Sai Kung October 2018 by Hong Kong Living Ltd

FOOD | GUESTS | COMMUNITY SPIRIT

October 2018

Where to take your guests (after the typhoon clean-up!)

ON O H P TY UT KH MANG IAL SPEC ! ISSUE

Sai Kung gets

spooky

WHAT TO DO THIS HALLOWEEN

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!

Performance

Premium Contributor

Entertainment Gold Contributor

Silver Contributor

Goodie Bags

The really useful magazine October 2018

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36 10 ZIM CITY

34 PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life THE PLANNER 6 Happening in October What’s on this month NEWS 10 What’s going on? In your backyard CRIME 12 Police blotter What have the Sai Kung police been up to? MUST HAVE THIS MONTH 14 Think pink Breast cancer awareness month

FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Carmen Kwok Founder of Carmen Kwok Studio LOCAL 18 Typhoon Mangkhut How our town came together in a crisis COVER STORY 20 Where to take your guests What to eat, where to stay and what to do when it all gets too much DINING 26 Momentai one year on A bright future for the seafront restaurant. Plus Nibbles

40 Paul Zimmerman explains… How to cut waste in Hong Kong HEALTH & WELLNESS 28 Cryotherapy facials What are they and how do they work? HALLOWEEN 30 Sai Kung gets spooky Your ultimate Halloween guide BIG DAY OUT 32 The Ma On Shan loop Explore with Tara Smyth TRAVEL 36 Fishing in the Himalayas Chris Beale describes his life changing trip

VILLAGE FOCUS 42 Hing Keng Shek A village in the mountains PETS 44 Ask Dr Pauline Pet questions. Plus Walkies GARDENING 45 In the garden What to plant in October VINES IN SAI KUNG 48 Centro no more? Stephen Vines weighs in on his thoughts about Centro

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“AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHEN EVERY LEAF IS A FLOWER.” - ALBERT CAMUS

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editor’s letter

ai Kung has had quite an eventful month, with Momentai celebrating their oneyear anniversary, new studio and salon openings and the cleaning up after Typhoon Mangkhut. Sai Kung’s community spirit never ceases to amaze me, we got closer to those that were affected by the storms on September 16, and found out how the town helped them on page 18. This October it’s time to slow things down and relax after a hectic few weeks, with the cooler months ahead, clear your mind on a scenic hike, Tara Smyth shares her go-to hike this month on page 32. Guests are already booking their holidays in preparation for Hong Kong’s peak season, but don’t fret, our ultimate guest’s guide has you covered from fun days out, to dinner time, check it out on page 20. I have fond memories of running around Marina Cove dressed up as Hermione Granger, collecting buckets of sweets when I was little. Prepare for the spookiest holiday of the year with all things fun, frightful and festive on page 30. I hope you have a fun filled October and make sure to keep an eye out for pesky ghosts!

Editorial

Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editorial assistant Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Media trainee Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com

Design

Graphic designer Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

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

Accounting

Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

Digital

Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to

contributors

Jane Steer Paul Zimmerman Chris Beale 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 Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

saikung.com

Tara Smyth

Dr Pauline Taylor

… our health a nd wellness colu mnist Ifat Hindes, tried cryotherapy for the first time at the RitzCarlton Spa this month. Check out what the busy mu m loved a bout the treatment on page 28. She enjoys spending quality time with her fa mily a nd cuddles with her three active children.

… started hiking in 2011 when she, and three friends, signed up for Oxfa m Trailwalker. Not even owning a pair of trainers at that time, she hit the hiking shops, got kitted out and hit the trails. Since then, Tara has covered hundreds and hundreds of kilometres on the trails in Hong Kong, UK, Italy and Nepal.

… graduated as a vet in Scotla nd. After ten years of practice (a nd adventure) in New Z eala nd, she moved to Hong Kong with her various furry four-legged fa mily me mbers. She is passionate a bout a nimal welfare a nd presently studying acupu ncture. Y ou’ ll find her swimming, watching a movie or keeping up to date with global affairs.

talk@hongkongliving.com

@saikungmag

facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

Cover by: Sonia Khatwani

Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay 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. Hong Kong Living Ltd 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 in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | SAIKUNG.COM

Photo by: Graham Uden

Ifat Hindes

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese Typhoon Mangkhut clean-up

Photos thanks to: Jane Steer, Tara Smyth, Alexandra le Jeune, Catherine Lumsden

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planner

OCT 7

Women’s Five - 5km Run 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

UNTIL OCT 17 Giant Moon Rabbit Lumiere Exhibition Australian artist Amanda Parer and her illuminated rabbits will only be in Hong 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.

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

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 1 National Day Celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China and catch the legendary annual fireworks display over Victoria Harbour from 9pm.

Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2018

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

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Get ready to be spooked at Ocean Park’s annual Halloween fest, with uniquely themed haunted houses and a new interactive, hyper-reality multimedia horror installation, you’re guaranteed a fright! Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong oceanpark.com.hk

OCT 5 Magic Workshop Suitable for kids aged between 11 and 15. Magician Matt Owen will teach you his secret tricks when it comes to cards. $200 per child. The Hive 21/F The Phoenix, 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai. pelago.me/playingCardTricks

OCT 5 - 6 Beertopia 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. 9 Lung Wo Road, Central beertopia.hk

OCT 5

happening in Oct OCT 6 Woodland Sai Kung open day Join in the fun and meet Woodland’s dedicated team on the Sai Kung Open Day! Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung. woodlandschools.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 assessment. Free. 9.30am-2.30pm. Nord Anglia International Pre-School, Tai Tam and Sai Kung campuses. Register for the assessment at nordangliaeducation.com

OCT 12 - 13 Great Hong Kong Craft Beer Festival Enjoy top-notch beers from local and selected international breweries. Free. PMQ, Central. beerfesthk.com

OCT 13 Bad Gals Night Out Mrs. Pound will be teaming up with Benefit Cosmetics to bring you free-flow cocktails, bites and complimentary makeovers and brow waxes. $350, a portion of the proceeds go to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Mrs. Pound, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan. ticketflap.com/ benefitxmrspound

$1316. Cotai Arena, The Venetian, Cotai Strip, Macau. venetianmacao.com

OCT 20 & 27 The Autumn Garage Sale at HKUST With 200 tables of new and second hand goods, there’s something for everyone at the garage sale. Food and drink are also available. Free. 9am-2.30pm. Covered car park, LG3, HKUST, Clearwater Bay. For table bookings email Jean at gujean@ust.hk

OCT 22

Expat Parent International Schools Fair

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.

OCT 6 Sai Kung Montessori Information Session

OCT 14 Hong Kong Cyclothon

Learn more about the Montessori philosophy created over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, and its teachings. Free. 10am. To RSVP, email info@saikungmontessori.com

Offering several riding categories, cyclists of all skill levels will participate in this annual event. Free. Vantage points along Salisbury Road near Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and along Mody Road near UC Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East. discoveryhongkong.com/cyclothon

OCT 6 - 7 Shakespeare4All Gala Performance

OCT 15 - 19 Faust’s Mid-Autumn Programmes

Child performers with an interest in theatre, regardless of their status, race or ability, will be performing The Tempest at Shakespeare4All’s annual Gala. $130. Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall. s4a.org.hk

The week long theatre workshops include holiday theatre, creative writing and play in a day. Register by October 5th 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

OCT 6 - 14 Hong Kong Tennis Open World-class players compete for a grand prize of US$500,000. $160. Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, Causeway Bay. cityline.com

OCT 21 Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness 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 21 Momentai pop up market The perfect way to spend your lazy Sunday. Kiosk 1, Wau Man Road, Sai Kung, momentai-la.com

OCT 20 Mariah Carey Live in Macau Five time Grammy award winner Mariah Carey brings her tour to Macau for the first time. 8pm.

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planner OCT 25 The Fratellis

OCT 26 - 28 Hong Kong Super Sixes 2018

OCT 28 Hysan Island Hike and Run

Scottish rock band, The Fratellis are set to rock Hong Kong. $490. 8pm. Kowloonbay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC). venue. cityline.com

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

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 25 - 28 Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival Bringing together world-class food, drinks and entertainment next to the stunning Victoria Harbour. $30. Central Harbourfront. discoverhongkong.com/winedinefestival

OCT 26 - 28 AquaSonic Part of the New Vision Arts Festival, experience the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first underwater orchestra in this science-bending spectacular. $80. Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. ticket.urbtix.hk

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OCT 26 - NOV 4 Giselle Revisit one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time with Giselle, a passionate 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.cancer-fund.org

book now

BOOK NOW NOV 1 31st Annual Charity Bazaar

NOV 9 - 11 Clockenflap

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 silent auction and lucky draw. Free. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan. awa.org.hk

Grab your tickets to Hong Kong’s biggest music and arts festival in November. The threeday festival will feature big names, including The Vaccines and Peking Duk. $820. Central Harbourfront Event Space. clockenflap.com

NOV 3-11 Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival Asia’s flagship Jewish festival is back, and will feature the best Jewish-themed films from all around the world. Prices vary. Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. hkjff.org

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

NOV 30 The Weekend Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling music artist, The Weekend, kicks off his first ever Asia tour in Hong Kong this November. $698. 8pm. Asia World-Expo, Airport Expo Boulevard, Chek Lap Kok. premier.hkticketing.com

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

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news

RAH Studio Gallery and ASOPIE Lounge opens!

Sai Kung welcomes Aphrodite Hair and Makeup The salon celebrated its grand opening in the town on September 29 with wine and nibbles. Ahead of the opening, founder, Jacquiline Phillander exclaimed “I am extremely excited and looking forward to creating a relaxing and comfortable hair, body and makeup salon in Sai Kung. So far residents have been very supportive and I’m very lucky for that. I always knew I would open a salon here, it was just a matter of when”. The salon offers a range of treatments for women, men and children, including cuts, ammonia colour and Brazilian blowouts. No 1, Wan King Path, Sai Kung, facebook.com/ aphroditehairandmakeup

Roberta Boffo and Wendell Paulus recently opened art studio and food hub has brought a new dimension to Sai Kung town. RAH Studio Gallery and ASOPIE Lounge located on Man Nin Street will offer art classes and exhibitions as well as authentic Amazonian food.The couple, who have been Sai Kung residents for over two years wanted to create a space that was welcoming, inspiring and relaxed. Roberta said: “I would like this to be a bit of an art hub in Sai Kung, for local, creative people to showcase their work and gain some exposure through our gallery.” Roberta and Wendell encourage people to pop in and have a chat, view the art and sample authentic tastes of the Amazon. 1/F 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung. asopie.com

$1 increase on the Mong Kok minibus

Taxi driver arrested for overcharging

The fare increase may be subtle, but it all adds up! At the beginning of September some passengers noticed a fare increase on their daily commute to Mong Kok. The full fare of the red minibus route is now $18. In fact, the

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route has seen a $4 jump since 2011, thanks to inflation and the route’s popularity. The red minibus runs 24-hours delivering late night revellers home from Central.

The High Island Reservoir is not easily accessible through public transport, so the best way to reach the photogenic location is by taxi. Last month a taxi driver was arrested for overcharging a trip from the High Island Reservoir to Sai Kung Town. He requested the passenger pay $250, (double the usual cost of the ride). Fortunately, the passenger was an undercover policeman, who was able to catch the driver red-handed.

in your backyard

safer Biking trails

Oxfam Trailwalker

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has plans to enhance Sai Kung’s mountain biking experience. On October 1, the mountain bike trail from Pak Tam to Pak Sha O in Sai Kung West Country Park will be permanently closed due to footpath erosion. Wan Tsai Peninsula, which used to be fully accessible, is now only open on designated trails. This is in order to protect the vegetation and the safety of bikers. Over half of Sai Kung’s mountain bike trails are affected, but the AFCD has promised to name sections and trails clearer in country parks. Trail specialists are expected to improve the High Junk Peak trail and the Hoi Ha trail to Wan Tsai. The annual 100km Oxfam Trailwalker will be taking place from 16-18 November. The walk will start from Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp and finish at Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club in Yuen Long. Karin Bremer, a photographer and hiking enthusiast, is taking on the challenge of the Oxfam Trailwalker for the first time this year. She describes her training regime leading up to the event, “In groups of four, we started by practising lots of climbs and 20km hikes. During September

we increased the length to 30km and then up to 40km in October, the big test is just two weeks before the event, when we will walk consecutive dates between 30-40km per day”. The Trailwalker will test the strength and stamina of those participating while raising money for Oxfam, Karin is brimming with enthusiasm stating “I am very much looking forward to ticking the Trailwalker off my “bucket list” and plan to enjoy it every bit of the way!” oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

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police blotter

Reports from Sai Kung Police Senior Inspector Jacky Chan reports on recent cases in Sai Kung - Look out

On September 5, an incident took place between a 69 year-old man and a private car outside of Lok Yuk Kindergarten. The man sustained injuries on his right leg, left hand and left side of his head, he was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital.

- Mind your step

On September 8, at 5pm a group of five males and one female were walking from section two to section three of the Maclehose Trail. A male slipped and was airlifted to Tseung Kwan O hospital.

- Fireworks in school

- The last dessert

A restaurant manager reported a dispute between two males at different tables in his restaurant on September 5. The dispute was over a dessert, of which the restaurant only had one portion left. When police arrived both tables paid their bill and left separately.

reportedly over how to best teach their children. The wife left the house and didn’t return until 4am the next morning, when she returned she found that the door was locked. She called the police, her husband unlocked the door upon their arrival.

A male student at a Sai Kung school was arrested on September 13, for being in possession of seven fireworks while at school. The fireworks were the size of a $1 coin. The boy claimed he purchased them from the internet and wanted to use them for fun. The student is currently out on police bail.

- Clean sweep

There have been no reported cases of burglaries in Sai Kung this September. Police believe this could be due to the capture of five illegal immigrants last month.

- Suspected tree felling

A British women reported a sighting of two suspicious-looking males outside her house in Sai Kung Country Park on September 8. Police suspected the two to be tree fellers, as they found a piece of rope tied to the tree and this represents that tree fellers are going to cut the tree. Police have installed infrared detectors onto incense trees in the area to help prevent any suspicious activities relating to tree felling or burglaries.

- Closed for business

On September 8 at approximately 1am, a female was travelling alone from Pak Tam Au to the ‘Boy’s and Girl’s’ clubs association of Hong Kong Bradbury Camp.’ When she arrived she realised it was closed and upon her return she lost her way. She called the police and was guided back to safety.

- Locked out

A dispute between two teachers took place in their home on September 11. The dispute was

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- Cannabis possession

A 24-year-old male in possession of 5.5g of Cannabis was arrested outside of McDonalds. Police made the arrest after receiving an anonymous call that day describing the culprit, they performed an urgent ambush on the man, after watching him get into a vehicle and get out abruptly. The case has been transferred to CID for further enquiries. The man is currently out on police bail.

For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630

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must have this month

“Once I overcame breast cancer, I wasn't afraid of anything anymore" - Melissa Etheridge

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

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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

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face" Eleanor Roosevelt

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

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.

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five minutes with

Carmen Kwok

Artist and interior decorator Carmen talks to Becky Love about carpets and keeping it local My sister bought a 200-year old apartment in Lisbon, which I offered to decorate for her. It was an amazing experience, and came in within a tight budget and time frame. The project made me realise how much I enjoyed ‘holiday home decor’, and opened my eyes to new opportunities. I set up my first design studio on Sun Street in Wan Chai, and began collaborating with creative design companies in Hong Kong and overseas, things fell into place. My very first collaboration was a carpet collection. I worked on it for 2 years with a carpet company here in Hong Kong. The collaboration was called, “Light in the Darkness” which based on the idea that we need the warmth and power of light to overcome the darkness in this world. Everytime my mother bought nice fruit and vegetables from Mong Kok market, she would let me draw them instead of asking me to help cook!

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Sai Kung cleanses my heart and soul. It must be something about being close to nature. There is so much to learn from nature, the rain drops, the sound of the sea breeze, the sunrise, the dew on the leaves… it’s unlimited. As an artist, I wanted an inspiring place to create my paintings. I chose to move to Sai Kung in 2005 because I love living close to nature. I love Saturday mornings in Sai Kung. I do Zumba, have breakfast at Classified and walk along the seafront. I also love sharing the magic of Sai Kung by taking snapshots and posting them on my Instagram, follow me at @ carmen_kwok_studio My job doesn’t feel like work to me. I never treated my job as a job, but my passion, something I love to do and never get bored with. I love playing with materials and colours.

Hong Kong is lacking… places to relax. We need more areas for families to unwind and recharge. The rate of properties also needs to be kept under control - everyone should have a comfortable home where they can relax. It’s much easier to survive as an artist in Hong Kong nowadays. I would encourage entrepreneurs, no matter where they are, to keep doing what they love. Criticise yourself, keep moving forward and share the joy of creating art with others, like doing exhibitions. I would love to run ‘creativity’ courses related to lifestyle, and how to enjoy life with creativity and a restful mind. My motto in life? “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Carmen Kwok Studio specialises in painting, photography, interior decoration and floral design. carmenkwokstudio.com

Blue seas and open waters ahead Explore Asia’s uncompromised beauty with World Dream this winter

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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local

Sai Kung’s community spirit shines in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut Nicole Slater reports on Sai Kung’s recovery

Photo credit: Alexandra le Jeune

What happened to the dog on the boat?

yphoon Mangkhut shocked residents and caused havoc throughout the city when it struck Hong Kong on September 16. The government issued warnings, stating that it would be the most powerful storm on record to hit the city. The highest Typhoon signal (T10) was first raised by the Hong Kong Observatory at 9.40am on Sunday Morning. Gail force winds of up to 240km/h plummeted into buildings, trees and street signs. Sai Kung faced destruction, boats were washed onto shore, seafront restaurants were damaged and sadly one fatality was reported. Many local residents stayed huddled indoors until the strong winds subsided, but those who did brave the storm found alternative methods to get around, including a Kayak. In the days following the storm, Sai Kung residents have gathered together, proving once again how tight-knit the community is. From assisting police officers with clearing fallen trees to continuing to drink at their favourite watering holes (even though it’s roof was missing), our town has united to clear up the mess.

Sai Kung Stingrays While schools were closed, local rugby team Sai Kung Stingrays assisted in cleaning up. A spokesperson from the club said; “we wanted

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Sai Kung residents assisting the clean up

the boys to realise that the world is not just smartphones and ‘Fortnite’, but that we are part of a larger community and we need to help each other out, especially in times of need.” adding; “we all were shocked by the amount of plastic, as well as the force of nature bringing trees, boats and even fridge doors onto shore. It takes a community to make a difference.”

Catherine’s Puppies Local dog charity Catherine’s Puppies prepared for the storm as much as possible, Catherine Lumsden described the typhoon as “the most horrendous four hours of my life.” She stayed in the shelter with the dogs, “After the roof of the shelter started lifting up and a tree fell, blocking the exit.” She adds “I’m so grateful that Sai Kung residents helped to secure the roof on Saturday night, otherwise me and the 10 dogs I was with, might not be here today”. The shelter was seriously damaged and Catherine is hoping that the Sai Kung community can help to restore the puppies temporary home. Sai Kung’s waterfront previously took a bashing during Typhoon Hato in 2017, which stripped the town of many trees. After a quick recovery and some very loyal residents, the town was back on its feet in no time. If that’s anything to go by, the seaside town will, by now be well and truly on its way to recovery.

During the storm many residents took to social media with concerns about an abandoned dog on a boat. Here’s the story: Cole Pamuk, first discovered a dog struggling on an overturned dingy during the typhoon, by climbing over other boats he was able to place the dog on the PADI boat which was much larger and more sheltered. After returning with his friend Alex Hunter a few hours later, they noticed the PADI boat was sinking. They attempted to get the dog out of the water, even jumping in themselves amongst the rough waves. But the dog was too traumatized. The next morning, Sai Kung Stray Friends’ (SKSF) Chairman, Narelle Pamuk went down to the waterfront and discovered the dog had survived the night. Alex, who has two dogs from SKSF, states; “when I saw the pictures of him I thought it was a miracle.” The dog is in the care of SKSF, after his owner denied responsibility, Narelle, has named him Tyson, after the international boxer Mike Tyson, because “he is a fighter”. As Tyson isn’t microchipped there is only so much that can be done. He is still very traumatised and is currently on eyedrops. We wish Tyson a quick recovery and thank our Sai Kung heros for their efforts to save the “dog on the boat”.

If you wish to donate to Catherines Puppies please visit postmangkhutcatherinespuppies shelterrecover.raisely.com

SAIKUNG.COM | 19

local

Sai Kung’s community spirit shines in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut Nicole Slater reports on Sai Kung’s recovery

Photo credit: Alexandra le Jeune

Sai Kung Stray Friends’ Foundation save the dog on the boat

Sai Kung Stingrays While schools were closed, local rugby team Sai Kung Stingrays assisted in cleaning up. A spokesperson from the club said; “we wanted

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Sai Kung residents assisting the clean up

Catherine’s Puppies Local dog shelter, Catherine’s Puppies prepared for the storm as much as possible, Catherine Lumsden described the typhoon as “the most horrendous four hours of my life.” She stayed in the shelter with the dogs, “After the roof of the shelter started lifting up and a tree fell, blocking the exit.” She adds “I’m so grateful that Sai Kung residents helped to secure the roof on Saturday night, otherwise me and the 10 dogs I was with, might not be here today”. The shelter was seriously damaged and Catherine is hoping that the Sai Kung community can help to restore the puppies temporary home. Sai Kung’s waterfront previously took a bashing during Typhoon Hato in 2017, which stripped the town of many trees. After a quick recovery and some very loyal residents, the town was back on its feet in no time. If that’s anything to go by, the seaside town will, by now be well and truly on its way to recovery.

To donate to SKSFF & Tyson: HSBC A/c: 124073891-001 Current Bank Code: 004A HK registered Chairty. All donations tax deductible. To donate to Catherine’s Puppies: postmangkhutcatherinespuppies shelterrecover.raisely.com

SAIKUNG.COM | 19

Photo by: Graham Uden

cover story

The ultimate guest guide Cooler days are approaching and along with them come the houseguests With weather settling down and temperatures cooling, visitors are beginning to come out of the woodwork as Hong Kong revs up for its peak tourist season. Having guests come to stay is always special but it can come with it’s challenges. No worries, we’ve got you covered with the basics; where to eat, visit and stay around Sai Kung, one less thing for you to worry about.

Eat Whether your guests are keen to try some authentic Hong Kong cuisine or just want to stick to the foods they know and love, Sai Kung has a huge variety of restaurants to cater to everyone’s needs.

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For the adventurous eaters

All-day Dim Sum

Chun Kee is hard to miss along the waterfront, with large water tanks containing every type of fish you could dream of and a huge neon fish billboard. Sit outside and soak up some local atmosphere while dining on fresh seafood, which you can pick out from the tanks yourself. For a local experience, dim sum is a popular breakfast choice. 87-89 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung

A speciality amongst Hongkongers, especially for breakfast. Dim sum consists of a range of small dishes served in wooden steamers. From pork dumplings to beef noodle rolls it is the perfect way to sample some of Hong Kong’s most famous dishes without commiting to a whole dish. Din Tai Fung has received Michelin stars for their famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). New Town Plaza Phase 1, 18 Sha Tin Centre Street, Sha Tin

Chun Kee Seafood restaurant

Din Tai Fung

guests in town For the picky eaters

Rooftop bars

Jaspas

Jaspas is one of Sai Kung’s longest established restaurants. It serves up reliable comfort food throughout the day and offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu as well as good choices for vegetarians. Enjoy a cool evening taking in the bustling vibe of Sai Kung square. 13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung

Wow your guests with city views, delicious cocktails and a night to remember (or not) • • •

For a taste of home

Something fancy

For a traditional pub feel with all the trimmings, The Picture House is cozy inside and offers a relaxed outdoor patio. The menu is full of home comforts such as, chunky pies and fish & chips. You can also soak up some sunshine with a variety of cocktails and beers - who said entertaining had to be stressful? 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung

Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Three Fathoms Cove, One-thirty one provides guests with a unique dining experience. They serve up modern European cuisine with a twist of French. The dishes are delicately presented and change every month depending on the seasonal produce. 131 Tseung Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung

The Picture House

Ozone - ICC, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon Ce La Vi - 25/F California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central Sevva - Princes Building, 25/F, 10 Chater Road, Central

One-thirtyone

A little further away

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

One of the most atmospheric restaurants in Wan Chai, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is home to jawdropping views of Victoria Harbour from both the restaurant level and the rooftop open-air terrace. Whether you’re inside or outside, Wooloomooloo will wow your guests with enticing steaks and fine wines. 31/F & Rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

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cover story

do Sai Kung is renowned for its wonderful hiking trails and white sandy beaches, perfect for those who love the outdoors. But don’t forget to show your guests some of the city’s biggest attractions!

Take a Hike Sharp peak

As Sai Kung’s most challenging hike, this is for more adventurous/experienced hikers. Much of the trail is rugged with loose gravel. The hike is around seven hours long and offers sweeping views of Hong Kong’s hillside. Since the hike is exposed to sunlight for much of the day it is perfect for the cooler months. How to get there: Take minibus 7 or bus 94 to Pak Tam Au

Trio Beach Sheung Luk Stream Trail Mostly a downhill trail on a man made path, this walk is great for guests who want to explore without exerting too much energy. Once you reach the bottom you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Sai Wan beach and a small cafe serving local dishes. After some lunch, venture to the end of the beach, across the concrete bridge you’ll reach a small stream, follow it until you come to the famous emerald pools. How to get there: Take bus 29R or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion and head down a clearly marked concrete path.

With only one hill and a natural path, this walk is relatively simple. The hike lasts around an hour and reaches a sandy white beach, the perfect rest stop for a cooling swim and picnic. If you have enough energy you can either return the way you came or take a Sampan to Pak Sha Wan Pier (around $30).

Hong Kong Yachting For a classic junk experience, Hong Kong Yachting is a great option. Junk boat hire starts from $8,000 and boats can accommodate 30-40 people. Choose from a traditional junk, a sailing boat or a Western-style cruiser. One such cruiser, aptly named “Jungle Jane” offers a 22-foot wide swimming platform (day rate from $25,000). Various catering options are available upon request and optional speedboats, water slides and waiters. hongkongyachting.com

Lazy Days

How to get there: Start at Che Keng Tuk Road and walk towards the Hong Kong Marina, head up the first flight of stairs and turn right onto a path in front of SKIP kindergarten. Follow the trail through the trees and turn right onto an uphill dirt trail signposted “Trio beach”.

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All that junk

Cruise in style with one of Lazy Days’ luxury junks. Equipped with lounges, sound systems, water inflatables, books and magazines, guests can customise their experience by adding on spa and nail treatments, massages and even wakeboarding lessons. Catering packages start at $940 per person. Boat-only hire starts at $15,000 for a maximum of 32 guests. lazydays.com.hk

guests in town Big Buddha This sight is bound to get your guests’ cameras snapping. Travel south from the airport over rolling emerald mountains in a cable car towards the Big Buddha. At the top, walk through the village of Ngong Ping, which offers many souvenir shops and restaurants. The Buddha sits atop 268 steps, it’s worth the climb and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lantau island and the mountain tops. Head down and mooch around the Po Lin Monastery before returning to Tung Chung via cable car. How to get there: Take the MTR to Tung Chung, walk out of Exit B to the Ngong Ping Cable Car, which takes around 25 minutes.

Michelangelo Cruise Hop aboard the 80-foot, sleek and superstylish Michelangelo. The Michelangelo can accommodate up to 59 guests and is furnished with mahogany wood panelling, large sunbeds and several guest cabins. With 30 years experience, Captain A On knows all the boating hotspots in Sai Kung, South Bay and Lamma. With a pick up point of your choice. On-board buffet, cocktail party menus and beverages available. Hire starts at $32,000 to sail around Sai Kung and $24,000 for four hours in Central. Prices vary during peak season. luxuryjunk.com.hk

Did you know: The Buddha and base stand 34 meters tall, cost $60 million and took 12 years to build!

Sightseeing The Peak

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Best attempted during cooler months, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery consists of five temples, four pavilions, one pagoda - and 430 steep-hillside steps. Alongside the climb are dozens of golden and painted life-size buddha statues, all of which are different. Look out for the confident, local monkey population too! At the top enjoy spectacular views across the

Shop till you drop • Festival Walk Located above Kowloon Tong MTR station, Festival Walk has a range of high street and luxury shops as well as a cinema, ice-skating rink and multiple restaurants. 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong

New Territories and the bright red pagoda that appears on $100 bills printed between 1885 and 2002. How to get there Take the MTR to Sha Tin, the steps are at the end of Sheung Wo Che Street on the left-hand side.

Photo credit: Bernard Spragg - Flickr

As one of the most popular tourist attractions, The Peak should be at the top of your guest’s ‘mustsee’ list. The extreme steepness of the Peak Tram will give them something to talk about over lunch (The Peak Lookout offers a great terrace for said lunch). Afterwards, take a leisurely circular walk around the peak, that offers fantastic views of skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour and Lantau Island. Please note that The Peak Galleria shopping centre is closed for renovation, scheduled to reopen in summer 2019. How to get there: From Central MTR Exit J2 heads up towards Garden Road Peak Tram terminus. Adult return $52, child return $23.

• East Point City A one-stop shop for all your essentials with a supermarket, opticians and range of beauty and jewellery stores and of course, Marks & Spencer - you won’t be short of things to buy. 8 Chung Wa Road, Tseung Kwan O • Telford Gardens A range of shopping centres located in close-proximity make Telford Gardens ideal for rainy days. The area also has a cinema and free shuttle bus to Mega Box. 33 Wai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay

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cover story

stay The Pier Hotel Having guests to stay in your home for long periods of time can beâ&#x20AC;Ś challenging. Limited space can lead to awkward encounters and, at times increased tension. Putting guests in a hotel gives everyone a bit of breathing space, making the time you spend together that much more special. Sai Kungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest luxury development, The Pier Hotel is located on the waterfront of Pak Sha Wan and has sweeping views of the ocean. The location is perfectly situated so guests can escape the city, but convenient enough that Sai Kung town is just a five minute drive away and on the other side, Hang Hau MTR station is only fifteen minutes away. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service to both areas throughout the day, making it easy for guests to explore the city solo.

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guests in town undisturbed views of the sunrise and sunset over the water. Crystal continues: “guests can enjoy a bottle of wine from their private balconies and take a moment to soak in the amazing view and quietness. Our rooms allow guests to experience the overwhelming surprise of how spacious and gorgeous the views are, especially in Hong Kong.”

The hotel has been much anticipated in the town since planning began in 2013. With the number of visitors increasing, it offers a solitude for people to stay and relax after a long hike or day out on the water. Crystal Choi, Vice Chairman of the The Pier Hotel adds; “The Pier is the perfect place for a staycation for locals and foreigners experiencing Hong Kong for the first time. We focus on luxury, comfort and hospitality since we feel that these values are very much moulded into the Sai Kung area.”

Forty rooms range from suites to garden and balcony rooms, all include a kitchen area with hob, kettle and fridge so guests can feel at home and have a sense of independence, without relying on room service or dining out. The hotel offers both nightly and monthly rates for their premium rooms and suites, which include a parking space (advanced notice required) and free access to the hotel amenities. The large rooftop area, includes luxury sunbeds, outdoor sofas and a swimming pool, a favourite

for Crystal who states; “The pool possesses all the elements one desires when visiting the hotel: a natural aroma, spectacular views and an overall feeling of escape.” There are plans for a rooftop bar in the coming months. This rooftop space will offer guests an outdoor area in which to unwind and socialise, without having to venture out. After managing many apartments and building complexes in Hong Kong, China and Australia, Crystal states; “The Pier Hotel is a project I’m most excited and proud about, due to the dedicated teamwork that has gone into it over past year.” Throughout the months of October and November, book 21 days in advance to receive exclusive package deals at the hotel. No. 9 Pak Sha Wan Street Sai Kung, 2912 6777 enquiry@thepierhotel.com.hk

Upon entering the hotel you are transported away from Sai Kung, although the bobbing boats and longstanding pier can be easily recognised, everything can be seen from whole new angle, figuratively and literally. The modern blue and gold decor resembles the Belle Époque era. Steve Leung Design Group who won the sought-after contract to design the hotel took inspiration from nature and designed an interior to focus on the main spectacle the breathtaking sea view. Guest bedrooms in the East-facing hotel provide perfect and

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dining

Momentai: One year on Marketing manager, Neil spills what’s in store for the seaview restaurant

Home to the only pool table in Sai Kung!

t’s hard to believe that Momentai has only been a part of Sai Kung’s dining scene for a year. With its panoramic sea views, diverse selection of chairs and local craft beers, the restaurant has caused quite the buzz since it opened in September last year. When the space first became available, after the closure of S2 waterfront restaurant, the town hoped for something great to take the prime seafront location and Momentai did not disappoint! Neil looks back on the memorable year as Momentai’s one-year birthday bash approaches.

of a Poke Bowl. But their famous Momentai burger is a must try, Neil exclaims excitedly, “you just can’t beat a Monentai burger!”

The concept

Overcoming challenges

What’s behind the name? “Momentai” was thought up by founders Courtney and Niko, Neil explains, “when they worked together previously they kept saying momentai, momentai and it just stuck, it fits the space perfectly”. The word is slang for ‘relax and unwind’, which is exactly what Momentai encourages guests to - in comfortable chairs, and with a breathtaking view. Over the past year, Momentai has experimented with many dishes and the menu has seen a few changes, including the addition

Having a large dining space is a bit of a rarity in Hong Kong, but hasn’t come without its challenges, “Instead of thinking what can we do, we thought, what can’t we do? There were so many possibilities for this location, it was a challenge to refine our ideas and focus on just one identity.” Neil adds. Perfect for a game of musical chairs, the restaurant’s mix and match concept was inspired by bars and beer gardens across England, where Neil is originally from, “we didn’t want everything

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What makes us different is that no one has a view like us, it reminds me of the Mediterranean.

Chef Steve Keys (right) and John Ellis (left)

momentai

The spectacular seaview

to be all uniformed, it would give the restaurant too much of a formal presence. So there was this desire to have a real mix-match of furniture” Although Momentai’s location is away from the main restaurant hub of Sai Kung, Neil believes “there’s a real need for the restaurant community in Sai Kung to look out for each other, rather than compete against each other. It’s quite a small town, but there’s more than enough room for everyone.”

What’s next Since the success of the World Cup showings in Momentai this summer, the restaurant is hoping to show more major sporting events in the future as well as bringing back live music events on a regular basis. Neil hints “it can sometimes be a bit difficult in Sai Kung to get people to commit and stay, but we are working some things out”. Momentai has been a hit since it opened and we have no doubt that the restaurant will

continue to be a staple in the Sai Kung dining community. “We want to really thank the Sai Kung community for coming out, showing support and being patient with us - I’d certainly like to thank them for that”.

Momentai, Kiosk 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung facebook.com/momentaila

NIBBLES Little Cove Espresso re-opens in a new location Little Cove Espresso has a new (bigger) location. The cozy coffee shop moved from its original location in Sai Kung’s old town to a new seaside home in Casa’s old location. The restaurant reopened its doors on September 11. Since arriving to the town in 2015, Little Cove has become a go-to spot for locals to catch up over coffee and indulge in vegan and gluten-free options. 7.30am-6pm. Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Siu Yat Building, Block A, Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung. facebook.com/littlecoveespresso New menu items at the Hyatt Regency The Hyatt Regency will be adding four new mouth-watering items to their dinner buffet selection. The items include fresh Uni Salmon roe Chawanmushi, grilled lobster, braised abalone and molten chocolate lava cake. The buffet journey menu has proved a hit with diners since it was introduced last year. Available Monday -Thursday, $558 for adults, $279 for children and Friday - Sunday, $618 for adults, $309 for children. Cafe, Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Lobby Level, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin. Sha Tin. hyatt.com

Feather & Bone re-opening To celebrate its flagship store re-opening in Clearwater Bay, Feather & Bone is offering a 10% retail discount for the month of October. Grab a bottle of Philizot et Fils, Brut No.3 Champagne at just $190. 8am-9pm, Shop 1-4, 1/F Retail Block of Mount Pavilia, No.663 Clearwater Bay Road, Clear Water Bay. featherandbone.com.hk Hushush Ice Cream Coffee offering new flavours Hushush coffee has released new ice cream flavours to keep you refreshed! Those with a bit of a sweet tooth can enjoy flavours such as white peach sorbet, rich vanilla custard and honey malt, lemon vanilla rainbow crumb and rum raisin with Barbados aged dark rum. Yum! 10:30am-6:30pm, closed on Mondays. Shop 33, Ko Fu Building, 58-72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung. facebook.com/ hushushcoffee

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body & soul

The low-down on cryotherapy Health and wellness editor Ifat Hindes tries out the latest offering at Ritz-Carlton Spa The Ritz-Carlton Spa recently launched a new cryotherapy facial and massage treatment. The treatment uses products from 111SKIN, a London-based skincare label famed for its unique blend of technology and holistic therapy.

How it works Purified air at a temperature of -30°C is blown onto the targeted areas through a mini 111CRYO face and body machine. The freezing temperatures are said to help revitalise the skin, reduce puffiness and exfoliate dead skin cells, resulting in firming effects.

The experience A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the The Ritz-Carlton Spa to try out the new treatment for myself.

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Cryotherapy is noted for its many benefits, I was drawn to this particular treatment because it offers a combined approach aimed to target sports injury. The Spa combines a sports massage with cryotherapy, this really helped my spondylitis which can be hard to treat. I was a little anxious pre-treatment - mainly because of how cold I was anticipating the treatment to be. However, I wanted to try something new, especially since I have never had a facial in a proper spa before. I usually find people touching my face rather uncomfortable, so I have always done my own facials at home. But as ‘the big 4-0’ is knocking, I decided to seize the opportunity and go with an open mind. Once I arrived at the spa, a sense of calm and relaxation washed over me. One of the practitioners from SK111 London welcomed

me and set about preparing the treatment. I made myself comfortable in a soft robe, while she began to cleanse my skin and prep it for the cryotherapy. It took a couple minutes to get used to the cold air on my face. Turns out, yes it was cold, but not at an uncomfortable level. One side of my nose was held closed as the cold treatment was blown across my face and neck. Gasping for breath, it took a couple minutes for me to get used to it but the therapist was very accommodating and eventually I got into the rhythm! When it was time to work on the second side of my face, I was used to the coldness. After the initial blasts of air, masks and creams were gently applied to my skin. I took a photo as soon as I sat upright to capture in that moment how relaxed and at ease l felt. I thoroughly enjoyed the

cryotherapy Treatments Facial Treatment •

Cryotherapy Rejuvenation Facial (60 minutes $2,580 / 90 minutes $3,080)

Body Treatments •

Cryotherapy Sports Massage (60 minutes $2,580 / 90 minutes $3,080/ 120 minutes $4,080)

•

Cryotherapy Energy Cellulite Treatment (30 minutes $1,080)

experience. I now wish I had indulged in spa facials earlier in my life!

Lasting effects My skin felt and looked even better. Even two weeks later, the results were still noticeable. Taking into consideration the price - this is one for special occasions. But I would absolutely come back! On another note, being a busy mum of three, I had one of my little ones in tow, the therapist welcomed her into the room with open arms! So for babysitterless mums in need of a treat, the Ritz-Carlton Spa is a fabulous option!

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halloween

Spooktacular Sai Kung Here comes the season for costumes, treats and a whole lot of fun!

Pottinger Street

For all your costume needs year-round, Pottinger Street offers everything spooky and funny to just downright weird. With both kids and adult sizes available there’s something for everyone. Pottinger Street, Central

Kong Ming Emporium

Spooky masks, facepaint and house decorations make this store the perfect stop for a last minute costume change - and we know how stressful those can be! 14 Wan King Path, Sai Kung

Ladies Market

Full of hidden treasures, you’re bound to find everything you’re looking for (and more) at Ladies Market (just make sure your costume choice is watershed-appropriate!). Just around the corner, you’ll find Choi Choi Gift Shop, which has a large fancy dress selection. Ladies Market Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok

Halloween wouldn’t be halloween without an unhealthy amount of sweets, the chance to dress up, knock on doors and fill a bag to the brim with candy. As Sai Kung gets spooky this October, here’s our guide to all the action.

What’s on? OCT 31 Momentai Halloween Quiz Get spooky and win some prizes, Momentai will be hosting a Halloween themed quiz, so make sure to get a head start on watching those horror movies. Kiosk 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung. facebook.com/momentaila

OCT 31 Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party

Want to venture out of town? With beer stands, spooky decorations and every costume you could possibly imagine, the annual LKF halloween street party is always a laugh, so get your party shoes ready. Lan Kwai Fong, Central. lankwaifong.com

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OCT 31 Trick or treating at Sai Kung square Partytime From 6pm the square will be abuzz with energy as restaurants get into the spirit of Halloween giving out sweets and treats! Keep in mind that restaurants only have so many sweets so be sure to get there early, we don’t want any tears now! Man Nin Street, Sai Kung

Get the gear Whether you’re going for ‘scary’ or ‘cute’ this year Hong Kong has everything you need to put together the perfect outfit that is, if you know where to look.

Fa Yuen street

Just outside of Grand Century Place there are two costumes stores opposite each other that come alive in October, with trick or treating baskets, fake blood and screaming decorations. If you venture into the market you’ll find halloween ‘specials’ dotted amongst the stores you’ll recognise them! Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok.

Want to have the spookiest house on the block? With decorations, costume accessories, piñatas, balloons and party bags, Partytime is the onestop shop for all your halloween party needs. Save yourself the stress and stock up for the spooky season. Shop 1301A, Kids Square, 13A Floor, Tower One, Times Square, Causeway Bay. partytime.com.hk Top Tip: Prepare your costumes in advance, by mid-October some of the in-demand options have sold out.

trick or treat

Spooky recipes Guacamole Halloween Bats What you need • • • •

1 avocado Juice of 1 lime Corn chips Black olives

Hot Dog Mummies What you need • • • •

Steps: 1.

Steps:

1. 2.

3. 4.

Mash up avocado and mix in lime juice Using an ice-cream scoop, dish out scoops of avocado Assemble the corn chips on either side of the scoop (like wings) Slice the black olives and place each half in the centre (like eyes) Eat up!

1 (9.4-oz) container mini pizza crust or other pizza crust dough 1 kg of hot dog sausages Egg whites, whipped with a fork Mustard (for eyes)

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Roll out pizza dough with a rolling pin into a thin layer. Cut into strips. Roll strips around the hot dogs, leaving about an inch for the mummy face. Spread egg white over dough and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 14-16 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and dot mustard eyes using a toothpick. Serve and enjoy!

Last minute candy run Stock up on sweets - hit up these stores for a sugar fix: Fusion • 5/F Silverstrand Mart, Sai Kung Road, Clear Water Bay •

Sai Kung Garden, No 16, Chan Man Street, Sai Kung

Market Place • Shop A1-A10, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung •

G/F, DD253, Razor Hill, Clear Water Bay

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big day out

The Ma On Shan Loop Sai Kung resident Tara Smyth takes us off the beaten path

f you are new to Sai Kung and haven’t ventured up into the hills yet, with the cooler autumn weather upon us, now is the perfect time. The Ma On Shan Loop is a great ‘starter’ hike – not a flat amble through the park and not a complete killer that will leave you in the physio for weeks. It sits somewhere between the two. The hike starts at the bottom of Chuk Yeung Road, which you can find on Google Maps. Hike up for roughly 2.5km until you hit the trail head (or take a taxi to the top).

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It starts off as a rather relentless climb up a boring concrete road. However, it is lined with green jungle on either side which is serene and lush. Ignore all the roads off to the right and left and continue on the main concrete road until you reach the top. About half-way up you will have joined Stage 4 of the Maclehose Trail, which is to the right of a small grassy area with a little wooden hut. At the top of Chuk Yeung Road there is a radio mast on the right and a wooded trail straight ahead. Ignore

both of these and continue up the concrete road, which drops down left for the final 300 metres. You will then come to a fork in the road and see a wooded trail going off to the left – there are ‘Maclehose Trail’ signs all the way, so hopefully easy to find. You are now on a proper trail which will leave behind the concrete path for a few hours. Follow the path through a bamboo forest for half a kilometer until you reach a T-junction. Again, follow the Maclehose Trail signs and here you should turn right

ma on shan trail

and continue for another 100 metres before reaching some steps on your left. Now the fun starts! Climb up to the “saddle” of Ma On Shan, this section takes in a two kilometre climb, largely through trees and shade. There are some gentle bits and some almost brutal steps but popping out at the top is satisfying and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views ahead. On a clear day you can see the ICC from here! The peak of Ma On Shan (702 meters) is up to your right – but we are not headed up there on this walk. Instead you now need to head left and follow the Maclehose Trail. The next section is flat and contours nicely before reaching a ridgeline. Sai Kung town can be seen to your left as well as Sha Tin and Ma On Shan down to your right. The stillness and sense of calm

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big day out

up here is worth taking a moment to enjoy. Just after the ridgeline, the path starts to head downwards and you will come to a sharp 90 degree turn to the right, headed down stone steps. Ignore these and head up the rather imposing hill directly in front of you with a narrow path carved out by adventurers over the years. I strongly recommend that you leave the Maclehose behind for a bit and

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head up this hill. It will only take 10 minutes to reach the top – actually it’s surprisingly easy to do and once there you will not regret it! You are now on top of Pyramid Hill with views of the New Territories’ multiple peaks all around you – a true 360 degree panorama. An absolute must do! Take a rest here to contemplate and relish the beauty that is Hong Kong. Sometimes I go up here on my

own, with my dogs, and I never want to come back down! OK! So contemplation and reflection over, it’s time to head down – take the path directly infront of you, past the trig point and head towards the flat plateau of grass that you will see below. This area is called Ngong Ping (no, not where the Big Buddha is – that’s a different Ngong Ping, over on Lantau!). Take care on this descent, as the path is slightly technical. Don’t rush and give each other a bit of space. At the bottom you will rejoin the Maclehose Trail and it is worth stopping at Ngong Ping for a bit - on some days you can see paragliders up here launching themselves off the hillside. It is quite an amazing sight and the perfect place for a picnic lunch. In just 500 meters you will reach an information board and your first “get out” point. There is a signpost for Tai Shui Teng – if you take this path you will start to descend back towards Sai Kung and end up at GreenPeak Villa (up Po Lo Che). There are some large-ish boulders to negotiate, some bamboo forest and finally a set of concrete steps taking you to the road. You are now back in civilisation and you can either walk all the way down Po Lo Che into Sai Kung, or hop in a taxi, or passing minibus. There will be plenty of villagers happy to show you the

ma on shan trail

way down into town. However! I recommend you do NOT take this first “get out” and instead, continue along the Maclehose Stage 4 Trail (signposted toward Mau Ping). In one kilometre you will come to a crossroads and a large grassy patch. Now it’s time to leave Maclehose Stage 4 and head down the old Mau Ping Boulder Trackway (signposted Pak Kong). There is a fork in the path, take the left fork

and after 1.5 kilometres you will reach the steps to GreenPeak Villa, as described above. On the way you will pass an interesting shrine that is worth having a nose around – but be aware of the gigantic golden orb spiders resting here in this spiritual sanctuary! Come face-to-face with one of these, and every ounce of calmness your recent hike has bestowed upon you will be immediately undone!

Tara Smyth runs photography company Nitty Gritty Images. For details, visit facebook.com/NittyGrittyImages

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travel

Extreme Fishing with Chris Beale Catching a Mahseer in the Himalayas was a defining moment for the Clearwater Bay resident

n the early-morning light, the fish shimmered an amazing mix of yellows, oranges, blues and blacks. It was an astonishingly beautiful creature... A fishing trip to the Himalayas is not just any old fishing trip, and the Mahseer is not just any old fish. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a legendary sporting

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fish that inhabits the turbid rivers that drain from the Himalayas, namely the Saryu and Mahakali Rivers at the border of northern India and Nepal. It has the largest scales of any freshwater fish and has an incredibly high fin-to-body ratio, which it needs in order to survive the freezing winters, when the rivers

extreme fishing On our first morning of the fishing trip we were taken to the local temple to visit a “Sadhu” which I believe translates as “Holy Man”. The temple is situated at the junction of the Saryu and Mahakali rivers in a beautiful spot. Sadhus commit their lives to a particular temple and are barred from shaving or cutting their hair. We said prayers and made offerings in the hope of good fortune on the fishing front. The Mahseer is a highly predatory but solitary fish, and many anglers fish for three days or so without so much as a bite. So I gave myself 10 days to track down my prize. My first couple of days were fishless, if not without incident. On the second day, even though we

Chris Beale’s fishing bucket list •

Chris with the Sadhu

are in flood, and the unbearably hot Indian summers. The Hindi word “Mahseer” translates as “River Tiger” for obvious reasons, given the fish’s colouring – “ma” means “river” and “seer” (pronounced “sheer”) means “tiger”. On a quest to catch this almost-mythical fish, I enlisted the help of The Himalayan Outback, a company formed by the legendary Misty Dhillon and Mickey Sidhu. The company’s head guide is the equally famed Bobby Satpal, who knows the Mahakali River like the back of his hand and is proficient in no fewer than six languages.

The journey there is an adventure in itself, requiring a five-hour flight from Hong Kong to Delhi followed by a five-hour drive up the first Himalayan peak. You overnight at a guest house, then it’s a gruelling six-hour drive down the other side of the peak, with hairpin bends and switchbacks every 20 yards, until finally you take a raft across the Saryu River to base camp. The fishing itself is not for the fainthearted either, with daytime temperatures of 48°C, sandstorms most afternoons and violent thunderstorms every night.

Utterakhand, India – The subject of this article, offering spectacular fishing for a legendary species in truly spectacular surroundings! • Chilliwak, Canada – One of the very few places in the world where you have a genuine chance of catching a 400-pound-plus Sturgeon, a true dinosaur amongst fish. • Rompin, Malaysia – A magnet for huge schools of Sailfish that follow the bait fish into this part of the world each September. • Nova Scotia, Canada – Scene of the world’s largest run of epic-sized Tuna each June – October. • Alaska, USA – Jaw-dropping scenery and wild, wild fishing in every sense of the word. • Murchison Falls, Uganda – Breathtaking waterfalls and home of enormous Nile Perch.

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travel were fishing in an isolated spot that entailed a 30-minute hike down from the road, I noticed a long line of people snaking down the track, all carrying heavy bags, sacks and rucksacks. They sat down 50 yards to my left and started hacking at pieces of wood, building what looked like a raft. It transpired that it was a funeral pyre. Quite distracting casting your bait while a body is being cremated just yards away! The rationale is that the Mahakali River drains into The Ganges some 200 miles away, so by placing the ashes and what is left of the pyre into the river, all Hindus eventually â&#x20AC;&#x153;go homeâ&#x20AC;? to The Ganges, which for them is the holiest and most sacred of rivers. As for the fishing, it started slowly, but picked up. On the third day we were due to be picked up at 7pm, but I had a gut feeling we were going to connect with something, and I was planning to ask the guide whether we could fish on until 9pm. He pre-empted me by saying he had exactly the same feeling and that we should carry on fishing for the entire night! So the porters brought us a curry dinner and we did indeed camp out and fish the entire night. Just before midnight I caught a beautiful 45-pound Mahseer, which took no little skill to land in the pitch dark from an extremely fast-flowing river. But just after dawn, at about 5.30am the next day, the fishing Gods truly

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extreme fishing Magical India, majestic Himalayas, mythical Mahseer.

smiled upon me. My rod buckled over and I struck into what was obviously an extremely heavy fish. It bored up and down in the heavy current for 100 yards in both directions before circling the pool in which I’d hooked it. At the end of this pool, the river narrowed to a sharp gorge where the water gathered pace and tore through rapids with boulders the size of cars. I knew that if the fish made it there I would lose it for sure. Luckily I managed to stop it just short of this danger and gradually coaxed

it back to shore, whereupon both its size and beauty became apparent. In the early-morning light, the fish shimmered an amazing mix of yellows, oranges, blues and blacks. It was an astonishingly beautiful creature. We couldn’t get an accurate weight, as the scales bounced between 75 and 80 pounds, so we selected 75 pounds out of modesty, and to err on the side of conservatism. This figure in itself was irrelevant as the current river record stood at 71 pounds so, incredibly, I had caught

a record fish. This is currently being ratified by the International Game Fishing Association. Of course there’s always an element of luck in catching a record fish, but it’s also down to the skill of the guides, and I would like to think some perseverance and persistence on my part too. This was always going to be the highlight of my trip, and although I caught other fish in the remaining few days, including a stunningly marked 46-pound Golden Mahseer, I relaxed a little and took in the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, including eagles and vultures overhead and jackals and deer on the ground. For anyone with a love of fishing deep in the core of their being, it doesn’t get much better than this.

The Himalayan Outback organise Mahseer fishing trips. Call them on +91 981 560 5847 or visit himalayanoutback.com

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zim city

Ways to cut waste

Photo credit: A Plastic Ocean film

How to make Hong Kong greener? Tackle our three major waste sources

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 a replacement, and to have

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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.

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 environment. So it is imperative to seek a local ban on

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

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village focus

Hing Keng Shek Explore the secluded hillside sanctuary

ucked away, in the mountains opposite Marina Cove, you’ll find Hing Keng Shek Road, a hidden hillside. The vast amounts of greenery cloaks the main road below, making this area a rare sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. The road has a surprisingly large community, with a range of different housing estates, from villas to apartment blocks, with large amounts of land for private swimming pools and gardens - a rarity in Hong Kong these days. The limited amount of traffic and gated communities make the area safer for children to play outside and pets to run around, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for any potential threats. Due to the area being segregated, Hing Keng Shek has a strong sense of community spirit and it’s very own Neighbourhood Watch system. Residents swap contact details in case of emergencies and everyone is kept up-to-date with regular emails regarding security in the village.

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While cows find it a bit of a struggle to climb up to this level, there is still plenty of wildlife around the area including birds, snakes and even the occasional stray turtle. It was also once home to a pig farm, evident by the remains of the building halfway up the hill. The higher up you venture, you’ll notice more unique and secluded houses. From the traditional ‘village-style’ to modern houses with large glass windows offering breathtaking sea views from above the treetops. The architecture is contrasting and symbolic, representing the different time periods of Sai Kung’s history. The village hall, located near the start of the houses is now home to a playgroup. But it was once a popular ping pong location in the village, with tables, photographs and other memorabilia. Hing Keng Shek offers peace and quiet, residents almost completely miss that rush-hour traffic on Hiram’s Highway, while still having easy accessibility to Sai Kung town. The extra climb up also boosts your daily step count!

How to get there From Sai Kung Town Centre take the 101M or 1A minibus and get off at Pak Wai bus stop. Cross the road and walk a little further down until you reach an incline to your right.

Want to be village correspondent? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

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woof

Ask a vet... Cutting claws and wet vs dry food. 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 them. As well as possible detergents, rat poisons and other ‘stuff’ discarded by humans, a host of disease organisms left by other animals walking by 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 them 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), your own reading on cat diets and costs. 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 standard and miniature poodles? 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 Poodles are over 38cm while Miniature range between 28–38 cm. Ranked the 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 and/or feed. At the end of the day it actually boils down to each individual dog and no one recipe fits all.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

Walkies

With Sai Kung resident, Charade Ma, owner of L.T What is your dogs name and how old is he? I call him L.T. which are the initials of ‘Old Fart’ in Mandarin. L.T is 13 years old, I adopted him from a friend when he was five. Where in Sai Kung do you usually take L.T. for a walk? I live near the temple, so usually I’ll take him as far as he can walk down the pier. He had a slipped disc four years ago, to the point where he was operated on and was almost paralysed, so I am always aware of how he’s feeling. If I take him out and he gets tired, I can just pick him up and carry him because he is so small. But he does love his walks, you can see it on his face, it’s pure sunshine. You both seem very connected. Why do you think that is? When he was sick I was very worried about him

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Is it okay to cut my pets claws by myself? There is no reason that 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. Familiarise 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.

and didn’t know what to do, so I learnt animal communication - only the first level. It’s sort of telepathic, almost like when you meditate. It was a way that I could connect with him when I was feeling helpless and didn’t know how he was feeling. What is your view on adopting a dog? I completely support it. I understand why people like certain breeds, but whatever you can manage, lifestyle wise, I think it’s best to adopt. Do you have a vet that you’d recommend in Sai Kung? Not yet as I only moved to Sai Kung a few months ago from Hong Kong Island. Part of the reason I moved here was for L.T. because he’s getting older and I thought he would really enjoy the space. So far we’re very happy!

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

marketplace

What to plant in October?

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

one are the typhoons, away with the rainy and scorching days. Fellow gardeners, have you felt the cool and dry breeze yet? Average temperature remains high around 26°C (78.8°F) throughout October, but we must make preparations and tend to our gardens with haste! Autumn is a fleeting dance, and not before long will the long winter days settle in. Roses will need extra moisture to survive the drier months ahead, so dampen their soil with a rich dressing of manure now. When loosening soil in shrubberies, do be extremely careful to not damage the shrub roots. We wouldn’t want to undo the love we gave to our plants now, would we? Daylight will start to shine less favourably towards the end of the year, so ensure your Heliotropes get to kiss the sunshine as much as possible. Here are some flower seeds to sow for the season: French and African Marigolds, Cineraria, Larkspur, Sunflower, Cobaea scandens, Daisy, Delphinium anthriscifolium, Sweet Alyssum, Candytuft, Golden feather, Lupines (blue and yellow), and Pansy. Just like humans, plants need privacy and personal space to grow healthier. Plant out Cabbage seedlings fifteen inches apart, Cauliflower two feet apart, and Vegetable Marrow three or four feet apart. Potatoes may be planted around the middle of the month, so the fat boys will be ready for digging at Christmas time. While we are giving our garden babies full care and attention, don’t forget to procure seeds of Ockroes, Water Spinach and Chinese Spinach to sow during the future months. Now is the time to sow a plethora of healthiness, vegetable seeds: Mustard and Cress, Lettuce, White Cabbage, Radish, Beet, Carrot, Celery, Brussels Sprout, Turnip, Parsnip, French Bean, Thyme, Asparagus and Kohl Rabi. Finally, remember to stock up on manure, especially leafsoil since it will be required soon for potting annuals. So pile up fallen leaves and let them decompose into rich nutritions. It’s the season of harvest. As gardeners, we must be conscious to give back what the earth gave us. Sow what you want to reap! By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.

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

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marketplace

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stephen says...

Centro for Sale Stephen predicts what will become of the quiet shopping mall It’s a great challenge for someone else

Centro today apartmento tomorrow?

Another no contest looms

The towering, by Sai Kung standards, Centro building on Chui Tong Road is up for sale by tender. This highly visible edifice has essentially been a white elephant ever since it was built over a decade ago. It now seems that Brad Gotfried, who apparently bought the site for a song during the 2003 SARS crisis, has given up trying to make it work. It’s not as if he hasn’t tried, indeed he is currently having a go at relevance by operating a bowling alley alongside a bar cum restaurant cum live music venue. As ever with these multipurpose entertainment ventures, there is a tendency to offer everything and nothing. Having once ventured in with the intent to eat, the crescendo of noise combined with dubious seating arrangements forced a quick retreat. Apparently Mr Gotfried has now applied for the top two floors to be utilized for some kind of market. Elsewhere the building houses his markedly eccentric furniture store, a Fusion supermarket which is far superior to the new one recently opened in the town centre and must therefore be threatened with closure, plus a rather sad looking coffee shop. There is no shortage of space in this 10-storey building that has a floor area of 266,562 square feet but what can be done to utilize this space in a better way? The suspicion is that a potential buyer will not even try to find a solution but will pull it down and erect yet another luxury housing development. It would be nice to think that a more imaginative option is to hand but, then again, pigs don’t tend to fly.

The pending village elections, discussed last month in this space, are heating up or maybe just getting a little warmer as a group of activists is attempting to attract candidates to run so that the establishment types who have managed to get elected unopposed year after year will, at the very least, have to explain themselves. This attempt is being spearheaded by legislator Eddie Chu Hoidick, a long time countryside campaigner who is also up for election as village head in a Yuen Long village. The arrogance and self confidence of his opponents was encapsulated by Terry Kan, a village head in Fanling, who had nothing to say about why he should be elected without a challenge, instead he superciliously asked: ‘what makes him think many rural residents are interested in the election?’ Contested village elections are even rarer in these parts so it would be good to imagine that this push for rural democracy might reach Sai Kung.

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Next month, as ever, hardy Hongkongers will assemble in Pak Tam Chung for the start of the Oxfam Trailwalker race covering the 100 kilometers of the MacLehose Trail in the Sai Kung Country Park. It is largely forgotten that the race started out in 1981 as a training exercise for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. Five years later it was transformed into an event for the public, raising funds for charity. Those who fail to complete the course within 48-hours are ruled out but in 2013 the winning team managed to finish in a breathtaking 10 hours and 58 minutes. Back when the British garrison was stationed in Hong Kong, Gurkha teams almost inevitably emerged as the winners. After 1997, with the arrival of the People’s Liberation Army, they too sent teams but there were suggestions of, how can I put it…a lack of sportsmanship in the way they were given backup. They no longer take part but that won’t put off the thousands of others who are now limbering up for the race. As a dedicated non-runner, merely a trail walker, I see many of the runners in training at the weekends. They whizz by, some with looks of grim determination on their faces, others are distinctly more relaxed and friendly…it takes them no more that a nano-second to sense that there is not a scintilla of threat of competition from this lumbering fellow and his rather more active dogs.

Hiram’s Highway widening – you ain’t seen nothing yet Work on the widening of Hiram’s Highway is now well underway and although there are parts of the scheme, especially in the Ho Chung area, that seem relatively straightforward, albeit requiring the erection of a large shiny new bridge. However as the road pushes into Sai Kung there are high slopes and other natural obstructions that can only, presumably, be removed with vast complication and almost certain serious traffic flow disruption. I wait with trepidation to see how this will pan out.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

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