TYPH
UT KH
N MANG OO
SPECIAL ISSUE!
International Schools Fair 20th Oct, 2018 (Sat) | 10am to 3pm | The Annex, Central You have to join if you want to: • • • •
Stay updated here! expatparenthk
Learn about school choices from education professionals Connect with International Schools & education sectors Join our fun activities Speeches, Stage performances, Free workshops) Get our goodie bags with attractive gifts
If you would like to join the International Schools Fair, email talk@hongkongliving.com to find out more!
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Goodie Bags
2 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
The really useful magazine October 2018
4 SNAPPED! Southsider out and about 6 THE PLANNER
42 HOME AND LIVING
Pink for breast cancer
Laurie Lankester of JLL
Proud to be a Southsider in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut
Spooky skeletons
14
Dr Pauline answers your pet questions
59 WALKIES Best places to walk your dog around the Southside
64 MRS. BACKFIRE
20 COVER STORY
56 SOUTHSIDE SECRETS
18 LOCAL
Ways to cut waste
58 PETS
What’s happening in our backyard
16 FIVE MINUTES WITH…
14 NEWS
Adventures in South Africa
54 ZIMCITY
Things worth booking ahead for
12 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH
12
46 TRAVEL
Check out what’s on in October
10 BOOK NOW
Academy Award-nominee and designer Kerrie Brown
What do you think of GRABBY?
46
Under the sea in Hong Kong
26 DINING
Your guide to Hong Kong’s Wine & Dine Festival
30 NIBBLES
What’s new in dining news
32 BODY & SOUL
Participate in the events this breast cancer month
32
34
34 SPORTS
Prudential Tennis Open 2018
36 EDUCATION
A visit to Sunshine House
40 INTERVIEW
Author Ritu Hemnani on the India Parkistan partition
26
20
I DON’T WANT TO EARN MY LIVING; I WANT TO LIVE. – OSCAR WILDE
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 1
editor’s letter
H
ong Kong had witnessed a ferocious typhoon, Mangkhut which devastated out community – tearing down trees and ripping through anything that came it’s way. Fortunately, communities across Hong Kong have stuck together and are helping Hong Kong pull itself back together again. With calmer waters ahead, my first experience with diving was an unusual encounter with Cape Town’s great white sharks through a cage that was hung alongside a boat. It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. That said, Hong Kong is a great place to get familiarised with conditions under the water. Our cover story is for all the diving enthusiasts in Hong Kong, turn to page 20 to find out more. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, head to page 32 to find out how you can support this great cause. And the best time to enjoy Hong Kong’s great outdoors starts in October too. The harbourfront Wine and Dine Festival (p.26) is a great place to work up an appetite. Finally, we travel to South Africa. The wildlife, biodiversity, cultural heritage and immense natural resources attract a staggering number of tourist each year. My second trip has filled me with admiration for the country and now is a great time of year to visit - I highly recommend it!
Editorial
Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Vasavi Seethepali, vasavi@hongkongliving.com Contributing editor Amelia Sewell, amelia@hongkongliving.com Carolynne Dear, carolynne@hongkongliving.com Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Shirley Lau, shirley@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Digital Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
Design
Graphic designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com 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
Publisher
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to
Paul Zimmerman Karin Bremer Ariane Lamy Clinton Cordeiro 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
Christopher Dillon ...is the principal of Dillon Communications Ltd., a corporate communications consultancy, and the author of the Landed series of real estate books. A Canadian native, Christopher has lived in Hong Kong since 1992 and is the chairman of the South China Diving Club. christopherDillon.com
Evy Kartar Prakash
Becky Love
...is a Kundalini yoga instructor and Breast Health Educator. She is a fantastic example of how breast cancer can be used to accelerate the positive momentum and purpose in one’s life. Trained as an architect she now runs yoga classes and workshops in Lantau. yogika.org fb/hongkongamhh
... is our new Editorial Assistant. She hails from Australia where she previously worked as a Radio Copywriter for 10 years. When she isn’t out and about exploring her new home or writing a screenplay, you will most likely find her on the yoga mat, trying to de-frizz her hair, or re-watching every John Hughes movie ever made.
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 publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Application deadline
October 2, 2018
for Pre Reception to Grade 2
Canadian International School of Hong Kong Now accepting admission applications for 2019-2020 For further information or to register for a weekly tour, please visit
To inspire excellence, cultivate character and empower engagement locally and globally.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3
People section photos credit: Karin Bremer
people
Typhoon Mangkhut
4 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
say cheese After clouds have cleared
TYPHOON MANGKHUT Residents’ stories Cecilia Goncalves - Southside resident
We live right across from Stanley Beach and the waves were so high and menacing, that it was quite terrifying looking out of the window! It was utter devastation in Stanley, so many trees were down, all roads blocked, everyone was taking photos, but everyone looked sad and shocked. On a positive note, I saw some families including children out on Monday morning helping to clear tree branches off the streets and clean the beach. It’s heartwarming to see so many people care about their neighbourhood.
Anouska Mutreja - Southside resident
As we walked from Shouson Hill through Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay there was sand, trees and carnage everywhere. It has been humbling to see this beautiful city pulled in every direction by typhoon Mangkhut. However it is wonderful to see everyone come together to get things back to normalcy.
Karin Bremer - Southside resident and photographer
Very saddened by the destruction caused by Mangkhut, but so impressed with the dedication of Hong Kong’s emergency services and heart warming community spirit that became apparent during the clean up. For more about Karin visit karinbremer.com
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5
planner
OCT 20
Action Asia HK50 2018 Brave the 50km or 24km trail run/hike from The Peak to Wong Nai Chung Gap. $530. actionasiaevents.com Kong until October 17. Hop to this exhibition before their time is up. Free. Podium Level, Tsim Sha Tsui and along Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai.
THROUGHOUT OCT
Container Port Tour and BBQ
UNTIL DEC 6
Hong Kong Culture Festival From performing arts and exhibitions, to arts and crafts, film screenings and more, the Hong Kong Culture Festival is set to celebrate the diversity of local cultural heritage. Prices vary. Locations vary. hkculturefestival.com
UNTIL OCT 17
Giant Moon Rabbit Lumiere Exhibition Australian artist Amanda Parer and her illuminated rabbits will only be in Hong
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Every Sunday throughout October, hop aboard the Jungle Jane and venture inside the container ship terminal, while enjoying a BBQ lunch with free flow alcohol. 11am3:30pm. Adults $900, children $760. hongkongyachting.com/tours-hong-kong
happening in October UNTIL OCT 31
Disney Halloween Time With spooky attractions, halloween costumes, festive treats and all your favourite villains, Disneyland is full of ghostly surprises this halloween. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island. hongkongdisneyland.com
OCT 1
Asia Contemporary Art Show More than 80 galleries from around Asia and the world will gather to introduce a wide range of art and artists to the community. 11am-6pm. $270 admits two if purchased online, admits one if purchased at door. Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. hkticketing.com
OCT 5-6
OCT 1
Beertopia
OCT 5
Hong Kong’s largest craft beer festival takes over Central Harbourfront once again. Sample over 500 different beers, and enjoy live music, games and shisha. $250. beertopia.hk
National Day Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2018 Get ready to be spooked at Ocean Park’s annual Halloween fest, with uniquely themed haunted houses and a new interactive, hyperreality multimedia horror installation, you’re guaranteed a fright! oceanpark.com.hk
OCT 5 - 6
Third Hong Kong Montessori Conference The Montessori Foundation invites everyone to attend it’s third Montessori conference with distinguished speakers from USA, Canada, Taiwan and the Philippines. 8am-5.30pm. Register for the event at regonline.hk/ builder/site/?eventid=2519688
OCT 6
Eye of the Tiger - Handstand
Practice with Lawrence Pradhan Learn the simple yet precise handstand techniques that will boost your practice. 11am-2pm. $1,350. Pure Yoga, Soundwill Plaza, 38 Russell Street, Causeway Bay. pure-yoga.com
OCT 6
Nord Anglia International PreSchool Campuses Open Day Explore the beautiful learning environment and play-based curriculum in a day of fun and learning, plus free on-site assessments. 9.30am-2.30pm. Free. Nord Anglia International Pre-School, Tai Tam
and Sai Kung campuses. Register for the assessment at nordangliaeducation.com
OCT 6 & 27
Woodland Preschools Open Day Drop in to find out all about the group’s Hong Kong-wide preschool programe for little ones. Free. For times and campus details, see woodlandschools.com
OCT 6 - 27
Free Yoga Class at Pier 10 A free beginner’s level yoga class is open to the public every Sunday in October. Those who would like to attend the class must arrive 10 minutes before to complete the waiver. Bring your own mat, towel and water. 3.30 - 4.30pm. Free. Ferry Pier 10, Central. yogacommunity.org
OCT 6 - 7
Sideways 24-Hour Charity Race with HandsOn Hong Kong Join the ultimate endurance challenge as 15 teams of drivers race throughout the night to raise funds for HandsOn Hong Kong’s community programmes. Sideways Driving Club, 1/F, 65-65A Peel Street, Central. centralsideways-driving-club.com
OCT 7
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival An array of top-ranked musicians from around the world will perform in an open air concert to launch the festival. Free. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. hkijf.com
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 7
planner OCT 13
The Hong Kong Maternity and Baby Event Discover all you need to know about babies and pregnancy from top doctors and experts, and shop for premium products and services. Free. 9.30am-4.30pm. JW Marriott hotel, Admiralty. Register at healthymatters.com.hk
OCT 7
Women’s Five - 5km Run
OCT 14
Handstand Inversions Workshop: Foundations
Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road, Central. $600. ticketflap.com/drhermasterclass
OCT 21
Hong Kong Cross Harbour Race For over 70 years, the Cross Harbour Race has been one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated events, with thousands of participants swimming 1.8km across Victoria Harbour. hkharbourrace.com
OCT 25
Learn basic core strength conditioning, hands’ placements, shoulder opening and many more important skills to prepare yourself for a safe handstand. 10am-1pm. $800. Flex Yoga, Shops 308-310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. flexhk.com/workshops
The Fratellis
Britain’s Great Living Pianist: Stephen Hough
OCT 15 - 19
Piano genius Stephen Hough returns to Hong Kong with a specially devised solo recital that explores every side of his artistic personality. $100. Hong Kong City Hall, Central. pphk.org
The week long theatre workshops include holiday theatre, creative writing and play in a day. Register by October 5 to get a 10% early bird discount. 5/F, Nan Dao Commercial Building 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan Hong Kong. faustworld.com
Bringing together world-class food, drinks and entertainment next to the stunning Victoria Harbour. $30. Central Harbourfront. discoverhongkong.com/winedinefestival
A journey of fitness, health and inspiration that ends in a 5km run for women only. Registrations are still open for the run portion of the journey. 8.30-10am. $390. Tai Tam Country Park BBQ Point, Tai Tam. womensfive.com
OCT 8
OCT 11
Listen Up 2018
Faust's Mid-Autumn Programmes
Featuring artists Duran, Phekoo and Space, this multi-band tour series showcases an exciting and talented new wave of Japanese musicians. $200. The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. ticketflap.com
Hong Kong Super Sixes 2018 The fastest-paced cricket tournament heads to the Kowloon Cricket Club for this annual competition. Will Hong Kong take top spot this year? $350. Hong Kong Cricket Club, Kowloon. hkcricket.org
Expat Parent International Schools Fair
OCT 20
OCT 17
Chung Yeung Festival
This fun and fabulous Beatles themed evening will celebrate HKDR’s “Lonely Hearts,” those dogs who have been with HKDR for a long time, waiting to find their forever home. $1,700. The Aberdeen Marina Club, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen
OCT 20
OCT 12 - 13
OCT 20
Enjoy top-notch beers from local and selected international breweries. Free. PMQ, Central. beerfesthk.com
Dr. Pauline Jam will guide patients through the history, botanicals and flavours of four unique gins. A portion of proceeds from each ticket sale will go towards the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. 5-7pm.
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OCT 26 - 28
Revisit one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time with Giselle, a passionate
Get a better understanding of organic, biodynamic and natural wines at this tasting evening. 7-9.30pm. $350. The Flying Winemaker, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central. flyingwinemaker.com.hk
Great Hong Kong Craft Beer Festival
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
“Giselle”
Hipster Wine Central
Hong Kong Dog Rescue Annual Charity Gala: “Sarge ‘n’ pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club”
OCT 25 - 28
OCT 26 - NOV 4
OCT 11
OCT 13
Scottish rock band, The Fratellis are set to rock Hong Kong. 8pm. $490. Kowloonbay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC). venue.cityline.com
Mariah Carey Live in Macau Five time Grammy winner Mariah Carey brings her first ever tour to Macau. 8pm. $1,316. Cotai Arena, The Venetian, Cotai Strip, Macau. venetianmacao.com
Dr. Her Gin Masterclass
Learn about school choice from education professionals, take part in fun activities and watch performances and speeches in Hong Kong’s most exciting schools fair. Don’t forget to collect your goodie bag! 10am-3pm. The Annex, Central. Email talk@ hongkongliving.com to find out more.
happening in October tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness. Presented by Hong Kong Ballet. $140. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
OCT 27
Dress Pink Day Dress up in pink and help raise awareness and funds to support women with breast cancer across Hong Kong. pink.cancerfund.org
OCT 27 - 28
Sandcastle Fun Day Part of the Hong Kong Beach Festival, join sandcastle artists who will teach you how to build Instagram-able castles with their specials tools and techniques. $180. Repulse Bay Beach. ticketflap.com/ hkbeachfest-sandcastle
OCT 28
Hysan Island Hike and Run Professionals, teams of two or casual runners can enjoy a scenic 23km, 15km or 6km trail run, with a stunning view from Violet Hill. $300. actionasiaevents.com
OCT 28
Repulse Bay Triple Part of the Hong Kong Beach Festival. Swimmers face three high-intensity interval swims - the shortest accumulated total race time wins. 2pm. $380. Repulse Bay Beach. raceregistration.asia/rbt2018
Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness
OCT 21
Join in this signature annual fundraising event, #PinkWalk2018. Dress in pink, or design your own pink hat and walk the 3.5km to raise funds for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Dogs are welcome. Prizes for best hat. $350. Assemble at Peak Road Garden. Register at hkbcf.org
OCT 28
The 6th International Hong Kong Beach Water Polo Tournament With contenders flying in from across Asia, this tournament is set to be packed with hot bods and adrenaline pumping competition. Repulse Bay. To take part, register via email at hkbwpa@gmail.com
OCT 31
Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party Boo! Get your costumes ready. lankwaifong.com
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 9
planner
BOOK NOW NOV 1
31st Annual Charity Bazaar The American Woman's Association (AWA) will be holding its 31st Annual Charity Bazaar with 70 vendors selling a range of items from jewellery to Christmas decor. There will also be a silent auction and lucky draw. Free. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan. awa.org.hk
NOV 2
PathFinders 10th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner
from all around the world. Prices vary. Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. hkjff.org
NOV 9 - 11 Clockenflap
Grab your tickets to Hong Kong’s biggest music and arts festival in November. The three-day festival will feature big names, including The Vaccines and Peking Duk. Tickets from $820. Central Harbourfront Event Space. clockenflap.com
NOV 20 - 21
Guns N’ Roses - Not in This Lifetime Tour Over the course of the past decade, Guns N’ Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide. Now they’re back to rock Hong Kong. $688. AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Lantau. premier. hkticketing.com
To celebrate PathFinders special 10th Anniversary, they're having a party! Book tables of 12 from $38,888. 7pm. The American Club - Country Club, Vista Ballroom, Floors 48-49, Two Exchange Square, Central. pathfinders.org.hk
NOV 3 - 11
Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival Asia’s flagship Jewish festival is back, and will feature the best Jewish-themed films
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
10 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
happening in October
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11
must have this month
Pink Ribbon Towel 250 from Teresa's $ Turkish Towels 3F Xiu Hua Commercial Building, 211-213 Jaffe Road, Wanchai hkturkish.com
Pink Freshwater Pearl Bracelet and Necklace Set with Silver Slider $18,000 (originally $25,800) from Tayma Fine Jewellery, Prince’s Building, 10 Charter Road, Central taymajewellery.com
Artisan Roast Espresso Chocolate Bar $55 from Sweet World, Prince’s Building, 10 Charter Road, Central facebook.com/sweetworldhk Tayma 18KW Pink Freshwater Pearl Drops with 18KW Diamond Hoops $20,800 from Tayma Fine Jewellery, Prince’s Building, 10 Charter Road, Central taymajewellery.com
Camellia Backless Bra $388 from Invisibra (ships to Hong Kong) invisibra.co.uk
Love Yourself Gift Set $434 from Nicole’s Kitchen Great Food Hall, LG 1, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty nicoleskitchen.com.hk
12 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
think pink MINI POP Watch 1,600 from SILA $ Kapok, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central sila-paris.com
Pinks with Purpose Lip Colour Duo $380 from Bobbi Brown Shop 105,1/F, ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central bobbibrown.com.hk
Hand and Mind Relief $180 from Origins 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon origins.hk
The Lightweight Short Sleeve Boxer PJ $423 from Victoria's Secret 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay victoriassecret.com
Pinkster Gin 548 from $ HK Liquor Store hkliquorstore.com
Gucci Bloom eau de parfum $855 Sasa 6 D'Aguilar Street, Central hongkong.sasa.com
Pink Ribbon Murano Charm $299 from Pandora IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central hk.pandora.net
Pink Ribbon Dangle $499 from Pandora, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central hk.pandora.net
Rose Penelope Cake with Vanilla Sponge $580 from Vive Cake Boutique Shop 3, 1/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central vive.hk
*All products with
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay $208 from Bookazine, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central bookazine.com.hk
donate proceeds to breast cancer awareness charities.
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13
news
Express Rail Now Open Hong Kong’s new and highly anticipated highspeed train, which connects the West Kowloon terminal to 44 Mainland stations in China, is now in operation. The $84.4 billion dollar Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong rail link which opened in late September transports around 80,000 passengers per day. As ticket prices are set in yuan, tickets sold in Hong Kong will be adjusted monthly to align with exchange rates. Currently, prices for short distance stops in Guangzhou and Shenzhen cost between $78 and $248. Further distances such as Beijing and Shanghai range from $216 to $1,239. In comparison to the usual two hour train service to Guangzhou, it now takes commuters only 48 minutes to reach this destination.
Chung Yeung Festival The Chung Yeung Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, which is this October 17. It is an important day for families in Hong Kong, whereby they congregate at cemetaries to engage in the age-old practices of ancestor worship. Chai Wan Cemetery, Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam are popular meeting points on this day, and roads may also be quite busy. Popular high points such as The Peak and Ngong Ping/ Big Buddha are expected to be extremely busy, as hiking to high points during this time is thought to bring good luck.
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Policy Address this Month This month will see Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Administrative Region, Carrie Lam address the public in response to her policy address from July 1. During August, Lam participated in a Facebook live video, in which she responded to questions from the public on issues ranging from non-local home ownership, to animal rights. This was the first online appearance from a Chief Executive. Those interested in what will be discussed during the October 10 address can visit policyaddress.gov.hk
AVS Run and Walk for Volunteering On Sunday October 14, the Agency for Volunteer Service will host their annual AVS Run and Walk for Volunteering event. This charity run and walk which leaves from The Arcade, Cyberport, aims to raise $700,000 for the development of volunteerism. “Participants can enjoy the beautiful sights along the Cyberport Waterfront Park” says Roni Chu, EVS Fundraising and Promotion Officer. “Apart from the refreshing and exciting moments together with your family and friends, the event exemplifies our joint effort in promoting volunteerism to make a difference to the society”. For more information, or to register, visit avs.org.hk
in your backyard
26th Green Power Hike 2019 The 26th Green Power Hike has been scheduled to take place on January 12. The annual fundraising walkathon which raises funds for environmental education is one of the largest charity hiking activities on Hong Kong Island. The event has attracted over 63,000 total participants in the past 25 years, with over $88 million dollars raised for local environmental education work. Along with the growing popularity of hiking in the recent years, Green Power aims to make this event an authentic
experience of “green hiking”. From the early stages, they always strived to minimise resources, and reuse all event materials. On the event day, most of the materials are recycled, and no bottled drinks or paper cups are distributed. This year participants can opt for a 10, 25 or 50 kilometer route. Enrollment opened in September with priority offered for charity places. The public can enrol for the event online now at greenpower.org.hk/hike
‘Adventists Got Talent’ Fundraising Event ‘Adventists Got Talent’ aims to raise muchneeded donations to support patients who lack access to financial means and medical care. On December 2, the public are invited to share their talent to raise funds for cancer patients. As part of the event, President and CEO of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Alex Lan will publicly have his head shaved by celebrity hairdresser Kim Robinson. “The hair shave ceremony, is a tangible show of solidarity with cancer patients” says Paley Wong, Communication Officer at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital. “This event is part of HKAH’s health mission to serve the community by offering personalised medical services that combine attention to care, commitment to excellence and dedication to whole-person healing.” The event starts at 3pm at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital in Tsuen Wan, with tickets available by donation. Contact Gary Ching at gary. ching@twah.org.hk to purchase.
SOUTHSIDE.HK | 15
five minutes with “Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself” that’s my motto. We moved back home to Hong Kong from Australia when I was 12 year old. Our first family home here was an apartment on Repulse Bay Road with stunning views, I think that’s where I first developed my passion for real estate. I still remember the night we landed here. We dined as a family at The Verandah restaurant in The Repulse Bay hotel. It was absolute perfection. And waking up the next day I literally had to pinch myself, the beautiful views across Deep Water Bay were surreal. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”, it’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given. I am inspired by anyone who makes something of themselves no matter where they are coming from. I see challenges as healthy and an opportunity to grow. Everyone faces challenges on a daily basis, it would be unnatural for life not to be challenging. Local environmental issues are really important to me. Especially the damage that plastic and polystyrene are doing to the environment. I once saw a documentary where a sea turtle had a straw stuck in its nostril. It was so devastating to watch. Pollution levels do seem to have improved since 2007, there are now fewer days where levels pose a health risk but I would love for our city to have even lower pollution.
Five mins with Laurie Lankester Director, Residential Leasing and Relocation Services at JLL talks property, Southside hotspots and midnight dips in Deepwater Bay I know the real estate market in Hong Kong. I started my career in Hong Kong in the late 1980’s, when we were “Jones Lang Wootton”. Since then I have relocated several times throughout my life so I know what life as an expat in a new country feels like, plus I have over 20 years experience in the real estate industry so I can really identify with my clients.
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From pre-arrival right through to moving in, I guide expats through the relocation process, identifying the right accommodation and negotiating the best possible deal. I feel an immense sense of pride when clients turn to me and say – “Wow you really know what you’re doing” or “Laurie you have been amazing!”
Deepwater Bay conjures up memories of swimming at midnight. It was a birthday party. And it’s where I learnt to water-ski and windsurf. The Pulse is fantastic, I love the pizzas at Amalfitana. Look down from Dragon’s Back Hike at the Big Wave Bay beach and beyond, it’s one of the most spectacular vistas on the island. Shek-O is my favourite beach, it’s perfectly captures an old Hong Kong-style village. And you can eat local, Thai and French food there. JLL is a leading professional services firm that specialises in real estate and investment management. Their vision is to reimagine the world of real estate and create amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. jllresidential.com.hk
SAIKUNG.COM | 17
local
Cleaning organised by DB Green and Plastic Free Seas
Southside spirit shines through after clouds pass Our hardy residents come together to clean up after Typhoon Mangkhut
W
hat tore a city apart, literally, is now bringing the community together in a clean-up effort following the destruction of Typhoon Mangkhut. Southside emergency workers worked tirelessly through the typhoon and overnight, clearing fallen trees along South Bay Road to keep residents safe. But by morning, the damage had been so excessive, the community banded together to help in the clean-up. Southside resident, Cecilia Goncalves, who lives directly opposite Stanley Beach, watched the super typhoon wreak havoc from her bedroom window. “After the typhoon had passed, all of the residents were shocked at the utter devastation in Stanley” she said. “The beach was a disaster, with so many broken surfboards, small kayaks, tree
18 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
community spirit trunks and all sorts of rubbish”. But there was a light. They say that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned at the worst of times. “On a positive note, I saw some families out on the following Monday morning helping clear tree branches off the streets, and people helping to clean the beach, including young kids. It’s heartwarming to see so many people who care about their neighbourhood”. The Southern District Council - Bays Area took to Facebook to thank everyone for their efforts. “We thank all emergency workers for working through the typhoon. We also see many volunteers and neighbours helping out, and we are grateful for that”. Although the devastation of Typhoon Mangkhut will be remembered as one of the worst, what followed has been an outpour of community support. Strangers coming together for the same purpose, to try and piece together a broken city they call home.
How prepared were we? Southern district Councillor, Paul Zimmerman on our progress since Hato and what we’ve learned this time around There are many angles to take on Mangkhut, the super typhoon to impact Hong Kong: The accuracy of the Hong Kong Observatory and Windy.com smartphone apps, the resilience of the city, the community clean-up efforts, the failure to declare a clean-up day, the vulnerability of our transport network, the time it takes to clear the pavements, the absence of chainsaws in fire services and police vans, the rubbish the seas spat back at us, the absolute devastation of Hong Kong’s
watersports and marine leisure facilities, climate change and the knowledge that this is not the last one. Some things have improved since Typhoon Hato: Coordination between my District Council office, the Police and the various teams responsible for clean ups is much better. We have yet to see though how long Government will use emergency funding for the clean-up. After Hato the addition funding stopped as soon as traffic and transport were normalized, leaving
pavements blocked by trees for weeks and at some sections for months. I have asked the CE Office to maintain the emergency funding till all pavements have been cleared. Next, we need to speed up protection of shorelines at places like Shek O, Heng Fa Chuen, Mui Wo, around Tolo Harbour and elsewhere. We will need smart design solutions which allow these localities to be enjoyed. Finally, we need a policy to support watersports and leisure boating with adequate facilities including typhoon shelters and sheltered hard standings around our shores. This will not be cheap. But these facilities – as long as they are public – are needed to allow the community the enjoyment of our 280 islands, 800 km of shorelines, and 1,500 square kilometers of seas. Storm damage can never be ruled out, but it can be minimized with proper facilities. The devastating impact of Mangkhut can be directly linked to the failure of the Marine Department and Home Affairs Bureau to respond to the many calls made for sheltered facilities for sailing, canoeing, rowing, yachting, fishing, surfing, and dragon boating. With a lack of dedicated facilities, much of the watersports and leisure marine equipment was reliant on temporary facilities, open water anchorage, berthing under trees or on the back of a beach. The wealthy can afford a club or marina membership, or afford themselves the cost of a replacement. Public facilities are needed so that everyone can enjoy our plentiful and magnificent waters.
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cover zim city story
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diving
Photo credit: Cathryn Chu
Underwater adventures in Hong Kong
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ou may not believe it, but Hong Kong actually has a large community of divers. Sure, it may not be a likely destination for diving enthusiasts, but Hong Kong does in fact have its own world of underwater treasures just waiting to be explored. With the help of some established clubs like South China Dive Club, Splash Hong Kong and Diving Express, we’ve put together a few pointers for those of you who have been wanting to take the plunge and dive in.
Winter can be cold, but also rewarding as it offers greater visibility. Hong Kong has a lot of small marine life and is a very interesting diving place for macro photography during this time. However, low water temperatures in winter can make for a chilly experience, so it’s best to dive in a dry suit. All in all? Planning ahead, good weather and a little luck are the main factors when it comes to enjoying Hong Kong waters. seatemperature.org/asia/hong-kong
Where to dive around Hong Kong
• Always ascend slowly
When to dive in Hong Kong
Believe it or not, Hong Kong actually has some pretty good dive sites, but where do you find them? Here are our tips on the best places to dive in Hong Kong. Po Toi Island and Sung Kong to the south can be great spots, but are only accessible from March to May when the wind is gentle. Nine Pin Islands to the east offer challenging but also rewarding dives. Sharp Island, Basalt Island, and Trio Island are local favourites for both training
• Make sure gear is intact
Photo credit: Darren Gilkison, Splash HK
Although you can dive in Hong Kong all year round, the best times are from late March until early June, and then again from September to early November. The warmer months from around May to October can be crippled by typhoons, and prevailing south-west monsoons can bring in the murk from the Pearl River to the west, which dulls visibility. But on the upside - the water temperature is nice and warm, making for an overall comfortable dive on a calm day.
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and fun dives. Further North, departing from Sai Kung past Sor See Mun, a series of beaches and coves offer some very nice dive sites. Pak Lap Tsai and Long Ke have quiet beaches, and High Island Eastern Dam boasts an
Safety precaution for diving enthusiasts • Never hold your breath
• Dive within your comfort • Plan your dive ahead of time • Always go with a diving buddy • Make sure you have enough airsupply for your outward journey • Practice your skills • Controlled buoyancy is key
Photo credit: Darren Gilkison, Splash HK
Y
Photo credit: Cathryn Chu
Photo credit: Darren Gilkison, Splash HK
cover zim city story
diving
Photo credit: Mike Belshaw
artificial reef. For a quick shore dive, little rocky beaches known as Lobster Bay and Little Palm Beach are very popular. Around Sai Kung, Hoi Ha, you will find an old favourite, the Main Dam. This year Wang Chau, Bluff and Nine Ping have been really popular. If you have only a day for underwater adventures, then head to dive sites no more than an hour’s boat ride from Sai Kung. South China Diving Club organizes camps, barbeques and dive weekends two or three times a year. The northeastern part of Hong Kong, especially around the Plover Cove and Sai Kung Country Park offers clean water and lots of marine life. Visibility in these waters can be up to 10 metres. South of Hong Kong, Waglan and Beaufort Island’s are considerably good, which is a shorter trip for those who live on Hong Kong Island.
South China Diving Club members
Diving communities in Hong Kong South China Diving Club offers programmes covering everything from knots and navigation, to first aid and rescue techniques. By helping their members become better divers, they increase their comfort in the water, ultimately making diving
safer and more fun. Their divers are a diverse group, ranging in age from 20 to late 60’s. In addition to people from Hong Kong and the Mainland, they have members from the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Canada, U.S., Philippines and many other
countries. scdc.org.hk Splash Hong Kong provides diving courses and fun dives. They have gear at the pool for confined water training, and gear on the boat to prepare students and guests for open water. splashhk.com
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cover zim city story
Photo credit: Darren Gilkison, Splash HK
Hong Kong diving scene
Under the sea of Hong Kong
ambitious divers who want to to sharpen their underwater skills. mandarin-divers.com Diveholic is a one-stop-shop for overseas diving adventures, with various packages to suit your needs. diveholic.com.hk
Precautions to take whilst diving in Hong Kong Hong Kong is near some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and there are also many pleasure vessels on the water, especially on weekends. Be sure to carry DSMB’s (delayed surface marker buoys),
Photo credit: Alex Grioni
Diving Adventure has a mission. To promote scuba related activities to people of all different diving levels. divinghk.com Mandarin Divers offers recreational and technical diving from scuba diving, to
Diving in Hong Kong is surprisingly varied. The 30-meter visibility that is common in places like Thailand and the Philippines is not available here, but we do have vibrant coral gardens, hundreds of species of fish, as well as crabs, octopuses and nudibranchs (small, psychedelically coloured molluscs). South China has been a trade hub for centuries, so it’s not unusual to find anchors to potsherds (prehistoric pottery). There are also old ships and other structures that have been sunk to serve as artificial reefs. The South China Diving Club also catalogues one reef every year for the Hong Kong Government, and participates in educational activities and beach cleanups to improve our city’s environment.
South China Diving Club members suited and booted
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diving The struggle is real
Photo credit: Maddy Prout
Becky Love puts on a wetsuit
South China Diving Club member with chopstick
which are bright orange, 2-meter long inflatable “sausages� to indicate that divers are below. Diveboats must also fly a special
Anyone that has ever worn pantyhose will know the struggle of wriggling into a size that is too small for them. Pulling up frantically at the crotch and somehow using more energy than an hour of Body Pump. Now imagine that, but way, way worse. That is putting on a wetsuit. Now there are many tips out there to assist in sliding a wetsuit on more easily, but my favourite would have to be starting with it inside out. I have tried this trick with my bedroom duvet, and I ended up stuck inside of it, which leads me to believe the science behind this theory is spot on.
Hong Kong waters, so carry cutters and knives in case you get entangled. Carrying whistles, signalling mirrors and other safety equipment is also recommended. And remember - always dive in pairs.
blue-and-white flag to warn other vessels that divers are in the water. Ghost nets (abandoned fishing nets) are a hazard in
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village dining focus
Your Guide to Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2018 Celebrating a decade of indulgence, October 25 - 28
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wine & dine guide
O
ne of Hong Kong’s signature events, the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, returns this month for its 10th edition, serving up a sensational lineup of world-class food, drinks and entertainment to satisfy your senses. Set alongside the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, taste your way around over 400 booths, boasting everything from singlemalt to single-origin coffee.
YOUR WINE & DINE ZONE GUIDE Each year the festival introduces new elements, and this year is no exception. Journey with us through the zones, where you’ll find some of your old favourites, plus a sprinkle of new and exciting areas to spice things up.
Tasting Room - ‘A Night with the Stars’
Wine & Dine Chef George Chen of “Wujie”, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in The Bund, Shanghai.
Taste the works of Michelin-starred chefs from around the world, including Hong Kong’s Man Wah and Mandarin Grill and Bar, as they showcase their extraordinary culinary skills in this exclusive dining area. Delectable dishes will be paired with sommelier-selected fine wines in a highly anticipated eight course banquet, fusing Chinese, Thai and French elements. ‘A
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village dining focus Perfect 10 Passport A new “Perfect 10 Passport” has been introduced this year so that visitors can experience various wonderful food and wine combinations. In addition to wine tokens, food tokens will be included in the Perfect 10 Passport to inspire guests to explore creative wine pairing options. Includes a welcome drink and a 10th edition limited wine glass. Available for $800 at the door, or in advance from discoverhongkong. com/winedinefestival
Gourmet from Germany, bringing tastes from all over the world right to your table.
Night with the Stars’ commences at 7pm on October 27. Tickets available from discoverhongkong.com/winedinefestival
wines, gourmet food and wine tokens, valued at over $1 million dollars. You’ve gotta be in it to win it!
Main Stage & Mini Stage
Tap & Go International Street Eats
To get this 10th birthday party started, independent musicians and buskers will perform at the venue, along with live music performances each evening on the main stage. There will also be game sessions every day, with prizes including air tickets,
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This brand new zone offers the latest gourmet sensations from Jiu-Wu Beef Noodle from Taiwan, plus local delicacies from seven regions including Picada from Peru, 11 Westside from Mexico and Bayern
This new family-friendly zone pairs handcrafted coffee with sweets, and is set to be a hit. Delight in some of the most famous coffee and pastry shops in the city, such as Coco Espresso, by a champion barista; Say Hey Bakery, the award-winning baker; and celebrity dessert shop Alice Wild Luscious.
Feed Me Lane Take a stroll down ‘Feed Me Lane’, and sample creations from 18 of the cities most stylish and trending restaurants all under one roof. Cuisines include
wine & dine guide Meet The Chefs Bee Satongun, the Thai/Lao chef and coowner of Paste Bangkok Thai Restaurant has won numerous accolades - including a Michelin Star, Asia’s Best Restaurants 2018 and Best Female Chef. She also has a loyal foodie following for her respectful reworkings of aristocratic Thai heritage recipes. What have been the highlights of your trip to Hong Kong? It was great to meet with local chefs and learn more about the ingredients used in Chinese cooking - there are lots of pickles and stocks. Stocks are the soul of Asian cooking because they introduce more flavour without having
to use more ingredients that can overcomplicate the dish. Which wines do you recommend with Thai food? Aromatic wines such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer from Germany and the Alsace region of France go well with Thai food. For red, then a pinot noir, always goes very well with Thai food. Where’s on your restaurant hit list for your next visit to Hong Kong? I’d love to go to Bo Innovation. I’ve heard so much about the chef and wish we were here for longer so that we could try the food – next time! A recipient of two Michelin stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide Taipei 2018, The Guest House serves Sichuan and Yangzhou cuisines with a Taiwanese twist. Executive Chef Lin Cheng Ching began his culinary career as a teenager 37 years ago and has since encountered many different Chinese cuisines.
Lin Cheng Ching of The Guest House Restaurant
Where have you enjoyed eating when in Hong Kong? I love taking a stroll around old districts like Sham Shui Po. There is no better way to genuinely understand a culture than through its food. I went to a contemporary Chinese fine-dining restaurant in Central called Mott 32, where the scrumptious boiled fish with pickled cabbage and chilli impressed me, along with the crispy air
Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Japanese. Restaurants include Honbo, Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar and Dining at Murasaki.
production labours of love from renowned wineries, and charcuterie for you to pair with your tipple of choice.
Hotel Delicious
Sample wines from around the globe, with fine wines from France, including Bordeaux and Burgundy (first-time participation), Europe, the US, Australia, Spain & Georgia.
You’ve gotta hand it to Hong Kong, their hotel restaurants and bars are top class. And the best of them will be gathering in the Hotel Delicious Zone throughout the Wine and Dine Festival. Try out creative cuisines and signature dishes from 10 renowned hotels, including Royal View Hotel, Island Pacific Hotel and Regal Hong Kong Hotel.
Grand Wine Pavilion Swirl and sip high-quality wines from different countries just like the pros, including hand-picked wines by worldfamous wine critics Robert Parker and James Suckling. There will also be limited-
Country / Region Pavilion
Bee Satongun of Paste Bangkok
dried Angus Beef. As the old saying goes, ‘Not to advance is to drop back.’ I think it is very true to the culinary career, so I wish to share the spirit with my colleagues after my return to Taipei. Can you tell us about the dish you’re cooking in the Tasting Room? I’m going to cook Braised Pork Knuckle Rock Sugar served with steamed bun, which is exclusive to the festival. The initial inspiration comes from the traditional Hangzhou dongpo pork (braised pork belly), but I will make a little twist by substituting the belly part with the back knuckle meat – I find that most customers love the texture of the red pork belly, but not the fat.
The CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival runs from Thursday October 25 until Sunday October 28. Vendors accept cash, credit card, mobile app and electronic purse. Tickets available at the gate, or from discoverhongkong/ winedinefestival
Craft Beer & Whisky Beer lovers, fear not, as your tastes are also catered to. Try locally brewed craft beers, along with award-winning malts from Taiwan.
Japanese Wine Arigato! Taste the delicate sweetness of everything from sake to fruit wines in the Japanese Wine Zone, dedicated to various wines from Japan.
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village nibbles dining focus
NIBBLES CÉ LA VI opens new rooftop We’re thrilled to see a brand new look and layout to CÉ LA VI’s 26 floor Sky Deck atop California Tower. The new uber-stylish rooftop bar has been decked out using glass, brushed copper and concrete for a more sophisticated look, it will also feature an elevated DJ booth. CÉ LA VI have launched two limited edition NICE POPS which pair perfectly with a glass of champagne while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views. hk.celavi.com
“Sunset Soiree” at Cabana
Mandarin Grill + Bar
Repulse Bay neighbours are invited to a “Sunset Soiree” at the Cabana on November 16 from 6.30 to 8pm. You can meet Olivier Bellin, the Michelin Star chef and indulge in a selection of canapes from The Ocean by Olivier Bellin, LightHouse, Tri and Hotshot. The evening includes good food, wine and raffle prizes. Complimentary for all Repulse Bay residents. RSVP to marketing@ lecomptoir.hk by November 2. cabana.hk
Located in the heart of the city, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is celebrating it’s 55th anniversary on October 25 at the Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar. Guests will be treated with an array of all-time favourites with the evening featuring a four-course tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Robin Zavou priced at $1,963 which includes a glass of champagne on arrival. mohkg-grill@ mohg.com
O
ne of my friends invited me to write about 12 Noon, so we headed to Hopewell Center, in Wanchai, to have a quick lunch at one of their healthy fast food restaurants. When we arrived, I immediately felt at home and started to browse the fridges full of food. It took my friend about two seconds to pick up her salad, a dessert, and a cold pressed juice. All of this for $75?! “Whoa!” Now, she was getting my attention. I was looking over all of the food, trying to find something that I could relate to when a charming staff member came to my rescue and suggested that I try the seafood cup of noodles. ‘How can a cup of noodles be healthy?,’ I asked my friend. They are usually made with dehydrated
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foods, full of sodium and artificial flavors...definitely not healthy. The 12 Noon staff member nicely explained that their cup of noodles are made daily by their chef, using fresh ingredients that include chicken broth, yam noodles, fish balls (sole fillet), egg whites, curry fish balls, mushrooms, carrots and seaweed. I realized that this is quite different and decided to give it a try. My friend also reminded me that this had only 78 calories, per serving, and that I should take advantage of the 12 Noon menu combo that includes a main dish, dessert, and a juice. It was inarguably the best cup of noodles that I ever had! Not to mention the cold pressed juice that was paired with my meal. I honestly did not realize that healthy food could be so tasty! My friend introduced me to the owner, a charming woman from France, who spoke passionately about the food...how eating healthy
12NOON at Hopewell Center Wan Chai
is about changing your lifestyle and getting back to what our parents and grandparents used to eat: fresh ingredients in reasonable portions to achieve a well-balanced and nutritious diet, free from heavily processed foods. She also mentioned that by popular demand, they will soon be offering wonderful, fresh made daily sandwiches and new soups so, I made her a promise that I will now make 12 Noon part of my lunchtime ritual! -S. Wong
wine & nibbles dine guide
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body & soul
Be breast aware this October
Show your support around the city this month
B
reast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in Hong Kong. On average, 10 women in Hong Kong are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and it is estimated that one in every 16 women in Hong Kong will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
own health and of those currently affected by the disease. The events below are just a few of the ways you can show your support. Most importantly, don’t forget to check yourself regularly, as regular screening facilitates early detection which can save lives.
This month is a good reminder for us all to be breast cancer aware - both in support of our
Pink Sensation Afternoon Tea at Green
UNTIL NOV 30
Hotel Icon stands tall with women across Hong Kong and the world in raising awareness and promoting detection of breast cancer. In honour of breast cancer awareness month, Hotel Icon is holding a high tea, and the colour pink will be interwoven into the treats featured in the Pink Sensation afternoon tea set. Two seatings daily between 3–5pm and 5–7pm. $288 for one, $546 for two. GREEN, G/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East, hotel-icon.com
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Survivor Spotlight Lantau resident Evy Kartar Prakash, underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2011. During her recovery she discovered The Healthy Breast Program, an intensive learning program designed to educate women and girls in reducing their risk of breast cancer and assisting recovery from the illness. The approach uses natural therapies in conjunction with conventional diagnostic and treatment options to assist in a healthy recovery. “During the program, we learned practices that can assist in recovering from the illness, such as adding two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds to your cereal, juice, smoothie, salad or bean dishes as it can change estrogen metabolism. Two Brazil nuts a day can also help boost selenium, which is a nutrient essential to human health.” Evy is now a Breast Health Educator for the program. Her next talk will be on Oct 11.
body & soul OCT 13
Pink Disco Support the fight against breast cancer at Pink Disco. This Bollywood dance workshop aims to raise awareness, funds, and contribute what they can towards the cure for breast cancer. The dance class will be led by Hanisha Gianani and Yuvraj Parwal, and 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. 5pm. $200. Steam Studio & Cafe, Si Toi Commercial Building, 4 Queen Street, Sheung Wan, eventbrite.hk
OCT 21
Pink Walk for Breast Health Gather your friends, family and colleagues and get involved in HKBCF’S annual flagship fundraising walk around The Peak. Your participation enables HKBCF to continue their work in mitigating the threat of breast cancer in the local community through education, patient support services and researchbased advocacy. AWA activities are
open to AWA members, their partners and guests. Participants must be 18 years or older. 8am. $500. The Peak, Central hkbcf. org/pinkwalk/en
OCT 21
Karma Yoga Vinyasa Flow with Pure Yoga Teacher Wendy Wyvill Practice a vinyasa flow class with Wendy in support of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Open to the public, all levels are welcome. 2-4pm. By minimum donation of $300 upon registration, with all donations going to the HKBCF. The Centrium, 16/F, 60 Wyndham St, Central. Register at pure-yoga.com
OCT 26
Pink Dress Day On October 26, people across Hong Kong will wear pink and donate money to raise awareness and funds to support women with breast cancer. For $120 or more, you can also sponsor a Pink Recovery Pack, which will be sent to the bedsides of breast cancer patients who have just undergone surgery. You can also hold a pink party to raise awareness, whether it’s a pink lunch or an afternoon tea. Organised by the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. cancer-fund. org/pink/en
Survivor Spotlight “My worst moment was when I found out the doctors needed to partially remove my breast even though my cancer was very small.” States Winnie Lee, a breast cancer survivor. “The most important point, and I tell everyone this, is to check your breasts yourself all the time. I caught mine early and I’m so grateful for that.” - Winnie Lee
If you would like to help, a monthly donation of just $100 can make a huge impact. The ongoing operation of Cancer Fund’s free support services relies heavily on this vital funding. To find out more about this and October’s Pink Revolution, see cancer-fund.org If you or a family member is affected by cancer, support and resources can be found at hkbcf.org
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zim sport city
Prudential Tennis Open 2018 34 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
champions Game, Set, Match for Naomi Osaka’s potential win at Victoria Park Stadium this month The event In July 2014, it was announced that Prudential Hong Kong would become the title sponsor to mark the return of elite women’s professional tennis to Hong Kong after two decades. This month, The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open is back in Hong Kong for its fifth year, and bigger than ever with a roster of International players in the heart of the city. As the 8th stop of the WTA Asia swing, more than 50 of the world’s best female players will compete in singles and doubles events, all vying to capture the Hong Kong crown. Whether you’re a die hard tennis fan or just looking for a fun day out, the event is set to be ace with daily matches and fun activities for the whole family. The Tournament Village, which is conveniently located next to the stadium on Soccer Pitch 6, will be open to the public throughout the course of the tennis event. Friends and family can enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment and interactive tennis games around the village, whilst still having access to all the tennis action via a large video screen. So cheer on your favourites, or sit back and have a giggle at the player groans. Either way, you’ll walk away having had a nice mini-break (pun intended). Top Players: 50 female players will compete including World No. 7 Elina Svitolina, 2017 French Open Singles Champion Jelena Ostapenko, Japan’s No. 1 Player Naomi Osaka, China’s No.1 Player Zhang Shuai, Asian Games Women’s Singles gold medalist, Wang Qiang and Chinese tennis legend Li Na will make a special guest appearance. Hong Kong’s top 2 players, Zhang Ling and Eudice Chong will receive wild cards at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2018. Prize: Singles and doubles for prize money of USD 500,000 Dates: 6 to 14 October 2018 Venue: Victoria Park Stadium in the heart of the city. Tickets: Now on sale from $160 at Cityline and Tom Lee Music outlets, via the Cityline Booking Hotline on 2111 5333, and online at cityline.com. Monday October 6 is People’s Monday, and is free admission. More information can be found at hktennisopen.hk
Tennis in Southside The Hong Kong Tennis Association After almost a century of expansion and development, the HKTA remains dedicated to promoting tennis, nurturing talented players, and raising the standard of the game here in Hong Kong. Training is available for juniors and adults, no matter the skill level. The HKTA also has professional and part-time coaches available. 133 Wong Nai Chung Gap Rd, Tai Tam. tennishk.org
Hong Kong Cricket Club Tennis is one of the most popular sports at the Hong Kong Cricket Club, and has one of the highest participation rates of all Hong Kong clubs. Around 300 juniors are instructed annually, starting with the Tiger Tennis program for ages four to six, up to the Junior League team squad training sessions. Their coaches also offer private and group coaching, ladies clinics, cardio tennis and a range of social tennis events for adult members. If you would like to join a club team or take part in any coaching or social tennis programs, contact Head Tennis Professional, Jason Lijewski at jasonlijewski@hkcc.org 137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Rd, Tai Tam. hkcc.org
Aberdeen Marina Club Founded in 1984, the Aberdeen Marina Club is an exclusive private community where members can enjoy some of the best tennis facilities and coaches in Hong Kong. This includes seven tennis courts, four of which can be found on the rooftop and are surfaced with plexipave - the same playing surface used at the Australian Open. 8 Shum Wan Rd, Aberdeen. tennis@ aberdeenmarinaclub.com
The American Club The Country Club features three clay, and three astro-turf surfaces - one of the safest and most playable surfaces to practice the sport. Ball machines are available for rental, and can be used by members free of charge. Lessons are conducted by full-time professionals, in addition to a diverse tennis program which includes tournaments for all ages and levels, match-plays, social mixers, leagues, cardio tennis and more. Floor 48-49, Two Exchange Square, Central. americanclubhk.com
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education
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sunshine house
Rays of contentment Amelia Sewell travels to Tung Chung to take a look at Sunshine House International Preschool
I
n a small corner of Tung Chung, a stone’s throw from the MTR, is a quiet slice of simple educational bliss. Sunshine House has been part of Hong Kong’s early-education offering for almost 30 years, with five campuses conveniently spread across the territory, in Clear Water Bay, Pok Fu Lam, Discovery Bay, Chi Fu and Tung Chung. Each is led by its own “centre-in-charge” (a slightly clumsy name for principal), however the schools share resources, experience, teaching methods and best practice. Visiting their Tung Chung campus on a sunny day in April, I witnessed a small and perfectly formed preschool offering the kind of environment in which happy Hong Kong childhoods are made. Sunshine House’s roots are based in the English curriculum, though with an international slant: all five schools follow the EYFS program at the core but have added elements that acknowledge their surroundings. Currently, the children have one 40-minute Putonghua class each day, however the school is moving to a more structured bilingual offering in the next academic year. Maddy Afonso, the centre-incharge of the Tung Chung campus, tells me
they’re even looking at a trilingual format with Cantonese. Teaching is done mainly through song, rhyme and repetition, and staff are confident that this style will suit even those children who do not speak Cantonese or Mandarin at home. “A sympathetic teaching style means that even those who are not mother-tongue speakers can benefit hugely. We recently had a South African boy join us who spoke no languages other than Afrikaans, but he has adapted quickly and is now full integrated in everything his classmates do and say.” In keeping with the international atmosphere, Afonso herself was raised in Northern Ireland and is a combination of Portuguese and South African. This seems to serve as perfect preparation for a role in such a diverse school, where she can be seen at the gates each morning greeting children from 11 different nationalities. “We’re a complete melting pot and it works wonderfully. Everyone feels welcome, no matter where they are from.” I think it unlikely that I’ll be this lucky, but I did say a small prayer at the beginning of the year that 2018 might be the year that dodges the trauma of another buzzword epidemic. In recent years, the world of education has been one of the worst-hit:
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education “makerspace” is the one that confuses me most – the word “workshop” or “table” used to be sufficient. “Gamification”, “21st-century learners” and “co-operative learning” are all equally frustrating. So I was relieved to find that while many schools feel they have to dazzle parents with these newfangled phrases and flashy concepts, Sunshine House seems to have a much simpler, cleaner offering: the school’s philosophy from the start has been “For the love of children”, and even today, this is still at the heart of their ethos. Love is perhaps a slightly unfashionable word when it comes to education, but the school is proud of this approach and it clearly serves the children and parents well. “It is at the heart of everything we do,” explains Afonso. “In the mornings, before classes begin, the first thing every teacher does is to give each child a hug. We feel it’s important that each day starts that way.” With this in mind, it’s no surprise that family involvement and understanding is also a guiding principle. It means simple things such as a sibling priority lists, a gradual settling-in period for new arrivals, and inviting parents to speak to the classes on a topic of interest. Speaking of love, something the pupils no doubt love is the homework policy, which is limited to once a week, with one week to complete. In place of more formal homework,
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Maddy Afonso – Centre in charge What is your Hong Kong story? I was raised in both South Africa and Portugal but completed my education in Northern Ireland. Two years ago, I moved from Johannesburg to Hong Kong with my husband who is a pilot. Because he needs to be near to the airport, we live in Tung Chung. It has a great community feel which means that I often bump into the children and their families at the weekend. You had quite an international education yourself. What do you think you learnt from this? An international education is brilliant; you learn new languages, cultures and values. It has given me a different way of thinking which has been adapted into my whole life. What do you enjoy most about living in Hong Kong? I enjoy the safety and the ease at which public services operate. Where do you take visitors? We show them the main tourist attractions like the Peak and the Big Buddha. We also like Temple Street, Ladies Market and Stanley.
What was the last book that you read? It was a Portuguese book called No coração desta terra (In the heart of this land) by JW Coetzee. Which was your favourite subject at school? Geography was definitely my favourite subject especially when learning about which flags belonged to which country and capitals and their cultures. Do you speak any languages other than English? Yes, I speak fluent Portuguese, basic Spanish, French, Afrikaans and Zulu. If the world were your oyster, which country would you visit next? Australia. I’ve always had something inside of me that pulls me towards Australia. Hopefully I’ll get to go this year with my husband. Tell us something about you that we might not know I recently participated in a five kilometre race called Women’s Five which raised money for women who have experienced sexual violence.
sunshine house the pupils might be challenged with creative tasks – a recent one was to make an Easter bonnet entirely out of recycled material. It’s important to note, though, that whilst Sunshine House is happy to carve out its own path, it is not impervious to some of the newer education concepts coming along. Their enrichment programme is therefore varied, with classes ranging from the more traditional cooking and yoga to STEM and Smart Coder. For some classes, parents can choose from lessons taught in either English or Putonghua, depending on where they would like the emphasis. The school is also gently embracing a small amount of technology, with the introduction of smart boards later in the year. “We feel that technology does have a place in education at this level, but it needs to be limited and carefully monitored.
So we are bringing it in, but gradually.” Despite being only 30 minutes from the clamour of Central and a two-minute walk from the MTR, Sunshine House reminded me of a more traditional village school, offering a calm environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Centered around a large playground that would be the envy of most pre-schools in Hong Kong, classes are relaxed and small, currently with about 10 children each. Add to that the fact that all the teachers know every child by name and you have a warm community feeling that you are not always guaranteed to find in a city as large and busy as ours. In addition to this, the size and proximity of the playground mean that every day is an opportunity for children to exert some of the boundless energy they possess. On my visit, the pre-nursery class was in the middle of a session
“We are looking at a trilingual format with Cantonese. Our sympathetic teaching method means even non-mothertongue speakers can benefit hugely.”
about gross motor skills, so I was lucky enough to witness a swarm of three-yearolds, tongues stuck out to aid concentration, earnestly practising their hopping. Geographically, the Tung Chung campus currently serves the immediate area, however in response to demand, the school will be putting on a bus service starting from the next academic year. Exact routes have not yet been decided, but the school is open to suggestions from any parents who may be interested in using it. Not many schools could offer a bilingual education whilst also managing to maintain such a relaxed atmosphere. But somehow, Sunshine House does. Despite being small and relatively lowkey, the school is not without ambition and, crucially, is prepared to move with the times. A happy place full of smiling faces, Sunshine House is not to be overlooked. Sunshine House International Preschools Hong Kong was founded in Hong Kong in 1990. It is an international preschool with a bilingual option for children from nursery to K3. Since 2017, the group has been majority owned by Canadian International Educational Organisation, China. sunshinehouse.com.hk
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interview
Ritu Hemnani reaches for the stars The Southside resident on life after her book launch
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n 2017, Ritu Hemnani debuted as an author with her children’s book Gope and Meera - A Migration Story. As with most first time writers, Ritu was apprehensive of the outcome, but, to everybody’s delight it was a big success. Considering success is subjective, I was keen to meet her and ask her what she believes defines success. What did it feel like to launch your first published book? After three years of writing, editing, collaborating with an illustrator who I’d never met face to face and also sourcing my own printers, distributors and animators, it felt amazing to launch my book on August 19, 2017. The Indian Consul General, Mr. Puneet Agrawal was present to inaugurate my book, as were the founders of the Hong Kong Sindhi Association, Mr. Notan Tolani, Mr. Lal Hardasani and Mr. Matthew Pattrick representing HOLF. Also just being amongst so many friends and family made it a truly incredible day! Children and adults waved the Indian flag in celebration of 70 years of independence, sang the national anthem and joined me in paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the Partition. I had my second launch at Bookazine and was honoured to have the Indian Consul (Consular and Education,) Mrinalini Srivastava and in Manila it was well received by the Ambassador of India, Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar. I was also privileged to launch my book in Singapore hosted by the American Association of
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Singapore. At each event I have had the pleasure of meeting Indian community members who have shared with me their own heart-breaking stories of Partition, non-Indians who have been fascinated to learn more about Indian history. My most recent launch was last week at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore. What were you most excited about? I’ve been delighted to hear that my friends’ children enjoyed the book so much that they were baffled that their grandparents hadn’t talked about their rich heritage sooner. A realisation, an understanding and respect for the sacrifices made by their ancestors to give them a better future was heightened. There have also been so many bitter-sweet moments with elderly community members. How did you get involved in the Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival and what did you experience? When I was invited to be part of it, I said yes, but I didn’t understand what an amazing opportunity it would be. It was an honour to have my name and photograph printed alongside esteemed authors like Holly Thompson, Frances Hardinge and Jason Reynolds! Tell me a little about your school visits. I have loved visiting different schools and sharing ‘Gope and Meera – A Migration Story,’ through discussion, interactive storytelling and improv. As an ex-teacher, I tend to adapt my presentations to suit the needs of the students and convey my concepts in a way that will be most relevant to what they are learning.
I also had a fabulous time presenting at the Stamford American School in Singapore and the Macau Anglican College. Tell me more about the charity HOLF and why you decided to support them with your book? The Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOFT) is a Christian care home for the mentally and physically disabled like no other. It isn’t an institution but a beautiful family where the residents are adored, nurtured and through hard work and dedication support one another. I am thrilled that through supporting HOLF, others have come to know about them and supported them financially as well. What is the main message in your book? The message is about believing in love and holding on to hope whilst persevering in the face of adversity. It is also about the importance of knowing and appreciating one’s culture and heritage. After all, knowing just how far you have come empowers you to know how far you can go. What advice would you give to young aspiring authors? Read, read, read and write, write, write! Find your writing tribe through a writing critique group such as the SCBWI, WIPS and Writer’s Circle HK. Meet and attend the workshops given by authors. Try to attend writing conferences like the AFCC, where you get to meet other writers. Seek out constructive feedback and be determined yet thick skinned. Edit ruthlessly. And finally, write the book you’re desperate to read because chances are, other people will be desperate to read it too. What are your future plans? I am currently working on a YA novel, am dabbling in some poetry, (whenever I take public transport,) and am freelancing for the South China Morning Post.
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home & living
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wallpaper
wallpaper
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t’s just textiles, it’s not meant to be life or death!” exclaims Kerrie as she excitedly sorts through fabrics and paper samples from a huge suitcase, the handle of which is tied with a red ribbon. “How else would we spot our black suitcase on the conveyor belt?” An immediate sign of her ‘down-to-earthness. We are at an intimate coffee morning at Bowerbird Home’s Horizon Plaza showroom to catch a first-hand glimpse at the famed designers’ latest wallpaper and fabric collections. Her unique, bold signature style draws on a 30-year career spent working with acclaimed directors and producers on international films including Babe (for which Kerrie was nominated for an Academy Award),
Mission Impossible II and The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe. After time spent in Serbia completing her most recent film The Raven with John Cusack, Kerrie returned to Australia to renovate a house. Uninspired by the lack of interesting window blind options Kerrie ended up designing her own. “I remember I couldn’t find nice blinds anywhere so I thought, I’ll have to just invent them because I’ll go mad if I have plain white blinds everywhere. After the blinds I started printing on everything!” she exclaims. From her studio in Sydney, Kerrie renders vibrant and theatrical graphic illustrations, prints and patterns for application on textiles, wallpapers, upholstery fabric, lampshades and other soft furnishings including cushions.” “I use collage to create the designs and
Academy Awardnominee designer, Kerrie Brown launches latest interior collections SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43
home & living Interior trends 2019 Clinton Cordeiro, Buyer and Stylist for Bowerbird Home discusses the upcoming seasons’ trends
Modern Luxe We will continue to see mixed metallic accents, including brass, brushed golds and stainless steel. Combine this with velvets, marble and other luxury materials to convey an opulence that references Art Deco styling, but with modern clean lines.
Wabi Sabi
then you can use that fabric in any way you like to create your own piece of furniture. So you continue the creative process.” And business couldn’t be better. After our brief encounter in Ap Lei Chau, Kerrie was headed to Central to discuss designs for upcoming furniture collaborations over a quick lunch with Timothy Oulton. Her work has drawn worldwide interest, this year alone she has delivered bespoke textiles to five hotels including the recentlyopened Ovolo Inchcolm in Brisbane, Sydney Airport’s newest contemporary hotel, The Felix, the Marriott-owned The Bella Grace Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina and W Hotels in Buenos Aires and Brisbane. Hong Kong-side, Brown designed wallpaper for the restaurant 12,000 Francs, which won the 2017 Interior Design Excellence Award in Melbourne, for the Best International Project. Clinton Cordeiro, Buyer and Stylist
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The Japanese philosophy in which one appreciates the beauty in imperfection incorporates unexpected elements into the material mix, such as raw concrete. Minimalist Scandinavian light wood aesthetic is being layered with handcrafted world textures including heavy knits, tribal patterns, woven rattan and handmade pottery, all of which have that imperfection as an inherent desirable quality. Large wall art, mural-like decoration feature heavily and wallpaper continues to be favoured by designers. Nature and tropical themes are evolving with indoor hanging plants and also dried flowers coming into play.
Colour palette 2019 This coming season we are treated to a warm ‘woodlands’ cabin’ palette, typified by Earthy-ochre and tactile textures. Dulux colour of the year for 2019 is Spiced Honey - like a warm milk chocolate. Crown paints extend this to what they call their ‘Midnight Garden’ palette which includes russets and plum tones, inky smokey blues, berries and bark. Generally speaking for 2019 there are pale, pastel tones - comparable to rust watered down with milk. I noticed a colour referred to as ‘cantaloupe’ a few times as well as terracotta, milky mustards, and there are bold colour plays by way of contrasting colours.
Spiced Honey Plum Tone
Curved lines We are seeing a general trend towards curvature, mixed with geometrics. Arches are re-appearing as a popular alternative to doorways, in addition to the rounded chairs and sofas.
for Bowerbird Home says: “Kerrie Brown designs fit our brand beautifully in terms of their uncommon aesthetics and her ethical sourcing of materials etc, while also being a small link to the Aussie origins of our brand.” “One problem we can face in Hong Kong is that so many people are tenants rather than owners” he adds. “There is the option to order Kerrie’s designs on a wallpaper that comes off easily so you don’t destroy a wall when you leave.” “Or, increasingly so people are opting to have a design framed as a feature piece, like a mural, that way they can take it with them when they leave and it packs up neatly too” Cordeiro adds. “That’s true!” Brown chimes in, “I have a client in Miami who designs a lot of bedrooms walls, he orders a fabric and then makes a frame which exactly fits the wall so it gives the same look and feel as though one wall were covered in wallpaper.” And the environment? Kerrie has thought
Inky Smokey Blue Berries and Bark
of that too. “Everything is designed and printed in Australia and I choose to work with small family businesses. I print on polyester rather than cotton, it’s more durable plus cotton takes too much water and needs to be chemically treated in order to be printed on. I can print digitally on polyester, using watersoluble inks. And I print to order, so I don’t have a warehouse full of stock. Minimum wastage, I can’t stand being surrounded by loads of stuff, as Chris knows, it clutters up my mind!.” And a brief chat with her husband Chris, he reveals they are off to Paris that evening to meet with stockists. “I’m just here to carry the bags, although she’d kill me if she heard me say that.” he jokes. Kerrie’s wallpapers and fabrics are available to order through Bowerbird Home, 8th Floor, 2 Lee Wing Street, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau. bowerbird-home.com To see the full collection visit, kerriebrown.com
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travel
Into the Wild Vasavi Seethepalli spends a week exploring the wilds of Kruger and Durban
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game reserve
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travel
Pilanesberg National Park
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he land where the origins of humanity began: the land of Madiba (Nelson Mandela). An evocative place with a rich history, fascinating culture, incredible wildlife and an indomitable spirit – South Africa is no ordinary holiday destination. A trip here expands beyond mountains, bush plains, grasslands and tropical forests into the unknown.
Pretoria An hour’s drive from Johannesburg International Airport, Pretoria is one of South Africa’s capital cities. After a two-day stay with family in the suburbs of Pretoria, we were ready for adventure, first stop Pilanesberg National Park. On a crisp June morning, as the sun rose in the distant horizon we embarked on a two and a half hour road trip. At 550 kilometers, the park lies atop are extinct volcano crater. Of course, we’re here to see the stunning scenery and wildlife but (as if that could ever get tiring) the vast choice of hotels and lodges surrounding the park offer all manner of activities including rock-climbing, mountain biking, and quad biking.
Pilanesberg National Park
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We stayed at: The Kingdom Resort. A range of hotel-style suites and luxury selfcatering villas located adjacent the park. thekingdomresort.co.za
Durban Just over an hour’s flight south, Durban comes under the coastal KwaZulu-Natal province. Famous for its beaches, the town is a surfer’s paradise and a must-try for foodies. Though not as ‘happening’ as Cape Town, it has an unbeatable laid-back ambience. Just North, the Umhlanga Coast is a popular escape for locals due to its seaside small-seaside town charm. The long and wide shoreline plays host to many waterfront hotels, serviced apartments,
Kruger National Park
cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping plazas. Our beachfront serviced apartment offered stunning seascape views from our balcony. From the sound of the waves soothing us to sleep, we woke to a breathtaking sunrise before spending the day hiking around the Umhalanga Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a lagoon that encloses the Ohlanga River and home to archaeological remains. On the other end of the Umhlanga beach is the lighthouse that is easily accessible via a paved path that stretches for around 3 kilometers, a stroll here is the perfect way to end your day. Dining options are aplenty; check out Salsa for fun Mexican vibes, Mythos for excellent Greek/Middle-Eastern food and
Durban Umhlanga Beach
game travel reserve
Blue seas and open waters ahead Explore Asia’s uncompromised beauty with World Dream this winter
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ooking for an extra special gift this holiday season? Or fancy an indulgent escape to warmer climates with your family this Christmas? Dream Cruises offer the perfect vacation from where you can explore Asia in style. World Dream, which embarked on its first journey last November, will offer two and five night luxury voyagers to exotic locations across Asia from this coming November through to March 2019. Beautiful destinations for the cruise include Vietnam, where you will first head to Da Nang’s My Keh beach - voted one of the sixth most attractive beaches on the planet by Forbes magazine, before cruising along to Halong Bay. The bay, referred to as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is known for its emerald-green waters and towering rainforesttopped limestone islands.
Set sail to Manila, where you have a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to explore Taal Volcano, the world’s smallest active volcano located on the island of Luzon. As well as many wonderful places to explore on the shores, the 18-deck cruise liner, with a width of 40 metres and a length of 335 metres, offers plenty to do onboard while you sail across open waters. Eleven dining areas across the ship offer plenty of opportunity for culinary indulgences; a prime steakhouse and seafood grill are amongst the choices, so you can be sure there’s something for everyone’s tastes. Sip a cocktail while enjoying the fresh sea breeze at the pool deck bar as well as the many other lounges and bars onboard. Sit back and soak in the sunshine on the main pool deck, while the kids splash around in the water slide pool, or stretch your legs on the mini golf pitch, jogging track and rock climbing wall, all which offer breathtaking sea views.
Young ones are extremely well-catered for with the Little Dreamers programme, available for children aged from 2 to 12. Programmes include junior chef workshops, magician training, sports and art classes. So little ones can keep entertained and engaged, while you relax and gaze happily into the horizon. The range of accommodation onboard includes Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms and the unique and luxurious Palace, which is part boutique hotel and part private clubhouse. With exclusive restaurants and private areas including a sundeck and spa, you can enjoy a little more space and guaranteed seating throughout your voyage. Throughout November, Dream Cruises is offering free lobsters to all guests onboard World Dream. DREAM CRUISES Booking hotline: 2317 7711 Website: dreamcruiseline.com In collaboration with Dream Cruises Management Limited.
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travel Sightseeing around Durban
Moses Mabhida stadium was built to host the 2010 World Cup, since then it has become a melting-pot for numerous activities including a sky car which offers 360-degree views of the city. For adrenaline junkies, Durban is also home to the world’s biggest swing!
Mac Mac Falls
entertainment and Green Mango which is sure to satisfy oriental cravings.
Kruger National Park After a brief stop and regroup back in Pretoria we headed to Kruger National Park. At the break of dawn we were Sabi Sands Game reserve bound. The park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an amalgamation of conservation parks bordering with South Africa including from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Conservation is key in South Africa’s vast and varied ecosystem. Everything is interconnected and interlinked, though not obvious to the naked eye.
Pit stop at God’s Window Our beautiful and scenic drive from Pretoria to Kruger was the perfect opportunity to witness the day-to-day life of locals going about their routines, this interspersed with the occasional friendly wave at tourists and passers-by. We stopped at Mac Mac Falls on the Sabie Waterfalls Route, a magnificent sight of twin waterfalls which cascades into the gorge, roughly 65 meters below. Continuing along highway R534, God’s Window is another breathtaking and majestic cliff, surrounded by lush forests in the Mpumalanga province. A short hike up to the cliff is rewarded with splendid panoramic views. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, a quick break at Graskop is sure to satisfy, Harrie’s pancakes come highly recommended. Finally we reach Nkorho Bush Lodge, located in Sabi Sands Game Reserve (which shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park) our home for the next few
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Howick is home to the much-acclaimed symbolic sculpture of Nelson Mandela. The sculpture was unveiled on 5 August 2012 as a symbol of his fight for freedom and equality. Created by Marco Cianfanelli, the artwork comprises of 50 steel columns which stand vertically to portray an abstract image of Nelson Mandela.
The “Father of India” freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi fought for equality throughout his life. In 1893 he was kicked out from the ‘white-man’ only compartment at Pietermaritzburg railway station, the station still exists today and is a landmark to many Indians, many of whom travel to the station to pay tribute.
God’s Window
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travel
White Rhino - Kruger National Park
days. The ‘big apple’ of all safaris, Kruger National Park is home to the big five (lions, African elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos) and numerous other species. Kruger is best visited during the winter months (from June to September) when animals are out and about, basking in the warm sunshine.
Nkorho Bush Lodge The lodge which overlooks the vast expanse of the Sabi Sands, has a quaint charm. Six thatched en-suites offer accommodation for a maximum of just 12 guests at any given time. Rooms cluster around the reception, dining and
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lounge area to mimic a traditional set up in the wild. Most lodges are unfenced for ecological reasons providing the perfect spot to camp down and await sightings of wild animals which roam freely. Mornings at Nkorho Bush Lodge begin with a knock on the glass door around 5.30am, from there personally-assigned wildlife rangers usher guests into a 4X4. Sleepy guests are soon in awe as wildlife awakens just before sunrise. Mornings became our highlight (even for my teenagers) as we repeated this early morning ritual throughout our four day, three night stay. What a setting for that first cup of hot chocolate or coffee of the day! Breakfast is served on return to the lodge. Most lodges organise late morning trail walks with a qualified ranger who can identify animal tracks by their footprints on mud, sand or soil. Animal dropping are also identified to track time, depending on their freshness. A walk in the wild with an armed ranger is a good way to better understand the ecosystem. Afternoons were spent driving around for miles on end trailing the local wildlife action. And we saw it all - from zebras basking in the sun, shy kudus in abundance, lazy white rhinos marking their turf, hippos bathing, loitering giraffes, a lion pride resting after
a good night’s hunt and leopards waiting patiently for their perfect catch. After sunset, evenings were spent discussing highlights of the day with fellow guests and comparing notes over dinner (which was served around an open fire). After dinner staff broke into song and dance. This in repeat for three full days – what a treat! A tale to be told over and over again… I cannot wait to return. We stayed at: Nkorho Bush Lodge, a luxury bush lodge with onsite spa, wellorganised bush activities and excellent food. nkorho.com
Leopard - Kruger National Park
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zim city
Ways to cut waste
How to make Hong Kong greener? Tackle our three major waste sources
A Plastic Ocean film
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ver the years we have analysed waste found along the shores of Hong Kong, and waste fished from Aberdeen Harbour. Based on this we decided that we needed to focus on three major waste sources which we find in the environment: the big white Styrofoam box; beverage bottles, other packaging; and fast food containers. Sure, there are other sources which need to be addressed. In Aberdeen and Sai Kung, we also have waste thrown overboard by crew who keep their yachts, junks and fishing vessels clean. And in Aberdeen the shipyards do little to collect whatever comes off the vessels during maintenance and renovation work. Both need education, and facilitation government of disposal of materials and quantities unsuitable for regular bins. But let me focus on the three major waste sources we find in the environment.
The Big White Box This one is popular in the fish and vegetable trade. It is light, cheap, waterproof, and provides good insulation. However, it also easily breaks and pieces are blown into the sea and environment. Over time they break up further into small pellets. Around Hong Kong, push away the vegetation just behind the shores and you find meters deep Styrofoam pellets as the topsoil. And we find the pellets in fish and other marine life. The solution is to find
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a replacement, and to have a global agreement on it. A ban in Hong Kong will not suffice. WWF and its global network are working hard on finding a cost-effective alternative the industry can agree on.
Beverage bottles and other packaging Especially plastic bottles and laminated paper cartons. Again they are cheap to produce, and some six million “go to waste” every day in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, a portion of these end up in the environment. Every day. We now have a working group with the beverage industry, waste collectors and processors and green groups, to advise the Government on eco-packing drinks, the necessary recycling facilities, and a deposit and return scheme, to keep these out of the environment. An indication is an extra dollar for each drink: 50 cents deposit to be returned, and 50 cents to pay for the logistics and handling. The Government is keen, too, so we expect progress here in 2019.
environment. So it is imperative to seek a local ban on non-biodegradable containers. Sooner rather than later: 1 January 2020 would be a good and aggressive target. A ban will create a market for solutions: companies will rent out and wash boxes and cups; others will supply biodegradable containers; and consumers may decide to avoid cost and bring their own box. The Government is not yet on board though as it expects caterers and consumers to complain about the extra cost. So we will need lots of help to push this.
Fast food containers Big chains including Fairwood, Maxim’s, Café de Coral, KFC and McDonald’s, and thousands of mom and pop operations use Styrofoam and plastic packaging for food and drinks. Contaminated with food, they are difficult to recover and recycle. With a lot of consumption outdoors, there is significant leakage into the
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of the Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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Photo credit: Chensong at itishk.com
southside secrets
Spooky Southside Skeletons Discover the mystery behind the bones of Miss Willy this Halloween
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xactly whose skeleton stands guard next to the Swire Institute of Marine Science at Cape D’Aguilar remains a mystery. Some say it belongs to the female Orca (killer whale) “Hoi Wai” who performed in Ocean Park for 18 years until her death in 1997. Others say the bones are those of a juvenile Bryde’s whale found stranded between the pillars of a wharf in Victoria Harbour in 1955. Google Maps denotes the skeleton as the “Bones of Miss Willy”. In any case, this lesser known part of the Southern District is well worth visiting. Named after Major-General George Charles D’Aguilar, D’Aguilar Peninsula sits at the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island. It’s a quiet, wild and wave-lashed place with a 20-hectare marine reserve, mangroves, caves, a coral reef and a
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heritage lighthouse dating back to 1875 - the first in Hong Kong. The lighthouse and Swire Institute of Marine Science are not open to the public but visitors can explore other areas, whilst minimising any disturbance to the surrounding nature.
To get to Cape D’Aguilar Take First Bus no. 9, get off at D’Aguilar Road and walk for about 40 minutes (no motor vehicles are allowed on the road except for taxis). Alternatively, you can hike straight up and over D’Aguilar Peak from Shek O beach (an unofficial trail is marked by ribbon and chalk). The area is closest to Hong Kong Trail Stage 8.
A word of caution - to discourage hordes of visitors there are no public sanitary facilities in the Marine Reserve, including litter bins and toilets. In order to protect the important organisms and their habitats here, all water sports and coastal recreational activities except those permitted for scientific purposes - are prohibited.
Cape D’Aguilar
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woof
Ask a vet... Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions. My dog drinks out of puddles and gets sick. How can I treat a bad tummy without medication? I cannot stress how important it is for you to stop this behavior. Puddles can and do contain many harmful things and in some instances could make your dog very sick or even kill your dog. As well as possible detergents, rat poisons and other ‘stuff’ discarded by humans, could be ingested by your dog. Please do not let your dog drink puddle water. Is it better to feed my cat dry food or wet food? I get asked this all the time. I feed my own cats dry and wet food in separate dishes at least twice a day. What you feed often boils down to a few basic things such as your own schedule, your cat’s food texture preference, allergies, age, lifestyle, medical conditions e.g. obesity, diabetes (most vets would recommend a special diet for this). At the end of the day the most important thing is to always feed a good balanced diet that works for both your cat’s lifestyle and your own. I want to get a poodle, what are differences between a standard and miniature poodle? The ‘poodle’ is a group of formal dog breeds, the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle. Nowadays we also see Teacup Poodles around. The main difference is in their size, Standard are over 38cm while Miniature range between 28–38 cm. Ranked second most intelligent dog breed just behind the Border Collie, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports and activities, including agility, obedience, tracking to herding, are entertaining performers and make good assistance dogs. My dog is only 4 but has arthritis and finds it hard to get up. Is there anything we can do to make her more comfortable? I’d like to know more about your dog’s arthritis before I would attempt to give you good advice such as, what has caused the problem, what medications you give, what is the breed, weight and so on? There are lots of things vets can advise to help arthritis once a diagnosis has been made and there are a lot of supportive things you can do +/or feed. At the end of the day it actually boils down to each individual dog and no one recipe fits all. Is it okay to cut my pets claws by myself? There is no reason why you cannot, but only if the claws/nails actually need to be clipped and you are confident to do the job. Some claws may never need a clip. Familiarize yourself with what to do in advance and get the correct nail clippers e.g. I use different types depending on a pet’s size, species and breed. Many animals are sensitive about having their claws/ nails cut or even toes touched so it’s good to start handling claws/nails when they are young. Low stress handling of your pet at claw/nail clippings and positively sensitising them to clipper sounds is essential.
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com 58 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
Walkies
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udge, the cavoodle lives in a dogfriendly apartment block at Villa Cecil in Pokfulam. He is never short of a company and he has a couple of favourite friends, he loves to go walking with Honey and Bronzo. Our helper and I enjoy walking Fudge, three times a day. During the Summer months, Fudge needs a bit of encouragement as he likes to stay inside in the air conditioning. A regular walk for Fudge is along Victoria Road. We walk to West Island School and back. If we have more time and Fudge is up for it, we take him down to Sandy Bay which is another 600 meters down the road. Behind Stanley Ho sports centre is a waterfront promenade which Fudge loves to run along as well. Another regular walk for Fudge is Mt Davis Path. We go up Mt Davis path from Victoria Road. I like this walk as it’s nearby and away from traffic. It’s a steep incline, and we make our way up towards the Mt Davis Reservoir. We walk back to Villa Cecil via Mt Davis Road. Fudge isn’t particularly fond of
woof With Michelle Sampson of Pokfulam long walks, but in the cooler months, I do like to take him up to The Peak. We start out from Pokfulam riding stables and go hiking through the trails. We make our way up to Lugard Road and make a loop around the Peak. Halfway we have a well-deserved coffee/water break. Once refreshed, we will then walk along the path from The Peak straight down to Pokfulam stables. His absolute all-time favourite place in Pokfulam is the Cyberport waterfront dog park. Here he gets to sniff, runs and plays freely with his canine companions. There is, however, a downside to the dog park and occasionally a sign goes up. “Beware snake seen in this
Pok Fu Lam
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The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide
A stunning collection of 12 Sai Kung hikes, all completed in 2017 for the most updated information.
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Making Hong Kong Greater, Again
Opinions, rants and random outbursts. By Mrs. Backfire
D
id you get the memo? We’ve been re-branded! No longer is Hong Kong Asia’s World City, that ‘fascinating medley of ancient and modern, East and West’ as the folks at Brand Hong Kong like to describe us. That’s yesterday’s buzz- phrase, my friends, absolutely passé. Our horizons have expanded. For this autumn, after a year of strategic media operations and with both the Hong Kong-ZhuhaiMacau bridge and the Express Rail Link scheduled to open, we are fully part of the Greater Bay Area. Or as I like to call it: GRABBY! Why the name change? Did Pearl River Delta sound too provincial? What should we christen ourselves now that our little economically-integrated corner of the world is four decades old and squillions of dollars removed from water buffaloes plowing fields? Well, it’s all about ambition. The GRABBY proves that we are looking beyond Asia. They’ve set their sights on the global playing field, issued a world-domination mandate – eclipse San Francisco! Overtake Tokyo! Supersede New York City! They’re amalgamating capital, attracting talent, revving up growth engines! And, in that grand Hong Kong tradition, to put a banner on this plan – they’re copying a well-known name but making it better. Greater. So, while Northern California has the (just) Bay Area and Silicon Valley, southern China is aiming for total Megalopolis (actually a thing, not a place that exists only where buff heroes don tights) by knitting together Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in Guangdong to become the Greater Bay Area. Here are some mind-boggling GRABBY stats for you: our new 55-kilometer bridge is one of the longest in the world - wow! It’s amazing, until you get to the end and realize you’re in… Zhuhai. Our new Express Rail Link will whisk you from Hong Kong to Futian, Shenzhen in only 14 minutes, cutting your overall Birkin-bag-haggle time basically in half so win-win there. And last but not least, our regional population is predicted to grow by 20 (!) million over the next ten years, and our collective 64 | SOUTHSIDE.HK
GDP is expected to triple by 2030. Impressive stats to be sure. But let’s not get too wrapped up in economic statistics, integration issues and the pesky question of exactly whose legal framework (East or West?) will prevail in this brave new worldly hub. We need to talk image. With its high-end manufacturing and homegrown tech giants Huawei and Tencent, the cities of Guangdong are clearly our Silicon Valley. Innovative, productive and about as exciting as San Jose, with the traffic woes to match. Macau, currently the world’s largest gambling hub by revenue, might seem like Las Vegas of the East, but only if you squint. I’d rate it a Reno at best, I mean, they need a higher class of highclass hookers for a start. Plus, some techno DJ dudes, a museum devoted to triads (á la Vegas’s Mob Museum) and 30 nights of Mariah Carey, not just one. It would also help if there was a Hoover Dam or Grand(er) Canyon nearby. Some kind of visual wonder to help you forget that you’ve just lost your life savings. That’s two-thirds of the GBA marked and sorted, but where does that leave Hong Kong? The GRABBY experts have been saying Hong Kong could be ‘the San Francisco to the Greater Bay Area’s Silicon Valley’. Something about capital markets, blah, blah, blah. Well, we are hilly, we’re on the water, we’ve got trams and it costs an absolute arm-and-a-leg to live here. So far, so good. We’ve also got a massive restaurant culture – bonus - and a sizable portion of our population devoted to one thing only: money. Oh snap. There’s the rub. No Summer of Love history here. No turning on, tuning in or dropping out. In the 852 it’s all about the Benjamins. So, if you’re a Timothy Leary type looking for 30,000 people keen to hang out in Victoria Park, you’re going to find helpers not hippies. Our re-branded image clearly needs a bit more work. You can’t just name something and make it so. Sorry, Brand Hong Kong, I know you tried with that whole ‘Asia’s World City’ tag, but let’s be honest, who believed we were? Okay, so I don’t see us suddenly becoming the home for several worldclass professional sports teams. We’re
struggling to produce our own Maya Angelou or Ansel Adams or Carlos Santana, but there’s time! Let’s be positive! One thing Hong Kong could work on – just a thought here – is something I saw in San Francisco last time I was there. While heading into town from the airport, our group got stuck in traffic during the city’s annual Gay Pride Parade. Out the window, what did we see but a great big Bay Area welcome: the bare buns of a very muscular, very tanned man wearing nothing but a gold lamé thong. Megalopolis promotions folks, call me! Let’s get GRABBY.
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 ;)
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