Mid-levels February 2019

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Mid-levels hongkongliving.com

February 2019

magazine

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! Chinese New Year etiquette explained

MEET THE PEOPLE TRANSFORMING HONG KONG INTERIORS

289

ways to impress your valentine

2 | hongkongliving.com

Mid-levels The really useful magazine

magazine

February 2019

2 CONTRIBUTORS

26 DINING

Meet our team

Where to wine and dine this Valentine’s Day

4 SNAPPED!

30 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Life around Mid-levels

Couples massages in Hong Kong

6 WHAT’S ON

32 HOME & LIVING

Designer Melanie Pauline's family apartment

Happening in February

12 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH

Valentine’s Day gifts

16 LOCAL Heritage in Chungking Mansions

18 FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Robert Chua from Farmers Choice

People transforming Hong Kong interiors

24 CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDE

A winter break in Finnish Lapland

42 HOROSCOPES

Where will the Year of the Pig take you?

30 24

44 PETS

20 COVER STORY

Kam Shan Country Park

38 TRAVEL

Truly local news

36 BIG DAY OUT

14 NEWS

14

Ask Dr Pauline. Plus Walkies.

48 ZIM CITY

What to do with our 2,900 payphones

Your guide to the festivities and etiquette

32

20

36 “YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN LOVE WHEN YOU CAN’T FALL ASLEEP BECAUSE REALITY IS FINALLY BETTER THAN YOUR DREAMS.” - DR. SEUSS

hongkongliving.com | 1

editor’s letter

K

ung Hei Fat Choi Mid-levellers!

As I write this we’re just past the third Monday in January, otherwise known as Blue Monday - and claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. Back in London this occasion is marked by news of things on the up, and not in a good way. Rising depression rates, increasing gas prices (I would reluctantly turn the heating down a notch), quadrupling rail fares and of course escalating Brexit dramas.

But not in Hong Kong. No, here we’re getting geared up to celebrate once again with preparations well underway to welcome in the Year of the Pig. And what a celebration it’s set to be. From early forecasts the weather is (supposed to be) great, slightly chilly, but that’s lucky by Chinese standards (see our guide to the etiquette plus where to catch the action on page 24).

Chinese tradition recommends a thorough winter clean in the lead up to the new year.

If you’re in the market for a home refresh, our cover story offers tips and 2019 interior trends from a professional declutterer, interior designer and furniture retailer on page 20.

February graces us with three public holidays, add two days leave and you’ve got a week away. Then, no sooner are you back

Mid-levels magazine

Editorial

Managing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@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 Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com

Design

Design Coordinator Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com Graphic designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing

En route a party in Sheung wan earlier this month

and it’s valentine’s day. What’s not to love?

If you fancy pigging out with your loved one we check out Hong Kong’s most romantic restaurants on page 26, or if you prefer a romantic hike, Rory Mackay takes us to Monkey Hill over on page 36.

What a month, here’s to February in Hong Kong!

Director of Partnerships Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Senior Sales & Marketing Executive Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Sales & Marketing Executive Corrie Tang, corrie@hongkongliving.com Mathew Cheung, mathew@hongkongliving.com

Events

Event Executive Ran Chan, ran@hongkongliving.com

Operations

Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com

contributors

Digital

Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to Adam White Holly Black Rory McKay

Paul Zimmerman

Rachel Blundy

Nicole Cooley

How are you celebrating Chinese New Year?

‘Looking forward to the free time. I’m on a quest to hike every mountain peak of Hong Kong. It is a brilliant way to shed the calories added during the New Year celebrations. I wish everyone Kung Hei Fat Choy and a great Year of the Pig.’

How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? “I’ll be going on a hike, probably to somewhere like Tai Tam or Stanley, before having a big meal at a Chinese restaurant with my partner’s family.”

How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? I’ll be spending the time with my family and we’re heading to Kuala Lumpur for a few days to see some friends. After a Christmas of illnesses, I’m looking forward to relaxing, eating and going on a few hikes.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

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

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong 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.

people Mid-levels snaps

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have your say

QUESTION OF THE MONTH “Where to go on a date in Mid-levels?�

Motorino near the escalator.

- Melissa and friends

Anywhere around the Soho area.

- Paul and JT

Pastis on Wyndham street

- Natasha

Agnes b. Fleuriste Cafe.

- Thomas hongkongliving.com | 5

planner

FEB 12-17

Hong Kong Race Week Local and international competitors will descend upon Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island clubhouse for one of the Club’s most exciting events of the year. Over 230 boats will compete over four race tracks! For more information (including how you can volunteer to help) visit hongkongraceweek.com

UNTIL FEB 17

Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. kidsfest.com.hk

The AIA Great European Carnival Hong Kong’s annual winter fair. 11am 11pm. Adults $130 (includes entry and 10 tokens), Child (3-11) $90 (includes entry and 7 tokens), bundles available. Number of tokens required for each attraction vary.

Central Waterfront Event Space, Central. tgec.asia

UNTIL FEB 24

Beyond Fashion - A Global Debut of a New Curation 100 remarkable photographs bridging art, fashion and food, from over 40 fashion photographers. Opens daily 10am. Free.

ArtisTree, 1/F Cambridge House, Taikoo Place, King’s Road 979, Quarry Bay. taikooplace.com

FEB 1 UNTIL FEB 17 KidsFest 2019

KidsFest continues into February with old favourites such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Gruffalo that even adults will love. Times vary. Tickets from $195. The Hong Kong

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Fashion Sewing and Pattern Making Workshop A fantastic chance to learn to sew!

Designerooms offer technical support and tutorials to help you with your creative projects. Beginners welcome. $35 per hour. Designerooms, Unit A2, 9/F, Ka Wing Factory Building, 19-21 Ng Fong Street, San Po Kong. facebook.com/designerooms

happening in February FEB 2

Motorino Pizza Making Party

Butterfly Beach, Lung Fu Road, Tuen Mun. hksharkfoundation.org

Slip your apron on and make your own Neapolitan pies with a hands on lesson from professional chefs and enjoy wine and antipasti throughout the afternoon.

From 3pm. $248 + $58 for free flow prosecco or wine. 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai. motorinopizza.com

workshop. Professional bakers will teach you to bake sweet treats to share with your loved ones during this three hour workshop.

1-4pm. $680. The Mixing Bowl, 23/F, The Pemberton, No. 22-26, Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. hongkongliving.com/shop

FEB 14

Valentines Day Don’t forget the roses!

FEB 14, 21 FEB 9

Harrow International School Hong Kong Open Mornings

The seventh annual race, consisting of two trails, Tough Love with a distance of 14km and Easy Love with a distance of 9km. Both races start and finish at Treasure Island on Pui O Beach races begin at 9.15am. $498 per team. thetrailhub.com

Prospective parents and students can meet staff, view facilities and interact with current pupils. Feb 21 for ages 2-9 and Feb 14 for ages 10-16. 8.45-11am. Register online. Harrow International School, 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories. harrowschool.hk

Faust’s Chinese New Year Programmes

FEB 10

FEB 15-16

For ages 4-13. Faust International Youth Theatre has innovative drama and creative writing programs. Early bird prices: $790 for 1 day; $1,610 for 3 days. Faust Studio, 5/F Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan. faustworld.com

Free outdoor and arts event with creative workshops, music, dance and a handicraft workshop. Art Park, West Kowloon. westkowloon.hk

FEB 5-7

Play sessions at Nord Anglia International Pre-schools run by UK-qualified teaching staff in bespoke pre-school learning environments. For ages 2.53.5 years. 3-4pm. Registration online nordangliaeducation.com

Valentine’s Day Race

FEB 4, 7-9

Chinese New Year Kung Hei Fat Choi! Public holiday lasting 3 days.

Welcome in the Year of the Pig.

FEB 6, 13, 20, 27

Freespace Happening

FEB 11, 18, 25

Free Play Sessions at Nord Anglia International School

Lululemon New Town Plaza Run Club

FEB 12

Join the 8km fun run along Shing Man River followed by a circuit workout at Sha Tin Sports Ground. Every Wednesday in February from 7.30-9pm. Free. eventbrite.hk

Hong Kong Living’s first ever cake baking

Valentine's Baking Masterclass

Swire Denim Series - Philip Glass’ David Bowie The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra play Philip Glass’ Heroes Symphony, a tribute to the late David Bowie, with an opener written by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and additional pieces used in the films, The Revenant and The Hunger Games.

Tickets from $120. Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, 72 Tai Ho Road, Tseun Wan. hkphil.org

FEB 15-17

Longines Masters of Hong Kong One of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Admission to the Prestige Village is free. Tickets for competition sessions $200-$980, family and concessionary tickets available as well

FEB 8-9

Lea Salonga: The Voice of Broadway Broadway diva Lea Salonga returns to Hong Kong with songs from popular musicals such as Once On This Island, Miss Saigon and Disney’s Frozen. Tickets from $280.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkphil.org

FEB 9

Hong Kong Shark Foundation Beach Clean-Up Get the family together and join in the Butterfly Beach Clean Up to raise awareness about shark conservation.

2-4pm. A donation of $100 includes a t-shirt, pair of gloves and clean up bags.

hongkongliving.com | 7

planner as premium VIP packages. AsiaWorld Expo, Airport Expo Boulevard, Chek Lap Kok. longinesmasters.com/en

Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, Southwest Kowloon. malvernpreschool.hk

FEB 23

Fairchild Junior Academy Open House Visit the Reggio Emilia inspired campus and talk to educators while children enjoy sensory play activities! 2-5pm. 22/F Park Commercial Centre, 180 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tin Hau. fairchild.academy

Photo credit: Dean Alexander

FEB 23

Sai Kung 50 Trail running and hiking across Sai Kung.

Distances of 12km, 22km or 50km. Start and finish at Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung.

Shuttle Buses available. $480-$730 to enter. actionasiaevents.com

Performed by the Hong Kong Ballet, enter the glamorous world of New York high society. Times vary. Tickets from $140.

Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. hkballet.com

Faust International Youth Theatre presents, Peter Pan & Wendy on stage. Various times.

Tickets from $240. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Theatre Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. faustworld.com

FEB 21-MAR 23

Hong Kong Arts Festival All genres of performing arts are represented in this month-long programme.

Times, prices and locations vary. hk.artsfestival.org/en

FEB 22-24

Vegetarian Food Asia 2019 Learn more about a healthy and sustainable vegetarian lifestyle. Feb 22-23, 10.30am7.30pm free; Feb 24, 11am-8pm $20. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. vegfoodasia.com

FEB 23

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Open Day The theme will be ‘Reading Around the World’ to encourage children to discover and to share the joys of reading. Dress up is welcomed! 1-4pm. Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, G9-12, Coronation

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Chinese New Year Flower Markets Located across Hong Kong with the biggest market taking place at Victoria Park. Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay.

UNTIL FEB 24

Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display Enjoy the beautiful lantern displays at Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, with this year’s theme Glittering Peacocks in Full Bloom.

FEB 5

Watch the show along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road in TST at 8pm.

“The Great Gatsby”

Peter Pan & Wendy

UNTIL FEB 5

The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade

FEB 15-17

FEB 21 - 24

Chinese New Year Events

FEB 5-21

Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival

FEB 23-24

Refresh and Recharge Workshop with Greta Lai

Be a part of a long established tradition and make a wish at The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, a popular shrine located in Fong Ma Po village near to Tai Po.

FEB 6

Greta Lai presents this 2 day workshop on healthy eating and yoga to revive body, mind and spirit. 10am. $1,993. Pure Yoga, 3-19 Wing Fung Street, Starstreet Precinct, Wan Chai. allnood.com/workshops

Chinese New Year firework display

FEB 23 & MAR 2

FEB 7

Living with Joy and Peace: A Meditation Workshop with Heidi Poon Two weekend workshops to help discover how to find a moment of peace and quiet during the fast-paced life of Hong Kong.

9.30am-1.30pm. $2,250. Pure Yoga, 25/f Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Tong Road, Kwun Tong. pure-yoga.com/ hongkong

FEB 24

Therapeutic Forest Bathing Experience Spend time in nature in the area of Lung Fu Shan to enhance your health, wellness, and happiness. Amanda Yik is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and will lead the experience. 10am-12.30pm. $300. yogaroomhk.com

Watch Victoria Harbour light up with Hong Kong’s biggest firework display at 8pm.

Chinese New Year race day Strike it lucky on the first races of the year at Sha Tin Racecourse starting at 11am. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse Stand, Sha Tin.

FEB 16-19

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals Spectacular lantern displays and traditional performances across various locations. 7.30-9.30pm. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, North District Park, Tin Shui Wai Park and Ginza Square.

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happening in February

BOOK NOW navigation. Designed for teams of four with two course options including a Challenge route at 16km or Elite route at 20km.

Register online at fringebacker.com/ en/event/outward-bound-adventurerace-2019

best-loved comedian, Jimmy Carr, brings The Best of Ultimate Gold Greatest Hits Tour along with new material. 8pm. Tickets from $488. Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. hkticketing.com

MAR 28

Pet Shop Boys Successful British duo, Pet Shop Boys, bring The Super Tour to Asia, featuring their latest album Super alongside their greatest hits, including ‘Always on My Mind’ and ‘West End Girls’. 8pm. Tickets from $588. AsiaWorld Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. hkticketing.com

MAR 10

FIA Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix The FIA Formula E Championship combines environmental friendliness with entertaining motorsports races, whilst participants can enjoy additional interactive activities and competitions.

7am-7pm. Adults $2,880 and Concessions $1,440. hkformulae.com

MAR 10

APR 17-18 Ed Sheeran

Outward Bound Adventure Race

MAR 27

A race with a mixture of trail running, kayaking, swimming and tactical

Rescheduled from September, British

Jimmy Carr

British-born Ed Sheeran, one of the world’s best selling music artists, is coming to Hong Kong as part of his world tour. From $888. Fantasy Road Outdoor Venue, Disneyland. hkticketing.com

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

hongkongliving.com | 11

must have this month

L’Amour necklace $7,953 from Kristina Rybaltchenko Hong Kong rybaltchenko.com

The Badass box $500 from Bydeau bydeau.com

My happy greeting card $45 from Kikki-K kikki-k.com

FOREO UFO $2,280 from Foreo Counter at Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com

Essenza mini ruby red coffee machine $988 from Nespresso nespresso.com/hk

Talisman bracelet $150-$500 from Premices Facebook: Premices

Personalised top-grain leather iPhone case $360 from KulĂśr Cases kulorcases.com

Crystalline toasting flutes $3,200 from Swarovski swarovski.com

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Huang $150 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk

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Chocolate box $450 from Sweet Fashion House sweetfashionhouse.com

woo your boo

Mikmax mulberry silk pillowcase set $1,750 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com

Dreamy night hamper $1,149 from Gifthampers gifthampers.com.hk

Charlotte Tilbury goddess cleansing ritual $370 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com Jardin d’Eden candelabra $30,400 from Christofle christofle.com

Overose scented candles $560 each from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com

Idole de Christofle silver ring $3,680 from Christofle christofle.com Valentine’s cards $40 each from Cha Siu Papers chasiupapers.com

LK Skincare day cream $500 from LK SKINCARE LIMITED lkskincare.com

hongkongliving.com | 13

news

New CWB tunnel to alleviate traffic congestion The new Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB) is currently being commissioned. Stretching 4.5 kilometres, of which 3.7 kilometres is in the form of a tunnel, the CWB should alleviate traffic congestion along the existing Gloucester Road - Harcourt Road - Connaught Road corridor. Currently in its early stages, construction has seen the closure of all eastbound traffic lanes of the Rumsey Street Flyover down ramp leading to Connaught Road Central. This stage of the works is expected to last one month. Stage two commissioning will see the westbound carriageway of the CWB tunnel connected with Rumsey Street Flyover westbound, at which point the CWB Tunnel will then be fully commissioned.

The CWB Tunnel will also introduce the first air purification system for use in Hong Kong road tunnels. This air purification system represents the largest scale of such application in the world. Stage-two commissioning will be announced in due course. The commissioning ceremony for the CWB was held at the Central Portal of the CWB Tunnel on January 19.

Buyer walks away from $36 million deposit on luxury house An unidentified buyer has forfeited a 5% deposit towards the purchase of a luxury house in one of Asia’s most expensive residential districts. House 16 at Mount Nicholson was listed for sale last year complete with private garden, rooftop and swimming pool. It sold to the highest bidder on December 31 for $721,88m, at the unit price of $90,484 per square foot. There were two other bidders. The selling price was 7% cheaper than that of House 17, which is similar and sold in April for $97,695 per square foot. Since launching the Mount Nicholson project two and a half years ago, 13 of the 19 houses have been sold, this being the first case of forfeiture. Wheelock Properties, co-developer of Mount Nicholson, confirmed that the buyer, who is a Hong Kong Identity Card holder, “did not proceed with the transaction for House 16 on Mount Nicholson.” There has so far been no comment from the buyer on the decision to walk away from the sale.

Citybus and New World First Bus fares increased

Citybus increased fares by 7% and New World First Bus (NWFB) by 5.6% with effect from January 20. Citybus North Lantau and Airport route fares remain unchanged. Citybus and NWFB estimate that 93% of passengers will pay less than $1 extra per trip with 72% of passengers paying less than $0.5 extra. Details of the new fares can be found at bus stops, through the app, or online at nwstbus.com.hk

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in your backyard

SCAD hosts fifth annual Hong Kong Fashion Showcase

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) hosted the fifth annual SCAD Hong Kong Fashion Showcase on January 10 to highlight the university’s commitment to professionally preparing young design talent for creative careers. Senior fashion students and recent

alumni from the four SCAD campuses presented their collections to over 450 selected guests, including renowned Hong Kong supermodel Kathy Chow, as well as industry representatives.

Dramatic runway shows curated by Michael Fink, Dean of the SCAD School of Fashion took place

in one of the courtrooms of the former North Kowloon Magistracy campus in Sham Shui Po. SCAD offers the world’s first MA, MFA and degree programs in luxury fashion management and currently operates four locations across America, France and Hong Kong. scad.edu

Stone Nullah Tavern closing its doors

All international school students to sing Chinese national anthem

Stone Nullah Tavern, the classic American tavern in Wan Chai, shut its doors in January. Although it’s a goodbye to this iconic restaurant, owners Red Sauce Hospitality are turning the space into another Fini’s (previously Linguini Fini) spot. This American-Italian pizza and pasta eatery with a Hong Kong twist, will be serving up authentic New Yorkstyle pizza and helpings of homemade pasta. In the meantime, the original Fini’s at Central will be undergoing a spot of redecoration. Red Sauce Hospitality are also the owners of Posto Pubblico and the newly opened Franks, an Italian-American bar and restaurant on Wyndham Street. The group pride themselves on use of local organic ingredients and impeccable service. linguinifini.com

Draft legislation, unveiled in January, announced that the Chinese National Anthem is to be made a compulsory part of curriculum for all schools in Hong Kong.

This law will require that students learn about the history behind March of the Volunteers as well as how to sing the anthem.

The anthem, originally commissioned in 1935 for patriotic movie Children of Troubled Times, was written by playwright Tian Han. Although there is no specific punishment for schools failing to comply, for anyone who publicly and intentionally insults the anthem, penalties include a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years in prison. The National Anthem Bill is expected to take effect within the next six months.

The Education Bureau is in close contact with international schools to give further guidance on the requirements.

hongkongliving.com | 15

local

Behind the lens at Chungking Mansions A multicultural hub for trade often synonymous with crime is captured in a series of photographs. Nicole Cooley reports

T

he infamous Chungking Mansions has recently been captured through the eyes of photographer, Nana Chen, in her new book Chungking Mansions: Photographs from Hong Kong’s last ghetto ($168 from blacksmithbooks.com). From 2009, Chen began wandering the corridors out of a curiosity for “how people live inside what looks as though it’s an inhospitable environment, in a country that is not theirs.” Chen’s photos study the inhabitants of Chungking Mansions and embodies what Nana herself has done 45 times in “recreating a home”.

Completed in 1961 as a luxury-class property of five blocks with 17 stories, Chungking Mansions is a unique building that is constantly changing and is full of character. From money changers to traders, guesthouses to restaurants, it receives over 10,000 visitors daily and many also call it their home with

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estimates of 4,000-5,000 residents. Since Carol Clewlow’s 1978 review for the Lonely Planet which began, “There is only two words for dirt cheap accommodation in Hong Kong, Chungking Mansions”, tourists have also become a staple of the building. This fascinating place, where different cultures exist side by side, continues to stand despite many seeing it as a ghetto of crime among Tsim Sha Tsui’s modern luxury hotels.

A talk by Professor Gordon Matthews on Chungking Mansions marked the start of a series of monthly heritage events between

Tai Kwun, Centre for Heritage & Arts, and the Royal Geographical Society of Hong Kong.

Having studied the building and its residents for numerous years, Matthews estimates that at least 120 different nationalities pass through Chungking in one year. He believes that this iconic site is a centre of “low-end globalisation”, something

History of Chungking Mansions 1920 - Chungking Arcade, Chungking Mansions predecessor, is built with 30 shops targeting foreign tourists and sailors 1961 - Building completed as a luxuryclass property for residential use. Each unit of 1,000 square feet is sold for $30,000 1962 - Shopping arcade renovated and Hong Kong’s first Japanese-style nightclub is opened in the basement 1966 - Big fire destroys six shops 1993 - Serious power cut for 10 days 1994 - Filming location for Wong Karwai’s Chungking Express 1995 - A 37 year old Indian tourist was killed in the building by her partner 1995 - Police raid questioning 1,750 people with arrests of 45 men and seven women from Asian and African countries mainly for violating immigration regulations 2000 - 40 security cameras installed and ex-policemen employed as security staff 2003 - Developer buys first and second floors for $200m, spending $50m on renovations to the malls and renaming it Cke Shopping Mall (initially Chungking Express) 2007 - Described as “Best Example of Globalization in Action” by TIME Magazine 2009 - 31 year old Canadian tourist disappears without a trace 2011 - 50 year anniversary marked with a facelift and anthropologist, Professor Gordon Matthews releases Chungking Mansions: a Ghetto at the Centre of the World 2013 - 330 CCTV cameras now cover 70% of the building’s public spaces

which should be cherished as the world becomes more diverse. For more information on the talks visit taikwun.hk.

Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. chungkingmansions. com.hk

hongkongliving.com | 17

five minutes with higher temperatures and finally, a small group of water vegetables, tubers and herbs.

The word “organic” is frequently overused as a term in random advertisements, but at Farmers Choice it truly lies in our lifestyle and attitude.

You can’t fuel your body and be healthy by eating food laced with toxic chemicals.

Eating organically reduces your body’s toxic burden and is an effectual choice for personal and planetary health.

Organic products have a distinctive flavour, aroma and colour that we often associate with the forgotten flavour of home-grown produce.

At first glance, organic food appears more costly than conventional. But a large piece of the story is missing. We indirectly pay more for conventional food in health and environmental issues.

Going green starts with a shift in consciousness, allowing you to recognise that with every choice you make, you’re voting either for or against the kind of world you wish to see. M

Robert at his organic farm in Hunan, China

Five minutes with

Robert Chua

Farmers Choice leading the way for organic farming in China Farmers Choice began in 2012, from day one we adopted a no chemical approach. We acquired over 130 hectares of land that had never been farmed on before.

Our farm is located at Lanshan, Hunan China, it sits between the mountains and is connected to the town by small roads, the town has a population of less than 300 people.

full of growth hormones and bleach in mushrooms.

I believe that nature can not and must not be forced, all natural organisms must be given whatever time it takes for them to come to fruition.

I knew nothing about organic farming 6 years ago, before farming I worked and ran a garment factory for almost 30 years.

We only produce crops that are good for our environment, by emphasising diversity in our products, we can promote a healthy environment and keep our soil chemistry in balance.

As a grandpa of four young grandkids, I was concerned about food-safety, I read stories about tainted products such as watermelons

Chinese vegetables can be divided into three groups, ones that are easy to grow in cold winters, subtropical plants that require

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Go organic!

Farmers Choice is certified and accredited by USDA, IFOAM and OFDC. You can buy their vegetables at O Farm stores located across Hong Kong. farmers-choice.com

hongkongliving.com | 19

R cover story

eorganize, enovate, efresh

Becky Love meets the professionals inspiring Hong Kong interiors

The Furniture Buyer: Kim Mai - Showroom Manager at Harbour 1976 Gracing the cover of our issue this month, Kim Mai has style written all over her.

Showroom Manager at modern luxury furniture store Harbour 1976, Mai has come a long way since her career in fashion design.

“My love of homewares and interiors was actually a natural evolution from fashion,”

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she tells me. “In some ways my personal style is mirrored in my home decor. I like to keep things simple and then accent my outfit or home with a contrast or pop of colour”.

A tip I take on board as someone who has never been able to put together my own Pinterest-worthy living space, or outfit for that matter.

As I delve a little further into the subject of style and decor, we agree that most people care about the look of their living

space - we wouldn’t be writing this feature if that wasn’t the case. People use their own personal style to flesh out empty corners and gather inspiration from different parts of their lives to create a space that speaks to them.

Mai tells me the thing to remember about space, is time. “I think the most important factor is to take your time when styling a room - taking the time to find the right pieces to express your personal style. I would rather have an empty room than fill it with things

home interiors continues, “however keeping a balance and updating your pieces will ensure your surroundings constantly stay fresh and inspired”.

It’s at this point, I have to ask about budget. Can a luxurious looking living area worthy of the cover of a home interiors magazine really be achieved at low-cost?

“Absolutely,” Mai speaks my language.

“My advice is less is more. By removing unnecessary clutter you can instantly clear the energy of a space and attention is drawn to the hero pieces”.

And when it comes to that hero piece, Mai says it’s up to the individual, but she would choose to invest in a great sofa. “It’s important to make sure the pieces that take the most wear on a daily basis are of high quality. To me, the furniture in your house or apartment is what makes up the skeleton of Harbour 1976’s Pacific collection

that I don’t truly love.” I like this, because I know what I like and I can’t really get that wrong.

But what about those of us living in small spaces, which lets face it is a large percentage of Hong Kongers. How do we effectively style small apartments? “In small spaces, I find the easiest thing to do is select one colour or theme to concentrate on, and then have a hero piece of furniture, a print or a painting to keep it interesting”.

I am starting to realise that maybe my approach to decorating in the past has been too messy. That really pinpointing the things I like and sticking to them throughout the home is all it takes to create a nice space that I feel at home in. This is refreshing to hear, as I have never been one for trends. “I think personal style is always more important than trends,” Mai

Harbour 1976 showroom

the home. It makes for the foundation of the memories of our everyday lives. If you invest in quality pieces, they will follow you as you move through different phases of your life into new spaces”. Great advice, but I can’t help but think my own ‘hero piece’ is Mai herself, because I may now actually have a shot at a Pinterest-worthy living area after all.

Kim is the showroom manager of Harbour 1976, a luxury Australian furniture brand where she specialises in curating the most stylish pieces for your home.

See harbouroutdoor.com.au/hong-kongshowroom

hongkongliving.com | 21

cover story The Declutterer: Caroline Basham - Director of Caroline B Personal Management Starved for space in Hong Kong, yet our lives are filled with ‘stuff’.

Caroline Basham has helped people declutter their lives since before Marie Kondo taught us the life-changing magic of tidying up. Her business Caroline B Personal Management not only focuses on organising space for busy families, but also gives them back something much more important.

“It reduces anxiety, and you can get some peace of mind.” Caroline tells me.

“I find it cathartic! Remember, for some clients this involves looking back over say 20 years plus of information and belongings, a real trip down memory lane so to speak. It can be nostalgic, comforting but perhaps painful. If we are successful, the benefits of this sort of service are much more subtle than a simple ‘Wow, that’s great’ reaction.

We aim to improve karma and a sense of wellbeing through a practical improvement in control of your life”.

So what exactly is the process of decluttering with Caroline and her team?

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“You start with understanding the extent of the problem,” Caroline begins, “this may require some policy decisions around what stays, is scanned, shredded, sold, donated or recycled. Technology plays a part, so the next stage is preparing the technology base, which our technical manager deals with. Sometimes, decluttering can also include upgrading to more modern systems. So preparing the systems is the next stage. After that, we work to a timetable that suits the client.

It’s important not to rush the process and then realise later you made the wrong decision about how to treat something.

In short, every client is different, so our service is customised around their specific situation and the outcomes that they are looking for”.

After reviewing my own home, I can pinpoint the specific area that would require the most immediate attention. My wardrobe. “My simple rule for reducing clothing? If I haven’t worn something for three years I recycle, or give to charity or if I really love it, I store it in PAKT”. Caroline advises. “Over the last couple of years, Hong Kong has finally started to accept that it is okay to recycle clothing and there are more options to do this, such as Hula,

Vestiaire and Carousell. Personally, I don’t buy much fast-fashion, so my turnover is low.

What I do keep, perhaps longer than most items, are the classics that I know will always be in vogue”.

I can’t help but think that Caroline’s own home must be a neatly labelled, organised dream space, and ask if she heeds her own advice. “Yes to a degree, but there is always room for improvement. I am disciplined about clothes and have a scanner and shredder, but I find it impossible to throw away books I love, which are like family photos. Having said that, under my work desk is a big box of photos that I have promised my husband I will send off to our A2D lab for digitising”.

It seems no matter who we are, we can all fall off the wagon when it comes to keeping things organised. But there are ways to stay on track. “I encourage my clients to set some rules around bringing new stuff into their world. For documentation this is simple, read, consider, scan, shred. But for other things, it’s more of a one in, one out rule”. A rule I hope to take on board in 2019 - so long as there are fewer Zara sales.

Caroline B is a customised personal assistance service. Caroline first came to Hong Kong in 2000, and set up the business in 2012. Visit caroline-b.hk

Caroline making the most of storage space

home interiors The Designer: Oliver Corrin, Interior Designer Interior design is about more than your choice of colour palette and placement of furniture.

It’s about the structural integrity of the room itself, spatial concepts and in Oliver Corrin’s case, sourcing a 130 year old bar from New York whilst renovating The American Club.

“It would have to be my most memorable job so far”. Oliver tells me. “I moved here with my previous UK-based employer CADA to oversee the renovation of The American Club at Exchange Square. Part of the project involved sourcing a bar from the first familyowned restaurant in New York. Over the years high society, including Marilyn Monroe have sat at, and danced on Billy’s bar. Getting the bar from New York to Hong Kong and inside the building was a logistical nightmare, buy

Concept sketch for a recent residential project

me a drink there and I’ll tell you more!”

And as it turns out, Corrin now has plenty of time to sit and have a drink in the exact space he helped renovate, because when the project came to an end, he decided to stay and live in Hong Kong.

Now three years later, Corrin reminisces on how he first decided a career as an interior designer was for him. “Interiors resonated with me from an early age.” Corrin begins. “I am a very visual person and I’m dyslexic so I wasn’t

great at Maths and English but instead, very creative. You can’t be good at everything! I knew I wanted to create spaces for people to enjoy, spaces that would take them on a journey and hopefully impact their life in some way”.

So how about the spaces in Hong Kong that Corrin enjoys? “The Sky Lounge on 39th floor of The Upper House (turn left out of the lift rather than right) is a little-known place that is great for a quiet read over a coffee, and the

views are incredible. I also recently became a member of the FCC, the Main bar is nothing fancy, but exudes so much charm, charisma and history, and the coffee is very reasonably priced!”

Speaking of reasonable prices, Corrin tells me that the biggest misconception when it comes to hiring an interior designer is that you need a large budget. “Interior designers are not only reserved for the rich. Our proximity to Mainland China means that we are in the one of the best places in the world to source affordable, customised furniture and tailored pieces. Getting the right designer who has good contacts and a reliable contractor is also very important.”

As our interview comes to a close, Corrin gives me a hint as to what I can expect in interior trends for 2019. “We will see a blurring of the genders - no longer is it blue for a boy, pink for a girl as designers and homeowners express freedom to blur the lines. Pantone have chosen ‘Living Coral’ as their ‘Colour of 2019’. It works well as an accent colour but I wouldn’t suggest painting all four walls this colour.” And nature gets a mention too. “There is a trend towards enhancing our connection to our natural surroundings with more organic materials, stone and timber. Also, don’t be shy with plant life, numerous studies show the positive impact of having greenery in your home”. And with an abundance of apartment buildings and concrete in Hong Kong, I can’t help but think this particular trend will continue throughout 2019 and beyond.

Oliver is a qualified British interior designer specialising in residential and restaurant design, he creates packages tailored to Hong Kong needs and to suit all budgets. Email corrinandco@outlook.com

hongkongliving.com | 23

in the know

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year festivities and etiquette explained

Top

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8

things to do

ust when you thought the celebrations were over, think again! On Februrary 5 we welcome the Year of the Pig. Lunar New Year festivities are among the most important of all the Chinese holidays, family dinners and celebrations are common, and if you’re lucky you’ll receive some money!

What’s the story?

The Chinese calendar is arranged around 12 Zodiac animals. Mythology states that Buddha organised a grand race inviting all the animals in the kingdom. On race day only 12 animals showed up. They were all awarded a place on the Chinese Zodiac calendar, according to their position in the race - the pig came in last!

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Clean up

6

Watch a night parade

The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade has been February a highlight of the season in Hong Kong for over 20 years. This year the parade will take place on the evening of February 5 and will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, cheerleaders and dance troupes along the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Freestanding spectators can watch the show along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road.

Ticketed spectator stands open from 7pm and tickets are not available online but can be bought from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre, Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui.

February 5, 8pm-9.45pm

5

Homes are thoroughly cleaned in the run up to Lunar New Year. Dust is swept into the middle of the room and out the door to symbolise sweeping away the bad luck. Going one step further, some homeowners paint door frames and windows in order to welcome in good luck. Bear in mind that it is considered bad luck to clean during the week of New Year as you may sweep away the good fortune – so get your home in order before February 5.

7

Visit a flower market

Brace the crowds, visit one of Hong Kong’s many flower markets and buy some flowers to brighten up your home during the Lunar New Year. Victoria Park plays host to the biggest new year flower market in Hong Kong, the market attracts thousands of visitors each year. Among top buys are orange trees because large oranges are believed to bring good luck. Visitors can also pick up decorations, homeware items and souvenirs. Victoria Park flower market runs until February 5. Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay. Top tip: Jostle with the crowds on the last day of the markets to pick up a bargain when prices are vastly reduced.

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4

Grab a great spot along the harbour or book a rooftop dinner to catch the amazing annual firework display.

Fireworks and firecrackers are believed to scare away evil spirits, so expect a spectacular display.

The fireworks usually take place on the second day of the Lunar New Year above Victoria Harbour.

February 6, 8pm.

Tsim Sha Tsui

3

5

Oranges symbolise abundant happiness, while tangerines with the leaves attached symbolise a secure relationship between giver and receiver, making them popular gifts during the Lunar New Year. Many homes are adorned with potted kumquat trees, studded with tiny orange fruit that symbolises prosperity and good fortune. The fruit’s Chinese name, kam gat shu, sounds like the words for ‘luck’ and ‘gold’.

Attach the fruit to red lai see packets containing a banknote for a really authentic touch. Bear in mind that the trees are grown more for aesthetic appeal than for great-tasting fruit.

Give lai see

‘Lai see’ are lucky red envelopes filled with banknotes and traditionally given during the 15 days following lunar new year (this year, from February 5-20.)

Married people are expected to give lai see to younger, single relatives, colleagues and those in the service industry. $20 for an acquaintance you see regularly but don’t know well, such as a doorman. $50 for someone close to you such as friends’ children or your hairdresser. $100 as a generous gift to someone you care about. This is generally the minimum a boss gives an employee. $500 plus – this is not unheard of, but it is usually given with a good motive such as birthdays or weddings around this time.

2 Buy an orange tree

Watch the fireworks

Win big at the races

On February 7, strike it lucky at the first races of the year. Hopeful punters descend on the course with the first races of the day starting from 11am. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin racecourse stand, Sha Tin. hkjc.com

1

Visit the Lam Tsuen wishing trees

A visit to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees at this time of year is thought to bring good luck.

Traditionally joss paper was tied to an orange and thrown into the tree in an attempt to hang it from a high branch to bring good luck.

Wooden frames currently support the trees while they undergo recovery but they remain open to visitors. Free admission. Take bus 64K or 64P from Tai Po Market station and get off at Fang Ma Po.

kung hei fat choi

Lunar New Year horoscopes What does the year of the pig have in store for you?

Year: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Positivity is your theme for 2019, just relax and appreciate the little things in life and you’ll have a year full of happiness and prosperity!

Year: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Push your shyness and wariness away this year and you’ll open up doors for new friendships and if you’re still on the hunt for love, possible romantic partners.

Year: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 After a tough 2018, expect your luck to change. With success around every corner you’ll soon forget about your previous troubles.

Year: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 2019 will bring great opportunities your way, take advantage of your luck and your bank account will be grateful!

Year: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Although the most independent of all the zodiac signs, this year it’s time to be more social and focus on how you interact and get along with others.

Year: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Year: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Taking inspiration from the pig’s calm ways this year, it’s time to reflect and reconsider any big life changes you are about to make.

You can’t always get what you want so if you want to hit your goals this year, you’re going to have to flight for them!

Year: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Year: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Set your ambiousions high this year, as you’re in for a lucky one! - whether it’s in your career, love life or health, prepare for some exciting news.

Make a conscious effort to take more chances this year. The world is your oyster, so step outside of your comfort zone and start living!

Year: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Year: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Year: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

It’s important to focus on your relationships this year, whether it’s romantic, family or friendships, the people around you have a big effect on your life!

It’s time for you to stop relying on others and start fighting your own battles! If you want to succeed it’s up to you to put more effort into your progress.

2019 is all about you piggy! Make this year yours by setting goals and getting to work and you’ll see positive results in no time.

Calligraphy 101 - Look out for these auspicious characters and phrases.

福 Luck, prosperity

樂 新年快樂 恭喜發財 Happiness

Happy New Year

Prosperous New Year

hongkongliving.com | 25

dining

Love is in the air Where to wine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s day

ALTO Nothing will wow your partner more than a prime steak, fine wine and a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour. This luxurious dining room was designed by Tom Dixon Design Studio, with sapphire blue velvet chairs and Dixon’s signature hanging pendant lights. After dinner, head up to the rooftop bar on the 31st floor and cozy up with a glass of bubbly. 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay. diningconcepts/com/restaurants/ALTO

Dear Lilly Another masterpiece by celebrity bar designer Ashley Sutton, the creative mind behind Dragonfly, Iron Fairies, J. Borowski and Ophelia, Dear Lilly enchants its guests with a vintage Parisian appeal. Perched on the rooftop podium of ifc mall, the restaurant and lounge bar is flooded with a sea of blossoms that stretches from the perfume bottles lining the wall to dried roses hanging from the ceiling. For a more intimate experience with your plus one, book a seat at one of the semi-open booths that are styled after heart-shaped jewellery boxes. Shop 4010, Podium Level 4, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central. diningconcepts.com/restaurants/Dear-Lilly

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olive you Wooloomooloo Steakhouse Steak is about as classic a dish as it gets for a romantic date with your special someone. It is huge, hearty and can make any dining occasion feel like an elaborate celebration.

Set on the rooftop of The Hennessy, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse has an open terrace offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour on one side and the Happy Valley Racecourse on the other. Known for its premium Australian steaks, you can count on the restaurant to deliver a consistently satisfying dining experience. 31/F & Rooftop The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. wooloo-mooloo.com

Tokio Joe Tokio Joe is the perfect spot for a lowkey date night that is not completely devoid of romance. Sitting near the top of the Lan Kwai Fong slope, the cosy Japanese joint has been open for more than 20 years. The restaurant is an old-time favourite among locals.

Returning customers speak highly of the impeccable service and the friendly but intimate atmosphere. 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central. tokiojoe.com

Mama Malouf For a casual dinner date that is not over-the-top cheesy, indulge in a Lebanese feast at Mama Malouf. The Middle Eastern kitchen serves a range of mezze, skewers and falafels to share with your boo. G/F, 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town. mamamalouf.hk

Impress your date Taste wine like a professional with JeanLoup Thomazo, founder and CEO of Natural Food & Beverages 1. First, use your eyes. Wine speaks through colour. The deeper the colour, the stronger the wine. You can apply this rule to all the colours (red, white and rosé). The colour can also indicate the age. An old red wine will be clearer.

2. The Smell. Before you smell, gently move the wine up the glass with a tip or swirl to release flavours. You will slowly discover the aromas of your wine, such as fruits, flowers, candies, spices, veggies and wood.

3. The taste. Keep the wine in your mouth for a moment and delicately play with it.

The target is to enjoy the full flavour of the wine, which will generally be one of four families: bitter, sweet, acidic or salty. Then, enjoy!

Find out more about natural and organic wines at natural-fnb.com

Amigo Opened in 1976 by owner Yeung Wing Chung, this French restaurant in Happy Valley is a Hong Kong institution. The quaint interior – from the deep burgundy carpet to exposed ceiling beams – compliments the oldworld charisma of Amigo. Restaurant staff are dressed in tuxedos and serve guests from a traditional trolly.

There is a band of guitarists taking song requests. With an intimate setting, impeccable food and service, Amigo checks all the boxes for a romantic night out. Amigo Mansion, 79A Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley. amigo.com.hk

hongkongliving.com | 27

dining Maison ES Tucked away on a side street in the Star Street precinct, Maison ES is a contemporary French bistro helmed by chef Esther Sham. Its entrance, which overflows with vines and bouquets of lilies, could easily be taken for a Parisian florist.

Inside, you can find a spacious lounge area, a garden-inspired bar that echoes the overarching floral theme and a terrace that leads a private dining room. maison-es.com

Al Molo This cozy Italian bistro is the perfect place to bond with your other half. The outdoor terrace is heated so you won’t get chilly while you take in the Tsim Sha Tsui skyline and indulge on classic comfort food and home baked, woodfired pizzas. If you’d prefer to sit inside, the restaurant is romantically lit with comfortable booths to cuddle up in. Shop G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. diningconcepts.com/restaurants/al-molo-ristorante-italiano

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nibbles

New reptile coffee shop on Hollywood Road News from the dining scene

focusing on vegetables-first and secret home recipes, including pastas and seafood dishes.

Founder and conservationist “Goatee” Toni Kingston aims to spread the word on wildlife conservation. He has made Animojo an urban base for Hong Kongers to come into contact with animals, each of which visit the cafe on rotation and no more than twice a month. They

include Matthew the snake, Spike the lizard, Amy the hedgehog, Booboo the sugar glider, Jabber the frog, as well as tarantulas, chameleons and more. Don’t be alarmed though, the animals stay in their secure terrariums mimicking their natural environment, so you can relax and eat in peace amongst your new animal friends. 19, Hollywood Road, Central. animojo.hk

Hong Kong’s first animal themed dining experience, Cafe Animojo has opened on Hollywood Road. The cafe was born out of a passion for unusual creatures and homestyle food. With an environmentallyfriendly menu

hongkongliving.com | 29

health and beauty

Romantic couples massages

Don’t fancy giving your loved one a massage? Treat yourself and your valentine with a couples massage The Peninsula Spa Overlook Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline from the comfort of your own private spa suite. The Peninsula Spa offers a Time Together wellness journey for two which includes a two hour body massage, Oriental Head Massage and a whirlpool bath, with full use of the hotel’s Romanstyle swimming pool. The experience also includes a light and healthy breakfast or lunch by the pool. The Peninsula Spa, 7/F The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Kowloon. peninsula.com

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Glam up for Valentine’s day Flutter your eyelashes this Valentine’s day with Novalash lash extensions. Lashes are applied by trained and certified stylists who are careful to take the best care of your natural lashes so you’ll be in the best hands. 10/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst terrace, Central. novalash.hk

couples massages Sense of Touch Indulge your senses with a Couple’s Double Martini Ritual at Sense of Touch. The treatment includes an hour massage of your choice, followed by a sensitive radiance facial for the ladies and a refinery deep cleansing facial for the gentlemen. Complete your treatment with a relaxing soak in a bath for two amidst candles and calming music. senseoftouch.com.hk

The Mandarin Oriental With private spa suites, you can enjoy a range of treatments, including the Eastern Experience where couples can choose between a sakura or yuzu rinse, followed by a skin softening azuki bean body scrub and a meridian

massage. Book a 90-minute couples treatment on February 14 and receive complimentary bubbles and chocolate to enjoy together on their 24th floor balcony. 5 Connaught Road, Central. mandarinoriental.com

Homemade premassage treatment Scrub away dead skin cells premassage with this homemade body scrub

Spa L’OCCITANE L’Occitane’s Wan Chai flagship store offers a refuge away from city life and back to nature with their signature spa experience. VIP cabins, steam baths and a couples suite will help you both feel rejuvenated and rebalanced. The spa uses L’Occitane’s natural products with ingredients from Provence in France. 92 Star Crest, Star Street, Wan Chai. hk.loccitane.com

What you need •

Lush Spa With some of the cutest products in the city, Lush has made a name for itself with handmade and ethical bath and body products. With only one spa location in Hong Kong, their exclusive treatments offer 30 minute consultations prior to each massage. They have a range of couples treatments including deep-tissue rub downs and sumptuous scrubs. Each experience comes with its own unique soundtrack for true relaxation. G/F-4/F, Soho Square, 21A-21B Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. hk.lush.com

• • •

2 cups of sugar, preferably brown sugar 1 cup olive oil 8-10 drops of essential oil 2 Tablespoons of vanilla extract

Instructions 1.

Add sugar to a bowl and slowly begin to stir in the oil until mixture is smooth

2.

Add essential oil and vanilla extract and mix well

3.

Get scrubbing!

hongkongliving.com | 31

home and living

Sweet petite

Local designer Melanie Pauline talks to Carolynne Dear about Hong Kong apartments and making the most of small spaces

Melanie Pauline heads up international homewares specialist The Hallmark, Abbey Hall Interiors

I

t’s a steep and winding climb up to Melanie Pauline’s Mid-levels’ apartment. Pauline has pre-warned me it won’t be up to parr as our shoot isn’t taking place until the following week. “And I’m in my daggy workout gear,” she tells me by text. “There’s definitely no photography today?”

But of course, and as is so often the case when you’re meeting with design-types, the presentation is flawless. The front door opens onto a gleaming apartment, oozing style and the kind of ‘chutzpah’ that you only really get with people who properly know what they’re doing with interiors. Pauline is looking equally polished.

A Kiwi-born ‘Aussie’, mum-of-three Pauline now runs the Hong Kong branch of international interiors company, The Hallmark, Abbey Hall Interiors, which was founded by its namesake,

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Abbey Hall, four years ago. Pauline joined the business in 2016 and when Hall returned to Australia last September, she handed the entire Hong Kong side of the business over to her.

While Pauline has been involved in fashion and design her entire career, Hall had jumped from the corporate world into interiors, having completed qualifications with The Insight School of Design in Hong Kong and Mercer School of Design in Australia. Developing her interior design consultancy, Hall saw a gap in the market for luxe yet practical furniture for small spaces and was inspired to design a collection of chic ottomans.

The resultant Meet the Ottomans collection is a versatile range of pieces that can be used as side tables, coffee tables or even double-up as seats when needs demand. They were snapped up from the get-go and the pair has since moved

into occasional chairs and cushions.

“I moan about the size of my apartment,” says Pauline. “But really it’s the perfect showroom. In Hong Kong it’s usually space that is the issue when designing a home, so it’s useful for clients to see the versatility of our pieces.”

There are five ottomans in the lounge room, unobtrusively and carefully laid out as occasional and coffee tables. “They’re the ultimate multitaskers,” she says, adding that there are no less than twelve ottomans across the 1,600 square foot space. Around her dining table sits more of the current collection - six lavish, velvet-clad chairs, as well as a sleek, grey occasional chair that Pauline uses at her desk. If you have to work, you might as well do it in style. I’m seriously tempted.

The perfect complement to Hall’s eye for luxe, Pauline has always worked in high-end environments and is no stranger to plush lifestyles. She began her career in the marketing department for The Leading Hotels of The World group, moving to The Savoy Group of Hotels in London shortly afterwards. Next came a stint as press secretary for Prada in Sydney and she then took over as event manager for ARIA Restaurant in Sydney, working alongside celebrity chef Matt Moran.

She admits a love for aesthetics was nurtured from an early age when she was given her first camera. These days she’s still a keen photographer, engaging in friendly competition with her husband. “Although he’s an architect with a very keen eye, so I struggle a bit,” she laughs. Friends describe her as the ultimate stylist. “You ask her to bring something mundane like a cheese platter to a barbecue and she’ll conjure up an offering that looks like it’s been in a Vogue Living shoot,” a friend tells me. “She’s got an uncanny knack of making the everyday look gorgeous but accessible.”

designer apartment

Pauline’s striking ottoman designs take centre stage in the lounge area (above and below)

“Career-wise, everything I’ve been involved with has always been about aesthetics and about high-end and about luxury,” admits Pauline.

“My roles were largely client-facing, and that’s something I missed when I took time out for the children.”

Pauline arrived in Hong Kong from Beijing in 2008, where her husband had been contracted to work for the Beijing Olympics for three years.

“Beijing was amazing,” she enthuses. “It was fun and it was crazy but when the Olympics contract ended it was time to move on.” And so,

heavily-pregnant, she, her husband, plus their toddler daughter Chloe, moved to Hong Kong and into a tiny walk-up apartment in Sheung Wan. “Oh my god, I was so disappointed!” she laughs. “For me, Hong Kong was the bright, shiny diamond of Asia, I couldn’t wait to get here.

But Sheung Wan ten years ago wasn’t exactly the glistening world I had in mind. I was like, where are the malls? Where are the gorgeous bits? It was more cubic zirconia than diamond.”

But after giving birth to her twins, things

Velvet-heaven - Pauline takes inspiration from French designer India Mahdavi

started to improve and Pauline slowly uncovered the Hong Kong she’d been looking forward to. A decade later and she wouldn’t be anywhere else.

“I love the junks, I love the hiking, I love walking up Magazine Gap Road just at that moment when day turns to night and all the lights start switching on. Hong Kong is an amazing place,” she says.

Now very much back on her game careerwise, she’s busy sourcing new fabrics and researching new pieces from around the world, as well as showcasing the collections to clients in her Hong Kong home.

The furniture, unusually, is manufactured in Hong Kong as well as in China, and the fabrics are sourced globally, including lush Chinese velvets and stunning bolts from fabric houses in Italy, England and the US. Her design inspiration comes from strolls along Hollywood Road and popping into local art galleries, as well as big events like Hong Kong Art Week. “When Art Basel launched here I was there like a shot,” she says. “It’s fantastic. I love it.” (Art Basel is back in Hong Kong from March 29 to 31).

Also on her lust list are designs by Iranianborn French architect India Mahdavi, who was most recently behind the stunning redesign of The Gallery Restaurant at Sketch, London, and Tod’s retail store on Sloane Street, also in the UK capital. Both spaces are velvet heaven.

Further inspiration comes from Brisbane-based architects Richards & Spence and particularly their input into The Calile Hotel - “the result

hongkongliving.com | 33

home and living is harsh but soft,” says Pauline. “I like a bit of edginess.” A fan of twentieth-century American society photographer Slim Aarons, she has Poolside Gossip hanging in her lounge. She likes that it brings a bit of fun into the space.

Closer to home, she admires Aviva Duncan for her “amazing” rugs, online homewares boutique Apartment 49 and Eclectic Cool in Wan Chai. She rates Philippa Anderson of Little P for fabulous inspo for children’s rooms. “And I also spend hours searching out galleries and small design shops in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun,” she says.

She has lived in her Mid-levels apartment for six years and appreciates the location for its proximity to the city. “It’s so convenient. But of course the trouble with renting you can never get the space exactly how you want it. If I’d had a crystal ball when we first took out the lease and known we’d be here for the medium-term, I’d have done much more - updating and re-tiling the bathrooms would have been good.”

As it is, Pauline has maximised the space that she has. A bedroom at the front of the apartment has been converted into a light and bright snug, with an eclectic mix of pieces including artwork from Byron Bay-based Ahoy Trader and a customised wooden dresser and wardrobe from her Beijing days. She has a storage area downstairs in the apartment building filled with Beijing pieces - “there’s just no space for them at the moment unfortunately,” she says.

The main living and dining area is a gleaming mix of monochromes, silvers and golds, with an accent of yellow throughout, inspired by the Slim

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The elegant dining chairs were designed by The Hallmark, Abbey Hall Interiors

Aarons piece. “I’m beginning to bring in more pops of colour,” she says. “I prefer to have a good neutral base for the big pieces of furniture like the couches - and then accent the space with artwork, cushions and occasional chairs.”

Go-to brands include Tom Dixon, Georg Jensen, Missoni and Kartell. “I have a weakness for Lane Crawford,” she admits. “And Jensen has always been a family favourite, my mother has pieces from way back. But you know what?

No matter how high-end you go, there’s always room for a little bit of IKEA in your life.” The

elegant entrance table turns out to be just that, but fabulously accessorised with a pair of marble candle holders and a silver Georg Jensen vase.

“My role is new but constantly evolving,” she says. “I’m loving collaborating with Abbey (Hall). I’ve got lots of ideas for new products - at the moment we’re looking into ottomans with storage options and in different shapes. And of course they’re already completely customisable in terms of fabric. If you need some advice coordinating one with your space, I’m here to help.” hallmarkinteriorshk.com

“I’m buzzing with new product ideas,” says Pauline, relaxing with samples from her cushion collection

hongkongliving.com | 35

big day out accessibility. The most common way to get into the area is by catching the No. 81 KMB bus from Nathan Road (this bus can also be ridden in the opposite direction from Tai Wai) and disembarking at the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop. Those who have a private vehicle at their disposal can venture into the the country park by car. Drive up Tai Po Road and turn off at Kowloon Reservoir, then head across the reservoir dam wall and into the heart of the park. Make sure to wind up your windows though, or else you may incur a few extra passengers, especially if you have food!

If you take the bus, once you arrive at the bus stop you will soon be confronted by many monkeys, invariably a troop of Rhesus Macaques. Although the Rhesus species is native to Hong Kong, the macaques found today are believed to be re-introduced. In the 1910’s during the construction of Kowloon Reservoir, the apes were deployed to the surrounding areas in order to combat the spread of a fruit that tainted the water supply.

They roam in large numbers and enjoy the area around Tai Po Road, as the rubbish bins and increased human presence improves the chance of finding a meal. There are signs at the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts in regards to the monkeys. From experience, be relaxed. Don’t approach the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business. Direct eye contact and sudden movements won’t endear you to them. With that out of the way, the monkeys are great fun to watch and can be extremely photogenic.

Monkeying around Rory Mackay hikes to Kam Shan Country Park, home to Monkey Hill and friendly wildlife

T

ucked away in the hills behind Kowloon lies a hidden wealth of picturesque landscapes shrouded in thick jungle, interspersed with azure lakes. This is the domain of Hong Kong’s wild chiefs. This is Kam Shan, realm of the monkey.

Located between northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, Kam Shan Country Park is named after its populations of wild monkeys.

However, the area has plenty of other attractions to offer. For the more relaxed visitor, several custom-made nature and family trails showcase the very best of the region’s scenery and the great diversity of Hong Kong’s wildlife. For the more intrepid explorer, there are many exciting hiking and mountain biking trails that run out of Kam Shan.

One superb aspect of Kam Shan Country Park is its proximity to the city and

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monkey business

Stunning views across Kam Shan Country Park

Heading into Kam Shan Country Park, follow the concrete access road into the woods, then across the Kowloon Reservoir dam wall. From here there are several options to choose from, the most enjoyable one being a walk up to the monkey mountain. Follow the road up the hillside for twenty minutes or so until you reach a picnic area, usually full of macaques. The monkeys here are a little less feisty than those on Tai Po Road and

seeing them in their natural treetop habitat is a delight. You’re not supposed to feed the animals, but some people do. As a result, the monkeys will approach you if you have food. There are also many wild boars in the area. They are harmless and a real treat to spot. On the way to the top of the monkey mountain the Kam Shan Family Trail makes for a pleasant detour. Back down beside the Kowloon Reservoir, you can also leave the

Ready to take your snacks

road to explore the Kam Shan Tree Walk. This well signposted pathway leads to Shek Lei Pui and back, highlighting many different types of flora and fauna along the way. For those who wish to head further afield, there are extensive networks of mountain biking trails running out of Kowloon Reservoir to the west. If you’re a hiker, there is a lot on offer in many directions.

In my opinion, the best route is to follow the MacLehose Trail eastwards and hike up towards Lion Rock.

Heading back from the country park is as simple as finding your way in. In addition to taking the bus or driving, there are plenty of taxis on Tai Po Road to flag down.

You’ll very quickly descend back into the city and the monkey mountain will seem a million miles away. A world of dense rainforests guarded by troops of charismatic macaques. Yes, in Hong Kong!

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travel

I

’ve finally done it. I’ve found somewhere more expensive than Hong Kong.

I don’t realise until the night before we land in Helsinki, as I scan Tripadvisor for some dinner recommendations. The prices are eye watering. Every single one of them, quite literally, I wanted to cry. But I pick my jaw up off the floor, afterall my new year resolution is to invest in quality, not quantity. And when we land on a snow swept runway the following afternoon, the sky is an incredible pinky haze, breathtaking and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Reassuringly, I get the feeling that every euro spent here will be worth it.

After an incredible evening exploring Helsinki, and a meal of khinkali (meat-filled dumplings), hatsapuri-imiritinskii (a delicious warm cheese bread) and lobio (like a bean stew, eaten in winter to fill the stomach before the main course) at Georgian restaurant, Purpur (purpur.fi) we awake early to fly north to Finnish Lapland.

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We land at the small airport of Ivalo at 11am, the effect of the sun is apparent on the horizon but during the depths of winter (we travelled in early January) never actually rises above the horizon with daylight ranging between one and three hours per day. The sky is a kaleidoscope of pink, purple and yellow.

Absolutely breathtaking.

Ivalo airport

We will spend the following three nights in the popular area of Kakslauttanen, a three hour drive north of Rovaniemi, (the town which is considered by Finns to be the official home of Santa Claus.) In recent years, this area has grown in popularity as the well-kept (until now) secret cousin of Rovaniemi, more beautiful, less crowded and less expensive.

The remote Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a romantic resort in the heart of the Arctic taiga (snow forest), a 40-minute drive from the airport. It becomes apparent that we’ve landed on a day when the sky is at its best and even our driver stops off to take pictures.

As the van pulls to the side of the road we catch a glimpse of wild reindeer disappearing into the dense forest.

We are greeted with warm blueberry juice and gingerbread, something that is customary in this part of Finland. Wilderness Hotel Muotka offers a range of accommodation including glass roof aurora cabins, traditional

finnish game reserve lapland

In the lap of luxury Photo credit: Nellim Wilderness Hotels & Safaris

A perfect finish to the winter travel season in Lapland.

By Gemma Shaw.

A thrilling husky safari though dense Arctic forest

through pitch black forest) a couple of times a day. On reflection, staying in the town of Saariselkä would have given greater freedom.

Up close and personal with a reindeer

hongkongliving.com | 39

Photo credit: Nellim Wilderness Hotels & Safaris

Muotka Aurora Cabin

log cabins complete with private sauna and standard hotel rooms. The aurora cabins are romantic, if not somewhat slightly exposed, the log cabins are cozy and warm and a good option as if the aurora shines chances are you’ll want to experience it outside anyway.

The standard hotel rooms are hostel-like and to be honest a little disappointing, if you can go for a cabin it will make all the difference (nellim.fi).

You can fill your days as you wish.

Options include reindeer and husky sleigh rides, aurora hunting by snowmobile and snowshoe, ice fishing and cross country skiing. The nearby town of Saariselkä is home to a variety of great accommodation and activities, plus the northernmost ski resort in Europe, Saariselkä Ski and Sport Resort.

Although we loved the uniqueness of Wilderness Hotel Muotka, access to the town by taxi wasn’t cheap, and the local bus only frequented our nearest stop (a 30-minute walk

Photo credit: Ski Saariselkä

travel

Cross country skiing under aurora

Our most enjoyable day was spent at Saariselkä Ski and Sport Resort. The resort, formed by two fells, Kaunispää and Iisakkipää boasts 15 slopes varying from beginners’ to advanced. We were astounded by how quiet the slopes were, looking back it could

have been because on the afternoon we visited it was a painful -20 degrees celsius and the wind was unrelenting. Still, the freedom to glide across the fresh powder was incomparable to anything we’ve experienced in the French Alps and a pit stop

at the mountain restaurant for a gluhwein, hot chocolate and more gingerbread was all we needed to warm up and get back to the slopes. A three hour ski pass costs €36 for adults and €25 for children plus around €35 for boot and ski hire, lessons are

Forage for Finnish food in Hong Kong Don’t fancy the flight but I’ve sold you on the cuisine? Executive Director of FinnCham in Hong Kong, Gitta Hägg-Lundvall recommends her favourite places to enjoy Finnish food.

Like many Nordic cuisines, Finnish meals highlight wild, seasonal ingredients. Foods like game meat, fresh seafood and local, foraged produce are frequently featured on the menu.

FINDS A legendary Nordic fine-dining restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. The name comes from the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland,

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Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Executive chef Jaakko Sorsa is probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth celebrity chefs I know. finds.com.hk

Kong. He also organises pop-up dinners featuring interesting local and overseas chefs at his restaurant in Sai Ying Pun. testkitchen.com.hk

Rye House

FinnCham hosts an annual Crayfish Party every September. The venue varies but the idea is always the same – plenty of crayfish, great company, music, dancing and singing.

Ticket sales will begin in August, so keep an eye out for it on our website. finncham. com.hk

Chef Sami Verho sure knows his stuff when it comes to Nordic food culture. With my hand on my heart, I can say that everything on the menu is hugely delicious and the prices are very reasonable. Try the Finnish creamy salmon soup and karjalanpiirakka (a small pie made from rye dough and rice porridge.) yehousehk.com

Test Kitchen My good friend Vincent Mui is the number one brand ambassador of Finnish food culture in Hong Kong. Vincent is responsible for bringing a number of highly regarded Finnish chefs to Hong

Annual Crayfish Party

SverigeShoppen The owner of the convenience shop, Per Ågren, is a Swedish guy, which explains the name of the shop. I recommend salmiakki (the famous salty liquorice), a Finnish chocolate called Fazer and rye crispbread. sverigeshoppen.com

finnish game reserve lapland Finnair operates free scheduled stopover periods for connecting flights to or from Helsinki. Connection to Ivalo is just under two hours with flights operated by Finnair and Norwegian Air (finnair.com, norwegian.com). For more information visit visitfinland.com

also available. The resort offers log cabin accommodation and guided excursions such as aurora hunting by snowmobile and snowshoe (skisaariselka.com).

Dinner can be eaten at one of the many restaurants in Saariselkä, or taken buffetstyle back at Wilderness Hotel Muotka. Food in Finland is delicious and as you would expect, hearty and warming. Popular on the menu is lohikeitto (salmon soup), rye bread, karjalanpaisti (meat stew), smoked herring and of course (Rudolph fans avert your eyes), reindeer meat.

We spent the following day driving husky sleds through unspoilt dense forest whilst the snow fell softly around us (as I said, worth every cent.) A number of companies in the region offer three to five hour husky and reindeer safaris. Husky&Co is a great option,

Night skiing at 3pm at Saariselkä Ski and Sport resort

a three hour husky safari is €135 per person, reindeer safaris are €100 per person. Guides are professionally trained and give a thorough lesson before leaving anxious-looking tourists in charge of their dogs (nellim.fi).

In this part of the world it is possible to

Aurora over a lake

The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide

A stunning collection of 12 Sai Kung hikes, all completed in 2017 for the most updated information.

hongkongliving.com | 41

Photo credit: Nellim Wilderness Hotels & Safaris

see northern lights or aurora about every other clear night between September and March. On our last night, the aurora hunting expedition we had booked was cancelled due to forecast snowfall. However, after finding we were locked out of our cabin after dinner we headed back through the forest clearing to find the helpful reception lady. At that point the clouds cleared and the stars aligned. For twenty minutes, magical green and purple lights danced right above us. An unforgettable moment, which brings me back to my first point, locked out of our incredibly expensive hotel room but still, worth - every - cent.

How to get there

Written in the stars

horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21 – Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 – Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21

You will meet a tall dark stranger in a Lan Kwai Fong club. They might promise you the earth: You can start with a vodka lime soda.

They’ll ask you to head back to their place, but think before accepting. Sure, they’re looking good on the neon-lit dance floor, but will that translate to longterm happiness? In love, as in life, discretion is the better part of Volar.

Life is a hotpot, and we are but the ingredients. It bubbles and simmers along, buffeting us around.

But what kind of ingredient are you, Scorpio? Are you a piece of beef, oh-so-quick to change with your surroundings? Are you a noodle strand, always sliding to the bottom? Or are you a humble fishball, seemingly unremarkable but always bobbing to the top? Try to be a fishball, Pisces.

The latest hip Hong Kong restaurant has just opened, and you’re desperate for a table. Chill out, Aries. When a restaurant first opens, everything’s a mess. The kitchen’s not a team, the serving staff doesn’t know the dishes, and chaos reigns. Doesn’t sound like the next-level dining experience of your dreams, does it? Things take time to come together, and sometimes you just have to let them happen. Just don’t leave it too late. Chances are, that hip new eatery will be closed in six months.

Is you commute to work getting you down? In this city of convenience, even a 10-minute ride on the Mid-Levels escalator can start to drag. Taurus, keep those spirits bullish by turning your commute into time for yourself. We have to grab our meditation where we may. If that’s five minutes in a cab, so be it. Here’s your mantra: Hommm Kommm, Hommm Kommm...

GEMINI May 22 – Jun 21 Gemini, how long is it since you last sat down and had a heart-toheart with yourselves? It’s easy in Hong Kong to concentrate on the outward pleasures, but sometimes you’ve got to step away from the champagne brunch buffet and tend to your inner life. Make like a Trappist monk and retreat inside yourself, or you could be entering the long dark cha chaan teng of the soul.

CANCER Jun 22 – Jul 22 The year of the pig has arrived.

Why not show solidarity with the Chinese zodiac by giving up pork for a month? Not on ethical grounds - just because it’s a boringly safe choice. Skip your next pork meal and order lamb, beef, beetroot, quinoa - anything as long as it’s not pork. Or crab. You’ll be living a more adventurous life - and the pigs will thank you.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 22 Here is a limerick for you to take to heart, Leo: A young man of Wellington Street / Bought a flat of some 20 square feet / When asked “How’d you squeeze?” / He said: “With great ease: / I sleep where I shave where I eat.” Be like the man of Wellington Street, and strive to be more adaptable in the face of adversity. Use the tools you’re given not just to make do, but come out on top.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 21

Your mission this month, Libra: Get out of that insulated bubble. Seek Hong Kong’s far-flung. Jump on a ferry to somewhere unusual. Ride the MTR to the end of the line. Go camping in the wilderness. See what’s hidden in the corners of the city. You’re bound to discover something interesting. And if not, then a French toast and an iced lemon tea will have made the whole thing worthwhile anyway.

Causeway Bay on a Sunday afternoon is a seething mass of humanity. Shoppers, wanderers and tourists all come together in the very heart of the city. In Cantonese, they use the phrase “people mountain people sea” to describe the press of people. It can be overwhelming, sure. But it’s also worth going to celebrate the sheer rush of humanity.

Just have a coffee shop in mind for when you need to chill out again.

Times of trouble may lay ahead, Sagittarius. If they come about, I want you to ask yourself: WWDTD? It stands for “What Would Donald Trump Do?” Ask it, then just go ahead and do the exact opposite. The solutions to your problems lie in opening up, not shutting down. You can’t keep everyone happy - but at least you can be true to yourself.

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VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 23 Did you watch the Chinese New Year fireworks? If you watched them in public, then you’ll have heard the universal Hong Kong sound of firework appreciation: “Wahhhhh!”

It’s a satisfying noise, Virgo. Try it out! Let it roll out of your lungs in a single breath. Take it, practice it, and then apply it to your life. Ask yourself: What should you be wahhhhhing about more?

CAPRICORN Dec 22 – Jan 20 Money worries getting your goat, Capricorn? Maybe you didn’t haul in as much lai see as you thought you would this CNY, or your annual bonus has come up short. Take heart, friend.

There’s wealth in your future, and it’ll appear like a typhoon 8 on a Monday just when you need it most.

game

Spot the difference Spot the five differences between the two images below. Answers next issue.

3

4 2 1

5

Image: A wetmarket in Hong Kong

Answer to last month: 1. Pier sunk

4. Building demolished

2. Building recoloured

5. Cargo ship sailed away

3. Scaffolding recoloured

hongkongliving.com | 43

Ask a vet...

woof

Dr Pauline answers your questions Everyone seems to say we should adopt a dog and not buy a breed from the pet shop but we really want a French Bulldog. Is it wrong to buy one?

At the end of the day I hope any pup you bring into your home will become a family member.

That means your family will live with and care for this dog for the rest of its life. Laws in some countries have recently banned pet shops from selling pups in an effort to reduce impulse buys that later become abandoned pets. In Hong Kong I have sadly seen this happen many, many times. On a spur of the moment decision a pup is purchased from a shop only to be handed over to a welfare group a few weeks or months later with excuses given that include “It barks too much”.

I’d like to suggest you create a “Puppy Wish List [PWL]” and consider in your ideal world what your future dog will do, or not. You may decide to adopt an older dog instead of going through many stages of training but don’t forget any adopted adult dog has already developed its own personality and behaviour that may not suit your own lifestyle. Included in your PWL should be 1. energy levels, 2. barking, 3.size, 4. casting: hair/needs grooming a lot and 5. friendly with children.

So you should check if a French Bulldog,

cute and popular as they are, is exactly what your family needs. If you want a dog to walk a lot and go hiking then I suggest a French Bulldog is not for you. They prefer to lie in front of the fire or take over a place on your couch. They do become available for adoption so if you agree that’s the breed for you, consider registering for one with local adoption groups.

I’m really worried about vaccinating my dog for Leptospirosis as I hear the dog may get a bad reaction. Do I need to as my dog never leaves the house or our garden?

Worldwide cases of leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial disease, are being reported more often in dogs. It is a disease that also affects humans and results in many non-specific symptoms that mimic other common problems.

So diagnosis can be tricky and usually involves your vet testing blood and urine samples.

Infection comes from contaminated wildlife such as rats, boar, deer or their urine deposited in water or on wet soil contacting feet as the bacteria either burrows in through the skin or is ingested through drinking water.

It can take 7-10 days to show signs in a dog.

This nasty disease is not as fatal as some others but it can kill your dog. Even dogs that only have access to home areas can pick it up if the wildlife

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

can get into the area, or the bacteria is taken home on outdoor shoes. I strongly recommend you have your dog vaccinated annually and also take precautions to avoid contact with contaminated animal sources.

Never let your dog drink from puddles and if they do go for walks, wipe their feet when they get home. As for a vaccination reaction I’m afraid it is possible with any vaccination and to go ahead is a decision you have to discuss with your vet. One of my own dogs had an anaphylactic reaction last time he had a shot, it was scary for me and the first time I had ever seen a dog “pass out” after a lepto vaccine, but I’m glad to say he survived. M

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

Walkies

with Mid-levels doggie Kengie

K

engie must be one of Mid-levels newest furry residents. I welcomed him into his new home just in time to celebrate New Year’s Eve together!

Despite all the excitement and noise on his first night, he has settled in well and is already part of the family.

Kengie is a Shiba inu and we adopted him from Ap Lei Chau. His friendly and gentle personality makes it easy to look after him. Not to forget that he’s an extremely obedient dog and is a quick learner too. He is only 5 months old but it’s not too long until he turns 6 months.

I can’t wait to celebrate his first birthday.

We begin our walks from our home at Mary Court on Caine Road and then try and explore different parts of Mid-levels. Kengie loves to walk around and see what’s happening, he likes sniffing around the markets and roads too.

There must be so many new, exciting smells for

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him to learn. He really enjoyed our visit to the park this morning and the good weather today has been perfect for going on some longer

walks. Just like most other dogs, Kenjie loves his doggie treats. He’s still growing lots so I think he needs the extra energy! M

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marketplace

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marketplace

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designing zim city hk

What to do with our 2,900 payphone locations?

A recycling point or a charging point? What do you want to see?

I

always thought it curious why we still have payphones along our streets, in ferry terminals and other public locations.

They appear memories of a time long gone by. I can’t recall seeing anyone use one recently. Their forlorn presence makes you wonder why we don’t get rid of them. Then one day a month ago, I changed my mind.

In the morning a team from a local telecommunications provider came to explore ideas with the “Drink Without Waste”, a working group I chair, for reverse vending machines where you can return your used plastic bottles and cartons for a reward.

As we are struggling finding locations for these ‘RVMs’ our enthusiasm grew when we realised that they are the universal service provider under the Telecommunications Ordinance with some 2,900 pay phones throughout the city.

Later that same day, the Office of the Communications Authority sought agreement of the Southern District Council on removal of payphone kiosks which are rarely used from our streets – some had revenue of less than $1 per day! The authority explained the benefits: Reduction of cost for government, and that it would address complaints from drivers over the obstruction of sightlines and from pedestrians that the kiosks take up space in already narrow pedestrian pathways.

From the conversation that morning I had realised though that the 1,600 outdoor and 1,300 indoor payphones are important assets we should not lose: There is permission from the land and property owners to be where they are; there is a foundation strong enough to hold up a booth in typhoon conditions; there is power supply; and there is a fixed line communications connection. District councillors learn the hard way how difficult

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A telephone box in Sheung Wan

it is to get any of these assets in a public space. Bus shelters, public seating or adding pedestrian crossings take years to approve, fund and build.

Luckily, I had a chance to speak first that afternoon and explained the real assets of each payphone location, and argued that rather than removing them that we first need a study of how we can make better use of these locations. All councillors supported the call for further study.

We were the 15th council out of the 18 to be asked. Most councils had focused on decluttering streets and approved removal of phones except a few for emergency. As the Office of the Communications Authority focused on reducing the $18 million it pays PCCW HKT it failed to enthuse the councils with plans for a smart city and how each payphone is an opportunity we should think

about creatively. What can we do with each beyond making an emergency call? Can they be turned into a recycling point for used packaging? Can they become an information centre? A payment point? A charging point?

I don’t have the answers ready. So let me ask you. Please send me your ideas on how to make better use of a square meter of public space with an underground foundation, electricity and a broadband connection. Feel free to send them to info@paulzimmerman.hk

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