Mid-levels December 2018

DINING | OUTDOORS | TREES | BAUBLES

Mid-levels magazine

hongkongliving.com

December 2018 A mid-levels Christmas Story

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Xmas calories up (and up)

10

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The Ultimate Christmas

GIFT GUIDE

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12

7

Merry Christmas 365 Mid-levels! festive things to do

Best NYE Dining Spots 2

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Fabric shopping in Sham Shui Po

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Mid-levels The really useful magazine

magazine

December 2018

2 CONTRIBUTORS

28 FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Meet our team

Zuma's cocktail expert Jimmy Barrat

4 SNAPPED!

32 BIG DAY OUT

Life around Mid-levels

Sham Shui Po fabric market

7 WHAT’S ON

34 OUTDOORS

A round-up of festive happenings

Hike away the festive calories

10 TREE TIME

38 EDUCATION

Where to buy your Xmas tree

Woodland Pre-School on Caine Road

12 THINGS WE’D BUY

44 PETS

The ultimate Xmas gift guide

Dr Pauline warns against festive fatalities

16 NEWS

48 DESIGNING HK

Truly local news

32 38

Congestion crisis

34

18 LOCAL

Closure of Discovery Bay Marina

20 CHRISTMAS STORY

I a m stealing Christmas, hehe

The Grinch schemed a silly scheme

24 DINING

Dining with a view on New Year's Eve

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28

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7 “I WILL HONOUR CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART, AND TRY TO KEEP IT ALL THE YEAR.” CHARLES DICKENS

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I

editor’s letter

f you’ve already decked your home with festive lighting, magnificent embroidered wall hangings, heirloom stockings and nifty table runners by now, then I envy you.

I’m always a last-minute girl when it comes to prepping for Christmas, although this year at least I’ve sent out all Christmas cards (yep, old school me still writes them) before the mailing deadlines. Yippie!

But the unchristmasy state of my home has not stopped me from getting swept up in the festive cheer, not least because our team had our first pre-Christmas party in mid-November!

That was a sort of little celebration after our design team laid out some beautiful pages of this December issue. You’ll hopefully feel the love we’ve put in this issue as you go through the many guides that we’ve created to help you have a blast this festive season. Whether you are in a last-minute rush to get a Christmas tree, looking for a tip-top spot to see the New Year’s Eve firework display, or are already fretting about how to shed those Christmas calories, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve even got a potent antidote to any cynicism about Christmas - a Mid-levels Christmas story featuring the Grinch, lovingly illustrated by the talented French artist Florence

Mid-levels magazine

Editorial

Managing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Shirley Lau, shirley@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Carolynne Dear, carolynne@hongkongliving.com Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Media Assistant Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com

Design

Graphic Designer Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

Traissac. Let it put a smile on your face, as the festive season should, and show it to all Grinches you know. Let them know Christmas is not to be dissed. Here I extend a glass of mulled wine to you and wish you a very holly jolly Christmas. See you in 2019!

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

Events

Event Executive Ran Chan, ran@hongkongliving.com

Operations

Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

Digital

contributors

Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to Florence Traissac

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772

Florence Traissac

The Grinch

Amelia Sewell

… is the artist who illustrated the Mid-levels Christmas story in this issue.

A happy life in Hong Kong for Flo, a French who grew up in Italy, means making art in her colourful studio in Mid-levels and spending time with her family. Check out her studio at 12 Shing Wong Street, arteflodesign.com

… is that notorious little grump who is on a cynical mission to steal Christmas from us all on Mid-levels. But little does he know cynicism has no place at Christmas!

Find out on page 20 how he fails in his mission - and eventually learns the real meaning of the festivities.

… is the Education Editor for Hong Kong Living. With a background in education consultancy, specialising in UK boarding schools, she moved from London to Hong Kong four years ago. She loves P.G. Wodehouse and hates celery. She lives in Mid-levels with her husband and toddler.

Want to write for Mid-levels Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | hongkongliving.com

Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Cover design by Sonia Khatwani

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Mid-levels 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. Mid-levels 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.

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people Mid-levels snaps

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have your say

WHERE TO FIND THE XMAS SEASON ON MID-LEVELS

The Peak Bar. They have mulled wine.

-Alexandra and Chris

St John’s Cathedral.

For Holy Night you need the Midnight Mass.

- Pope the father

Santa in Landmark.

- Mischevious Elves

Christmas Choir in LKF.

- The Party Gospels hongkongliving.com | 5

December Events

happening in December

DEC 26

Boxing Day Hike

Nothing beats a long winter walk after a day of Christmas indulgence. Walk off the mince pies and enjoy the crisp air - in the beautiful nature of Hong Kong! (Great suggestions for you on page 34)

UNTIL DEC 2 #GetRedressed Charity Pop-Up Shop Hong Kong-based environmental charity, Redress, invites you to snap up preloved bargains at their charity pop-up shop. Includes “like-new” womenswear, accessories, menswear and more.

9am - 6pm daily. Free admission. OnTheList, 6 Duddell Street, Central. redress.com.hk

– the first international development in District 4 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - adjacent to the traditional CBD in District 1. 12:30 - 2pm.

Free to attend. The Park Lane Hong Kong 27/F, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. asiabankersclub.com

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

DEC 8-9 CapitaLand Vietnam New Project – De La Sol (Phase II) Seminar Discover the potential of De La Sol by CapitaLand

Take part in the 50km or 100km ultra race, starting and finishing at Tai Mei Tuk. Runners face over 6,300 metres of cumulative elevation gain on the 100km course, and 3,075 metres on the 50km course. 8am.

Entry prices from $750. thenorthface100.com

DEC 15 Shangela in Hong Kong

DEC 1 Pinot Palooza 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 tastes. No tokens. 11am – 6pm. $350. 33 Man Kwong Street, Central. pinotpalooza.hk

DEC 15 The North Face 100

DEC 9 Hong Kong Corporate Sevens Enter your corporate team in this year’s competition to raise money for Po Leung Kuk Tackling Life Programme. Starts 9am. Free for spectators. So Kon Po Recreation Ground, Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay. corporate7s.com.hk

DEC 15 WWF Flag Day A volunteer opportunity for kids and families to sign up to raise funds for WWF’s ocean conservation programs. Volunteers must be aged 14 and over. Register to volunteer at wwf.org.hk

Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 Diva, Shangela stops in Hong Kong with her brand new show Shangela is Shook. 8pm. Tickets from $488. Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademark Drive, Kowloon Bay. la-comedylive.com/shangela

DEC 15 WWF Flag Day A volunteer opportunity for kids and families to sign up to raise funds for WWF’s ocean conservation programs. Volunteers must be aged 14 and over.

Register to volunteer at wwf.org.hk

DEC 22 - 26 Hong Kong Food Festival This annual event is a delicious journey of food from all over the world. 22 - 25 December 10am - 9pm; 26 December 10am - 7pm. $20 per person admission.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. food-expo.com.hk

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planner

Christmas Markets

DEC 9 Handmade Hong Kong Holiday Markets Browse over 120 of Hong Kong’s finest indiecraft talents. Pick up stocking stuffers and one-of-a-kind gifts, with the bonus of purchasing directly from local artists. 11am - 6pm.

Discovery Bay South Plaza, Discovery Bay. handmadehongkong.com

DEC 5

Southside Charity Christmas Lunch with free entry to Christmas Pop-up market Enjoy lunch at El Charro Mexican Cantina, and browse over 20+ pop-up stalls - perfect for Christmas shopping. Stalls include jewellery, Flowers, Apparels, handbags, kitchen products and photo booths. Stalls include: The Pink Lotus, Maya Rugs, The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement, Venture Studios, Hippo Kids, Cadenzia House, Makaron, Edith & Jaz Jewelry, Angela Jey, Adry Vincenzi Jewellery, Malabar Baby, Little Days, ONE BOND STREET Tacheri, Chula Fashion, Azalea Fashion, Merci852, Oriental Gem CO, MiMetro, Carmen Kwok Studio, Surlaplage Ltd, Weber. 11am - 3pm. $550 per ticket, $500 per ticket when you book a table with min 6 persons. EL Charro Mexican Cantina, Cyberport. hongkongliving.com/shop

DEC 1 German Swiss International School Christmas Bazaar

admission. LUMP Studio, 11A, Gee Luen Hing Industrial Building, 2 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang. facebook.com/lumpstudio

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

DEC 8 - 9 & 15 - 16 Stanley Plaza Finnish Christmas Market

DEC 1 - 2 LUMP Christmas Ceramic Market Browse over 40 ceramic artists and makers selling everything from decorative pieces to ceramics. Cash only. Midday - 7pm. Free

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DEC 11 The Christmas Gift Festival Browse delightful treasures from around the world, like jewellery, children’s products and more. Free admission. 10am - 8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

Held over two consecutive weekends, browse over 100 stalls, including Hong Kong’s first seaside Pets Christmas Market located at Murray House. Midday - 8pm. Free admission. Stanley Plaza Amphitheatre, Stanley. thelink.com.hk

DEC 14 The Hive Studios Christmas Bazaar Enjoy various vendors, entertainment plus food and drinks at The Hive Studios Christmas Bazaar. Free Admission. 12 midday - 8pm. The Hive Studios, 8th floor, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town. thehivestudios.com.hk

happening in December

Carols, Concerts and Shows

UNTIL JAN 1 Santa Academy at IFC

DEC 6 Christmas Carol Concert Appeal

This seasonal installation comprises of six interactive checkpoints - from learning Santa’s signature “Ho Ho Ho” belly laugh to postcard writing. Free admission. 9am - 10.30pm daily.

8 Finance Street, Central. ifc.com.hk/xmas2018

Join in the celebrations of the 7th annual carol concert with drinks, canapés and carols to benefit the Society for Community Organisation. 6.30 8.30pm. Tickets $600. Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. ticketflap.com/carolconcert2018

DEC 2 & 9 Classics for Kids Christmas Concert

DEC 1 Father Christmas This heartwarming adaptation is full of merry touches with live music and playful puppetry. Various times. From $329. The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. viagogo.com

The SAR Philharmonic Orchestra’s 17th annual interactive concert introduces children to classical music and lets them try out the instruments.

2.15pm and 5pm. Tickets from $350. Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com

DEC 4 Matilda Hospital - Carols by Candlelight Listen to school choirs and enjoy game and sales stalls, mulled wine and food delights.

Money raised goes towards the Matilda Children Foundation. 6 - 8pm. Free admission. Matilda Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak. matilda.org

DEC 6 - 9 “Nutcracker The Play” Faust International Youth Theatre proudly presents Nutcracker - The Play. This unique version of captures the magic and fantasy of the original story through movement and music.

Various times. From $210. McAulay Arts Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. urbtix.hk

DEC 1 - 15 Angels for Children Secret Santa Bring some Christmas joy to the children of Po Leung Kuk and the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) by signing up to become a child’s Secret Santa. Sign up at angels-for-children.org

DEC 4 Angels for Children Christmas Live Lounge Doors open 7.30pm. $500 includes welcome drink and light canapes. Dada Bar and Lounge, 2/F The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Purchase tickets at info@angels-for-children.org

DEC 14 - 26 “The Nutcracker” Brought to you by the Hong Kong Ballet. Follow the magical adventures of Clara, Fritz and the heroic Nutcracker in their quest to defeat the evil Rat King and reunite true love. Various times.

Prices from $180. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com

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planner

Christmas tree time

Decorations

T rees

P&F Garden A bit of nature in the heart of the city, P&F offers great Douglas Firs in a range of sizes. G/F, Block I & J, Scenic Villa, 1820 Scenic Villa Drive, Pok Fu Lam. pnfgarden.iyp.hk

Brighten Floriculture Transforming itself for every festive occasion, Brighten Floriculture becomes a winter wonderland in December with trees, wreaths and everything imaginable to help you deck your halls. 18 Flower Market Road, Mongkok. brighten.hk

IKEA If anyone knows how to do Christmas, it’s the Swedish! Order your tree and have it delivered or collect in store - go early and enjoy some festive meatballs or a hotdog along with the hoards in Causeway Bay. 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. ikea.com

Bookazine Add some Hong Kong-themed special additions to your tree including a lucky cat or Star Ferry decoration to bring a little bit of the city into your living room. Shop 326-328 Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. bookazine.com.hk

kikki.K Great for cute little additions to your decor! This year’s offerings include felt animal decorations and crafty advent calendars. kikki-k.com

Sham Shui Po Ribbons, bows and stickers - Sham Shui Po is a DIY fan's dream come true. With streets full of shops you can spend all day getting things you need or more importantly, don’t need! See our guide on page 32. Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po.

Lane Crawford Deck your tree with delicate glass baubles, gold trimmings and plenty of glitter, Lane Crawford is the perfect place to stock up for a classy Christmas. IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central. lanecrawford.com.hk

Van der Bloom Priding themselves on having the freshest Noble Firs from Oregon, your house will be smelling like Christmas in no time!

Trees from $990 for three foot with stand included.

G/F, 61 Hollywood Road, Central. vanderbloom.com.hk

Mong Kok Flower Market If you can’t find it in Mong Kok, it doesn’t exist! The flower market has a huge range of reasonably priced flowers, plants and of course, Christmas trees, you could spend the whole day just browsing. Flower Market Road, Mong Kok.

Stanley Market Full of hidden treasure, Stanley Market decks its stalls out during the festive season, so keep your eyes peeled for discounted delights. 6 Stanley Market Road, Stanley.

T ree T rends 2018/19 The minimalist tree A natural beauty. Keep it simple and just add fairy lights.

Partytime

The woodland tree

Make your Christmas party the best in town with Partytime’s range of faux trees, bunting and extra touches to make sure you have the most festive house on the block. Shop 925, Times Square, Causeway Bay. partytime.com.hk

Bring the tree back to its roots by decorating with pine cones, Earthy shades and delicate touches of gold.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Are you a member? Or know someone who is? Choose between Noble Fir or Douglas Fir Christmas trees at discounted prices. 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. fcchk.org

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The winter wonderland tree Wishing Hong Kong could have a white Christmas? Recreate a snow scene with white and silver then top off with fake snow.

The seaside tree Hong Kong climate just too warm to make for a believable Christmas?

Throw on some starfish, shells and stick to a blue and white beachy theme.

book now

BOOK NOW JAN 12 Gurkha Trailblazer 2019 Race in the 26km or 12km category. From 8.30am. Start and finish line at Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. Entry until December 31, from $400. gurkhatrailblazer.com

JAN 20 Gammon China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Registration is open for Hong Kong’s oldest marathon and half marathon. Start and finish at Pak Tam Chung. 8am. Earlybird $400 (AVOHK members $350) on or before December 16. $500 (AVOHK members $450) on or after December 17. avohk.org

JAN 16 - 27 “Mamma Mia!” Mamma Mia!, returns to Hong Kong - a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the timeless hits of ABBA. Tickets from $195. Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. mamma-mia.com

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

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must have this month

Monogrammed Towels $428 from Blanc Des Vosges blancdesvosges.com.hk

Have you been naughty or nice this year?

Precious Nature Products $136 for shampoos and $196 for masks from Aphrodite Hair & Makeup Call 6340 5510

Blue Mandala Roundie Yoga Mat $650 from Rising Lotus shopohemia.com

Weddings, Butterflies & the Sweetest Dreams by Bonnae Gokson $880 from C’est La B Shop 202, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty Fein Measuring Spoons $740 from Establo establo.hk

Pure Cashmere scarf in Valiant Poppy $1,550 from Franci francipure.com

Michelle Jewelry Box $1,290 from Indigo indigo-living.com

Charlotte Tilbury ‘Stars in your Eyes’ Palette $670 from Lane Crawford Times Square, Canton Road and ifc mall charlottetilbury.com

MESO-BRIGHT $1,485 from Laboratoires Surface-Paris surface-paris.com

The Stripey Baby Blanket $350 from The Knitting Room (free delivery in Hong Kong) knittingroomhk.com Christian Louboutin Botty Double Veau Velours $9,800 from Lane Crawford ifc.com.hk

Alessi Scented Candles - 600g Over 80 hours burn time $1,060 from Landmark landmark.hk/shopping/alessi

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get festive

The Clardige Fisherman Cashmere Grey Sweater $4,550 from Dreyden lanecrawford.com.hk

Light in the Darkness no.3 Runner From $11,952 from Carmen Kwok Studios carmenkwokstudio@gmail.com

Tourbillon Cufflinks $980 from La Sartoria Co Ltd. lasartoriaco.com

Garmin - Fenix 5X Plus $6,999 from Garmin online.escapade.com.hk

Monochrome Tic Tac Toe $690 from Indigo indigo-living.com

Paintings of Hong Kong $2,500 - $3,700 each by Florence Traissac (3 different sizes) arteflodesign.com Berry Bros. & Rudd Christmas Dinner Set $1,500 from Berry Bros. & Rudd bbr.com/hk-home

The Continental Crewneck Cashmere Red Pullover $3,500 from Dreyden lanecrawford.com.hk

Nespresso Creatista $3,430 (original price $4,288) from Nespresso nespresso.com/hk/en

Wynd Smart Air Purifier $1,680 from Modus modus.com.hk

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must have this month

Woodland Creature Medium Cracker Set $250 from Meri Meri lanecrawford.com.hk

DokiWatch S $1,398 from Doki Technologies doki.com Hong Kong Yum Cha Tea Set $380 from Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com

Animal Tail Blanket $168 from Korean Corner koreancorner.co.kr

100% Organic Cotton Tiger Pajamas in Blue $350 from Badaboo badaboo.hk

6V BMV Motorcycle $1,499 from Toys “R� Us toysrus.com.hk

Purple Gourmet Kitchen $1,499 from Toys Club itoysclub.com

Personalised Photo Board Books From $240 from Bespoke Baby Books bespokebabybooks.com

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Little Angel Dress Up Kit $290 from Meri Meri lanecrawford.com.hk

news

Dream Cruises Welcomes ONE Millionth Passenger on World Dream Dream Cruises welcomed its one millionth passenger, Mimi Lo, to celebrate at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Ms Lo was gifted with signed prints by artist Jacky Tsai, a private tour of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, an exclusive photo shoot and champagne along with other treats. Dream Cruises has reached this milestone after just two years in operation. Mr Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises, states: “It is truly a testament to our remarkable crew and reflects the support we have received from Government bodies, our business partners, the media and the public that we have reached our one millionth passenger in such a short period.” Making her debut in November of 2017, World Dream represents a major milestone in Hong Kong’s rise as a cruise ship hub. World Dream is the first mega-cruise ship to be christened in Hong Kong and the biggest cruise ship to call Hong Kong her year-round home. dreamcruiseline.com

Money back on public Transport To cross the city from one end to the other is often a daunting, time-consuming and expensive experience, but the Government is trying to make it easier. Starting on 1 January, commuters will receive a 25 percent discount on their transportation spent beyond $400 every month, the Transport Department announced. All modes of public transport are included in the subsidy scheme including the MTR, double decker buses, minibuses, ferries and local kaitos.

The subsidy is available to claim on the 16th day of the following month, with the amount capped at $300.

Ban on sale of alcohol for minors If you ever delegate your teenage children to help you with grocery shopping, make sure no alcohols are on the shopping list.

Youngsters in Hong Kong are no longer allowed to buy alcohol from shops as a new law took effect on 30 November.

Previously, only licensed premises such as bars and clubs were covered by the law banning sale of alcohol to those under 18 years, but now the ban, aimed at clamping down on underage drinking, has been extended to supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and public events. The law also takes into account alcohol sales via the internet, SMS and social networking apps.

Nonetheless, minors are still able to drink liquor at private gatherings or social events where no money changes hands.

JUXTAPOSED features fashion and music in the latest technology at Tai Kwun Succeeding its successful show at Tamar Park last year, JUXTAPOSED, the merger of the art of fashion design with the fluidity of music, will hold its second edition at Tai Kwun this year on 7 to 9 December. At the heritage arts centre, the show will showcase an amalgamation of arts and technology, introducing the holographic projection of fashion pieces exhibition, embracing this year’s theme of “tradition meets new.” Complementing the theme, JUXTAPOSED teamed up with fashion designers and iconic, representative stores around Mid-levels to produce 10 limited edition T-shirts. Bonita Cheung, founder of

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JUXTAPOSED, says: “We wanted to show how design and contemporary lifestyle is more highly correlated than we have previously imagined.”

Designer Janko Lam, who designed the t-shirt for snake broth specialist Ser Wong Fun, notes: “The design is pretty straightforward.” She cited the wooden door frame and the antique marks on the wall as her inspiration. Gigi Ng, the fourth generation owner of Ser Wong Fun, acknowledges the importance of the project further: “This collaboration reflects the need of Hong Kong, or the whole world to preserve and share its heritage and culture.” hkdesigncentre.org

From left to right, Bonita Cheung, Gigi Ng and Janko Lam

in your backyard

Walkers’ rights: proposed street fiesta on des voeux road central Part of Des Voeux Road Central may be turned into a pedestrian precinct for three months, during which a street fiesta would be staged, in a bid to cut pollution and make Hong Kong more walker-friendly. Walk DVRC, an NGO that advocates “bringing the street back to the people”, proposes to close Des Voeux Road Central from Morrison to Hillier Streets from 10am to 10pm daily, between April and June next year. The programme would feature street performances, local food and craft beer stalls, roadside gardening and more. After the fiesta, the aim would be to turn the two-block area into a permanent pedestrian zone.

The idea of converting major roads in Central into a pedestrian zone was first floated by green groups and urban planning NGOs several years ago.

Walk DVRC recently commissioned a consultant to conduct a traffic impact assessment. Once the results of the report are out, the group will submit a formal proposal to the Central and Western District Council. M

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local

Families face eviction from Discovery Bay Marina Up to 200 families face debt, with nowhere to go after marina closure

I

n early September, Discovery Bay boat owners held a peaceful protest following the marina’s announcement of plans to evict its houseboat owners and their vessels. There has since been no change in the plan, which will see the eviction of all houseboats and their residents by December 31, 2018.

A former marina resident who preferred to remain anonymous due to the ongoing controversy told us: “As the deadline was fast approaching for debenture renewals, members and residents were already expecting the worst.

So when they received the news with such little notice, nobody knew what they were going to do with their homes, some had lived in them for the past 20 years, some still have huge loans.”

With many of Hong Kong’s other marinas currently at full capacity, this leaves a huge issue for many boat owners and their families who, as of the end of this year will have no place to moor their boats.

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“​A lot of people have helped and some shelters have been found for a few boats, but there are still many more who have nowhere to go,” the former resident told us. “Apart from the great stress upon some families, the main concern was where would all 200 families live past December 31. Many lives are affected, not only the home owners, but also the domestic helpers as well as the ‘boat boys’, their jobs are on the line”.

Discovery Bay Marina Club has announced that following the December 31 closure, the area will undergo extensive repair and renovation work, but have not yet revealed whether residents will be able to return after the work is complete. The Government Marine Department has said that by law, no person should be using a houseboat as a permanent residence unless they have been issued with a licence to do so.

Residents have been openly frustrated with the marina about the lack of communication.

Awaiting eviction

“​My view is that big organisations in Hong Kong are here to make money, and people’s lives and happiness is not in their equation for big profits. Until the government starts to care about the people instead of the companies, these things will continue to happen here”.

With the December 31 deadline fast approaching, no doubt residents will continue to dispute the decision until the final tick tock of the clock. M Got a local story? Have your say by emailing editorial@hongkongliving.com

xmas story

A Mid-levels Mid-levels people, From the May Road to the coast, From K-town to Wan Chai, Loved Christmas the most.

But the Grinch lived alone in Hong Kong’s tallest tower, Checking his Excel docs (titled “Money” and “Power”), This Grinch, who loved only his car and yacht, This Grinch, most certainly, did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas!

The whole Christmas season!

Now, please don’t ask why.

No one quite knows the reason.

It could be the harbour’s Christmas lights were too bright, Or his Marc Jacobs pants had gotten too tight.

(Or perhaps the pollution had damaged his sight.)

But I think the most likely reason of all, May have been his heart was two sizes too small.

So evil Grinch schemed a scheme, fingers nervously drumming, “I MUST find a way to keep Christmas from coming!”

Then he got an idea, an awful idea.

The Grinch got a wonderful, awful idea!

The Grinch told his amah to sew a red suit, Then dressed up as Santa to gather his loot.

He tiptoed through lobbies, past guards, into lifts, broke into our Mid-levels homes and HE STOLE all our gifts.

From Robinson to Bonham not a present was left, Every Christmas stocking was emptied, Every fridge left bereft, It was a terrible, terrible, terrible theft.

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Christmas tale

silly scheme

Illustrations by Florence Traissac

Victorious, Grinchy dragged our presents to his lair, And reclined rather smugly, in his giant Osim chair.

He said: “Now to enjoy my evil Grinchy thing!”

And Instagrammed a selfie with his ill-gotten bling.

He turned on his S9, his Mac and iPhone, He just could not wait to hear the Mid-levelers all moan.

But Facebook was quiet, there was no news on his feed, no tweets on his Twitter, there was nothing to read.

So he turned on YouTube and gasped in surprise.

“OMG!” he declared. “I can’t believe my eyes!”

Every Mid-leveler, the tall and the small, was singing and happy without presents at all!

He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming!

IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, staring at that live feed show, Stood puzzling and puzzling, “How could it be so?”

“Christmas came without shopping! It came without tags!

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xmas story

“It came without brand-name boxes or bags!”

And he puzzled for hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “Doesn’t come from a store.

“Maybe Christmas… perhaps…

Means a little bit more!”

S

And what happened then?

Well… in Mid-levels they say That the Grinch’s small heart Grew three sizes that day.

The minute his heart didn’t feel quite so tight, He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light And he brought back the toys!

And the food to the Mid-levelers!

And he…

THE GRUMPY GRINCH…!

Became one of the Christmas revellers!!

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dining

Boom! Ha The best dining spots in town to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks

Hutong The Chinese elements of this 28th floor restaurant, together with the stunning view of the harbour, make a perfect setting for an East-meets-West Christmas in Hong Kong.

Following a dramatic refurb, Hutong has reopened with a stylish Chinese-inspired interior, which features a birdcage bar, a

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traditional stone “Moon Gate” framing the lounge area, a colourful Lai See tree and a 70-year-old hand-crafted wooden ceiling. Its New Year’s Eve dinner set is divided into two time slots. Make sure to book the second slot to see the firework display at midnight. 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, hutong.com.hk

happy new year

appy 2019!

Felix With its ritzy flair, avant-garde Philippe Starck decor and unparalleled harbour views, Felix is the perfect destination to pop open bottles of champagne and revel with a glitzy crowd in the arrival of 2019. This year, you can tuck into an eight-course black tie gala dinner ($4,388), to the accompaniment of live band music.

28/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6778, peninsula. com

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dining Nobu, Intercontinental Hotel

How to throw a great New Years Eve party

Book yourself a window-side table at this top Japanese restaurant to enjoy epic views of the fireworks - and to feast on the sumptuous eight-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($2,988 per person). Housed inside the celebrated five-star Intercontinental Hotel, Nobu is the brainchild of world-famous Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who excels in giving a modern, innovative spin to Japanese cuisine. 2/F, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313 2323, intercontinental.com

ToTT’s and Roof Terrace ToTT, which stands for “talk of the town”, may not quite live up to its name today as it’s been around for years. But with its fine food and stunning location on the 34th floor of The Excelsior in Causeway Bay, this place is timelessly great for dining on New Year’s Eve and taking in sparkling views of the fireworks when the clock strikes midnight. 34/F, Excelsior Hotel, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, 2837 6786, mandarinoriental.com

Maze Grill British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently opened this modern, family-oriented steakhouse with an Asian influence at Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui. The spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Lamma Channel mean the seafacing tables will be snapped up faster than fireworks explode over the harbour.

Harbour City, Shop OTE401 Level 4, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2765 0890, diningconcepts.com

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse Wan Chai A rooftop terrace of epic proportions, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse in Wan Chai rests on the 31st floor of The Hennessy. In this delicious escape from the hustle and bustle below, you can savour their succulent steak while watching fireworks fired from boats off Wan Chai. The Hennessy, 31/F & Rooftop, 256 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, 2893 6960, woo-prime.com

1.

Try not to throw a New Year’s Eve party - just go to lots of them.

2.

We’re generally against games, so none of those, please.

3.

Dress up your dog. If Little Waffles (the Moustache house pet, a beer-drinking pug) wasn’t so darn hot, we’d have him in a different jumper every day.

4.

Hire a piano.

5.

Lots of champagne and other festive bubbly beverages.

6.

Small food that doesn’t need to be eaten from a plate.

7.

Don’t be tempted to use plastic or paper glasses and plates, it’s so very unglamorous. If you have only six wine glasses, invite six friends. Or hire more wine glasses from a wine store.

8.

Nothing says welcome to the holidays like a velvet dinner jacket. You can dress it up or down and you’ll always be the smartest at the ball. Women too!

9.

No one cares to scroll through others’ tweets about how blessed they’d been in 2018 and how there’s now only 50 minutes left, now 45… Just leave out the tweeting and Facebooking. Enjoy the party.

10. Refrain from forcing a romantic kiss out of desperation, or worse still, alcohol-induced desperation.

11. Don’t get sentimental. Don’t drunk-dial your ex after the countdown. Our statistics show that embarrassing and socially awkward mistakes are most easily committed when the clock strikes midnight on this day.

12. If you don’t have a housekeeper then talk to someone who does - it pays to keep tidy throughout the evening rather than dealing with a mess and a hangover the next day.

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happy new year

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five minutes with Jimmy’s mulled wine recipe You will need: • 10g peeled yuzu • 2 clementines • 1 orange • 200g sakura sugar • 6 cloves • 1 nutmeg to be grated • 1 vanilla pod • 2 star anises • 2 bottles of French Beaujolais • 50ml of PX Lustau • 20ml of dark rum

Setting the bar high

Jimmy Barrat, the award-winning barman of contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma, on his rewarding life behind the stick When I was a kid, my playground was the kitchen. I’m originally from Southern France.

My parents ran a restaurant. We had to have very early lunch and I didn’t want to. So my parents and grandparents said “look, this is the kitchen. Cook for yourself when you’re hungry”.

So I observed what they did in the kitchen and I started cooking at the age of eight.

I started helping my parents at the restaurant when I was 14. When I was 17, I opened a nightclub with my dad in the northern part of France. We sold it three years later - that sort of nightlife business was usually short-lived.

Then I took up seasonal jobs in France, working on the beach in summer and on the mountain in winter. One day, the owner of Zuma, who was one of my regular customers in SaintJean-Cap-Ferrat in Southern France, asked me if I wanted to join his group and work in London.

I said “no, no!” - I was having a dream life at the time. But some time later, I said “yes”. I wanted to go to London to perfect my English.

Stop talking for two minutes with a friend in a bar and you’ll see how long it is. When I go to a bar, I don’t want to wait 10 minutes for a drink.

Fast delivery and quality of drinks are equally important, and that’s what Zuma is known for.

Going light on alcohol, aperitivo style, is becoming a global trend as people are getting more health-conscious. I was in Hong Kong recently to revamp our cocktail list, to bring it back to simplicity and add a Japanese twist to it.

Why is Albert Einstein so well regarded? It’s not only because he was smart but also because he was able to explain some extremely complex concepts in a way that people can understand.

I myself also believe in simplicity. Delivering simplicity is my strength and my signature, but I also put in a lot of effort in my work. In a way it’s very Japanese.

I fell in love with London. It was an eye-opening experience in terms of bartending. What I discovered was nowhere near what I’d ever seen, from the techniques of making drinks to the complex mix of ingredients. At that time, the best drink you could have in France was a mojito.

You can cure fascism by reading, and racism by travelling. I live in Dubai with my wife and my six-year-old son. It’s a very comfortable place to live in and is very international. It’s great for my son. Being raised in an environment where you are surrounded by different types of people is like travelling, and I can see the beauty of that in my son. It’s an incredible gift. You will grow up not judging others, which I think is extremely important for everybody.

It’s said that if you lose one sense, others grow sharper. So I blindfolded the judges and played Ray Charles’ music when I competed in the final Cocktails Against The Clock Challenge in Brazil in 2012. Why Ray Charles? Because he was blind. I won the first runner-up.

A lot of things in life put a smile on my face.

I’m a happy person. I enjoy small things in life.

In Hong Kong, the jungle-like nature and the trees on the streets make me smile. I practically live in a dessert, and so whenever I see trees or mountains, I am very, very happy. M

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Actions!

1. Peel the fruits before juicing them. Put the juice, sugar and the peel in a pan.

Heat gently to not burn the sugar.

2. Add the other spice. Grate the nutmeg.

Open the vanilla pod in two, extracting the chair and putting it all inside.

3. Control the temperature to no more than 78 degrees to make sure the alcohol doesn’t evaporate. Add the rum and the PX Lustau.

Jimmy’s three favourite Xmas cocktails at Zuma Hong Kong Ramos san Ingredients: gin, homemade yuzu panna cotta made with mascarpone Hokkaido milk, lime, yuzu and soda.

“This is our take on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz! The dessert panna cotta is cooked from scratch and added with some Japanese flavours. It sounds heavy but it’s not at all.

It’s refreshing yet gently sweet as a Xmas treat.”

Christmas Eve in Osaka Ingredients: Zacapa 23, homemade yuzu, panettone syrup and lime “This is somewhat of a journey back to childhood for anyone who grew up in the Mediterranean part of Europe. The candylike flavour of the panettone is enhanced by the yuzu. The perfect match with Zacapa rum will take you back to that sweet place where Xmas belongs.”

Christmas Bellini Ingredients: fresh cranberry juice reduction with orange zest, cinnamon, black pepper corn, cloves, sake and Prosecco “This is a true expression of the classic Xmas flavour, served chill with a festive twist given by the bubbles. It’s a cold sparkling mulled wine!”

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big day out

Sham Shui Po Fabric Market Deck the halls and wrap your gifts with our shopping guide

A

haven for tinsel, baubles and ribbons galore. At this time of year, Sham Shui Po fabric market is bursting with colour and festive cheer (well not quite), but it is a great place to stock up on Christmas decorations, wrapping, ribbons and bows. You could even take the kids - they can choose fabrics and paper, then spend the afternoon hand-making Christmas cards.

As with all Hong Kong institutions, you need to know how to navigate the streets of Sham Shui Po. Stick to our guide and we’ll have you back on the island, festive tipple in hand in no time.

you exit the MTR) or wait until you reach Cafe Sausalito on Tai Nan Street, a Europeanstyle coffee shop which also sells cakes and sandwiches.

The streets and stalls are not as chaotic as they may initially seem. Stores selling different items are grouped together. The choice can be overwhelming but you can’t go wrong, they’re all pretty good, and cheap. Time to get your creative hat on, speaking of hats, there’s a fabulous millinery shop on Yu Chau Street!

Arrival On arrival take MTR Exit A2, you’ll come straight out onto Apliu Street Flea Market, famous for electronics as well as being one of the oldest street markets in Hong Kong.

It’s easy to get distracted here, but remember you’re here for the ribbons and bows.

Coffee options are limited. Grab a takeaway coffee from McDonald’s (just to the left as

Ribbons and beads Your first stop should be the MTR end of Yu Chau Street. Here you can stock up on fancy paper, ribbons and bows. Christmas-themed ribbons are perfect for wrapping gifts and decorating the tree. Get creative with your Secret Santa this year, the vendors here here also stock beads, costume jewellery and tools and accessories.

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Fabric

Cross Nam Cheong Street and you’ll enter the main body of the fabric market which sprawls across Apliu Street and Yu Chau Street, stretching as far up as Tai Nan Street. You can enjoy getting lost here in the maze of fabric stalls, but when you find yourself stumbling across garages and mechanics you’ve gone too

How to buy fabric from the wholesale stores 1. Samples are stapled to white cards. These white cards give details of the fabric such as the width and the minimum order amount (usually three or five yards).

Check with the vendor for the price per yard.

2. Order your fabric from the vendor there, or take their business card and order at a later date over WhatsApp. If you do this you will need to pay online and send proof of payment over WhatsApp. 3. The vendor will let you know via whatsapp once your fabric is ready to collect (usually three days later). You can also organise to have it delivered to you.

DIY far, turn back. Check out the street market on Ki Lung Street, here vendors offer fabric in smaller quantities, by the yard. The street market is also great for buying threads and string to attach gift tags. As for the wholesale shops, they have a much larger range of fabrics, most sell a minimum of three yards, choose from thousands samples stapled to small cards then order from the vendor. Your fabric will usually be ready to collect in three days, or you can have it delivered to you. Offcuts can be picked up from small bins outside the shops for around $20 per piece.

Leather

Tai Nan Street is great for leather goods and supplies. Lengths of leather finished off with some festive forage make great napkin rings.

Some shops on this street also offer leathermaking workshops. M

Steps to Sham Shui Po success • DON’T go if it’s raining - a lot of the market-holders stay closed and you’ll end up wet, miserable and fabric-less • DON’T go before 11am - Hong Kong is a late opening kind of city!

• DON’T go on a Sunday or a public holiday - many stores and market-holders will close • DO take a small handbag and foldaway shopping bag - the fabric shops in particular are stuffed with treasures, you don’t want to be toting oversized bags around the material rolls • DO catch the MTR - Sham Shui Po is on the Tsuen Wan (red) line, seven stops from Central, Exit A2 and walk straight ahead until you reach “bead street” (Yu Chau Street) • DO bring along any electronic gadgets that have been sitting at your home waiting to be repaired. Whilst you’re in an area with the cheapest gadget repair stores, why not take full advantage of it!

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outdoor

Boxing day hikes

Burn off those Christmas calories with a casual stroll or thigh-burning hike

take a visitor

Dragon’s Back

Duration: 2-3 hours Calories burned: Spectacular views of Shek O mansions, beaches, and the South China Sea without a punishing climb, but effective for calorie burning.

Named after its hilltop undulations, Dragon’s Back is also ideal for visitors - you can do it in a morning or an afternoon. Busy on weekends,

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

How to get there: 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.

Did you know?

Cause

Karma (calories)

1 slice of turkey

+100

1 roast potato

+200

1 mince pie

+177

Walking 2 km

-125

sweat

Twin Peaks and Violet Hill Duration: 3 hours Calories burned:

thigh burner

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 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. It gives any stairclimber at the gym a run for its money.

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.

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 - maybe even, as in the case of one friend, a marriage proposal. 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

How to get there: 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.

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outdoor

Pat Sin Leng Duration: 7 hours Calories burned: Deep in the New Territories lies Pat Sin Leng (“the Eight Fairies”), a range of eight peaks set amidst emerald lakes. Each peak is named after one of the eight fairies in Chinese mythology. The highest peak is Shun Yeung Fung (591m), whose

Lamma Family Walk

summit offers a panorama of the Northeastern landscape. Experienced hikers may enjoy stage 9 and Stage 10 of the Wilson trail, which takes you along the ridges of Wong Leng, Lai Pek Shan and Pat Sin Leng. The trail is difficult in terms of elevation and distance, but you’ll enjoy spectacular views of rolling green hills against the backdrop of Plover Cove Reservoir. On a clear day, you can see Shenzhen in the distance.

For something less strenuous, try the 4.4 km (2.5 hours) trail from Tai Mei Tuk to Bride’s Pool.

Numbered sign boards (from 1 to 22) will help

easy peasy

Duration: no more than 1 hour Calories burned: The walk between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, a.k.a. the “Lamma Family Walk”, is one of Hong Kong’s most loved trails, not least because it’s an easy walk but also because it’s a great way to see the outlying island and the surrounding areas.

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 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

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the bay for a fun diversion. After lunch, take the easy 15-minute trail to pretty Lo Shing Beach on the west coast.

How to get there: 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)

you navigate and the two waterfalls at Bride’s Pool are a great way to end the walk.

ultimate calorie burner

How to get there: Take the MTR to Tai Po Market MTR Station. Section 9 starts on the summit of Cloudy Hill - to get there, take a taxi from the station to Tai Po Tau Drive and walk. Alternatively, to get to Tai Mei Tuk, catch green minibus 20C from the station.

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education

Shipshape and ready for play

Woodland Pre-School on Caine Road has had a refurb. Amelia Sewell checks it out

A

fter 40 years at the forefront of an industry, many places might have taken their foot off the pedal and switched to cruise control. But not the Woodland group. Fresh, modern and with every bell and whistle you can possibly imagine, its Caine Road campus is a school at the top of its game.

Woodland Montessori Pre-School on Caine Road is the biggest of the Woodland group’s pre-schools and it is has got to be in the running for the most impressive.

Straddling two sides of Caine Road and seemingly in situ since time began, the school is something of a mid-levels landmark, and, after a summer of refurbishment, it could not be looking in better condition.

The developments have been meticulously thought through and at the basis of every change has been the question of what would benefit the children.

“We sat back and asked: ‘What’s missing for Hong Kong children?’ And by and large,

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it’s outdoor play,” head of school Ellie O’Ready tells me.

So the management team made an unprecedented call last year to convert a number of their classrooms into outdoor play areas.

“We took a bold decision in the spring to take the roof off a third of our ground floor site, transforming what were indoor spaces into outdoor playgrounds,” explains O’Ready.

Yes, you heard that correctly - they sacrificed classrooms in which bums-onseats equate to dollars-in-the-pot, for open air space. Considering that Hong Kong occasionally has a reputation for viewing education as nothing but a cash cow, this is a pretty radical move.

But it makes perfect sense because the school is a keen advocate of the concept that the time children spend outdoors benefits the time they spend indoors; that giving children opportunities to expend energy will help them to focus for the time when they are required

A happy toddler at Woodland Montessori PreSchool on Caine Road

education

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education

Principal’s office Meeting Head of Woodland pre-school Ellie O’Ready well-established and committed managerial framework and in secure and stable premises.

Many of our families are expats, and being able to provide that port in a storm is invaluable.

Added to this, in May of this year Woodland became part of the Cognita group. With over 70 schools in their global portfolio, Cognita have brought with them a depth of experience in educational innovation from around the world, whether you are planning to be in Hong Kong short or long term, being part of the Cognita family offers parents an invaluable unique network of schools, as well as a through-train experience from six months until graduation.

What’s new for Woodland Caine Road this year?

OUTDOOR PLAY! Five fabulous new outdoor playgrounds – the Pitch (Football); the Court (Basketball); High Street; Climb & Tumble; and, finally, Splash! which is our new Water-themed playground. Age appropriate outdoor play opportunities are hard to find in Hong Kong; and with over 5,000 sq. ft specifically designed for toddlers, our new outdoor areas add very special play experiences for our children.

What about Woodland are you most proud of?

Whilst we are a school that follows the British EYFS curriculum, we are extremely proud of our international diversity. At the moment we have over 40 different nationalities enrolled with us. When these children move on, they will not only go on to study at top British International schools, but also American, Canadian, German, French and more besides. We feed into all international schools and have an excellent track record in preparing our children for their next step.

What sets your school apart from others?

Hong Kong has changed a lot in the past 40 years; throughout the city’s ups and downs, and with so many others now operating within this sector. I am extremely proud that we are not just still here, but still leading the way.

Woodland was, and remains, borne out of a love and respect for children. We have grown steadily and sustainably, offering families not just a top-notch education, but within a

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What else is in the pipeline for Woodland Pre-Schools?

Watch this space! Sixty-five percent of jobs for tomorrow don’t exist today! It’s our role as educators to continually evolve and provide the best environment we can in order for all our children to fulfill their potential. What you can be sure of is, our classrooms will remain playrooms and our children will remain the focus of what we do.

What would you change about education in Hong Kong?

Here at Woodland we work very hard to ensure that, first and foremost, the children get to feel relaxed and safe. Instilling a sense of balance and the importance of the ‘whole child’ is key to laying foundations for a healthy life, both physically and mentally. We should always remember to let them be children, to find the wonder and magic of life and harness that as the fuel to live it.

Any favourite spots in Hong Kong?

I love Limewood in Repulse Bay; feels like escaping the city. I also find myself poolside around various hotel pools pretty frequently – feels so decadent and again, like a retreat from the urban roar. Running a pre-school is lots of fun, but in my own time I really need some chill out time, away from demands, expectations and cries of “Miss Ellieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

Where is next on your list of travel destinations?

I’m keen to head home for a good oldfashioned British Christmas, but as my husband is Australian, that might turn into a sun-kissed Sydney one instead. Either will do just fine. Beyond that, I’m dying to visit Paris again; I’ve been many times and it’s food for my soul!

One of the many play areas

to be inside a classroom.

So they decided to put their money where their mouth is and solve the problem.

And the result is five different, spacious new playgrounds. Even more radical possibly than the decision to convert indoor space to out, is the vision of the project - because in addition to the more typical soccer pitch, basketball court and climbing frame is the opening of Splash, the waterpark. With the help of some specially installed unground plumbing, the children can now put on their rash vests and indulge in water games with levers and

open day spouts, spurting fountains and misters, all without leaving the school perimeters.

“We don’t shy away from ambitious,” says O’Ready, and it would be tough to disagree with her. It’s also encouraging to see a school investing so heavily back into its facilities. Corner cutting is not a thing at the Caine Road campus.

All the play areas are used on a rota basis so that every class has the chance to use each one on a regular basis (I would stake a bet that the waterpark might be the favourite for most of the children). The same is the case for the indoor play areas, which are equally bright, creative and inviting. They include a sensory room that gives the pupils a change of scene from the classroom, but also is an aide in teaching early maths, patterns and predictability.

But it’s not all about facilities; what about curriculum, timetables and all the other things that make up a school as a whole?

The Caine Road campus is one of the Woodland Montessori schools, catering for children from six months to six years (although the Montessori teaching officially starts in classes from two years and eight months). From 18 months, classes are taught either in English, bilingual or pure Mandarin (with the small exception of the Stepping

Splash, the newly opened waterpark

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education Stones class which only has English or bilingual). From two years and four months, children can be unattended.

The school allows a “pick and mix” approach to how frequently each pupil attends; full days, half days, a mix of the two, some mornings, some afternoons. There is no blanket policy that insists on a full week.

Here, there is wriggle room, with parents free to decide how often and how much is right for their child, which is a flexibility that many families need.

“We want the children to have a sense of balance. Life doesn’t have to be about a full day of school at the age of three if that’s not what works for that child,” says O’Ready.

Visiting Woodland Caine Road, you get the feeling that you are witnessing a well-oiled machine at work. In part, this is probably because of the length of time they have been established; they have had time to finely tune their procedures. The drop off and collection routine at their convenient but busy location is as efficient as Changing of the Guard.

The summer’s developments are just the latest addition to a school that has spent 40 years at the top of its game and looks primed to do the same for the next 40.

There are plenty of opportunities for chidren to expend energy

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woof

Ask a vet...

Dr Pauline warns against festive fatalities

At holiday and festival times there are many goodies around that can cause hazards for our pets. Most visits to emergency veterinary treatment clinics are caused by the things dogs and cats eat.

Holiday goodies include many foods with a high fat content. These are wonderful for causing upset tummies. Raisins, grapes and onions are toxic to our small pets leading to blood abnormalities and renal failure.

Foods that contain artificial sweeteners can be toxic and chocolate leads to seizures and heart problems.

Flowers and plants are also dangerous to our pets. Lilies, all parts of them, can be FATAL to cats causing renal failure, mistletoe causes diarrhoea and the ever present poinsettia in abundance around us at present can cause mild irritation to lips and mucous membranes in addition to gastroenteritis.

Anxious animals, perhaps upset by the “going-ons” around them, may turn to objects to chew to release their stress. A form of displacement behaviour. These can include cables and cords belonging to festive lights or leftover wrapping paper and bows! Presents under the tree can pose as a potential snack for your pet, so be extra careful - you don’t want the contents of your carefully wrapped gifts ending up in your pet’s digestive system.

When you have visitors whom your dog or cat isn’t used to, it is a good idea to shut your pet out of the way in a safe room. They will be much happier and you can relax too.

And remember as the weather gets colder, our pets feel the difference in temperature too.

They can get hypothermia, so they need warm shelters at all times and fresh clean water every day. Finally, be sensible when letting pets access other potential poisons, cleaning

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

detergents and miscellaneous chemicals you may use.

The classic one, uncommon I’m pleased to say in Hong Kong, is anti-freeze which attracts animals to lick it leading once again to renal failure. Hopefully if you keep these hazards in mind and away from your pets, you will all have a great holiday season.

Merry Christmas to one and all, two and four legged! M

Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

Walkies

Mexican economist Hector Torres on his two mongrels

M

y two little ones are Pelos and Diablo. Pelos, a female mongrel, is almost nine. Diablo, a male mongrel, is five. We got both of them from SPCA Wanchai at different times.

Pelos is the alpha female. She is grumpy and super active, curious and a bit of a drama queen. She knows how to use her beauty to her advantage - she knows she’s pretty.

Diablo is more shy with people though he is very friendly with dogs. At home he is the sweetest dog on earth. But when we let him off the leash in a park, his personality suddenly changes and he becomes super independent.

We usually walk them on Robinson Road and then to Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail and they are super happy. Pelos once ran away on Bowen Road and made me chase her for two

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kilometres. Everybody said she was the best trainer ever! As you see, I am bald. Whenever Pelos sees a male office worker with no hair walk on the street, she gets very excited because she thinks it’s me! And she’s also excited at the sight of water and will lose no time to jump into it. Diablo also loves to go to the beach. We usually go to Big Wave Bay Beach in Shek O. But he hates water.

You can’t imagine what we have to do to get him into the water.

When Diablo arrived in our family, he thought he would be the little emperor and Pelos, who had already been with us for a few years, was very annoyed with him. It took her a year to accept him, but now they are the best pals in the world! M

I’m the little emperor

I’m the alpha female

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designing games hk

Congestion crisis

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge under construction

How will our city handle increased traffic from the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge? Designing Hong Kong reports.

Q

uota is a simple concept in capacity planning – what capacity do you need to handle a certain quota, and can you limit the quota to ensure you don’t run out of capacity. A simple example. To reach the Sai Kung Country Park you can use the bus or private car. Based on the bus routes and their frequency you can calculate the number of passengers, and you can make an assumption for people arriving by private cars based on the number of car parking spaces and vehicle permits available. Next you can ask whether we have the capacity to handle that number of people.

Let’s look at this for Hong Kong as a whole.

We used to have one rail, and a few road crossings with the mainland. Now we have two rail lines and six road crossings. Although there are fewer goods vehicles and more private cars and coaches, our average daily vehicular traffic across the boundary has been steady at about 40,000 crossings for decades. But now with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and soon the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Crossing, we will be able to handle over 220,000 daily trips. And with many “white elephant” accusations flying around the pressure is on for the Government to get as many vehicles to use these facilities as possible. In fact, former chief executive Leung Chun-Yan at a recent Urban Land Institute conference explained how he is pushing the Guangdong province to allow all Hong Kong vehicles to enter. And surely, this will be met with requests for reciprocal rights.

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In 2005 we pushed for a rail bridge. After funding for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge without rail was approved, we asked the Government to reserve land for park’n’ride facilities. We pointed out that after Monaco, Hong Kong has the highest density of vehicles per kilometre road, and we noted the existing problems with tour coaches obstructing roads in our core urban areas. This was denied as it was deemed to defeat the purpose of the new road crossings. With the opening of the bridge and after it was found that Tung Chung was overrun by tourists, the Government relaxed restrictions for some 3,300 tour buses to bypass Tung Chung and to divert them to urban areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay instead. Let’s be clear, Hong Kong has very few opportunities to increase road length in these areas. Or even in the new towns.

The increase in road length over the last 10 years has primarily been new roads in the New Territories which make it even more convenient for cars to reach the core urban areas. With the car journey speeds on some major traffic corridors during weekday morning peak hours already down to, or even lower than 10km/h, the oncoming traffic volume should be a concern for all. But the Government is blind to this. We explained that the increase in traffic quota with a new tunnel from the “Lantau Tomorrow Vision” project will bring traffic on Hong Kong Island to a stand-still. The response was not to worry because no additional car parking would be made available. Since then they have revealed

a new study into addressing the shortfall in parking. To cope with influx of vehicles there are also plans to start congestion charging – practically making roads available to the rich only. The government said we were wrong again, explaining that poor people will win as their bus will be able to move faster. We leave it to readers to judge the rationale.

Not only will there be more vehicles and day tourism from across the boundary, the utility value of owning a private vehicle is going up significantly for residents. There was little use owning a car living in Tsim Sha Tsui for making trips to Hong Kong Island. However, if that vehicle can be used to traipse around the “Greater Bay Area”, more people will be compelled to own one. This comes on top of rising personal wealth and dispersed growth in the New Territories (and cramped conditions during peak hours on buses and MTR) which are already pushing car ownership. What to do?

We need a clamp down on vehicles entering and using Hong Kong’s roads. We need park’n’ride facilities with convenient connections, and we need to mandate their use. Moreover, we need to remind politicians on both sides of the aisle that it is a win when these new border crossings are underused.

Designing Hong Kong is a non-profit organisation in Hong Kong which promotes interventions wherever it sees bad planning – at a territorial or district level, and wherever it sees that policies, processes or institutions are not working the way they should.

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