Expat Parent Apr 2018

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April 2018

bunny love Brilliant Easter bakes

Stamford in the spotlight

How’s Hong Kong’s newest international school shaping up?

Off the beaten track Super short haul inspiration

* find out to make thhow rabbit cake is

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CONTENTs 2

Editor’s letter

Hello from the hot desk

28 Cover story

4 Contributors Meet the team

7

What’s on

Rugby 7s rolls into town

12

Things you need to know

Walk on the wild side

14 News

Be lucky

20

Debate of the month

Shop ‘til you drop

22

Me & my big idea

Travel for tots

26

Book review

Read with mother

The great EP bake off

32

The big interview

Running for a good cause

35

School news

Stamford in the spotlight

42

Life & style

Green fingers

44 Dining

Happenings this month

18 Giveaways

ISSUE 048

16

22

Easter feasters

47 Travel

Short haul special

56

Flailing spouse

Duvet dramas

36

26

52 12

42 44

Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com

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editor’s message

who’s in charge?

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor Carolynne Dear

Managing Editor Gemma Shaw

Media Management Trainee Julianne Dionisio

Media Trainee Nicole Slater

Design cindy@hongkongliving.com Design Manager Cindy Suen

Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz

Graphic Designer Sonia Khatwani

Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Sales Director Hilda Chan

Sales and Marketing Executive Isamonia Chui

Sales and Marketing Executive Corrie Tang

Sales and Marketing Executive Johnny Wong

Digital cora@hongkongliving.com

W

e have been blessed this year with some truly gorgeous ‘spring’ weather. I am looking out of my home office window right now at rolling emerald mountains and a big, blue sky. I’m desperately hoping this luck continues through to the Easter holidays which are almost upon us.

The sun shone down kindly for our cover shoot this month - if anything it was apparently ‘too bright’ according to the professionals (I know nothing of the technicalities behind taking a good shot, I stick firmly to words these days). But nonetheless we came away with a fantastic picture of our three very patient models (and yes, we all dug into the bunny cake at the end).

Two parents who will be going easy on the sweets this month are David Gething and Mayank Vaid. The Sai Kung-based dads are training hard for a 288 mile triathlon challenge from London to Paris to raise money for Outward Bound Hong Kong and the Zubin Foundation. It’s an incredible feat - find out how you can get involved on page 30.

As I’m most definitely not in training for anything other than a mild hike during the holidays, I’m looking forward to a lot of choccy and a yummy family brunch, check out page 44 for some easy Easter dining dates.

Happy Easter and happy reading!

about the cover A big thank you to our cover models this month, Hong Kong’s ‘cake lady’ Jude Bailey who baked all of the goodies (find out how to recreate them yourselves on page 26), and top tasters Kiara and Harry. Kiara is ten years old and attends Nord Anglia International School, she loves licking cake bowls, making slime and gymnastics. Harry is in year five at the Australian International School and enjoys playing rugby for Sai Kung Sting Rays.

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Digital Co-ordinator Cora Chan

Accounting charles@hongkongliving.com Management Trainee Charles Lau

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

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

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contributors

Tara J Smyth…

Rebecca Simpson…

Lucy Jackson…

...shot our beautiful cover this month. Despite the old adage ‘never work with children or animals,’ she handled the shoot (including two kids and a delicate bunny cake) magnificently. Tara has lived in Hong Kong for almost 25 years. When she’s not hiking its majestic hills, she can be found exploring the city’s backstreets with her camera, facebook.com/NittyGrittyImages.

...travelled over to Ho Man Tin this month to meet Karrie Dietz of Stamford American School.

Rebecca is a regular contributor to Expat Parent.

When she’s not penning education and travel stories, she is to be found running around after her two lively daughters.

...has the insider track on travel hot spots in Asia and beyond and contributed this month’s Travel feature. Time out for Lucy either involves doing some casual yoga or hanging with her son William, husband and friends - ideally in new destinations or exploring something foodie.

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

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what’s on

Diary dates

APR 6-8

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Rugby madness descends on Hong Kong for three days of tries, tackles and dodgy dress-ups. There will be children’s showcase matches from Hong Kong’s rugby clubs on Friday and Saturday morning.

Headlining the event this year is British reggae and pop band UB40, Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, hksevens.com.

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what’s on UNTIL APR 8

APR 8

APR 14

Pacific Place hosts an immersive art installation

by Scottish artist Jim Lambie. Ladders, tape and mirrors have been brought together to create a prism of continually changing reflections. Free, 10am-10pm, Garden Court, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.

Inviting stand up paddlers of any age, Sai Kung Hong Kong SUP League is back with distance range of 200m Sprint Race to Elite Distance Race 10km. $150 to $1,700, VRC Sai Kung and VRC Deep Water Bay, hksupba.com.

Get down and get ready to push your limits with the biggest obstacle course race in Hong Kong.

Athletes of all levels and ages are invited. $860 to $1,190, kids competitive heat $580 and noncompetitive at $480, spectator admission $50, spartanrace.hk.

Spiral Scratch

Hong Kong SUP League 2018

Spartan Race Hong Kong

APR 14

Hong Kong International School World Fair The annual HKIS World Fair is back, celebrating cultural diversity in Hong Kong with international food, shopping and entertainment. Free, 11am3pm, HKIS High School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, hkis.edu.hk.

UNTIL APR 18

Wonder Materials - Graphene & Beyond An interactive exhibition tracing graphene’s discovery to revolutionary new products that could positively impact our lives. Kids can make their own atomic models and take a look at real 2D materials. $30/adult, $5/student, 10am-7pm, Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, hk.science.museum.

UNTIL APR 30

Strawberry Season Enjoy the great outdoors this spring with the family. The New Territories hosts a number of strawberry farms, including Tai Tong Organic Ecopark. Besides fruit picking, there are barbeques, pony rides, petting zoos and games. $130/adult, free for under threes, 9am6pm, Tai Tong Organic Ecopark, 11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long, yl.hk/taitong.

APR 1

Easter Day & April Fool’s Day Don’t forget the choccy eggs...

APR 1

Public pools open First swim 6am, lcsd.gov.hk.

APR 2

Easter Monday

APR 4

International Children’s Day

APR 5

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

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Sai Kung SUP is back, Apr 8

APR 8

Discovery Bay Sunday Market Shop ‘til you drop from a huge range of Hong Kong’s hand crafters; revive afterwards at one of Discovery Bay’s many eateries. Free, 11am6pm, Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, handmadehongkong.com.

APR 11

Han Academy Introductory Meeting Han Academy will be hosting a school tour for parents to find out more about the curriculum and teaching methods, plus a ‘sharing’ opportunity with current students. 8-10am, 33 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, hanacademy.edu.hk.

Fun and games at HKIS fair, Apr 14

APR 14

Grow For Good Veggie plants and seedling cups on sale at Momentai restaurant for $10 per pot. All monies will go to help homeless people get back on their feet through the charity Impact Hong Kong, 10am-2pm, Momentai, Kiosk 1, Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, facebook.com/ SaiKungGreenFingers.

tell me more APR 16

mum about town

Eggs Benedict Day You heard it here first...

APR 19 - JUNE 3 Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA

Acrobatic performances and the art of clowning presented in a colourful mélange that emphasises bold slapstick humour. $488 to $1888, Central Harbourfront Event Space, asiaboxoffice.com

APR 19-21

Servant of Two Masters Faust International Youth Theatre presents a vibrant commedia dell’arte play set in the 1980s. $220/ adult, $180/child, 7.30pm Thursday & Friday; 2.30 and 7.30pm Saturday, McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, urbtix.hk.

Clowning around, Apr 19 to June 3

Neelam Harjani and Zora Benhamou present Inspire Wellness

Finnish pop-up I am very excited this month to be joining Michelin-starred chef Jouni Toivanen who is travelling all the way from Finland to host a Scandi-inspired tasting event. I was recently over in Scandinavia enjoying a city break in Copenhagen and although all those delicious Danish pastries did blow the diet slightly, this event promises to be of a less sugary disposition. Much of the ingredients list has been foraged by Toivanen and his team in the hills and rivers of the republic’s rugged countryside and whisked over to Hong Kong for a contemporary take on Finnish fare. I am particularly looking forward to finding out what ‘dashi’ might be, as well as popping away a ‘skagen’ or two. If this tickles your fancy, the five-night pop-up event will be hosted by Test Kitchen, $1,000 for an eight-course tasting menu, April 4-8, Shop 3, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, testkitchen.com.hk.

Mid-life talking points Faust kids perform live, Apr 19-21

APR 21

Spring Fling and Mother’s Day Shopping Spree Shop for Mother’s Day in style at an exclusive shopping event hosted

by Shopping Hong Kong. Exclusive to members and guests, 10am6pm, The American Club, 28 Tao Tam Road, Tai Tam, RSVP to shoppinghongkong@gmail.com.

APR 21

Kellett School Fair Fun and games at the Kowloon Bay-based British school. 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, kellettschool.com

A blogger and a yogi have joined forces to create Inspire Wellness seminars, a series of talks featuring a fascinating menu of guest speakers. And before you groan, this is not a pair of teeny tiny, insta-loving twenty somethings. These women are targeting 40 plus females - there are quite a few of us out there - with a view to reducing stress levels with healthier living. The pair, Zora Benhamou, who produces blog HackMyAge.com, and Neelam Harjani, founder of Inspire-Yoga.com, have put together a thoughtprovoking itinerary - talks cover sleep, stress management, nutrition, movement, the brain and mental health, and beauty.

The six, weekly sessions run at 10am-12pm and 6.30-8.30pm from April 19, 43-45 Wyndham Street, Central, tickets $300 on the door, or $250 eventbrite.com.

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what’s on APR 22

Aqua Terra The aquathon has upgraded its route this year with an extra 4km added to the overall distance.

From $280, 8.45am, South Bay Beach, South Bay Rd, Repulse Bay finishing at Hong Kong Park View, BBQ site, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Rd, Tai Tam, terramar.hk.

APR 23-28 & APR 30-MAY 5 Ice Hockey 5s

A 12-day tournament that welcomes nearly 80 teams, including a youth division (five to 16 years), an adult division (17 and above). All games open to the public. Free, Mega Ice, L10 Mega Box, Kowloon Bay, megaice.com.hk.

APR 28

Helpers’ Childcare Workshop Sai Kung Montessori is offering a practical, hands-on activities and basic early childhood developmental theory workshop for helpers of children aged up to six years. $250 (includes booklet and refreshments), 10am-12pm, Sai Kung Montessori School, RSVP to info@saikungmontessori.com.

MA 5 Y

International Schools Expo

If you’re a parent of school-age children, don’t miss the International Schools Expo being held next month.

Never have education choices been more exciting - or more complicated particularly in an international city like Hong Kong.

Based on an overwhelming demand from parents for more information about international schools, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) has put together an event that brings together schools, businesses, future employers and students. It aims to provide a one-stop shop for all questions about Hong Kong’s international school scene, curriculum choices and global education and career trends.

There will be heaps of booths at which students and parents will be able to ask questions of individual schools and gather information. AmCham will also be hosting an info-laden menu of speakers, from school principals to senior executives speaking about the future of work.

School principals and senior educators who will be covering minefields such as school admissions, the benefits of various curricula and examination models, as well as child psychologists explaining resources for special educational needs (SEN) students. There will also be information on global education trends and insight from corporate leaders on possible career paths.

The International Schools Expo takes place 9am-5pm, May 5, Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai.

APR 28

Hebe Haven Yacht Club Open Day

Fun for all the family on the waters at Pak Sha Wan, open to all. Think sailing trials and demos as well as the chance to try out kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, plus food stalls and kids activities. Free, 10am-5pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, hhyc.org.hk.

APR 29

Showcase Cinderella: The Lost Slipper A reimagining of the classic princess fairy tale set in Hong Kong. From $240, 11am & 4pm, Y Theatre Youth Centre, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, twinkledance.com.

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Get their education on the right track

BOOK NOW MAY 1-6

Evita tells the tale of Argentina’s iconic first lady, Eva Perón, starting from her roots as the child of an impoverished family, to her rise to power as Argentina’s nationally adored first lady. The show includes all-time favourite Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and is performed by a talented touring cast. Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Tickets from $445 to $1,045 on hkticketing.com.hk

The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake This world-class ballet company has toured internationally since its conception in 1994, and will finally make its debut in Hong Kong this spring. This production promises the full Swan Lake experience, renowned for its dazzling sets and exquisite costumes. The 60 member company comprises of dancers trained under the Vaganova method, a particularly rigorous Russian ballet training system.

Catch the show at Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Standard tickets from $445 to $995 at hkticketing.com.hk

MAY 5

Harry Styles Live On Tour The former boyband favourite Harry Styles is coming back to Hong Kong to perform his self-titled debut album released globally in May, 8pm. VIP Package starts at $2,888. Standard tickets range from $488 to $1,288 Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

MAY 11 - JUN 3 Evita

CATS may be ending its run this month, but luckily for musical lovers, another Andrew Lloyd Webber classic is coming this summer.

Come and say hi to Harry, May 5

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things to know

2

Last month a pair of hikers claimed to have spotted a tiger while hiking in Ma On Shan Country Park. It turned out to be a Leopard Cat, a small, wild cat native to South, Southeast and East Asia. They are shy animals, rarely approach humans and are ‘relatively abundant’ in parts of Hong Kong.

An actual tiger was shot by police in Stanley Village in 1942. It was believed to have been a circus animal which was released when the Japanese invaded several weeks earlier. Its pelt can still be seen displayed in Stanley’s Tin Hau Temple.

Photo by Kuribo via Wiki Commons

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Photo by Monka Betley via Wiki Commons

ly real ? t Do I e tha k i l k loo

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Until the 1950s, there were around 4,000 South China Tigers roaming the region.

But the World Wildlife Foundation now considers the species ‘functionally extinct’ as there have been no sightings in the wild for over 25 years.

4

The last substantiated tiger sighting was in Sha Tin in 1947. Anglican bishop Ronald Hall reported that a tiger had walked across his hillside garden.

tige r be h s used unt to thei ed fo r r pe lts

Things you need to know Tiger territory All you need to know about Hong Kong’s wild side In March 1915 a South China Tiger mauled a child to death and killed three police officers who gave chase. The animal was eventually shot dead and its head is still displayed in the Police Museum on Coombe Road, The Peak.

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Photo by Tksteven via Wiki Commons

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Other wildlife that can be spotted in Hong Kong includes wild pigs, feral dogs, porcupines, monkeys, bats and snakes and of course Leopard Cats.

s rhesu e u kaq mac

n pytho y b a b

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news

Hong Kong ranks low for liveability Hong Kong remains outside the top 25 most liveable cities for expats, according to data research organisation Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA). While not quite a hardship posting, the territory nonetheless ranked just 28 out of 480 global locations.

Top of the list came Singapore, followed by Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Osaka.

Factors assessed included climate,

availability of health services, housing and utilities, isolation, access to a social network and leisure facilities, infrastructure, personal safety, political tensions and - crucially for Hong Kong - air quality.

The data compiled by ECA helps companies establish appropriate allowances to compensate employees for the adjustment when sent on overseas postings.

Territory takeover for Tilbury Effervescent British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury launches her eponymous line of makeup and skincare in Hong Kong this month.

Tilbury is a veteran of the beauty industry, having worked across the globe for the fash pack great and good.

She founded Charlotte Tilbury Beauty in 2013, launching the range at London department store Selfridges. “Oh my goodness, we literally had people queuing around the block!” she told Expat Parent at the Hong Kong launch. It became the British retailer’s biggestever beauty launch for turnover.

The brand’s stellar seller was Tilbury’s ‘Magic Cream’, a product she had created to use on her clients. It soon acquired cult status, with models and artists backstage demanding “Charlotte’s magic cream.” So Tilbury developed it for public sale. When launched in

the US, the cream sold out in six seconds.

“We’re as successful with makeup as we are with skincare, which is unusual for a makeup brand,” she said. “But for me skincare is hugely important, you can’t have a beautiful painting without a good canvas. I’ve worked with practically every product out there, so I knew what I needed to create. We don’t pay for celebrity endorsements, the brand has evolved totally by word of mouth.”

This is the first time Tilbury has launched in Asia and she said she was “over the moon” to be here. “Asian skincare is amazing, among the best in the world, and I’m looking forwarding to sharing my knowledge. It’s very exciting to be here and I’m so excited about the launch.”

Charlotte Tilbury is available from April 21 at Lane Crawford Harbour City mall, April 22 at Lane Crawford ifc mall, charlottetilbury.com.

Charlotte Tilbury at the Hong Kong launch of her beauty brand

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news

Sai Kung welcomes first Art Walk

Helping hand

Step it up as a domestic helper employer

From the heart - artist Helen Boyd shared the love

Local artist Helen Boyd and friend Natashi Kefford are launching HeArtWalk 2018, a twoday exhibition of art and postcards created by dozens of Hong Kong-based students, artists and art teachers from several schools.

The family-friendly event is the culmination of a year-long HeArt art project during which Boyd pledged to post pictures of handmade HeArts daily on her Instagram and Facebook pages. Followers were then able to request the heart be sent to themselves or to somebody with whom they wanted to ‘share the love’. Boyd’s hearts have travelled from Hong Kong to over 40 different countries. One follower requested a heart be sent to her daughter who was working as a frontline combat medic in Afghanistan.

“The project has made more of an impact than I expected,” said Boyd. “It’s amazing to see the impression paper and pen can have on people.”

The walk takes participants through Sai Kung to participating businesses who

are displaying HeArtWalk art. The final destination will be Boyd’s H Gallery where professional artists have donated work which will be available for purchase through a silent auction.

Tickets will go on sale a week before the event when those taking part can collect stamps from the participating businesses.

These stamps will then entitle them to enter a raffle. Dozens of businesses in Sai Kung have donated prizes, from hair products to helicopter rides. Money raised from both the raffle and the silent auction will go to charities including ‘House with Heart’, a home for abandoned children in Kathmandu, Nepal.

HeArtWalk 2018 will take place on April 21 and 22, the art auction will take place 6-8.30pm, April 21, tickets are $200 with a map for the artwalk displayed on the back of the ticket. Tickets are available from H Studio Gallery, 1/1 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, @helenbrontebodyartist, facebook.com/HStudioGallery.

HelperChoice, a social platform that connects employers with domestic workers in Hong Kong, has launched a helper training academy. For one monthly subscription, helpers will be able to access a wide range of classes and workshops.

“Domestic workers should not be overlooked,” said Julie Delignon, HelperChoice country manager. “It’s their employers’ responsibility to ensure they have the right skills to carry out their daily job but also to support them in the development of new skills.”

The HelperChoice Academy covers areas such as cooking, baking, kitchen management, sewing, financial management, English and Cantonese. For $190/month, helpers will have access to an unlimited number of classes.

“More and more workshops are going to be planned in the coming months,” said Delignon. “We are starting with one or two classes per month but we will increase the volume of classes throughout this year.”

For more details, contact helperchoice.com.

Okey dokey DokiWatch has launched in Hong Kong. The all-tech smartwatch is aimed at six to 12 year olds and includes new and improved functions on previous models. There’s two-way video call, messaging, a scheduler (no more forgetting footie training or homework due dates!), fitness tracker and location-tracking capabilities. If you’re unsure about plunging your child into the smartphone world, this is an ideal stepping stone.

DokiWatch costs $1,398 and is available from selected retail and telecoms outlets in Hong Kong, see doki.com.

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news

Bumps to Babes closure Parent and baby retailer Bumps to Babes went into liquidation last month resulting in the sudden closure of all of its Hong Kong stores.

While company founder Richard Walker owns 25.1% of the company, the majority is held

by Baioo Family Interactive. The retailer was wound up as it was “not generating sufficient revenue to cover operating expenses.” Baioo Family added that it “does not foresee any reasonable prospect of the business of Bumps to Babes.”

According to an official spokesperson for Zolfo Cooper, the company which is now in charge of the liquidation, customers with unfulfilled orders can send off a Proof of Debt form along with supporting documents to Zolfo Cooper.

There was no indication given as to how long it would take to receive returns.

Parenting pointers Velveteen crush US luxury kids’ brand Velveteen has launched its first concept store in Hong Kong. The cute collections are regularly snapped up by celebrities; Beyonce’s daughter Ivy Blue was recently spotted at a Disney premier sporting the brand’s ‘Corrine’ dress.

Velveteen was founded in 2013 by Hong Kong resident Laura Egloff and pieces are strongly influenced by a bohemian beach childhood memories in her native California.

She has since led a peripatetic existence, living in New York, London and Switzerland before settling in Hong Kong in 2006.

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Spring collection from celebrity favourite, Velveteen

Egloff promotes fair practice when it comes to production and she actively promotes fair labour practices, tailoring sustainable products with a long lifespan.

“We are dedicated to ‘doing well by doing good’,” she said.

The brand is currently sold worldwide in 150 locations. The concept store is located at Lee Garden Two, Shop 214, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, velveteenclothing.com.

A new parenting class is being launched this month by local business entrepreneur, Shalini Melwani. The Parent Effective Training Classes have been ‘scientifically formulated’ by worldrenowned Dr Thomas Gordon, a pioneer in teaching communication skills and conflict resolution methods, and will explain to parents how to talk to your child in order to be heard.

The classes will also share how to listen to your child properly and will also touch on raising self-confidence, growing independent problem solvers and distributing power in the family.

Classes will be held in Aberdeen and Kowloon and consist of eight, three-hour sessions from April through to June.

Parent Effective Learning Classes, April 13 - June 1 (Fridays), Sylvan Learning Centre, 2nd Floor, One Island South, Aberdeen; or April 14 - June 3 (Saturdays), Mills International Preschool, 8 Cho Yuen Street, The Spectacle, Yau Tong, Kowloon; $4,200/person, $7,400/ couple, gordonparenting.com.

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giveaways WIN HERE! Click the Giveaways tab on our website: hongkongliving.com Grand Prize - Two-night FAUST International stay at Angsana Lang Co, Vietnam With summer fast approaching, we’re treating one lucky couple to a twonight stay at Angsana Lang Co, Vietnam. Relax and enjoy your stay at this beachside resort with complimentary daily breakfast and airport shuttle services. No seaside vacation is complete without great beach accessories - so we’re also giving away two beautiful beach bags by Makaron.

Enter now to win both prizes, worth a of total of $7,000!

The Script

Seven years since their Hong Kong debut, soft rock trio The Script are back in town with their new album Freedom Child on April 24. Known for hits such as Hall of Fame, Breakeven, the Irish band has topped the UK charts with three multi-platinum albums. Tickets available at hkticketing.com We are giving away two pairs of tickets, valued at $2,320 in total.

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Suitable for children aged 3 to 14, Faust International’s week long Summer Theatre programme empowers children through drama and performance skills. While their Creative Writing programme sees kids, aged 6 to 13 years develop their writing skills and creativity in a fun, relaxed environment. faustworld.com/prog_summer.asp Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one reader a place at either the Summer Theatre or Creative Writing programme. This prize is valued at $2,980, use between June 25 and August 24. Workshops will be held in Sheung Wan, Kowloon (KGV School) and Discovery Bay.

Plastic-free HK

Founded in 2016, Plastic-free HK aims to provide an eco-friendly shopping alternative in Hong Kong. All products are either items that you can keep reusing or are made of, and packaged with organic materials that would degrade naturally. Find out more at plasticfreehk.com We are happy to give away a zero-waste bathroom kit and a zero-waste shaving kit, valued at $765 in total.

Woodland’s Summer Programmes

Woodland Pre-Schools’ new summer programmes encourage our little ones to discover a wide range of interests including drama, music, science, cooking and design. Summer Sports and Games Programmes are also on offer from July 3 to August 10. Open to children aged 6 months to 7 years. woodlandschools.com. We are giving away three Summer Programmes, valued from $3,350 each.

expat-parent.com 19

debate of the month

Shop ‘til you drop

Check out

How do you fill kids’ wardrobes, online, or in good old bricks ‘n’ mortar shops?

“Youtubers, bloggers and vloggers have a lot to answer for!” Marion

My teen girls love princesspolly.com - it’s cheap and delivers in 48 hours.

Kim

“Zara and J Crew both have online kids collections - and you can return goods to the stores in town.” Lisa

“I rely on retykle.com. It’s online and Hong Kong-based. They sell second hand designer kids clothes - I love it.” Zoe

“I order online from alexaandalexa.com, scoutandcokids.com, riverisland.com, debenhams.com and johnlewis.com. They all deliver to Hong Kong.” Vicki

There’s a huge gap in the Hong Kong market for tweens and young teens.

Sam

I’m too worried about buying the wrong size to go online. So my kids are stuck with an entire wardrobe of H&M. Leslie “Stanley Market when my daughter was little, now it’s Cotton On, Top Shop and charity shops in the UK.” Janet “There’s some great stuff on Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok.” Sarah “My kids wear the same things over and over, so I buy just a few things from Muji,” Lydia

“I fill an online basket from nextdirect.com or boden.co.uk, the girls say they hate it, I sigh and go back to H&M or Gap. I’m desperate for options, basically!” Meg

“Net-a-porter delivers the same day if you order before 9am - and it’s free to return.” Theresa “My son’s entire wardrobe is from Uniqlo - in the UK. Hong Kong clothing is expensive and limited.” Kyla

I really like surfstitch.com for online Tara

We want to hear from you! Next month: Tots and tech - when is too early, too early?

Email your views to editorial@hongkongliving.com

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me & my big idea

Wander lust Mum-of-one Florentyna Sue has launched a one-stop-shop for young travellers So what’s the big idea?

Wander Cubs is an online e-tailer that sells travel gear for young families. Trying to take some of the stress out of travelling with young infants is something most parents can relate to. I personally source the products from around the world, researching and testing them before they reach our website.

We carry products such as GPS trackers, volume limited headphones, travel luggage, creative toys for the plane, travel nursery bags and more. It’s all designed to get your little ones from A to B in a happy mood.

How did it come about?

As with most expat families, our family travels long haul quite a few times a year.

Before I had my son, I always noticed the difficulties and struggles families go through while travelling. Now that I have my own little monkey, I realise how emotional and stressful it really can be and so I decided to do some research. I used to be a product developer in the fashion industry and one of my main duties was to source factories, fabrics and trims. So this was a fun project for me because I felt I was using my skills for something even more exciting.

How did you go about sourcing the products?

I do a LOT of research, read a LOT of articles - including blogs from other parents - and I’m always on the hunt for the next best product to hit the market. Sometimes it’s a case of pinpointing what would be useful and then searching for what’s out there, other times the product appears from my research and creates a good fit with the goals for Wander Cubs. We think hard about the products we carry.

Do you think there’s a gap in the market in HK for this website?

There certainly isn’t a one stop shop for young families to obtain travel gear in Hong Kong. Also, I find that shops in Hong Kong carry pretty much the same products as one another. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great products, but I like to source things that 22 expat-parent.com

Florentyna Sue knows the deal when it comes to travel with tots

aren’t yet in Hong Kong. The recent closure of one of Hong Kong’s bigger retail baby chains has also opened up opportunities for retailers like ourselves. Hong Kong will always be a city of travellers with so many great locations just a short flight away, as well as the annual trips home for many expats; the airlines and airports are great at accommodating young travellers but nothing beats being prepared for when the doors close and the flight takes off. That’s a real test of parenting and Wander Cubs aims to make that easier.

How challenging was it to set up?

Setting up a website itself was quite challenging. Everything takes time and working around the needs of a toddler can be challenging. But it was fun and rewarding;

it takes time to get the right balance of customer awareness and enjoyment. It was exciting to be able to market new products to parents who can be very receptive when one of their dramas or worries is solved.

What’s next?

We will soon have unboxing videos for our more complex products like GPS trackers and hope to join more pop-up events at Hong Kong’s shopping fairs. We’ll continue to expand where we can see solid, practical and fun answers to the challenge of travelling with young children. Some of our products are available at Auntie Tam’s Education Centre in One Island South where you can see and feel the products in person, wandercubs.com.

expat-parent.com 23

book review

Out this month The Heart Is A Burial Ground Tamara Colchester The story of Caresse Crosby, wife of American poet Harry Crosby, retold by her great-granddaughter. The novel opens in 1970 and Caresse’s daughter, Diana, arrives at her sprawling Italian castle to take care of her as she nears the end of her life. Now a widow, Caresse Crosby was once one half of literature’s most scandalous couple in 1920s Paris.

Her husband, Harry Crosby, the American heir, poet, publisher and bon vivant, epitomized for many the ‘lost generation’ in American literature.

Last Letter Home

The Family Next Door

Tangerine

Rachel Hore

Sally Hepworth

Christine Mangan

A gripping novel from the bestselling author of A Week in Paris and A Place of Secrets. Hore’s latest tale is set in Italy and Norfolk, spanning a 70 year period. On holiday with friends, Briony Andrews becomes fascinated with a wartime story of a ruined villa in the hills around Naples. Handed a bundle of letters discovered after the war, she sets off to trace the fate of their sender, Sarah Bailey, a British expat who returned to Britain from India in 1939.

She uncovers Sarah’s wartime story, along with resentments and secrets still tightly guarded.

If you were a fan of Big Little Lies, this novel is for you. The suburb of Pleasant Court lives up to its name - everyone knows their neighbours and the kids play happily in the street. But Isabelle Heatherington doesn’t fit into this picture perfect family paradise. She is single and childless and soon catches the attention of the Pleasant Court mothers. But Ange, Fran and Essie all have their own secrets.

A gripping page-turner full of shocking revelations.

A gripping psychological thriller set in 1950s Morocco. The last person Alice Shipley expects to see on arriving in Tangier with her new husband is Lucy Mason. Following an horrific accident, the once inseparable friends haven’t spoken for over a year. But Lucy wants to straighten things out. Nervous in her new North African home, Alice lets adventurous Lucy help her find her feet. But she soon begins to feel controlled and events culminate when Alice’s husband, John, goes missing.

All books are available from Book Depository, bookdepository.com, with free shipping to Hong Kong.

Read it out loud The benefits of reading to young children are huge. Sara Young of online store Bookwise shares her top tales for tots

The Star of the Zoo Meg & Mog Virginie Zurcher

Helen Nicoll

A star falls from the sky and all the zoo animals work together to help the star get home. A truly wonderful book about teamwork and friendship.

One of my personal favourites growing up.

Meg is a witch whose spells simply don’t go to plan with hilarious results.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Curious George Anna Kemp Visits A Toy Shop This dog is no ordinary dog. He likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. This dog thinks he’s a ballerina.

H A Hey My daughters simply loved this little monkey who is very curious and goes on many adventures most of which end in chaos.

All books are available from bookwise.com.hk, a family-run children’s bookstore catering for children from 0-12 years.

24 expat-parent.com

Poo in the Zoo, Steve Smallman If your child is obsessed with poo, then they will love this book. There’s panda poo, rhino poo and even glowing poo.

book review

Tales for tweens Award winning Canadian children’s author Kenneth Oppel recently touched down in Hong Kong. He tells Expat Parent what inspires him Tell us about your books They’re primarily for children aged from eight to 14 years. My two most popular series are Silverwing, a collection of adventures told from the point of view of bats, and Airborn, steampunk adventures set aboard giant airships. I’ve also written stand-alone novels including The Nest, The Boundless, Every Hidden Thing and Half Brother. This last book is about a teenager whose scientist parents adopt a baby chimp to teach it sign language.

So what have you been up to in Hong Kong?

I was invited by the Hong Kong Readers Literary Festival, so I’ve spent a fascinating week visiting schools and speaking to students about writing and my books. I also had the chance to explore the city, including Kowloon Walled City, Victoria Peak,

neighbourhoods such as Yau Ma Tei and I also hopped on the Star Ferry for a ride.

I’ve loved walking around - Hong Kong is so visually and culturally interesting.

How long have you been writing?

My first book was published when I was just 17 years old, so I always encourage aspiring writers to keep an ideas notebook and to write about whatever it is that most fascinate them. I also tell them not to be too critical of their own writing when working on a first draft.

Why is it important for kids to be picking up books?

Books are the perfect technology - they require no power source and they can take you anywhere, expose you to any idea of point of view and give you any kind of experience under the sun.

Author Kenneth Oppel in Hong Kong last month

What did you enjoy reading growing up?

I loved adventure stories about kids whose parents were benignly absent.

Tell us about your latest book In September I have a new book coming out called Inkling. It’s about a magical ink that drags itself off the pages of an artist’s sketchbook.

Oppel’s books are available from Englishlanguage bookshops in Hong Kong, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @kennethoppel (“I think I’m the only Kenneth Oppel out there!”).

expat-parent.com 25

C ST OV O ER RY

Easter treats Spoil your family with some yummy festive biscuits and a show-stopping cake

26 expat-parent.com

R VE Y O R C TO S

LEMON CAKE This makes two round cakes of 8’’.

CAKE INGREDIENTS: • 500grms salted butter,room temp.

• 2 1/2 cups caster sugar • 4 large eggs plus 4 egg whites • 4 tsp lemon essence • 2 tbsp lemon zest • 2 tsp baking soda • 4 tsp baking powder • 6 cups all purpose flour • 3 cups milk

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Butter the 8 inch pans. In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and add the lemon zest.

2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

With mixer on low, beat in eggs and egg whites , one at a time and add the lemon essence.

3. Alternately add and beat in the flour mixture and milk, mix just until combined.

4. Divide the batter between 2 pans, smooth tops and bake until cooked, 30-35 minutes.

Let it cool for 30 min. and transfer it to a wire rack. Ready for frosting

LEMON FROSTING INGREDIENTS: • 140 grms unsalted butter • 2 lb icing sugar • 2 tsp lemon essence • 1/3 cups water

DIRECTIONS Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and add the icing sugar,vanilla and water until well combined and smooth. Add lemon juice if the icing is too dry.

DECORATING YOUR BUNNY 1. After the cakes have cooled, cut the dome top off both of the cakes to make a flat surface. Place them one on top of the other on the cake board with a generous dollop of lemon butter icing in between and one securing it to the board.

2. With the palette knife, smooth half of the remaining lemon butter icing around the sides of the cake (this is called the crumb coat). Put it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. When

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Icing turn-table (not crucial but makes life easier) • Palette knife • 1kg tub of white fondant • Pink food colouring • Green food colouring • 6 toothpicks • Gold food colouring • Gold edible glitter • Cake board or flat plate • Two wooden skewers (about 10’’) • A4 piece of paper & a pencil ( to draw the ears template) • Scissors the crumb coat has a slight crust, smooth the rest of the icing on the cake to make an even finish.

3. Roll out 3/4 of the fondant to approximately half a centimetre thick. Use corn flour to prevent sticking. Make sure you have enough circumference to cover the sides and top of the cake before you place it over the cake.

Gently rub the surface of the cake to get rid of any air bubbles and then while turning the cake, smooth the sides down bit by bit to ensure a flat finish to the top and sides. Set aside to make your bunny bits.

4. Using the A4 piece of paper, fold in half longways and cut along the fold line. Using 1/2 of your piece of A4, again fold in half lengthways. On 1/2 of the fold draw one side of the ear. Cut along your drawn line then fold and draw round your shape. Cut out the rest of your ear. Trace another ear on the other half of your A4 but when you cut out, do so 1cm inside your line - this makes the template for your pink inner bunny ear.

5. Roll out the white and pink fondant for the ears and cutout two of each template. Fix them in place with a little water and leave to dry overnight with a curl at the top of one ear.

When dry fix 2 skewers to the back with a little water and fondant strip.

6. Using the picture to guide you, roll the feet, nose & eye lines of bunny & cut out circles using punches or icing nozzles for feet pads.

Mixing a little pink colouring with your white fondant.

7. Cover the toothpicks with gold food colour & gold edible glitter and set aside to dry.

8. Assemble your bunny with the aid of dry spaghetti if the bits and bobs need a little help in sticking to the cake. A little water also helps the fondant stick.

9. Decorate your board with green fondant for a finishing touch and add a ribbon around the board sides to complete your Easter bunny cake. Enjoy! expat-parent.com 27

C ST OV O ER RY

EASY BISCUITS INGREDIENTS: • 250 g butter, softened • 140 g caster sugar • 1 egg yolk • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 300g plain flour

Method Mix 250g softened butter and 140g caster sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer then add the egg yolk and 2 tsp of vanilla extract and beat until combined. Sift over 300g plain flour and knead with your both hands and press the dough together until combined. Roll out the dough to approx 5mm thick & cut out the shapes with your cutter. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 min. in 150 degrees C. Makes about 30 biscuits

ICING INGREDIENTS: • 3 cups of icing sugar • lemon juice • blue, pink & yellow food colouring

Decoration In three separate bowls, mix one cup of icing sugar with a few dollops of lemon juice to a thick but runny consistency. Add (with a toothpick) a tiny amount of colouring to obtain the pastel pinks, blues and yellows. Spoon the icing into three separate piping bags with a no three icing nozzle. Trace around the edge of the biscuits and fill in.

Create the decorative flowers by cutting out petals using pre-bought fondant.

Put together with a little water.

Our thanks to Hong Kong’s ’cake lady’ Jude Bailey of Cakey Makey for the recipes, eventsforlife.com.hk 28 expat-parent.com

expat-parent.com 29

THE big interview

Mayank Vaid and David Gething hope to raise $1 million for two Hong Kong charities

Tour de force

Local dads David Gething and Mayank Vaid tell Carolynne Dear how they’re hoping to run, swim and cycle from London to Paris

T

he last time I caught up with David Gething was in 2015 shortly after he’d won the World Marathon Challenge title - seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents. It’s the stuff of legend. Since then he has gone on to complete a number of equally gruelling events - ‘highlights’ include marathons in North Korea and swimming alligator-infested waters in Florida. His most recent challenge was running four marathons back-to-back on the Indian/Pakistani border (“we were approached late at night by fully armed border patrol guards wanting to know if we were smuggling drugs - fortunately my run buddy speaks Hindi”).

But Gething and run partner Mayank Vaid are now heading towards what Gething 30 expat-parent.com

describes as potentially their toughest gig to date - the ‘Arch to Arc’, an event that involves running, swimming and cycling 288 miles from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This is the first time the event has been undertaken by Hong Kongers.

Buoyed by the reception he received for past events, Gething figured this time he could use the publicity to raise awareness - and cash - for two local charities, Outward Bound Hong Kong and The Zubin Foundation.

“The media coverage I received after completing the World Marathon Challenge was fantastic, and flattering as it was to have lots written about me, this time I’d like to try and channel some of that goodwill towards these two worthy causes.”

The Zubin Foundation is a social policy think tank and charity supporting ethnic minority welfare in Hong Kong. Ethnic minorities, excluding domestic helpers, make up 3% of Hong Kong’s population, yet face considerable barriers. Ethnic minority children are among the most marginalised groups in the SAR, with a third in poverty. And non-Chinese speaking ethnic minorities with special education needs (SEN) form a minority group within a minority group. They have historically been ignored by the Hong Kong education system and consequently a massive 57% drop out of school between primary and secondary. It is this group that Gething and Vaid are particularly trying to support.

THE big interview Outward Bound Hong Kong is committed to developing Hong Kongers through learning experiences in the outdoors. Their programmes are open to all, without regard to race, social class, occupation, gender or nationality, and Gething and Vaid are hoping that the money they raise will enable disadvantaged SEN ethnic minorities to access an Outward Bound personal development programme.

“It’s tough enough when a child is diagnosed with special educational needs,” says Gething’s wife, Trilby, who is project managing the challenge as well as the fundraising. “But now imagine you have no money and your family doesn’t speak the language of instruction at your child’s school.

It’s an astonishingly impossible situation. We’re hoping that being able to access an Outward Bound programme will give these children a sense of confidence and a real boost. We’re trying to reach $1million and we’re hoping to sponsor a child a mile, 288 children in total, $3,000 will sponsor one child. Epix Gear has also generously donated kit.”

Training is continuing apace, with the pair clocking up around 150kms of running and 200kms of cycling a week, mostly through Sai Kung Country Park, around Tseung Kwan O and over and around Fei

Nga Shan, as well as three to four hours of open-water swimming. And it’s the swim that has Gething most worried.

“Actually, I’m pretty terrified,” he admits as we meet for coffee at Clearwater Bay’s St Barts restaurant post-training. “It’s not my strongest discipline and I’m frankly very concerned. We’ll be swimming in the summer but we have been told to expect temperatures of around 12 degrees, which is colder than the ocean here in winter.”

The pair will attempt the 21 mile sea crossing in wetsuits, starting between Dover and Folkstone on England’s south coast and finishing near Cap Griz Nez between Calais and Boulogne. The Channel is considered by many to be the ultimate long distance swim challenge. Weather conditions are variable and can include winds of up to force six and waves up to two metres. And with a strong tide, most crossings are considerably longer than 21kms.

Added to that, it’s one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with over 600 tankers and up to 200 ferries ploughing the waters daily. And then there are the jellyfish. “Maybe they’ll be out of season when we swim?” Gething suggests hopefully.

Gething and Vaid will be attempting the swim as a relay, each of them swimming for

GB START

FR finish

around half-an-hour before switching into the boat. All Channel swims must be accompanied by a safety vessel and pilot.

Once they’ve hit land in France, the pair will switch straight to bikes for the final 300km.

“I’m much more comfortable on a bike and I’m looking forward to seeing the countryside, it’s an area of the world I’m not familiar with,” says Australian-born Gething. “We’re also hoping to celebrate with a week in the south of France afterwards.”

I’m pretty terrified of the swim, apparently there are jellyfish.

And what do Gething’s own children think about the challenge? “Oh, they’re pretty blase,” laughs Gething. “When I complete an event they mostly want to know if I’ve won, and when I say well no, actually it was more the taking part, they sort of lose interest and say, oh well, better luck next time, dad!”

Meanwhile Trilby has possibly the toughest challenge, managing the entire event and maintaining spirits along the way.

“At the moment I’m trying to figure out how to pick-up a car in France. I really want to accompany the team in the safety boat, which means I can’t transport a vehicle across on a car ferry, so I’m trying to work out the mechanics of picking up a hire car in Calais and racing back before they start the cycle ride.”

Trilby is supported by event management on the UK-side but the nuts and bolts, such as organising pitt-stops and refreshments, are down to her. “I’ll have a mixture of gels, salty and sweet snacks, energy drinks and water on hand at pre-agreed points on the route,” she says.

But for now it’s up to Gething and Vaid to get the training miles under their belts, not to mention conquering that jellyfish fear.

The Arch to Arc challenge starts on June 12.

Donations can be made at simplygiving.com/every-mile-matters-288.

There will be a fundraising dinner on May 10 at Bombay Dreams, Central.

Contact trilbypda@gmail.com expat-parent.com 31

32 expat-parent.com

schools

School news

MARATHON MOMENTS AT AISHK The sun shone on Australian International students from the school’s primary section as they competed in the annual AISHK cross country event. This year it took place along Kowloon Waterfront, with children completing a 3km course. Pictured is Jack Ridley (centre) and friends, who proudly scooped the silver medal for Year 6 Boys.

expat-parent.com 33

schools

Australian says g’day to new head of school

New head of school Mark Hemphill with students on the school’s ‘green roof’

The Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) has welcomed incoming head of school, Mark Hemphill.

Hemphill joins the Kowloon Tong-based through-train school from his former position as head of preparatory at prestigious Sydney private boys school, Knox Grammar. Prior to that, Hemphill headed up the middle school at Zurich International School, Switzerland, and was foundation middle school principal at Moriah College, Sydney.

Along with academic rigour, Hemphill views the wellbeing of students and staff as of paramount importance and he’s seeking to promote a strong sense of collaboration and community at the 1,100-strong school, which currently welcomes students from 22 different nations. Hemphill was indeed presented with a NSW Parents’ Council 34 expat-parent.com

Principal’s Excellence Award for Parent Engagement during his tenure in Sydney.

“Growing up in a small town and in a large family with four sisters, I was always part of a close-knit community, and in work life, I have always sought schools or opportunities where community is a focus,” he told Expat Parent.

This desire to get involved recently resulted in him running the school’s annual primary cross country along Kowloon waterfront an impressive four times in order to support each different year group competing.

Hemphill takes the reigns at AISHK as the school celebrates a strong IB (International Baccalaureate) and HSC (Australian High School Certificate) performance. Last academic year the

school enjoyed a 100% pass rate in both curriculums, with two students achieving a ‘perfect’ IB score of 45. Ninety-six per cent of students scored above the global IB points average. Over eighty-one per cent of students sitting HSC obtained an Australian university entry rank (ATAR) of 70+.

Of Hong Kong, Hemphill admits to being excited to be working in such a dynamic environment. “It seems to be a city full of surprises and juxtaposition - you never know what you will see next. With the beaches, countryside and cityscapes, there is something here for everyone. I have also discovered that I love egg tarts!”

For more information about AISHK, see aishk.edu.hk.

schools

Craft with a cause

Ruby anniversary for Woodland Woodland Preschools celebrates 40 years in the territory this year and staff and students recently enjoyed a big birthday bash at the group’s Caine Road campus. Established in 1978, Woodland today operates out of nine campuses across Hong Kong, with both traditional and Montessori teaching approaches in English, bi-lingual and pure Mandarin classes. Classes are available for children from six months at the group’s Rollers and Wrigglers programme. Graduating preschoolers progress to a wide range of English Schools Foundation, local and international primary schools, woodlandschools.com.

Memories are made of these

If you’re a preschool or school looking for an innovative way of raising funds, local educator Angela Comer-Lam has launched a souvenir cotton tea-towel initiative.

Ideal as an end-of-year memory or graduation gift, the cotton towels can be decorated with up to 250 self-portraits of students, or little hand and footprints of preschool tots.

For every tea-towel purchased, a portion of the money can be donated back to the

Song and a dance Hong Kong Academy (HKA) in Sai Kung will be hosting student workshops organised by UK performance arts educators International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) next month. The classes will be led by cast members from stage show Evita, which is touring in Hong Kong. Dance skills will be the focus of ‘Broadway Dance’, led by Evita’s choreographer Duane Alexander (3.305pm, May 21, $395); ‘Audition Masterclass: Acting + Musical Theatre’ focuses on how to approach auditions and is led by Evita’s director Anton Luitingh (3.30-8pm, May 21, $790); ‘The Sound of Music’ gives students the chance to work with the directing team of The Sound of Music and Evita on a range of songs, dances and scenes from the hit stage musical (9am-1pm, May 26, $790); and

school or to a nominated charity. Not only that, kids will have a lot of fun getting crafty with their portraits, creating a treasureforever gift for mums, dads and extended family members overseas.

The tea-towels have a cost price of $45 and a recommended retail price of $100/ towel. Delivery is usually four weeks from order. Fore more details, email sales@eek.com.hk.

In brief… ...Highgate House will be opening up its doors to welcome prospective parents to find out more about the Steiner Waldorf-accredited kindergarten. The open afternoon will include lots of indoor play, breadmaking and outdoor play on the terrace. Teachers will be on hand to answer questions and talk through the curriculum and daily routine. The school is located at 100 Peak Road, The Peak, to make a reservation, go to highgateopenafternoon.eventbrite.hk.

finally there will be a ‘Vocal Masterclass’ with the lead actress from Evita, Emma Kingston - students should come prepared to sing a song of their choice (3.30-5.30pm, June 4, $395). Bookings are being taken now at ista-hongkong.com

Soccer Sundays Calling all mini Messis! Asia Pacific Soccer School is launching Sunday morning classes for five to 12 year olds this month - and there’s a free trial class on April 8 which is open to all. The sessions will be held at Stanley Ho, with five to seven year olds coached from 9-10am and eight to 12 year olds at 10.30am-12pm. There are also classes for under fives available, check the website for more details, apsoccer.hk. expat-parent.com 35

schools

Stamford American School Hong Kong opened its doors last August

A tale of two cities Rebecca Simpson finds out how Stamford American School is fitting into Hong Kong’s school scene

A

s a staunch supporter of all things Hong Kong, it’s somewhat painful for me to write this, but, Singapore is really kicking some goals at the moment. In this year’s Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey, Singapore leaped eleven spots and is now officially more liveable than Hong Kong. Ouch.

It’s said that improvements to education played a part in the Lion City’s rocket up the EIU liveability chart. So it’s of great interest to our city that Stamford American School has now opened in Hong Kong, following in the footsteps and format of its very successful sister school in Singapore, Stamford American International School Singapore.

According to Head of School here in Hong Kong, Karrie Dietz, the success of the Singapore campus is organically infused 36 expat-parent.com

into Stamford Hong Kong. Even a selection of Singapore’s teaching faculty has been transferred over to ensure the school’s DNA is replicated in our city.

So what makes Stamford American School in Singapore so successful?

“Ninety per cent of our students in Singapore get their top choice of university,” says Dietz, who is one of the staff members who has moved over from Singapore to establish the school. She brings more than 20 years experience across many countries and is no stranger to Asia’s curriculum challenges having developed the Singapore school’s bilingual program.

According to Dietz, Stamford graduates are not only successful university applicants, they’re also engaged young adults with a sense of purpose. She says their time at Stamford is spent developing

schools

Grade two students hard at work

higher level thinking skills, ensuring that they’re able to analyze and synthesize and evaluate. She continues, “They’re not just graduating with the ability to get into universities, they’re motivated to make a difference and impact the world in positive ways.”

Stamford’s approach to its curriculum is to splice a conservative standards based education with a more progressive inquiry-based approach. This fusion means students will be exposed to inquiry based learning while being supported with a more traditional assessment-based foundation.

The school uses the AERO standards and benchmarks (American Education

Reaches Out), which are based on the Common Core. This approach provides vertical alignment – what is taught to students in one grade level is preparing them for the next grade level.

“Another benefit of being a standards based school is we also give the MAP (measure of academic progress) assessments,” says Dietz. “The teachers can see exactly where a student is at. The MAP assessments are run twice a year, at the beginning and the end of the year so we can measure a student’s growth.”

At the progressive end, the school offers an inquiry based curriculum so they’re engaging the students in hands-on activities

and trying to find where the students’ interests lie.

Dietz is very familiar with the IB curriculums preferred by many of the city’s international schools, she is a workshop leader for the PYP (Primary Years Program) and has experience as a curriculum coordinator, as a director of teaching and learning, with all three IB programs – PYP, MYP and DP. This experience means the school will forge its own approach, Ms. Dietz explains, “We’ll take the best of the PYP and MYP – the inquiry-based portion - and the best teaching strategies and implement those.”

At the Hong Kong Campus they are currently in the process of applying for the IB Diploma accreditation.

Like so many international schools in Hong Kong, Stamford American School takes the importance of STEAM very seriously and has integrated their STEMINN program into the day-to-day experience of students of all ages.

“We have an innovation lab which students attend at least once a week. We have a STEMINN coordinator who teaches the students once a week but also helps the teachers in planning so that STEMINN doesn’t just happen in the innovation centre.

“For example, in Grade 1, students are using bots to carry out simple coding, but this is integrated with art. They’re painting fun maps, then they lay a grid over the map that they’ve painted and they can have their bot visit places on that map. So we’re integrating maths and art in a fun way.” expat-parent.com 37

schools The arts is also a focus point for the school. There are specialist teachers for art, drama and music, each given the same remit as the Innovations centre – to weave the arts into daily school life.

In terms of bi-lingual and ESL offerings, the school offers two special programs in pre-primary and grade one - ALP (Accelerated Language Program) for students who are finding challenges with English.

Bi-Lingual (Mandarin and English) classes are currently only for pre-primary and grade one students, but if interest from parents is high this class format will continue.

To support students social and emotional development, the Stamford boasts a full-time councillor and head of learning support. There is also a nurse who is very involved with families. Already this year, the nurse has engaged directly with the parent body offering information sessions that share guidelines for how much sleep young people require through to discussions with female students and their mums about changes they’ll go through.

38 expat-parent.com

The school is all about having fun as well as learning

Stamford American School’s consistency in staff helps to ensure that, not only a close-knit team has already been established, but that continuity of the school’s DNA is transferred to the Hong Kong campus with ease and complete knowledge. It also paves the way for collaboration across the two schools and the entire Cognita network.

“The teachers here, because they have ex-colleagues in Singapore, work closely with these colleagues. The bilingual program faculty shares resources and best practice between and staff from Stamford Singapore have already been to visit the Hong Kong campus,” says Dietz.

For the school year 2017-2018, Stamford American School in Hong Kong

schools

School Report

has classes from Pre-primary (ages 5 and 6) to Grade 7. At time of going to press there was availability across the board with some classes expanding to meet demand and a further grade three class opening up. For the next academic year, the school will grow to have a Grade 8 class, and continue to grow year-to-year until a graduating class

is reached. Interested parents can contact the school for the latest information on enrollments.

Established: 2017 Number of students: 350 with capacity for 1,000 Class size: 24 Curriculum: Inquiry-based, American Education Reaches Out, Common Core Plus IB *Applying for candidacy in December 2017 Fees 2017/2018: $165,900-$182,100 per annum Non refundable capital levy: $30,000 Address: 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: 2500 8688

expat-parent.com 39

schools

Principal’s office The lowdown from Karrie Dietz, Stamford’s lady at the top How long have you worked in education?

Twenty-three years, with five of those in the US and 18 in Central and Southeast Asia.

What’s your Hong Kong story?

I officially moved here last July, but I’d been visiting frequently from early 2017 to prepare for Stamford Hong Kong’s September 2017 opening.

What are you loving about Hong Kong?

The Big Buddha has become a favourite trip with visitors, sometimes I also throw in a hike along with the cable car ride.

Did you have a favourite subject at school?

I really enjoyed art, especially drawing and painting.

What’s the most memorable thing a teacher ever said to you?

A favourite teacher and coach once shared a quote from Dr Seuss, “Oh, the places you’ll go.” This message has come to life.

As a school principal, what’s the toughest part of your day?

It can be challenging finding time to visit classrooms. I think it’s important to stay connected with students and their learning.

What’s Stamford’s greatest strength, in your opinion?

I value our highly qualified and committed faculty and staff. They are fantastic to work with and they are key to creating a community of care, excellence and joy.

What’s the most beneficial opportunity for kids completing their education in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is such a vibrant city which lends many opportunities to extending learning outside of the classroom, whether that’s participating in a workshop with local artists or connecting with local entrepreneurs. There are also incredible outdoor opportunities - from local overnight excursions to becoming involved in events such as the Volvo Ocean Race.

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“Our commited staff is key to creating a community of care,” says Karrie Dietz

What are your views on homework in early primary?

There are definitely benefits to children reading books they enjoy with family members and individually. This develops an appreciation of literature and a love of reading generally. I think that home learning, when carefully designed, helps to engage families in the child’s learning and this can provide meaningful learning experiences.

However, I do believe young children should have plenty of time to play and socialize at home.

Do you advocate extra-curricular tuition?

In most cases, no. This additional study time can be stressful for students and can create unhealthy pressure. Children learn at different rates and excel in different areas.

This is both ok and to be expected. These differences should be valued.

What are your feelings about technology in the classroom?

I support the purposeful use of technology, such as when it provides learning opportunities that are more effective or maybe not possible without tech. An example is the use of Seesaw, a digital platform for sharing learning. This tool encourages celebration and reflection of a student’s work.

Tell us a secret about yourself…

I met my husband on America’s largest bike ride across the US. Seven hundred and fifty people participated in the 3,369 mile, 48 day ride to raise funds for the American Lung Association.

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Photo courtesy of TREE

life & style

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life & style

Flying the aspidistra

Green up your living space this spring. Carolynne Dear digs the dirt

Peace Lily One of the prettiest indoor plants around with distinctive white flowers and lush green leaves,

Photo by Amber Faust from Pexels

I

f you’re over the cityscape, creating a haven of green inside your living space comes with fabulous fringe benefits. Plants are a huge mood booster as well as mopping up indoor pollutants. As the great air conditioning switch on begins this month, it’s an ideal time to think about ridding your home of any outdoor nasties that are being sucked in.

Plants are also believed to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as just creating a pleasant environment in which to live.

On a very basic level, plants absorb the carbon dioxide that we expel and release oxygen that we take in. But our indoor air is also packed with toxic compounds emitted by furnishings, upholstery, synthetic building materials and cleaning products.

Formaldehyde is a commonly found indoor air pollutant, along with pollen, bacteria and molds, as well as exhaust fumes if your windows open onto a busy road.

And considering we spend around 90% of our time indoors, indoor air quality matters.

But the good news is that certain varieties of plants have been found to cleanse living spaces of these nasties, so by adding a pot plant or two to your living space can result in a fresher living environment.

So how does the humble houseplant achieve this? Plants absorb particulates from the air at the same time that they take in carbon dioxide. This is all processed into oxygen through photosynthesis and emitted back out into the air. Not only that, microorganisms in the potting soil are also responsible for this ‘cleaning’ effect.

Not only that, the underside of the leaves can also help balance the humidity of a room.

As few as three plants in a room can make a difference to air quality, particularly green, leafy varieties. While easy to care for, succulents tend have less of an effect on air quality.

And plants make us feel good, too. Studies have found that hospital patients with plants in their rooms were more positive and had lower blood pressure and stress levels than patients in a plant-free environment.

Housepants have heaps of health benefits

the Peace Lily is also a hard-hitting room cleanser. Peace Lilies are relatively easy to care for, prefer how humidity and low light, so are great if you’re low on windows. Pollutants removed include ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichlorethylene. Remember that when in flower the plant can contribute pollen to your space.

Spider Plant Considered to be one of the most adaptable of house plants and the easiest to grow. It reproduces well by throwing out ‘babies’ on long spikes and works well in a hanging basket. You’ll soon be filling your neighbours’ homes with the babies, too. It likes moist conditions so is great in bathrooms. Pollutants removed include xylene and formaldehyde.

Snake Plant Also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, this plant is incredibly hard-wearing and almost impossible to kill off (honestly!). It does need occasional watering but prefers dryer conditions and a little bit of sun. It releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night so is an ideal plant for the bedroom. Pollutants removed include benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylene.

Aspidistra Of George Orwell Keep The Aspidistra Flying fame, this is a tough plant that does an excellent job of air purification. The Aspidistra is virtually impossible to destroy as it can tolerate dust, neglect, low temperatures

and low light. If you cut the foliage for an arrangement, the leaves will last for weeks. As a slow grower, it can be more expensive than other plants, but is definitely worth the extra outlay. Pollutants removed include benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylene.

Rubber Plant It is easy to grow and can shoot up to eight feet. If you prefer a smaller plant, prune back long stems. The Rubber Plant thrives in medium to bright conditions but can tolerate dim conditions if needs be. It can tolerate neglect and handles under-watering more than over-watering - let the soil dry out between waterings. The large leaves break down airborne chemicals as well as removing bacteria and mold spores.

Where to buy Brighten - for all your plant and accessory needs, Flower Market, Mong Kok Vertical Garden - vertical garden designers and installers, kvghk.com Hong Kong Gardening Society - for like-minded green-fingered individuals, hkgardeningsociety.org City Hydroponics - fancy a spot of rooftop gardening? These are the guys in-the-know, cityhydroponics.hk TREE - a wide range of funky - and eco plant holders and vases, tree.com.hk Mirth Home - gorgeous plant holders for gorgeous homes, mirthhome.com

expat-parent.com 43

dining

Choc-full of love Julianne Dionisio rounds up a lucky seven of Hong Kong family brunches this Easter

Getting stuck in at Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian Hong Kong

Spasso

Jamie Oliver’s much loved family-style sharing menu will be adding some Easter specials to its repertoire this month, including poached salmon and a carvery.

Children’s specials include a cupcake corner and Easter egg hunt. If you’re after a laidback, fun venue for family gatherings, Jamie’s is hard to beat. The venues also have kids play areas to keep tots busy while you enjoy your meal.

Adults $320+10%, $220+10% kids aged four to 11 years, March 30 - April 2, Shop 412, Level 4 Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui 3758 3333 and 2/F, Soundwill Plaza II- Midtown 1, Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, 3958 2222, jamieoliver.com.

Spasso is hosting a rather ‘egg-cellent’ Easter brunch with plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. From an egg decorating contest with the chance of winning a $1000 dining voucher, to a candy station and cotton candy machine, this is one venue sure to put a few smiles on dials.

Adult $428, children six to 12 years $228, children under five and eat free, 11.30am3.30pm, April 1, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2730 8027, divinogroup.com.

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Clipper Lounge Mandarin Oriental’s Clipper Lounge Sunday Brunch has legendary status in Hong Kong and with good reason. In addition to its extravagant brunch, children will be entertained with egg-painting and photos

Everything’s magic at FRITES

dining with the Easter bunny. Take your time and do a sweep of what’s on offer before starting - to fill up too quickly and have to forfeit the carvery would be a disaster. The dessert buffet comprises hot and cold dishes, pastries and ice cream with cheese platters to finish everything off.

11.30am-3pm, April 1, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2522 0111, mandarinoriental.com Need prices

Frites Spacious Frites is perfect for letting the little ones run around this Easter. The Belgian beerhouse will be hosting a festive party with an egg hunt followed by a magic show.

Mini diners are invited to dress up and a Best Costume Award will earn you a Frites dinner voucher. Along with the fun games, kids will love the mini portions of fish ‘n’ chips, schnits ‘n’ strips and mini burgers. For parents, there will be hearty portions of Frites favourites such as mussel pots and roasted pork knuckle.

Regular a la carte prices 11.45am & 1:30pm, March 30 - April 1, The Wellington, 1/F 198 Wellington Street, Central, 2217 6671, frites.hk.

Lily & Bloom Expect a semi-buffet setting, with heaps of healthy salads, plus a jet-fresh seafood bar, a made-to-order omelette station and a carvery. Easter fun includes an an egg hunt - lucky winners will bag brunch vouchers for two and a $1000 dining voucher with a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

There will also be a dedicated kids corner (hooray!) and free-flow cocktails and drinks for mums and dads.

Adults $595+10%, kids four to 11 years $155+10%, free for under fours (additional $100 for free flow Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut), March 30 - April 2, 33 Wyndham St, Central 2810 6166, lily-bloom.com.

Beautiful brunches at Lily & Bloom

Tikitiki Bowling The Sai Kung based bowling alley will be throwing The Big Bad Bunny Easter Party throughout this month, with plenty of familyfriendly activities and entertainment. There will be storytelling, a Big Bad Bunny Music Show with audience participation, kidfriendly Happy Cocktail Concoction courses and dress-ups with photo opportunities. And of course there’s also the bowling…

The Easter Brunch runs 11am-3pm with free children’s workshops for diners 2-3pm, March 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, adults $199, one child eats free with an accompanying adult, or $49/child for additional children, 4/F, Centro 1A, Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, 2657 8488, tikitiki.hk.

The Big Bad Bunny Easter Party at Tikitiki Bowling

Ozone at The Ritz Carltonis steering away from its normal offerings with a familyfriendly Exotic Easter Sunday Brunch.

There’ll be an egg hunt for kids and the option of free flowing Dom Perignon champagne for adults. The brunch will also feature performances from the allmale Stanford Mendicants acapella group from the USA. They will be singing a wide catalogue of songs from pop and jazz to barbershop.

Adults $1,438, $590 per child aged three to 12 years with free-flowing juice and soft drinks, 12-3pm, March 30-31, 12-3pm, The Ritz Carlton, ICC, 1 Austin Avenue, TST, 2263 2263, ritzcarlton.com.

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travel

Travel news

SHAKING UP SHANGHAI Boutique hotel The Middle House is slated to open later this month in central Shanghai. This will be the fourth property in Swire Hotels’ boutique House Collective, following openings in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chengdu.

The Shanghai property will feature swimming pools, outdoor spaces and gardens, bar, spa and a second Cafe Gray Deluxe, which has proved to be a perennial favourite dining destination with Hong Kongers at The Upper House, the-house-collective.com.

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travel

Murray given new lease of life The Murray building has partially re-opened following a $3.4 billion refurbishment, transforming it from government building into luxe hotel. A full launch is due later this year when its rooftop bar and restaurant, Popinjays, starts serving guests.

The Murray is wonderfully located in the historic heartlands of Central, opposite St John’s Cathedral and adjacent to The Peak Tram terminus on Cotton Tree Drive.

The distinctive white building with its huge ground-floor archways was originally designed by Architectural Services Department worker, Ron Philips, in 1969 to house the colonial government’s Public Works department.

To reduce air conditioning costs, Philips designed the building with its windows sheltered by concrete ‘fins’ positioned at 90 degrees to the panes to avoid direct sunlight.

The design was streets ahead of its time and even today compares favourably to Hong Kong’s modern high-rise glasshouses that sit shimmering in the Asian sun.

Lead architect Foster + Partners invited Philip, now 91 and living in Britain, to consult

Popinjays rooftop bar and restaurant is due to open this summer

on the building’s conversion and together they have come up with sympathetic $3.4 billion redesign. The Murray is part of the Conserving Central project that seeks to preserve what is left of Central’s historic heart. Heritage constraints meant the height of the building could not be altered and original features such as the sweeping archways at ground level had to be kept.

Delightfully ‘opened up’ at street level with lots of ceiling to floor glass and numerous entrances, The Murray now boasts a sleek cocktail bar, a Garden Lounge serving delicious afternoon teas (the fresh, warm scones are a triumph), five restaurants, a spa, gym and 336 guest rooms, niccolohotels.com.

Saigon special offers Blissed out in Baja Luxury resort group Aman has announced plans to open its first property in Mexico.

Scheduled for a 2020 launch, Amanvari will be nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the Sea of Cortes on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula. The property will sit inside the Costas Palmas private beachfront resort with three kms of white sandy beach.

The resort is set to comprise 20 bilevel hotel pavilions with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto an outdoor terrace, 48 expat-parent.com

wraparound sundeck and cantilevered pool.

The main pavilion, located on the beach, will host three restaurants, a lounge area, library and 30-metre infinity pool with hot tubs. The Aman Spa will be located a short walk away.

Aman will also be releasing 24 wholeownership, four- to seven-bed Aman Residences for sale when the resort launches.

The resort is a 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport. Cathay currently flies direct from Hong Kong into Acapulco, Cancun, Monterrey, Guadalajarra and Mexico City. More details at amanvari.com.

Windsor Hotel is offering a ‘72 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City’ two-night special offer from April 15 to September 30.

The offer includes a 20% food and beverage discount at its restaurants; the hotel boasts the ‘biggest buffet in town’ at its Cafe Central venue.

The hotel is located in the historic District 5 area of the city and the Windsor Hotel team is on-hand to recommend local tours and sites of interest in both District 5 and District 1, including local tea-houses, Binh Hay Market, cycle adventures and French colonial taxi tours.

Windsor Hotel offers a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and kids club, windsorplazahotel.com.

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travel

The road less travelled Travel expert Lucy Jackson takes short haul to the next level

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travel

All the blues at Sumba Nihiwahu, Bali

Bangkok An easy two-and-a-half hour flight, the Thai capital is full of fun, action and great food.

Soak up the sights and sounds in a noisy tail-boat on the Chao Phraya River, ride the Skytrain, battle the markets, and cool off with ice-skating or go-karting in one of the many indoor playgrounds for kids.

Take it further‌ After the madness of the city, calm things down a notch with a bit of luxury and a personal touch at Soneva

Cooking for kids at Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines

Kiri on the island of Koh Kood. International guests are met on arrival at Bangkok airport and transferred to the remote isle by the resort’s own airplane. The flight to this island of stunning sands and rustic beauty takes

just one hour and transports you to complete bliss with beachfront and hillside villas, a three-Michelin star chef, spa and numerous activities for the kids, including The Den kids club, art observatory and outdoor cinema. expat-parent.com 51

travel

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Vibrant Ho Chi Minh is a place that infuses you with energy and immerses you in culture.

Spend a few days exploring the markets, catching a puppet show, filling up on Pho and grabbing some down-time at Villa Song Saigon, which is located just outside of the city centre and comes with gorgeous family connected rooms.

Take it further… The Six Senses Con Dao is a gem of an escape hidden on the south-east coast of mainland Vietnam, just a short flight from hectic Ho Chi Minh. There’s no specific kids’ club, but there’s a ton of activities ontap. Chill by the pool or on the beach, relax at the spa - or up your family fun factor with water skiing, diving with dugongs or sailing away on a catamaran.

Bali If you’re looking for fresh air and freedom, tasty local fare, a plethora of child-centric activities and all the shopping, spa-ing and family good times in between, make your first stop Bali. From bike rides to paddle boarding, to adults’ and kids’ beach clubs, the family bonding activities are endless.

Take it further… Nihi Sumba Island has not been voted best hotel in the world twice for nothing. The lodge is surrounded by 52 expat-parent.com

Kids cooking local ice cream at Soneva Kiri, Thailand

rice terraces and grasslands and is neatly wrapped around two-and-a-half kilometres of perfect Nihiwatu Beach. There’s loads to do, whether it be surfing the world-famous breaks, exploring the bush on horseback or joining community projects. Alternatively, point your little ones in the direction of your private pool and find yourself a shady spot and a cocktail…

Hanoi Head to the Vietnamese capital and get lost in a labyrinth of streets, wander in the parks and bike ride through the valleys. Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which offers

travel

Laotian scenes

great family tours customised personally to your requirements by the hotel’s family vacation advisors.

Take it further… Often, the most magical places are not the most straightforward to get to, and lovely Luang Prabang in Laos is no exception. There are no direct flights from Hong Kong, so pick up a flight from Hanoi and you’ll soon be exploring the Laotian jungle, meandering the Pak Ou caves by boat, discovering the dramatic menthol-hued Kuang Xi waterfalls and watching the monks collecting their morning alms. Rosewood

Luang Prabang opens this year and features stunning villas and tents nestled in the forest for the ultimate escape.

Cebu Spend a night at the swish Shangri La Cebu which is brilliant for families thanks to its babysitting service, kids adventure zone, pools and six impressive restaurants.

Take it further… Nay Palad Hideaway (previously known as Dedon Island) is a speedy one-hour flight to Siargao, followed by a quick drive to the mangrove forests in

Hanging around at Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines

which the property is nestled. Utterly tranquil and thoroughly rejuvenating, do as much or as little as you please. I’d suggest lying by the pool, joining a cookery class, trying surfing, watching films in the open-air cinema and perhaps when no-one is watching - enjoying a sneaky bounce on the on-site trampoline.

Lucy Jackson is co-founder and director of Lightfoot Travel, a luxury tour operator with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai and specialising in designer holidays around the world, lightfoottravel.com.

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marketplace

marketplace

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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

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flailing spouse

Drama queen Bed hopping and other tales

A

n English queen is nothing like an Australian queen. Or even a king. Or a double. Having moved house last week, I am sadly not at mardi gras, but of course having to re-jig bedrooms, beds and all of the bed linen. The Blonde Child has moved down to a single, the Boy Child up to a double and I’ve also managed to retrieve my goose-down king duvet from the Tween Child (who is now in a queen, just to confuse things even further).

Not wanting to jolt our precarious financial situation any further, I head to IKEA. Where everything is labelled in dimensions rather than what could be incredibly useful bed-linen-for-expats stickers with handy descriptions like ‘UK double’ or ‘US single’ or ‘Australian queen’ on them.

“What does mummy’s bed measure?”

I frantically text home to the Blonde Child.

“Fifty-six inches and 13 cms,” she texts back twenty minutes later. I figuratively bang my head against the nearest Billy bookcase.

In a word, my bedrooms are a mess.

Now and again I float the boarding school idea to my children. Just gently, obviously I wouldn’t want to push them into anything they didn’t want to do. Of course I love that there are four of them, needing four bedrooms, and that their friends seem to enjoy sleeping in my house, too, requiring yet more bed linen. It’s lovely. Marvellous.

“Just think what fun boarding school would be!” I enthuse to the Blonde Child as I drop her at run training on Saturday morning. “All those friends and activities, all in an exciting other place that’s not boring old home!”

“Hmm,” the Blonde Child muses. “I’m not sure, I think I might give it a miss, actually mum, thanks anyway.”

And so I trundle my way back home, thinking about the lovely breakfast waiting for me. In an effort to get healthy for summer, I headed all the way into M&S yesterday for a lovely big avocado, some fresh wholemeal bread and organic, free range eggs. My little treat for a week well accomplished.

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Our columnist is a long suffering expat wife, and mother to several energetic, third culture children.

She lives in Hong Kong.

“Hi mum,” cries the Tween Child brightly from behind the kitchen counter as I finally walk through the front door. “I’m just making breakfast for me and my friends. Our rugby coach says we need to think a bit more about proteins in the morning,” she adds cheerfully, carving up the wholemeal loaf and scraping avocado onto a plate.

I sigh and slide a slice of stale white bread into the toaster. Oh well, there’s always next weekend.

In the living room the Teen Child and pose are sprawled all over the couch, Friends blaring from the telly. “Oh hi, mum,” she calls, scooping free-range organic scrambled eggs into her mouth. “I hope you don’t mind, I had a few friends over last night!”

“No problem,” I mutter. “Oh, did you get a chance to look at that boarding school brochure I left on the coffee table?”

“Yeah, but you know what? I don’t think boarding school is really for me. I mean, I don’t think the food’s supposed to be that good. And the weather, I’m just not ready for that level of cold right now, you know?

“Oh yeah,” she adds. “And don’t worry about lunch for me today, I think we’re going to head over to the club. Oh, and did you renew my passport? Anna’s mum says I can join them at their villa on Koh Samui for Dragon Boat long weekend.”

English boarding school, I mean really, I can’t understand why they’re all so unenthusiastic.

And so I trudge upstairs and spend an uninspiring morning trying to force double duvet covers onto queen size duvets and unwrapping what I thought were fitted sheets only to find they are not fitted at all. If only I’d taken Swedish instead of French at A-level. Two more trips back to IKEA and I have torn most of my greying hair out.

“Hi mum!” calls the Blonde Child several hours later, home from run club and a playdate. “Oh wow! You changed my bed!” she cries, skipping into her bedroom.

“You know what mum, I was having a think about boarding school. Clemmie says you can ride horses, every day. She says there’ll be stables in the playground and everything. And guess what? In Year 9 you can buy your own horse and keep it at the school!” She is literally hopping with excitement. “So mum I think I might go after all.”

I look at her freshly made bed that has taken me an entire morning and a tank of petrol to accomplish. And then I also think of our bank balance. I have a feeling ponies don’t come cheap. Definitely more expensive than keeping the avocado bowl replenished.

“You know what?” I say wearily. “I think I might just keep you at home for one more year. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this lovely new bedroom. Now, who did you say was sleeping over tonight?”

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