LAI SEE | FAMILY | VALENTINE’S | PIG OUT
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February 2019
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The really useful magazine February 2019 *SO MANY SMILING FACES PEOPLE
BIG DAY OUT
4 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life THE PLANNER 6 Happening in February What’s on this month NEWS
34 Kam Shan Country Park Monkey madness!
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TRAVEL 36 Luxury in Lapland Gemma Shaw explores VILLAGE FOCUS
10 What’s going on? In your backyard CRIME 12 Police blotter What have the Sai Kung police been up to? MUST HAVE THIS MONTH 14 Valentine’s Day gift ideas Wow your boo with these treats FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Roberta Boffo Founder of Roberta’s Art House
40 Lai Chi Chong A village on the north of Sai Kung Peninsula PETS
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42 Ask Dr. Pauline Pet questions answered. Plus Walkies. ZIM CITY 43 Paul Zimmerman explains.. What to do with our 2,900 payphones GAMES 44 Spot the difference Test your eyes with this challenge
LOCAL 18 Sai Sha Road development A closer look at what’s going on COVER STORY 20 Chinese New Year guide Welcome to the Year of the pig! SPORT 26 Dance studios around Hong Kong Get your dancing shoes on HEALTH & WELLNESS
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GARDENING 47 In the garden What to plant in February VINES IN SAI KUNG 48 Wild boar and short term tenancies Stephen Vines gives his thoughts
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28 Couples massages Soak in each other’s company DINING 30 Romantic dining Cozy up this Valentine’s day. Plus nibbles.
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“YOU COME TO LOVE NOT BY FINDING THE PERFECT PERSON, BUT BY SEEING AN IMPERFECT PERSON PERFECTLY.” – SAM KEEN
SAIKUNG.COM | 1
editor’s letter
W
e’ve made it through January (finally!). Is it just me or does the month seem to get longer each year? As we welcome in the year of the pig, it’s the perfect time to appreciate Sai Kung’s wildlife, from wild boar to barking deer and our friendly cattle. These animals are becoming rarer in Hong Kong so it’s important to protect them while we can. Now that flu season is (hopefully) over, we can all enjoy a fabulous three day holiday and celebrate the Lunar New Year, whether you want to do things the traditional way or just want to enjoy the days off, we’ve got the ultimate Chinese New Year Guide on page 20. With all the festivities happening, don’t forget about Valentine’s Day - or you will be in trouble! With our gift guide (page 14), dance classes (page 26) and romantic restaurants (page 30) we’ve got you covered, just incase it slipped your mind. Our wonderful cover this month was created by Sai Kung’s very own Roberta Boffo, featuring the star animal of the year! I’ve heard a lot of different scenarios about being a pig in the year of the pig. As a pig myself i’m hoping it will be a lucky year! Kung hei fat choi Sai Kungers!
Editorial
Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Contributing editor Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Editorial assistant Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com Media assistant Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com
Design
Design Coordinator Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com
Events
Event executive Ran Chan, ran@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
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
Operations
Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com
Digital
Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
contributors
Publisher
CY
Dr. Pauline Roberta Boffo
Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
How are you celebrating Chinese New Year?
How are you celebrating Chinese New Year?
How are you celebrating Chinese New Year?
“During Chinese New Year, I’ll pay visits to my relatives while getting red packets and indulging in festive nibbles on the way. My favourite treat to have during this time of the year has to be nian gao, a dessert pudding made with glutinous rice and brown sugar. Traditionally, it’s considered good luck to eat nian gao during the holidays because its name is a homonym for a “higher 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 might change my mind and fly the paraglider if the wind turns favourable. I wish everyone Kung Hei Fat Choy and a great Year of the Pig.”
“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!”
saikung.com
talk@hongkongliving.com
@saikungmag
facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com
Artwork by: Roberta Boffo
Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd.This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | SAIKUNG.COM
CM
Thanks to Kit Sinclair Rory Mackay
Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Nicole Cooley
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MY
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772
Paul Zimmerman
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Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com Eric Ho Stephen Vines
Apple Lee
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people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
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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
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 Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. kidsfest.com.hk
UNTIL FEB 24 UNTIL FEB 17
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 17 KidsFest 2019
KidsFest continues into February with old
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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
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
FEB 2
Motorino Pizza Making Party 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
happening in February prosecco or wine. 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai. motorinopizza.com
FEB 4, 7-9
Faust’s Chinese New Year Programmes 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
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
FEB 10
Freespace Happening Free outdoor and arts event with creative workshops, music, dance and a handicraft workshop. Art Park, West Kowloon. westkowloon.hk
FEB 11, 18, 25
Free Play Sessions at Nord Anglia International School 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
FEB 5-7
Chinese New Year Kung Hei Fat Choi! Public holiday lasting 3 days. Welcome in the Year of the Pig.
Join in the 8km fun run along the Shing Man River followed by a circuit workout at Sha Tin Sports Ground. Every Wednesday in February from 7.30-9pm. Free. eventbrite.hk
FEB 8-9
Lea Salonga: The Voice of Broadway
FEB 14
Valentines Day Don’t forget the roses!
FEB 14, 21
Harrow International School Hong Kong Open Mornings 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
FEB 15-16
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
FEB 6, 13, 20, 27
Lululemon New Town Plaza Run Club
No.22-26, Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. hongkongliving.com/shop
Longines Masters of Hong Kong
FEB 12
Valentine’s Baking Masterclass Hong Kong Living’s first ever cake baking/ chocolate making 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,
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 as premium VIP packages. AsiaWorld Expo, Airport Expo Boulevard, Chek Lap Kok. longinesmasters.com/en
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. Butterfly Beach, Lung Fu Road, Tuen Mun. hksharkfoundation.org
FEB 9
Valentine’s Day Race The seventh annual race, consisting of two
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planner FEB 15-17
“The Great Gatsby” 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
FEB 23
The Sai Kung Police Officers book signing Meet author Jacquiline Hamilton as she reads her new book in a fun filled afternoon with Face painting and snacks. Dress your children up as police officers and get 10% off a copy. 3-5pm. No 1, 1/f, Wan King Path, Sai Kung.
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
Chinese New Year Events UNTIL FEB 5
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
The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade Watch the show along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road in TST at 8pm.
FEB 5-21
Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival 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 17
Momentai Pop Up Market Support Sai Kung’s local businesses and enjoy beautiful views. 11am -4pm. Free. Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road Sai Kung. momentai-la.com
FEB 21 - 24
Peter Pan & Wendy 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 23
FEB 23
FEB 6
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
Watch Victoria Harbour light up with Hong Kong’s biggest firework display at 8pm.
FEB 23-24
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.
Fairchild Junior Academy Open House
Refresh and Recharge Workshop with Greta Lai 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
FEB 23 & MAR 2
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Open Day
Living with Joy and Peace: A Meditation Workshop with Heidi Poon
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 Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, Southwest Kowloon. malvernpreschool.hk
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
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Chinese New Year firework display
FEB 7
Chinese New Year race day
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
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
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news
New children’s book about Sai Kung Police Sai Kung resident and owner of Aphrodite Hair and Beauty, Jacquiline Hamilton has just published her first children’s book, all about Sai Kung! The story involves the local police saving Sai Kung town, with adorable characters inspired by her twin boys, Braedan and Lachlan and their group of friends. Her inspiration for the story came when a friend dropped off a toy police car that was looking worse for wear. “My boys played with it all day, everyday! I imagined they were pretending to be police officers. It didn’t take me long to write the story, but I just needed that moment to become inspired” Jacquiline states. While the writing came quickly, the design and illustrations took a little longer. Jacquiline worked with two previous KGV students to illustrate the book, which features many recognisable locations in and around Sai Kung. As for a second book Jacquiline teases; “I’ve been trying to write again, but it’s just not piecing together. I’m just waiting for that moment to happen.” The book, priced at $180 is available from Kidnapped bookshop or at Aphrodite Hair and Beauty salon.
Post office issues “Year of the Pig” commemorative stamps
Kind bus driver helps student
You don’t have to master the art of giving lai see to celebrate Chinese New Year, pop down to the post office and buy some stamps to get you in the festive spirit. The post office has issued a series of philatelic products to pay homage to this year’s zodiac animal, the pig. Specially designed stamps, prepaid postcards and red packets featuring piggies are now on sale at the local post office and online. hongkongpost.hk
A boy travelling from Lohas Park to Mei Foo, had gotten on the wrong bus on his way to school. The student, who had an examination that day, realised his mistake when the bus started heading towards the Tseung Kwan O tunnel. He informed the driver who, although couldn’t take him back gave the boy $100 to take a taxi to school in order to not be late. The mother of the student posted the story on “Tseung Kwan O” Facebook group in the hope of finding and thanking the bus driver for his kindness.
Citybus and New World First Bus fares increased Citybus has increased fares by 7% and New World First Bus (NWFB) by 5.6%. 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
Diving at drones A battle between a white-bellied sea eagle and a drone unfolded in the skies of Sai Kung. Photos of the eagle were captured by Kwong when it engaged a Mavic Air drone in the sky above Yeung Chau. Fortunately, neither the creature nor the drone were harmed. The white-bellied sea eagle is a national level II protected species in Hong Kong and finds habitat in coastal areas such as Sai Kung and outlying islands of Hong Kong.
All international school students to sing Chinese national anthem 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.
Successful month for Walls at Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Park Sai Kung police Since suffering extensive damage from Typhoon Mangkhut, the waterfront at Tseung Kwan O has been undergoing development works to restore the area. Preliminary repair works have been completed with the removal of debris, making it safe for public use. The Civil Engineering and Development
Department have proposed to build an additional wall of 1.1m high to protect the waterfront without blocking the view. This is due to be completed by the end of the year with further repairs of the existing seawall to be completed this month.
January marked a successful month for the police, with no reported cases of burglaries in the town this month. Senior Inspector, Jacky Chan and his team distributed more than 800 sets of alarms around the town, to help raise awareness. Jacky Chan states “It is great for all of us to know that we have zero records of rural village burglaries, it’s a miracle!”
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on patrol
Reports from Sai Kung Police Senior Inspector Jacky Chan reports on recent cases in Sai Kung Woman hit by lorry On January 11, a 64 year-old woman was hit by a lorry on Yi Chun Street. The lorry driver, aged 23 was arrested at the scene and the woman has been transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for brain surgery. Police warn residents to take caution when crossing roads.
Not in this neck of the woods On January 1, there was a collision between a taxi and a private vehicle on Tai Mong Tsai Road. The 43 year-old male driving the private vehicle was taken the Tseung Kwan O suffering minor neck injuries.
Hugs not drugs On January 7, a 54 year-old man was arrested for being in possession of dangerous drugs after police found a joint of Cannabis in his cigarette packet.
Another sprained ankle A 49-year old woman sprained her left ankle and suffered an abrasion to her right knee while hiking on Sharp Peak with a group of friends. She was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital in a conscious state.
Night out ends in dispute A female suffered serious head trauma after being bashed with a rock outside Sing Kee restaurant. The victim had visited a local bar with a male earlier that night and upon leaving, the pair got into a dispute, when the male began to attack her. A neighbour above the resturant heard the commotion and contacted the police. Half the team assisted the woman who had collapsed by the pier, while the other half searched the scene and found the male attempting to escape in a taxi. The man was arrested without bail and the women is currently recovering in hospital.
Chinese New Year operation On February 7, the police will conduct a traffic and crowd management operation outside the Che Kung temple in Ho Chung as many visitors will worship there.
Road rage A dispute between two taxi drivers broke out on January 9 on Fuk Man Road. It is believed the dispute was over driving etiquette. The police were able to diffuse the situation upon arrival.
Expensive date A young man lost $51,970 in a compensateddating scam. The male met a woman on Instagram and prior to meeting, her agent demanded the victim purchase 24 “MyCard� points. Once the victim paid the fee, the woman and her agent became unreachable.
Letter thief caught A postal officer was distributing letters to houses in Pak Sha Wan, when a male standing outside a house, claiming to be the owner, asked for the letters. The officer who previously worked for the police force, asked for proof that the man was the homeowner. The man got scared and ran off, but police caught and arrested him. The postal officer has since received a good citizenship award.
A long way down On January 2, a 58 year-old man slipped 20 metres while hiking on Stage 3 MacLehose Trail. He suffered a serious fracture to his right leg and was airlifted to hospital in a semi conscious state.
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Discarded flares In December, a cleaner found a discarded box of flares commonly used on boats to signal distress. Police warn that discarding flares this way can be extremely dangerous and ask residents to dispose of them in a proper way, seeking assistance from yacht club management or the police.
For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630
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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
The perfect gifts to impress this Valentines Day
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
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five minutes with integrate Chinese characters into my work, I can keep in practice and it’s my way of paying a tribute to China and Hong Kong. I had a great time in Beijing, coming from a little town I wasn’t used to skyscrapers, so it was such a contrast and a great experience for me to be there. The pollution was challenging at times, I’d go to school and I couldn’t see anything and I could even smell it through a mask. After seven years Wendell (my partner) and I decided to move to Shenzhen.
After moving to Hong Kong we lived in Sham Shui Po for about nine months and we heard about this beautiful place that people described as Hong Kong’s back garden. We stopped in Hang Hau and thought that was Sai Kung. Then a complete stranger took us on a drive, she showed us all the different villages. We moved here the first opportunity that we got.
Five minutes with
In March after 10 years as a teacher I left my job. I just wasn’t getting on with the education system, the way children are forced into education makes it lose some of its beauty.
Roberta Boffo
When the opportunity for the studio came up, we went for it! Right now the studio is my life, I’m always here, if I’m not here then I’m most likely sleeping.
I grew up in Italy and lived in the countryside with my whole family including my mum who worked in the fashion industry and my handyman dad, he can do everything!
My Chinese zodiac sign is the tiger, I have a strong personality but I’m extremely sensitive. That might just be because I am Italian though, I’m very passionate and full of emotions, Wendell is very rational, that’s why we match so well.
The Italian artist and founder of Roberta’s Art House
At five years old, I would draw designs for my mum, she would take my work and put it onto beautiful outfits like Spanish skirts and sell them. To have someone so appreciative and take a child’s drawings seriously was
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such a defining thing for me. I chose to study languages at school, although I haven’t practiced in a long time I know four languages; English, French, Italian and Mandarin. I was really interested in China and calligraphy and I decided to move to Beijing. There I went to school and worked for seven years. Chinese calligraphy is life for me. I like to
Follow Roberta on facebook.com/ robertaarthouse/ or pop by the studio located on 1/F, 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung. Check out Roberta’s Solo Exhibition at WeWork Gallery on March 1-15
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local
Sai Sha Road development Nicole Slater investigates the new road widening
I
n late 2018, construction began on Sai Sha Road to widen its original two lanes into a four lane carriageway.
As well as widening the road, developments will include the addition of two covered footbridges and subways, a roundabout, noise barriers and footpaths. These developments are in preparation for the Sun Hung Kai housing project, which is expected to bring a large number of new residents to the area. In early January a spokesperson for the Lands Department, stated: “regarding the development at Tai Po Town, Sai Sha and Shap Sze Heung, a land exchange was approved by the Lands Department and executed in September 2017”. Adding that; “It is noted that the registered owner of Tai Po Town has recently submitted another planning application, which will be considered by the Rural and New Town Planning Committee on 18 January 2019”. Sai Sha Road connects Sai Kung to Ma
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On Shan and is home to many villages including Ma Kwu Lam. The widening of the road will start from Sai O village and continue through to Tai Tung Wo Lui village. Douglas Thomson, a resident of nearby Tin Liu village and shared owner of Sai Kung traffic news Facebook page, recalls; “what used to be grassland that was home to local wildlife is now a huge construction site that will later result in 31-storey high residential blocks and a host of commercial and retail operations”. Adding that “Many residents were hoping that the Town Planning Board would have declined the application for such tall structures”. In recent years, Sai Sha Road has offered Sai Kung residents an alternative route in and out of the town, in order to avoid traffic-clogged Hiram’s Highway, which is also undergoing extensive construction. Having Sai Kung’s only two entry and exit roads, Hiram’s Highway and Sai Sha Road, under construction at the same time should, in the long run, make access
to the town faster and more efficient, but until the construction is complete, we can expect an increase in delays.
How to get out of Sai Kung without traffic • Leave in the middle of the night or avoid the rush hours • Take a boat. Pick up a Sampan at Sai Kung Pier or call 9437 3194 for a ride to Sharp Island (only available on weekends) • Swim. Sign up for swim classes as ESF Sharks, swimming@esf.org.hk • Helicopter. Take a tour with heliservices.com.hk
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cover story cover story
Chinese New Year festivities and etiquette explained
8
Top things to do
J
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
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.
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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.
kimhei robinson kung fat choi $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.
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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
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Watch a night parade
The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade has been a highlight of the season in Hong Kong February 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. Free-standing 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
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Buy an mandarin tree
Mandarins 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.
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Watch the fireworks
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 Promenade.
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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.
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.
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cover cover story story
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
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: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 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.
Year: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
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: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 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: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
After a tough 2018, expect your luck to change. With success around every corner you’ll soon forget about your previous troubles.
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
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樂 新年快樂 恭喜發財 Happiness
Happy New Year
Prosperous New Year
kung kimhei robinson fat choi How are Sai Kung residents celebrating? Toby and Joyce
Master Lee of Yun Fook Tong tells us about the importance of lion dancing during the Lunar New Year Lion dancing is a traditional dance in Chinese culture, a group of people dress up in lion costumes that are usually custom made in specialty craft shops and mimic a lion’s strong and fierce moves. It is believed to bring joy and good luck to people and drive away bad things for the new year. Lion dances are performed at the beginning of a new year to give people a healthy, prosperous and energetic year ahead. For “Mui Fa Chong” performances, it takes beginners months and sometimes years to complete an act. However, for the traditional act, it takes a few weeks. We practice three to four times a week for around four hours. Training involves presence of mind, good body posture and patience.
I like to keep it traditional during Chinese New Year, this includes doing bai-nin (going around to distribute lai-see) and visiting relatives and friends. Sadly Joyce won’t be in Hong Kong during the festive period so she’s missing all the fun. Collecting lai-see is obviously one of the highlights because you get money, but I love gathering with friends to play mahjong. Everyone is happy and it doubles the liveliness.
Pico the poodle I love Chinese New Year. Each year I like to walk around with my human and visit
her family and friends, and this year is no exception! It’s a fun occasion because I get to run around with my friends and eat delicious treats, which I can’t normally eat. Every year I receive lots of presents, such as new toys and clothes for me to wear on my trips out. I never get tired of it!
Ah Ming During Chinese New Year I’ll go out and visit friends and acquaintances with my wife for some of the days. But we mostly like to stay at home and enjoy some quality time with our cute little babies. I’ve passed the age of finding something fun out of Chinese New Year, but it’s a nice occasion when people put down their work and relax. You can feel peace brimming in the air.
I learned Kung fu and lion dancing during my younger years and I stayed in the profession. I am a teacher and also the coach of Yun Fook Tong. It brings me happiness every time I see the audience enjoy the show. Children from the age of five years can start learning the moves. They need to be fit and have a joy of learning. yunfooktong.com
By Rachel Blundy For locals in Hong Kong, Chinese New Year is probably the hottest date in the lunar calendar, marking a time for feasting, meeting up with family and catching up on some well-earned sleep. But for everyone else, Hong Kong can suddenly seem like an unusually quiet place, as thousands leave the city to visit relatives or take a holiday. Unfortunately as demand for a weekend getaway increases, often so do the prices. So if you’re feeling reluctant to splash out on an overpriced holiday, and you can’t crash a local’s family get together, here are some ways you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Explore a new hiking trail
Lion dancing
Hong Kong’s vast selection of scenic, accessible hikes mean you can never really be bored here. For an easy, family-friendly walk, try the two kilometre Lung Ha Wan Country Trail through Clearwater Bay Country Park. Alternatively for a longer but relatively flat eight kilometre hike, take the Hong Pak
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cover story cover story Country trail from Quarry Bay towards Tai Tam reservoir. You can either venture home from just beyond the reservoir by bus or taxi, or hike a further six or so kilometres south to Stanley or Repulse Bay and enjoy some welldeserved refreshments. (Tip: keep to the road and avoid Violet Hill and The Twins in the final section if you’re feeling tired).
Discover one of the city’s temples Experience some of the heritage of Hong Kong by checking out some of its best temples during the quiet days of Chinese New Year. Wander up the relatively steep path to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, past a row of impressive golden statues of arhats (Buddhist saints who have achieved enlightenment). Visit the smaller temples and pagoda at the top of the complex. Further afield, enjoy the series of temples, pagodas and shrines on the Ping Shan Heritage trail in Yuen Long, for a full day’s activity.
Snap Hong Kong’s best street art The walls of the urban jungle have been brightened up in recent years by impressive graffiti art. Probably the most Instagrammed
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mural is Alex Croft’s patchwork painting on the side of the G.O.D store in Hollywood Road, which was inspired by the famously customised homes in Kowloon Walled City. There’s even more artwork to see nearby on Shing Wong Street, where Danish artist Christian Storm has boldly depicted two swimming koi fish. Meanwhile in Mong Kok, check out the innovative graffiti on the alleyway between Argyle Street and Bute Street.
Sing your heart out at a karaoke bar Once you’ve been dazzled by the annual Harbourfront fireworks display, party the evening away at a karaoke bar with friends; Neway or Red MR offer good packages for groups, from between $300 to $400 per person, including drinks and snacks. If you’re on a budget and prefer performing to a crowd, head to Junels Resto Bar in Sai Ying Pun, where karaoke costs just $2 per song.
Cycle from Sha Tin to Tai Mei Tuk This 22 kilometre path may sound daunting, but it is relatively flat and therefore accessible for even more casual cyclists. You’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Shing Mun River, Hong Kong Science Park and Pak Shek Kok Promenade before you arrive at the lake on near the main dam of Plover Cove Reservoir in Tai Mei Tuk. There are bike rental shops along the route in Tai Wai, Sha Tin Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park and Tai Mei Tuk, but you will need to inquire in advance with individual bike shops for prices and opening times over Chinese New Year.
Rachel hiking it out!
kim robinson
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sport classes including salsa, ballroom (in standard and Latin American variations), partner work, timing and musicality. If you are looking for something different, you can even learn bachata, a couple dance from the Dominican Republic known for its sultry, hip-shaking moves. 279 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan. hk.dancetrinity.com
Ceroc Hong Kong For those of us struggling to work up the courage to show up to a dance class, this one’s for you. Instead of stepping into a room full of mirrors, shimmy your way to a Ceroc Night, with a drink in hand. On the second and fourth Thursday of each month, Ceroc Hong Kong hosts a social night at LKF bar, Mazu. Participants will learn three easy dance moves during the initial group class session and the dance floor will be opened up for freestyle dancing. No experience needed. Mazu, Cosmos Building, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central. cerochongkong.com Mention “Hong Kong Living” to get a free pass to Ceroc Night until 31 March. Available only to first timers.
Let’s dance
Aww...
Apple Lee rounds up the best places to sweep your partner off their feet Dance@Central
DANCETRINITY
Dance@Central offers couple dance classes for both groups and private parties in its sleek studio space in the heart of Central. The founder, Joviene San, is an international dancer, choreographer and instructor who is trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop and Latin dance. Having competed in professional dance competitions across Asia and taking home numerous national awards, San started Dance@Central in 2012 after seeing a need for Englishspeaking dance classes in Hong Kong. 1/F, 13 Queen Victoria Street, Central. centraldancehongkong.com
With more than 80 walk-in classes a week, DANCETRINITY makes it easy for students to drop in to a one-hour session according to their availability. The studio, founded by Alexandre Amoroso, offers a range of social dance and technique-focused
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Melevos Tango To spice up your love life, sign up to an Argentine tango class with your special shoutout. Unlike most styles of ballroom dancing, Argentine tango encourages partners to feed off each other and relies on improvisation rather than following strict footwork and choreography. Melevos Tango offers
two to tango regular group classes and private lessons for all levels of dancers. The studio is founded by banker-turned-dancer Sandra Mok who is also owner of handmade dancewear label Sandrini. Unit 1109, 11/F, Block B, Bell House, 525-543 Nathan Road, Kowloon. malevos-tango.com
Let’s Tango Founded by power duo Edith and Kamong, the Let’s Tango team offers four levels of Argentine tango classes across various studios in Hong Kong including Culture Club, Parfumerie Tresor, Amico Studio and Danzstage. By incorporating principles of Tai Chi in his teaching, Kamong brings an unexpected twist to the traditional dance form. Let’s Tango Studio, 7/F, Flat A, Shun Hing Building, 11 Whitfield Road, Tin Hau. letstango.com.hk
Get your groove on
5 minutes with professional dancer, Christian Bradbury Christian Bradbury is a member of the Hong Kong DanceSport Association Professional Division and a licensed adjudicator of Latin (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive) and Ballroom/Standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Walatz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep) dances. Originally from the UK, Bradbury has been living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. Tell us about your first dance class. I started dancing at age five. My parents wanted to have the weekend off, so they sent me and my sister, who was three years older, to dance school. It was a class of 30 young girls and I met my best friend, who was the only other boy, there. Dance came quite naturally to me and I joined my first competition within the first year. What is your favourite type of dance? Rumba. It is very slow and romantic. I can feel a strong emotional connection to the dance when I move. Even though it is the slowest Latin dance, it is also the hardest because there are a lot of techniques involved.
Hong Kong Swings Swing, or “lindy hop”, is an improvised dance that focuses on rhythm and groove. Join the introductory studio classes hosted by Hong Kong Swings to pick up the basics and dance to live jazz bands over weekly evening socials at Grappa’s Cellar and STEAM. 9/F, Dawning House, 145 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan. hongkongswings.com
Any tips on how to prepare for your first social dance class? 1. The most important thing is to make sure that you are not injured and are physically able to dance. 2. You don’t have to bring a partner to class – a lot of my students come in on their own. 3. Get a pair of dance shoes. DanceAmo at Shun Tak Centre has plenty of reasonably priced and long-lasting footwear.
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health health and & wellness 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 party-ready 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. Try their branch close to home in Sai Kung. G/F, 77 Man Nin Street. 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!
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dining
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 Impress your date Taste wine like a professional with founder and CEO JeanLoup Thomazo of Natural Food & Beverages
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
Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar
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 old-world 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
Enjoy a romantic valentine’s three-course set dinner with mains including grilled striploin and pan-seared cod finished off with a rose strawberry mousse for $499. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing ambience with live music throughout the meal. The set dinner is available from February 13 until 15, perfect for those who are unavailable on actual valentine’s night. 4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung. facebook.com/TikitikiBowlingBar
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
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
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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
Chez Raymond de Paris Tucked away on Po Tung Road, Chez Raymond de Paris is a quiet, cozy spot. French owner and head chef, Chez Raymond is dedicated to sharing his love of timeless French classics and the highest-quality ingredients, without shortcuts. Many customers rave about his fullblood Wagyu steaks. And with good reason, suppliers include a specialist breeder in Tasmania who raises a limited stock and feeds them a daily treat of dark chocolate. Wines are expertly selected to perfectly match the dishes. G/F, 183D Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. chezraymonddeparis.com
Explore the country park’s secret Dai Pai Dong Good food and good views
sells a range of traditional rice and noodlebased dishes, it’s the perfect place to grab a well-deserved lunch after a day of hiking in the mountains. Surrounded by a mass of flowers and exotic plants including plenty of orchids, you’ll find this hidden gem inside the gate at the beginning of the family walk out to the walled Sheung Yiu Folk Museum. Hidden just before the barrier in Sai Kung Country Park, you’ll find a serene Dai Pai Dong overlooking the lush green countryside. A Dai Pai Dong is the name for an openair food stall in Hong Kong, which is traditionally a low-priced, casual dining spot for locals. Fu Kee, which opened last April, has gone unnoticed to much of the community. Local resident Kit Sinclair discovered the area while out and about in Sai Kung Country Park at the end of last year. The small store
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A young woman and her orchid enthusiast husband now run the quaint cafe. Don’t be a stranger and stop on by! Fu Kee is located next to Sheung Yiu Folk Museum ( Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sai Kung)
How to get there From Sai Kung town, take bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung and cross the road towards, Po Leung Kuk Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp where you’ll find a path leading to the Museum.
big day out
Monkeying around
Country Park is its proximity to the city and 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
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
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monkey sham big day shui business out po
Beautiful views across Kam Shan Country park
to watch and can be extremely photogenic. 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 road to explore the Kam Shan Tree Walk. This well signposted pathway leads to Shek Lei Pui and back, highlighting many different
Ready to take your snacks!
The entrance
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
Photo credit: Nellim Wilderness Hotels & Safaris
A perfect finish to the winter travel season in Lapland. By Gemma Shaw.
A thrilling husky safari through 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
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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 HäggLundvall 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, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Executive
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chef Jaakko Sorsa is probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth celebrity chefs I know. finds.com.hk
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 drinking. 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 Kong. He also organises pop-up dinners featuring
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 How to get there 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
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.
A starry night at Terelj Mountain Lodge
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village focus
Lai Chi Chong
A village on the north of Sai Kung Peninsula
H
ong Kong is a relatively wellconnected city, commuters can choose from varied travel options including MTR, minibuses, buses, taxis and trams - all of which run frequently and typically, on time. But as connected as Hong Kong may be, there is one destination to which none of these transportation devices can help you reach. That remote destination is Lai Chi Chong, a small village nestled along the north shore of Sai Kung West Country Park. No roads run through this area of Sai Kung. The only way to get to the village is
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either by foot or via an hour-long ferry ride. The absence of cars in the area means Lai Chi Chong has been able to maintain the majority of its serene natural beauty. According to legends, three lychee trees with enormous trunks once grew in the area, hence its name Lai Chi Chong which directly translates to ‘lychee village’. The more likely reason though is due to the practice of cultivating and selling lychees by past villagers. Over time, the villagers began to leave and no residents currently reside in Lai Chi Chong. The few buildings which still stand
Lai Chi Chong
lai chi chong belong to residents who typically only visit over the weekend, either as a holiday home or to set up pop- up stores to capitalise on the growing number of visitors. The village is now encapsulated by lush overgrown greenery, whilst a steady stream runs nearby. A few hundred metres out, the dense bushes and trees open up to reveal a flat grassland leading up to the mangroves growing on the inlet. The setting offers city dwellers a perfect retreat from the manic streets of Hong Kong, many coming here and setting up camp for the weekend. The seemingly perfect camping spot was in fact originally flattened and used for farming purposes. The villagers not only left their homes, but also their land and the cows they once used to farm their terraces. The cows now wander freely and can occasionally be spotted around the village. Nearby in the water, you can also find a wealth of other
How to get to Lai Chi Chong Take No. 7 Minibus from Sai Kung Town, alight at Pak Sha O followed by a one hour walk or take a ferry from Wong Shek Pier. Call 2527 2513 for ferry inquires.
me Up Don't pickk i n g a when ta photo
Don't get crabby
critters; from puffer fish, squids and crabs. Follow the path out further towards the water and past the pier until you reach a wooden sign marked with the village name. Here marks the start of the geopark where a volcano erupted over 140 million years ago. Skirt the coast and discover unique rock formations and patterns dating back to the
Jurassic Period. Today the site constitutes as one of the most important places in Hong Kong for geological study on rock formation. Want to be village correspondent? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide
A stunning collection of 12 Sai Kung hikes, all completed in 2017 for the most updated information.
Order now at hongkongliving.com/shop (we can mail it anywhere in the world)
SAIKUNG.COM | 41
woof
Ask a vet... 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. 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. 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.
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.
It can take 7-10 days to show signs in a dog. Even dogs that only have access to home areas can pick it up if the wildlife can get into the area, or the bacteria is taken home on outdoor shoes. I strongly recommend you have your dog vaccinated annually take precautions. Never let your dog drink from puddles and if they do go for walks, wipe their feet when they
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.
Walkies
with parrot duo Red Bean and Blue Girl
W
alking parrots is like being part of a parade - attracting a crowd of strangers is inevitable. But people are more than welcome to stroke Ah Hai’s feathered pets. One by one he teaches them the most Instagrammable poses - the ‘Christ’, where the birds stand on each shoulder and the ‘Cradle’, where Blue Girl lies down in the cup of your hands. “They’re really obedient and don’t peck unless intimidated. Just make sure your hand doesn’t go anywhere near their beak,” says Sai Kung resident Ah Hai as he talks about his parrots with pride. Red Bean is 15 months old, a sophisticated girl, polite and friendly. Blue Girl is three years old, the rough yankee eager to show off his prowess. Both of them are
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masters in the art of nut cracking. Apparently they pick up words best when taught subconsciously. Now, the skywalker duo are fluent in simple words such as “hi”, “bye bye” and “go for a walk”. You can usually spot Red Bean and Blue Girl along the Sai Kung Promenade. Look out for Ah Hai riding on his motorcycle, with a long-tailed parrot comfortably perched on his shoulder. No doubt they can feel like a heavy burden at times, but Ah Hai isn’t bothered at all stating; “I sometimes put
them on the ground, and let them wander for a while.”
zim city
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 it is to get any of these assets in a public space. Bus shelters, public seating or adding
Telephone box in Sheung Wan
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.
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game
Spot the difference Spot the five differences between the two images below. Answers next issue.
Image: A wetmarket in Hong Kong 4
3
2 1
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5
Answer to last month: 1. Pier sunk 2. Building recoloured
4. Building demolished
3. Scaffolding recoloured
5. Cargo ship sailed away
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September 2018
Reach for the stars Stargazing in Sai Kung
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What to plant in February?
ebruary is the second month of the year, but it won’t get any warmer until spring arrives. The average high and low temperature is at 19°C / 14°C (66.2°F / 57.2°F). The numbers alone don’t deliver much hope, but remember, winter is warm because it’s cold. Our plants aren’t fluffy pets we can hug to sleep, but they make wonderful companions who put a smile on our face. Instead of aiming for perfectness, living is all about making full use of the cards we are dealt with. Even when everything seems lost, there must be something we can hold on to. (Just look at your bubbly beautiful garden!) Are your beauties blooming along? Chrysanthemum are rarities in Hong Kong, but if you happen to have a pot or two, cuttings should now be put in. Heliotropes may still be potted on, as well as Crotons propagated last summer. Put pots and soil under cover for potting purposes next month. Clean pots and fresh soil are necessary to a successful and bountiful garden. Prune and re-tie Bignonia venusta if it has finished flowering. You can’t miss it - an admirable rich orangy colour that contrasts passive winter hues. Another sowing of Sunflowers may be made. Seeds of Verbena venosa may be sown - the plants will flower in July. If your green reserves are running low, now is a good timing to plant ahead and sow the following: Mustard and Cress, Radish, Turnip, Chinese Spinach, French Beans, Peas, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Long Beans, Water Spinach, Ochroes and Sword Beans. Put out young plants of Lettuce, Vegetable Marrow, Tomato, Cucumber and Brinjal. Plant Jerusalem Artichokes towards the end of the month. February is still relatively dry, so keep the tubers watered regularly. Asparagus beds may now be manured. Blanch Lettuce and Endive for succession, and earth up Celery for the same purpose as well. Winter does not encourage gardening affairs, but in harsh conditions our love and loyalty for our babies burn even more with passion. Think of the warm, sunny days that lie ahead in spring, or the fateful day you took on the apron of a gardener. Flowers wilt so a new sapling can grow. Your garden is actually tougher than you know. By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.
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stephen says... Enquiries to the Lands Department over how this increase was determined met with the usual bland assurances that this was no more than the market rate fixed by…well fixed according to what? Market prices, was the reply but there is no free market in STTs and reference to the rest of the rental market is pretty meaningless because general property rentals bear no relation to STT land rentals where very tight conditions are attached to the leases. So, is this rental evaluation somehow tied to prevailing property price trends? It’s impossible to find out but the suspicion lingers that the all- powerful Lands Dept commissars are simply doing what they want, when they want. If you dare to question the rent rises the fine folk at the Department are quick to remind you that they can simply withdraw your STT lease for no other reason than because they can.
Let’s hear it for the pigs Stephen Vines celebrates Sai Kung’s wild boars!
B
y the time you get to read this, preparations for the Chinese New Year will be well underway. When I first moved to Sai Kung more or less everything to do with work and business ground to a halt during the week of the new year, very few restaurants or other eating places were open and a happy calm descended; that’s no longer the case but it remains a wonderful time for relaxing. This year we have special reason to celebrate because it’s the Year of the Pig and wild pigs are common in Sai Kung. They tend to be big, but shy. They are not at all aggressive unless you come across a litter of piglets guarded by their mother. But most of all the pigs round here mind their own business which in my book is no bad thing. As for the wild pigs, no one seems to have told them to take a new year’s break, thus they will continue to rummage around. So, Kung Hei to those marvellous pigs and indeed
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to readers who will no doubt need all the Fat Choi they can get in the coming year. The mystery surrounding short term tenancies Mystery looms over the rents that many Sai Kung residents pay to the government for short term tenancies, these tend to be small plots of land attached to properties, often used as gardens or parking spaces. Their use is highly regulated and the way these rentals are calculated is opaque to say the least. As ever at the heart of this mystery is the all-embracing Lands Department which administers this scheme without a hint of transparency. Generally speaking the rents are adjusted every five years for long term STT holders but what is not known is how these rents are fixed. As a STT holder myself I was shocked to be hit with a rent increase close to 50 per cent but on asking around found that this was not exceptional, despite all evidence that rental levels are falling.
Help the environment and make some money Have you, in common with quite a large number of other Sai Kungers, applied to join the scheme to sell electricity to CLP? Basically, it involves installing rooftop solar panels or wind generators to produce electricity and selling to the grid what is not required for domestic use. The scheme was launched last year and because it was not devised by government bureaucrats they immediately tried to strangle it in red tape, specifically making it difficult for village houses to participate. These officials rightly guessed that village house owners were best placed to take advantage of this scheme and so, in their great wisdom, made it really hard for them to do so. Eventually, the Chief Executive stepped in and ordered the restrictions to be lifted. The net result has been that two thirds of the scheme’s applicants came from village house owners. This is clearly not a scheme that will appeal to everyone but, aside from the considerable environmental benefits, it also has potential to put some money into the pockets of home owners – not a vast amount and not without some initial quite hefty capital outlay but the idea is really pretty good and well worth thinking about.
Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.
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