Southside November 2018

R E PE ID M GU BU ING K HI

HIKING | TURKEY | TRAVEL | MARKETS

November 2018

Up the

Peak

Xmas market guide

with Annabelle Bond

Thanksgiving the non-traditional way movember rules Get involved

2 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

The really useful magazine November 2018

2 EDITOR’S LETTER & Contributors

Hiking in Hong Kong

4 SNAPPED!

50 TRAVEL

Southsider out and about

16

42 OUTDOORS 36 hours in Shanghai

6 THE PLANNER

52 SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Check out what’s on in November

How sharp are your eyes?

12 CHRISTMAS FAIRS

54 SOUTHSIDE SECRETS

Headstart on your holiday shopping

14 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH

Festive interiors

16 NEWS

What’s happening in our backyard

18 GIVEAWAYS

Free stuff, up for grabs

19 FIVE MINUTES WITH…

Julianna Yau of Ampla Education

21 LOCAL

Yuk Kwai Shan

56 ZIM CITY

Paul Zimmerman on how best to repopulate our forests following Typhoon Mangkhut

22

58 PETS

Dr Pauline answers your pet questions

59 WALKIES

Best places to walk your dog around the Southside

64 MRS BACKFIRE

Parent-Teacher Night Takes Skillz

Hong Kong Elephant week

14

22 COVER STORY

Up the Peak with Annabelle Bond

28 DINING

A guide to Thanksgiving for non-Americans

30 NIBBLES

21

What’s new in dining news

32 INTERVIEW

Rev. Will Newman of St. Stephen’s Chapel

36 EDUCATION

The Peak Preschool

40 WELLNESS

Get involved this Movember

28

22

“WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT.” – EARL NIGHTINGALE

42 SOUTHSIDE.HK | 1

editor’s letter

N

ovember is a great month to be in Hong Kong, just ask our cover star Annabelle Bond. This month’s contributing editor, Carolynne Dear heads up the peak to meet with Annabelle. They discuss her mountaineering achievements, and charity work.

Turn to page 22 for a look around her slice of peak paradise.

Tis also the month of Mo, a month where we focus our attention on men’s health. Plus for those participating in the Movember challenge, we roundup places to shave off that moustache at the end of the month on page 40. Keeping healthy in Hong Kong is important regardless of age or gender, so hiking around Hong Kong could be a great way to stay fit for starters. And there are fabulous trails for all abilities including high intensity, high endurance and high impact. See our guide on page 42 and head outdoors to enjoy this wonderful weather on a hike that the whole family can enjoy together. Or, for something off the beaten track turn to page 52 for our hidden Southside secret, I highly recommend a hike to Yuk Kwai Shan.

And at 18 years of age, what a win for Dayana Yastremska earlier this month at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis open! Our photographer Karin Brener captured all the action on page 5.

Have a healthy Movember Southsiders!

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 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

Operations

Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

contributors

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to

Karen Bremer Paul Zimmerman Deb Laurent

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

Michelle Proctor

Natalie Cheung

Carolynne Dear

...I am a portrait & lifestyle photographer from Vancouver, Canada. I’ve been in Hong Kong for over 6 years now.

I’m fortunate enough to have amazing clients, who have become good friends.

Travelling keeps me inspired.

I love new adventures, places and food. When I’m not shooting you can find me out in nature.

...A final year student majoring in English Studies and Literature in the University of Hong Kong. She loves exploring new places, taking photos, and has an obsession with the sea! She also enjoys watching inspirational movies and listening to music in her leisure time. Her favorite thing about Southside is the peaceful atmosphere.

...This month Carolynne Dear ventured up Victoria Peak to interview Annabelle Bond. Carolynne is editor of Southside’s sister publication, Expat Parent. When she’s not chasing around Hong Kong following up on work leads, she enjoys hiking, running and mothering four sportsmad children. She lives in Clearwater Bay.

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.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

people Snaps from Southside

4 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

say cheese Expat Parent International School’s Fair

Prudential Tennis Open 2018

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5

planner

NOV 9 - 11

Clockenflap

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

UNTIL NOV 4

tour, Calum Scott heads to Hong Kong for his Only Human tour. 7.30pm. Tickets from $390.

Kowloon International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Music Zone at E-Max, 1 Trademark Drive, Kowloon Bay. ticketflap.com/ calumscott

“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

NOV 1 - 30 Movember

Head to page 40 for more information.

NOV 2 The Notenhobler band from Germany. 6 - 11pm daily. From $160 (includes one beer). Viewing Platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. gbfhk.com

NOV 1

Calum Scott: Only Human

Great Wines of the World 2018 Featuring the best wine producers from the top wine regions in the world - all handpicked by James Suckling - the event will showcase more than 220 outstanding wines! 5 - 8pm. $980. Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. jamessuckling.com

Having recently supported Jason Derulo on

The Great Relay UNTIL NOV 10

German Bierfest 2018 Celebrate the 27th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s most authentic and popular Bierfest! Enjoy traditional German food against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, plus great entertainment from

6 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

The Great Relay is a team trail running event held in a relay style format, where teams collectively complete 3 hours (only 11-17 year old), 5 hours or 10 hours on a 5.5km trail loop. 8am. Team prices start at $1,000. Aberdeen Country Park, Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen. fringebacker.com/en/ event/the-great-relay-hong-kong-2018

NOV 4

NOV 2

Hong Kong International Literary Festival: Opening Night Drawing together local and international literary talent in a night of storytelling inspired by the theme ‘journeys’. Participants include Geoff Dyer. 7 - 8pm. Free. Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central. ticketflap.com/hkilf18

NOV 3

NOV 8

Explore the 5-storey campus, discover outstanding facilities and meet UK-qualified staff.

Register your attendance online now. 10am 1pm. Free. 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, Kowloon. nordangliaeducation.com

This one-of-a-kind, immersive team-building experience is returning to Hong Kong for its fifth year. The event is part of a global race series that now takes place in 11 cities worldwide. 5.30 - 9.30pm. $16,000 per team of 10. Edinburgh Place, Central. squaremilerelay. com/city/hong-kong

Nord Anglia International School Primary and Secondary Open Day

NOV 3

HKRU Charity Ball, with Foreigner The Hong Kong Rugby Union, organisers of the world-renowned Hong Kong Sevens, have partnered with Hong Kong charity Po Leung Kuk, to host the HKRU Charity Ball. All proceeds go to various Po Leung Kuk initiatives. Featuring Foreigner. 6pm. Tickets from $2,588. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Convention Hall, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. juven.co/ hkruball2018

NOV 3

Sandy Bay Charity Fair The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children will be hosting a charity fair to raise funds to upgrade medical equipment. 10am - 5pm. Free admission. 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pokfulam. srdc.org.hk

NOV 5, 12, 19 & 26

Nord Anglia International School Free Play Sessions Run by outstanding, UK-qualified teaching staff in their custom-made nursery suite. The children, accompanied by you, will have access to highquality resources and the chance to explore and investigate through play. 3 - 4pm. Free.

Sai Kung and Tai Tam campuses. nordangliaeducation.com

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay

‘The Way We Were’ - A Solo Exhibition

NOV

3-18

The Way We Were is a photographic journey down memory lane through the vast collection of work by the iconic Keith Macgregor that throws you back to Hong Kong during its prime: namely the 70s and 80’s. 11am - 7pm daily, until 9pm Friday’s.

Free admission. Usagi, G/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central.

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. Times and prices vary. Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. hkjff.org

NOV 6

Melbourne Cup Luncheon Don’t miss ‘the race that stops the nation’. With free flow drinks from 10am - 2pm, canapes, a three-course lunch and over $100,000 dollars worth of prizes to be won. From 10am. $1,250.

Aberdeen Marina Club, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen. angels-for-children.org/events

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 7

planner NOV 16

Yamuna Body Rolling for Pelvic Floor Prolapse

NOV 11

Rememberance Day

NOV 8 - 10

Pay your tribute on the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. From 10.45 - 11.45am at the Cenotaph, Central.

HKTDC International Wine and Spirits Fair

NOV 15 - 18

Now in its 10th year, browse and sample wine, beer, and liquor at Asia’s premier wine event.

From 10.30am. $100. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com/fair/hkwinefair-en

Known for being the only street circuit racing event in which both cars and motorcycles participate, the Macau Grand Prix is back for another year. From 7.30am. Prices from $50MOP. 207 Av da Amizade, Edif. do Grande Premio, Macau. macau.grandprix.gov.mo

NOV 10

The Macau Grand Prix

This workshop will focus on developing strength and tone to all the support muscles of the hips and pelvis. 11am - 1pm. $480 before October 2, $550 thereafter. Flex Studio, Shops 308-310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. flexhk.com/ workshops

The Express Crash Course in Wine Got what it takes to go through 12 wines on a Saturday afternoon whilst learning all you need to know about them? Learn the fundamentals of Sparkling, White, Rosé and Red Wines at this 3 hour event. 2 - 5pm. $1,100. The Flying Winemaker, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43 - 45 Wyndham Street, Central. flyingwinemaker. com.hk/event/one-day-express-crashcourse-wine

NOV 10

Chinese Academy Family Fun Day Participate in activities for parents and kids, including football, arts and crafts, face painting, cricket, fencing and more. Free admission. 9 11am. 77 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay. caps.edu.hk

NOV 10

Yin Yoga & The Art of Mindfulness Meditation In this workshop, you will explore the how’s and why’s of Mindfulness Meditation, where students will be taken on ‘A Journey Yinwards’. You will hold long passive yin postures, while being guided on an introspective and self-reflective journey.

2.30 - 5.30pm. $1,187. Pure Yoga, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. pure-yoga.com

NOV 10 - 11

Lan Kwai Fong Japan Carnival The carnival will feature over 40 booths of authentic Japanese delicacies, a selection of Japanese sake, Shochu and a varied line up of fun-filled entertainment. From 1pm - late.

Free to attend on the streets of Lan Kwai Fong. lankwaifong.com

8 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

NOV 16 - 18

NOV 20

The teams of four are ready to go - cheer them on over 100 kilometres within 48 hours.

Supporting Oxfam. Starts 7.30am on Nov 16.

Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp, Sai Kung. oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

Nineteen year old Norwegian singer-songwriter and producer, Boy Pablo will be bringing his indie-rock vibe to Hong Kong for one night only.

8pm. $320 - $360. MoM Livehouse, B39, Seven Seas Shopping Centre, 117-121 Kings Road, North Point. pelago.me/boypablo

Oxfam Trailwalker

Boy Pablo

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. They’re back to rock Hong Kong for two nights only. Tickets from $688. AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Lantau. premier. hkticketing.com

NOV 23

Franz Ferdinand Having performed at Clockenflap in 2013, Franz Ferdinand are heading back to Hong Kong following the release of their new album Always

Ascending. 8.30 - 10.30pm. Tickets from $570.

Southorn Stadium, 111 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. factotum-productions.com/event/ffhk

NOV 25

CISPA Wild West Fun Fest!

Enjoy Western themed games and prizes, giant inflatables, arts and crafts, a market street full of vendors for Christmas gift ideas, line dancing, live entertainment, International food fair, BBQ and food stalls. 11am - 4pm. Advanced Photo by Anastasia Darsono ticket sales $130 until 5pm Nov 23. $150 at door.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen.

CISPA.hk

NOV 30

Bradbury School PTA Winter Night Market

food and drink stalls, games, crafts, activities and wonderful products. 5.30 - 8.30pm. $20 admission per person (2 years and under are free). Bradbury School, 43C Stubbs Road. bradbury.edu.hk

NOV 30 - DEC 2 & DEC 6 - 9 Snow White - The Panto

Hong Kong Players presents Snow White a spectacular re-imagining of the classical fairytale designed to delight the whole family. Times vary.

From $180. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. urbtix.hk

Hong Kong Spartan Race

NOV 10

Test your endurance in the World’s biggest obstacle course race. Expect to run, climb, push, pull, throw and crawl through mud and barbed wire.

Registration is now open for adults and kids. 7am.

Prices vary. Kam Tin Country Club, Shui Mei Tsuen, New Territories. spartanrace.hk

Guests will be greeted with International

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 9

planner

BOOK NOW DEC 1

DEC 6

Pinot Palooza

Christmas Carol Concert Appeal

Let your taste buds loose over some of the finest wines produced in the world. Taste wines from Australia, New Zealand, USA, France, Italy and beyond, and soak up the music. Tickets include a take home epic wine glass and unlimited wine tasting. No tokens.

11am – 6pm. $350. 33 Man Kwong Street, Central. pinotpalooza.com.au/portfolio/ hong-kong-2018

Now in its seventh year, the Christmas Carol Concert Appeal is an evening of joyful Christmas carols, accompanied by a professional choir and brass band at Helena May on Garden Road.

The concert raises funds for the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO), an NGO working in Hong Kong for more than 40 years. Free flowing food and wine are included in the $600 ticket price.

DEC 6 - 9

DEC 2

HK50 Series - Lantau 50 - Asian Skyrunning Championship Challenge yourself and take part in the 16km, 27km or 50km trail run and hike. From 6.30am.

Pricing varies, spectators free. Man Tung Road Park next to Novotel. Tung Chung, Lantau Island. actionasiaevents.com

“Nutcracker The Play”

DEC 15

Faust International Youth Theatre proudly presents Nutcracker - The Play. This unique version captures the magic and fantasy of the original story through movement and music with an unexpected twist. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Various times. From $210. McAulay Arts Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. urbtix.hk

Take part in the 50km or 100km ultra race, starting and finishing at Tai Mei Tuk in the New Territories. Runners face over 6,300 meters of cumulative elevation gain on the 100km course, and 3,075 meters on the 50km course, including Hong Kong’s highest peak Tai Mo Shan. 8am.

Entry prices from $750. thenorthface100.com

The North Face 100

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

10 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME, BUT ANOTHER WORLD AWAY. NISEKO, JAPAN

LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Three unique resorts, one incredible destination.

On-Site Concierge • Special Events • Kids Camp and more!

For reservations +81(0)136 55 5122 www.mnkniseko.com SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11

xmas fair guide

Christmas fairs 2018

Get a headstart on your holiday shopping

DEC 2 German Swiss International School Christmas Bazaar Grab loads of holiday goodies and enjoy some family friendly fun at this annual event. And don’t miss your chance to get your photo taken with Santa in his grotto! 10am - 4pm. Free admission.

11 Guildford Road, The Peak. mygsis.gsis.edu.hk/bazaar

NOV 1 31st Annual Charity Bazaar The American Woman’s Association (AWA) will be holding its 31st Annual Charity Bazaar with 80 vendors selling a range of items from jewellery to Christmas decor. There will also be silent auction and lucky draw. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan. awa.org.hk

NOV 12 Gift & Lifestyle Fair

NOV 12 - 13 The Feel Good Fair The Resurrection Church presents their annual Feel Good Fair. Their growing list of vendors includes handcrafted stationery, eco candles, bags, accessories and more. Nov 12 (6-9pm), Nov 13 (9am - midday). Free admission.

Resurrection Church, 1/F Pak Sha Wan Centre, Lot 523 DD210, Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. resurrection.org.hk

12 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Browse hundreds of stalls selling gifts and lifestyle products - perfect if you’re hunting for last minute Christmas goodies. Free admission.

10am - 8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

NOV 21 The Pre-Christmas Gift Parade Bags, shoes, accessories, fashion, kids items, gifts and MORE. Get your Chrissy shopping ticked off in one go!

Free admission. 10am - 8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

xmas fair guide

NOV 17 Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar Give your Christmas a Scandi twist with food, decorations, clothing and games, plus live music and drinks by the pool. 10am - 7pm. $50 on the door. Danish Room, Mariners’ Club, 3/F, 2 Container Port Road, Kwai Chung. dcc.hk/events1/event/ scandinavian-christmasbazaar

DEC 1

St. Stephen’s Chapel Annual Christmas Fete Enjoy bouncy castles, games, stalls, food and drink, plus a full programme of entertainment including Hong Kong police dixie bands, dancers, Chinese lion dancers and acrobats. Santa arrives by helicopter at noon! Funds raised go to charity. Entry $20 for adults, children free. 11am - 4.30pm.

St. Stephen’s College Sports Ground, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley. ststephen.org.hk

NOV 24 Highgate House Christmas Fair Enjoy wonderful seasonal festivities including a variety of children’s crafts, games, food and drinks, puppet shows, face painting and more! Open to all - bring your family and friends along to join in the festive fun! 10am - 2.30pm. Free admission. Highgate House School, The Peak, 100 Peak Road, Central.

Register for your free tickets at eventbrite.hk

NOV 25

The Repulse Bay Christmas Fair Browse Christmas decorations, childrens items, gifts, paintings, handicrafts, jewelry, home accessories and much MORE. Plus, live music and kids activities. Free admission. 11am - 6pm. 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay. therepulsebay.com

NOV 25

DEC 1 Il Mercatino Charity Fair Get a little dose of Italy at the Il Mercatino Charity Fair, with Italian food and wine, accessories, branded clothing and an Italian gourmet corner.

Funds raised will help projects at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital.

Bring your own bag. 10am - 5pm. $20 entry. 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pokfulam. iwa.org.hk

The Christmas Gift Showcase Don’t leave your Christmas shopping until the last minute! Find it all at the Gift Showcase, from jewelry and gourmet food, to homewares and more. Free admission. 10am - 8pm.

Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13

must have this month

Tree Glass Dome Christmas Ornament $170 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

Snowflake Glass Bead Large Christmas Ornament $170 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

Knitted Stripe Xmas Stocking Cream and Carmine $300 from INSIDE inside.com.hk

Get your house festive ready !

Maiori La Lampe Couture - Solar Lamp $3,455 - $6,490 from Everything Under The Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk Swarovski Ornaments From $630 from Swarovski swarovski.com/en-hk Fermob Alto Tray $1,163 from Everything Under the Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk Fejka Artificial Potted Plant $199.9 from IKEA ikea.com/hk

“Decorate for all the senses - From sight to sound and scent.”

14 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Sai Kung & Mong Kok Cushions with Filling $268 from Goods of Desire god.com.hk ‘Grand Cleopatra’ Ottoman with fringing in gold Belgian velvet fabric $5,000 from The Hallmark hallmarkinteriorshk.com

get festive

Christmas Decorations From $100 from The Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com

Padded Photo Frames $325 from Goods of Desire god.com.hk

Ocean Waves Serving Tray and Coaster Set of 4 coasters $880 & tray $450 from Paché shopohemia.com

“Turn down the room lights, and let your tree lights shine”

Wooden Christmas Reindeer $1,250 from TREE tree.com.hk

18 Inch Christmas Tree 360 from Partytime $ partytime.com.hk

Zuny Giant Unicorn $6,300 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

Noble Red Fragrance Diffuser $590 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

DIY Festive Wreath $120 from Korean Corner koreancorner.co.kr

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 15

news

The 2018 Prudential Tennis Open has been served

Three-day operation to tackle burglary surge

The Hong Kong police have launched a 3-day operation in hopes to tackle theft. Over the past few months, burglaries in the Southside area have resulted in luxury goods, worth millions of dollars, being stolen from upscale residential estates around Repulse Bay, the Peak and Deep Water Bay. The police operation will step-up its aerial surveillance and deploy more uniformed and plain-clothed officers.

Eighteen year old Ukrainian, Dayana Yastremska won her first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title last month with a 6-2, 6-1 win over China’s Wang Qiang. The tournament was held at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium in early October. Yastremska, currently ranked 102nd

beat Qiang who is currently ranked female number one in China, and 24th in the world.

Although Qiang missed out this time around, her efforts this year prove impressive and could see her achieve her target of breaking into the world’s top 20 by 2019.

Iconic hotel ‘The Excelsior’ to shut down

Hong Kong Country Club’s ITF Seniors Open 2018

The Excelsior hotel in Causeway Bay will officially close its doors in March 2019, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group who own the hotel have announced.

The group have received approval from the Government for land redevelopment of the property into a commercial space. Located at 281 Gloucester Road, the four-star hotel stands on the first plot of land sold at auction after Hong Kong became a British Colony in 1841. The Excelsior hotel opened its doors in 1973, becoming the first Hong Kong hotel to boast more than 1,000 rooms. It has also been featured in a number of Hollywood blockbusters including the 1978 movie ‘Revenge of the Pink Panther’ where scenes were shot in the lobby of the hotel.

16 SOUTHSIDE.HK |

The Hong Kong Veterans’ Tennis Association (HKVTA) and the Hong Kong Country Club will play host to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Seniors Open 2018 this month. The event which is expected to attract 160 elite players, will take place at the Hong Kong Country Club in Deep Water Bay. Players and spectators are invited to attend during the tournament which will run from November 5 to November 9. “The Tournament is an inspiration, it sends out the message that sport is for everyone regardless

of age, sport is a vital element to a healthy life, in particular for seniors,” said Honorary Patron and Sponsor, Bruce Rockowitz. There is still time to register for the doubles event, the deadline will be noon on November 5.

Spectator tickets are available at ticketflap. com priced just $20 per match day. Tickets include a complimentary tournament cap.

Other highlights of the tournament include a player’s opening party and happy hours. hkvta.com.hk.

From left to right: Mr. Samson Siu, Honorary Secretary of HKVTA, Mr. Bruce Rockowitz, Honorary Patron and Sponsor, Dr. Allan Zeman, Honorary Patron and Sponsor, Mr. Herman Hu, President of HKVTA, Mr. Philip Mok, President of HKTA, Mr. Fergus Fung, Southern District Council Member, Mr. Sean Cooper, HKCC Head Coach, Mr. Bertrand Petton, General Manager of the HKCC

in your backyard

Expat Parent’s first International Schools Fair Saturday October 20 marked our first Expat Parent International Schools Fair, hosted at The Annex in Central. More than 15 participating schools, both primary and secondary set up stalls, whilst eager parents asked questions and listened to speeches by school representatives.

Entertainment from Sky Dance Avenue kicked off the fair, and Shakespeare4All had us wowed with their magic show. We would like to thank all who attended - in particular the following partners: French International School, Han Academy, Flora Education, Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, Chinese Academy, HK Education Tutoring Services, Australian International School Hong Kong, HKCA Po Leung Kuk School, Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club, Lightfoot Travel, Woodland, Hong Kong Rugby Union, ITS Education Asia and Seriously Addictive Mathematics, Venture Studio (HK) Limited, MindBeauty, De La Mano Spanish and Spartan Race. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Matilda International Hospital launches new service

Matilda International Hospital has launched a community postnatal midwifery service as an extension of their in-house maternity services.

The registered midwives that make up the Matilda Community Midwives Team will be on hand to help guide women as they adjust to becoming new mothers at home. They offer professional evidence-based advice on issues such as mother and infant wellbeing and breastfeeding support as well as providing links to family paediatricians and obstetricians. Sing Chu, Maternity Manager of the

Matilda International Hospital said, “Our midwifery team are highly trained healthcare professionals.

On returning home, new mums can access the same valuable advice and personalised care that they received with us during their hospital stay.” The community postnatal midwifery service covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories with the service charge starting at $1,650 per visit (around one hour). Matilda clients can discuss during their hospital stay or call 2849 0321 to find out more. maternity@matilda.org.

First Filipino wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Spate of Repulse Bay break-ins

Pia Wurtzbach, actress, model and Miss Universe 2015, will be alongside other celebrities to arrive at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in early 2019. “When I found out I was so excited, I couldn’t believe it! In my head, this is something that only happens to big stars,”

During the afternoon of October 4, $80,000 worth of jewellery was reportedly stolen from a house on Repulse Bay Road. Less than 24 hours later, another burglary was reported at a house just two kilometres away. During the early hours the following morning, a further break-in was reported at a three-storey house, $120,000 worth of assets and money were reportedly taken. The owners – a couple, their young children and a domestic helper were not aware of the bulgarly until they awoke at 7am the following morning.

No arrests have been made at this point and officers are looking at whether the crimes are connected.

said Pia. General manager, Jenny You of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong added, “With Pia’s sweet, positive and fun personality, we really could not have imagined having anyone but her to represent the Philippines in this way...”.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 17

win at hongkongliving.com

GIVEAWAYS

enter to win!

Win a Three-Night Stay at Hakuba Springs Hotel Hakuba Springs Hotel is a boutique winter accommodation just steps away from the largest ski resort of the region.

The hotel offers a variety of furnished rooms with private en-suites, catering to single travellers, couples and families alike. After a long day of hitting the slopes, guests can wind down and soak in the natural hot springs back at the lodge. For dinner, head downstairs to Sharaku, a cosy izakaya serving sushi, hot pot and other seasonal fare.

We’re partnering with Hakuba Springs Hotel to send you (and your friend) to enjoy three nights at its superior or standard twin room this winter.

Breakfast is included with the stay.

Hakuba Springs Hotel

Deluxe Twin Room

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

Moving your world.

Get going with our guides and tips to make the most out of your relocation. crownrelo.com/hk/movingyourworld

Book by 30 November

2018

TO WIN

HK$

4000 PRE-PA ID

GIFT CARD *Terms & cond

itions apply

Scan and get your quote

www.crownrelo.com.hk

MYW_HK_Ad_190x120mm.indd 1

7/10/2018 12:46:55 PM

five minutes with

Julianna Yau

The founder of Ampla Education, talks about helping students navigate the world of education and days off in Southside We are an education consultancy based in Hong Kong providing mentorship programmes and help students who are looking to get into a school or university with all aspects of preparation, such as interview coaching, writing a letter of application, and academic tutoring.

My aim is to help children achieve their academic goals. I founded Ampla Education two years ago with the aim to deliver high quality teaching and cater to the individual needs of each child.

I studied Maths at Cambridge. I was born in Canada, raised in Hong Kong and went to boarding school in the UK. I started working as an education consultant soon after graduating.

I often meet Hong Kong students with great academic potential who lack the opportunity to fully realise their potential. This can be due to inadequate teaching or attending tutorial centres with overcrowded classrooms.

Never stop learning. That’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever been given. I wouldn’t have been able to follow my dream and start my own education business if I hadn’t listened to my parents’ advice!

“Education should be available to all classes of people.” It’s a quote by Confucius which resonates well with me.

We partnered with YMCA Boundless to help under-resourced children accomplish their goals.

I always challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Be it in entrepreneurship, sports or music, I believe this brings out the best in ourselves.

One such challenge is the exhausting hike up from Wong Ngai Chung to the Twin Peaks. I always reward myself with a well-deserved meal on the lively Stanley promenade afterwards.

Pâtisserie Les Amis in Cyberport shopping mall have started serving doggie ice cream! The cafe also serves up delicious cakes and snacks for humans too, and on a sunny day you look out across breathtaking sea views.

Dim Sum for the rest of my life - if I had to choose only one cuisine, there is such a large variety, one can never get bored!

I love paddle boarding off the main beach in Stanley. It’s great for watching people practising for Dragon Boat Festival, plus you get stunning views of Tai Tam Bay.

Ampla Education offer comprehensive education consulting services, tuition and exam preparation courses that aim to maximise students’ chances of getting into their dream schools. ampla-edu.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 19

20 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

local

Hong Kong Elephant Week The fight continues for keystone species

A

round 35,000 wild elephants are killed annually for their ivory tusks.

That’s one elephant every fifteen minutes, all so that someone can drape themselves in ivory jewellery, or place a useless ivory ornament in a display cabinet. With a remaining population of fewer than 415,000, time is rapidly running out for these magnificent creatures.

EARLY BEGINNINGS Colin Dawson, co-founder of The Elephant Society and founder of The Elephant Foundation has a history with Kenya. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he visited frequently and noticed that no matter how impressive, the animals that inhabited Africa needed our help to survive.

In 1994, Dawson moved to Hong Kong, but Africa was always on his mind, until 2009 when he and a friend organised a dinner to support the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. From there, his love of protecting and raising awareness of the species grew into what is now known as Elephant Week.

THE BIGGER PICTURE Elephants are a keystone species, meaning that other plants, animals and even entire ecosystems rely on them for survival. To raise awareness of illegal ivory trading means potentially saving more than just one species in the long run. Since 2014, The Elephant Foundation (TEF) has taken Elephant Week to over 100 schools, spoken with over 13,500 students and adults, and raised over $4 million dollars for education and conservation projects.

This year, TEF are continuing the fight.

November 12 - 16 will see their fifth Elephant Week program enter schools, with guest speakers James Mwenda and Daniel Ole Sambu helping to shine a light on a grave issue.

The Gala Dinner on November 16 at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong will raise much needed funds from auction and ticket proceeds to support their partners such as Big Life, The David Sheldrick Trust and their own school programmes.

Elephants are said to have emotions and cognitive behaviour similar to human beings.

They develop strong and intimate bonds between with their family and friends in the wild.

They even feel fear, joy and empathy, and grieve for lost loved ones. But one thing they don’t have is a voice, which is exactly what The Elephant Foundation has become for them.

Got a local story? Have your say by emailing editorial@hongkongliving.com

How you can get involved •

It starts with education.

Resources can be accessed via theelephantsociety.org

•

Teachers and students can get involved in school visits via theelephantsociety.org/ school-visits

•

The Gala Dinner themed ‘Take A Walk On The Wildside’ includes guest speakers Daniel Ole Sambu and James Mwenda. 6.30pm - midnight. Tickets from $2,500. The Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central. theelephantsociety.org/ auction-gala-dinner

•

Donations can be made via the Elephant Society website.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

cover story

A

n hour before my interview and shoot with the socialite and glamour girl Annabelle Bond, an email comes through from her private account. Oh help, I think, she’s either cancelling or wants to lay down the law about my line of questioning. As it turns out, it’s neither.

22 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

“I know it’s a cover story, but are jeans ok?” she asks.

I mentally breathe a sigh of relief. “No problem, sounds good,” I type back.

And this is exactly how she’s dressed when she opens the door of her Peak home to me later that afternoon - jeans-clad and casual, but incredibly stylish. You’ve either

got it or you haven’t, as my mother would have said. And Bond definitely ‘has it’.

“Come in, come in,” she enthuses, waving me through an outrageously glamorous house and ushering me to a comfy seat overlooking the backyard pool. “Coffee?”

There are no airs and graces, no uncomfortable silences and certainly

bond story

Hong Kong’s Bond girl Socialite, mountaineer, charity campaigner and mum-of-one, Annabelle Bond OBE tells Carolynne Dear why she’s always up for a challenge.

Photography by Michelle Proctor

no flashy behaviour. Irreverent, fun and immensely likeable, Bond is easy to warm to.

“I got knocked over by a car walking home the other night,” Bond casually interjects as we sip our lattes. Really, are you ok? I ask. “Yeah,” she laughs. “I told the guy no worries and it was lucky he’d knocked over a nice English girl who wouldn’t make a

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23

cover story

fuss!”

This kind of throwaway response is classic Bond. “I do think people take life too seriously these days,” she adds. “I mean, sure, he was the one who reversed out, but I was looking at my phone… Life’s not some perfect Instagram feed. Things go wrong. You need to keep a sense of humour.”

Maybe it’s down to this positive outlook, but over the last few decades Bond has achieved a series of feats that are nothing short of remarkable. She has climbed Everest, held the record as the fastest female climber in the world, raised millions for charity and received a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). And - the reason for today’s interview - she is currently ambassador for Laureus Sport for Good, a global movement that celebrates the power of sport ‘to bring people together as a force for good’. There are people that live full lives, and then there is Annabelle Bond.

These days, she can be found living with her fiancé Ken Hitchner, daughter, two cats and a dog, occupying a stunning home perched atop Victoria Peak with sweeping views over Central - as well as the roofs of her parents’ and sister’s homes in a neighbouring complex.

“It’s great having family close by, especially being a single-parent,” she says.

24 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

The father of Bond’s daughter, Isabella, is ex-fiance billionaire banker Warren Lichtenstein who lives in the US. Columninches have already been devoted to their split in 2007. “My mum and dad are in Hong Kong for three months or so, they divide their year between the US, France and here, my sister (Lucy Bond Marriott) and my younger brother, Jon live here in Hong Kong,” she

says.

Despite her British passport, Bond considers Hong Kong to be home.

“Everything here is so efficient and safe, I really appreciate what a well-run city it is,” she says. “You look at all the politics and the vitriol in the US right now, whereas Hong Kong has such a great work ethic - it’s everything a capitalist society should be,

bond story everyone working hard rather than standing around moaning about the government.”

A peripatetic family life is the outcome of a peripatetic childhood. Bond was born in Singapore, the daughter of former HSBC chairman Sir John Bond, who was knighted in 1999 for his services to banking. The family moved to Jakarta when Bond was a young child, where she attended the British School, and then it was onto Hong Kong. She was sent to boarding school at Riddlesworth Hall in the UK at the age of eight.

“Yes, eight was young,” she acknowledges. “But we were sent to board because dad’s job moved around so much, so it was a practical decision. It really was a different era.”

Mostly good memories, she remembers missing home at one point and penning a letter to her parents about having no friends.

“And one of the teachers came over and said, ‘now, your mother’s not going to be very happy receiving that, is she?’ So she tore it up and I wrote another one telling her what a great time I was having instead,” she laughs.

“Oh my god, different times! Although we did all come out with very good manners.”

She excelled at sport from an early age (“I was on every team - and my parents made sure we were proficient at all the things that would be useful socially later in life, like golf, sailing, skiing, tennis and horse riding, which I’m really glad about”. These days Bond still manages to hold her own at Shek O golf club and, at her parents’ bequest, skis every winter with the family in Austria), but admits to being “quite naughty” at school and she never made it to university.

So she “mucked around in London for a bit”, driving the chief executive of Trafalgar House “mad” in her first paid job and then working with a concert promoter and getting to hang out with ‘80s teen heartthrobs A-ha.

(As likeable as Bond is, I do admit to a slight stab of jealousy at this point in the interview - hanging out with Morten Harket? Some girls really do have all the luck). “And then I think dad felt I needed to do something a bit more serious, so at 21 I came back to Hong Kong and worked for Savills for ten years.”

She found a pad on Bonham Road and had an amazing time. “No more fancy club memberships and upmarket housing and now I was paying for my own holidays. When I’d

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

in the press for having her lipstick with her at the summit. “I’m not sure about that,” she laughs. “But I definitely had it at Base Camp.

We had a great after-party.”

She went on to climb the other six peaks that, along with Everest, form the Seven Summits, the highest mountain peaks on each of the seven continents. She completed them in just 360 days, earning herself the title of fastest woman climber in the world, a record that she held for eight years.

Having had an ovarian tumour removed shortly before her attempt on Everest, Bond raised a massive US$1.5 million during her climb for the Eve Appeal, a charity supporting ovarian cancer sufferers. In 2006 she received her OBE from Prince Charles for services to mountaineering and to charity. Further accreditations include being made an honorary colonel of the Chilean Army along with the rest of the Everest team, and a member of the Royal Council of Ingxotha by his Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill KaBhekuzulu of KwaZulu for her work with the Thanda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. “Yes, I’m an honorary princess in Zululand! King Goodwill presented me with a royal necklace at a rather beautiful ceremony,” she says.

reached all my targets at work, I could devote the rest of my time to running.”

In 1996 she joined the Goldman Sachs trail running team and signed up for the infamous Oxfam Trailwalker event, a 100km hike across some of Hong Kong’s most challenging terrain. She went on to run it three more times, in ‘97, ‘98 and ‘99, and says it taught her a lot. She goes as far as crediting Trailwalker with her mountaineering success. “Knowing I could run for 16 hours straight meant I could push through the barriers when summiting a mountain. “It was brutal, six months worth of training followed by a gruelling trail run. One year I came back with three toenails missing.”

She then got engaged, gave up her job and moved to Idaho, which she found desperately slow compared to Hong Kong.

Together, she and her fiance hiked through New Zealand and ran the Inca trail in Peru.

At that point they parted ways and she went on to Bolivia, climbed three more peaks and ended up travelling extensively around South America.

She ended up on the Chilean team training to climb Everest by pure chance

26 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

when the expedition leader got chatting with Bond’s mother at a party in 2003. “Mum was bragging about this one climb I’d done, but anyway she must have sounded convincing because in the next sentence he asked if I would be interested in climbing Everest. And my mum, without a moment’s hesitation says oh yes, I’m sure she’d love to.

So the next thing I know I’m travelling out to Ecuador to start training with the Chilean team.”

On May 15 2004 she became the fourth woman in the world to summit Mount Everest. “On the final day of the ascent when I realised I was going to make it, I cried all the way up. But I didn’t feel I could celebrate properly until I’d made it back down again.

Then I phoned home.” Ever the glamour girl, she was credited

Ever the go-getter, that same year she joined Prince Albert of Monaco no less on a seven-person expedition to the North Pole to raise awareness of global warming. The training included her having to live in the kennels with the dogs for four days. “One was pregnant so there’s this litter of huskies in the North Pole called ‘Anna’ and ‘Belle’ and other derivations,” she says cheerfully.

In 2007 she gave birth to her daughter Isabella and now dedicates her time to raising her as well as supporting various charities, although motherhood hasn’t slowed her down in the sporting arena. In 2009 she ran 250 kilometres a-piece across the Sahara and Namibian deserts for the Eve Appeal and in 2016 completed her first triathlon in Phuket.

“The cycling was a bit of a challenge,” she laughs. “The last time I’d ridden a bike it had a bell and a basket.” She now cycles regularly and was most recently in the US riding in Aspen.

But her current passion project is Laureus Sport for Good, the charity of which she is ambassador. Together with Just Challenge, a Hong Kong-based company that organises custom adventures for executives, Laureus will be leading its annual fund-raising expedition to Africa in May 2019. The event will be led by Brian O’Driscoll, the former Irish rugby union captain.

“I just think sport is so important,” says Bond. “Nelson Mandela was the first patron of Laureus and I think his quote says it all ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite.’.” laureus.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

dining

Thanksgiving in Hong Kong Becky Love offers a non-American rundown

A CRFT-PIT Thanksgiving

T

here’s turkey and there’s pie. After asking around town, that’s pretty much the only thing non-Americans living in Hong Kong could tell me about Thanksgiving. And after a little more digging, I discovered they were pretty much spot on.

Thanksgiving is basically a day of giving thanks, eating a mountain of food and then having an argument with your uncle about who gets to sit in the recliner. Sounds like a typical family Christmas without the gifts, right? I’m sold. So please, on 22 November, Thursday - count me in (but don’t count the calories).

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Festive Dinner’

Thanksgiving - easy as pie

Pumpkin pie

Living in the multicultural city that is Hong Kong, you don’t have to be American to get invited to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. So before you head over blind, here are a few of the basics so that you know what you’re in for, and don’t come out of it looking like, well, a turkey.

If you hate pumpkin and someone offers you a slice of pumpkin pie that they have lovingly baked for the occasion, just say “yes”. I know it’s basically “squash” pie. I know it’s an acquired taste. But for the love of Thanksgiving, just be polite and give it a whirl. You may just enjoy it.

The turkey First up - you’re wearing your stretchy pants, right? Good. You’ll need them. Now, if your friends are confident in their turkey roasting abilities, and of course have an oven big enough to fit the turkey, you can probably expect to eat some. However, if they fail horribly like Mr. Bean in that episode where his head ends up getting stuck inside of it, you may end up being plated your share of Fusion BBQ chicken. Either way, just be thankful to have a plate of food in front of you - that’s what it’s all about.

Saying “grace” Wait! Before you inhale everything you see before you, remember that someone is usually asked to say “grace” or “give thanks”. If you are the chosen one, just bow your head and thank your hosts for putting on a fine meal. Not only is this safer than, say... thanking the Lord for Bradley Cooper, but complimenting the host usually leads to a second serving of turkey.

28 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

How to get over a food coma A food coma hits like a Hong Kong T9.

Suddenly, and with much force. And I’m here to tell you, falling asleep in the recliner with your feet up while the football goes into overtime is the only way to get over a food hangover. So scope out that recliner before Uncle Bob does, and as soon as the last bite of pie has been devoured, you run. Run to that chair like you’re running for the Z last ferry back to Central.

Because it’s the only way you’ll wake up fresh enough to brave the Black Friday sales.

Z

Z

saying grace

Porterhouse

latters Share P

From 1 to 25 November, guests can choose from two Thanksgiving menu options. The first is an impressive Thanksgiving sharing feast, which requires a minimum of eight guests and must be ordered five days in advance. In true Thanksgiving spirit, everything is made to share, from the starters to the mains. The second

Porterhouse Grilled Seafood Platter

Thanksgiving dinner menu option is perfect for solo diners or smaller groups, ordered three days in advance. On 24 and 25 November, you can also enjoy brunch with turkey carvings and Pumpkin & Pecan pie. Thanksgiving option one: $888 +10%; option two: $588 +10%. 7/F California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. porterhousehk.com/en

ps ller Grou Bungalow Sma On Thanksgiving Day, Bungalow will be offering a one-night-only feast. With the option of two or three courses, expect deliciousness such as pumpkin bisque, turkey roulade and cranberry and lime pie. Be sure to make your reservation as spots are filling fast for this mighty fine feed. Two courses $288 per person, three courses $348 per person. 10% service charge.

Bungalow, Shop 2, G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central. bungalow.hk Cranberry and Lime Pie

Jamie’s Italian

riendly Family F

From 12 to 25 November, diners will be treated to a feast of epic proportions. With lunch and dinner sets available, their festive turkeys come all the way from the US, and are all-natural, gluten-free and raised without hormones on American farms. Order five days in advance for dine-in, takeaway or delivery (delivery for events

catering only). $198 per person for lunch, $228 per person for dinner. Take-away price six to eight people $1,700, minus fish in the bag. Dinein option six to eight people $1,950 plus 10%.

Organic turkey around six kilograms. Available from both the Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui restaurants. jamieoliver.com/italian/hongkong

CRFT-PIT

ps Big Grou

As Hong Kong’s first artisan style smokehouse, it’s not surprising CRFT-PIT are putting on Thanksgiving, which is set to be smokin’! Their Thanksgiving set includes Asian smoked turkey, wonton chip casserole, smoked loaded baked potato and more. With three delivery time slots available daily from 14 November to 29 December, there are plenty of opportunities to stuff yourself silly. $2,388 per set. Unit 2, 3/F, Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau. crft-pit.com

More venues...

For pumpkin pie by the slice: Burger Circus, 22 Hollywood Road, Central. Burgercircus. com.hk For small or large groups: Main St. Deli, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. 22 - 25 Nov. langhamhotels.com

For promotional Thanksgiving pies: Ali Oli, G/F, 11 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung. alioli.com.hk For a chic celebration: Bostonian Seafood and Grill, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. 23 26 Nov. langhamhotels.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

dining

NIBBLES Spices flex their French Bouchot mussels ‘Tis the season for this fine French delicacy There are quite a few things the French know how to do better than most. Fries - of course.

Museums, cheese, wearing horizontal stripes, building eye-catching vertical structures and, you guessed it... Bouchot mussels.

They may be hard to pronounce, but they’re very easy to eat. Bouchot mussels are a home run in the mussel world, and when prepared correctly, will excite and tantalise your tastebuds. Just like the beautifully prepared

Ingredients to make flavourful French mussels

30 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Bouchot mussels with an Asian twist from Spices at The Repulse Bay. But, what are they exactly? Bouchot mussels are grown in the sea on ropes that are strung from wooden poles, and whilst that may not sound too appetising to begin with, what becomes of them is a full meat, clean flavoured mussel that is grit and barnaclefree. Famous for their creamy orangeyyellow flesh and incredible texture that just melts in your mouth, these French gems are hard to pass up.

From now until December 2, Spices will be offering steamed French Bouchot mussels prepared in a Thai herb broth for $248 per 500 gram serve. Accompanied by Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, for the special price

of $498 (regular price $760), this zesty and crispy pairing is the perfect match.

In addition, Spices have wok-seared New Zealand green mussels with coconut and chilli sambal for $198 per 400 gram serve.

Sounds like it’s time to muscle in on some mussels at Spices!

Spices, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay. therepulsebay.com/en/dining/spices

dining

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

interview

The man behind St. Stephen’s Chapel Reverend Will Newman walks Vasavi Seethepali through the past, present and into the future

M

y visit to St. Stephen’s Chapel, the daughter church to St. John’s Cathedral made a lasting impression. Nestled atop a hill surrounded by breathtaking views, it bestows a majestic stance, yet humbling presence.

Ahead of the much awaited Christmas fete, I had the opportunity to meet up with Reverend Will Newman, the priest-in-charge and a man of many hats.

Tell us about yourself My dad was a priest, and I never ever expected to become a priest, but I became one following my trip to China. I was an employee there of a British, non-government charity organisation called Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) and worked with them for six years. In 2004 I saw a classified advertisement for a pastoral job in Hong Kong, and my wife and I had always wanted to return, so I took the position.

Now, as a chaperon of St. Stephen’s College, I work with the students and teachers. I take religious assembly here with the boarder’s as a Christian presence in the school. I also visit Stanley Prison once a week

32 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

on Fridays with a group of volunteers from the church. Here it is so easy to forget the existence of prisoners, shut away. But they are also human beings and Jesus said “visit prisoners” and that’s what we do.

I am also the chair of Interfaith Organisation, where we discuss, ask questions and learn about various religions.

I also talk on radio RTHK 4.

I always try to help people grow in faith and better understand their faith - as a trained teacher, I enjoy the process. We always have new people coming in, it’s a continuous cycle.

What kind of community does St. Stephen’s Chapel bestow?

It’s a beautiful little church that was built in 1949, nearly 70 years ago. The community that meets here are mixed expatriates and local Chinese and we hold a service every Sunday morning. I have been here for 14 years and over time the community has changed a lot.

There are fewer Brits, but more American and Chinese - I guess that is true of Hong Kong overall. There is a lot of support and a lot of people willing to get involved. Expats and locals who are looking for an English speaking Anglican church find their way to us. We just need to boost our presence on social media and I’m working on that.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 33

interview Christmas Fete Watch Santa come in a helicopter at the charity Christmas Fete at St. Stephen’s College grounds on Dec 1 from 11 - 4.30pm and enjoy the day with fun games and bouncy castles. Adults tickets at $20 and free for kids.

What do you hope to achieve through the Christmas Fete?

What is Christmas to you as a priest-in-charge?

Christmas for me is a time of joy - Christians are supposed to be joyful. Jesus said, “I came to let people live life to the full” so joy and enjoyment is part of Christmas. It’s the time when Jesus came to the world, and we believe that through his life, his teaching, his death and resurrection he gives us a way of living and a way of making the world a better place. Christmas is important.

34 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

One of our members who has been here for 25 years said that it was going strong when he arrived, so I’m guessing it has been going strong for around 30 years! There are two main things we hope to accomplish each year.

The first is to bring the community together.

We have great facilities which we want to share with our community and we hope people can come together to enjoy it. We take pride in bringing the community together at this joyous event. Our second aim is to raise money for the charities we support. The first charity is

Pathfinders, an organisation that supports foreign migrant domestic workers who become pregnant while living in Hong Kong. The other is Christian Action, which supports refugees, asylum seekers, and young local people from underprivileged families. We also support Bethune House, a shelter for Asian women refugees who are in distress and The Leprosy Project which operates in the mountains of Sichuan province in Southwest China where people with leprosy are isolated due to the stigma of the disease. We have been supporting them for a long time - I have visited a couple of times and they are doing amazing work.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 35

education

Take a peek at The Peak Preschool - Woodlands The little school with a lot to offer

W

oodlands on the Peak is a small, perfectly formed and charming little pre-school. With class numbers capped at 10, it is so homely that it feels somewhat like a village school; but it is also so bright, modern and forward thinking that it defies its size to offer much more than one might expect.

As we all know, space in Hong Kong is a much-coveted luxury and so the school has worked hard with its small spot on the Peak, creating an environment that is compact but not claustrophobic. With priority firmly on the children, the teachers have gallantly scarified their own chance at space (the Head of School’s office is just about large enough for a small swarm of bees to colonise) but as a result the playroom is whopping, the classrooms are ample and they even have the added luxuries of a music room and a vast outdoors area (of that Hong Kong rarity - real grass!).

One of the nine Woodlands schools, the Peak Pre-School has been in situ since 1989.

Which would fool most people as, despite such a long tenure, they have been diligent in keeping the place and the materials in good working order. Offering the Early Years Foundation Stage of the UK National Curriculum (EYFS), their

36 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

teaching ethos is ‘learning through play’. This was very much evident on a recent visit as I watched a Mandarin class of three year olds turn jars of water from blue to green and red to purple whilst learning the Chinese words for colours.

Woodlands changed ownership in May, from the Hughes family who founded it all to the well-known Cognita group. Those worried that a corporate acquisition would mean a prescribed, cookie-cutter operating approach across all the Woodlands schools will be happy to hear that this is not the case. Each school continues to operate autonomously, running itself and making the best decisions for their own school.

Janet White, the Head of School said, “They like the ethos that we have as a school so they’ve not changed our running practices.

Improvements are being made behind the scenes on things like operating systems but our day to day running remains the same.”

The day-to-day set up of classes is something that is very much led by the needs of the children. This is a school which offers enormous flexibility depending on each individual; unaccompanied sessions can start from the age of two years two months (the “Stepping Stones” classes) if the child is ready for it and continues up until two years six months

when they can move to the preschool classes.

Flexibility is on offer even here, with some children doing all day sessions, others purely mornings and some doing mornings with the odd afternoon session. It is a very gradual process through the school, which is in keeping with its small and intimate nature.

This is a very holistic ethos, which is precisely how a pre-school should be – tailored to the child rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

“It’s all about the individual and depends entirely on the child. We talk to the parents and figure out what is best for their child.”

Afternoon sessions are bilingual, with two teachers in each class whilst morning sessions are taught in English with 20 minutes of Mandarin every day. As the coloured water jars showed, the Mandarin classes are very demonstrative, focused on useful subjects and vocabulary that the children can then apply to real life – colours, foods and cultural festivals.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

education

The class I peeked in on was notable not only for being so orderly but also for being almost entirely conducted in Mandarin, save the occasional word of English. So full marks go to the teacher for making the lesson so engaging that a room full of three year olds were completely transfixed.

This academic year, the school has taken on the theme of ‘being green’. It is an ambitious task as, aside from teaching the children about ways that they can be more conscious of their own behaviour, the school itself has also decided to lead by example. As such, they have pledged to source suppliers with minimal packaging, dispense with single use cups and changed from plastic to glass and wood where possible.

The children are also learning about waste,

38 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

where their food comes from and the impact it has on the planet. Put into practice, this sees each class growing its own vegetables on the balcony and Mondays are encouraged as Meatless Mondays to enable the teaching of sustainability.

“It’s a balancing act of teaching the children without bombarding them with facts. We always write to the parents to explain what we’re doing and why. We don’t enforce it but welcome them to join in and they’re always very supportive,” says Janet.

The other week days are also themed within the green context – Try It Tuesday is a chance for the pupils to sample different fruits and vegetables (a recent favourite on the menu–

dragon fruit); Woodlands Wednesdays is a nature day; No Waste Thursday continues the idea of being conscious of items which are not reusable; and Feel Good Fridays are for mental health in the form of yoga and mindfulness.

Once a month, Woodlands Wednesday joins forces with Hong Kong’s newest and most popular club, The Back Yard Gang. If you haven’t heard about the Back Yard Gang until now, I can almost guarantee that you are now going to hear it mentioned everywhere. In the main, it is an outdoors after school club that shows children all the wonderful things that nature has to offer.

But they have also paired up with some lucky schools to offer sessions during the school day.

In taking on this project for the year, the Peak Pre-school has definitely put some healthy pressure on itself to lead by example. Everyone with a conscience thinks they should be a bit greener but not everyone puts it into practice on a regular basis. However it is very much evident that they are practicing what they preach and doing an impressive job of it.

The Peak Pre-school may be small in size but it is big in ambition. And more importantly than that, the opportunities and initiatives that it offers its pupils are just the right balance of teaching and play. This is a charming and very content little school that has an enormous amount to offer.

education

Principal’s office Meeting The Peak - Woodlands Head of School, Janet White What’s new this school year at the Peak?

Over the summer we started the process of becoming a more eco- friendly school.

Our aim is to take small steps that make a difference without overwhelming both parents and children. We have introduced additional elements to the curriculum to enhance the children’s awareness of the world around them but at the same time making it fun through the medium of play. Mindfulness has also become part of our daily practice where the teachers are introducing different techniques like breathing exercises and meditation.

What are you particularly proud of at the school?

I am particularly proud of how the teachers, children and parents have embraced the changes that we are implementing. I definitely think we are taking a step in the right direction with what we are trying to instill in the children. But most of all I love the safe and nurturing environment we have created at the Peak. It makes me smile every morning

when I see the children come to school with big smiles on their own faces. It confirms to me that we must be getting it right.

What are the key features of the Peak as opposed to other Woodlands schools?

The key features of the Peak are its small and cosy size. We are the smallest campus in the group with the smallest class ratio 1:10 (which was reduced from last year when it was 1:12). We also have a lovely garden which is a rare gem in Hong Kong. It is a lovely outdoor space for the children to play in and we use it to host various outdoor celebrations throughout the year.

the information onto parents. I have an open door policy so parents are always welcome to come and speak to me at anytime. Guiding parents is not always straightforward and school selection is very dependant on the individuals and where they see their long term future. So I try to give them pointers on the key things they should consider.

What do you enjoy about living in HK? What I love about living in Hong Kong is how safe it is and how welcome people have made me feel. There’s such a community spirit that it’s very easy to make new friends and adjust to a new country.

How do you approach the role of guiding parents on primary school selection?

At the beginning of every new school year we hold a ‘Back to School’ night; an information session where parents get to come in and speak to the team and ask any questions they have. Also across the groups, the head of schools will undertake two school visits a year and compile a report so we can pass

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

health & wellness

Photo credit: Teksomolika / Freepik

All you need to know about Movember 2018

E

very year in November, men from all walks of life participate in a moustache growing challenge in support of Movember Foundation. The thirty-day challenge aims to address men’s health and raise awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

How it all began It all began in 2003, Melbourne, Australia when Travis Garone and Luke Slattery while having a beer decided to grow a moustache (Mo) and talk their mates into growing a Mo too. Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to grow a Mo to fundraise for men’s health targeting prostate cancer. Soon it reached 30 volunteers who were willing to take up the challenge. In 2004 Adam Garone and Justin Coghlan came on board to take the campaign to the next level. In due course, the four co-founders officially established the Australian charity, Movember Foundation in 2006. Upon further research, it revealed that depression and anxiety was a significant health issue in men and was brought on as Movember’s second men’s health concern.

The Hong Kong chapter Since 2012, the Movember Foundation has raised a total of more than $16.8 million to support men’s health issues in Hong Kong.

Prostate cancer is the third most deadly disease in men in Hong Kong. Each year 1,800 men are diagnosed and more than 400 men die annually to prostate cancer in Hong Kong alone. Recently, the ‘Going Through” project was initiated in partnership with Hong Kong Cancer Foundation. The program provides symptom James Carlile management information, a nutrition program, health education and nursing consultation. The Movember ambassador in Hong Kong, James

How to get involved Celebrating 7 years in Hong Kong this year, Movember Foundation Hong Kong has lined up a number of events. “Moustache growing is the heart of what we do, but people can participate and get involved in a number of ways. We are also focusing on upstream initiatives so that we can provide people with the tools to be healthy,” said Robert Dunne from the headquarters in Melbourne who is visiting Hong Kong to hit the ground running.

Mo styles across the globe

The Samurai

40 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Carlile believes that it’s all about starting a conversation and letting people know that help is out there.

Additionally, the Movember Foundation hopes to launch TrueNTH (True North) which is a global registry program across 4 hospitals in Hong Kong that will gather data with the aim of identifying and sharing best practices to improve the best medical outcomes.

The KFC Man

The Handlebar

The Evil Butler

movember Get your groom on Fox and The Barber The female-fronted barber shop, owned

by Sarah McGlynn, proves that everyone can appreciate a good shave. With white butchers tiles, 1940s lighting fixtures Fox and The Barber takes you back in time, with their vintage decor. By using high quality skills and branded products such as Truefitt & Hill and Baxter of California, they make sure every customer leaves without a hair out of place. Located at 41-43 Graham Street, Central. foxandthebarber.com Photo credit: Movember Foundation

Move - Anyone can sign-up to walk or run 60 kilometres over the month that represents 60 men we lose every hour to suicide globally.

Host - Get together with mates and host a dinner, a match or a bake-off and help men live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Spend money wisely during Movember

At Beef and Liberty $5 will be donated to Movember for every The Impossible Chorizo burger, Brooklyn Langer burger and All Saints Tap wine sold. Grab yours and get involved. beef-liberty.com Movember cocktails at Meats. For every drink bought at Meats on Staunton street, $10 goes to Movember. piratameats.hk

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is offering a hair-raising grand prize of a one night stay in the Entertainment Suite with breakfast for two, plus a small drink gathering the same day for up to eight guests. It will be awarded to the highest personal fundraiser. Everyone registered with Movember will automatically be eligible. mandarinoriental.com Anyone growing a moustache for Movember can receive a complimentary beard trim at Selvedge Barbers.

The Pornstar

The Goodfellas

This retro, black and white themed barber shop has a range of vintage decor including the barbers slick uniforms. The shop provides a range of hair treatments from haircuts to wet shaves and beard trimming in a timely and stylish manner.

1/F Central Corner, 9-11 Cochrane Street, Central. handsomefactory.com

Originally from London’s upscale Mayfair district, Gentlemen’s Tonic moved to Hong Kong in 2011 and has given men high quality pampering ever since. Expect to be greeted with a drink before being escorted to one of the private treatment rooms, to be treated with their inhouse Babassu & Bergamot product line. G/F Sun Lee Building, 43-49 Wellington Street, Central. gentlemenstonic.com

Selvedge Barbers With a laid back and chilled environment, Selvedge Barbers is the best place to let your hair or beard down. With a complimentary drinks, a friendly team and high quality products enriched with natural botanical extracts, you can be sure your hair is in the best care. 36 Pottinger Street, Central. selvedgebarbers.com

A complimentary espresso Mo-tini for every customer growing a moustache for Movember at all Jia Group restaurants except Chachawan. jiagroup.co Throughout Movember for every Jameson Hitchhiker beer at Rula Bula, Stockton, Aberdeen Street Social, Employee’s Only, Behind Bars and Le Boudoir, $5 will be donated to Movember Foundation.

Handsome Factory

Gentlemen’s Tonic

For more information visit hk.movember.com Photo credit: Movember Foundation

Grow - Grow a moustache for the month and get friends, family and colleagues to donate.

Hang out with your mates and grow a mo for Movember!

The Monopoly Man

The Pringle Man

“To get the perfect mo it’s important to keep the rest of the face clean shaven, this way your mo never looks unkempt, or like you are “trying” to it. Doing this will always look to others that this is your desired look, while secretly you continue to grow it. It is important to keep the lip line trimmed as well. Depending on the shape of your face, density of facial hair, it is always best to ask your barber to guide you on the most suitable look.” – Roger Ryan, Barber at Selvedge Barbers

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

outdoors

Hike-arumba Hiking season is in full swing. Get the lowdown on where to go and what to bring

42 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Photo by Peter Milton

double dare

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

outdoors

T

he hiking season is upon us. Over the next few months as the weather cools down, this is the best time to get out and enjoy Hong Kong’s vast outdoors. We’ve focused on Hong Kong hiking trails, our selection is by no means exhaustive, but whether you’re looking for an easy hike for visitors or a challenging thigh-burner of a climb, we’ve got you covered.

Dragon's Back Spectacular views of Shek O mansions, beaches, and take a visitor the South China Sea without a punishing climb. Named after its hilltop undulations, Dragon’s Back is ideal for

Tai Tam Country Park Tai Tam Country Park occupies one fifth of Hong Kong Island’s land area. Both the Hong Kong Trail (Stages 5 & 6) and the Wilson Trail (stages 1 & 2) cut through the park, which contains four reservoirs as well as a variety of war remnants - Tai Tam was a battleground during World War II. During the war, most of its vegetation was severely damaged, but systematic reforestation has paid off, and today the park is full of life.

Stage 5 of the Hong Kong Trail takes you to the summit of Jardine’s Lookout, from where you can enjoy a 180-degree panorama of Victoria Harbour. You’ll also see the ruins of a bungalow, once the residence of James Matheson, the original Scottish founder of Jardine Matheson & Co. Ltd. Follow the trail eastward to ascend a second peak: Mount Butler. Stage 5 ends with a series of 599 steps down to Quarry Gap, where you’ll find a picnic and barbecue area and toilets. Stop for a quick rest before heading on to Stage 6 - an easier downhill walk towards Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir, followed by a short unpaved hike towards Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir. stay on the island

44 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

visitors - you can do it in a morning or an afternoon.

Busy on weekends, this section of the Hong Kong Trail is also popular with paragliders and owners of model aircraft. The walk can drag on a little towards the end but ending up at Big Wave Bay (Tai Long Wan) is suitable compensation - look out for the turning and don’t forget your swimsuit. There are a few cafes here, but for a larger meal head to Shek O, a few minutes down the road in a taxi - you can catch a cab in the car park. It’s possible to walk there but we wouldn’t advise it: there’s

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Tai Tam Road, from where you can catch a bus or taxi to Stanley, or continue on to Stage 7.

no pavement and vehicles travel fast along this stretch of road.

Get a taxi or, from Exit A3 at Shau Kei Wan MTR station, take bus 9 to To Tei Wan on Shek O Road. The hike starts up the stairs as soon as you get off the bus.

To get to the starting point of Stage 5 of the Hong Kong Trail at Wong Nai Chung Gap, take CityBus No.6.

double dare

Twin Peaks and Violet Hill For a workout packing a serious punch, look no further than Violet Hill and the Twin Peaks - also known as the Terrible Twins for its seemingly never ending series of steps (over 1,000, actually). This 4.8km trek from Wong Nai Chung Gap (Parkview) to Stanley is classified as “very difficult” by the AFCD and gives any stair-climber at the gym a run for its money. The two- to three-hour hike is hard work, but those who accept the challenge are rewarded with a great workout and incredible views of the outlying islands. We strongly advise doing the hike this way round (Parkview to Stanley) - when you’re halfway up the first peak, cursing whoever it was who invented the step, visions of Stanley’s food, drink and gentle ocean breeze will keep you going. Two things to remember. One: the hike starts with an ascent up Violet Hill. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve conquered the first peak with ease. Two: the first peak is much harder than the second. thigh-burner

Buses 6, 63 and 66 all go to Parkview and most taxi drivers are familiar with the start of the hike, signposted by a trail map and a set of stairs leading into the woods adjacent to Parkview. Follow them up. The trail finishes on Stanley Gap Road at the Wilson Trail bus stop where you can catch a bus or taxi into Stanley.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

outdoors

Lamma Known for its seafood, laidback lifestyle and friendly community, Lamma Island is just 30 minutes and a world away from Aberdeen. There are separate ferry services from Aberdeen to both of the main villages on the island: Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Yung Shue Wan in the northwest, is the main “town” with alleyways bursting with trinket shops, restaurants, bars and organic shops. It’s a short walk to two beaches: Power Station Beach home to the island’s Full Moon Parties - and the busier Hung Shing Yeh Beach, with lifeguards.

Alternatively, embark on a 45-minute walk over take it easy

46 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

the hill to Sok Kwu Wan on the east coast, famous for its strip of seafood restaurants.

Rainbow Seafood Restaurant runs a Fishermen’s Village tourist experience on fishing rafts out in the bay for a fun diversion. After lunch, take the easy 15-minute trail to pretty Lo Shing Beach on the west coast. More serious hikers might consider tackling Mount Stenhouse, Lamma’s highest peak at 353 metres.

Catch a wooden kaido from Aberdeen (the last pier before the fish market) to Sok Kwu Wan (ferry.com.hk) or Yung Shue Wan (td.gov. hk). For details of events, visit lamma.com.hk.

Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (rainbowtour.com.hk)

double dare

Lion Rock At 495 metres, Lion Rock in north Kowloon is the 52nd highest mountain in Hong Kong and part of Stage 5 of the MacLehose trail. The first (relatively easy) section of the trail takes you along the Gin Drinker’s Line, where Commonwealth troops defended Hong Kong against the Japanese in World War II. The ascent up Lion Rock is more challenging and very steep in parts. Once at the top, look north to see the New Territories and south for views of the Kowloon Peninsula and Victoria Harbour. On a clear day you can see as far as Hong Kong Island. Other famous sites along the hike include Amah Rock and Beacon Hill. Watch out for the wild fauna including the Black-eared Kite and Long-tailed Macaque. monkeys!

We recommend starting at Wong Tai Sin MTR station and heading up Shatin Pass Road until you reach the start of the trail. The most popular route (three-four hours) comes full circle and finishes back at the station.

Ng Tung Chai waterfalls A stone’s throw from the high rises of Tai Po, the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls are one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets.

Climb into a steep-sided world enveloped in dense rainforest and peppered with flowing cascades. Despite the area’s accessibility, it offers an escape from the crowds at weekends. During the week, you’re likely to have this tropical wonderland all to yourself. Allow four to five hours for the moderately strenuous 6km walk to the three main falls, including swimming time. escape the crowds

Catch a taxi or bus 64K from Tai Wo MTR Station (Exit A) to Ng Tung Chai village, then follow the road uphill to the trailhead.

Pass by Man Tak Monastery and head up the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan – Hong Kong’s highest peak. Take a dip at each of the waterfalls and rest easy knowing it’s only a 45-minute walk from the Bottoms Falls to Lam Kam Road to grab a bus.

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

outdoors

Po Toi Island Foaming waves crash against rugged cliffs on Hong Kong’s southernmost island, a criss-cross of hiking trails over granite hills with unmatched views over the South China Sea. Here, you’ll find Ming Kee restaurant, situated beachside on a huge wooden deck and widely known to serve the best black pepper squid in Hong Kong. The seafood is fresh and the excellent set meals are good value, although prices rise considerably if you order a la carte, and there’s a good selection of wines and beers. finish with a slap-up meal

48 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Thirty years ago, Po Toi was home to about a thousand people, most of whom lived around the main cove. Drawn by the booming city, all but a handful have since left. From Po Toi Public Pier, turn right for a one-hour stroll to the southern headland. For a longer adventure, head for the store run by Mr and Mrs Ng – who collect and sell seaweed (Porphyra suborbiculata), which is reportedly good for a range of ailments – at a junction near the pier. Turn right at the seaweed store onto a trail and follow it upwards.

Along the way, you’ll pass Old Mo’s House, or the Ghost House, a ruin occupied by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Other attractions

include Palm Rock, a Tin Hau temple, and rock formations resembling a turtle and a monk (you may need a good imagination to make the association).

Ming Kee is open daily and busy at weekends, so book in advance (11.30am-10pm, 2849 7038).

Tsui Wah Ferries (2272 2022) operates services to Po Toi from Aberdeen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and from Stanley Blake Pier on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays ($40 return).

See traway.com.hk for timetables.

xxx

travel

Shanghainese if you please Gemma Shaw spends 36 hours sampling Shanghai’s thriving food scene

F

irmly rooted in Chinese culinary tradition, Shanghai is fast earning its identity as an international dining hotspot, right now the food scene is thriving. From streetside xiao long bao to trend-setting tapas, there has never been a better time to sample the delicacies on offer in the Paris of the East.

Friday 7pm

No time to waste. After a quick refresh, head to Lost Heaven for a Yunnanese feast. There are two branches of this atmospheric dimly-lit restaurant which draws heavily on artistic and cultural elements of minority tribes in Yunnan.

Set over three floors, the branch on Gau You

50 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

Road is a popular afterwork hotspot for locals and expats, dishes such as Dai Li chicken with chilli and green onions are simple yet bursting with flavour. For something reminiscent of an Indiana Jones set, ask for a table on the first floor in the central atrium. lostheaven.com.cn

9pm

After dinner, head to OCHO Bar tools. A tool shop open so late, you say? At first sight yes, but slide open the bookcase jam-packed with mixology books on the first floor to reveal a dark staircase. Ascend and you will find yourself in Speak low, a New York-style, Japanese speakeasy which recently ranked 20th in the World’s Best Bars 2018, and was the only bar in Mainland China to be featured on the list this year.

Saturday 9am

Watch the city come to life over an espresso and continental breakfast at one of Shanghai’s

xiao long wow!

many European-style bakeries in the Former French Concession. Popular chain, Baker & Spice serves up freshly made artisanal breads, perfectly crispy croissants and excellent coffee.

On cooler days head indoors and sip bowls of coffee elbow-to-elbow with expats at long communal-style tables. bakerandspice.com.cn

who enthusiastically helped us place our order.

Eventually a steaming plate of chun xiefen (pure crab dumplings) arrived. Fresh, light, flavourful, and each batch made-to-order, these dumplings priced at just 99 RMB for 12 were incredible.

Lin Long Fang, 10 Jiangguo Dong Lu near Zhaozhou Lu

This shoddy hole-in-the-wall restaurant which specialises in xiao long bao (soup dumplings) has earned itself a mention in The New York Times. The venue, which scarcely seats 25 people is difficult, yet not impossible to find.

And the challenge isn’t over once inside, a limited menu consists of small wooden planks hanging from hooks above a counter, written in Mandarin only. Our well-timed visit coincided with that of a slightly hungover-looking expat

Drink in the view. This city has rooftops that rival Hong Kong’s highest of the high. Excellent choices include M on the Bund, Vue Bar at Hyatt on the Bund and Roof at The Shanghai EDITION, a recently-opened, luxury-yet-hip take on a boutique hotel run by the Ritz-Carlton. On Pudong side opt for Shanghai World Financial Centre bar on the 92nd floor. editionhotels.com

2pm

5pm

7pm

‘No Reservations, No Service Charge’ restaurant The Commune Social was the first Mainland China venture for British chef and restaurateur, Jason Atherton. Atherton, who previously trained with Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay is also responsible for Hong Kong’s 22 ships, Ham & Sherry and more recently, The Aberdeen Street Social. Nestled on a trendy backstreet close to the Former French Concession, The Commune Social serves up contemporary-yet-hearty Spanish tapas. The cozy outdoor courtyard leads onto a dining room centered around an expansive open-kitchen. Dinner here is a truly unforgettable with seemingly endless sharing dishes which include Iberico pork and foie-gras burgers, beef tartare with egg yolk and pickled mushrooms and complimentary frozen caramel popcorn. communesocial.com

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

travel

An insider’s guide to eating in Shanghai

Head Chef Sergio Moreno of The Commune Social

What inspired you to cook?

My grandmother. She is the queen of the kitchen at home and spends hours preparing delicious food. She has a little orchard in her garden, she taught us how to grow tomatoes, but also how to skin a rabbit - at 7 years old that was a little traumatic.

Where do you eat in Shanghai?

Azul Tapas Lounge (+86 21 5405 2252) serves up fantastic Latin cuisine in a superb atmosphere.

Alternatively, Tres Perros (+86 138 1655 1738) is a classic tapas bar in the middle of the Jing’an area. I particularly love this place because the kitchen closes super late so sometimes I can head there after work.

Xiao long WOW! Don’t fancy the flight? Get your Shanghai on in Hong Kong at these local restaurants

What’s your favourite Shanghainese dish?

3.6.9 Restaurant Shanghai Food

Without a doubt, classic xiao long bao. I also love hairy crabs, I get very excited for the season to come around!

Must try: Xiao long bao is their specialty.

30-32 O’Brien Road, Wan Chai.

2527 8611

What ingredients do you bring back from trips home to Spain?

Shanghai Lane

Mostly spices including lemongrass, Sichuan pepper, XO paste, plus Matcha tea.

What local ingredients have influenced your cooking?

So many! Wonton, sesame oil, star anise, okra, local mushrooms and bitter zucchini…. I use everything!

Must try: Pork and pak choy dumplings G/F, Kam Fung Commercial Building, 2-4 Win Lok Lane, Wan Chai. shanghailane.com.hk

Ming Bistro Must try: Shanghai rice cakes Shop 1401, 14/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay facebook.com/mingbistro

Your perfect day in Shanghai?

There are two types of perfect day, one is when I’m at work! But during my days off, if the weather is good I’ll enjoy an alfresco Aperol spritz with my girlfriend, try a new restaurant for lunch and then take a walk around one of the huge parks in Shanghai. In the evening I’ll head to one of Shanghai’s fantastic live music bars and usually finish the day at home watching Netflix, as with anywhere else in the world!

Spot the eight differences between the two images below. Answers online.

Image: Aberdeen Street, Central in the 1930’s.

52 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

Photo credit: Deb Laurent

southside secrets

A hidden hiking trail One of a kind hiking experience in the Southern district – Yuk Kwai Shan

O

ne of the most scenic hikes in Hong Kong island is the Yuk Kwai Shan (Mount Johnston) hike that connects to a tiny island called Ap

Lei Pai. Nestled southeast of Ap Lei Chau and adjacent to Lei Tung Estate, Yuk Kwai Shan at 196 meters in height, stretches itself into Ap Lei Pai by a sandbank. Depending on the tide you may be able to walk across to Ap Lei Pai. Finding the start of the hike can best be described as ‘hit or miss’. Head either from the bus terminus between the yellow staff cubicles or from Lei Tung MTR (Exit B). Both uphill and downhill paths to the Yuk Kwai Shan summit are quite steep and require caution. There are two options; the ‘Formal trail’ and the ‘Bushwacking trail’. Once you are on your chosen path there is only one way to go - uphill and it is pretty easy to find your way to the summit. A good balancing act is needed throughout the hike; however ropes are provided to help hikers from

54 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

slipping and sliding. Atop Yuk Kwai Shan you are rewarded with panoramic views of Lamma Island, Ocean Park, Bel-air and the infinite blue sky.

Now heading over to Ap Lei Pai from Yuk Kwai Shan is straightforward, although it might need some clambering again. The quaint lighthouse at the other end of Ap Lei Pai opens up to the sea. The icing on the cake if weather permits, would be to indulge in a quick swim around the sandbank. Plus, coasteering activities for those climbing enthusiasts are welcome here as well.

What you need to know How to get there MTR - Get off at Lei Tung (South Island line East) Bus - 96, 97, 98, 99, 171 (Get off at Lei Tung Estate) Minibus - 39M from Tin Hau MTR station You’ll need to bring Water Sunscreen Repellent Cap/Hat Walking poles Gloves Swimwear (check the tide forecast) Distance - 3.5 Duration - Around 3 hours

Yuk Kwai Shan

Level - Intermediate - Difficult

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

zim city

The good and bad of fallen trees

Let’s get to the root of things to come In the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut, how do we best repopulate our forests and streets?

T

he extent of the impact of Typhoon Mangkhut (which ironically takes its name from the Thai word for mangosteen) on our trees only became clear after the winds had passed, and as the city struggled for days to get roads cleared and transport moving.

You may consider it peculiar when I tell you though that I was not put off by the typhoon’s impact on our trees. The reason: we have so many trees down, because we have so many trees. That used to be different. Paintings from when the Brits settled in Hong Kong, and pictures from after the Second World War are reminders of how our mountains were stripped naked. At that time, trees were used for construction, and as fuel. Large-scale reforestation and ongoing greening strategies since then have changed this.

The estimate of trees lost due to the strong winds brought by the typhoon increased from 10,000 to 46,000 as clearing operations progressed. Trees, branches and leaves had been ripped off savagely as the average wind speeds recorded at Waglan Island peaked around 180km/hr. Many of the remaining trees look like they are in a hospital ward with broken limbs, some hanging on waiting for insects and weather to finish them off.

56 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

After the storm passed, many people took to social media to report the loss of their favourite trees, including old and valuable ones. Where there used to be shade to stay cool, there is now harsh sunlight. The monkeys too showed their discontent. Footage appeared of fights breaking out among different troops as their food source of flowers, fruits and leaves was much reduced.

The discussions moved quickly onto how we plant trees. Heated debates started to focus on pictures of the roots of the fallen trees. Trees hemmed in by planter boxes or other obstacles had been unable to grow roots wide and deep enough to be able to withstand the wind forces pulling their crown. Also some trees which had grown naturally over rocks had roots which were not able to support the tree in the violent storms.

I fully agree we need to give trees as much room as possible. And I’m sure that tree maintenance can be improved further. But we don’t want to give engineers, landscape architects and their clients excuses to stop planting trees due to space limitations. Already one letter appeared in an English language paper suggesting that we should have no trees at all along roads.

I beg to differ. Our city needs more trees

in urban areas and along roads. Trees are incredibly important for the enjoyment of our public spaces. We need shade. Trees also absorb noise, filter pollutants and clean our air.

We need to continue to add more, not fewer trees throughout our urban districts.

Let’s recount the good news: when there is a typhoon, trees will fall but the risk of injury is limited as people have ample warnings to stay clear. As people stayed indoors, flying branches and 46,000 falling trees did not seriously injure anyone. This is despite footage of people risking themselves (and others) by going out.

The Government has promised to review its Contingency Plan for Natural Disasters. This will likely focus on how people were expected to go back to work after the lowering of the typhoon signal despite the lack of transport that morning.

The review should also deal with the capacity of emergency and various Government services to clear trees and debris along traffic, transport and pedestrian corridors. They responded in full force to clear roads and rail lines but often with primitive means (hand saws and ropes). When the community learned about this, they too came out to help clear footpaths, trails and beaches. We need to make sure more people are trained to work with chainsaws, and more equipment such as grapple trucks are available quickly. As a city we want more, not fewer trees. So let’s learn to clean up quickly when they fall. And let new trees grow in their place.

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

woof

Ask a vet...

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

My cat sometimes has bursts of aggression and attacks things around him, including us! How can we calm him down?

Cats remain youngsters until they are socially mature, around two years of age. Until then they don’t know how to interact and play safely with humans.

It is up to us to teach them “unacceptable behaviour” from a young age. To any aggressive actions you should say ‘NO’ by backing away and refocus the behavior to toys like feather wands instead of you/your possessions. If your cat’s behavior to a gentle correction is to attack more than you already have a serious problem and I recommend you talk to your vet.

My cat has a lump on her back, when we squeeze it a clear liquid comes out and it goes down. But it always comes back, is it anything to worry about?

Probably not, but without analysis of the fluid and palpating around the area I can’t be sure. It sounds like a cyst and if the fluid is a little sticky most likely comes from a sebaceous gland that has a blocked exit. When you squeeze, the blocked exit opens up. I’d monitor the lump and be prepared to discuss it with your vet.

My bird has been constantly fluffy recently and just really low on energy, what is wrong with him?

It sounds like your bird is sick. It needs to see a vet that deals with avian species. Don’t wait as your bird could die. Birds do fluff their feathers when they are cold and trap air around them to warm up but this shouldn’t last for days and days.

Our 10-year-old cat has started drinking a lot more water. Is it her age?

I very much doubt it! Many cats live to over 20 nowadays. There are many reasons why animals start drinking more and honestly if you have noticed ‘polydipsia’ [drinks more than before] I suspect there is/are medical causes involved e.g. diabetes, kidney or thyroid disease to name a few. If you have recently started feeding a new salty food or your cat is being kept in a very hot environment these could contribute but medical reasons are more likely.

A clinical exam and some blood/urine tests are needed to sort this out.

Is it safe to have an exterminator spray for bugs while my pets are in the house?

I would not recommend exterminators spray while your pets are at home. I would advise you remove all pets from your house and keep them away for a few hours, overnight if possible and certainly for birds. Make sure you tell the exterminators in advance that you have pets at home as they may vary what chemicals they use in their spray.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com 58 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

pet walk

Walkies With Shloka Bahuguna of Hong Kong International School

O

ur chocolate labrador, Magnus is a little over a year old. He is playful, happy and has limitless energy! He loves the outdoors as much as we all do.

I take him for a walk along South Bay Road to the South Bay beach which is adjacent to Repulse Bay beach – it is quiet and a beautiful walk which we both enjoy! Sometimes I take him to Seaview Promenade that connects Repulse Bay beach and the DeepWater Bay beach. He meets many friends on the way and also gets a chance to splash in the water at a little dog beach that comes along the same path.

Magnus also enjoys the hiking trails on the Southside. He has joined my family on the Tai Tam WaterWorks trail and the Dragon’s Back Hike.

He has also been brave enough to try the Twins which is a popular trail for hiking enthusiasts.

Magnus loves to stroll around Stanley. There are many dog-friendly restaurants as well as dog accessories shops. He enjoys the buzz on

the weekends too! If we are in the mood for something quieter then we walk along the Wong Na Kok Road past the vet’s clinic near Stanley market.

The Southside is gorgeous but it would be

wonderful to have a large fenced area where dogs can be unleashed and enjoy their freedom, and to socialise with other furry friends. I hope to see that in the future – it would be a dream come true!

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

marketplace

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

60 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

What to plant in November?

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

marketplace

62 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

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

SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

column

Parent-teacher night takes skillz Opinions, rants and random outbursts. By Mrs. Backfire

D

o I have these skills? No.

But I can identify them and try to provide some helpful tips to guide you.

Just like the Learner Profile says: I shall Inquire and Communicate! Let’s begin.

First, you have to be on time. So, yeah, there’s that. In secondary school, P-T night isbasically speed dating for a section of humans who would gladly never swipe left ever again(if they even knew how). But here, you get five minutes per slot per class, literally. In and out, short and sweet. Don’t be late, don’t ask too many questions, don’t small talk. Do not delay the schedule. Because if you do, you become ‘the parent’. The one who creates the traffic jam in the doorway of the classroom because everyone has to wait. And you’ve seen that vulture-y flock at work - rolling their eyes and checking their watches and appointment schedules. Who wants to be on the receiving end of that critical gaze?

Second, as related to the above, you have to stay focused. While parent-teacher meetingsmight conjure memories of your school days – the colourful bulletin boards and small,stackable chairs also help – now is not the time to drift off into revelry. Or, more likely, tomarvel at all the super organised, engaged and well-spoken teachers in front of you. There are so many! Like, the Maths teacher who is young enough to be your son (a shocking realisation let me tell you), who could probably use a home-cooked meal, and yet here he is explaining in brief how your child can improve his proficiency at solving for not only x but y.

Next stop on the P-T circuit is the teacher with Perfect Skin. Because there’s always a teacher with perfect skin. Always. She’s most likely newly-engaged and perfectly accessorised. Try not to hate her. Perfect Skin is so encouraging and smart, and so at ease with phrases like theoretical framework, text types and narrative voice. She’s also a Jane Austen fan!

Then there’s the Rock Star teacher, the more gregarious counterpoint to Perfect Skin. He’s funny, charming, challenging, a natural in front of the class, and he doesn’t even have to carry a guitar, Jack Black-style. Five minutes with Rock Star and you really don’t have to wonder why Resistant Materials is such a popular class.

But see, now you’ve done it, you got distracted and entranced by all of these clever, appealing authority figures, and now you want to share. Don’t. Third thing to remember at P- T

64 | SOUTHSIDE.HK

night is: do not make this about you. The Global Perspectives teacher could care less about that time, “I was working on a story in Kandahar, you see...” And Perfect Skin does not need to hear how much you identify with Nora, how prescient Ibsen was. By all that’s holy, keep your poetry to yourself. Stop now.

Look, I know how easy it is to lapse into eager-learner mode, though for the sake of my kids I won’t go into details (only to say that in another dimension I’m pretty sure that Philosophy teacher and I would be BFFs). I realise that most of us are born with an innate yearning to please. Our inner teacher’s pet. But your job as a parent is simple. Smile. Nod. Shut Up.

Finally, if you really must chit-chat, consider Point Five: parents are allowed to engage with Other Parents Only. So, go ahead. Indulge in the air kisses and the how-are-you’s? Ask about past summers and future Christmas breaks.

Cluck-cluck at the dad who shows up in flipflops and faded shorts. Who does that? Or gaze in awe at Punk Mom – full-sleeve tattoos, CBGB t-shirt, possible dreads. Such courage. I wonder who her favorite teacher is. We must catch up, you say to numerous folks. We never will. Until the next Parent-Teacher night and the cycle resumes.

So, consider yourself informed, dear readers, because as the vibrant bulletin board near the exit reminds us: knowledge is power!

Don’t be late, don’t ask too many questions, don’t small talk.

Which brings me to Point Four: the short list of forbidden words at P-T night. 1. Tutor; 2.

Tutor; and 3. Tutor. The open secret is so much a part of Hong Kong life and learning, we rarely give it a second thought. Until a casual mention to the Physics teacher provokes a semimeltdown from your daughter at the end of the evening. What’s the big deal, you ask, everyone has a tutor. Yeah, but you’re not supposed to talk about it! Oh, I began to realise, after much rending of garments and gnashing of teeth; talking about tutors might indicate an actual flaw in the system – a glitch in the matrix – and exposure might force us to consider that the modern workloads and expectations we place on our kids are just too damn high. Well, then.

Lesson learned. Blue pill taken.

As a friend of mine recently said about P-T night: it’s all about maintaining a united front. Leave the dressing down about missed assignments and inattentiveness in class to later, when you’re all home, and no one can hear you scream. At P-T night, it should be you supporting your kid. Even if you’re pretty sure that Rock Star’s knowing gaze is not about how cool and accomplished he thinks you are, but how he saw your eldest boy at Wan Chai Wednesday over the midterm break.

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 ;)

southsidemagazinehk

Mingle and Jingle at the

Christmas Charity Lunch 5th Dec, 2018 (Wed) 11am - 3pm EL Charro Mexican Cantina, Cyberport Christmas Pop-up stores

Christmas Lunch (free flow of wine)

Venue Sponsor

$550 / guest ($500 / guest if booking a table of 6-8) Includes bubbles, Raffle games three-course lunch and wine!

Attractive Prizes Goodie Bags

Tickets available now from: hongkongliving.com/shop Silver Sponsor

Goodie Bags

Pop-up Stores

and more...

In support of