Southside June 2018

FOR DAD | RECIPES | TRAVEL | CAMPS

June 2018

The Beach Bar Guide Dragon-boat fiesta

Soul-searching in the Greek islands Spruce up your balcony this summer

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS

2 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

The really useful magazine June 2018

2 EDITOR’S LETTER 4 SNAPPED!

Jo Soo-Tang

Paul Zimmerman

Q&A

66 BOOK REVIEW

The beach-bar guide

New books to discover

72 MRS BACKFIRE

Summer camps

36 OUTDOORS

55

62 ZIM CITY

28 EDUCATION

Take a curated trip to Greece

64 PETS

Traffic havoc in the South

22 COVER STORY

20 LOCAL

Book: The Outsourced Kitchen

56 TRAVEL

Free stuff

18 FIVE MINUTES WITH…

Luk Wu Country Trail Waterfalls

54 INTERVIEW

In your backyard

16 GIVEAWAYS

Father’s Day is around the corner

48 BIG DAY OUT

Check out what’s on in June

14 NEWS

9 tips to spruce up your balcony

46 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH

Southsider out and about

6 THE PLANNER

12

40 HOME & LIVING

Mandarin collars all round!

A hat on every head!

Dragon Boat festival

32

24

44 38 EVERY MOMENT IS A FRESH BEGINNING. – T.S. ELIOT

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 1

editor’s letter

S

ummer is here, and I can feel the excitement in the air for both kids and parents alike!

Hong Kong tends to be relatively quiet over the summer as most expats head back to their home country to reconnect with family and friends. But for those who are staying here, we’ve compiled a list of fun summer activities for kids to keep them engaged. This month we also interviewed Jo Soo-Tang, co-chairperson of the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation.

In our Home & Living column, we’ve put together a checklist for you to consider to declutter the space or add in some thoughtful elements to bring nature to your doorstep.

Speaking of tranquility, Tara Smyth shares her tips for exploring the waterfalls on the Lu Wu Country Trail. Tourism is Hong Kong’s biggest revenue generator, but it does come at a price: lots of tourist buses! The best way to tackle the traffic situation is to get everyone involved, to come together and discuss the issues. In our Local column this month, we look into some possible solutions.

And we invite you to browse our list of beach bars to pick the perfect spot to quench your thirst over the summer months.

Editorial Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Vasavi Seethepali, vasavi@hongkongliving.com Sub-editor Kay Ross, kay@hongkongliving.com Contributing editor Carolynne Dear, carolynne@hongkongliving.com Media trainee Julianne Dionisio, julianne@hongkongliving.com Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com

Design

Design manager Cindy Suen, cindy@hongkongliving.com Graphic designer Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

Sales director Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Sales & Marketing executive Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Corrie Tang, corrie@hongkongliving.com Johnny Wong, johnny@hongkongliving.com

Accounting

Assistant operations manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

contributors

Digital

Digital editor Emily Finch, emily@hongkongliving.com

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 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Anna McConnochie

Amelia Sewell

Dr. Pauline

…the Home Stylist’s outdoor stylist, Anna, hails from Australia. She fell in love with garden design when she and her husband moved to London in 2002, and undertook a garden design course at the Pickard School of Garden Design at the Garden History Museum there. thehomestylist.org; email@thehomestylist.org

…with a background in education consultancy, specialising in UK boarding schools, Amelia is the Education Editor for Hong Kong Living. She moved from London to Hong Kong four years ago.

She loves P.G. Wodehouse and hates celery.She lives in Midlevels with her husband and toddler, neither of whom laughs at her jokes.

…graduated as a vet in Scotland. She moved to Hong Kong “last century” with her various furry fourlegged family members. In Dr Pauline’s free time, you’ll find her swimming, watching a movie or keeping up to date with global affairs. She answers your pet questions on page 64.

Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Southside Magazine 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. Southside Magazine 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 pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

people Snaps from Southside

4 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

say cheese Red Bull Three Peaks Race organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Photo by Danny Chan

Photo credit to Soonet.org

Photo credit to Soonet.org

Aberdeen Country Park: Women’s five

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5

planner

JUN 7-10

Evolution Asia Yoga Conference With 160 classes, workshops and events, there’s something for all levels, bodies and minds. Register in advance for the classes.

Tickets from $800 (single-session pass). 8am-8pm, Hong Kong

Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, asiayogaconference.com

UNTIL JUN 10

JUN 1-2

JUN 1-3

Don’t cry! Catch this exhilarating Broadway classic in its final few days in Hong Kong. $445-$1,045. Tue-Fri 7.45pm; Sat 2pm & 7.45pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm, Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai, 2922 8288, hkticketing.com.hk

Join this rum-tastic event to taste, evaluate and savour some of the best rums on the Asian market. $150. 12pm-8pm, The Loop, 33 Wellington Street, Central, 6075 8302, facebook.com/pg/rumfestivalhongkong

A musical that’s PURRR-fect for the whole family, with stories of friendship and loyalty and cats! $195-$435 Fri, 5pm; Sat and Sun, 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 2922 8288. hkticketing.com.hk

EVITA

UNTIL JUN 10

Jane Lee: Red States The first solo exhibition in Hong Kong by this acclaimed Singaporean artist. Free. Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2582 0200, hkac.org.hk

UNTIL JUN 17

The Faust Festival Young actors perform 20 classic shows. $125.

McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wanchai; Y Studio, Youth Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, 2111 5999, urbtix.hk

6 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Hong Kong Rum Festival

Anne Fong Braillard at Mandarin Hotel Gong sound therapist and reiki master Anne Braillard is offering a choice of three exclusive experiences: reiki therapy, gong sound therapy and a reiki-and-gong-sound combo therapy.

Prices start at $1,500. Mandarin Hotel, 5 Connaught Road Central, 2825 4850, jascheung@mohg.com

Tabby McTat

JUN 1-5

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 7

planner JUN 2

Social Room presents: Third anniversary party This art and musical hub is celebrating its third anniversary by welcoming renowned Spanish DJ Eduardo de la Calle to the stage. 11pm6am, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, 2915 0373, facebook.com/ pg/socialroomhk

JUN 2

Kayak n Run

JUN 5

JUN 8

Twenty graduating students of ITC’s BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion & Textiles proudly showcase 120 outfits that they’ve created.

2pm-2.45pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2766 6500, polyu.edu.hk

Come and meet the 10 FinTech companies in the 2018 Hong Kong cohort as they demo their products. Free. 3pm-8pm, Exchange Exhibition Hall, 1/F Exchange Square 1, Central, 3107 1000, hongkong-fintech.hk

PolyU Fashion Show 2018

JUN 6-9

Webconf.asia

Two races at Nim Shue Wan. Check out the course route and register at actionasiaevents.com

For anyone who works in web, Webconf.asia is the place to learn more, get inspired and build a bigger network. $1,888. 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, 9260 3801, webconf.asia

JUN 2

JUN 7

Anote’s Ark Film Screening & Panel Discussion Watch Anote’s Ark, a documentary selected by the Sundance Film Festival 2018, and hear from panelists about the issues. $160.

2pm-4.30pm, 29/F, 40-44 Wyndham Street, Central, 2117 0415, jacadatravel.com

Slow Time to Sharpen the Mind Sebastian Droesler and Graham Bradshaw explain how our brains age and what you can do to combat the signs of dementia. $300 at the door or $250 in advance, online at bit. ly/inspirewellnesshk Choose from 10am12pm or 6.30pm-8.30pm, Alive Wellness, 602, 43-55 Wyndham Street, 2541 8600, alivewellness.hk

FinTech Accelerator Hong Kong 2018 Demo Day

JUN 8

Runway 2018: the Hive Studios x Redress A celebration of fashion’s newest movers and shakers, in collaboration with Redress, a local environmental organisation working to reduce textile waste in the fashion industry. Doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 8pm. $100-$300. Cheung Hing Industrial Building, Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, 2817 8199, thehivestudios.com.hk

JUN 8-10

Catch Me If You Can

Does your dog face downward? Free admission. 8.30am-9.30am, Pier 10 Central Pier, 2913 7510, yogacommunity.org

Face Productions presents this fast-paced, high-flying musical, with a cast of local performers aged 6-18. In English. Tickets start at $250. June 8, 8pm; June 9-10, 3.30pm & 7.30pm, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, 2501 4861, faceproductions.com.hk

JUN 4

JUN 8-10

Browse hundreds of stalls selling unique and wantable products, and choose gifts for your friends and family, or splash out on yourself!

Free admission. 10am-7pm, Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, prestigefairs.hk

Check out the latest beauty-product trends, skincare technologies and fitness news from across the world. Admission $20. 12pm8pm, Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2591 9823, hkexhi@hka.com.hk

JUN 5

JUN 9

Take a moment to appreciate the world we live in!

Expect some huge acts and a buzzing atmosphere at this raving music event, returning to Hong Kong for the third time.

Tickets from $1,080. AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok, hongkong.roadtoultra.com

JUN 3

Yoga class at Pier 10

Summer Holiday Shopping Fair

World Environment Day

HK Beauty and Fitness Expo

Road to Ultra 2018

JUN 9

World Gin Day at Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour 5pm-6.30pm

JUN 9

Hong Kong Westlife: Stamp it!

Local artist Victor Law leads a cultural and art walk exploring the traditional craft of stampmaking on Man Wa Lane, Sheung Wan. Free.

11am-12.30pm, Man Wa Lane (Chop Alley), Sheung Wan, 2213 6602, hoteljen.com

8 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

JUN 10

Chinmaya Carnival A fun day out with the family, celebrating India’s culture and customs through interactive games, live entertainment, storytelling, vegetarian food and free yoga sessions.

1pm-6pm, Central Harbourfront Event Space, Hong Kong, 9642 4540, facebook. com/ChinmayaHongKong

JUN 12-17 Irish Celtic

Outstanding musical numbers from some top tapping Irish performers.

Tickets at $445-$895, 7.45pm. Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, WanChai, 2922 8288, hkticketing.com.hk

JUN 15

The Bollands in Hong Kong This talented duo plays soft piano and guitar music. $120. 9pm-12am, Unit 20D, 64 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, 5615 9379, facebook.com/thebollands

Father’s Day Brunch

JUN 16-17

Free food for the kids and free beer, house red/white wine, Prosecco and Champagne for dad. This all-you-can-eat four-hour brunch is a great way to treat fathers on their special day! 12pm-4pm.

G/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2344 0005, ciaochow.com.hk

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 9

planner

Dragon boat festival is on June 18

JUN 16

JUN 18

A surreal fantasy opera about a dinner party from which the guests can’t escape. $180.

6pm, Bethanie Theatre, HKAPA Campus, 139 Pokfulam Road, 2527 1717, hkapa.edu

Go to page 36

The Exterminating Angel

JUN 16

ASA 2018 Summer Soccer Tournament This fun tournament day promises excitement and plenty of action, with plenty of games and prizes for everyone. 2pm-6pm, Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, 3998 4042, adventuresportsacademy.com

Dragon Boat Festival

JUN 20

Wine’d Down Wednesday: Welcome to St. Tropez Cocktail bar and restaurant The Envoy hosts a happy hour with a twist! How about a bottle of vivacious St. Tropez pink wine? 12pm-8pm, 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2169 3311, theenvoy.hk

Football Beach Party at Thai Dao

JUN 17

Father’s Day See page 46 for fabulous gift ideas.

JUN 17

Yogathon 2018 Venture down the path towards a healthier lifestyle. Register in advance; donations welcome. 9am-12pm, Henry G. Leong Community Hall, 60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, 3101 2331, artofliving.org

10 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

JUN 26-27

EmTech Hong Kong 2018 Discover the future of technology and business as speakers bring the award-winning editorial content of the MIT Technology Review to life.

9am-5pm, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin, emtechhk.com

JUN 29

West Side Story in Concert A modern take on the love story of Romeo and Juliet, with fabulous dancing, singing and a live orchestra. $480. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2734 2009, lcsd.gov.hk/hkcc

JUN 16

The beachfront restaurant welcomes the World Cup season with a football match, refereed

by Hong Kong star Marco Ngai. Party on after the game. $300. 3pm-6pm, Thai Duo, 9 Sha Ha Village, Tai Mong Tsoi Road, 2792 6189, mabel@richmarkent.com.hk

4.30pm, 48 Peel Street, Central, 2880 0248, lavache.com.hk

JUN 29-JUL 21

Dragon Multi-arts Festival

JUN 22-24

Dragon Boat Carnival Race down to the waterfront for all the noisy action. Bring the family and friends for live music, great grub from a fleet of food trucks, and activities and entertainment for kids. Free entry. Victoria Harbour, Central Waterfront, Tsim Sha Tsui, discoverhongkong.com

JUN 23

Le Disco Brunch Free-flow food and house music, anyone?

Tickets at $588 (+10% service charge). 12pm-

Incredible installations, performing arts shows and chill chats on art and artistic creations.

Early bird ticket packages start at $336. Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2582 0200, culturalmasseur.hk

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11

planner

BOOK NOW JUL 7

The 14th Sheko Challenge Take the 2.2 K Sheko Challenge Swim, or team up with friends to run or paddle (or both) in the Triathlon. Then relax at the afterparty with beach water polo, a barbeque and DJ-spun music. 2pm, Big Wave Bay Beach, Shek O, 3615 8592. Register online at raceresults.com.hk/event/89

JUL 9-12 Rise 2018

Meet people from some of the world’s biggest companies and most exciting startups as they share their stories at this high-powered networking and learning event.

US$680. 9am-5pm, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2582 8888, riseconf.com

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

12 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13

news

PAMPER YOUR POOCH AT WHISKERS N PAWS

Whiskers N Paws has unveiled a new self-dogwash facility at its Ap Lei Chau store. The space is designed to promote a positive, hands-on bathing experience for both pet and owner.

The facility is equipped with a non-slip floor,

temperature-controlled water and a dryer with a grooming platform. Each session costs $100 per dog, irrespective of size, and all of it goes towards the company’s community work. The facility provides dog shampoo and conditioner,

NEW CELEBRITY ON THE BLOCK — JOEY YUNG, WELCOME TO SOUTHSIDE

so all you need to take is your furry friend and bathing necessities. Towels are available for purchase at $45. The self-dog-wash facility is open every day, 10am-5pm. wnp.com.hk/ dogwash/booking

PROPOSAL TO REZONE 111 LEE NAM ROAD An application has been submitted to the Town Planning Board to rezone an old industrial building site from business to residential zone. The existing site comprises a cluster of five industrial warehouses tucked away on a dead-end road overlooking the sea. In light of the acute housing supply shortage and the completion of the South Horizons MTR station, this could be an impetus to the economy.

CYBERPORT APPOINTS NEW CEO Hong Kong Canto-pop singer and actress Joey Yung Cho-yee has bought a house at 56 Repulse Bay Road, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious seafront developments. Its estimated value is HK$200 million (US$25.5

14 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

million), or HK$58,852 per square foot. In 2014, Forbes ranked her 63rd in China’s celebrity list.

Her neighbour, Nicholas Tse Ting-fung, bought a HK$85 million flat at The Somerset in Repulse Bay last year.

Peter Yan King-Sun is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cyberport Management Company Limited. Before joining Cyberport he was the CEO of SUNeVision. As a veteran in the field of technology, Yan will focus on fostering development, talent enrichment and creating a new driving force for Hong Kong’s economy through digital technology.

in your backyard

GREEN ROLE MODEL AWARD Green Dragons HK was recently presented with a ‘Green Role Model Award’ by Patrick Cheung, Director of World Wide Fund, Hong Kong.

Suzanne Younan, the founder of Green Dragons HK, accepted the award at a Marine Litter Workshop hosted by WWF HK. Green Dragons

HK was commended for being influential in the community and making a difference to the environment. They support and encourage the reduction of plastic waste at events and festivals on beaches.

MARRIOTT HOTEL TO RESCHEDULE ITS LAUNCH The Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, which was due to open in June, in time for the summer season, has been postponed for probably another three months. The luxury hotel is expected to boost tourism and help revive the 41-year old theme park. “The target opening date is expected to be slightly adjusted to a later time within 2018 to accommodate preparatory work,” said a spokesperson for The Ocean Park Marriott Hotel.

THE 19TH DEEP WATER BAY DRAGON BOAT REGATTA 2018 On April 22, the Victoria Recreation Club (VRC) at Deep Water Bay (DWB) was swarming with over 50 dragon boat crew-members, who took part in a paddling competition. The goal was to bring together the best dragon boat teams in Hong Kong and those who love to paddle. The 500-metre race was fast-paced and exhilarating, with boat speeds easily reaching 19kph. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) was the winner of the Open Water and the Women’s category. Most paddling enthusiasts agree that the sport provides them with a healthy regime and discipline.

Congratulations to the club on implementing its very first green initiative. The VRC DWB Regatta committee and the Green Dragons HK collaborated to implement a “No to plastic waste” policy, replacing plastic items with eco-friendly material throughout the event.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 15

win at hongkongliving.com

GIVEAWAYS

enter to win!

Liv Art

LivArt can take your child’s sketches, drawings, photos and other elements and turn them into beautiful clothing, art books, digital prints and more. Channel your child’s creativity into a truly personal gift or keepsake. liv-art.com We’re happy to give away three unique cushion covers that will be designed by your child, worth $450 each!

Mochy Kid Mochy Kid creates play experiences for young creators aged three or older. Their DIY STEM & STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) activity kits help children understand the theories behind everyday life. mochykid.com We’re happy to give away a Mochy Kid Picasso Doodling Robot and a Unicorn Monogram Storage Case.

FAUST International Faust International, founded in 1999, provides challenging and creative workshops for young people, introducing them into the world of theatre and performing arts. The week-long summer theatre programmes aim to empower children through drama and performance skills. Suitable for children aged three to 14. faustworld.com.hk We’re happy to give away one free place at one of Faust’s Summer Programmes between June 25 and August 24, valued at $2,980!

Asia Pacific Adventure Specialising in outdoor learning for over 15 years, Asia Pacific Adventure knows how to make the most out of a Hong Kong summer.

Adventure programs around the beautiful coastlines of Hong Kong run from June 15

to August 3 and include kayaking, snorkeling and gorge-walking. Contact 2792 7160, summer@apa.co or register at summer. asiapacificadventure.com We’re offering one week-long course for a child aged 7-15, valued at $2,680.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: southside.hk/subscribe

16 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 17

five minutes with Wellness 360 is my passion project and an online magazine. I initiated this project to help people who want to live a healthier life.

The original idea involved hosting a range of wellness fairs, events and workshops around Hong Kong, and we continued it for over two years. Later we decided to go online because physical space is limited. Developers and hotels normally charge you, or the space is not big enough. So now we are hoping our readers can discover our services and products for health, wellness, fitness and family online!

We go to Big Wave Bay Beach and South Bay Beach with our kids. And we love meeting friends at The Pulse. I spend most of my weekends watching the kids play squash and badminton. We go to Bread and Bistro, GCX at Wong Chuk Hang for lunch. And Sensory Zero has good coffee as they are able to make my latte with almond milk.

My husband is my mentor; I often get great advice from him. He is constantly reminding me to stay grounded and positive. My motto in life is “Go for it! No matter how it ends, it’s an experience.”

HKAHF is an NGO foundation, founded in 1999. I’m a third-generation volunteer. My work is a calling from God. It’s not easy working with limited resources, but I feel blessed to be part of this wonderful organisation. It is a charity outreach programme to help and support financially disadvantaged patients from around the region.

JO SOO-TANG

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF) co-chairwoman talks to Vasavi Seethepalli I am Chinese, Japanese and Polynesian. I was born in Hong Kong but spent most of my childhood in Sydney. I’ve lived in New York, New Hampshire, Tokyo and Korea. I returned to Hong Kong and have lived here for around 18 years in total. My personal office is in the South side.

I’m inspired by people like Jackie Pullinger and Mother Teresa. Jackie Pullinger is the founder of the St Stephen’s Society in Hong Kong, which provides rehabilitation homes for recovering drug addicts, prostitutes and gang members. Catholic nun and missionary Mother Teresa worked in Calcutta. They’re both very inspiring personalities, spending 90% of their lives on philanthropy. I see them as strong

18 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

women who have empowered change in Hong Kong and around the globe. I am proud to be a woman and hope more people can spend some of their time on a charity initiative of their choice.

I would tell my 18-year-old self that anything is possible if you set your heart on it, and to alway stay grounded. Enjoy what you do and make sure you’re passionate about it.

I volunteer for a range of NGOs, to learn about various communities in our society. I’m also very passionate about local artisan brands, and I feel we need to be better local consumers and support locally grown companies.

International Women’s Day is celebrated all around the world. It’s an opportunity to celebrate motherhood and women’s empowerment and bravery. I started Women of Hope (WOH) in 2014. It is a campaign to raise awareness of the foundation’s Cancer Fund and its efforts to support underprivileged cancer patients in Hong Kong. The idea was to organise a fundraiser luncheon championing women from all walks of life who are involved in bringing hope to the community through their outstanding endeavours in their respective fields. Men of Hope (MOH) was an automatic progression. We also plan to create an alumni group so everyone ultimately stays connected to HKAHF in the long term. We hope to deliver a positive message and create a viable community.

We held our 5th annual Women of Hope event on May 18. We had an online voting site that was open to the public to vote for their favourite Women of Hope candidates across eight categories, including eco-warrior, children’s advocate and health advocate.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 19

local

TRAFFIC HAVOC IN THE SOUTH Vasavi Seethepalli reports

20 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

traffic havoc

T

ime and again, residents of Southern District have faced massive traffic jams.

Most roads have only a single lane each way, so it’s hard to maneuver past any road obstructions. Road repairs and tree-pruning on Repulse Bay Road, Beach Road and Island Road mean the traffic comes to a halt. More recently, these traffic jams seem to happen every weekend. Excellent weather conditions, sandy beaches and public holidays sound like the perfect recipe for a weekend outing, but sadly the traffic jams spoil the fun.

Spring and summer attract families, beachgoers and tourists alike. There’s nothing wrong with people flocking to the South, but there needs to be a plan to address the traffic issues.

Weekends and public holidays are nightmares for most residents, whether coming in or going out.

While some people use social media to alert the public, others are stuck behind tourist buses. May 1 was a typical example: the traffic along Repulse Bay Road, a three-to-four-kilometre stretch, was backed up to Shouson Hill.

“I never go via Repulse Bay on a public holiday, weekends or when the weather is nice unless I have a burning desire to sit in traffic,” said Stanley resident Jenny Chang. Although the current pick-up/drop-off area on Beach Road was designed to alleviate some of the congestion, it’s still a bottleneck. “It’s a big headache, especially when you go to the beach on the weekend,” said Peggy Li, a regular visitor to the South side.

The new South Island MTR Line has been a breath of fresh air for the residents of Southern District, but it’s unlikely to solve the traffic havoc during the holidays. With tourism growing every year, it seems there will be no end to the problems.

District Councillor Fergus Fung commented: “We are continually working with relevant government departments to find solutions. We have asked the traffic police to step up patrols along Beach Road for short-term solutions.”

According to Fung, the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong and the Traffic & Transportation Commission have had meetings to find a solution to the traffic situation.

Southern District Council members have asked the Government to look into the dire situation. They’ve proposed: 1) more parking spaces for tourist buses, 2) the introduction of water transportation, and 3) a system for staggering the flow of tourist buses to Beach Road. Some members of the public have even suggested a complete ban on tourist buses going to Beach Road.

“Since the roads were built many years ago, and constrained by slopes and private developments on both sides, there is very limited space for constructing new bus lay-bys along the roads. Despite this, we will continue to explore possible arrangements to provide sufficient room for the buses, which can alleviate traffic jams. We are also collaborating with the Tourism Commision to be vigilant on coach bus drivers and remind them to follow the rules and regulations,” said a spokesperson from the Transport Department.

As summer approaches, the residents of Southern District hope to see solutions considered and effectively implemented.

Got a local story?

Have your say by emailing editorial@hongkongliving.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

cover story

A VIEW TO DINE FOR

Summer’s heating up! Head to the coast and eat al fresco at one of these beachside beauties

22 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

beach bar guide

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23

cover story

Breeze Vibe: Breeze is the latest addition to join The Repulse Bay complex. The building has long been renowned as the perfect spot to relax in the evening sun and savour the luxurious atmosphere while sipping on an apéritif.

Go for: Carefully curated cocktails by the inhouse mixologist, and playful tapas with an inspired Asian twist.

109 Repulse Bay Road, therepulsebay.com Ben’s Back beach bar Vibe: Located in Shek O village at the end of the Dragon’s Back trail, Ben’s Back is a Shek O institution for sundowners, sand, cold beer, reggae and good company. Colourful wall murals, reggae music, wooden stools and a brick bar lend a funky feel to the place. This place is also dog-friendly.

Go for: Post-hike cold brews and burgers at very reasonable prices. Open ThursdaySunday. 273 Shek O village, 2809 2268, facebook.com/BensBeachBar Hotshot Vibe: Decked out with vintage surfboards, Hotshot is a surf-meets-skate beach restaurant that pays tribute to the Californian lifestyle of the 1960s. Located in the east wing of The Pulse, the restaurant overlooks Repulse Bay. Expect American classics such

24 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

as cheeseburgers, lobster rolls and apple pie.

Go for: The bar, originally a rare eight-foot 1951 Silver Streak clipper trailer designed by Airstream founder Wally Byam, is one of only 14 in the world. Other pieces of contemporary and modern street art are by renowned artists, including Tracey Emin.

G/F, Shop 114-115, The Pulse, Repulse Bay, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2515 1661, hotshot.hk

Coco Thai Vibe: Coco Thai is positioned just metres from the shoreline of Deep Water Bay. The vibe is relaxed, with a blend of carefully selected jazz, Brazilian and European music.

The decor is minimalist, in keeping with a rustic-yet-charming beachside cafe Thailand, and the food is authentic and delicious, as Chef Treerawong Pratumwan from the Bangkok Hotel has a team experienced in Siam dishes.

Go for: A relaxed, moonlit dinner date. Dine on authentic Thai curries while listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore.

U/F, Beach Building Deep Water Bay, Island Road, Deep Water Bay, 2812 1826, toptables.com.hk

beach bar guide COCOCABANA Vibe: Cococabana offers sophisticated Mediterranean food on the shores of the South China Sea. In 1998, British-born chef and owner Jean Paul Gauci opened Cococabana on Lamma Island, later relocating to Deep Water Bay and then to Shek O beach. Cococabana has received praise worldwide, ranging from the Lonely Planet guidebook to celebrities including Chris Martin and Jeremy Clarkson. They claim their most recent location is their ‘very best location yet’, as it enjoys breathtaking views

of the sea and the surrounding hills of the country park.

Go for: Family-style Provencal food against a stunning backdrop. Fresh produce is imported from France and everything, including bread and chocolates, is produced in-house. Gauci places an emphasis on sustainability, with much of the meat and fish sourced organically and sustainably.

G/F, Shek O Beach Building, Shek O Beach, 2812 2226, toptables.com.hk/coco/home.html

Limewood Vibe: Located at The Pulse, Limewood, owned by restaurant group Maximal Concepts, has a relaxed, coastal vibe.

Whitewash, driftwood tones create a beachshack vibe that’s perfect for whiling away a Saturday afternoon over a pina colada or frozen margarita.

Go for: Seafood and meat barbecued to perfection. The menu fuses Southeast Asian, South American and Caribbean flavours.

The whole roasted line-caught sea bass with charred limes and chimichurri and fresh lobster salads are a must-try.

103-104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866 8668, limewood.hk

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

cover story I scream for ice cream!

Emack & Bolio’s - instagram-worthy treats 2505 6626, GF, 26 Cochrane Street, Central Grom - authentic Italian gelato 2454 2777, Shop No 1023, Level One, IFC Mall, Central Lab made - weird and wonderful 2670 0071, 6 Brown street, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay Bathers Vibe: Bathers, formerly The Beach House, is owned by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Chris Woodyard and Bronwyn Cheung of Woolly Pig Hong Kong. On the menu is seasonal, modern European fare, served in a relaxed, atmospheric, beach-side setting.

Go for: Make it to Lower Cheung Sha for breakfast, served from 9am to 11am at weekends. Feel smug as you feast on French toast or poached eggs while others are still snoozing. Dinner is an elegant affair with steaks, pastas, an excellent wine selection and dessert classics such as Eton Mess.

32 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau, New Territories, 2504 4788, bathers.com.hk

26 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

The Boathouse Vibe: Overlooking Stanley Bay, The Boathouse has a family-friendly atmosphere.

The emphasis is on seafood, with dishes such as jambalaya, seafood chowder and chilled prawns. Portions are also great for families, with many dishes large enough to share.

Go for: Dine on the balcony overlooking the bay, or have a drink in the comfy ground-floor bar, offering a selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4467, cafedecogroup.com

Family summery day out?

Try Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

beach bar guide

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

28 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

SUPER CAMPS FOR SUPER KIDS Get kids and teens out and about this summer with our guide to the best camps around town

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

education to 18. The camps are held at beautiful Tai Long Sai Wan beach and run from June 11 to August 31. Family adventure programmes are also available. ateamedventures.com/

CREATIVE SCAD SCAD’s summer courses are for creative secondary school students who are thinking ahead to university. The courses offer them the chance to experience the university’s approach to education and its extensive facilities and resources, all while developing their individual creative vision through exciting art and design assignments. Residential and non-residential workshops are open to those aged 14-19. scad. edu.hk

Surf’s up at Treasure Island

THE GREAT OUTDOORS TREASURE ISLAND Surf’s up! Starting in June and continuing until late August, Treasure Island Summer Surf Camp promises an unforgettable Hong Kong summer.

Suitable for surfers aged 5-16, of all levels and experience, these week-long day camps will also teach water skills, ocean safety and environmental awareness. treasureislandhk. com/education/summer-surf-camp/ ASIA PACIFIC ADVENTURE For budding explorers aged 7-15, Asia Pacific Adventure offers week-long courses this summer. Specialists in outdoor-learning, APA has designed a camp that travels around the Hong Kong coastline, with water-based programmes that include activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding. summer.asiapacificadventure.com OUTWARD BOUND Not for the faint-hearted (or anyone under 15), this is course in the ancient art of bushcraft.

Skills taught will include fire-lighting, natural navigation and crisis management. A Youth Sea programme teaches basic sailing theories and the transferable skills of leadership and problem-solving. outwardbound.org.hk/ TRYBE HK Energetic children don’t want to spend the summer with their two feet firmly on the ground.

Trybe HK offers a summer camp that will have them launching from beams and being suspended from the ceiling. With gymnastics,

30 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

acrobatics, aerial and Parkour all available, this is about as active as it gets. Private lessons and small-group sessions are also available. trybehk.com SUNSHINE HOUSE With a jam-packed schedule of exploration and intrigue, students can look forward to beach adventures and insect hunts while learning about teamwork and building their vocabulary.

For older children, there will also be a focus on developing personal confidence in preparation for primary-school interviews. sunshinehouse. com.hk/

ELEPHANT COMMUNITY PRESS Shaping budding authors and keen young readers, the Elephant Community Press week-long workshops aim to instil the foundations of storytelling and creative writing. They run from June 19 to August 24 and are suitable for children aged four to 14. elephantcommunitypress.com/ ESF There will be no complaints about boredom this summer at the ESF Guardian Planet Adventures.

With four weeks of thrilling themes from superheroes to dragons, and wild animals to pirates, little people will have their imaginations captured as they use games, stories and drama to develop their interest in reading, writing and speaking. esf.org.hk/camps

WAKEBOARD WAKESURF HONG KONG On the shore of Tai Tam Harbour, a prime location for watersports, Wakeboard Wakesurf Hong Kong offers trips and lessons each day. They offer packages of four to eight lessons, with coaches who’ll ensure a safe and educational day on the water. wakeboardhongkong.com/home.html

PERFORMING ARTS

VERM CITY At Verm City’s week-long Summer Camp courses, knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic rock-climbing coaches teach climbing, games and practical skills for adventurous risk-takers aged four to 15. vermcity.com

KIDS GALLERY There’s something for everyone at Kids Gallery this summer, as they’re offering over 100 camps across the city, from Central to Yau Tong and Kowloon. Whether the theme is Peppa Pig, Frozen or Aladdin, children will take part in a variety of activities, including hip-hop, painting, ballet and magic. kidsgallery.com

A-TEAM EDVENTURES LIMITED Activity-packed water sports camps with surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and slacklining, suitable for children aged eight

RED SHOE DANCE Jazz hands and pirouettes abound at this camp for dance-lovers. Building their skills in everything from classical ballet to Hip Hop

Learning to swim at ESF

summer camp IMS Looking for Mandarin or English immersion for your children? IMS has got you covered. Other course options are Maths and ‘Read & Write’, all taught in the Montessori style. Courses are two weeks long over July and August, with half-day and full-day programmes available at two campuses: South Horizons (ages three-nine) and Mid-levels (ages three-six). ims.edu.hk/ ims-summer-programme-2018 THAT’S MANDARIN For those with Mandarin on the brain, here’s a chance to head to Shanghai for a language summer camp. Aimed at children aged from seven to 17, the courses are two-week cycles offering a mixture of classroom lessons, challenging activities and cultural excursions. summercampschina.com

Having fun at That’s Mandarin

and acro-dance to musical theatre, students will dance for two hours each day in a five-day course, learning different styles each time.

Suitable for those aged six and above. Morning sessions are for those newer to dance, whilst the afternoons are for the more confident. redshoedance.com STAGE RIGHT Summer Theatre is a chance for 4-11-year-olds to practise their talents on the stage. In a fun, five-day programme, students will write a script, improve their performance skills through games and teamwork, and work towards performing an original piece of theatre to friends and family. stagerighthk.com MOVE FOR LIFE If you’re the proud owner of a ball of uncontrollable energy, this might be the course you’ve been looking for. The Summer Dance

Camp in Pok Fu Lam promises to exhaust the little people in a lively and fun environment before sending them home for a well-earned sleep. One camp is for 2-5-year-olds, while the other is for 6-12-year-olds. Both involve a wide range of activities, including dancing, sport, indoor games, stories, free play and singing. moveforlife.asia/summer-program

ACADEMIC NORTON HOUSE There’s no rest for the wicked, or those applying to boarding school. Norton House has designed a summer enrichment series for those looking to gain entry to schools abroad. Running throughout the summer and suitable for both primary and secondary students, this is a chance for them to brush up on some key skills before the forthcoming admission season starts in the autumn. nh.edu.hk/

THE EDGE It’s noses to the grindstone for some this summer, with eyes on the prize for a top college place. The Edge presents a two-week intensive boot camp for applicants to US colleges who are looking to raise their ACT/SAT scores. The course offers 70 hours of teaching and will be conducted by test-prep specialists. theedge. com.hk MULBERRY HOUSE Mulberry House’s eight-week summer camp is for children who want to have fun learning indoors and outdoors, in Mandarin. Led by playgroup and preschool teachers, the camp is filled with engaging activities so participants learn and have fun while building daily vocabulary and confidence in speaking and reading. mulberryhouseasia.com/ HK ETS EDUCATION CENTRE If your child has to spend the summer with their nose buried in the books, it helps for them to have some company. One of ETS’s courses will help them make friends while they brush up on their iGCSE, IB or A Levels subjects. Choose

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

education from courses for students in Year 7 or upwards, and beginners’ courses in French and Spanish.

Help is also at hand for personal statement writing and IELTS courses. hkets.net/ HARBOUR SCHOOL You might detect a fishy theme for The Harbour School’s summer camp. The Fully Immersive Scholar’s Holiday (F.I.S.H.) courses run from July 3 to August 17. Students aged 5-18 can join the team in the Marine Science Centre as they study marine ecosystems and take part in projects linked to real-world issues. To enhance the experience, there’s even a 50-foot sailboat. ths.edu.hk/summer-school

THE INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL The International Montessori School’s annual Summer Programme is open to all children in Hong Kong. They can choose from English Immersion, Mandarin Immersion, Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Each programme brings knowledge and experience to the classroom with language-rich activities, including arts and crafts, drama, stories and even cooking rice. ims.edu.hk/ SOUTHSIDE MANDARIN Southside Mandarin offers a range of classes for children aged 17 months to 12 years. Using a variety of methods, from flash cards to cultural fun in the form of Chinese dancing, skilled teachers help children improve their language skills while having fun. The classes run from June 19 to August 31. southsidemandarin. com/

MY ARCHISCHOOL Specialising in architecture, My ArchiSchool offers four-day summer workshops throughout July and August. The workshops include designing zoos and supermarkets using skills such as 3D printing and sketching. There are also special workshops including a terrarium workshop where children can build their own garden. myarchischool.com/

ALL-ROUNDERS MAGGIE AND ROSE Head south to the beach to make the most of Maggie and Rose’s much-envied spot at The Pulse. Non-members are welcome to join in these unaccompanied camps for four-to-eightyear-olds. Running through July and August, the three-hour sessions include topics such as Bonkers Biology, Animal Planet and Art Factory. maggieandrose.com.hk

MINI MANDARINS Improve your child’s Mandarin skills in a fun language environment. Mini Mandarins offers a range of activities such as arts & craft, mini chef and musical theatre to help kids develop their passion for Mandarin and the Chinese culture. minimandarins.com HK KIDZ If languages are what your child is looking for, HK Kidz might have the solution. Offering a creative way for children to develop language skills, classes are available in German, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese and English. Taught through songs, drama, storytelling, role-play and games, classes are suitable for children aged from two to 12. A variety of enrichment classes can also be mixed and matched. hkkidz.com SCIENCE WORKSHOP An invitation for mad scientists to immerse themselves in the world of STEM, from coding to robots, dinosaurs and app-making. With hands-on experiments based on topics such as ‘Xtreme Vehicles’ and ‘Journey into Our Bodies’, students will be knee-deep in tools and machines as they build their own robots. Based in Central and aimed at children aged from three to 13. ScienceWorkshopHK.com

32 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Baking fun with Mini Mandarins

summer camp ACTIVEKIDS A great option for the all-rounder who can’t decide, ActiveKids in Kennedy Town has all the bases covered. With fashion design courses, chess camps, dinosaur mysteries, cooking, coding and chess, this is the destination for variety. It’s all sure to keep 3-17-year-olds fascinated and out of trouble. activekidshk. com and thechessacademyhk.com CDNIS The CDNIS summer-school brochure is 70 pages long so it’s safe to assume there’s a fair bit of variety. Some of the activities not often seen in Hong Kong include ukulele, inline skating and Bizsmart, an entrepreneurial course for 11-19-year-olds. The school has also coupled with the University of Cambridge again this year to provide an undergraduate-style course for those contemplating their career.

There are also courses for little ones as young as three. cdnis.edu.hk/ KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Throughout July, the Korean International Summer School is offering a range of exciting academic and recreational courses. Aimed at students aged 3-12, sessions can be morning, afternoon or both. Subjects on offer are French, ICT, Art, Mandarin, ESL and sport. Other than

the foreign-language classes, teaching will be in English. kis.edu.hk/is/life_summerschool AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG If your children are keen on football, animals, science, coding, Wushu, pottery or medieval history, the ASHK Summer Program is for them.

It includes three sessions of nine or 10 days each, with separate courses for students aged from six to eight, and nine to 13. Open to ASHK and non-ASHK students. ashk.edu.hk YWCA CENTRE OF LEARNING AND LIFE ENHANCEMENT You name it, the YWCA has got it this summer.

Perfect for siblings with different interests, there’s something for everyone: specialist

courses in soccer, cooking, gymnastics, drama, STEM and swimming. So whether your children want to know more about 3D printing or fancy perfecting their skills on the trampoline, there will be something to keep them busy. clle.ywca. org.hk DALTON COMMUNITY Dalton has things wrapped up on both sides of the harbour with camps at its Kowloon and Cyberport campuses. Split into three age groups catering for children aged from one to 10, classes for the younger ones will be a mixture of gym, art, music and reading, whilst the older children (6 six or above) will focus on drama and STEAM. dshk.edu.hk/eng/ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL The Summer Discovery Program has been running for over 40 years, offering a fun and challenging range of courses for children aged four to 17. On offer at this year’s camp is everything from film-making and basketball to public speaking and Mandarin. The programme runs in two three-week sessions across the Tai Tam and Repulse Bay campuses. summer.hkis. edu.hk

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 33

education HONG KONG PARKVIEW With a variety of summer camps for children aged 18 months and up, there’s something for everyone at Hong Kong Parkview. Choose from specialised camps focusing on science, dance or rope-climbing, or multi-sport camps with swimming, tennis, basketball, rock-climbing and Chinese Kung Fu. Children can attend the camps for a full week or just selected days. hongkongparkview.com/

LITTLIES Mini Mandarins Improve your child’s Mandarin skills in a fun language environment. Mini Mandarins offers a range of activities such as arts & craft, mini chef and musical theatre to help kids develop their passion for Mandarin and the Chinese culture. minimandarins.com Painting at Fairchild

FAIRCHILD No books needed at this play-based activities summer camp at Fairchild Junior Academy.

Instead, it’s a glorious mixture of sports, music and movement, creative arts, cooking, science and storytelling. Between July and August it is open to children aged from eight months to six years, the camp is an action-packed way to spend the summer. fairchild.academy

34 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

ATOM ACADEMY Looking for K-Pop and taekwondo all under the same roof? Look no further. With Mandarin, gymnastics and science as well, ATOM’s Summer Fiesta caters for children from 2.5 to eight years old. Camps run from the end of June until the end of August. Swimming classes by the Hong Kong Swimming Academy are also available. atomacademy.com.hk

DMS Aimed at pre-schoolers and primary students, the DMS summer camp is an excellent opportunity for parents to see the Montessori method in action. Perfect for all-round children with curious minds, this fun-filled course includes water play, field trips and science experiments. dms.edu.hk

summer camp MOUNT KELLY The Mount Kelly Babies and Toddlers Summer Programmes run throughout June and July. With storytelling, explorative play and co-ordinated games, this is aimed at children between the ages of 15 months and four years, who’ll also have the chance to take part in a free class to experience the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. mountkelly.edu.hk PETERHOUSE PRESCHOOL Let their creativity overflow in the Summer Little Internship! Designed to inspire musical awareness, critical thinking and a good dollop of imagination, the Peterhouse course is for children aged between 18 months and five years, and follows the kindergarten and primary curriculum. peterhouse-preschool.com/ MALVERN The ‘Malvern Little Star Summer Camp’ in Yau Ma Tei in July focuses on communication and language, so children will learn basic drama concepts and develop performance skills whilst perfecting movement and dance. Designed for children from pre-nursery to Kindergarten 3. malvernpreschool.hk/malvern-little-starsummer-camp

Making a mess at SKIP

SKIP This one is for those who like getting their hands dirty. The SKIP Summer Paint & Play programme is for children aged between one and five. They’ll participate in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts, crafts, painting and sensory activities using play dough, goop, slime and sand, finishing up with story time, singing and dancing. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. skip.edu.hk

WOODLANDS With multiple locations across Hong Kong, and catering to children as young as six months old, the Woodland Pre-Schools’ summer programme offers a broad range of options.

Parents can choose from English or Mandarin classes with subjects including drama, music, science, cooking and design. There’s also a summer sports programme for children aged two to seven years. woodlandschools.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 35

outdoors

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Just as the summer season kicks off, the Dragon boats are out and the paddles are up. A great way to celebrate the Chinese Lunar festival in Hong Kong!

THE STORY

HISTORY

There’s a story behind every festival, and the Dragon Boat festival is no exception. The festival celebrates the life of the renowned poet Qu Yuan, who lived a few thousand years ago in China. He drowned himself in the Miluo river after hearing that his state had been defeated by the Qin state. Mourning his death, the villagers paddled their boats while drumming loudly to drive off the monsters at sea, and threw dumplings to prevent the fish from eating his body. Eventually Dragon Boat racing became an annual ritual to celebrate the late poet.

The first international Dragon Boat race in Hong Kong took place in 1976. Now more than ever, Dragon Boat racing is popular in more than 50 countries around the world.

36 SOUTHSIDE.HK |

THE TRADITION It’s traditional to savour triangle-shaped, bamboo-leaf-wrapped dumplings (zongzi) and beat drums during the festival.

THE DATE The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the

5th day of the 5th Lunar month every year.

This year it falls on June 18.

THE BOATS The boats are decorated with a dragon head at the prow and a tail at the stern. They’re humanpowered water machines designed to sail swiftly in the water. A standard racing boat has 20-22 crew members, including 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersman. A maximum of four crew reserves are provided.

dragon boat festival

Aberdeen Dragon boat race

WHERE You can watch the festival unfold in eight locations around Hong Kong DISCOVERY BAY June 17 Tai Pak beach is where it all happens. facebook.com/VisitDiscoveryBay STANLEY DRAGON BOAT RACE Stanley Main Beach June 18, 8am–5pm This is the most popular spot of all to watch the races.

Dragonboat.org.hk

ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACE Aberdeen Promenade June 18, 8.15am-4pm Hire a sampan and watch the Dragon Boats paddle past the fishing village. facebook.com/aberdeendragonboat/

TAI O Promenade at Tai Po Waterfront Park.

June 18, 8.30am-1pm One of the highlights at Tai O is the Dragon Boat Water Parade. tai-o.hk

CHEUNG CHAU June 18 Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter 10am-4pm

SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACES June 18, 8am-1pm Shing Mun River, Sha Tin

SAI KUNG June 18 Sai Kung Dragon Boat Races Sai Kung Town Waterfront

DRAGON BOAT CARNIVAL June 22-24 Central Harbourfront

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

outdoors

10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT JOINING A DRAGON BOAT TEAM Don’t call it rowing. It’s paddling!

Joining the right team is everything. Some teams can be really competitive and all about winning. Hungarian Dragons, however, try to strike out the right balance between competitiveness and being social.

Finding teams is as simple as coming down to Stanley Beach on the weekend. Look out for teams who are training and approach them.

Or call the Stanley Dragon Boat Training Centre for team names and look them up online. Most people get advice from their co-workers who are already part of a team.

If you’ve decided to join, you need to commit. Attend every training session. You have to be ‘in the same boat’ with your team, figuratively and literally.

The person in charge of timing sits at the front of the boat, while stronger and heavier paddlers sit at the back. They refer to this as the engine room. You want lighter people at the front so that the boat can be angled upwards; you don’t want it to be lopsided. Steersmen aren’t a big part of the team; they’re often just hired. Only two teams in Hong Kong have their own steersman.

There is full disclosure on a team member’s weight. The team leader will ask you about your weight to make sure they can balance out the boat. You’re simply not allowed to be shy about it.

Joining the team is not free of charge. You need to chip in financially as it’s expensive to rent the boats and enter races. The Hungarian Team has multiple sponsors.

Tips for spectators  Traffic can be really bad.  The beach will be crowded.  Get there an hour early, before the races start.  Bring water, sunglasses and a hat.  Or hire a junk to watch the race.

They said...

I’m not Hungarian but I felt like I was Hungarian on the day of the race. - Audrey Leave your ego at home. If you still haven’t noticed the sport is all about team effort.

Palinka! - Team Chant

Training usually starts after the winter season, although some of the more committed teams paddle throughout the year. The frequency of training can vary from once to twice a week and even more leading up to the main race. On top of this, dry training involves rigorous boot camps and circuit training.

The power doesn’t come from your arms or shoulders. Your thighs and glutes assist all the repetitive and intricate techniques of twisting your body, leaning down and reaching as far as you can.

It’s cultural. Even though thundering roars from the crowd dominate the event, the beating of the drums is still a big part of the race. Another tradition is feasting upon a whole roasted pig at the after-party.

Learn the lingo Paddles up! Recheck position and stay focused.

Paddles in the water! All paddlers must have their paddles in the water to get ready before the ‘Go’ signal.

Ready and Reach! Transition strokes after lifting the boat up from the starting point.

This is the moment of the real race.

Power up! Put more power into it.

Sometimes this spills over into the social aspects, when shots are passed around.

38 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

dragon boat festival

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

home & living

9

Tips to Spruce Up Your Balcony

Outdoor stylist Anna McConnochie on styling your balcony this summer

40 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Credit: The Home Stylist

outdoor decor

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

Credit: The Home Stylist

home & living

Exposure Sun, wind and rain are the three main factors to consider so that you use your balcony as much as possible. Make sure you protect yourself, your furniture and your plants from the harsh conditions in Hong Kong. Let’s be honest: if Hong Kong isn’t boiling hot, it’s teeming with black rain (or worse, typhoons), so you need as much protection from the elements as possible.

Awnings (motorised or electric) are a great way to keep out the rain, sun and wind, and the bonus is that they already have their own storage space (the cassette), so you don’t need to find space in a typhoon.

Furniture Furniture that’s in proportion to the space is

42 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

essential for a balcony. The area shouldn’t feel cramped and busy, but if you have the happy problem of lots of space, avoid small, minimalist furniture as it will look lost in the settings. Lightcoloured furniture, paired with glass-top or acrylic tables, is great for lightening the load of a small balcony.

Planting The conditions on a balcony in Hong Kong can be challenging for plants. Wherever you place a plant, check what sort of light it gets. If your balcony doesn’t receive much sun, large-leafed plants are best, otherwise small-leafed plants and succulents are advisable. If your balcony is

exposed to the wind, make sure you use square pots for your plants, as they are less likely to be pushed over in a typhoon. And remember, water, water, water!

Flooring Changing the flooring on your balcony can make a big difference to the feel of the space.

There are quite a few options to choose from: teak and wood composite clip-together tiles are inexpensive, especially if you have a small space. Faux grass is also an incredibly useful product – it not only looks incredibly real, it also has drainage cells underneath, so no more puddles on your turf.

Credit: The Home Stylist

W

hether your balcony is large or small, it’s the one place you can enjoy the outdoors while sitting in the comfort of your own home.

The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong can be stressful, especially if you’re cooped up in a tiny space with limited access to the outdoors.

But there is hope: even the tiniest balcony can be a refuge from it all. So here are some simple tips to help you create a cozy environment and change the way you use and enjoy your balcony space.

xxx

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

home & living Storage Having a lovely, cosy balcony usually means lots of beautiful cushions! Problem is, you’ll need to store the cushions at some stage, so factor this in when you’re buying your furniture.

On a balcony you might not need to bring the cushions indoors very often, but where will they go in a storm or typhoon? Built-in bench seating or Japanese storage cabinets with sliding doors can solve many of your storage problems, and are reasonably easy on the eye.

Heating I know many people don’t think of Hong Kong as cold, but it really can be very cold in the evenings for up to five months of the year.

Given that many of us use our balconies in the evening, that’s a lot of wasted time if you don’t have a heater. These days you can find many different types, in many different sizes. While most people are used to the large commercial types of heaters in restaurants, small wallmounted ones are perfect for balconies.

Lighting

Decorations Once you’ve installed your furniture, add little touches such as outdoor rugs, outdoor art on

the wall or small statues or sculptures to finish your balcony and give it that sophisticated look.

Safety It goes without saying that you should never allow children on a balcony without adult supervision. Kids love to use furniture or potted plants as tools for climbing. I always advise my clients to push the furniture up against the building wall, away from the railing, when it’s not in use.

For more information, visit thehomestylist. org or email@thehomestylist.org

Credit: The Home Stylist

After I decide on the design of a space, the next thing I focus on is the lighting. Yes it’s THAT important, because it has a significant impact

on how we feel in a space. Some clients choose lighting that changes during the night to create a different atmosphere for their guests, and the options are endless. But whether you’re using high-tech lighting ‘scenes’ or solar-powered lanterns, effective lighting will allow you to spend more time on your balcony and will make the whole experience much more enjoyable for you and your guests.

44 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

xxx

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

must have this month

DADDY COOL Gift ideas to rock your dad’s world

Ticwatch E $1,399 from Fortress Times Square, Matheson Street, Causeway Bay fortress.com.hk Wine cabinet $14,950 from Tree 28/Floor, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau tree.com.hk Zalto burgundy glass $500 from Vinoble vinoble.hk

Madison cufflinks $1,780 from Christofle Shop 117, Prince’s Building, Central 2869 7311 store.christofle.com

Delonghi Ecam 23120 $6,888 from Fortress G/F, Yu Sung Boon Building, 107-111 Des Voeux Road Central fortress.com.hk

46 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Madison 6 scented candle $820 from Christofle Shop 117, Prince’s Building, Central, 2869 7311, store.christofle.com

father’s day Papa please get the moon for me (Board Book) by Eric Carle $110 from Bookazine Shop 107C-D, Repulse Bay Arcade bookazine.com.hk

Lion Rock Press Father’s Day card $25 from Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com

A Man & His Watch Matthew Hranek $350 from Bookazine Shop 107C-D, Repulse Bay Arcade bookazine.com.hk

Stefano Raffa shaving set in deer horn USD$570 from Artemest artemest.com

Glider rocking chair $8,950 from Tree 28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau tree.com.hk

Raphael Thomas Box blue & silk £570 from The Invisible collection theinvisiblecollection.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

big day out

48 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

chasing waterfalls

CHASING WATERFALLS

on Luk Wu Country Trail Tara Smyth shares a secret waterfall trail hidden within the Sai Kung Country Park

T

his month’s Big Day Out is a bit of a hidden gem. In fact the ladies I took with me on my recce asked me why on Earth I would want to put it in a magazine for the world to see. Hmm, yes, well, good point. After much deliberation my kinder side got the better of me and I decided that I would indeed share this precious location.

We’ll be getting into a couple of streams, actually walking in the water, negotiating rocks and boulders and doing a little ‘normal’ hiking too. Wear ordinary, well-fitting, hiking shoes to protect your feet and regular hiking socks – just as you would for any normal land hike – or else you’ll end up with blisters. Never go in the streams with Crocs, flip-flops, TEVAs or wetsuit booties.

Our hike begins at Sai Wan Pavilion – you can either taxi or take the 29R from outside McDonald’s in Sai Kung. Once at the pavilion, you’ll need to walk 100 metres back along the road and take the steep steps up to the right – the Luk Wu Country Trail. After about 300 metres (5 minutes) you’ll come to a fork in the path – take the left-hand fork. After a further 800 metres you’ll hit our first stream.

Now it’s time to get stuck in! Negotiate the rocks carefully and walk along the riverbed, enjoying the cool waters flowing around your ankles. Very soon you’ll come to the first rock pool and waterfall. Take your pack off and stop awhile, taking time to swim in this beautiful pool. From here head back to the Luk Wu Country Trail or continue onto the next and rather dramatic waterfall. Take the narrow path, ‘sign-posted’ with ribbons, which runs up the right hand side of the rock pool. There is a little negotiation required and you should watch your step, taking care of dogs and children along this bit – there is a slightly precarious drop to the left, but it is absolutely doable with care.

At the top, you may now re-enter the stream and continue to walk for 20 to 30 minutes until you reach the stunning wall of rock. At a small fork in the river, keep right.

Tara Smyth is Sai Kung‘s local Scout leader and runs photography company Nitty Gritty Images. Visit facebook. com/nittygrittyimages

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

big day out

50 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

chasing waterfalls

Water levels and waterfall flow depend on how much rain has recently fallen. At the time of our hike, there was very little water flowing, but I have been there when it’s been really rather dramatic!

There aren’t really any deep watering holes here for swimming, but the place is stunning and well worth the detour – quite literally a natural amphitheatre of beauty and drama. Kids can clamber around on the rocks and there are plenty of great photo opportunities.

The next part of our hike takes us back to the Luk Wu Country Trail.

The easiest (and safest) option is to turn around and walk back along the riverbed, past the original rock pool that you swam in, and back to the trail where you first left it. Here you should turn left (you came from the right) and continue along the trail.

After about 10 minutes (650 metres) you will reach a signpost – you should follow the path to the right, signposted ‘Chek Keng’. On a clear day you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views down towards Chek Keng and out to sea. The path is a little hilly and eventually you’ll start to

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

big day out descend down towards sea level.

Just before reaching Chek Keng you’ll come to a concrete path that crosses a wide stream. To your right are some rocks and boulders. Clamber down about 15 metres, away from the path, and you’ll reach a small rock pool with waterfall. It’s a lovely swimming spot. Continue for five metres and you’ll hit a calm pool, like a spa bath, where you can wallow and relax. This is a lovely, serene spot,

Important points to remember • Never enter a stream during heavy rainfall or when the Thunderstorm Warning is in force – flash floods are real and can be fatal.

• Never jump from rock to rock – you never know whether the rock you’re jumping onto is stable – always tread carefully.

• Never jump into a rock pool until you’ve tested the depth of the pool.

• Never dive head-first into a rock pool.

• Always wear sturdy footwear.

• Waterproof all your belongings in case you fall whilst walking and your pack ends up in the water.

52 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

and those passing on the path just 15 metres away will have no idea that you’re even there.

When it’s time to drag yourself away, you’ll need to climb back up and return to the path. Continue for a few more minutes and you’ll reach Chek Keng and the Maclehose Trail (Stage 2). Now you have a few options.

1.) Turn right and continue along the whole of Maclehose 2 and back to Sai Wan Pavilion (the longest and hardest option). 2.) Turn left and continue along the last bit of Maclehose 2 to Pak Tam Au, where you can get a bus out of the Country Park and back to Sai Kung. OR, do what we did, and ferry or kai-to out of Chek Keng to Wong Shek Pier and catch the bus.

Luk Wu

xxx

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

interview

SUMMER SUPPERS Give family mealtimes a boost with a new Hong Kong-friendly cookbook

M

um-of-three Maayan Schwartz has recently published Your Outsourced Kitchen, a collection of healthy, family-friendly recipes that have also been translated into Tagalog.

“Often the cooking responsibilities in Hong Kong homes are outsourced to our hard-working domestic helpers,” says Schwartz. “We’ve all had those comical ‘lost in translation moments’, which is why I wanted to help ease the mealpreparation process.”

Recognising that it’s tough mapping out balanced and nutritious meal plans each week when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, Schwartz hopes that her carefully curated recipes will ease the pressure.

Each recipe is outlined in a simple, step-bystep way. There are no lengthy yarns about food evolution or the history behind the recipe, just a list of ingredients and a simple process written clearly in both English and Tagalog.

The book is beautifully photographed and contains over 80 healthy recipes, covering starters, salads, mains, desserts, small meals, soups and smoothies. Many Hong Kong restaurants have stepped up and contributed, including Jinjuu, Bombay Dreams, Grassroots Pantry and Genie Juicery.

There is also a handy menu planner, plus cooking tips and pantry stock lists. And just so everyone’s working from the same page, there’s an explanation section outlining the healthy merits of basic ingredients, including various oils and sweeteners.

There are vegetarian, fish-based and meatbased recipes, gluten-free options, detox soups and fusion dishes. Cuisines include Western, Middle Eastern and Asian.

Buy your copy of Your Outsourced Kitchen at a Bookazine store or youroutsourcedkitchen.com A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to the Cambodian Children’s Fund in Phnom Penh, which currently helps around 12,000 people in communities across the country.

54 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Try this fresh and healthy fish recipe and treat yourself with mouthwatering sorbet or for a healthy alternative, minted melons – perfect for a light summer lunch.

MINTED MELON Serves 4 1 green or orange melon 3 tablespoons mint, chopped 2 teaspoons honey Juice from 1 lemon Using a melon ball scooper, scoop out balls of melon (see picture) and put in a bowl. Sprinkle the mint on top of the melon. In a separate bowl, combine the lemon juice with the honey. Mix it into the melon and mint.

Serve and enjoy!

interivew SEATARA FISH Serves 4 4 x 200 gram white fish fillets (barramundi or sole) 5-6 large “Roma” or “plum” tomatoes, quartered 20 pieces okra 6 cloves garlic, sliced 4 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 1/2 cup mint, chopped 200 ml or 3/4 cup plain yogurt (not thick Greek yogurt) Juice from 2 lemons Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste Preheat oven to 200˚C.

Roasting the Tomatoes Line a baking dish with baking paper and add the tomatoes. Pour 2 teaspoons of olive oil on the tomatoes and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Put the dish in the heated oven and bake for about 12 minutes.

Okra and Garlic Wash and squeeze as much of the slime out of the okra as you can. Pat them dry.

Turn on the stove and heat up a non-stick frying pan. When the pan has warmed up, coat the pan with the oil spray and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place all of the okra on the pan and let it cook and blacken slightly (sear, but make sure not to burn). Add the garlic to the pan and cook briefly until slightly softened and browned. Turn off the flame and mix the roasted tomatoes into the okra and garlic mixture. Remove the vegetables from the pan.

The Fish Using the same frying pan, spray with oil spray and warm up the pan again. Once it is hot, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the fish. Once the oil has warmed up, place the fish pieces in the pan and slightly brown them.

The fish doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through, just a bit browned on the outside. Turn off the stove once the fish is browned.

Put the fish on a baking paper lined baking dish and pour half the lemon juice onto the fish. Put the fish in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the fish is cooked and soft.

The Yogurt Sauce Mix the parsley, mint and yogurt together with a pinch of salt.

Serving the Fish Spoon the okra, tomato and garlic mix over the fish. Next, pour the remaining lemon juice over the vegetables and then drizzle a few teaspoons

of the yogurt sauce over it all. Garnish with a generous pinch of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice and serve.

STRAWBERRY COINTREAU SORBET Serves 4-6 500 gram package (6 cups) frozen strawberries Juice from 1 orange 1 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons orange liqueur such as “Cointreau” 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon agave syrup Blend all of the ingredients in a blender. If the liquid is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water. Pour the blended mixture into a plastic container and freeze for 3-4 hours. Blend for a second time and then refreeze for another 3 hours for a creamier and softer sorbet.

Serve with chopped berries and fresh mint and enjoy! *Both recipes can be found in Your Outsourced Kitchen.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

travel

Soul-searching

Discover your creative side in the Greek islands, says retreat specialist Paula Hagiefremidis. By Carolynne Dear

56 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

fun retreat

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

travel

E

scaping the kids and the rat-race, interiors consultant and ex-Hong Konger Elisha Rickward joined a Creative Immersion Retreat to the Greek island of Lemnos last year.

“It’s hard to put into words the magic that was Lemnos — although I did take away a heap of photos as it was an absolute visual feast,” says Rickward of the trip, which was part of a curated tour organised

by Australian-based travel company, Mediterranean Wanderer.

“An amazing group of women came

58 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

together from all over the world and over five days, we were treated to a smorgasbord of wonderful activities and workshops.”

The tour was led by Mediterranean Wanderer founder, Paula Hagiefremidis, who is in the throes of putting together a ‘Food, Writing and Creative Escape’ back to Greece and the island of Serifos in the western Cyclades this autumn.

Relaxing, restorative and highly enjoyable, the tours were first put together when Hagiefremidis hit a low point emotionally a few years ago. “I had got to a point where

I wasn’t doing what truly made me happy,” she says. “I was running a very successful Japanese restaurant which myself and my husband had started from scratch. It was doing enormously well but I wasn’t content.”

So she decided to ease herself out of her comfort zone and follow her heart — “which was daunting, I was terrified” — and set up a series of writing retreats to Greece.

“There are two significant reasons for picking Greece. Firstly, although I was born in Australia I have Greek heritage and spent countless childhood summers in Greece. I

fun retreat

speak, read and write Greek, as my parents insisted I attend Greek school after my normal school hours. This was agonising as a child but now I can’t thank my parents enough — I couldn’t imagine visiting Greece today and not being able to immerse myself as a local. Secondly, I wanted to give participants a unique experience, taking them right away from everyday life. The purpose of the retreats is for participants to feel restored, nurtured and inspired and the environment was always going to play a huge part in this,” she says.

The islands are carefully sourced to suit the style of course being offered, Hagiefremidis explaining that each one has its own charm. “It’s important people get to experience the authentic side of Greece, to meet the artisan producers, to sample the produce and to experience the warmth of Greek hospitality,” enthuses Hagiefremidis.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

travel

Groups are purposefully kept small - no more than ten people for the retreat this coming September - to allow participants to form stronger connections with each other.

She stresses that although the tour has a writing component, no prior skills are needed, it is merely the vehicle for people to enhance their creativity.

“The retreats are as much for aspiring creatives who want to further their passion as they are for those who are feeling stuck and in need of direction and inspiration. Last year this was achieved through photography and styling, but the majority of women who attended were neither one nor the other. This year it will be all about using writing and our daily travels across the island to enhance, reflect and connect with what’s important to you. It’s also a chance to connect with an inspiring group of likeminded women.”

Along with the workshops, there will also be the chance to swim the aquamarine

60 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

seas, share delicious meals, with a little bit of ‘Zorba dancing’ thrown in.

This autumn, participants will be staying in two private Cycladic-style seaside villas.

Guests can opt for a private room or shared accommodation and each bedroom has its own bathroom. There will be day trips around the island, both by road and by boat, as well as meet-ups with local artisans and freshly cooked local-style meals. “The schedule is all about allowing a balance of activities to both restore and inspire, as well as developing creative and personal pursuits. A full schedule is available on the company website.

“Paula’s love of Greece was very apparent,” commented Rickward at the end of her retreat. “Her enthusiasm was infectious. We climbed mountains (literally and figuratively), set up a styling shoot in a local town, picked wildflowers, danced with the locals under the stars and swam in the beautiful Aegean Sea. My time on Lemnos

with a bunch of inspiring women was a true life highlight and one I’m hoping to repeat someday.”

For further information about this September’s retreat, A Food, Writing & Creative Escape, see mediterraneanwanderer.com Contact founder and host Paula Hagiefremidis directly at paula@mediterraneanwanderer.com

xxx

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

zim city

Photo by Graham Uden

Let’s have an honest debate about land Consultation document raises more questions than it answers

T

he long-awaited consultation on land supply has started. After more than a year of deliberation, the Development Bureau, together with the Land Supply Task Force, produced an 80-page document. And the bias is dripping off the pages from the start. The list of options is messy, and it lacks a vision for the city.

The introduction talks of the demand for land by pointing at the affordability crisis we’re facing. However it fails to explain to what extent the problem is caused by a lack of land supply, and it ignores key facts about the supply of housing units over the past 20 years and our average per capita living area.

More egregious is the absence of charts showing interest rates, the global money supply and the outpouring of capital from the Mainland over the last decades.

Let me be clear: the city needs to continually evolve and develop new facilities to meet new needs and aspirations. And these will need land, as this evolution can’t be met through the recycling (redevelopment) of dilapidated or underused land and facilities.

But at this point the consultation document goes off the rails. It speaks of allowing the development of private agriculture land reserves under ‘publicprivate partnership’ (PPP) deals. This refers to the ownership of land in the New Territories but does not explain the current uses or the zoning setting out the permitted uses.

Also awkward here is the Government’s push for the resumption of land in the new

62 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

development areas, and its refusal to grant land owners the right to develop themselves.

Why resume in the new development areas but develop randomly under PPP in areas that have yet to be planned? The switch has resulted in a lot of people complaining that the Government is colluding with developers.

We also need to talk about how to prioritise the land-supply options.

The Government suggests it is about delivery time, volume and the avoidance of controversy. But surely we should consider principles such as cost, access to employment, social justice, quality of life and impacts on traffic, ecology, habitats and landscape.

Importantly, what is missing is a vision for the city. What makes Hong Kong successful and what makes it stand out from other world cities such as New York, London, Beijing and Shanghai (or Singapore)? What makes us different, and do we want to retain it? Our hyper-density combined with true wilderness is unique.

We rank high for our longevity, efficiency, accessibility of services, low car ownership and the diversity of activities one can undertake within a day. And we should make sure not to lose this.

Although we have a serious issue of 123,000 inadequately housed households, these people are not homeless, unlike in other global cities. Questions need to be raised about why many of them don’t have priority for public housing, and the efficiency of our allocation system.

The Citizens Task Force on Land

Resources together with Liber Research Community will consult the public on the definition of our land-supply options and the evaluation principles we should apply to prioritise these options. We hope to reduce the bias the Government is showing for its favourites – the lazy options of paying engineers to reclaim land and getting the institutions it controls to adopt changes in country park boundaries, all while avoiding the hard work of reorganising land use in the New Territories.

For the future of our Hong Kong, let’s have an honest debate about our land.

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

woof

Ask a vet...

Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

Will cod liver oil or coconut oil help with my cat’s food allergy?

Without knowing more about your cat it is difficult to know if either oil would help. Both oils contain essential fatty acids [EFA] that cannot be made in the body and are required in the diet. EFA supplementation has been used by vets to treat lots of conditions e.g. dry coats, arthritis and some allergies with mixed results. Good quality commercial diets have most required EFA a cat needs. My advice is take care with [over]supplements. They can harm as well as heal!!

My cat is always hungry, why could this be?

It could simply be that you are not feeding enough/the right type of balanced food for the lifestyle and age of your cat. Or there could be a medical problem interfering with internal “Hunger Control Hormones.”

Monitor the amounts fed/eaten, your cat’s weight gain/loss and any abnormal behaviour for a few weeks then plan to visit your vet to discuss.

Is it safe to let cats outside in Hong Kong?

Cats are natural predators conditioned to hunt for food. They are also prey for other predators like pythons in Hong Kong. If you let your cat outside you subject it to environmental stimulation, mentally and physically. You also allow it to be at risk of coming across life threatening situations or instant death. Your choice!

Do dogs and cats have a concept of time?

Absolutely! Most vertebrates including dogs and cats have their daily “time” manipulated by an internal body clock, controlled by the release of the hormone melatonin from a brain gland, the Pineal Body, in response to changes in daylight. If you ever try not feeding your cat on time, or not walking your dog when they expect a walk, they will soon let you know the “time” has arrived!!

How long do goldfish live generally?

The lifespan of your pet goldfish depends on proper environmental care and responsible tank maintenance. The average lifespan of a pet goldfish is five to 10 years. In the wild, they can live as long as 25 years. The oldest recorded pet goldfish lived 43 years.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com 64 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 65

books

A TASTE OF HOME

Treat tiny friends and relatives to a tale about the territory

My Hong Kong

Pun Choi

This is Hong Kong

Joanne O’Callaghan

Jane Houng

Miroslav Sasek

Experience Hong Kong through the eyes of a child as readers are whisked across the territory, from The Peak tram, to the pandas at Ocean Park and the golden sands of South Bay.

A smorgasbord of traditional Chinese folk and fairy tales retold in contemporary settings - Pun Choi literally translates as ‘big bowl feast’. An entertaining introduction to Chinese culture.

A nostalgic look at Hong Kong in the mid-twentieth century. ‘Roaring jets’ bring in the tourists and ‘bamboo rickshaws’ transport them along Hong Kong streets. Beautifully illustrated, this is one to treasure.

Books are available from Bookazine stores, Commercial Press stores and Kidnapped Bookshop, Sai Kung.

66 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Hong Kong From A to Z Ellen Ng Little Ayma buckets around Hong Kong with Romer the frog, discovering Hong Kong culture through the alphabet - from M is for Mahjong to Z is for… well, you’ll just have to find out.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 67

marketplace

marketplace

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

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69

marketplace

70 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 71

column

MANDARIN COLLARS ALL ROUND! A HAT ON EVERY HEAD! Opinion, rants and random outbursts. By Mrs Backfire

B

ecause Mrs Backfire has never met an opinion, she didn’t need to express (in the third person, no less), this month here on the back page we’re going to wade into the topic of cultural appropriation.

That is, by Wikipedia’s definition, when a majority culture adopts aspects of a minority culture, and subsequently reduces those meaningful cultural elements to something ‘exotic’ or ‘fun’ or ‘trivial’.

In other words: the Spice Girls performing the haka.

By now you’ve probably heard or read about the young, Caucasian girl in Utah who was vilified for wearing a cheongsam as a prom dress: because ‘my culture is not your @*&#%!

Prom dress,’ as one Asian-American Tweeter put it. Her outfit set off a social media storm, as these things tend to do when people have 4G, unresolved grievances and too much time on their hands. The outfit subsequently inspired numerous think pieces on the topic of who gets to wear or say or do what. Writers of all colours and genders weighed in. It felt like the Disney ride; ‘It’s a Small World’, only designed by the competing forces of bitter and earnest.

After reading one too many impassioned arguments about ‘But what about jazz?’ or ‘A third of the English language is French’, I realised what the topic needed was the privileged, devil-may-care candour of David Tang. How I’d love to hear what the man behind Shanghai Tang would say. Imagine! He made a fortune appropriating his own culture (if that’s possible), so I have to think he’d approve of the dress.

Of course, I didn’t read a single op-ed that focused on what was really important in this scenario: celebrating a young lady who chose not to wear the streetwalker tat that passes for prom dresses these days. Let’s focus here, people. There’s a real war going on in the shopping malls and high streets for the selfimages of our tweens and teens. We should applaud taste and modesty.

But maybe I’d better leave that battle for another time.

I’ll get back to this idea of cultural appropriation, because I know it’s difficult for the rest of the world to comprehend (being altogether more sane and less tabloid-bizarre these days), how at present, the United States is caught between a rock and a hard place:

72 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Here’s where I, Mrs Backfire, would like to help

the forces of political incorrectness and a hypersensitivity to all things triggering. It’s the impervious but obnoxious, dirty joke-tellers versus woke but thin-skinned college kids. A conflict tailor-made for social media and sketch comedy, but one that deserves a closer look and maybe even some solutions.

Here’s where I, Mrs Backfire, would like to help. After all, I have long-lived in Asia’s World City, a crossroads – as they like to tell me over and over and over – of East meets West. A place where cultures have been mingling and borrowing and repurposing for hundreds of years. I mean, we live in the land of borscht, condensed milk sandwiches, pork chop spaghetti and marching bands in kilts. I know we can appropriate with the best of them.

So, how can I assist my cross-Pacific brethren? What advice can I offer, to help them through these troubled, snowflake-filled times?

First of all, if I can speak frankly to the cultures that see themselves as victims of appropriation: you should really look for the silver lining in the situation. Because there is one, and it is this: now’s your chance to offload the most embarrassing, mortifying aspects of your civilization on to entirely unsuspecting scenesters. People dig your native style? Steer them away from the groovy stuff like qipao and yellow kung fu jumpsuits, and offer them instead, your cast-offs and cultural blunders.

Think about it. There must be a few rather unhip items of your heritage that you’d like to disown.

Gowns for men? Struggle sessions? Stinky tofu? With the right amount of marketing savvy, I’ll bet someone out there could even make ceramic pillows cool again.

When I think about it, I can’t believe that all these sensitive Americans don’t remember pawning off Jerry Lewis to the French. He became a comedy icon in Paris, and the US rid itself of the gangly guy with the super annoying voice. Win-win.

And did the US mind when an entire generation of Asian 20-somethings embraced the trucker hat? For years, in subway trains all over Asia, that ubiquitous, half-mesh monstrosity perched high on the heads of a million bright, young things. But did truck drivers, car mechanics, and gas station attendants complain that their cheap piece of headgear was being appropriated?

Are you kidding me? Take them, the country said. Take all the trucker hats! For good, and good riddance.

Well, maybe that was just me saying all that.

About the hats. And then wondering when that awful trend was going to be well and truly over.

The battle rages on.

Mrs Backfire is - in the words of John Hughes - a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal (well, just that one time and I do regret it). You can see me as you want to see me ;)

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 73