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August 2019
Back to school Get prepared for the big day with our handy guide!
Super summer staycations Take a break from the heat at one of these fabulous hotels
WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR LUNCHBOX? IDEAS THEY’LL LOVE (AND SO WILL YOU)
AHOY,
SMEA E TINESYIDE ! FODRONR’TEMSUS ISSLTS OUR KID CARNIVA S L ON AUG 31
Application deadline
October 2, 2019
for Pre Reception to Grade 2
Canadian International School of Hong Kong CDNIS is an IB World School for children from Pre Reception to Grade 12. Upper School students graduate with both the Ontario School Diploma (OSSD) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma allowing for entry to the most well-respected universities around the world.
For further information or to register for a weekly tour, please call 2525 7088 or visit
To inspire excellence, cultivate character and empower engagement locally and globally. 2 expat-parent.com
CDNIS is strategically located near the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station.
CONTENTs 2
Editor’s letter
Hello from the hot desk
ISSUE 063
41
35 Dining
4 Contributors
Rachel Erwin and Anna Tee of LifeHub on packing a healthy lunch. Plus dining news
Meet this month’s team
7
What’s on
Dates for your diary this August
Aqua sports to try this summer. Just add water
12
Ahoy, Mateys!
44
Book club
Author Helen McClure offers a fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations of expat life
46
Big day out
Cycle routes for little legs
38 Outdoors
Hunt for treasure at our Summer Kids Carnival
14 News
17
48
Your monthly local news roundup
Me & my big idea
48 Travel
Matthew Paterson, Founder of Minisport
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Things you need to know
Typhoon season blows around again
21
Hong Kong Baby
What’s on our expectant mama’s shopping list
22
Summer quiz 2019
Test your Hong Kong knowledge in this year’s quiz
26
Cover Story
Take a break and enjoy one of these fantastic staycation packages. Plus Travel News
56
Pork Bun in the Oven
It’s almost D-day for our expectant mum
12
Back to school. Here’s our handy guide to making first day back a breeze
31 Education Do you have a budding Beethoven in the house? Plus School News
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22
14
42
Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com
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editor’s message
W
e’re almost there. There’s a shimmering light on the horizon and it signals times of change. In just a few short weeks, the new school year will begin and summer holidays will fade into a distant memory. Are you ready? Don’t miss a trick with our handy guide to getting prepped for the new term on page 26. Plus, keep bellies full with nutritious packed lunch ideas from Rachel Erwin and Anna Tee of LifeHub on page 36. But wait, am I getting ahead of myself? There are still summer days to fill. Are you out of ideas yet? How about a last minute summer treat? There are some fantastic deals on summer staycation packages this month. We take a look at those which best cater to children on page 50. Weather permitting, you could also go cycling. Charmaine Ng suggests great bike paths for little legs on page 46. And don’t put this issue down without giving our summer quiz a go. Turn to page 22 to test your knowledge. Answers in the September issue. Oh, and finish off the summer on a high at our Summer Kids Carnival at The Pulse on August 31. It’s pirate themed, check out the details on page 12. See you there!
3 things we love this month...
who’s in charge? Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com
Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley
Editorial Assistant Becky Love
Digital Editor Apple Lee
Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng
Design Coordinator Sonia Khatwani
Design and Editorial Assistant Jeramy Lee
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Senior Partnership Manager Isamonia Chui
Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung
Events ran@hongkongliving.com Event Executive Ran Chan
Operations charles@hongkongliving.com Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau
Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@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
Komune’s new happy hour
There’s a new sunset happy hour in town! ABOVE by Kömune have launched their new happy hour, where guests can enjoy cocktails, wine and beer plus a complimentary snack bar, Wednesday to Friday between 5pm and 8pm. Meet you there as the sun goes down. komune.com.hk
Rituals in Hong Kong
Looking for an excuse to spoil yourself? Rituals Cosmetics have finally opened their doors in Asia. The new Times Square, Causeway Bay store boasts an abundance of luxurious yet affordable products for the home and body. Ooh la la. rituals.com 2 expat-parent.com
Contributing Editor Nicole Slater
Design sonia@hongkongliving.com
Soho House opening
Hong Kong’s newest social club, Soho House developed for like-minded creatives - will open its doors in September. We can’t wait to check out the 28-storey skyscraper in Sheung Wan that will make for a wonderful cultural and creative focal point within our city. sohohousehongkong.com
Managing Editor Gemma Shaw
Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent 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. Expat Parent 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.
expat-parent.com 3
contributors
Becky Love
Nicole Cooley
Charmaine Ng
Our contributing editor will be taking a break (of sorts) for a few months as she prepares to bring new life into the world this month. Wish her luck! Ahead of that, she put together our summer quiz 2019. Plus she ticks the final few things off her baby shopping list on page 21.
Our contributing editor and Mum-of-one chatted with Helen McClure, author of Do they eat soup in England? about her two year study of life as an expat on page 42. Plus, if you have a budding Beethoven, check out her guide to piano lessons in Hong Kong on page 33.
Our editorial assistant has drawn up a list of the best family-friendly bicycle rides in Hong Kong on page 46. And for when summer’s over, check out her indispensable back to school checklist to get you ready for the new school year on page 26!
Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com
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what’s on
AUG 31 - SEP 1
Diary dates
Pirates AHOY! Summer Kids Carnival Step inside the world of pirates and treasure maps at the Hong Kong Living Kids Carnival which takes over The Pulse for the weekend. Kids can have their faces painted as fearful pirates and enjoy paddle boating at the inflatable pool while parents scout for treasure at the pop-up market. 11am-5pm. Tickets cost $99 per child (includes entry for accompanying adults). L2 and rooftop, The Pulse, 28, Beach Road, Repulse Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop
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what’s on UNTIL AUG 25
House 1881 Summer Sensation Programme The historic property is hosting weekly openair weekend markets, floral installations and live music from 11am-6pm. Each day finishes with a synchronised 3D light extravaganza at 8:30pm. House 1881, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. house1881.com
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
Ocean Park Summer Water Battle
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
AUG 3-4
Cool off in the new Pixar Water Play Street Party parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, featuring all new characters from Toy Story 4 such as Bo Peep and Forky! Adults $639, children $475. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. hongkongdisneyland.com
PAW Patrol is coming to Hong Kong – live! Take your kids to celebrate Pirate Day in Adventure Bay with Ryder and his team of pirate pups. 11am, 2.30pm and 6pm. $580. Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. pawpatrollive.com
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
AUG 4
Step into the world of wonderful Ghibli animation through 3D sets, installations and scene creation of your favourite movies Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky and more! 11am-8pm. $118. Portal 6311, 18 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay. ghiblihk.com
Immerse yourself in music this summer with live music shows featuring local performers and
Toy Story & Pixar Pals Summer Splash
Head to Ocean Park this summer to experience Hong Kong’s first VR freefall ride. The Waterfront Plaza will transform into an exhilarating water battle zone where you can face off in classic scenes from popular Japanese anime series One Piece. Adults $498, children $249. Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen. oceanpark.com.hk
PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure!
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
50th Anniversary of Moon Landing exhibition
Credit: Flickr: cattan2011
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, the Hong Kong Space Museum will showcase the mission including a LEGO model of the Saturn V rocket. Free. Foyer of the Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hk.space.museum
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The World of Ghibli’s Animation
Joox at Stanley Plaza
tell me more
mum about town
bands including Panther Chan, R.O.O.T. and Pandora. 3-6pm. Free. Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley. stanleyplaza.com
AUG 10
Design and Art Summer @ SummerFest This handicraft market offers visitors a taste of Hong Kong, showcasing a wide assortment of creative crafts by various local designers and artists. 10am-6pm. Free. Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk
AUG 15
Hungry Ghost Festival
AUG 16-18 & 23-25
Hong Kong Ballet: Peter Pan Revisit your childhood with the premiere of Septime Webre’s Peter Pan. The show uses a fun combination of classical ballet, clever slapstick and a touch of hip hop. Friday 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from $120. Tsim Sha Tsui, Grand Theatre and Sha Tin, Auditorium. hkballet.com
AUG 17-18
Absolutely Fabulous Children’s Theatre at Lee Gardens Performers Sandra Waters and Michael Sharmon share the story of The North Wind and the Sun, one of Aesop’s Fables, with fun activities and songs. Great for children aged three to 10 years, parents welcome. 3pm and 4pm. Free. 2/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. aftec.hk
Partying with pizza Farewell school holidays and hello pizza! August begins for me with a Motorino pizza-making party, to feast on antipasti and pizza as I catch up with a couple of pals. Time to get rid of any of the ‘ahhhh my kids have been driving me crazy’ frustrations with a bit of dough beating. The chef gives a hands-on lesson in the art of Neapolitan pies and an abundance of traditional Italian toppings can be added before they’re baked in the custom-made pizza oven for a soft but crispy finish. My mouth is watering as I type! I may have forgotten to mention to my husband - there’s the option of three hours of free-flow prosecco or wine for $58. Luckily this event happens monthly, so no doubt I’ll be visiting again soon. Motorino Pizza Making Party: August 3, 3-5pm. $248 for antipasti, pizza and free-flow Peroni. Motorino, 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai. RSVP at info@ motorino.com.hk
Dancing into Neverland Hong Kong Ballet enters its 40th Anniversary Season this year and kicks off with Peter Pan. This will be Artistic Director Septime Webre’s Asian premiere of the ballet and I cannot wait for some childhood nostalgia! Septime Webre did not disappoint with the previous season, I particularly enjoyed the glamour of The Great Gatsby, so I’m looking forward to what’s to come. This production is said to combine classical ballet, clever slapstick and even a bit of hip hop to bring J.M. Barrie’s classic tale to life. Maybe I’ll even bring the family along! Hong Kong Ballet: Peter Pan: August 16-18, Friday 7.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 2:30pm & 7:30pm. Tickets from $140. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. August 23-25, Friday 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from $120. Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. hkballet.com
Credit: Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
Credit: Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
According to traditional Chinese belief, ghosts are said to roam the earth during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Don’t stay out too late this month - you have been warned!
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what’s on Trevor Noah, brings his stand-up tour Loud & Clear to Hong Kong for the first time. Expect plenty of sharp wit, intelligent commentary and Millennial humour. 7pm. $588. Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. trevornoah.com
AUG 23
The Chainsmokers World War Joy Tour Grammy award-winning and Billboard charttopping duo The Chainsmokers bring their World War Joy Asia Tour to Hong Kong for just one night. 8pm. $588. AsiaWorld Expo, 1 Airport Expo Boulevard, Chek Lap Kok. livenation.hk
AUG 17-18 & 24-25
Scream It Out! Pirate’s Wings Fest! Don your pirate getup and challenge yourself to fiery plates of chicken wings. The first weekend features 10 different spicy flavours and the second weekend features close to 100 styles of wings. 2-8pm. Online tickets
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AUG 24 $120, door tickets $160. 2/F and Rooftop, 28 Beach Road, The Pulse, Repulse Bay. piratewingfest.eventbrite.com
AUG 21
Trevor Noah Loud & Clear Live in Hong Kong The host of the popular The Daily Show,
Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival Asia’s biggest celebration of Jamaican music and soundsystem culture. Rock out to reggae, ska, rocksteady and dub all night long. 6-11pm. $420 early bird, $580 door tickets. Southern Stadium, 111 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. hkirsf.com
BOOK NOW SEP 21-22
SEP 7
Red Bull 3 Peaks Race
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2019 Showcasing the latest and most exquisite designs from over 140 brands. Expect special promotions, lucky draws, watch parades and more. 9.30am-5pm. Free. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com
SEP 14-15
Booze it Up! Pirate’s Beer Fest Don on your pirate getup and unleash your wild side in Pirateland! The fun festival also features the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. 2-8pm. Online tickets $120, door tickets $160. Rooftop, 28 Beach Road, The Pulse, Repulse Bay. piratebeerfest. eventbrite.com
SEP 19
Kedington 30th Anniversary Wine Fair 2019
A race that gives competitors a chance to experience three extreme sports; Outrigger Canoeing, Open Water Swimming and Trail Running – all wrapped up in one race. Details, rules and application at redbull.hk/ redbull3peaks Celebrate Kedington’s 30th anniversary at their bigger than ever annual wine tasting, featuring top-class wineries at the best prices of the year. 6:30-9:30pm. $400 per person, $350 for six or more. The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. eventbrite.com https://bit.ly/2X7wtG1
SEP 22
OCT 10
Planning for your big day? Get some inspiration on venues, dresses, decorations and more at the 2019 Wedding Expo. 2-6pm. Free. The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. helenamay.com
We know it’s only August, but have your thought about starting your Christmas shopping? Get a head start at this bazaar featuring over 50 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and books. 9.30am to 5.30pm. $10. The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. helenamay.com
Wedding Expo
Looking for fun summer activities to do with your children? In collaboration with Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong
H
ow about a spot of cooking? Taking the time to teach your child to cook not only provides you with a special bonding activity but it also offers a host of opportunities for enhancing their learning and development. From boosting their self-confidence to developing their maths and science skills, cooking together allows your child to absorb numerous skills without
even realising they are being taught. When following a recipe, reading comprehension is improved; by measuring ingredients, important maths skills are taught; and by watching food cook, the principles of chemistry are introduced. Cooking also teaches children the origins of food and how to make healthy food choices. In addition, their senses and fine motor skills are stimulated as they learn to mix, stir, pour, smell and taste, and by taking turns to cook, they also develop their social skills. In short, the learning possibilities are endless! Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong’s (MCPS) curriculum focuses on educationally-harnessed play where learning takes place through
Charity Bazaar
both structured and free play. They have their own “Learning Kitchen” designed specifically to support their Early Years Curriculum and to develop these skills in the pupils. So, why not introduce your child to the joys of cooking this summer? Visit childrensrecipes.com to find a range of delicious child-friendly recipes and get ready to have lots of fun as you learn together! Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (MCPS) offers an educationally harnessed play programme based on the U.K.’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children aged 2 to 5. MCPS will have a new campus, Malvern College Pre-School Island West, located in Sai Ying Pun, opening in August 2019. Email: mcpsadm@malvernpreschool.hk Phone: 3898 4668
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TREASURE MAP
Pirates AHOY!
Keep your little pirates entertained all weekend long at Hong Kong Living’s private-themed summer carnival Tick off the checkpoint Face painting
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So, ye want to look like a pirate, aye? Come on down and get ye face painted up before hopping aboard the ship - don’t forget yer eye patch!
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THE PULSE ROOFTOP
Professional portraits at Venture Studios
Batten down the hatches and wave the Jolly Roger high for your next portrait, best be done when you’re in full pirate mode.
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THE PULSE L2 3
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Pirate Parade Shiver me timbers! Have ye seen how many buccaneer’s are here. Watch ‘em parade around at 3pm and 6.45pm. Each parade lasts 20-30 minutes. (Ground floor and L2)
Pop up market (all public areas) Scour the decks for a bargain, with 25 market stalls ye will have too much choice. Grab some grub to warm yer bones or a new kit to wear for the parade.
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TREASURE MAP 5
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Arts and crafts workshops (ticket required)
Kids performance (public access) Aye aye Cap’n. Are ye ready for some performances, get yer dancing boots on with Sky Dance Avenue (Saturday and Sunday) and science show to test out the waters with ActiveKids. (Saturday only)
Yo ho ho, get yer colour pencils ready and decorate yer own pirate-themed card to send to yer ol’ seadog!
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Kids book corner Grab some reads for the long days spent on high seas. Join in the book swap or buy ‘em new but you best be reading something about pirates, aye!
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RAISE THE MASTS (UP ON THE ROOF)
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Minisport activities (ticket required) X marks the spot for the little ones, best be prepared to run around and get splashed! Don’t be a damsel in distress.
STAIRS
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Pirate paddle boat (ticket required) Climb aboard yer own ship and heave ho along the water on a paddle boat, don’t forget ye old Cap’n!
Pirates AHOY! August 31 - September 1 , 11am-5pm
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L2 and rooftop, The Pulse, 28, Beach Road, Repulse Bay Day tickets cost $99 per child (includes entry for two accompanying adults)
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news
Peak Tram back on track
Pirateland arrrr-ives at The Pulse This summer, Repulse Bay’s The Pulse will transform into a pirate ship within a pirate stronghold. From now until September 15, visitors can enjoy various pirate-themed zones, pirate costumes and temporary pirate tattoos. There is plenty for the adults to get involved in at ‘Booze it Up!’ a pirate’s beer fest and ‘Scream it Out!’ a
pirate’s wings fest which will feature close to 100 styles of wings. Hong Kong Living will host their very own Pirate’s AHOY! summer kids fest at The Pulse from August 31 to September 1 and pets will be celebrated at ‘Pirate’s ARRRR!’ summer pet market from September 7-8. More details and dates at thepulse.com.hk
IMAX Laser Theatre set to shine Movie-goers, this one’s for you. Hong Kong is set to be blessed with its first ever IMAX Laser Theatre, part of the new UA Cinema which will open at K11 Art House in TST later this month. The new cinema will consist of 12 theatres, 1,708 seats and a six-star VIP theatre offering personalised customer experiences. The IMAX Laser Theatre will use groundbreaking technology to offer more vibrant and sharper images as well as powerful, immersive sound. Expect to see all-round interactive performances, which go above and beyond standard cinema screenings. K11 Art House is part of the new cultural-retail destination K11 MUSEA. uacc.com.hk 14 expat-parent.com
It’s full steam ahead for our beloved Peak Tram which reopened on July 22 following a three month closure. During the suspension, upgrade work was carried out which included temporary improvements to parts of Tramway Path and the construction of new, temporary boarding and alighting platforms. The upgrade was the first in a series of stages which will ultimately see current tramcars (which have a capacity of 120 passengers), replaced with larger tramcars capable of carrying 210 passengers. “For such a comprehensive upgrade, some temporary suspension of the Peak Tram service is unavoidable,” said May Tsang, General Manager of The Peak Complex. The second suspension period is scheduled in Q3 of 2020. During this time, public bus and Green Minibus services will be strengthened to meet passenger demand. “We are offering a number of new initiatives over the summer to ensure visitors to the Peak have a memorable journey,” added Ms. Tsang. One such initiative is “Summer Fun at the Peak”, an art, shopping and performance festival which celebrates the arrival of summer and the resumption of the Peak Tram Service. The festival will run throughout August. thepeak.com.hk
Bubs in Pubs delivers Momentai has become the latest Sai Kung hotspot to join the soft play movement. Last month, the waterfront restaurant introduced an undercover play area open to children under two from Tuesday to Friday between 12 noon and 3pm. Courtney Horwood, General Manager of Momentai says: ‘We pride ourselves on being family friendly and are happy to host Bubs in Pubs at Momentai - giving the little ones a space to crawl around and play. Come and check it out and enjoy a refreshing drink!’ Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road Sai Kung. momentai-la.com
news
Hasta la vista, termites A free government playroom in Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre was shut down on June 12 after termites were found. The 249 metres squared play area underwent a complete refurbishment and was reopened on July 5. The playroom is open from 9am to 9.30pm with time slots
throughout the day for up to 40 children to play. Although designed for the use of children aged four to nine under the height of 142 centimetres, children under four can access the playroom if accompanied by parents or guardians. lcsd.gov.hk
New freefall ride drops at Ocean Park
The Abyss VR Ride at Ocean Park has been fully upgraded and is ready for take off. The new VR Space Voyage, which is not for the faint of heart, launches riders into a hyperrealistic outer space VR adventure with breathtaking vista effects. After just seconds of admiring the views, you’ll plummet 20 storeys straight back down to earth in just a few hairraising seconds. Riders must be 132cm or over, and aged 13+ to participate in VR mode. oceanpark.com.hk
Rituals opens in Asia… finally As part of an international expansion plan, Rituals Cosmetics has finally arrived in Asia with the opening of its first store at Times Square in Causeway Bay. Rituals Cosmetics opened at the end of last month. The brand’s philosophy centres around helping users to slow down and find happiness in the smallest of things. In doing so, they have created an extensive collection of luxurious, yet affordable products for the home and body. rituals.com
MTR goes west
Plans for a new MTR line serving the southern and western areas of Hong Kong Island are in the preliminary stages of discussion. The Transport and Housing Bureau invited the MTR Corporation Limited to submit a proposal for the South Island Line West (SILW) in June of this year. The new line will intersect with the South Island Line at Wong Chuk Hang and the Island Line at HKU. New stations have been proposed at Aberdeen, Tin Wan, Wah Fu, Cyberport and Queen Mary Hospital. A number of detailed engineering, financial and environmental assessments will now be undertaken.
Hong Kong’s newest Soho Private members’ club Soho House is set to open its doors for the first time in Hong Kong in September. Founded by entrepreneur Nick Jones in London in 1995, Soho House is a home from home for people working in creative fields. The Hong Kong House will be their 25th House with others located around the world including West Hollywood, Amsterdam and Istanbul. Members of Soho House Hong Kong can expect a dedicated bar and club space, a swim-up bar, barbecue area and the House Brasserie. Three floors will be taken up by the Soho Active gym, whilst nine floors are dedicated to Soho Works for work and meeting spaces. A members’ events program will feature film, music, fashion, art, design and wellness. Soho House, 33 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan. sohohousehongkong. com expat-parent.com 15
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Me and my big idea
me & my big idea
Matthew Paterson, Founder of Minisport shares how he got the ball rolling with Nicole Cooley
So what’s the big idea? I started Minisport in 2012 to provide children aged 1.5 to 7 years with a well-rounded introduction to sport. We achieve this through a range of public and private classes as well as holiday camps, parties and one-off events.
How did the idea come about? At eight years old I moved from London to Hong Kong. Back in the UK, I had only played football and tennis so when confronted with unfamiliar sports such as rugby, hockey and cricket at eight years old, I didn’t fare so well! After a humiliating appearance for the Kellett School rugby team, I decided that football and tennis were the only sports for me. As an adult, I formed Minisport with the intention to expose younger children to five different sports so that they can develop the confidence to become better and more well-rounded athletes.
What sports do you teach?
sports. We also find tennis popular with children under seven years old as they enjoy using the rackets to strike balls (and other objects!) during the early years.
What sport do you recommend to help build confidence? Firstly, I would encourage parents to help their child develop a range of fundamental ball skills, as opposed to forcing formal sports. Such skills include handling, rolling, throwing, dribbling, striking, tracking, catching, etc. If children are suitably introduced to these skills they are more likely to find enjoyment and success when trying out the actual sport. Also, I suggest allowing children (especially the under-fives), to develop their own rules and games so that they feel happy and stimulated.
Constant hydration is what we always prescribe. Rather than waiting for your child to get thirsty, ensure that they are well hydrated at all times. Challenge your child to drink “not three, not four, but FIVE big gulps of water”. Setting playful challenges is a key trick which you can use to the advantage of both yourself and your child!
Do you have anything in the pipeline for adults? Adults take part in many of the events and parties that we organise. However, watch this space - we have plans to involve parents to a far greater extent in 2020!
How can parents and young children enjoy practicing sports together?
What’s the most popular sport you teach?
Start off with projection-based games (those that involve your child projecting balls away from their bodies, as opposed to receiving.) Once a child can accomplish the skill, start to add targets and challenges. It is important to understand that the ‘optimal challenge zone’ for children is a success rate between 60-90 per cent. So start with something that your child can accomplish 100 per cent of the time, and then tweak the conditions, techniques, equipment or rules to bring that success rate down slightly. Once the new challenge is mastered, tweak again.
Children naturally enjoy kicking balls about so football is of course one of our most popular
Any tips for little ones exercising in
Children on our programme will learn the basic techniques and rules of soccer, basketball, tennis, athletics and rugby. Our playgroup programme helps little ones aged 1.5 to 2.5 years to build key gross motor skills through games based on animals, numbers and colours. They also learn to feel comfortable and develop confidence in our class setting at this level.
Hong Kong’s heat and rain?
For more details on Minisport classes and events, visit minisport.hk
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things to know
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In Hong Kong, typhoon season runs between July and September. During these months, the chances of a typhoon affecting Hong Kong is more than sixty per cent.
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Typhoon Mangkhut struck Hong Kong last year on September 16, 2018. It was one of the deadliest typhoons to hit the city since 1999. The T10 signal was in force for over 10 hours, public transportation came to a standstill, 458 people were reportedly injured and there were 60,000 reports of fallen trees.
When a T8 signal is raised, public transportation does not run and offices and schools close until the signal is lowered.
A typhoon forms when a tropical thunderstorm pulls moisture from the ocean and converts it into heat energy. The heat causes the air to evaporate and a circular flow is created. This is known as the eye of the storm (centre of the typhoon.)
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Typhoons, cyclones and hurricanes are all tropical storms. The word used depends on the region in which the storm forms. ‘Typhoon’ refers to a storm formed over the Northwest Pacific Ocean, ‘cyclone’ over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean and ‘hurricane’ over the North Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific.
Things you need to know Typhoons Geneve Chu gets you prepared for typhoon season
Tropical Cyclone Signals
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T1: Stand by - The typhoon is location less than 800km away from Hong Kong and might affect the area.
T3: Strong wind - With the wind speed up to 110km/h, there is a strong wind blowing and conditions might persist or worsen. Be sure to secure all objects and stay away from the shore.
• • •
Preparation tips: Tape a big “X” on each window to reduce the chance of it shattering Move all outdoor items inside the house Avoid parking near trees as there is a risk of them falling onto your car Clear out your drains to prevent flooding
T8: Gale or storm - The wind speed is increasing to over 180km/h causing strong winds and severe rainstorms. The eye of the storm is moving closer to Hong Kong so all precautions should be taken. Workers should be sent home and shops closed.
T9: Increasing gale or storm - Conditions are similar to during a T8 but the wind is expected to increase in strength. Be sure to stay indoors and avoid exposed windows. T10: Hurricane - The typhoon is exceeding speeds of 220km/h and is directly hitting Hong Kong. This is the highest tropical cyclone warning and usually lasts for a maximum of two hours. Strong winds and storms will dominate over the city so be sure to have completed all precautions.
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hk baby
HK Baby News From bump to Bumpa Mats Not all of us have the luxury of carpets in Hong Kong, which means playing on the floor comfortably can be difficult. Bumpa Mats is an Australian-owned and operated brand that specialises in fun, functional and stylish play mats with a reversible design. This cushioned play mat is hygienic, non-slip, water resistant, super easy to clean and free from BPA, Phthalates and Formamide, making it the ideal play mat for children to eat, learn, rest and play. Bumpa Mats playmats are great for all floor surfaces including timber, tiles, lino, carpet, grass, concrete and patios. Meeting CE standards in the UK, Europe and Australia earns Bumpa Mats non-toxic and manufacturing accreditations. bumpamats.com.hk
New baby must-haves Editor and first time mum-to-be Becky Love prepares for her new arrival Third trimester, where did you come from? Isn’t it funny how every day in pregnancy feels like a lifetime, yet nine months go so fast? With little time left before baby arrives, we’ve picked up some last minute items. Thankfully, Mothercare in Prince’s Building in Central is nice and close to us, so I can waddle there or order online if I’m not feeling up to it. We also still have a travel cot on our wish list that we can pick up from the Not Too Big Mega Baby Expo later this year.
Purchased The Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Mini is the perfect size for a newborn. It’s super soft and easy to use, so I can transport little one from A to B whilst holding him close and comfortably.
Eugene Baby Expo 2019 The Eugene Baby Expo returns for its 27th year, running from August 2-5. The four-day large scale expo which spans more than 250,000 square feet across two floors will have more than 1,000 booths and over 100,000 baby products to browse and buy. The expo will also feature educational lectures sharing parenting tips and information. Adult tickets are $30 each and children are $20 each (free for children under one metre). Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, New Wing Hall 1 & 3BC. babyexpo.com.hk
The Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss is an ergonomic baby bouncer that will give our newborn proper support. With all natural rocking and no batteries it’s simple to use - and I love simple!
Not Too Big Mega Baby Expo Wish List We will definitely be travelling with baby. So the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot is perfect as it’s easy to set up in just one move, with a soft and sturdy mattress included. I just hope the plane ride is as easy!
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THE big QUIZ
The Expat Parent BIG SUMMER QUIZ Give Google the flick and challenge your grey cells
1. In which year did the Star Ferry start sailing the harbour?
9. Name these three popular dim sum…
2. Which is the highest category of typhoon? 3. Which Hong Kong Living Guide was released in August? 4. Name three types of Hong Kong taxi?
5. What was the name of Hong Kong’s original airport? 6. What does the acronym SAR stand for? 7. Where is Hong Kong’s famous Bun Festival held every year?
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8. What are the two official languages of Hong Kong? 10. Which single-digit number is considered unlucky in Chinese? 11. What year and month did Hong Kong experience the last T10? 12. What are the three suits of Mahjong? 13. When did Queen Elizabeth II last visit Hong Kong?
THE big QUIZ 14. At which Central pier does the Discovery Bay ferry dock?
26. Which is the oldest, continuously operated school in Hong Kong?
15. Which was Hong Kong’s first international school to open?
27. Which is Hong Kong’s biggest island?
16. What is Hong Kong’s longest hiking trail?
28. Which year was the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club established? 29. Under which level of typhoon are Hong Kong’s preschools shut?
17. Which flower is featured on the Hong Kong flag?
21. What year were the Star Ferry riots? 22. Whose statues still remain in Statue Square? 23. Which iconic tourist attraction recently had a makeover?
18. Who is Des Voeux Road named after? 24. What is a “dai pai dong”? 19. What is next year's Chinese zodiac sign? 20. How long has the Hong Kong Sevens been running?
25. In which movie did Christian Bale dive from the rooftop of IFC Two and burst through the windows?
30. What is the Cantonese for Dragon Boat Day? 31. Where on Hong Kong Island was the Union Jack flag first raised by the British? 32. When was the Hong Kong Cricket Club established? 33. How many islands (over 500sq m) make up Hong Kong? 34. How many different tones are in the Cantonese language? 35. What should you eat on your birthday to ensure a long life, according to local tradition? 36. What does Kowloon translate to in English? 37. Which event did Hong Kong host for the 2008 Olympics? 38. On which street is the famous night market situated? expat-parent.com 23
46. How did the MacLehose trail get its name? 47. What is the name of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution? 48. What major event hit the city in 2003? 49. After whom is Victoria Harbour named? 50. Who was the first recorded foreigner to set foot in Hong Kong? 39. When Murray House relocated to Stanley in 1982, which building took its place?
45. What does “Hong Kong” mean?
Answers will be revealed in our September issue.
40. Who was the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong?
41. Where is the Old Clock Tower situated? 42. Under which Chinese dynasty was Hong Kong Island ceded to the United Kingdom in 1842? 43. What is the name of Hong Kong’s highest mountain? 44. What is the population of Hong Kong, to the nearest million?
expat-parent.com 25
C ST OV O ER RY
School’s in!
September’s looming, but are you ready to go back to school? Charmaine Ng draws up the indispensable to-do list you need to kick start the new school year
E
very park in Hong Kong has been visited, the PlayStation has been played to death and if anyone complains about being bored one more time you might just go insane. That’s right – the summer holidays are drawing to a close and it’s time to head back to school. We’ve put together the definitive back to school checklist to make the transition as easy as possible.
Three weeks before Shop for essentials! Chances are, the children have grown several inches since the beginning of summer, which calls for new school uniforms, new shoes and 26 expat-parent.com
Lunchtime at Nord Anglia
while you’re at it, why not a new backpack to freshen things up, too? Just don’t leave the big purchases to the last minute.
School uniform
Jacqueline McNalty, the Founding Principal of Malvern College PreSchool Hong Kong, shares her best tips for beating the ‘back to school blues’:
PE uniform
•
Hat or cap
•
Backpack
• •
Raincoat Small umbrella …All labelled with name tags!
• •
Talk to your child about starting school Read books that feature stories about school Shop for school supplies together Re-establish school bedtimes and routines Become familiar together with the school route and school area Remember to stay positive!
R VE Y O R C TO S
Two weeks before
What are you most excited about for the new school year?
Shop for stationery! Hit the mall with the kids and let them pick out fun school items to give them a sense of ownership. Who doesn’t love fancy planners and glitter gel pens? The new purchases might even inspire them to start studying now!
Stephen Willshaw Teacher at Nord Anglia International School
Folders Planner Notebook Pencil case Pencils
The weekend before Have a last hurrah!
Colouring pencils or crayons
Burn off all that leftover summer energy with a fun day out at one of Hong Kong’s many play areas. There are so many activities to choose from – we suggest rock climbing or bowling. It’s now or never (well, until half-term rolls around)!
Scissors or safety scissors
Verm City
Eraser Ruler
Gluesticks
One week before Organise the packed lunches! New year, new beginnings! Get September organised by planning the childrens’ meals before things get hectic. Scale the supermarket for healthy snacks, portion them out, then throw everything together in brand new lunch boxes and kitchen supplies. See our guide to packing up the perfect healthy lunch on page 36.
Based in Quarry Bay, Verm City is a climbing gym that’s suitable for the entire family. Adults and older kids who are up for a challenge can tackle tougher top-roping and bouldering. Kids aged four and above can have a go at Verm’s Clip-n-Climb Park, with 19 different climbing challenges, games and puzzles to tackle. You’ll also find Asia’s first augmented climbing wall at Verm City – a completely unique projectorbased rock climbing game. Do note that you’ll need to ditch the flip-flops, as socks and sneakers are compulsory for all climbers. 4/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Street, Quarry Bay. vermcity.com
There’s always a lot of exciting things going on at the start of a new school year. I love hearing about the students’ summers and getting to know new faces, both colleagues and pupils. This year I’m particularly looking forward to our school officially launching its first IB programme; a huge challenge but one we will work hard to succeed in!
James Mertz Parent of five-year-old Ted and two-year-old Emma I’m most excited about Ted starting Year One and finding out about all the new things he will do and learn at school, and also enjoying the final year at home with Emma before she starts school the following year.
Geneve Chu Year 11 student at Kellett School Moving into my final year of GCSEs, the feeling of stress seems more familiar than unusual. However, I am ready to embark on this journey with my friends and teachers. One event that I am especially looking forward to is the GCSE art exhibition which will showcase my final work over the last two years. Also, I am beyond excited for my trip to France this October with my friends to practise our French skills and discover French culture!
Tikitiki Bowling Bar Both adults and children can’t seem to get enough of the whimsical space that is Tikitiki Bowling Bar, with its colourful, tiki-themed bowling alley, in-house restaurant and lounge with a patio. The many additions to the bowling
bar include a live band, magicians, clowns and dancers, ensuring that you’ll never get bored. Now that’s a fun-filled family outing to wrap up the holidays! 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung. tikitiki.hk
Lunch box Lunch bag Water bottle Packaged snacks Pocket tissue packs Pocket hand wipes expat-parent.com 27
life & style
Espop Boys’ Blue and Yellow Backpack $1,810 from Bonpoint bonpoint.com
Mini Stationery Kit Woodland $110 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
Master Plan Soft Cover Journal $100 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
TOP OF THE CLASS
Stojo Stackable Cup 180 from Live Zero $ livezero.hk
Hit the books with these back to school must haves
Magnetic Line Marker $30 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen Cap Type $8 each from Muji muji.com.hk
Take Charge Laptop Cover 13 inch $169 from Typo cottonon.com
“I will never let you gyoza” Tote $80 from Cha Siu Papers chasiupapers.com
Scholar Backpack $289 from Typo cottonon.com
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life & style Boogie Board Magic Sketch $299.50 from Toys”R”Us toysrus.com.hk
KAGS Dustin Backpack $799.90 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk Stackable Lunch Box Woodland $220 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
Fun Time Mega Clever Pack Magical Dreams $169.90 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk
Big Ideas for Curious Minds Notebook $210 from The School of Life lanecrawford.com.hk
Acrylic 6-Drawer Storage Case $240 from Muji muji.com.hk
Pu Leather Personal Planner Large Woodland $630 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
The Psychology of Colour Pencil Set $210 from The School of Life lanecrawford.com.hk
Llama Water Bottle $260 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
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School news
education
Full marks for Canadian International School IB students Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) students, Eloise Fan and Alvin Tse, received full marks (45 points) in this years’ International Baccalaureate Diploma Examinations. Eloise achieved a score of 7 in all six major subjects in addition to securing an extra three points in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. She will be going on to study at the University of Waterloo in Canada next year, her initial reaction to the news was, “Are you joking? Are you sure you haven’t made a mistake?” Head of School, David Baird said, “the outstanding exam results that our students have achieved are testament to the diligence they have shown towards their school work for many years. On behalf of all the staff, I wish our departing students the best of luck in their future endeavours.”
Kellett Principal Ann McDonald retires Ms Ann McDonald, OBE, the principal of British International School Kellet is retiring after serving the school since 1996. During her 23 years at Kellett, she turned the small primary school into an internationally recognised independent through school with the school expanding into their Kowloon Bay campus. McDonald states, “I will miss everyone deeply, but I know that the Kellett community will continue to thrive because the culture of a love of learning is so deeply embedded.” From August 2019, Mark Steed, who has been the Director of the not-for-profit Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) in Dubai for four years will be taking over the role as Principal and CEO. kellettschool.com
Reconstructing ESF Island School In late June, demolition work began at the English Schools Foundation (ESF) Island School on Borrett Road. The Island School is one of the oldest ESF schools in Hong Kong having opened in 1967, but a 2011 assessment showed that major redevelopment work was required. The demolition is the first step of the reconstruction project which will see a new $1 billion school to open in time for the 2022/23 school year. Once complete, the new school will cover over 12,142 square metres and host 1,200 students at full capacity. It will feature a performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, basketball courts, modern laboratories, sky gardens and a central café. The Principal of Island School, Stephen Loggie said, “the project has been many years in the making – so for us to reach this important milestone is of real significance for the current students – and the generations who have preceded them. We are enjoying our temporary home in Sha Tin and we are delighted that the local community have embraced us so warmly. However, Borrett Road is our true home – and we cannot wait to get back.” esf.edu.hk expat-parent.com 31
education
Hitting the right note From new to secondhand, Nicole Cooley hunts down the best stores for buying a piano Royal Piano Workshop
A
NNUAL Founded by Mr Chung, TUNING a Yamaha recognised technician, Royal Piano Workshop offers second-hand piano trading in San Po Kong. They hope to find the right solution for everyone and have affordable yearly tuning plans to keep your new purchase in shape. royalpianoworkshop.com Facebook Marketplace
W
hether you are looking for a grand piano or digital keyboard, Hong Kong has got you covered with its bounty of flagship superstores and second-hand traders. Head to one of these shops to bring home the perfect Yamaha or Schimmel at just the right price.
Parsons Music
MULT
NEW PIANOS
IPLE With numerous stores around LOCATIO NS Hong Kong including flagships at Whampoa, Kowloon Tong, Times Square and Hung Hom, Parsons Music has a wide range of pianos, including digital pianos, and comprehensive after-sales services for all your piano needs. parsonsmusic.com.hk
Tom Lee Music
SECOND-HAND PIANOS
As one of the largest musical GRAND instrument stores in South East & Asia, Tom Lee Music covers all HYBRIDS your musical needs including piano sales and rentals. Choose from grand, upright, hybrids or digital pianos. Locations all over Hong Kong with main showrooms at Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Sha Tin. tomleemusic.com.hk
Fuji Asia Piano Services Fuji Asia provide both the sales, rental, trade-in, ALL moving and maintenance IN of pianos as well as piano lessons. They sell Rönisch, ONE Petrof, Yamaha, Kawai, Apollo and Steinway & Sons pianos. Visit them on Nathan Road in Mong Kok, Monday to Sunday. fujiasia.com
Check Facebook Marketplace for regular postings for secondhand pianos, mostly upright or electric, in your particular area. Some pianos are even free, so all you’ll need is a GRAB A man with a van and most likely BARGAIN a piano tuner. facebook.com/ marketplace/hongkong
Tong Tuning Mr Tong, a registered piano TUNING technician, sells new European and Japanese pianos and also secondhand pianos at his showroom in Lai Chi Kok. His forte, is of course, in tuning, and can do onsite services. Call or WhatsApp Mr Tong at 6304 4081 for more information. tongtuning.com
Nagoya Piano High quality used Japanese RENT TO pianos, brand new pianos and BUY rental options including rent to buy, Nagoya Piano has got you covered. Their experienced piano technicians in Kwun Tong guide you through your options to carefully select the right piano for you. Tuning services available too. pianos.com.hk
Piano lessons for sounding out your inner Beethoven MusicSage This online platform finds high quality, private music tutors right here in Hong Kong. With over 100 tutors listed, covering more than 25 different instruments including the piano, it’s easy to find a tutor who suits your child’s interests, availability and budget. You can also enjoy the flexibility of booking one trial lesson first before committing to more. musicsage.io
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Dining news
Ice cream pop art pop-up
Sun, sea and Sip Song
dining
Kowloon Dairy has launched an exciting new ice cream pop-up on Wellington Street in Central. The shop follows the theme “Pop in 2 Chill Central: Summer Palette” coinciding with the launch of their new merchandising product range available in store. Surround yourself in fun and colourful art whilst slurping on milk or enjoying an ice cream. To encourage customers to go plastic-free, Kowloon Dairy are giving away a stainless steel straw set for free with every purchase of four Kowloon Dairy milk in glass bottles or a $15 purchase. Open until August 31. G/F, 33 Wellington Street, Central. For more info, visit @kowloondairyofficial on Instagram
New wine and sake lunch in the heart of Central
Get your skates on and head to Sip Song
Set on the sandy shores of Repulse Bay, newly-opened Sip Song - Thai Eatery & Bar serves up Southern Thai cuisine in a relaxed, informal space. Located at the far end of The Pulse, the Maximal Conceptsowned restaurant should feel right at home with sister restaurant, Limewood just steps away. The vibrant dining room is adorned with colourful wallpaper and patterned tablecloths which scream of happy times from days gone by. Chef Nuch Srichantranon creatively serves up no-fuss food, inspired by Bangkok’s night market scene. Menu
highlights include Sip Song Kraben Sambal ($255, BBQ skate wing, massaman curry paste, fresh lime, peanut oil) and Roti Kluay ($75, banana roti pancake, condensed milk, chocolate.) A play area with games including giant jenga and noughts and crosses keeps little ones engaged and for the adults, a fun and quirky cocktail menu features refreshing drinks such as Stormy Siam ($95, dark rum, jasmine tea, lime, ginger honey, angostura bitters, ginger beer.) Sip Song - Thai Eatery & Bar, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. sip-song.com
Grappa’s Cellar takes a final bow Chances are you’ve been to – or at least heard of – famed Italian restaurant and popular live music venue Grappa’s Cellar. Located in the basement of Jardine House in Central, the restaurant is one of Hong Kong’s few major music venues and has played a key role in shaping the music scene of the city. Last month though, the music
house officially closed after 20 years of operation on July 21. Unlike most other eateries in the city, this isn’t the fault of high rent – the landlord has, instead, decided to turn the space into a food court. Grappa’s closed out with a bang at its farewell gig on July 19, featuring classic rock cover band Last Orders. We’ll miss you!
A neo-French bistro has opened up at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Led by a passionate team of sommeliers and boasting over 1,000 champagnes, wines and sakes on its drinks list, Somm offers an elevated casual dining experience at a playful, dimly lit space designed by New Yorker Adam D. Tihany. The informal restaurant is now offering an extremely well-priced, all-inclusive sommeliers lunch on the weekends at $538 for three courses and $608 for four courses, with wine packages available at an additional $238. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. mandarinoriental.com
A picnic summer afternoon tea Served in a lovely woven hamper, the new afternoon tea set at Cordis takes after a romantic picnic on the beach. The luxury art hotel is collaborating with Korean skincare brand Su:m37° to create a picnic basket rife with refreshing summer treats such as lemon and yuzu hazelnut crunchy tart and homemade scones with guava jam. Each guest will get a complimentary skincare travel set from Su:m37° valued at $490. Available until September 30. $498 for two. 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok. cordishotels.com expat-parent.com 35
dining
A nutritious lunch a day keeps the doctor away! Facing fussy kids and all out of lunch ideas? Rachel Erwin and Anna Tee, Health Coaches at LifeHub, share five on-the-go recipes 2. 3.
Add butter to pan on medium high heat and sear tuna on all sides Cook for another 3-5 minutes over low heat
Assembly: 1. 2. 3.
Mix rice and add to lunchbox Place tuna, edamame and avocado on rice Sprinkle with sesame seeds and seaweed
*Olive oil can be used instead of butter if preferred
Tuesday Quinoa Shaker Salad A quick and easy on-the-go meal filled with plenty of fruit and veg to keep kids going throughout the day.
Miso Tuna Rice Bowl
• • • • •
1 cup brown rice 200g edamame 2 avocados, cubed Black sesame seeds Nori, sliced thinly
An easy-to-prep meal that can be thrown together on Sunday night.
Tuna: • 300g tuna, cubed • 2 tbsp miso paste • 2 tsp honey • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp butter*
Instructions 1. 2.
Cook rice according to instructions Boil edamame in salted water for 2-3 minutes. Cool and remove beans from pods.
Tuna: Ingredients - serves 4 •
1 cup Japanese rice
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1.
Marinate tuna in all ingredients except butter for 5 minutes
Credit: A Healthier Michigan
Mon day
Ingredients - Serves 4 Dressing: • ¼ cup flax oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup • Salt to taste • 1 1/3cup bulgur wheat, cooked • 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned • 1-2 tbsp mint, finely chopped • 1 ½ cup tricolour quinoa, cooked
dining • • •
¼ cup raisins 1 ½ cup green apples, cut into matchsticks 1 ½ cup shredded carrots
6.
Thursday
Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Mix all ingredients for dressing together Divide ingredients among 4 jars and layer Spoon dressing on top Shake before eating
for 10 minutes or until golden Serve with salad, vegetable sticks or cooked greens
Cauliflower fried rice A modern and healthy twist on classic fried rice and a pleasant surprise when they open their lunch box.
Friday Mini Frittatas Get the kids to help make these! By interacting with food, children can be creative and might even try something new. Make these up to three days before and keep them in the fridge.
Wednesday
Credit: Marco Verch
These adorable wellingtons will be sure to get your little ones excited for lunchtime! What they perhaps don’t know is that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
• •
• • • • •
• • • •
Ingredients - Serves 4 Salmon Wellington: • • •
200g salmon, cut into 8 x 25g portions 2 sheets of rolled puff pastry, cut into 8cm x 8cm squares Egg wash
Credit: Regan Jones
Salmon Wellington
• • • • • •
1 cauliflower Pre-cooked chicken, diced into small pieces, about 1cm. This can be replaced with firm tofu for a veggie option 1 onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 cup frozen peas 1 carrot, cut lengthwise then diced into 1cm pieces 1 egg (optional) Spring onion Soy sauce, or tamari if gluten free Vegetable stock cube Sesame oil Sesame seeds (optional)
4 whole free range eggs 3 TBSP Cottage cheese Ham, chopped Cheddar cheese (for melting on top) 1/2 cup sweet potato diced and boiled
For an extra serving of veggies, you could add chopped baby spinach, cooked & chopped broccoli, cherry tomatoes, diced & cooked capsicum.
Method: 1. 2. 3.
Method: Tomato Pesto:
1.
• • • • •
2. 3. 4.
40g Sun dried tomato 50g Olive oil 3g Fresh dill 1 Garlic clove Salt to taste
Instructions 1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Blend pesto ingredients together Marinate salmon in pesto for 10 minutes Place salmon on pastry, lay second piece of pastry on top and press edges to seal If desired, cut edges of square to shape into a fish Brush with egg wash and bake in preheated oven at 200 degrees celsius
5. 6.
7. 8.
Grate or finely chop cauliflower in a food processor Coconut oil to a wok over high heat Fry garlic & onions & a pinch of salt Add cauliflower, peas, carrot, sesame oil and crumbled vegetable stock cube. Stir as you add for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add chicken, soy sauce, spring onion. Stir fry until chicken is heated through. Make a well in the wok and add whole egg. Break it up as soon as it hits the pan, then mix in. Remove from heat and add sesame seeds (optional) Add to a thermos container to keep warm until lunch time.
4.
5.
6.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius Grease a muffin tin with coconut oil or butter, or set out paper muffin cases Add ham, potato and any cooked vegetables to the cases. Don’t pack in too much to leave room for the egg mixture. Crack eggs into a jug and whisk with a fork. Mix in salt, pepper and cottage cheese, if using. Pour egg into muffin cases until half filled, then go back over to make sure they are evenly filled. Bake for 10-15 mins, or until there is no more wobble from uncooked egg.
Rachel Erwin and Anna Tee are Hong Kong-based nutritionists at LifeClinic. 2-3/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington Street. lifeclinic.com.hk
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outdoors
Making waves
Dip your toe in and try these Hong Kong water sports this summer Stand-up paddleboarding Paddle across calm waters while the sun goes down… stretch yourself into a downward facing dog… or have your very own furry friend jump on the back. Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular way to enjoy the sights and seas
in Hong Kong, and is fairly easy to grasp for beginners. Put simply, you stand up on a board that looks somewhat like a surfboard, but rather than catch waves, you use a paddle to propel yourself through the water. Best spots to SUP: Stanley Main Beach, Sai Kung Country Park Where to hire or tour: Aqua Bound offer SUP rentals on Stanley Main Beach from $80 for a one-hour rental. aquabound.com.hk OR Wild Hong Kong offer a Wildfactor Sai Kung SUP Tour which allows for up to five hours on the water depending 38 expat-parent.com
on conditions. Groups of one to three persons is $800 and includes all equipment rental. wildhongkong.com/sai-kung-sup
Kayaking This small, narrow watercraft generally holds one to two people and is propelled by a double bladed paddle. An ideal way to explore some of our 260+ beautiful islands and remote beaches, it’s easy to see why Hong Kong is a kayaker's paradise. Not only is kayaking a great day out, but it’s an opportunity to learn about the ocean’s environment and the importance of protecting and preserving these ecosystems.
outdoors
Learning to swim with Harry Wright International
Best spots to kayak: There are many great islands to kayak around in Hong Kong. We recommend Hong Kong GeoPark and Dog Island just off Lamma Island. Where to hire or tour: Sea Kayak Hong Kong offer a gentle six kilometre kayak session perfect for beginners. The trip takes about three hours and is $450 per person which includes equipment, an experienced instructor, photography, water and snacks. seakayakhongkong.com
Swimming Tackle the water with Hong Kong’s Premier Swim School, Harry Wright International. With over 40 years teaching experience, the company has built a reputation for
excellence and reliability across the city. From parent assisted lessons for infants to a highly competitive swim team, the school offers lessons for every age and ability group. harrywright.com.hk
Where to hire or tour: HK Waterman host group and one-on-one surf lessons at Big Wave Bay, starting at $600 per person. Weekday and weekend morning slots available. hkwaterman.com
Surfing
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Hong Kong isn’t the first place you would think of when it comes to surfing, but believe it or not, we actually have a couple of great surfing spots. Big Wave Bay is probably the first place that comes to mind for many, and the location of many early morning surf lessons for beginners. If you’ve always wanted to jump on a board, now is a great time to start. Best spots to surf: Big Wave Bay, Tai Long Wan Bay, Pui O
Always wondered what lurks below Hong Kong waters? There’s a total of 84 different coral species in Hong Kong just waiting to be explored, many of which you will find at Hoi Ha. There’s also crabs, sea cucumbers, fish, lobsters, sea urchins and even seahorses if you’re lucky. You generally have to be Open Water certified to scuba dive most places in the world, including Hong Kong. Best spots to snorkel: Hoi Ha Han Marine Park Best spots to scuba: Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung Where to hire or tour: Splash HK offers a PADI Discover Scuba experience which allows inexperienced divers to get some basic skills in the pool before heading out into the ocean. The one day course is $1,200. Then you can join in their Splash Days with shore and boat diving. Prices start at $500 (equipment rental is an extra $250 per day). splashhk.com
Windsurfing Did you know that our Hong Kong windsurfing team has won many Asian and World titles in the past including a Gold medal won by Lee Lai San in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996? Stanley is known to be Hong Kong’s most popular spot for windsurfing, with ideal months of the year being September to April. Look out for the easterly and north easterly winds in Stanley, and you’ll hit the sweet spot for perfect conditions. expat-parent.com 39
outdoors Best spots to windsurf: Stanley, Sai Kung, Cheung Chau, Tai Po and Tuen Mun Where to hire or tour: Located on Stanley Beach since the 1970s, Hiwindlover can organise windsurfing equipment rental or courses. A beginners course starts at $800 for three hours, and beginner windsurfing gear rental starts at $150 per hour. hiwindlover.com
Wakeboarding If you’ve got a good sense of balance, you’ll take to wakeboarding like a pro. With your feet attached to a board that is attached to a bar and rope thats is attached to a boat, this sport evolved from a combination of sports, namely water skiing, snowboarding and surfing. If you’re up for something a bit more challenging with a little bit more excitement and speed, this one’s for you. Best spots to wakeboard: Stanley, Sai Kung, Tai Tam Where to hire or tour:
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outdoors Wakeboard Hong Kong, based in Tai Tam, have packages available for days out with family and friends, corporate or school packages. Prices vary, but their friends and family package offers three hour sessions which include wakeboarding, tubing and boating for $2,700, available Monday to Friday. wakeboard.com.hk
What lies beneath Hong Kong waters‌ Blue Blotch Butterfly Fish This species of butterfly fish is quite rare, inhabiting rich areas of hard coral as it feeds mainly on live polyps of Acropora corals. Hong Kong is probably close to the northern limit for this tropical species.
Banded Coral Shrimp This species of Shrimp although found in Hong Kong waters is generally found in Paris. The females grow to be bigger than the males.
Astropecten Polyacanthus (Starfish) Three species of Astropecten starfish are known from local waters. These starfish adapt to living on sand thanks to their pointed tube feet with no suckers.
Bulb Tentacle Sea Anemone This common sea anemone has a bulb at each tentacle tip and acts as a host for Clark's anemonefish, Amphiprion Clarkii in Hong Kong waters.
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book review
Do they eat soup in England? Author Helen McClure spent two years studying expats. Here she tells Nicole Cooley what she found out The title is a direct quote from my youngest daughter. Before returning to the UK, we set up a Skype call with the headmistress of her new school. After a nice little chat, the headmistress asked if there was anything else my daughter wanted to know, expecting a question about sports facilities, or lessons. Instead, my daughter was most concerned about her diet. Having been brought up on Asian food, and being particularly fond of chicken noodle soup, this was her burning question and perfectly highlighted her cultural identity.
In your opinion, what are the best and worst parts of expat life?
Do they eat soup in England?
Tell us a bit about yourself? I lived abroad in Kuwait as a child in the early 1980s. My CV will tell you that I’m a journalist and public relations consultant who retrained as an interior designer. I have created an interior portfolio career that has developed across four countries. I’m also a mother of two beautiful, funny, and sometimes annoying, girls (aged 10 and 12) who have lived abroad much of their lives. On a personal level, I’m passionate about travel, culture and the world we live in. I’m fascinated by how we come to live where we do and why, which is one of the reasons I wrote Do they eat soup in England?
What is your book about? The book is like a warm mug of soup on a cold night, or a cosy pair of slippers. I wanted to offer support to expats, repats and potential expats by legitimising their concerns and worries and offering advice through case studies from other expats in similar positions. I conducted a twoyear study of expats around the world (61 nationalities, based in 56 countries) to see if there were any common experiences or learning points. The book is the result.
How did you come up with the title? 44 expat-parent.com
Each country has had its pros and cons. Being away from family and friends is really hard and I also missed the countryside from home, but expat life is priceless. The research for the book showed that the top three advantages of expat life were cultural experience (32%), being financially better off (26%) and travel (16%). ‘Missing family and friends’ was the most commonly given reason for missing home (62% combined) while 10% stated countryside, 3% said the weather and a further 2% missed their working life.
What advice do you have for parents whose children no longer identify themselves with their native country?
the annual migration home: staying at my family home or my husband’s for equal time to avoid offending anyone; renting a cottage in the hope people would visit us. Family were supportive, but the biggest thing to realise is that you’re the one who has moved, so you’re the one who has to make the effort. The fact that you’ve flown 3,000 miles and you are asking friends to travel the last 30 miles, doesn’t matter. The only advice is to suck it up – but don’t stress about it too much. Easier said than done!
What is your biggest piece of advice to expats on the move? That’s a really hard question. I could write an entire list. I suppose I would have to say: try everything (as long as it’s legal!) and don’t turn down invitations. You regret what you turn down. Everything you do try becomes an experience and a memory which will help you to settle. It takes nearly 25% of expats more than a year to feel settled, but once they do they tend to spend between five and 10 years abroad.
Finally, where can we buy the book? The book is currently available on Amazon for Kindle. If you’re having difficulty finding it, please email me at helen@expatexplorers.org, expatexplorers.org
When we moved back to the UK, I hadn’t appreciated that for my children we weren’t returning home. They couldn’t identify with the culture. On the first day of school, my youngest was asked to write the months in four boxes representing the seasons. Having lived on the equator, this was a tricky task. She knew the terms ‘autumn’ and ‘spring’, but had not experienced them. If the disadvantage is not knowing much about the culture of your place of birth, the advantage is that when you come to live there you’ll see it with fresh eyes.
When you visit family back home, how do you deal with being pulled in all directions? We tried lots of different ways to cope with
Helen McClure, the author
book review
Out this month BOOKS
Vegan Dairy
Betwixt and Between
Emilie Holm
Margaret Sun
Emelie Holm, nutritional therapist and certified holistic health coach, shares yummy recipes for making vegan dairy products at home. Emelie starts off with a quick guide to nuts and seeds and also makes suggestions on tools to invest in (a blender or food processor is a must!). Her healthy plant-based recipes and snack ideas from nut butters to fresh vegan milks and yoghurts aim to help the reader take control of their nutrition and diet. Beautifully put together with colourful images. Now available at Bookazine for $210.
Margaret Sun takes us on her inspiring journey through life in modern China. Her story begins in Shanghai in 1935 where she was born into what becomes a poor Cantonese family. She grew up speaking English as her main language and shares how she sold cigarettes and snacks just outside the building where her family lived in Shanghai. In 1956, she volunteered to work in Xinjiang eventually becoming an English teacher at Xinjiang University in the late 1970s. Sun’s eyeopening account of China at this time and through the Cultural Revolution is a valuable and thoughtprovoking read. Available online for $200 and at all major book vendors including Amazon.
The Fear Bucket List: From Victim to Power Woman, Dr. Kamilla Holst In this powerful and motivational tale, Dr. Kamilla Holst shares her secrets on how she took control of her life after being a victim of abuse. It’s about conquering your fear ‘bucket list’ in order to master your emotional self and take back control. 100% of this book’s profit goes to the non-profit organization HAGAR international HK, helping women and children in Afghanistan, Cambodia and Vietnam whose lives have been devastated by extreme human rights abuse - particularly domestic violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. Now available at thefearbucketlist.com
PODCASTS On Purpose with Jay Shetty
S.Town
On Purpose is hosted by ex-monk Jay Shetty who provides wisdom and tactical insight on practical and motivational methods we can implement into our daily lives. Through this podcast Jay helps individuals be on a more conscious path and improve their quality of life, covering a range of topics through episodes on self-reflection as well as with celebrity guests. For getting lost in the noise of this modern world, the digestible wisdom of this podcast provides the dose we need to encourage a more spiritual and fulfilling journey of life. Available on iTunes and Spotify. jayshetty.me/podcast
This small town murder mystery podcast, hosted by Brian Reed, starts when John B. McLemore sends an email to the show requesting they do a podcast on the goings on in his town. Without giving too much away, Brian agrees and begins an investigation which turns in a direction no listener would ever have expected. This podcast was downloaded a record-breaking 10 million times in four days, and it had been downloaded over 40 million times since May 2017. Available for download through iTunes or stownpodcast.org
Sonia Khatwani reviews
Becky Love reviews
Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review If you’re looking to get your movie fix, look no further than Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review. This happy couple have been working together on the BBC’s flagship film show for over 20 years, delivering a fun mix of interviews, reviews and nonsense, and have a dedicated following who give the show a special community feel. Search for Mark’s infamous, cathartic review of Sex in the City 2 to get you started and don’t be baffled by the in-jokes - you’ll be saying hello to Jason within seconds! Download from iTunes or the bbc.co.uk
Stephen Willshaw reviews expat-parent.com 45
big day out
Pedal it out
Clear skies at Plover Cove
Charmaine Ng suggests four places to go cycling with children
I
t may be all about the MTR when it comes to travelling around Hong Kong, but have you ever considered cycling? Exploring the city by bicycle is a great way to enjoy both the urban and rural areas of Hong Kong. Here are four great places to take your children cycling this summer.
Plover Cove Plover Cove is a scenic dam surrounded by water, overlooking Sha Tin and makes for a great day out for the whole family. The area boasts a range of restaurants where you can fuel up before setting off. From the car park and bus terminus at Tai Mei Tuk, head past the public toilets and through a barbecue area towards the water. Take a left and then you’ll find a cycling path on Tai Mei Tuk Road, where there is a slight hill before you reach the entrance of the dam. The dam is Playroom at Hong Kong Velodrome
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big day out paved and flat, stretching over two kilometres, so perfect for first-time cyclists. Be warned though – with its stunning views, the dam is very crowded on weekends. Getting there: Take Exit A3 from MTR Tai Po Market Station and take bus 75K or minibus 20C to Tai Mei Tuk.
Hong Kong Velodrome, Tseung Kwan O Have a whole day planned for cycling only to be watered down by the rain? Well, worry no more – the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O is the first-ever local indoor cycling facility that meets the standards of the International Cycling Union and is perfect for the whole family. If you don’t have a bicycle, then stop by the bike rental company that caters to both adults and children. Go indoors
Hong Kong Jockey Club BMX park
Hong Kong Bike Training Centre For children who have mastered the basic art of cycling and are looking for more, then let us introduce you to the Hong Kong Bike Training Centre, where BMX cycling courses are available for children of any level. Three to 12-year-olds will be taught by professionals who will equip them with the skills to brake, turn and balance on the bicycle. All courses include the BMX Park entrance fee, and rental fees for a BMX bicycle and protective gear. Getting there: Location depends on which course you pick. Details at hkbtc.org
Safety first!
Bikes at Cheung Chau
if it’s raining, but if the sun is out, make sure to hit the many cycle-friendly trails weaving throughout Tseung Kwan O. There is also a climbing wall, chess tables, a central lawn to run on and two children’s play areas if you still have energy left after a full day cycling! Getting there: Take Exit B2 from MTR Hang Hau Station and walk approximately 11 minutes to the Hong Kong Velodrome at 105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O.
Cheung Chau Cheung Chau is perhaps one of the best-
known outlying islands of Hong Kong, and for good reason. Not only is it packed with delicious delicacies and traditional temples to explore, but it’s also super bicyclefriendly! The island has many bicycle rental stores, most of them accumulating near Pak Tai Temple. Pick up a bicycle and explore the whole island – the seaside, the beaches, the town and even the mountains. Go on, sweat it out! Getting there: Catch the ferry from Central Ferry Pier No. 5. The journey takes 30-45 minutes.
Wherever you choose to cycle, make sure you put your safety first. Some parts of Hong Kong aren’t exactly bicycle-friendly so it is best to stay alert at all times. Make sure to… • Obey traffic light signals, traffic signs and road markings • Ride at a safe speed that you are comfortable with • Always keep your hands on the handlebar and feet on the pedals • Keep a safe distance from bicycles in front of you • Dismount from your bicycle when crossing pedestrian crossings
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travel
LUXURY KNOWS NO LIMIT AT ROSEWOOD RESIDENCE
Travel news 48 expat-parent.com
Rosewood Residences Hong Kong is officially open for business and if you were impressed by the hotel (which opened earlier this year), it’s fair to say you’ll be sufficiently blown away the residence. The 186 self-contained luxury apartments range from studios to three-bedroom duplexes and cater to longer stays. As with the hotel, New Yorkbased designer Tony Chi spared no expense, the rooms are opulent and timeless. Hong Kong’s skyline dominates in every direction and amenities are almost as expansive. A 24hour private club, indoor swimming pool and fitness centre are exclusively resident-only. Known for their exceptional service, Rosewood personal butlers are on hand to assist with everything from organising after school tutoring to dog walking (yes, the property is pet-friendly too.) Monthly rentals start from $57,000, we think that’s a small price to pay for a piece of heaven. rosewoodhotels.com
Travel news
travel
FAMILY EXPERIENCES AT SHANGRI-LA HARBIN July saw the launch of family-themed rooms and suites at Shangri-La Harbin. An entire floor is dedicated to the new family rooms for guests travelling with young children. Suites are themed in the style of safari, treehouse, space, castle, icehouse and winter wonderland, to the delight of the little ones. Child-friendly amenities and furniture such as baby chairs, sterilisers and toys, are provided for stress-free family travel. Children-friendly menus have been designed by nutritionists for young children to eat well and healthy. To celebrate the launch of this LUXE family experience, children can take part in a special Kids Keys colouring contest until September 30. The winners will be awarded a themed Family Suite stay experience and gifts. Reservations for the new rooms and suites start from CNY2,138 per night. shangri-la.com
SHARE YOUR SHANGRI-LA SNAPS Guests, travellers and beyond are invited to enter the Shangri-La’s global #MyShangriLa photography contest by sharing their most unique and memorable moments. In doing so, winners could walk away with prizes such as a two-night getaway inclusive of flights to one of 10 Shangri-La destinations of their choice, including places like Kota Kinabalu, Muscat and Istanbul. Participants are invited to share their images via Instagram @shangrilahotels and hashtagging #MyShangriLa, or uploading them to the competition website at shangri-la.com/myshangrila
FAMILY FUN AT PLAZA PREMIUM FIRST Plaza Premium First, located near Gate 1 Departures Level at Hong Kong International Airport, has introduced family-friendly offerings this summer. While parents relax and unwind pre-flight with a selection of premium whisky, cocktails and TWG tea mocktails at the AeroBar, the little ones can enjoy special summer mocktails. Plaza Premium First has also introduced a new Kids Menu that features hearty favourites such as pancakes with scrambled eggs, Spaghetti Bolognese with broccoli, sweet potato fries and Hawaiian pizza. And to celebrate their first anniversary, Plaza Premium First is offering birthday guests a complimentary 10-minute massage, a birthday cake and a polaroid snap to capture all the memories! plazapremiumfirst.com
CATHAY FOR FAMILIES Until August 31, Cathay Pacific have a special summer holiday offer for families. Book two adult business class tickets for round trip flights from Hong Kong to enjoy 50 percent off your children’s flight tickets. Children under two can travel for free, but will not be given a booked seat. The travel period is until the end of August
for families to travel in style this summer. Terms and conditions apply. cathaypacific.com
SINGITA PROTECTS THE PRIDE Since the original The Lion King was released 25 years ago, lion numbers have dwindled severely. Singita, the luxury safari operator and conservation brand, has a 100-year mission to protect and preserve the African wilderness and its wildlife and as part of The Lionscape Coalition, they are doing just that. The coalition is a collaboration with Africa’s top tourism operators for educating people about the plight of lions and for investing in the Lion Recovery Fund. In honour of the release of the latest film, Disney has donated USD $1.5 million to the fund which aims to protect wildlife, habitats and help educate locals in support of conservation efforts of partners such as Singita. By empowering the travel industry to play a bigger role in conserving Africa’s lions, The Lionscape Coalition aims to double the population in the wild by 2050. #TheLionKing #ProtectThePride
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travel
Super summer staycations Nicole Cooley rounds up this summer’s best staycation packages a host of amenities including kids’ bathrobes and slippers, in-room sweet treats, a mobile storybook library, babysitting service and kidfriendly breakfasts. For young art lovers aged three to 13, parents can donate $100 for their child to join the charity-based Dorsett Little Artist program with all proceeds going to the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. Children can pick a colouring page hand-drawn by local artists and enter the colouring contest for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Dorsett Wan Chai. Did we mention there’s a Dorsett Wine Hour every Friday from 6-7pm for parents to enjoy free house wines, snacks and a live performance? 387-397 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. wanchai. dorsetthotels.com
Four Seasons Hotel
Babymooners
Located in a prime waterfront position, The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has stunning views across Victoria Harbour with an outdoor pool terrace including two pools and a jacuzzi. For expectant parents to reconnect before their baby arrives, go for the new Bundle of Joy rooms package. This pampering package includes two nights in a luxurious suite with plush beds and eight pillows to choose from guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. Couples can lounge at the inviting infinity pool before the mum-to-be indulges in specially tailored prenatal spa treatments. A healthy and delicious Well Feeling Menu for mum and bump has been crafted by Miles Price, Certified Nutritionist and Functional Medicine specialist at the LIFE Clinic for mums to enjoy a well-balanced diet while on the road. The Bundle of Joy package starts at $21,600. 8 Finance Street, Central. fourseasons.com
memorable experience with the family, hop on their horse-drawn carriage ($300) or rent bikes to experience Discovery Bay. Relax on the beach or burn off energy at nearby EpicLand which boasts the largest indoor slides in Asia. The Summer Family Adventure Package starts from $1,688 for one night in a Mountain View Room, breakfast buffet for two adults and a child and two tickets to EpicLand. 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island. aubergediscoverybay.com
Dorsett Wan Chai The Fantastic 4 Family package offers families a pleasant and hassle-free stay. They provide
Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong invites families to spend a fun-filled staycation at their seaside oasis this summer. Activities galore, Auberge has a fun Kid’s Club for summer arts and crafts workshops, an inflatable battlefield and a bubble carnival. For a 50 expat-parent.com
Horsedrawn a c rriages
Little artists
travel Ovolo For all mamas and papas-to-be, Ovolo have introduced a new babymoon package for some much-needed rest and relaxation before the little one makes an appearance. From the moment the expectant couple set foot in the hotel, cravings are encouraged and Ovolo does not disappoint signature loot bags are filled with both salty and sweet treats, breakfast, minibar and a social hour with mocktails are included too. The mums-to-be will be pampered with a 60-minute pregnancy massage to ease any aches and pains and a maternity body pillow is provided for a better nights’ sleep. After check out, a personalised 30 minute Q&A phone consultation will guide expectant parents on what to expect as well as a newborn sleeping program for maximising on sleep. The Snuggle is Real package is available from $1,950 plus 10 percent service fee. 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central; 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Southside. ovolohotels.com Baby-
mooners
Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel Travel to the wild plains of Africa, get ready for a swashbuckling pirate adventure or celebrate the summer with PJ Masks in Gold Coast Hotel’s themed rooms. Perfect for a short stay with children, dive into a day-long adventure before resting tired heads in special themed beds, including a Hong Kong tram! The fun doesn’t stop there as PJ Masks fans can take part in PJ Masks Outdoor Inflatable Water Games, Characters Hunting Game and even a PJ Masks Night Party. Make time during your stay to check out some of Tsuen Wan’s local sights including Sham Tseng, a seaside town known for its local delicacies and Hong Kong-style desserts, Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery and Ping Shan heritage trail which winds through three ancient villages and a well-preserved walled community. Upgrade to a PJ Masks themed room for an additional $500 per night. 1 Castle Peak Themed Road, Gold Coast. sino-hotels.com/hk/gold-coast
rooms
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travel W star chefs, will polish up their culinary skills in both western and Chinese delights. The W’s Dine Whatever/Whenever package makes life even easier for families offering a daily credit of $1,000 to spend on beverage and food at the hotel. 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon. w-hongkong.com
Cordis, Hong Kong
Cooking classes
W Hong Kong Live it up with a summer staycation at W Hong Kong where you will find everything you dream of in their urban sanctuary. Experience stunning views and spectacular culinary experiences in W’s signature restaurants. To keep the mini-foodies busy, the Master Chef in Training cooking class, taught by an all-star line-up of
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Relax in luxurious surroundings at Kowloon based Cordis this summer. Their family package caters to all guests, even the youngest, with age-appropriate activities and amenities. Kids will feel right at home with kids slippers, toothbrushes, Personalised
amenities
bathrobes and even a personalised backpack with Cody (a mascot based on the endangered red panda) themed goodies. A nutritiously balanced children’s menu and child-friendly snacks will help parents to relax in the knowledge that their children will be well fed throughout their stay. During the weekends, families can create their own special cookie at the Hong Kong-themed afternoon tea buffet from The Place. Poolside icepops on the rooftop pool add to the fun, and the adults may even get a chance to indulge in a treatment at the award-winning Chuan Spa. 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon. cordishotels.com
EAST For a camping trip without the fuss, look no further than EAST, Hong Kong. Their Urban Family Camp room package in the Harbour View suite offers an unforgettable family staycation this summer with views to match. Start off with a treasure hunt for a tent, toys and a welcome gift, all hidden in the suite. Breakfast and dinner for two adults and a child over 12 are included, as well as a special afternoon tea set for in-room dining or at FEAST (Food by EAST). To top off the fun, splash around in the
travel Indoor camping
outdoor pool or check out the family-friendly neighbourhood of Taikoo Shing - Cityplaza Mall, Mount Parker Trail or Quarry Bay Park all cater to a range of tastes to keep all the family happy. The ‘Urban Family Camp’ room package starts from $4,800 per night, until September 8. 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing. easthongkong.com
Sai Yuen Farm It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong is blessed with a number of small islands where a
quieter and more laid back approach to life is ingrained in the local population. Cheung Chau, easily reached by ferry from both Central and Aberdeen piers, has good food, a couple of beaches and enough walks and sights to keep you occupied over a relaxing weekend. Families can camp to their hearts’ content with a few sleeping options - teepees, safari tents, Mongolian Gers, stargazing geodesic domes, tree cocoons or simply bring your own tent. Plenty of activities are available to keep everyone entertained including a beggar’s wild chicken workshop or a bubble waffle workshop, great for families to join in together. 4 Tsan Tuen Road, Cheung Chau. saiyuen.com
Tents and teepees
Roller coasters
Hong Kong Disneyland With three unique and characteristic hotels within walking distance of Hong Kong Disneyland, guests can enjoy a magical weekend in a faraway land. While the main attraction is the theme park, guests can also enjoy relaxing around the pool at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or wander around the four themed gardens surrounding Disney Explorers’ Lodge. The hotels each offer different dining opportunities depending on where you stay and guests can alternate between the different hotel restaurants. Disneyland also offers special package deals for rooms and park tickets, including up to 20% off for Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island. hongkongdisneyland.com
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marketplace
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FAMILY | FOOD | FINLAND | FLOATING AWAY
September 2018
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pork bun in the oven
Nesting with nowhere to nest First time mum-to-be Becky Love faces an unexpected turn of events
U
nexpected hurdles are all a part of pregnancy, particularly with your first born. However, just a few weeks ago my husband and I were thrown a curve ball of a different kind. At 30 weeks pregnant, we were informed that we would have to move out of our house so that the owners could move back in - all by the time I hit 38 weeks. Wait, what? But... we were just putting the finishing touches on our nursery. We were imagining life with a newborn in our current abode. I was just starting to nest. We felt so organised. How could we possibly move a whole apartment when I could barely move my own overgrown self from the couch to the bathroom? A little about our current situation. We live in Discovery Bay (DB/also known as dogs and babies) and have lived in a spacious (by Hong Kong standards) three bedroom two bathroom renovated apartment on the thirteenth floor with Disneyland views since arriving two years ago. It’s perfect, we love it. And when we found out we were expecting, we couldn’t have imagined a more ideal home for us. Of course, I reminded myself that this is Hong Kong and people come and go more often than I find myself needing to pee in my third trimester. This move was always a possibility. However, as a first time mum with no idea of when this child might be ready to say ‘G’Day’, I was a little thrown and uneasy at the idea of having to pack up and move within this time frame. But still - I had a choice. A personal choice. I could either (A) cry and complain and stress myself out over our recent news… or (B) take a few deep breaths and start to enjoy the idea of a new house with a new baby - it was a whole new phase in our life afterall, so why not just embrace the change?
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Our columnist is a nervous first time mum-to-be whose hobbies have recently shifted from writing and relaxing to snacking, complaining and crying uncontrollably.
even have to help with the packing, lifting and moving. I can just sit here surrounded comfortably by 26 pillows, eating Pop Chips whilst the move miraculously unfolds in front of my eyes. Now, I’m sure this story is in no way unique, nor worthy of front page news or a full-page write up - “Pregnant woman is told she has to move house in her third trimester” - big deal. But I think it comes with a nice reminder for those of us getting worked up and stressed out whilst expecting (or not expecting for that matter). Not everything is within our control. That’s life. Either you sit around and complain about it, or you turn the situation into a positive as best you can. Make it work for you instead of against you. Which leads me to my final point. Did you know, that a short Google search lead me to some very interesting statistics. In a 2013 article by The Citizen, it was stated that a study determined children laugh around 300 times a day, compared to adults who laugh just 17 times a day. That, to me says a lot about what happens to us as we grow older, wiser to the world, busier and less connected to the natural goings-on around us. We focus on the negatives, we stress, we do all of the things that don’t make us laugh so much. Until we have children of our own.
So I went with the latter, put a smile on my face and we began our house hunt. Besides, I was certain that I wasn’t the first person to have things not go entirely to plan during pregnancy. Those who do are either lucky or lying. So as I sit here now, one day short of week 34, my husband has just left to walk a few things in suitcases over to our new home, thus starting the moving process. The upside? We found a great place a short distance away with more space for baby to play and beautiful views, within our price range. And an added bonus? Being in the physical state that I am currently in, I don’t
In just a few weeks time, I will be sitting in our new home, with the newest member of our family who will no doubt make me laugh when he laughs and who will be looking up at me with fresh eyes and not a worry in the world. This is the exact way that I hope to look at the unexpected twists and turns that will undoubtedly continue to appear before me in the future. Without stress or negative energy or criticism and instead with pure awe, wonder, positivity and a heck of a lot more than 17 laughs a day, no matter what life throws at me. At 34 weeks I’m already learning from this little human... and I can’t wait to learn more.
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