $20 for eyebrow threading), plus hair, nails and facials.

Location: Mezz Floor, 124 Caine Road (entrance is around the back) Contact: 3580 0405

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Opened in 1937, the hospital is now a leading teaching facility for the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong. Its services also include a 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit.

Address: 102 Pok Fu Lam Road Contact: 2255 3838; www3.ha.org.hk

Tsan Yuk Hospital Established in 1922, the Hospital now specializes in prenatal and postnatal obstetrics and gynecology.

Address: 30 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun Contact: 2589 2100; www3.ha.org.hk

Tung Wah Hospital This community-based hospital provides a wide range of services to inpatients, outpatients and rehabilitation to day patients in the Central and Western District. It is known for its services in pulmonary rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, ENT practices and urology.

Address: 12 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan Contact: 2589 8111; www.tungwah.org.hk

Canossa Hospital provides services for inpatients, out-patients and ambulatory patients.

It has a 24-hour outpatient clinic and many specialized services ranging from cardiology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology and nephrology to infectious disease and spine and respiratory medicine.

Address: 1 Old Peak Road Contact: 2522 2181; www.canossahospital.org.hk

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Hong Kong Adventist Hospital is a leading hospital, providing cutting edge medical services to the local and expatriate community in Hong Kong. It has a cardiac, cancer and 24-hour emergency services centre to cater to all your medical needs.

Address: 40 Stubbs Road Contact: 3652 8888; www.hkah.org.hk

Matilda International Hospital Matilda International Hospital is recognized worldwide for its high standards of patient care and technology. The hospital has built a reputation for their expertise in orthopedics, women’s health and maternity care, general surgery and ENT services.

Address: 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak Contact: 2849 0111; www.matilda.org

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cover story

Photo by EIaomelums via Wikimedia Commons

Top 5 tips 1.

If you plan on using the escalator regularly, check the timings.

The system moves downhill from 6am-10am and uphill from 10am to midnight daily.

2.

The area is generally very dog friendly but if you have a pet, check with your estate agent whether your furry best friend is allowed in the building before you sign the rental agreement - pet policies vary. Another tip relating to the mysterious and notorious ‘Bowen Road Dog Poisoner’. Many of dogs have fallen victim to this over the past two decades. So be VERY careful when walking yours down this road.

A leash and a muzzle maybe wise if your pooch likes to pick things up.

3.

The area is very Westernized and English is widely spoken amongst residents. It’s easy to make friends and meet new people. Consider joining a local expat organization like the YWCA, signing up to LocalHood (an online social network that connects you to your neighbours, www.localhood.org) or volunteering at the many charities around the city.

4.

There are many Facebook groups with active users which you can use to ask questions, get help and seek support. Hong Kong Moms is a growing community with over 42,000 current members.

5.

While you’re brushing up on your Cantonese, download the Hong Kong Taxi Translator app to help you communicate with taxi drivers.

Citymapper is also great for showing you how best to get from A to B - be it walking, by taxi or public transport.

The PMQ on Aberdeen Street.

Shopping Mid-Levels is home to a plethora of little boutiques, shops, antique stalls and arts and crafts shops.

PMQ on Aberdeen Street, the former Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters is a great example of the conservation of Hong Kong heritage and has been transformed into a hub for retail, food, arts and culture. Check out the website for events and pop-ups. www.pmq.org.hk Upper Lascar Row, or Cat Street is a narrow alleyway that runs parallel to Hollywood Road. It’s a treasure trove of antiques, curios and art galleries. It is also the go-to place to find great deals in jade and silk products and wooden handicraft items.

Beatniks at 31 Staunton Street is great for ‘80s dresses and other funky prints and pure leather jackets, starting from just $400.

Bang Bang 70s at 16 Aberdeen Street is another bargain haven, selling vintage blazers, designer bags and shoes and some very quirky accessories and memorabilia.

If you’re looking for something to wear for a fancy occasion or a date, head to Mint & Lemongrass at 32 Staunton Street. There are plenty of cafes around where you can take a break after a hard afternoon of bargain hunting.

Transport One of the best things about living in MidLevels is the convenience and proximity to everything including shops, banks, restaurants, nail salons, the list goes on. You don’t need a car to get by. There are numerous transport links to every nook and cranny of the city right at your doorstep.

An obvious one, the Mid-Levels escalator is the world’s longest running outdoor covered escalator system. Running from Conduit Road to Queen’s Road Central, it has 14 entrances and exits, allowing you to hop on and off wherever you please.

While there is no shortage of taxis in the area, a huge network of buses and minibuses runs through the neighbourhood. The 28 minibus starts at Causeway Bay and finishes at Baguio Villa, passing through Bonham Road, Caine Road, and Kennedy Road along the way.

The nearest MTR stations (from West to East) are along the Island Line (Kennedy Town to Chai Wan). M

a caisbn’t d e e n whenyouyrou Canton. ese but great..

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download this useful app

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eating

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roll up, roll up!

Oishii!

Our top sushi restaurants.

Inagiku | Helmed by experienced sushi chef Takashi Okabe, Inagiku serves guests a refined taste of Japanese cuisine. Chef Okabe has over 20 years of experience preparing sushi and sashimi, having previously worked at Hilton Tokyo and Tokyo Imperial Hotel. The restaurant is also renowned for its tempura dishes, teppanyaki and kaiseki. Set in brown and gold decor, Inagiku blends edo-style artwork with modern Japanese creations. The restaurant is able to seat up to 160 people with four private dining rooms, each having its own teppanyaki counter for a more intimate dining experience.

4/F, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central, 2805 0600, www.fourseasons.com

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eating 60 seconds with Chef Dow of Kyoto Joe Do you have a favourite type of sushi?

This is a tough question, but the Seabass Roll ($195) is especially good. The seabass is slightly fried and deep fried with spinach to make a tempura crust and dipped in miso seaweed sauce to give a zesty finish.

What’s the hardest part of preparing sushi?

It’s hard and it takes years to master sushi making. I‘d say the sushi rice preparation. Too much rice and it will be more than a mouthful; too little and it will be overpowered by the fish; too much pressure and it will be hard; too little and the pellet will fall apart. It takes your whole heart to do it.

What is the most important ingredient in a piece of sushi?

The rice. It takes precisely measured quantities of seasoning to make the perfect sushi rice.

Can you give us a few basic pointers about eating sushi properly?

It is OK to eat nigiri-zushi (sushi) with your hands.

Pick up the sushi and dip the fish part into your shoyu (soy sauce), not the rice (to avoid soaking up too much shoyu).

Eat nigiri style sushi in one bite.

Gari (ginger) is considered a palate cleanser and eaten between bites or different types of sushi.

What are some Hong Kong favourites that you will never see in Japan?

Unlike Hong Kong, the chef in Japan designs the course for the season.

It’s considered to be impolite if the guests request too much from the chef.

Kyoto Joe |

Genki Sushi |

Tucked away in Lan Kwai Fong with a loyal customer following, Kyoto Joe has been operating for decades. It offers a range of sushi, sashimi, rolls and salads, as well as fantastic set menus that showcase the chefs’ innovations.

This month, the restaurant launches a new seven-course menu: Joe’s Kaiseki menu, $699 for a minimum of two guests. Using the freshest ingredients, from king crab to eel, sea urchin, abalone and prime sirloin, each dish is delicate and perfectly balanced. The dessert options include mocha azuki, a chef creation, which is a red bean soup with cheesy Japanese rice cake.

For a little more of a celebration, add $598 for a bottle of Taittinger Cuvee Brut Reserve Champagne. The Joe Kaiseki menu will be available till May 31.

Originated from Tochiigi in the Kanto region of Japan, the first Genki Sushi opened in March 1995 in Hong Kong. With 40 outlets across Hong Kong, the casual Japanese sushi restaurant serves variations of sushi including hand rolls, gunkan, seared and sashimi. The spicy salmon and minced tuna and sakura shrimp roll are popular favourites. Genki Sushi also has a range of appetizers, hot, deep-fried and kaisen izakaya dishes. Opt for a seat around the revolving conveyor belt to see the range of sushi available. Various locations across Hong Kong including shop G46, G49C & G49E, West Comm block, Marina Square, Ap Lei Chau, 2553 2771, www.genkisushi.com.hk

2/F, 1 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2804 6800, www.kyotojoe.com

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eating zuma | Stylish, spacious and famous for its free-flow weekend brunches, zuma is a popular choice for business lunches, dinner dates and cocktails with friends. The sushi menu comprises a variety of premium sashimi, nigiri and rolls including vegetarian options. Think soft shell crab with chilli mayonnaise, toro maki with yuzu pearl, sliced yellowtail with green chilli relish

and more. When it comes to omakase, every night is a surprise but you can always expect seasonal fish and the freshest seafood.

LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 3657 6388, www.zumarestaurant.com

60 seconds with Gary Tsang Hei, sushi chef at zuma When did you first know you wanted to be a sushi chef?

I first had sushi when I was 18. My friend took me to a Japanese restaurant in New York and it totally surprised me. I wanted to find out how such simple ingredients could be made so delicious.

Do you have a favourite type of sushi?

I like nigiri the most. It’s just one slice of fish over rice but with a hundred possibilities.

What’s the hardest part of preparing sushi?

It requires 100 per cent concentration on the fish from head to tail: checking the quality, cleaning, filleting, slicing, serving - you can’t miss any step.

What’s the most important thing for a sushi chef?

Attitude. No matter how good a chef’s skills are, his or her attitude can tell you everything.

UMI | Hidden behind a concealed wooden door on Hollywood Road, UMI offers diners an exclusive yet traditional edomae sushi experience.

Brought to you by the Le Comptoir group, UMI is spearheaded by fourth generation sushi chef Yukio Kimijima, bringing guests the freshest imports that is sourced daily from Japan. Chef Kimijima expertly cuts and prepares the pieces of fish, using several garnishes and sauces to

Ronin | Recommended for purists - those who know and love their seafood. Fresh seafood is flown in daily from Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market and arrives at the restaurant in the early evening, which means the best time to head down is after 7pm. The freshest imports include Otoro, Japanese Needlefish, Longtooth Grouper and Rosy Seabass. Ronin’s sushi masters use a traditional cooking method and add Japanese red vinegar which is fermented using natural sake yeast, to enhance the fragrance and texture of sushi rice. There’s also a great selection of skewers, tempura and desserts including The plum wine jelly or opt for Ronin’s tofu mousse.

6/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, 6540 3666, www.topstandard.com.hk M

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add flavour and bringing the flavours of the cut to the surface. The omakase menu is priced at $1,588 and includes halibut, threadsale filefish with tuna being a strong focus on the Chef Kimijama’s menu. Make sure you book ahead of time as UMI only seats a limited of 10 guests at its seven-metre-long sushi counter.

Shop 3, G/F, 159-163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2956 3177, www.lecomptoir.hk

What are some common mistakes people make while eating sushi?

A lot of people dip their sushi in a lot of soy sauce or give their fish a ‘soy shower’. This is totally wrong. You need just the right amount of soy sauce to still taste the flavour of the fish.

With nigiri, dip the fish side in soy sauce, never ever the rice side.

Is the Hong Kong palate different from the Japanese? How so?

Hong Kong is cosmopolitan – people’s habits change quickly, they always want to try something new. For example, in Hong Kong a lot of people like mayonnaise and spice. Japanese people typically prefer to eat their sushi in the traditional way, without much change.

nibbles

Dining news

What not to miss this month

New lunch sets JIA group has launched new lunch sets across its establishments. The new Lunch Social weekday set menu at Aberdeen Street Social includes several new dishes, with the choice of two courses ($248) or three courses ($298).

We’ll be heading over for Fish and Chip Fridays - expect beer battered cod and triple-cooked chips with minted peas and homemade tartar sauce ($215). Over at 208 Duecento Otto, choose between a two- ($168) or three-course meal ($208) with several options of antipasti, main course and dessert and is served with tea or coffee. Main dishes include pizzas, pastas and secondi dishes like the grilled hanger steak and eggplant parmigiana.

Aberdeen Street Social: PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2866 0300; www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk 208 Duecento Otto: 208 Hollywood Road, 2549 0208; www.208.com.hk

The Cheesecake Factory comes to Hong Kong The Cheesecake Factory is coming to Hong Kong. The new location, which marks the restaurant brand’s 210th location globally, opens its doors this month in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. Diners will be spoilt for choice with a selection of over 30 cheesecakes and specialty desserts plus over 200 menu items.

The Cheesecake Factory traces its roots back to the 1940s when Evelyn Overton, a mother of two, was inspired by a recipe she found in the newspaper for her “Original” cheesecake. Soon after, she opened a cheesecake shop in Detroit but later moved operations to her basement, supplying cakes to restaurants.

30 years later, her son David convinced the family to move across the country and set up The Cheesecake Factory Bakery, supplying cheesecakes to restaurants throughout Los Angeles.

Finally, in 1978, the first ever The Cheesecake Factory restaurant opened in Beverly Hills, showcasing Evelyn’s cakes and desserts. The rest, as they say, is history.

to Ching, countless hours have been spent designing the perfect bread for his bánh mì.

It’s all baked in-house and combined with filled with delicious stuff like barbecued pork (char siu), meatballs, chicken and pickled vegetables - all freshly prepared in-house every day. Ching has literally gone the extra mile, importing the pate and condensed milk directly from Vietnam.

Why? “Like many renowned local eateries in Hong Kong that specialize on only one thing, BMK focuses on making the best bánh mì in town,” he says. Shop 5, Li Yuen East Street (opposite to the entrance of Li Dong Building) Open daily, 10am-7pm, 2328 9699, www.banhmikitchen.com

The Beyond Burger After a successful launch in the US at Whole Foods, The Beyond Burger (a plant-based burger) has arrived in Hong Kong. Enjoy it for $78 ($108 with avocado and a slice of Daiya vegan cheese) at Green Common, at both the Harbour City or Landmark branches. The bun is 100 per cent vegan, and contains no garlic or onions. With an even higher protein content than a beef patty, 20 grams to be exact, the burger is also free of hormones, antibiotics and cholesterol. The patty is also available to buy to take home ($75 for a two-patty pack).

Shop 2, 222 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, www.greencommon.com

New bánh mì joint opens in Central

Catch introduces superfood salads for spring Kennedy Town institution Catch embraces spring with a range of superfood salads. First up is a nutty Quinoa Salad ($158) with grilled haloumi, currants, shaved almonds, chickpea puree, hazelnuts, barley and antioxidant-rich pomegranate. Other options include the Prawn & Avocado Salad ($158, gluten free), the Parma Ham Salad ($148) and the vegan Sweet Potato Salad ($148). Meanwhile, those of us who are fans of the Big Bad Ben (poached eggs, bacon, avocado, chorizo, hash browns, hollandaise, chili oil) will be relieved to hear it’s still on the menu. 95 Catchick St, Kennedy Town, www.catch.hk

Who doesn’t like a good Bánh mì (like a Vietnamese sub)? Not many, hopes Ryan Ching, Director and co-founder of the newly opened Bánh Mì Kitchen (BMK).

Ching aims to provide Hongkongers with the unforgettable flavours of a delicious and authentic bánh mì. He explains, “for bánh mì, the most critical element is the bread itself, which needs to be freshly baked, have a thin crispy crust on the outside and at the same time be airy and light on the inside.” According

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education

American School Hong Kong Kate Davies takes a tour.

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rincipal John Jalsevac is not afraid of a new beginning. He’s been a part of kick-starting three schools; Canadabased Mary Ward Secondary School, Mission Hills International School in Shenzhen and now the American School in Tai Po. “There’s a sense of a pioneer spirit in building a new school. You’re all here for the first time.

It’s like you’ve got a block of clay that you can mould in any way you like. It’s really special.”

His latest venture is most definitely in its infancy, complete with freshly painted white walls, brand new furniture and floors of empty classrooms. The classrooms that are used, are filled with smiling, confident young children, welcoming teachers and walls peppered with multicoloured learning apparatus and students’ work.

Principal Jalsevac’s office is tucked away at the end of the administrative wing

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of the school and yet we can still hear the sounds of children laughing and jostling in the playground.

“We opened in September 2016 with 106 students,” he begins, “Kindergarten to Grade Six.” He goes on to explain that they only moved into the building from an office in Central just two months before that; the building itself is not new, it was built in the early nineties. When the Education Board granted the location for the American School, Principal Jalsevac and his team had the existing building retrofitted. They kept the footprint of the original school but everything has been refurbished with new floors, ceilings, walls, plumbing, electrical and millwork. It’s designed to accommodate one thousand students with six floors of classrooms and specialty classrooms, an elementary library,

open day

a cafeteria plus a covered and an open playground. Their brand new state-of-theart gymnasium is now open and plans for a swimming pool are being discussed. The 150-million-dollar revamp is still ongoing but the remaining work is done during school holidays so as not to disturb classes.

There’s a sense of a pioneer spirit in building a new school

While “new” remains the overriding feeling here, the school is owned by the world’s largest operator of International American Schools, ESOL (Education Services Overseas Limited). American School Hong Kong is its newest addition and its first foray into Southeast Asia. So far the 106 attending students are spread over two kindergarten classes (which begin at approximately 5 years old) and one class per grade from one (age 6) through to grade six (age 11). In the next academic year, they will be opening their doors and new classrooms to Grade Seven and Eight, which will complete the American School’s Middle School. Finally, the High School will be added a year later with Grade 9.

“Our enrollment this [academic] year was 106 and our target was 100. Next year we are projecting 250 students and we are well on the way to getting that.” Principal Jalsevac is clearly confident that, now the school is open and people are coming to see for themselves

what they are creating, enrolment numbers will rise, but he’s been here before and is aware of the challenges. “You’ve got to work hard as a new school, because the established schools have earned the reputations they enjoy.” He is aware that many parents will chose an established school over a new one and this is part of the challenge. “I’m familiar with best practice. I know what good schools look like but that doesn’t mean in [the parents’] eyes that in only months [of being open] we have been able to demonstrate that we are a highly selective, top tier school.”

Their aim as set out in the brochure is ‘To deliver a rigorous curriculum, focused on developing well-rounded, motivated, openminded and thoughtful global citizens.’ To do this, they have chosen to use the US Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards for the Elementary and Middle Schools while the High School will teach the International Baccalaureate or IB Diploma programme.

The way they intend to teach the material will follow the ‘STEAM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) approach where teaching is done through units of enquiry, in

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education

groups, where topics across subjects intersect.

The idea is to approach teaching in a way that reflects the world and the workplace that students will graduate into. Principal Jalsevac explains that mathematics, art, science, engineering and technology do not exist in silos in real life nor do we work only in isolation in the workplace, so it makes sense to teach children to work in groups and learn these subjects in conjunction with one another. “We chose not to do the Primary Years Programme (the International Baccalaurate’s answer to Elementary and Middle School education)

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which has a lot of similarities to STEAM in that students are engaged in units of inquiry.

We guide them through essential questions [but] we don’t spoon feed them. We get them to develop ownership and responsibility for their education.”

The curriculum is just one part of the holistic education Principal Jalsevac is intent on giving his students. He sees academic excellence as larger than marks and performance but inclusive of social, physical and creative development.

That in turn goes hand in hand with extracurricular activities that cater not just for sports

and arts but service learning, leadership and next generation science. At the base of all this for him though is a sense of community. “It’s the old ‘school spirit’ thing and I don’t think it’s hokey. I think it’s really important.”

As I speak to him he is hours away from flying out to recruit new teachers. For him, his staff need to operate ‘In Loco Parentis’, which basically translates to ‘how a good parent would in absence of a parent’ and when hiring new staff, he actively looks for that in addition to qualifications. “I never apologise for having high expectations and standards in a school. There’s

open day

School Report

a huge body of evidence that says should schools have several things; strong teachers, outstanding leadership, but high expectations and high standards is always on top.”

For a man with a long ‘to do’ list Principal Jalsevac is very calm. It becomes clear to me that he views this challenge as a kind of a privilege where he thinks of this as a fantastic

opportunity and that not every educator gets to do this, which is a sentiment he tries to impress on his staff. “I think we go backwards and forwards as staff thinking there’s some hardship because everything we do is new.”

Despite this, it’s clear he’s ready to forge forward, “Even with all of that” he smiles, “I wouldn’t trade it for a minute”. M

Established: 2016 Class size: 23 Curriculum: KG1 teacher + 1 EA for 18 students, G1-2: 1 teacher + 1 EA for no more than 20 students, G3-G8: 24 students Max Fees 2016/2017: See website for details Non refundable capital levy: HK$20,000 Address: 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories Tel: 3919 4111

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Photos by Eugene Chan, 11 STUDIOS

home & living

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Laura Cheung, Founder of Lala Curio.

more is more

La la land

Shreena Patel visits a private residence in Mid-levels, designed by Lala Curio.

The apartment features custom-designed furniture by Lala Curio, inlcuding the blue “Childeric” Chinoiserie lacquer bureau.

T

his month, Laura Cheung, Founder of Lala Curio, shows us around one of her home projects in Mid-levels. it features the brand’s distinctive designs and modern take on cloisonné. From the wallpaper to the bathroom tiles, everything in this aspartment is bespoke.

What led you to design this home?

The apartment belongs to one of my dear friends, Veronica Chou (her family is renowned in the textile and fashion industry - her father was a key investor in brands such as Karl Lagerfeld and Michael Kors). Veronica and I were neighbours growing up. After she got married, she and her Russian husband were looking for someone to design their place in Hong Kong. They travel very often and have houses everywhere, but they wanted their Hong Kong home to channel colonial Hong Kong. It was perfect for Lala Curio.

What was your brief?

Quintessential colonial Hong Kong.

What’s your favourite element of the apartment?

The bathroom.

Have you incorporated any modern technology into the apartment, alongside the more traditional elements?

The clients believe strongly in technology and efficiency - in fact, they didn’t want any button switches in the apartment so everything is controlled via iPads. We matched every iPad to the colour of the room.

How did Lala Curio come about? What were your influences?

I love telling stories within a space - my first job was designing museum exhibitions. I later moved into fashion and designed shows for Tom Ford, Catherine Malandrino and others - that’s where the theatrical aspect of the brand comes from. The cosmopolitan aspect comes from my own background - I was born in Australia, grew up in Hong Kong, went to school in England and trained in interior design in New York. I got my residential experience in London with Gabhan O’Keeffe, who works with a lot of Russian oligarchs. That was crazy and amazing - we had clients with £250 million renovation budgets, we hired the craftsmen who work on the Palace of Versailles…imagine classical mouldings, pinstriped ceilings and polkadot cushions made from the dearest fabrics you can think of - all in one room!

How would you describe it?

Reviving ancient artisanship for the fashionable home today. We are about the serious revival of old crafts but in a lighthearted way.

How did you come up with the name?

My name is Lala. Curio speaks to the whimsical collectibles. It’s like an old curiosity shop.

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home & living

(Above): The handpainted wallpaper was designed by Lala Curio; (Below): the bathroom walls feature the brand’s distinctive cloisonné tiles.

How do you choose your projects?

We must have control in terms of the design.

Residential projects are trickier as they are much more personal - it has to be someone you get on really well with, someone you’d be happy to sit down and have dinner with because you’ll be doing it a lot!

Does Lala Curio reflect your own home?

My home is a constant work in progress as my style changes over time. I’m a hoarder - I love collecting beautiful things.

What is special about cloisonné?

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating bronzeware. Very simply, thin gold

wire is is affixed to the object to create a design made up of smaller cells (“cloisons” in French).

Then many coats of finely ground glass enamel - often in several colours - are fired into these cells using a kiln. The gold wire remains visible in the finished piece.

The technique came to China from Persia in the 12th century. It became a symbol of nobility and wealth in the Ming and Qing dynasties and at one stage was supplied exclusively to the Emperor in the Forbidden City. Not only is it beautiful, but my grandmother used to do cloisonné, so it’s particularly special to me.

Traditionally, cloisonné was applied to vases but we have updated the designs to produce tiles.

What is your motto when it comes to interior design?

More is more.

The one thing everyone should have in their home?

A cloisonné tile.

Your favourite room in your house?

The salon.

What does luxury mean to you?

Bespoke. Something that speaks of your story.

Access to rare crafts.

Favourite colour?

Persimmon red 1925c.

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For project enquiries, email info@lalacurio.com or visit the store: Shop 212, 2/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central (retail boutique); 32-33 Sau Wa Fong, Wanchai (flagship - closed weekends), 2528 5007. M

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picture this

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Man Mo Temple

“MAN MO TEMPLE”

BY KIYOKO YAMAGUCHI 60 seconds with the artist.

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Kiyoko Yamaguchi. I was born in Shiga, Japan, in 1976. I grew up there mostly, but also spent part of my childhood in Paris and Rhode Island in the United States. I love historic architecture. I have been interested in buildings - particularly old houses - since I was at elementary school. I thought about becoming an architect once, but then I realised that I don’t want to design new buildings; I just like the ones that were built by other people a long time ago.

Describe yourself in three words.

Purple (the colour I like to wear), spontaneous (when it comes to big decisions, like quitting work or moving house) and chocoholic (I love dark chocolate).

Where do you live?

Kyoto, Japan.

How long have you been painting? Why did you start?

I started when I was around 26 years old, when I lived in Cebu, in the Philippines, for a year. I was a graduate student there, living by myself, with only one big suitcase. I had 24 hours

every day to myself but my academic research was not progressing. So I thought, “maybe I should draw every day, one old house a day.”

How would you describe your style?

I do architectural drafts more than inspirational and artistic paintings, but I add more life than there would be in a real technical drawing.

What’s the story behind this picture?

Surrounded by high-rise buildings, (low-rise) Hong Kong temples stand out even more.

I like not only the historic feel, but also the openness to both religious followers and foreign tourists (like me). To me, it’s the Hong Kong spirit.

I came across the temple while I was doing a solo exhibition near here at Art Beatus Gallery. I took a walk around the area with my best friend, Jun, who had come to see the exhibition. It’s one of my fondest memories of Sheung Wan. Where would you like to paint next in Hong Kong?

Eiver House, an old block of flats on 29-33 Wing Kwong Street, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon.

Where can we find more of your work? www.kiyoko-yamaguchi.com and the Art Beatus Gallery, www.artbeatus.com Is there anything you’d like to add?

I hope the old Tong Lau(s) and historic buildings in Hong Kong aren’t destroyed for the sake of real estate development. M

Have you painted Hong Kong?

Man Mo Miu (c) Kiyoko Yamaguchi, courtesy of Atty Shoko Hino

Each month we feature a painting of Hong Kong and a 60-second interview with the artist who created it. If you’d like to be featured, email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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health & beauty

Happy feet

Put your best foot forward, with our roundup of the area’s best massages and pedicures.

Sense of Touch When thinking of tranquility, the streets of Lan Kwai Fong might not spring to mind, but nestled within lies Sense of Touch spa. Put your feet up and relax with a foot massage ($300/30mins). The spa also offers a range of pedicures, from the “quickie pedicure” ($250/30 minutes) to the full-blown “sexy spa pedicure” ($550/90 minutes). The latter starts with an Italian Mandarin footbath to relieve aching muscles, followed by a traditional pedicure and organic sugar scrub to release layers of dead cells and soften calluses. Next, a foot massage and paraffin wax to soften dry skin and, finally, a coat of polish. The spa says its Shellac Pedicure ($570/70mins at the Repulse Bay branch) uses new innovations in gel nail technology to give a mirror finish that lasts for up to 14 days, with zero dry time and no nail damage.

Open 10am-9pm (Monday to Friday); until 8pm

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(Saturday); until 7pm (Sunday).

1-5F, 52 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2526 6918. www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Fab Pros This Hong Kong startup delivers beauty and wellness services to homes across Hong Kong, including those in Mid-levels. Simply download the app, select the service you want and book an appointment at your desired location, sit back and relax. Fab’s professionals will come directly to you - there’s no need to carry cash either. Your credit card will be charged once you’ve received your treatment. Choose between a relaxing foot massage ($350/45 mins) and foot reflexology ($560/45 mins).

Pedicures are also available with polish, soft and hard gel and start at $350.

Available at the App Store and Google Play.

Visit www.fabprosapp.com

Iyara Day Spa This popular day spa offers a full range of treatments, including pedicures and foot massages. The large tinted windows of its Cochrane Street location offer those travelling on the Mid-levels escalator a brief glimpse of what they could be enjoying as they are slowly carried up and away: so close yet so far. For those who do enter and opt for a pedicure, Himalayan pink rock salt and organic coconut oil will be used to soak, hydrate and moisturise your feet before you pick your polish from the chemical-free selection. Pedicures range from $350-480 (combine it with a manicure for $550).

Foot massages start at $500 for an hour ($380 for 45 minutes).

G/F, No 5 Prince’s Terrace, Mid Levels, 2530 1666 / 2530 2111. Branches also on Hollywood Road and Cochrane Street.

feet treats The Right Spot This urban day spa has 12 private seats (separated by curtains) for foot massage, starting at $180 for 25 minutes - you get a discount if you combine your foot massage with a body massage. Shanghai pedicures (no polish) are also on offer and cost $180 for 20 minutes. Weekday specials are available from Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays) for bookings before 5pm - check the website for details. Clients who wish to spoil themselves a bit more should enquire about the gourmet and happy hour options.

Book online at www.therightspot-wellness. com or call 6998 7768. 5/F, Abdoolally House, 20 Stanley Street, Central.

Ten Feet Tall Foot reflexology massages start at $340 for 50 minutes ($380 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays). There are four pedicure options to choose from, starting at $150 for a basic polish.

For the full shebang, the “Cheeky Treatment” includes a file, shape, cuticle, polish, scrub, wrap and massage ($650). Pick up a magazine from the rack and order a drink while you’re being pampered, or lie back and close your eyes...

Open 11am - 1am (Monday - Thursday); 11am - 2am (Friday); 10:30am - 1:30am (Saturday); 10:30am to 12:30am (Sunday).

20/F & 21/F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, 2971 1010, tenfeettall.com.hk

Mandarin Oriental Salon The Shanghainese Pedicure by Samuel So ($820) is world famous. So’s family has been performing this masterful treatment at the hotel since 1984: So took over the job from his father, who retired in 1999. The treatment involves removing corns, while painlessly cutting away the hard skin on the soles of the feet. Pedicures start at $500; Shellac polish at $350. Download the spa menu online. Open 8am-8pm (Monday to Saturday). Closed on Sunday.

24/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, 2825 4800, www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

Flawless

Massada Spa

This trendy day spa offers pedicures starting at $260 for 30 minutes. A standard pedicure will set you back $380 (60 mins); $550 for Shellac. If your feet are in need of some TLC, try the pedicure + feet intensive option ($580

for 75 minutes) which involves massaging them with anti-aging body oils and cream to leave them feeling silky soft and moisturised, or the pedicure + feet revival which involves lots of oil, hot towel wraps and special massage techniques - both sound excellent to us.

Pedicures are served with a cup of organic tea or a cold glass of bubbly (your choice) and all nail treatments come with a 24-hour guarantee (plus a week-long guarantee for Shellac). If there’s a large group of you, ask about the group nail and pampering package.

Book online at www.flawless.hk.com or call 2869 5868. 4/F Seabird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central.

Nails88 Everyone loves a bargain and, when it comes to nails, you can’t do better than Nails88. This no-frills Sheung Wan secret has been shared so many times it’s best to phone ahead to make sure you’ll get a spot. The service is fast, clean and cheap. Ordinary manicures are $48; pedicures, $98 - extra charges apply for soft gel, but it’s still much cheaper than most other places.

Shop G24-25, Welland Building, 368 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2851 6711.

For something quick, opt for the Express Pedicure ($280/30 mins, with shaping, buffing and OPI polish) . If your feet need more attention, consider the Intensive Pedicure ($380/60 mins), which includes cuticle work, or the Spa Aromapedicure ($600/75 mins) which includes a foot massage and mask. You can also add on a french manicure, shellac, soft gel, massage or paraffin treatment at extra cost.

Open daily, 10am-9pm.

25/F Guangdong Tour Centre, 18 Pennington St., Causeway Bay, 2506 9005, www.massadahk.com

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big day out

A Sham Chung adventure Rory Mackay explores the depths of Sai Kung West Country Park.

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emote, picturesque and obscure.

Sham Chung possesses a little bit of something for everyone. With its traditional hamlets and old woodlands, set in a basin ringed by rolling hills, the Sham Chung region is one of the jewels in the crown of rural Hong Kong. From family-friendly outings and historical rekeys, to day hikes and mountain biking, this idyllic enclave has plenty of enticing options to keep you more than entertained for the day.

Easily reached, it makes for a convenient full or half day trip away from the city. Nestled within the northern coastline of Sai Kung West Country Park, Sham Chung was once synonymous with being one of Hong Kong’s largest wetland areas. Despite these not existing anymore, it is

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still a lovely place to visit full of ponds and open grassland, a very rare sight in Hong Kong.

By far the simplest way to reach the area is through Yung Shue O. Getting there can be done from either the Sai Kung or Sha Tin side of the surrounding mountain ranges. The 99 and 299x KMB bus routes run between Sai Kung and Heng On MTR and Sha Tin MTR respectively and will deposit you at the head of the access road to Yung Shue O. From this junction it is a 45-minute walk down the single-track road to reach Yung Shue O, so if you’re short on time, it is advisable to take a taxi instead (costs $60 from Sai Kung Town). Once you have reached the village of Yung Shue O, the road stops and the hiking trail begins. Make sure to follow the painted banners

in Yung Shue O that indicate the way to Sham Chung and not the wooden signposts. The concrete footpath then winds its way through the village and onto a stunning coastline with views

the wild west

across Tolo Harbour and Ma On Shan. From there, it is a 45-minute stroll along the coastline to Sham Chung Ferry Pier and then inland to the village grasslands.

If you had been tackling this route back at the turn of the 20th century, the footpath would have swept into a shallow lagoon, but then in the 1920s it was drained to create a sizable area of arable land. The fertility of this land subsequently led to the founding of Sham Chung village and the remains of this are still there to see today, however it is now occupied by a dai pai dong.

Along with many similar villages across Hong Kong, Sham Chung village met its demise as the territory became more developed and many folks left these small communities in the New Territories for the opportunity to make more money elsewhere. Since then, controversy has surrounded plans by Sun Hung Kai Properties for a golf course and recreation centre in Sham Chung. It appears that the developers went ahead and begun the initial construction of a course without planning consent. Then never followed through after they were unable to rubber stamp the project.

Despite its chequered history, the region is still teaming with some very unique wildlife for

hikers to keep an eye out for. Extremely rare elsewhere in Hong Kong, the colourful Paradise Fish and relatively large Brown Fish Owl have found a home in leafy areas of Sham Chung.

There is then the abundance of other birds, reptiles, insects and wild cattle that one would expect to find across the Sai Kung Peninsula.

For most folks, it is advisable to simply return from Sham Chung the same way you entered. Taxis can often be hard to come by at Yung Shue O, so make sure to factor in extra time on the return leg in order to walk back to Sai Sha Road.

Once back on the main road, there are plenty of taxis and different buses to take back to Sai Kung or Sha Tin. For those who fancy doing that little bit more, follow the trail inland to reach the far northern extremities of the country park at Pak Sha O and Hoi Ha. This route is suitable for hikers and cyclists alike. All in all, Sham Chung is packed to the brim to see and explore, and fun for all involved. M Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong.

For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com.

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travel

The Anam, Cam Ranh Shreena Patel heads to one of South Vietnam’s newest resorts.

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R&R

The Anam Beach Club Pool.

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travel

F

ancy a relaxing break but tight on time?

If soft sandy beaches, clear blue ombre seas and sunshine are what you’re after, look no further than The Anam, Cam Ranh.

Located along the southeastern coast of Vietnam, travelling to Cam Ranh from Hong Kong used to entail at least two flights (typically with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh), but since HK Express introduced Hong Kong’s first and only direct route to Cam Ranh International Airport last November, all that has changed.

The area’s idyllic beaches, fresh seafood and jungle clad mountains are now just a twohour flight away.

The Anam is a five-star resort situated on Long Beach, a 15-minute drive from the airport. Noise is not a problem at all: once inside the resort, the occasional sighting of a plane in the distance is the only clue to your proximity to runways and terminals.

Just outside the walls of the resort, the dry, bare landscape – a stark contrast to the lush green gardens and residences of The Anam - impresses upon me the scale of this development and the effort required to maintain it in this environment.

Rooms The 12-hectare resort began its soft opening last September and celebrated its grand opening last month. Comprising two parts: The Anam Villas (117 villas, from one- to threebedrooms) and The Anam Deluxe Collection (a

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hotel with 96 rooms), it overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula.

The resort is elegantly designed, with dark woods, blue-and-white mosaic tiles and imperial rooftops amid green lawns and cobbled stone paths. Villas have a garden, pool or ocean view; 27 have their own private swimming pools. They range from 50-267 square metres in size, and all premium villas have a living room with a sofa that can be converted into a daybed. Each of the 12 threebedroom villas has an ocean view, private swimming pool, living room and kitchen – ideal

for families and groups. Two of the private pool villas feature exclusive spa therapy areas with a steam room and Jacuzzi – guests staying at these villas get two complimentary spa treatments per day.

Worth a special mention are the beds: I have the king-sized Sealy mattresses, 300-thread count cotton Irish bed linen and goose down pillows to thank for the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months.

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travel

Activities Relaxing doesn’t have to mean doing nothing – and the resort has plenty to keep guests busy. Facilities include a tennis court, beach club with pool and fussball tables, yoga studio and gym, three large swimming pools (the Beach Club pool is for adults only), spa and beauty salon (with 10 private treatment rooms and a range of traditional Balinese treatments) and a 3D movie theatre – though in an area that averages over 300 sunny days per year, you may not want to be stuck inside for long.

There’s also a kids’ club and complimentary supervised activities for children. Behind the beach, a large green lawn provides glorious views of the sea and plenty of space for yoga, volleyball, badminton, football and

frisbee games and sepak takraw (known as ‘kick volleyball’, native to southeast Asia).

Alternatively, put your feet up on a hammock with a good book, beneath the shade of one of the resort’s 3,000 palm trees. There’s a wonderful warm breeze down by the beach and The Anam’s water sports centre has a selection of equipment for hire, from kayaks, to snorkels, sailboats and body boards. For a larger and cheaper selection of equipment (but more crowded waters), turn left out of the resort and onto the beach, keep walking until you reach the row of huts. We rented a SUP from The Shack for VND200,000 per hour. The Anam can also organise a fishing excursion in a Vietnamese coracle boat and diving with

Sailing Club Divers, Vietnam’s longest running PADI Five Star Dive Centre.

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to hear The Anam is a few minutes from Long Beach’s 27-hold Cam Ranh Links Golf Resort, due to open in September this year.

Don’t miss the seafood BBQ buffet

Eating The Indochine restaurant, near the lobby, offers all day dining (including a delicious buffet breakfast). A Vietnamese set lunch menu is available here on demand and the restaurant also hosts a range of buffet dinners to themes that change daily. Don’t miss the seafood BBQ buffet (freshly caught and barbecued tiger prawns, lobsters, crabs and more). Meanwhile, the Indochine Grill specializes in European fine dining (no children allowed).

For pre-dinner drinks, head to The Saigon Bar. Its outdoor terrace overlooks one of The Anam’s three pools and there is live music here each night. The bar has a small a la carte menu and is also open during the day for lunch and afternoon tea. GM (general manager) drinks are held just outside on the lawn every Friday night from 6pm with free-flow wine and beer, a chance for guests and management to mingle before dinner.

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The Indochine Restaurant.

R&R

For magnificent ocean views while you dine, head to the Beach Club which has an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. The food will take a little longer to arrive as it has to be transported from the main kitchen, but the views are worth it. A great spot for lunch or dinner. The Sports Bar by the ocean offers drinks and finger food during the afternoon.

Couples who want something romantic should consider the dining experience for two: a candle-lit table on the lawn by the beach and a five-course BBQ dinner with a private waiter and chef. Only one table is available nightly, so book in advance.

In-room dining is also available and private BBQs are possible if you are in one of the pool villas.

When to go Cam Ranh has a tropical climate, averaging about 27oC year round. As for The Anam, the best time to go is now, while the resort is not at full capacity and the beach is still relatively undeveloped (A number of other hotels are being built along the road back to the airport but are not yet complete).

The Anam is still ironing out a few issues, mainly with communications, but it is a blissful place and the staff are friendly and try their best to be helpful. There seems to be a mixture of couples, friends and families - many from China and Russia with an increasing number from Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore. M

Essentials Nightly rates start at USD200 for the Balcony Garden View Room and rise to USD800 for the singular Anam Ocean View Pool Villa (three bedrooms).

The Anam Long Beach, Northern Peninsula Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam +84 583 989 499 Email reservations@theanam.com www.theanam.com

What’s around?

Prior to Vietnam’s expansion southward from the Red River Delta in the 15th century, Cam Ranh was part of the Kingdom of Champa. If you can tear yourself away from the resort for a day, you may wish to visit nearby Nha Trang, where the Po Nagar Towers – the remains of an ancient Champa temple built between the seventh and 12th century - still stand. Other sights include Long Son Pagoda, Dam Market and Nui Church. Sightseeing shouldn’t take more than a few hours – if you’re looking for something to eat afterwards, Yen’s is a popular choice for Vietnamese food. Later in the evening try The Sailing Club – located on the beachfront, it has a range of Vietnamese and international food, a live DJ in the evenings and plenty of seating from where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.

A shuttle bus operates from the resort to Nha Trang town twice per day in both directions (the last bus back to the resort is at 6:30pm; a metered taxi-ride will cost VND350400,000 each way).

An Ocean View Pool Villa.

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Disposal charges

zim city

T

o promote recycling it is not enough to charge more for waste – the Government must enable efficient disposal, collection and enforcement against fly tipping and landfilling.

In April, the charges for disposal of construction waste were raised by the Environmental Protection Department. Landfill charges rose from $125 to $200 per tonne; the sorting charge will increase from $100 to $175 per tonne. The $25 difference is to encourage sorting and recovery of recyclables. The objective of the increase is cost recovery. The construction industry will incur an extra cost of $640 million per year as a result.

This is tiny when compared to the overall business volume so I do not expect it to reduce the volume of construction waste. What it will do is provide another incentive for fly tipping and land filling - there is no sight on additional resources or legislative amendments for enforcement teams to combat either of these issues more effectively. Plans are underway to mandate the use of a global positioning system (GPS) on construction waste collection vehicles, but is this enough to combat the illegal disposal of construction waste?

It is hard to see how the GPS will stop landfilling. Dumping inert waste on agricultural and conservation land is a development method. It can only be stopped by requiring landowners first to obtain a permit or certificate of exemption. Failing that, they should be held responsible for reinstatement prior to any other development on their land. And if they fail to do so within a time limit, the Government must have the right to enter the land and register the cost of reinstatement against the lease.

The only landfilling that should be permitted at all times is when people deposit soil, defined clearly as organic matter, to support vegetation - up to a maximum height of 1.2 metres.

Much of the fly-tipping in Hong Kong is renovation waste, small volumes of construction waste, old furniture and fittings. These are

transported in vans and small goods vehicles. From my observation, contractors just want to go home after a day of hard work, and can’t be bothered to drive to the remote landfills and transfer stations.

Government should enable the renovators, their staff and contractors to go and see their kids by setting up easily accessible collection points for small volumes of construction waste.

Separately, the Government is preparing to charge for municipal waste via building managers and to charge consumers directly with special bags. Unless the logistics of waste handling is better handled and strong enforcement measures are in place, this will certainly result in fly tipping of household waste – whether to avoid the charges, or because someone ran out of bags.

For some misplaced privacy reason, the Government does not plan on opening ‘lost’ bags of waste to look for envelopes with addresses or other indicators. But the real solution lies in making it efficient for people to cleanse recyclables and dispose of them separately (in boxes or transparent bags) for sorting. The focus should be on enabling the economy of cleaners, scavengers and processors with spaces for sorting and stockpiling so they can work efficiently to retrieve value from waste.

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

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Horoscopes

hong kong horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21–Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20–Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21–Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21–May 21

“Why do birds suddenly appear / Every time you are near?” You’re probably standing in the middle of Prince Edward’s Bird Garden, Aquarius. Along this street the old men of the city parade their prized songbirds in ornate cages.

Tell me, Aquarius: Would you rather be a dowdy pigeon in the dingy rafters of the city, or an impeccable songbird in a cage? What frames of reference keep you content?

Hong Kong’s happy hours are numerous, and it’s hard to find the best. But just as you’ve found a bar you like, with prices you can accept – rents go up, and so does the cost of your drink. A lesson in ruthless capitalism? No. It’s a reminder that the happy hour doesn’t matter – what matters is happiness itself. Seek it out, and every hour’s a happy hour. Even on Wyndham Street.

The last time I went to karaoke, everyone queued up new songs I’d never heard of before. In the past, I’d complain and skip through them to get my tunes faster.

These days, I just go with the flow. After all, you can learn a lot from exposure to things you didn’t know – even if it’s just about the terrible state of 2010s hip-hop.

The Hong Kong habit of donning face masks arose during SARS, as a protection against the deadly virus.

But these days, they’re a courtesy: a way to show your co-workers that you’re sick and don’t want to pass it on. What other courtesies can you show your coworkers, Taurus? It needn’t be something huge, but a little gesture will always generate a smile – even if it’s hidden under a face mask.

LEO Jul 23–Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23–Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24–Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24–Nov 22

We all have our dark days.

Days when everything seems wrong. In those troubled times, it’s only right that as a Leo you should summon up the Lion Rock Spirit: the indomitable force that has kept Hong Kong going since time immemorial. Lion Rock watches over Hong Kong, keeping us safe and strong.

You can draw on it, Leo, and take strength from it as generations of Hongkongers have before you.

This month, Virgo, I want you to ask a yourself the following question: “Am I a pineapple bun, or a sausage bun?” With pineapple buns, a crusty exterior hides a sweet, softness within. Sausage buns, on the other hand, are soft outside but a stronger core runs through them. Know your place in the bakery of life, and everything will fall into place.

Libra, you’re all about balance.

Have you been stand-up paddleboarding recently?

Every time I’ve tried it, I’ve fallen into the sea in short order. I bet you’d be better at it than I am: after all, when you find your equilibrium you’re totally capable. But once you do, try paddling while standing on one leg. If you don’t keep challenging yourself, that equilibrium becomes complacency.

Just after giving birth, Hong Kong mothers are advised to eat pig’s trotters slow-cooked in ginger and black vinegar.

I may not be post-partum myself, but I confess to loving this dish. Thankfully, I know that there are other Hongkongers who share my tastes. What do you love, despite it seeming unusual?

Let the world know: I bet you you’re not alone.

As transmitted to Adam White, writer, editor and occasional soothsayer 60 | WWW.MID-LEVELS.CO

GEMINI May 22–Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22–Jul 22

Sometimes, one feels like a wilted bit of lettuce sitting at the back of the fridge, waiting to be thrown out. But the truth is that you don’t need to be discarded. Think of the dai pai dong, where many ingredients are thrown into a wok and pure magic comes out the other end. Gemini, you’re just a stir-fry ingredient waiting for others to come along. You won’t have to wait long.

I was getting a suit tailored recently. It’s an experience I highly recommend: There’s something special about getting a piece of clothing made to fit your body exactly. The only problem, of course – now I need to stay this size, or I’ll have to head back to the tailor for alterations. But that’s fine, Cancer. Sometimes, alterations have to be made.

There’s no reason to get too hung up about it.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23–Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22–Jan 20

The dried seafood shops of Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun exude an odour some would describe as “pungent”.

But it’s a smell that screams “Hong Kong” to me. What smells do you tie to the city, Sagittarius? Is it the fragrance rising from a dim sum steamer? The diesel fumes of the Star Ferry? Find what makes your memories powerful, and you’ll discover what matters to you.

Wander down Apliu Street and you’ll come across a flea market stuffed full of electronics, from battered old cameras to aging VCR machines and rusty power tools. That old saying seems true: “one man’s trash is another’s man’s treasure”. But in this sea of old TV remotes, what turns you on, Capricorn? What discarded trash is actually gold to you?

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marketplace

marketplace

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Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: M y name is Nissa Marion, and I’m an editor, writer and stage host. I’m from Canada originally, but have lived in Hong Kong for over 15 years. I didn’t gel with the city at first – I found it too noisy and hectic – but all that changed when I discovered its amazing beaches and hiking trails. Meeting my husband, who grew up here, really sealed it. I’m a Hong Kong girl now.

Q: T ell me something that might surprise people about you.

A: M y cooking is abysmal, though I’m trying to improve.

I think I get it from my grandmother, whose idea of a decent supper in the ‘80s was Kraft Dinner and ketchup. It’s a good thing Hong Kong has so many great restaurants!

Q: W hat has been the highlight of your month so far?

A: I ’m so happy it’s almost summer! The hotter the better.

Bring it on. Winter has been relatively mild this year, but I’m over it. I’m ready to bare some skin and hit the beaches.

Q: What challenges are you facing right now?

A: I ’ve recently made a career change and am now freelancing, which is great but it means getting used to new work habits, exercising a fair bit of self discipline, and spending a lot more time on my own.

Q: Where do you live?

A: I spent 10 years living in a wonderful studio in the heart of Central (NoHo, actually; not quite Mid-levels but close!)…

I miss the unique neighbourhood-y vibe that I think is partly a function of how many expats from different countries live there. Especially on weekends, you always run into people you know along the escalator and streets.

Q: How well do you know your neighbours?

A: Being neighbourly in Hong Kong can be tricky. It’s certainly not like the suburbs where I grew up. But we’re lucky to have some cool, friendly people in our building. For instance, our neighbours look after our cat when we travel, and we do the same for them.

Q: Where are you most likely to be found on a Sunday afternoon?

A: If not brunching or hiking, probably treasure-hunting. My husband loves poking around for unique items in vintage and junk shops, and – don’t tell him I told you – even rubbish heaps. Which, I’ll admit, have turned up some amazing finds!

Q: Best thing about Mid-levels?

A: The people. Especially since many of my closest friends are concentrated here!

Q: Worst thing about Mid-levels?

A: I do sometimes wish there was more natural greenery. But pockets of nature are there, if you know where to look, and of course, you have Victoria Peak on your doorstep.

Q: Favourite place to hang out in Mid-levels?

A: I love getting foot massages, and Joy Ocean Town on Caine Road can’t be beat for consistency and price. It’s no secret though, so you have to book ahead. Find me there on Sunday evenings.

Q: Best kept secret in Mid-levels?

A: ‘Dutch Lane’, which a friend recently showed me, is my new favourite nature trail for a quick, beautiful urban run or hike.

It’s right above Bowen Road, offers great views, and there’s never anyone on it.

Dutch Path

Q: Finish the sentence: “it wouldn’t be Mid-levels without...”

A: “…the escalator.”

Nissa Marion, former Editor-in-Chief of Ecozine and Event Director of the Hong Kong Cleanup.

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Map by OpenStreetMap contributors

Nissa Marion

my mid-levels

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