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the really useful magazine expat-parent.com
November 2019
Festive markets
S
We’ve got gift buying in the bag
hh!
Hello, Hong Kong 15 great days out with granny
Secrets to a perfect party
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CONTENTs 2
Editor’s letter
7
ISSUE 066 42
Hello from the hot desk
4
Festive fashion from style expert Pavleta Petrova
Contributors
45
Meet the team this month
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49
Must haves
54
Deck the halls with these Christmas decorations
19
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Things you need to know
59
Me & my big idea
64
Two little dumplings Our mum-of-two spends a weekend away without the kids
26
Book club November reads and podcasts for the school run
24
Travel Stay up to date with Hong Kong’s latest travel news
Emma Storey, Founder of Bespoke Tuition
22
Big day out 15 ways to get out and about with Granny
All you need to know about Movember
21
Education Nicole Cooley visits Concordia International School. Plus school news
News Your monthly local news roundup
16
Hong Kong baby How to take control of gestational diabetes. Plus baby news
What’s on Dates for your diary this November. Plus our Christmas fairs guide
14
Life and style
Cover story Plan the perfect festive party
28
My Hong Kong To Yuk Ying of Dolphinwatch on Hong Kong’s declining pink dolphins
31
Dining
46 24 23
Hong Kong Dining Awards, see who got your vote. Plus dining news
40
Health & wellness Going blue for World Diabetes Day
40
22 Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com
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editor’s message Actually, it’s no secret; party season is right around the corner. As we head into November, the season kicks off with Hong Kong International Literary Festival from November 1-10. Hot on the heels we host our first ever Hong Kong Dining Awards at CÉ LA VI on November 12, so join us to celebrate the best restaurants in town (tickets available at hongkongliving.com). The Elephant Foundation hosts a dinner at Island Shangri-la host on November 15 in support of elephant conservation. And we are happy to announce that after much speculation, Clockenflap is indeed going ahead! Mumford & Sons and The Kooks are just some of the highlights at this year’s festival, which runs from November 22-24. On November 28 it’s Thanksgiving and then we really are on the homestraight for the biggest celebration of the year on December 25! If you have any space left in your calendar and fancy throwing your own soirée, we cover everything you need to know to host a bash to remember on page 24. And don’t forget to drop in on a Christmas fair or two, see our round up on page 12. Hello November, let’s get this party started!
who’s in charge? Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com
What a relief! We no longer need to queue to book a ticket to see Santa at Pacific Place! This year, the group has announced a new online booking system. Hooray for that! pacificplace.com.hk
Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng
Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Graphic Designer Jeramy Lee
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Senior Partnership Manager Isamonia Chui
Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
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
Join us for an afternoon of drinks, views and celebration as we host our first ever Hong Kong Dining Awards at CÉ LA VI on November 12. Tickets are $380 and include free-flow cocktails and canapes. hongkongliving.com/shop
about the cover A big thank you to our cover stars this month. Isabella (left) wears a Billieblush dress and Aurelia (right) wears crewcuts by J.Crew, both from Retykle. To get your kids party-ready, turn to page 27.
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.
credit: Retykle
Hong Kong Dining Awards
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Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com
Fortnum’s Tea Tuk
No queues for Santa
Contributing Editor Nicole Slater
Digital Editor Apple Lee
3 things we love this month... Being British, I’ll never say no to a cuppa! Fortnum & Mason are sending a Tea Tuk around the city this month in celebration of their arrival in Hong Kong. The Tuk will serve up traditional Fortnum’s biscuits along with their infamous Royal Blend tea. fortnumandmason.co.uk
Managing Editor Gemma Shaw
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contributors
Rosie Gundelach
Nicole Cooley
Apple Lee
Registered Australian midwife Rosie squeezes in time to write for Expat Parent in between taking care of her two babies under 16 months. Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, she shares her advice on gestational diabetes on page 46.
Editorial Assistant Nicole was inspired to do some baking with her toddler this month after meeting bakery owner and author Emily Liu. The pink thumbprint cookies were a real hit! Read the interview on page 22.
Dining Editor Apple wined and dined her way around Hong Kong this month ahead of the release of our annual dining guide. Find out which restaurants made the cut on page 32.
Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com
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what’s on
Diary dates
NOV 30
Women’s Five A journey of fitness, health and inspiration that ends in a 5km or 10km for women only. 8am. From $390. Tai Tam Country Park, Tai Tam. womensfive.com
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what’s on appreciation for nature and learn more about protecting our planet. 9.30am-12 noon. Free. Clearwater Bay Beach. mountkelly.edu.hk
NOV 2,3,9 & 10
FLOW with AFTEC Two fun-filled weekends at Shalowan Village featuring performing and visual arts, talks, workshops, an adventure trail and imagination playground. Free. Sha Lo Wan Village, Lantau. aftec.hk/en
UNTIL NOV 1
Thanksgiving Weekend at Treasure Island Celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach with extended opening times at the restaurant. Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-8pm. Treasure Island, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. treasureislandhk.com
UNTIL NOV 15
NOV 3 programme of readings, workshops and panel discussions. Prices, times and venues vary. Find the full event programme at festival.org.hk
NOV 2
Motorino Pizza Making Party Create your own Neapolitan pies from scratch. 3-5pm. $298. 15 Ship Street, Wan Chai. RVSP at info@motorino.com.hk
Colors of Asia
Francesco Lietti’s solo exhibition brings Asia to life on canvas. Daily 9am-7pm (closed Sunday). Free. KC100 Art Space, 100 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung. facebook.com/ kc100artspace
NOV 1
Treasure Island Hallowe’en Beach Party Eat, drink and be scary at this annual Halloween party with a movie for kids and an after-party for adults. Free. Treasure Island, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. treasureislandhk.com
NOV 1-10
Hong Kong International Literary Festival A 10-day 8 expat-parent.com
NOV 2
Malvern College Open House Learn what makes a Malvern education special. 10am-1pm. Free. Malvern College Hong Kong, 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories. RSVP at rsvp@malverncollege.org.hk
NOV 2
Mount Kelly Shackleton Beach Clean-Up Give back to the community, build an
Discovery Bay Sunday Market Handmade Hong Kong is back with the popular craft bazaar featuring locally-based artists, makers, designers and bakers. 11am-6pm. Free. Discovery Bay. handmadehongkong.com
NOV 7-10
James and the Giant Peach A heart-warming Roald Dahl story brought to you by some of Faust’s finest young actors. Times vary. Adults $290, students $250. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. faustworld.com
NOV 9
RUN Charity Race A unique charity race in Hong Kong supporting vulnerable refugees in the city. Distances from 19km to a child-friendly 1.5km. Tai Tam Country Park. runhk.org
tell me more
mum about town
NOV 9
Book Launch: Emi Takes Hong Kong Author Jane Karen Ho and illustrator Natalie Hui launch their picture book. 3pm. Free. Bookazine Exchange Square, Shop 305-07, One Exchange Square, Central. RSVP at enquiries@bookazine.com.hk
NOV 9
The Big Picnic Festival Discovery Bay hosts Hong Kong’s largest annual community music and dance festival, come rain or shine. 10.30am-8pm, Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, Lantau. thebigpicnichk.com
NOV 9-10
Spartan Race Hong Kong – Trifecta Weekend Spartans are you ready? Sign up now for the Beast, Sprint, Super, Hurricane Heat, or Kids races! 7am. Entrance costs vary. Kam Tin Country Club, 109 Shui Tau, Kam Tin, Kowloon. spartanrace.hk
The nostalgia of Roald Dahl After the cancellation of Matilda, my inner youth is very much looking forward to these two hours of Road Dahl’s first classic novel, James and the Giant Peach. Talented actors, aged eight to 18, of the Faust International Youth Theatre will be performing the story. I’m particularly intrigued by how the enormous peach will be brought to life on stage and I’m hoping that this heart-warming tale will encourage the kids to get into the Roald Dahl spirit! James and the Giant Peach: November 7-10, times vary. Adults $290, students $250. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. faustworld.com
NOV 10
OneSky Charity Hike OneSky’s 9th annual charity hike includes distances of 3.8km to 10.5km. 10.30am. From $480 plus minimum fundraising amount. Routes vary along the Maclehose Trail. onesky.org/charity-hike-2019
NOV 12
Hong Kong Dining Awards Cocktail Party Spend the afternoon overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic skyline from the CÉ LA VI rooftop, while celebrating the city’s best restaurants and chefs. $380. 25/F, California Tower, Central. hongkongliving.com/shop
NOV 15-17
Oxfam Trailwalker Sign up as a team of four and tackle the 100km MacLehose Trail within a 48-hour time limit. 8am. Minimum sponsorship $7,600. MacLehose Trail. oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk
Forget Movember, it’s fit-ember This year, I’ve decided that November is the new January. Getting fit and healthy pre-Christmas seems like a good idea for enjoying the indulgences of Christmas without feeling the post-Christmas guilt slump. That’s the theory anyway! Now just to dig out the trainers and make it to the weekly training sessions before the run. 10km (cough, I mean 5km) here I come! Women’s Five: November 30, 8am start. From $390. Tai Tam Country Park, Tai Tam. womensfive.com
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what’s on NOV 15
NOV 23
Support Elephant Week at a Conservation Through Cooperation fundraising dinner presented by The Elephant Foundation. Cocktail reception from 6.30pm. $22,500 for a table of 10. Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Central. RSVP at LL@hkelephants.com.hk
Mighty Oaks will match dollar-for-dollar on all sales revenue with proceeds going to J Life Foundation Limited. MamaSmartHK will help children create their own toys with recyclable materials and also teach children how to repair toys. 10.30am-4pm. Free. Mighty Oaks Nursery & Kindergarten, 1/F, Lungga Mansion, 46A Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town. mightyoaks.edu.hk
A Maasai Dinner
NOV 16
The Staycation MindBeauty and SparknShop host an ecofriendly day full of sustainable and socially conscious treatments and activities. 10.30am4.30pm. $100. Spaces Sun House, 181 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan. mindbeauty-staycation-at-spaces.eventbrite. ie
NOV 22-24 Clockenflap
Clockenflap is on. Need we say more? Friday starts 5pm and weekend starts 12 noon. $970 for a day and $1,640 for three days. Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central. clockenflap.com
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Mighty Oaks Green Charity Fair
NOV 25
British Boarding Schools Show
NOV 28
Learn more about British boarding options at this comprehensive seminar. 12 noon-6pm. Free. Shangri-La Hotel, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central. hk.schoolsshow.co.uk
Get your turkey in the oven and celebrate a day of gratitude with friends and family!
Thanksgiving Day
NOV 30
RCHK College Fair Renaissance College will host a fair filled with bouncy castles, boating, games, talent shows, lucky draws, bargain bazaars, international dishes and more. 10.30am-4pm. Free. Renaissance College, 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories. rchk.edu.hk
BOOK NOW DEC 9
DEC 18-JAN 5
Legendary Irish comedian performs his new show ‘Dr. Cosmos’. 8pm. From $488. Rotunda 3, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. hkticketing.com
It’s not too late to get in on the action for the Hong Kong premiere of Disney’s The Lion King! Times vary. From $399. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau Island. hkticketing.com
Dylan Moran live in Hong Kong
Disney’s The Lion King
DEC 5-7
DesignInspire - Exhibition of Design and Innovation A B2A exchange and inspiring platform with a series of STEM workshops for fans of innovation to experience the fun of science, DIY design and creative works. From 9.30am. Free. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. Register at designinspire.com.hk
DEC 5-8
A Christmas Carol Faust International Youth Theatre presents this Christmas classic. Times vary. $260. Macquarie Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. faustworld.com
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Xmas fair guide
Kick off the festive season at these fabulous fairs NOV 3, 24 & DEC 8
Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk
Purchase oodles of stocking stuffers and one-of-a-kind gifts directly from local artists at one of Hong Kong’s finest markets. 11am-6pm. Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com
NOV 15-16
Discovery Bay Holiday Markets
NOV 7
AWA Charity Bazaar The American Women’s Association (AWA) will host its 32nd Annual Charity Bazaar with more than 80 vendors selling a range of items from jewellery to Christmas decor. Don’t forget the silent auction and lucky draw. 11.30am-7.30pm, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Sheung Wan. awa.org.hk
NOV 8-9
St. John’s Charity Christmas Card and Handicraft Fair Get into the spirit of Christmas and share the love at this charity event. All proceeds go towards a variety of Hong Kong charities. 10am-5pm. Li Hall, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central. stjohnscathedral.org.hk
NOV 12, 26 & DEC 16
2019 Prestige Christmas Gift Fairs Hong Kong The Prestige market is back for its 20th Christmas season featuring jewellery, gourmet food, homewares, clothing, babywear and more. 10am8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad
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Early Christmas Sip & Shop Gift Fair Beat the crowds and enjoy stress-free shopping at this Christmas fair with lots of amazing brands, based in Central. 11am-8pm. Anita Chan Lai-ling Gallery, G/F, Fringe Club, Central. shoppinghongkong.net
NOV 16
City Kids Annual Christmas Fair Kick off the Christmas celebrations and meet Santa at the City Kids Christmas Fair. This year includes a bouncy castle, BBQ, face painting and pop-ups. 10am-4pm. City Kids, 12 Borrett Road, Midlevels. citykidshk.org
Xmas fair guide
NOV 24
CISPA Family Fun Fair The Canadian International School Parents’ Association (CISPA) will transport the Canadian International School to the Wild Wild West with bouncy castles, entertainers, a recycled reading stall, food and of course, shopping! 11am-4pm. Canadian International School, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang. cispa.hk
NOV 24
Repulse Bay Christmas Fair Browse Christmas decorations, children’s items, gifts, paintings, handicrafts, jewellery, home accessories and much more. Plus, live music and kids activities. 11am-6pm. 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay. therepulsebay.com
NOV 30 - DEC 1
Christmas Glam & Glitters Fair A two-day event of shopping, music, wine and nibbles! 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. shoppinghongkong.net
NOV 30
Island Christian Academy Christmas Fair Come and join Island Christian Academy for a fun-filled community day for the whole family! 12 noon-4pm. Island Christian Academy, 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan. islandca.edu.hk
DEC 4
Chinese Academy Christmas Activities Parents are invited to tour the school whilst children take part in Christmas activities and crafts. 9.3011am. Chinese Academy, 77 Caroline Hill
DEC 7
French International School Christmas Festival 2019 Give your Christmas the French touch! Come along and enjoy market stalls, international delicacies, a magician show, disco dance and activities for all ages. 10am-4pm. French International School, 28 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O. fis.edu.hk
DEC 13
American International School Winter Fair The Winter Fair is American International School’s (AIS) largest annual event, this year’s theme is ‘Shine a Light’. Each year, participants arrive with empty stomachs and leave with full hearts. 3-9pm. American International School, 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong. ais.edu.hk
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news
The future is not green At the end of September, Just Green made a surprise announcement regarding the sudden closure of all 11 of their stores. JustGreen was founded in 2008 as Hong Kong’s first health and wellness retail chain. They sold a range of organic and healthy products, including products catering to specific dietary requirements. Owners stated, “Going forward, in spirit, we shall always be there – again, thank you for the pleasure of serving you all. This is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.” facebook.com/ JustGreenHK
There’s an app for that You’ve got Christmas mail Hong Kong Post have released the latest recommended international posting dates ahead of the festive season. Destinations such as the UK require parcels to be sent by November 22 and cards by December 3, the USA is November 25 for parcels and
DESIGNINSPIRE Hong Kong DESIGNINSPIRE is an international art fair which has exhibited in locations from Scandinavia to Chicago. This year it makes its debut at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 5-7, coinciding with Business of Design Week. The exhibition provides a platform for global creatives, design brands and associations to showcase their creativity. Free tickets are available at designinspire.com.hk
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November 26 for cards, and Australia is December 3 for both parcels and cards. Hong Kong Post advises sending as early as possible to ensure that letters, cards and parcels arrive in time. For more destinations, visit hongkongpost.hk
Crossroads Foundation is a Hong Kong based, non-profit organisation which provides aid and development to those in need in over 90 countries worldwide. Last month, the charity celebrated the launch of its first app, GoodCityHK which will assist with the donation process in Hong Kong. Donators can upload photos of items they wish to donate, a trained volunteer review and arrange pick up/delivery. Typical donations include household goods, computers and electrical items. goodcity.hk
news
You snooze you lose The festive season is approaching and that can only mean one thing, it’s pantomime time (oh yes it is!) This year, Hong Kong Players will put on their 58th performance, a magical rendition of Sleeping Beauty. Director Eric Ng says, “I’m very proud to be helming this year’s panto. It is sure to be funny and charming.” Tickets from urbtix.hk The show will run from December 5-15 at The Shouson Theatre in Wan Chai. hkplayers.com
Art not for sale Organisers of the 15th edition of Asia Contemporary Art Show, which closed on October 7, announced a significant drop in sales compared to previous years. In a press release Director Mark Saunderson said; “The effect of four months of protests in Hong Kong saw attendance at the Asia Contemporary Art Show decline by just over 40%. Then there’s the Trump factor, impacting buyer sentiment and confidence.” Fair organisers regret that this has led them to make the difficult decision to suspend the Spring 2020 edition of the fair as well as their participation in Hong Kong Art Week. Saunderson added, “We will accelerate efforts with our online marketplace Asia Contemporary Art Buyer, now the largest in Hong Kong. Exhibitor applications for the show’s next Fall Edition (October 8-11, 2020) will open early in the new year.” asiacontemporaryart.com
OT&P takes holistic approach OT&P Healthcare recently launched Hong Kong’s first Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic in Central. The clinic which is located within The L. Place aims to take a holistic approach to common health issues using a combination of family medicine, functional medicine, dermatology and plastic surgery services. Additionally, OT&P have recently announced that their Central and Clearwater Bay clinics will now open on Sundays, providing access to doctors all week. For more information, visit otandp.com expat-parent.com 15
MUST HAVES
Gingerbread snowman couple ornament $999 from Swarovski swarovski.com/en-HK
Deck the
Golden pinecone wreath $159 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com/hk
halls ! Decorations for the most wonderful time of the year
Christmas tree mini tin $50 from The Candle Company candles.hk
Wall hung advent calendar $163 from H&M Home hm.com
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Elf ornament $130 from Zara Home zarahome.com/hk
MUST HAVES Nordic wonder nutcracker decoration $179 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com/hk
Candy cane Christmas ornament $98 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk
Star Wars Christmas tree $1,780 from Francfranc hk.francfranc.net
Christmas stocking $108 from H&M Home hm.com
Santa musical snow globe $199 from Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com/hk
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things to know
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Movember began in 2003 when two Aussie mates, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, were joking about bringing back the ‘mo’ (moustache). Inspired by a friend’s mum who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to create a campaign to support men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.
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In 2007, the campaign spread to other areas of the world. Today, there are campaigns in over 20 countries that have raised more than USD $830 million to fund over 1,000 men’s health programmes, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
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Movember has diversified in recent years, bringing it out of only being known within the expatriate community to reach a more local audience. More women have joined in the fight to spread awareness and raise funds too.
In 2018, 20 countries took part in the Movember movement, with 321,975 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world, raising HKD $592 million in support of men's health. The donations went towards raising awareness, investing in vital men's health initiatives and running Movember each year.
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The Movember movement aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely due to preventable health reasons by 25 percent by 2030.
Things you need to know Movember
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There are several ways to join in on Movember. The original rules still apply – men grow a ‘mo’ throughout the month of November and friends donate cash for their effort.
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Other ways to show support include signing up for ‘Move’ and committing to walking or running 60 kilometres over the month. This figure represents the 60 men that are lost each hour globally to suicide. Or, you can host a ‘Mo-ment’ – anything from a dinner party to a sports match – to kick the month off. To find out more, donate or participate, visit hk.movember.com expat-parent.com 19
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Me and my big idea
me & my big idea
Emma Storey, Founder and Managing Director of Bespoke Tuition, explains the need for expert British home tutors to Charmaine Ng So what’s the big idea? Whilst Hong Kong is full to bursting with tutoring centres, there is a lack of personally tailored, one-to-one tutoring that focuses on the individual within the family home. My job is to hand-pick professional British tutors from London, mostly UK qualified teachers, bring them to Hong Kong and arrange hourly tuition for families.
How did the idea come about? I originally came to Hong Kong in 2011 as a live-in residential tutor for an American family whose 13-year-old son required support in English and general study skills. Even at the best international schools, the mums I spoke with begrudged the lack of grammar, testing, structure, feedback and study skills relative to schools in the UK. Schools here cater to such a broad global audience which doesn’t leave much time to focus on individual differences.
How did you make it happen? In 2010, I founded Bespoke Tuition in London, an exclusive tutoring agency that personally matches tutors with students to deliver homebased one-to-one tuition. It took me two years to bring the service to Hong Kong and we have since expanded via word of mouth. Building a personal and meaningful brand was made easier having experienced the business from all angles, as a tutor, an agent and more recently as a parent!
What have been the challenges of setting up this new idea? My biggest challenge initially was sourcing the same quality of tutors in Hong Kong as I had in London, those who were committed to education and had a thorough, updated knowledge of UK schools and assessments. The only solution was to import them from London. This was a do or die moment that was a pivotal move for my business!
What do you enjoy in your downtime? Outside of family (including my incredibly active 18 month old baby boy), travel, exercise and the great outdoors are the things
Emma Storey of Bespoke Tuition
that energise me and put a smile on my face. I think more broadly when I travel and more clearly when I exercise and get outside. I would encourage young people to embrace adventure and physical activity as both have given me many benefits.
How global is your idea? Our ‘travelling tutor’ service sends our British tutors abroad to accompany families on their holidays. Whether it is one week in Finland or eight weeks in the USA, children can take some time to focus on their studies (the parents tend to enjoy the break too!) without compromising a family vacation. So far we have sent our residential tutors to over 50 countries across six continents. Online tutoring also enables us to virtually cross borders; it can be a great way to supplement in-person tutoring.
Tell us about the importance of personally matched tutors. Tutoring should be a relief from academic pressures and not a contributor. The key is finding the right tutor; someone whom your child admires enough to want to impress and engages your child to ‘learn how to learn’. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education; the best tutors will create personalised learning toolkits to help each child find their inner superhuman!
To find out more about the tutors of Bespoke Tuition, email emma@ bespoketuition.com or visit bespoketuition.com
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book review
Books, biskies and baking Nicole Cooley talks biskies and tea with author, self-taught baker and London bakery owner Emily Liu we could merge the two. That’s where our signature biskies came about. They’re a real hybrid - a biscuit cookie cake, which is hard to describe until you eat it! We quickly went from baking for friends, to markets, then to Selfridges and Harrods, followed by a pop-up. Now we have three venues of our own across London and a recipe book was naturally the next step!
What’s your signature recipe? The biskie!
What recipes do you recommend for those new to baking?
So what’s the book about? Our book, Afternoon Tea at the Cutter & Squidge Bakery, is based on our love of baking and the themed afternoon teas we have created at our bakery in London. We like to use traditional English flavours with our own take on things and oriental flavours like black sesame. We also make sure we only use natural food colourings in our recipes, these don’t come out so bright, so we have to be creative about how we use them. Every recipe has a picture - they’re not all perfect, but we wanted to show that baking doesn’t need to be.
I would go for something like cookie dough brownies because it doesn’t matter how they look and they’ll taste good however long you bake them for - my Mum likes brownies overbaked, my sister likes them really gooey and I’m somewhere in between.
What recipes do you recommend cooking with kids? The rock scones are really good for kids as it gets them into baking without using too much sugar. Another simple, cute recipe is the pink thumbprint cookies, which we used
for our Hello Kitty afternoon tea in London.
The age-old question - cream or jam first on a scone? Cream before jam! The cream is a replacement of the butter. Jam directly on the scone is just too sweet, you need the buffer of the cream.
Will you be opening a bakery in Hong Kong any time soon? I don’t know what we’re going to do next. Although we now have three venues in London, we still have more plans to expand there. We have had interest in franchising in Japan and the Middle East, so that could happen in the future. We would want products to taste exactly the same as in London, although some products would be tailored to the region!
Afternoon Tea at the Cutter & Squidge Bakery by Annabel Lui and Emily Lui is published by Ryland Peters & Small. Photography by Clare Winfield. Available from Swindon Books and Kelly & Walsh for $221.
You co-wrote the book with your sister, can you tell us about your upbringing? Our parents are from Hong Kong, but we were born in England. Our Dad was a continental chef before he retired, so we’ve always had strong Asian influences with a European twist. Our Mum, on the other hand, has always made fancy cakes for friends and family. When we started Cutter & Squidge, it was really important for us to mix those influences.
Where did your inspiration come from? I love cake, it’s my thing, and my sister loves cookies and biscuits, so we thought 22 expat-parent.com
Emily Liu and her sister, Annabel Liu
Books & podcasts Emi takes Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Literary Festival
Local author Jane Karen Ho has worked with illustrator Natalie Hui to produce a picture book, Emi takes Hong Kong. This inspiring children’s book tells the story of a boy’s search around Hong Kong for the perfect birthday present for his mother. It’s a fun and colourful way to introduce Hong Kong to children, whether they live here or are a visitor, as it also doubles up as a travel guide with a fun map, quiz and picture glossary. Out on November 9, the book will be available from Snuggle Wuggle , Eslite and Bookazine for $108. For more information, visit janekarenho.com
The 19th edition of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival will run from November 1-10. Themes of the festival look into identity, migration and dystopia through readings, workshops and performance. Our highlights include the Festival Opening Night featuring sixminute stories from eight of the festival writers; a Gala Dinner with travel writer Pico Iyer; a live Teacup Concert for the younger ones exploring Matt Ottley’s picture book Teacup; an exclusive discussion amongst Mathew Polly and Nick Frisch on Chinese Martial Heroes; and a fun and creative Emoji Spelling Bee from author Jennifer 8. Lee. For more information on this year’s HKILF, visit festival.org.hk
book review BOOK NEWS
PODCASTS Happy Place In each episode of Happy Place, British television and radio presenter Fearne Cotton chats to inspiring individuals about happiness and what it means to them. The latest episodes include Catherine Gray who gave up alcohol, Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes, and Formula 4 racing driver Billy Monger who suffered a catastrophic accident. Listen on officialfearnecotton. com or download from iTunes.
Nicole recommends
Stranger Than Stranger Than is my go-to for all things weird and wonderful. In each episode, hosts Joanna and Nate talk through the basics of anything mysterious, creepy or unexplained and the boundaries between fact and fiction. This podcast is ideal for anyone who loves true crime, conspiracies or the supernatural and my personal favourite episodes are Shark Week and Cursed and Haunted Objects. Listen on strangerthanpodcast. podbean.com or download from Itunes
Luisa recommends expat-parent.com 23
C ST OV O ER RY
Little Miss Party
Let’s get this party started The ultimate guide to planning the perfect party this festive season. By Nicole Slater With the festive season fast approaching it’s time to get your glad rags on and deck the halls! From thanksgiving dinners to slightlyout-of-hand office christmas parties, we cover everything you need for an event to remember.
Party planners FÊTE FÊTE is French for extravagant events and this company live up to their name with an extensive portfolio of glamorous clients including Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. Founder Kim Williams-Waaijer and her team ensure a seamless event planning process; from idea conception through to execution they go above and beyond to make every occasion extra special. fete-eventplanner.com FÊTE
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Little Miss Party This boutique party planner specialises in creating unique themed parties - think heavenly Instagrammable birthdays, baby showers and teepee slumber parties. The team cover every detail, even down to finishing touches such as a hair and makeup service. littlemisspartyhk.com
Sweet Soirees Founded in 2011 by Lauren Roberts, Sweet Soirees has organised over 200 events with high profile clients including Ralph Lauren and Google. The creative team assist in coming up with creative themes from Mexican Fiestas to bridal brunches and execute with impeccable attention to detail. sweetsoireeshk.com
Catering
Decorations
Ms B’s Cakery Ms B’s Cakery create beautiful bespoke cakes for exclusive birthday parties, weddings and baby showers. Founder Bonnae Gokson was recently recognised as one of the world’s best patissiers by leading publisher, Thames and Hudson. Her designs are inspired by a wealth of experience in the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry. msbscakery.hk
Invisible Kitchen
Party Time Whatever your budget, Party Time has you covered with a range of party essentials. From Pinatas to party bags and fillers, no party is complete without a visit to one of their many stores across Hong Kong. Shop 225-226, 2/F, Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Road, Central. partytime.com.hk
From office lunches and picnic baskets to junk boats and dinner parties – you name it, Invisible Kitchen will cater for it. Everything is made in-house by their passionate and talented chefs who focus on health and obsessively sourced ingredients – because they simply love food and care about cooking. invisiblekitchen.com
R VE Y O R C TO S
recognisable designs include their signature ‘uni-cone’ cake. Instore enjoy a selection of delicious cakes and specialty coffee. vive.hk
princess parties for little ones to bachelorette parties, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. 7A, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 38 D’Aguilar Street, Central. simplylove.com.hk
The Party Boutique An online superstore dedicated to party essentials for every occasion. Create the perfect balloon wall backdrop with their extensive range of balloons including personalised bouquets. partyboutique.com.hk
Entertainment Jewel Jam Ditch the party bags and let your guests create their own masterpieces. Jewel Jam is a mobile jewellery making business that provides equipment and beads for children to get creative and design their own accessories. Guaranteed to keep them quiet for up to two hours! jewel-jam.com.hk
The Flying Winemaker The Flying Winemaker was established in Hong Kong in 2010 by award-winning winemaker Eddie McDougall. With a thriving online business and a store in Sheung wan, the brand now carries over 600 wines from around the world. Simply order what you need, and have it delivered directly to your door. shop.flyingwinemaker.com.hk
Performers HK Want a magician to pull you something special out of a hat, or perhaps a group of gatsby dancers to transport you back to the twenties? Whatever your wish, Performers HK will have something up their sleeve to keep your guests entertained. performers.hk
Vive Cake Boutique
Glitter and Gore
Located in the heart of Central, this cake boutique is an Instagrammer’s heaven. Founder Vivien Lau crafts delectly themed cakes that are both elegant and feminine and
For a one-of-a-kind party experience, Glitter and Gore organises interactive party experiences for both children and adults. Solve a mystery, take part in a FUNhunt or choose your own theme from their extensive range of party experiences. glitterandgore.hk
Little Miss Party
Simply Love
Vive Cake Boutique
Located in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Simply Love sells a range of international party decorations and themed tableware. From
Glitter and Gore
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C ST OV O ER RY
Venues Exclusive Venue Sourcing the most sort after venues in town from museums to penthouses, Exclusive Venue will provide a memorable luxury venue. Founder and CEO, Saoud Maherzi started the exclusive agency in Paris before bringing it to Hong Kong in 2015 and believes; “Events must become the utmost experience of which people dream to feel alive.” exclusive-venue.com
The Marquee & Seaview Terrace The Seaview Terrace at Repulse Bay provides an iconic seaview backdrop for exclusive celebrations in Hong Kong. With sweeping views of the South China Sea and a private elevator, many a wedding guest has been blown away by this location. therepulsebay.com
Tikitiki Bowling Bar Strike a pose! Decked out in full Tiki attire, you’ll be transported to the depths of Hawaii at this popular bowling alley. The venue can help to arrange bowling parties and dinners complete with themed cocktails and sounds of the rainforest. Party sets start at $299 per person. tikitiki.hk Lauren Roberts, founder of Sweet Soirees
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R VE Y O R C TO S
Get party ready Keep your children’s clothing sustainable this festive season with Retykle. The second-hand online children’s clothing store is perfect for those special occasions that require a new outfit, without the high price tag and carbon footprint. The online-store sells second hand clothing from a range of brands including Bonpoint, Jacadi and Ralph Lauren.
Can I bring a plus one? Romeo and Sophie are keeping cozy at this year’s Christmas parties. Romeo wears a blue Moncler vest and grey sweatshirt, Bonpoint jeans and Jacadi shoes, while Sophie rocks her Ralph Lauren cardigan and skirt, paired with sparkly Seed flats.
I can’t stay long Stylish, Arlo pairs his striped Crewcuts by J. Crew shirt with comfy-casual jnby by JNBY trousers and Jacadi boots - the perfect on-thego look.
We should have discussed outfits first Sophie and Valentina keep matching this season! Sophie pairs her classy Baby Dior dress with sparkly Seed shoes, while Valentina rocks her Bonpoint dress.
I didn’t know what to bring Embla keeps it simple at this year’s soirée with a flowery Bonpoint dress and classic Gucci shoes.
Shop opening Retykle have opened their first permanent location in Wong Chuk Hang this month, after the success of their many pop-ups. The 5,000 square foot studio space will offer customers a chance to see the clothes up close and personal. Online shoppers don’t fret, Retykle will still maintain their online presence alongside the new store space. 8/F Sing Teck Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. All items available at retykle.com
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MY HONG KONG
Fading pink fins
Nicole Cooley chats with Honorary Manager of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, To Yuk Ying Known as the world’s pinkest dolphins, Chinese White Dolphins are unbelievably pink due to a blushing effect of blood circulating underneath the skin. However, babies are born dark grey, almost black which lightens to a white-grey at around age 10. Director of Friends of the Earth, Bill Leverett founded Dolphinwatch in 1995. He wanted to raise awareness for conservation and environmental protection, and that’s how the tours began. His philosophy was to establish Dolphinwatch as a business entity, instead of a charity. This helped start eco-tourism in Hong Kong, which was rarely heard of in the mid-90s. By running as a business, Dolphinwatch could be self-sustainable and would provide opportunities for the bus company, boat drivers, merchandiser makers, and tourcoordinators. The cast of Wicked join a tour
All of our tour-coordinators are all very passionate about our dolphins and raising awareness for better conservation, some have even engaged in dolphin research projects. When Dolphinwatch first started, there were times when we barely left the Pier in Tung Chung before we spotted dolphins. I once spotted around 20 dolphins all jumping and rolling. It was a spectacular sight!
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As Hong Kong became more and more developed, loss of habitat, sea pollution, boat traffic and overfishing have caused the dolphin population to decline.
sharing experiences of the tours, being more mindful of not eating endangered species and refusing to pay for places where dolphins are kept in captivity for performance.
Scientist recently estimated Hong Kong’s pink dolphin population at around 20 dolphins, down from a few hundred before the construction of the Chek Lap Kok Airport.
We all need to do our part in being kind to the environment and living a green life, by avoiding the use of chemicals, protecting the environment, reducing, reusing,
Our tours provide a detailed presentation and information fact sheets about the dolphins. We are very serious in informing passengers about the plights of the dolphins and what individuals can do. People can help improve the situation by raising awareness of the dolphins through
MY HONG KONG recycling, reinventing, recovering‌ and reminding the Government to stop destroying the dolphins’ habitat. For every trip, we record sighting details of dolphins to share with researchers. This includes how many dolphins, their behaviour, the weather, sea conditions of the day and so on. Photos and videos are also useful to help identify individual dolphins. To support their work, researchers can
board our trips free of charge whilst their interns attend at a minimal charge. We also offer discounted charter trips for schools, green groups and charities. Last month, one of our supporters started a campaign to encourage the local community to join our trips and it worked! We hope this trend will continue so that we can ride out this man-made storm whilst waiting for tourists to return to Hong Kong.
Our tours are educational and fun, a truly unforgettable experience. We hope that we can continue working for the dolphins for many, many more years to come.
Hong Kong Dolphinwatch tours run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday throughout the year. Guests meet at 8.50am in Tsim Sha Tsui and are driven to the pier where they embark on their tour. Tickets are $460 for adults, $230 for children under 12 and $50 for a child under three. hkdolphinwatch.com
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dining
Dining news Catch the Fortnum’s Tea Tuk In celebration of Fortnum & Mason’s arrival at Victoria Dockside’s K11 MUSEA this November, Fortnum’s will be touring Hong Kong in their Tea Tuk. Until November 11, catch the Tea Tuk as staff serve up cups of their infamous Royal Blend tea and contemporary infusions including the Countess Grey. To complete the tea experience, traditional Fortnum’s biscuits will, of course, be on offer. For more on the locations, visit fortnumandmason.co.uk
GREAT just got better The GREAT Food Hall located inside Pacific Place, has revealed its new look after months of renovation. The hall, which spreads across 36,000 square feet, now boasts rustic concrete wall finishes, open ceilings, gold trimmings and a diamond stone-effect floor, so shoppers can get their weekly groceries in style. GREAT offers a selection of 12,000 delicacies from all over the globe and includes a take-away zone, meat and seafood counter and a New Zealand ecostore refill station. LG1, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. greatfoodhall.com
Hong Kong’s best chef Two Michelin-starred Chef Richard Ekkebus of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has been awarded the #34 position in the Best Chef Awards 2019. Voting was open to industry professionals and results were announced in Barcelona in September. “I am very humbled and honoured that some of the greatest chefs around the world have voted for us. This is a huge recognition for the team, a sign that we are on the right path with the new culinary direction of Amber. I am proud to represent Hong Kong on the Top 100. I hope to continue learning and receiving inspiration from my peers.” said Chef Ekkebus. thebestchefawards.com
Sundowners at CÉ LA VI From 3-8pm daily, CÉ LA VI Hong Kong are offering a Sundowners menu until December 31. The seasonal menu offers a 2 for 1 deal on selected cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, so guests can enjoy a drink whilst watching the sunset on the rooftop. 25/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central. hk.celavi.com
Duddell’s Opens at the airport Known for authentic Cantonese cuisine, one Michelin starred Duddell’s is set to tantalise travellers’ tastebuds with the recent opening of a new location at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This is the third location for the restaurant which currently has a flagship in Central Hong Kong and a second location in London. The HKIA branch serves up dim sum and signature dishes 24 hours a day. For diners on the go an extensive grab-and-go menu includes bento boxes and classic drinks such as milk tea, and kombucha. Duddell’s Hong Kong International Airport, Unit No. 7E161, Level 7, Departure East Hall, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok. duddells.co
Hong Kong Dining Award winners The results are in for the inaugural Hong Kong Dining Awards. You voted for your favourite restaurants and our team of editors handpicked the most influential food personalities of the year. The full winners list has been announced in the Hong Kong Dining Guide 2019/2020 and on hongkongdining. com. Join us at our awards ceremony on November 12 at CÉ LA VI to recognise the achievements of industry talents. Tickets to the event will be available on hongkongliving. com/shop in early November.
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dining
Set the bar high
Hong Kong Dining Awards 2020: the results are in. Apple Lee shares the highlights
- Readers’ Choice Winners -
Best Restaurant with a View: CÉ LA VI There isn’t a bad seat at CÉ LA VI. Sitting 24 floors up in Lan Kwai Fong, the restaurant is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in sweeping views of Hong Kong’s glittering skyline. Voted the Best Restaurant with a View, the three-storey establishment offers an exciting array of Asian fusion dishes in addition to serving up some of the most spectacular views of the city from above. 25/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central. celavi.com
Best Plant-Based Restaurant: MANA! Hong Kong One of the first plant-based eateries in Hong Kong, MANA! remains a popular lunchtime hangout for office workers and health-conscious diners, specialising in organic, vegan flatbreads and customisable salads. The community-driven restaurant goes a cut above with their recently launched initiative to host morning mindfulness sessions at their Star Street flagship location every Tuesday. 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty. mana.hk
Best Restaurant for Date Night: The Verandah With an air of grandeur and a coveted seaside location, The Repulse Bay restaurant stands out as one of the most romantic restaurants in Hong Kong. Perched above the beach, The Verandah boasts picturesque views of lapping waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Inside the restaurant, arched windows, exposed wooden beams and vintage ceiling fans evoke a colonial aesthetic. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a classy date night. 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay. therepulsebay.com
Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Amber, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Helmed by Chef Richard Ekkebus who recently claimed No. 34 on the Best Chef Awards Top 100 list of 2019, the progressive restaurant is amongst the first to bring healthy fine dining to Hong Kong. Following a four month long renovation earlier this year, Amber announced the elimination of all dairy products and gluten from their menu. The restaurant has replaced butter and cream with soy and nut milk; done away with refined sugars using maple syrup, agave nectar and a variety of honey instead; and uses seaweed and fermented ingredients in lieu of salt. 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. mandarinoriental.com/landmark 32 expat-parent.com
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dining - Editor’s picks Restaurant of the Year: Roganic Hong Kong
Restaurateur of the Year: Bonnae Gokson
Since its opening at the beginning of this year, Roganic has already impressed diners with its forward-thinking and elegant approach to seasonal farm-to-table dining. We love that the restaurant highlights sustainability and showcases produce from local farms with a member of staff whose sole job is to source high quality local supplies. Their development kitchen component, Aulis, is also worth noting as chefs whip up a 10-course creative menu catering to only 12 guests at a time. Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic.com.hk
Founder of three stylish restaurants and cafes, creative visionary behind internationally renowned hotels and award-winning author Bonnae Gokson needs no introduction. She is insistent on quality and continually surrounds herself with sophistication, which is why her ventures are endlessly successful in Hong Kong’s ambitious dining scene. This year, her flagship restaurant SEVVA reopened after a summer-long hiatus – better and stronger than ever, just like its founder. “My motto in life is to have respect for others and be thankful,” Gokson advises, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Freedom to do what you like is a luxury.”
Best Chef: Palash Mitra Chef Palash Mitra first made headlines on Hong Kong’s dining scene with the opening of Black Sheep Restaurant’s New Punjab Club in 2017. The upscale Indian restaurant has since received many rave reviews from both critics and diners. The accomplished chef launched casual Sri Lankan eatery Hotal Colombo last year and AngloIndian restaurant Rajasthan Rifles at the Peak this year.
Best Restaurant Design: Louise
Amber, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
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The contemporary French restaurant is set inside a two-storey heritage house and conceptualised by internationally acclaimed designer André Fu. If you have an appreciation for design, you’ll love the high ceilinged Parlour overlooking the outdoor terrace, framed by succulent cacti, palms and lush trees, and the ivory-coloured upstairs Dining Room adorned by a selection of fine artwork. Louise’s stunning design, which has transformed the space into a chic colonial residence, will make you feel right at home as you indulge on elevated French classics brought to you by celebrated Chef Julien Royer. G/F, JPC, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. louise.hk
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dining Best Steakhouse: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Hong Kong We can always count on Wolfgang’s for a hunky piece of steak. The posh American steakhouse serves USDA Prime Steaks that are dry-aged for an average of 28 days in an in-house aging box – and they’re delicious. Complete with leather fittings and vintage arts, the restaurant is equally fitting for a fancy date night or a group dinner for a special occasion. 1/F, 6 Duddell Street, Central. wolfgangssteakhouse.hk
Best Out of Town Restaurant: Bay’s Kitchen & Bar
Best Neighbourhood Restaurant: El Macho
Located at Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat in Tsuen Wan, Bay’s Kitchen & Bar has won our vote with their superb views over the Rambler Channel and Ting Kau Bridge. Foodwise, we love their nightly buffet dinner and Sunday buffet brunch, both serving up flavourful international cuisines; fresh seafood with seasonal items such as lobsters and hairy crabs with a great selection of wine and cocktails. 123 Castle Peak Road, Ting Kau, Tsuen Wan. baybridgehongkong.com
There is something unmistakably charismatic about this Mexican nook on Third Street. For starters, you’ll often find owner Christopher Przemyski dressed up in a poncho and sombrero and blending in with the crowd. Then from the brazen graffiti painted all over to smaller details like hand-drawn skulls on wine glasses, there’s a sense that every facet of the restaurant has been well thought of. Przemyski’s focus to deliver the best experience to his guests is what sets El Macho apart from the many cookie-cutter establishments that we often find ourselves passing by. 1 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun. bistroconcept.hk
Best Dessert: La Crêperie This charming French bistro is our go-to spot for getting our dessert fix. We love that there is a range of topping combinations to choose from – including La Snickers (nutella, peanuts and salted caramel) and La Krampouz (stewed apple, cinnamon and salted butter caramel sauce). Their homemade caramel sauce is heavenly (and dangerously addictive), with just the right thickness and intense in flavour. 1/F, 100 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. lacreperie.com.cn
Best Coffee Shop: The Coffee Academics The Coffee Academics caught our eye with their commitment to source all their beans directly from small-scale plantation partners that they know and trust, so we as consumers can trace where our coffee comes from each time. What’s more, the coffeehouse has an expanding menu of fair trade, single-origin coffees and convenient locations dotted across Hong Kong including their latest store opening at K11 MUSEA. Shop 327, L3, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui. the-coffeeacademics.com 36 expat-parent.com
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HEALTH & wellness
Go blue for diabetes
Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Nicole Cooley meets those affected by the disease
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a life-long autoimmune condition where the body produces no insulin at all. This requires
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Diabetes affects around one-tenth of the global population, although there are many undiagnosed cases. Diabetes is unfortunately rising at an alarming rate and can affect children from a young age. An average of seven children per month are diagnosed with diabetes in Hong Kong. For more information about the YDA, visit yda.org.hk
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Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is what many may be familiar with and is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn’t function properly, resulting in high blood glucose levels. It is normally diagnosed in older adults but is on the rise in children. Adopting a healthier and active lifestyle can help control T2D, but insulin in tablet form may be required.
Who is affected by diabetes?
am
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented or avoided, and it isn’t caused by poor diet or an unhealthy lifestyle.
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle choices, being inactive or having a family history of Type 2.
mg/d
Diabetes is a chronic disease that is caused by the body either not producing any insulin or not enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose), without it, excessive glucose can lead to longterm complications such as heart disease, retinopathy and nerve damage.
Fact
Fact
6.5
What is diabetes?
constant management; 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for both a child and their parents. T1D is mostly diagnosed in children but can easily be misdiagnosed leading to complications or even a coma if not treated immediately.
7: 00
A
s the only charity in Hong Kong dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with diabetes, Youth Diabetes Action (YDA) is on a mission to make sure no child is held back because of the disease. Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Joanna Hotung, Chairperson Emeritus of YDA, shares some information on diabetes.
HEALTH & wellness
Sebastian’s story Tania Sibree’s son, Sebastian (“Bas”) is five. He was diagnosed with T1D at the age of three. We were really fortunate that Bas’ symptoms were picked up quickly as there are horror stories of children being diagnosed well into diabetic ketoacidosis. Bas had extreme thirst - going through 5-6 litres a day which is a lot for a young three-year-old. Luckily his Dad recognised the symptoms and we took Bas to the doctor straight away. I didn’t think that there was anything wrong with Bas, so when the doctor told us he needed to be admitted to the hospital ASAP, I was in shock. I had very little awareness of the disease and hadn’t realised just how sick Bas had become. Managing diabetes is incredibly challenging and every day is different. The amount of insulin Bas receives depends on a combination of what he has eaten, what sports he has played, whether he is going through a growth spurt and so on. We are now very aware of how many carbohydrates he eats and what sugars are in the food he is eating. He can still have some treats, but it’s in moderation. I’m so proud that Bas hasn’t let T1D impact his spirit; he attends school, plays sports, and does anything he sets his mind to do. The most critical thing about diabetes is knowing the signs so it can be detected early. The longer it goes undetected, the more critical it will
To mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, YDA has organised a series of events to raise awareness of diabetes, its serious impact and how best to manage it. Nov 9: Diabetes Conference An open forum discussing the latest diabetes developments by medical professionals. 1-5pm. Free for YDA members and $100 for the public. Hong Kong Productivity Council, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Yau Yat Chuen. yda.org.hk Nov 14: Dress BLUE Dress in blue, take a selfie, and post on Instagram and Facebook to support “you are not alone” and to help raise awareness. Contact YDA for a set of blue props. #YDABlueNovember Nov 24: Charity Concert for YDA Fun-filled family concert by the SAR Philharmonic. 4pm. From $300. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Amphitheatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. sarpo.org
Sebastian with his mum and sister
Queen Mary Hospital provides really good care and we’ve been fortunate that Bas was in the care of Dr Tung, a wonderful endocrinologist. The healthcare system doesn’t subsidise some diabetic equipment, however, the YDA does provide financial assistance to those that are in need.
Gia and Grace’s stories Two of Melissa Brewster’s daughters were diagnosed with T1D. Gia was just 16 months and Grace was almost two. Gia has the textbook symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination and weight loss. Then, extreme signs which I later learned were diabetic ketoacidosis. Grace was the same.
children and their well-being. The government does supply the insulin but unfortunately don’t supply the consumables, blood glucose monitors or test strips. Raising awareness of diabetes is so important - teach other children and parents, or even sponsor a child for a year through YDA. Symptoms can creep up, are dangerous and often misdiagnosed.
I was traumatised, I felt like it was my fault and there was something I could have done differently. Managing their diabetes is a daily schedule! We check their blood sugar (finger prick) when they wake up, two hours after breakfast, before lunch, two hours after lunch, before dinner, two hours after dinner, midnight, and 3am. We also give them at least four insulin injections daily. My partner and I promised their diabetes would never stop them from doing anything. Sleepovers at someone else’s place are a little tough, but that just means we have to be the coolest place in town so all the kids want to stay!
credit: Jill Carter Photography
BLUE dates for the diary
be for the patient.
Doctors through the local healthcare system are very attentive and simply adore the Sisters Gia, Gemma and Grace
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life & style
Office party glam
Pavleta Petrova, fashion stylist and image consultant offers festive styling advice
T
he festive season is upon us, which means contemplations on what to wear or what not to wear for the office party. As doubt and panic set in, our style guru Pavleta Petrova Founder and CEO of Stylish sisters shares her tips for celebrating the season in style!
Keep it festive-yet-professional Most invitations to office parties, especially when they are more formal, will come with a dress code. Follow it! In many cases, top executives will be in attendance and you will want them to notice you, not your extravagantly glitzy outfit, sky-high stilettos or fanciest backless dress.
Company party dress code: Formal Dress: Think simple, classic, and chic. Opt for a floor-length dress if the dress code is black tie. Alternatively, a length just below the knee. An accessorized dress in a solid colour, such as a rich brown, deep aubergine or plum, is more appropriate than the trendiest, loudest pattern. Shoes: Sleek, sophisticated pumps or ballet flats. If you do want to make a statement, a pair of heels is an excellent way to add a touch of oomph to understated glamour.
Company party dress code: Cocktail or festive attire Dress: Opt for a simple, chic dress in the most flattering style for your body type. Add one beautiful accessory such as a bold vintage necklace, a simple structural pendant, a pair of drop earrings, or even a playful Christmas brooch. Shoes: Go for simple heels, but not too high; a 10cm heel is an elegant choice. Make sure you can walk and stand in them for a few hours, painful feet will put a dampener on your festive spirit!
To sparkle or not to sparkle? A dress with an element of sequins or beading is a definite yes. As is a sequined knee-length skirt paired with a crisp white shirt or a pair of chic, flowy, luxurious trousers with a sequined blazer and a nice silk shirt.
When to wear classic Christmas colours?
Pavleta Petrova of Stylish Sisters
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I personally would avoid red for this occasion, but green soothes, uplifts, and makes everything around it look good. Opt for a knee-length lace dress in your best dark green: feminine, stylish and not elfish.
Festive office party no-go’s • Anything too short or too tight – I am sure I don’t have to explain why. • A plunging neckline or a very low cut backless dress – a date would certainly appreciate the message, but your colleagues won’t or maybe some wrongly will! • Sheer fabrics – too flirty for an office party, best reserved for your next tropical escape. • Excessive ruffles – It’s hard to convey the image of a powerful, smart career woman when floating around in frills and flounces. • Super bright colours – I was almost blinded by Nicki Minaj wearing flashy fuschia in the latest Fendi photoshoot, avoid this effect at the Christmas office party. The list goes on with crop tops, leather trousers, t-shirts or hideous Christmas sweaters – it should go without saying that these are complete nogo’s! Instead, rock your festive office party with sophistication, graceful elegance and class. Stylish Sisters are now offering special event styling packages across two sessions to help women look and feel beautiful, no matter what the event. For more information, visit stylish-sisters.com
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HK Baby News
hk baby
A Christmas miracle Santa Claus arrives at Pacific Place on December 1 and we are happy to report that for the first time ever, it is possible to book tickets online. Now if that doesn’t deserve a big Ho Ho Ho, we don’t know what does! pacificplace.com.hk
Treehouse today, gone tomorrow
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
October 20 saw the closure of the Harbour City location of playroom and coffee lounge, Baumhaus. With the lease expiring after three years, sadly the company announced a farewell to their community of families in Kowloon. All staff have moved to the centre in Wan Chai, where Baumhaus will continue to run programs in Kindermusik for children 0-3 years and Performing Arts for children up to four years old. baumhaus.com.hk
The Christmas countdown has begun and to celebrate, The Lion Rock Press has launched a brand new range of Hong Kong-themed gifts. From double-sided puzzles and limited edition soy wax candles to egg waffle tree decorations, these products make unique gifts for family and friends back home. thelionrockpress.com
Bonpoint’s holiday collection This Christmas, artisan French fashion house Bonpoint has released a limited edition of precious festive outfits and unique gifts to spread Christmas cheer. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the Bonpoint 2019 Holiday Collection that will keep your little ones warm and cheerful throughout the season. Shop 329, 10 Chater Road, Central. bonpoint.com
Marks & Spencer festive babywear Keep your babies comfortable and cosy this Christmas with M&S’s festive babywear range. The collection includes sleepsuits, leggings, dresses and tops, all in adorable Christmas colours and patterns. The popular British brand is much-loved for its highquality fabrics and always put on a good display during the festive season. marksandspencer.com
MotherCourt goes big Mother and baby store, MotherCourt has relocated to a larger location, still within Central. Mums-to-be can enjoy a wider variety of designer maternity wear and pre and postnatal skin products, while new mums can stock up on baby products at the store at 68 Des Voeux Road. Shop G03, G/F, Man Yee Arcade, 68 Des Voeux Road, Central. mothercourt.com expat-parent.com 45
hk baby
Diabetes through pregnancy
Australian midwife and mum-of-two, Rosie Gundelach shares her advice on gestational diabetes
G
estational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is when a pregnant mother has high amounts of glucose (sugar) in her blood, which is diagnosed through blood tests during pregnancy. The good news is that GDM is a temporary form of diabetes that resolves once the baby has been born. GDM is caused by hormones in the placenta stopping insulin from working efficiently. Insulin is a hormone that transfers glucose from our blood to our cells, providing us with energy. When this hormone cocktail is disrupted, the glucose builds in the blood and can pass to the baby, increasing certain risk factors for bub. With proper management, the risks of GDM are greatly reduced. Some GDM mothers will require insulin, others will be diet controlled, but both will need to monitor their blood sugar levels with a machine throughout the day/ night and participate in regular physical activity. Testing is offered routinely in Hong Kong and
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consists of drinking a sugary drink and having blood drawn serially (before the drink whilst fasted, an hour post drink and two hours post drink).
What should I eat? Firstly, it’s important not to panic and restrict your eating. Speak to your healthcare provider about your specific case, however, in a nutshell, it’s all about eating wisely and making some adjustments to your daily food routine. For example, regular balanced meals, eating smaller amounts often and staying hydrated. When your body receives carbohydrates, it converts them to sugar for energy, so it’s important to portion your carb intake and choose smart carbs. These are low glycaemicindex, complex carbohydrates that will help blood sugar levels to rise slowly, such as oats, sweet potato, lentils, milk and yoghurt. Lean proteins (fish, chicken, turkey), nuts and
seeds, tofu, eggs, legumes/beans will help you feel fuller for longer and should also be incorporated into your diet.
What foods should I avoid? High sugar and high glycaemic-index foods should be avoided e.g. lollies, chocolate, cordial, soft drinks, white bread, and jam.
hk baby What are some easy foodswaps? • White potato for sweet potato • White rice for brown rice • Soft drinks for mineral water • White bread for whole wheat bread
What happens after the baby is born? Speak to your midwife/obstetrician about what your hospital policy is regarding baby monitoring post-birth.
Who is at risk*? • Mothers over 35 • BMI equal to or over 25 • Asian populations • Previous GDM pregnancy • Family history of diabetes • Hypertension in current pregnancy • Preeclampsia in current pregnancy • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome *There are more risk factors, if you are concerned, speak to your midwife or obstetrician.
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schools
School news Annual community fair returns
Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) returns with their biggest community event of the year to raise donations for the school. The annual RCHK College Fair is organised by the Renaissance Association of Parent and Teachers (RAPT) and returns on November 30. The fair will be filled with bouncy castles, boating for kids, games, talent shows, lucky draws, bargain bazaars, and international dishes for all the family. Donations will be used to help improve classrooms and invest in new technologies. November 30, 10.30am-4pm. 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories. rchk.edu.hk
Look, listen, cross
At the end of October, parents took matters into their own hands with a petition to the government to implement school zones or safety features in Tseung Kwan O. Parents requested the addition of speed bumps near school entrances and warning signs of “Children Ahead”, “Reduce Speed Now” and “School Zone” to remind drivers to take care and slow down. This is particularly the case on Tong Yin Street, next to the French International School, where cars, minibuses and construction drivers are regularly seen speeding around corners which poses a significant risk to children in the area. change.org
Deck the halls The Sai Kung Choir will be performing a free outdoor Christmas concert this year in the front garden of Sai Kung Montessori Kindergarten. At 11am on December 1, expect to hear Christmas carols aplenty as the choir begin their performance. A program of carols will be available to passersby so that they can join in the singing. Meanwhile, the kindergarten will provide complimentary hot chocolates and tasty festive treats! saikungmontessori.com
Bravo, bravo! United Christian Music Kindergarten recently launched the Bravo Symphony Orchestra. The orchestral program aims to provide professional music training to music learners at affordable prices starting from $250 per session. Toddlers aged two all the way through to advanced students with ABRSM Grade 6 or above are invited to apply. Sessions include one hour of training, where intermediate and advanced students will be taught by professional conductor Joshua Chiu. 1/F, Capri Place, 33 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O. ucm.edu.hk
Box of Hope The charity programme, Box of Hope, is asking school children all over Hong Kong to help fill a box with useful, educational and fun items. Volunteers will sort through all the donations ready to be distributed by over 49 charities to underprivileged children across Asia. 35,000 boxes were distributed last year and the charity hopes that this number can be matched this year. Director of Box of Hope, Sian Taylor says, “We are simply overwhelmed by people’s generosity each year. Every year, the boxes keep coming!” The Box Collection Week will be November 4-8. For more information, visit boxofhope.org expat-parent.com 49
schools
Concordia International School
Nicole Cooley visits the well-established international school in leafy Kowloon Tong
I
n the quiet, leafy suburbs of Kowloon Tong, Concordia International School (CISHK) sits nestled in the hills. Four floors are devoted to the school with an inner courtyard and a small basketball court providing extra space for break times. The building itself may be small in size, serving up to 110 students, but the family approach inspires educational excellence within its tight-knit community.
American academic program Catering to students ages 12 to 18, the school is divided into a middle school for Grades 7 to 9 and a high school for Grades 10 to 12. English is the language used to teach an international curriculum, namely an American-style system based on the US Common Core Standards. “We are one of four international schools in Hong Kong offering an American curriculum,” says Principal Tom Du. Students follow a credit system, requiring a
certain amount of credits to be obtained across 16 subject areas in order to be promoted to the next year and to graduate from the school. Core subjects are English, Maths, Science and Social Science, and electives include Art, IT and Chinese. To mark their progress and give recommendations for future subject directions, students sit the PSATs before moving on to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Teachers are on hand to smooth the transition, particularly for ESL learners, who may find the jump more challenging. A small number of AP courses were first introduced in 2012, since then expanding to courses in English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Microeconomics, Chinese, Art 2-D Studio and Psychology. There are also plans afoot to add Biology to the growing list.
Importance of connection All students are enrolled in the 1:1 MacBook
program, a program CISHK implemented over six years ago to encourage learning through a wider network of e-learning platforms. Free wi-fi access points allow students to have access to resources all around the school. Du explains, “We initially encountered problems with students using the MacBooks as learning machines but also as gaming machines. With the right policies and the right teaching, students have learnt to respect technology. We avoid blocking sites like Facebook and Instagram, but we do give students free time so that they can develop their own sense of self-discipline.”
Community spirit CISHK places great emphasis on the importance of students’ holistic development. This is encouraged through extra-curricular Teaching in progress
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schools
activities, such as a global leadership and service learning program where students spend their Fridays visiting the local community, and a weekly sports program at the King’s Park Centenary Centre of YMCA. Not only do these activities outside of the school building create a strong sense of community, they provide students with a well-rounded and enriched approach to development outside the classroom. Parents are encouraged to be involved too; as adjudicators during project weeks and by attending school activities such as Sports Day and Cultural Day.
The wider network The school has a strong Christian ethos, belonging to The Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod which has a network of 24 schools in Hong Kong including secondary, primary, kindergartens and SEN schools. CISHK is also
the first school in the expanding Concordia Group, with sister schools in Shenzhen and Chengdu. Both of these schools are working towards receiving Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), accreditation which CISHK received last year. Du explains, “I am trained as an accreditor of WASC, meaning I visit and inspect schools within Asia as well as evaluating and assuring the quality of CISHK as a fully WASC accredited school.”
Further education with Concordia A partnership with Concordia universities in the USA means guaranteed acceptance for CISHK students and eligibility for financial scholarships. Many students will continue their studies down this path whilst some further their education in other high ranking universities in Canada, Australia, the UK and within Asia too.
Although Du describes CISHK as being a small school, he explains, “Don’t judge a book by its cover. Once a student decides to attend CISHK, they may start in Grade 7 or even Grade 9, but they then stay all the way through to Grade 12. Our school believes in holistic education, so our outcomes focus on developing a person’s wellbeing - how they make judgements, how they have a sense of self discipline, and how they have a level of self perseverance when encountering difficulties. This is all balanced with academic achievement so students can graduate and enter the university of their choice.” Concordia International School is located at 68 Begonia Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon. cihs.edu.hk
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Principal’s Office
schools
Principal Tom Du of Concordia International School What’s your background in education? My initial training was in social science and history. When I first came to Hong Kong, I was working in a different industry, at a trading company. Eventually I moved on to teaching because I realised how much I enjoy working with people. I went into teaching, got my PGDE in teaching history and an MEd in Educational Psychology, then trained to become a principal.
Do you miss teaching? In a way, I do, as I was the first person to start teaching the AP Program at CISHK. But at some point in life, you move on in your work. Being a principal means taking on more responsibilities, working closely with the school board, and working towards bigger goals for the school.
keep up to date with current educational trends, we attend annual professional development conferences with professors from those universities.
How does an international education in Hong Kong compare to other global cities? Usually, international education programs are quite standardised, but different locations will tweak their programs to deal with different student demographics. For example, at our sister schools in Mainland China, students will have a more intensified English program with English immersion to help students become more familiar with the English language. When they reach a certain grade, the program will become more academically focused, as parents are much more focused on exams. Our education program is similarly focused on academics, but not as aggressive.
What are some of the biggest challenges for school children today? I think today, given globalisation and the abundance of information, it is necessary for students to learn how to digest information and think critically. Another challenge is having enough time with parents at
home. In the last two years, we have developed action plans to encourage more parental involvement. When parents are engaged and understand what we’re doing in school, they can actually help students at home. Students’ time in school can be around eight to nine hours a day, but this is pointless if the education isn’t enforced at home.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy hiking and running with my two dogs. I go to the gym too when I have time. I also like to travel with my wife. When I was younger, I used to train and teach karate and actively compete in Hong Kong and Japan in world tournaments!
What’s in the pipeline for CISHK? At the moment CISHK is just for Grades 7-12. We’re currently looking for the right space within our greater organisation to open a primary school for younger students.
Are there any other schools that you take inspiration from? I have friends who work in other international schools, so we tend to share best practices and see what everyone’s doing. Every school’s demographic is very different - what works with some students, may not work for others. Thus, it is only feasible to adopt some of the shared best practices and align them with our expectations. Our school also partners with a number of Concordia Universities in the US. To
Class discussions
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big day out
15 great days out with Grandma
Where to take your in-bound relatives this autumn. By Charmaine Ng 1. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch
3. Wong Tai Sin Temple
Hong Kong Dolphinwatch has been operating ecological tours to see the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Hong Kong since 1995. The company works with researchers, sharing data and offering space on its trips with minimal charge to support their work. Bring Grandma to see Hong Kong’s famous pink dolphins on one of their tours every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. $460 per adult, $320 per elderly and $230 per child. hkdolphinwatch.com
Located in Kowloon, this traditional style Chinese temple is nestled between high rise shopping malls and residential buildings. It’s one of Hong Kong’s most popular and well-known temples amongst the international Chinese communities. Wong Tai Sin, or Wong Cho-ping, was a young shepherd boy from Zhejiang province around 300AD who devoted his life to Taoism and to whom the temple is dedicated. Wong Tai Sin literally means ‘great immortal Wong’. Worshippers come often to pray for good fortune through offerings, divine guidance and fortune telling. Take Exit B2 at MTR Wong Tai Sin Station and walk for around three minutes. 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin. siksikyuen.org.hk
2. Aberdeen Promenade Stroll along the pushchair-friendly Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market from the western end to the east side where you can hop on a sampan for a tour of the typhoon shelter. Expect to pay around $80 per person for a half-hour tour, during which you will get up close to the floating fishing village which is still semi-home to a number of boat-dwelling Tanka people. At the other end of the social scale, view the glossy yachts jostling for position in Aberdeen harbour – one allegedly belongs to Hong Kong action hero Jackie Chan!
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big day out
4. Peng Chau Grab a ferry to laidback tiny Peng Chau lying off the northeastern coast of Lantau. Famous for its temples and seafood, the island used to be a hive of activity with a matchstick factory and lime kilns – there is now just one kiln left and the former Great China Match Factory is no more than a few stones marking the boundary walls. Today, the island is great for easy hiking. The Peng Chau Family Trail is a paved walk around the island, suitable for young children and elderlies.
5. Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant Head up to Sai Kung and jump on a 45-minute sampan ride to Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant, located in High Island. Enormously popular with locals and junk parties during the summer, the restaurant is calmer at this time of the year and is great for an easy family lunch in the sunshine. The beach, to the left of the restaurant, is perfect for the little kids to play and work up an appetite, while the jetty, north of the restaurant, lends itself to a spot of ‘jetty jumping’ for the older kids. yauleyseafood. com.hk
6. Heritage Museum Take in some culture at this spacious museum beside the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. It boasts Hong Kong history, art and culture via a variety of exhibits. Highlights include the New Territories Heritage Hall with mock-ups of traditional local Hakka villages, a Cantonese Heritage Opera Hall, a Bruce Lee exhibit with over 600 pieces of memorabilia and a children’s area with an interactive play zone. Jump on the MTR to Che Kung Temple Station to get to the museum. 1 Man Lam Road. heritagemuseum.gov.hk
statues, all of which are different, so take your time and catch your breath while you have a look. At the top are views across the New Territories and the bright red pagoda that appears on one hundred dollar bills printed between 1985 and 2002. To get there, take the MTR to Sha Tin Station. The steps are at the end of Sheung Wo Che Street.
8. The Peak You haven’t been to Hong Kong if you’ve not ridden the Peak tram! Our hack? Take a taxi or bus to the top and catch the tram back down – this way you avoid the monster queues on Garden Road. If your group is looking to stretch their legs, the flat, paved and shady Lugard Road circular walk is just under four kilometres and offers views across Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, Aberdeen and Lamma, the Tsing Ma Bridge and finally the city in all its high rise splendour. The Peak Galleria has just reopened following a fresh revamp. Be the first to check it out at 118 Peak Road, The Peak. thepeakgalleria.com
9. Temple Street Night Markets
7. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Best attempted at this cooler time of the year, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is actually five temples, four pavilions, one pagoda – and 430 steep hillside steps to reach them. Make sure Grandma is forewarned and forearmed! Alongside the climb are dozens of golden and painted life-size buddha
Bag a bargain, haggle to your heart’s content, ‘fess up to the fortune teller, it’s all happening on Temple Street come nightfall. From handbags to wallets, clothing, trinkets, souvenirs, toys and everything in between, this is a hardcore, fast-paced version of Stanley Market. When you’re done shopping, take the weight off your feet (and the pressure off your purse) with a beer and traditional Cantonese fare at a roadside dai pai dong. The food is tasty and the service is efficient, but take note – we’re not talking high glamour here, expect plastic seating and toilet roll napkins! Take Exit A at MTR Jordan Station, turn right onto Jordan Road and then take another right onto Temple Street.
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big day out 10. Container Port Tour As one of the world’s most important shipping hubs, Hong Kong container ports are a mustsee on many visitors’ bucket lists. A series of Container Port Tours organised by Hong Kong Yachting kick off this autumn, running every Sunday from now until November. Guests will be taken right up inside the container port terminal to see the action up close. After the port tour, the boat will dock at a nearby beach for a BBQ lunch and a wander through Ma Wan deserted village. $900 per adult, $760 per child. hongkongyachting.com
11. Cheung Chau A short one-hour cruise from Central Ferry Piers takes you to Cheung Chau, the most popular outlying island in Hong Kong. Named ‘the dumbbell’ for its distinct shape, Cheung Chau is a photogenic fishing harbour with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and handicraft stalls to explore. If the weather permits, hit the beach, or pick up a sampan from the main pier to Sai Wan Pier for around $5 per person to view the infamous Cheung Po Tsai ‘pirate’ cave.
12. Luk Yu Teahouse An interesting venue if you’re looking to treat Grandma to traditional Chinese tea and dim sum. Running since the 1930s, this elegant three-storey teahouse is one of the longest operating in Hong Kong and used to be patronised by writers, painters and opera singers. Expect Cantonese classics such as dim sum, prawn toast, fried beef with noodles and egg tarts. Waiters are white-jacketed to fit with the avocative pre-war decor of the ceiling fans, oriental screens and stained glass. The first floor is unofficially reserved for the regulars, so expect to be seated on the second floor if this is your first time here. 24-26 Stanley Street, Central. lukyuteahouse.com 56 expat-parent.com
big day out
13. Chi Lin Nunnery This large Buddhist complex in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, was founded in the 1930s as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. Rebuilt in the 1990s following traditional Tang Dynasty architecture, it is constructed entirely in cypress wood, using no nails, and is in fact the world’s largest handmade wooden building. Once you’ve viewed the nunnery, let the kids have a scamper over 3.5 hectares of landscaped gardens across the road at Nan Lian Garden, which also houses a tasty vegetarian restaurant and teahouse. Take Exit C2 at MTR Diamond Hill Station, follow the street signs and you should find Chi Lin Nunnery. 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill. chilin.org
14. Ngong Ping 360 Be wowed by the juxtaposition of Lantau as you travel south from the airport over rolling emerald mountains towards the village of Ngong Ping. The renowned Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Piazza and Wisdom Path are only five minutes from the village, where a wide array of shops and eateries offer a shopping and dining experience like no other. Expect lots of incense burning, prayers and feral buffalo wandering around. np360.com.hk
15. Lai Chi Wo Walled Hakka Village Lai Chi Wo in Plover Cove Country Park is
one of Hong Kong’s best preserved Hakka villages. The village is over 300 years old and was completed abandoned in the 1960s. Visitors are free to wander the laneways and view the 200 odd houses in the village, which is also home to temples, ancestral halls and an intact feng shui woodland. Bespoke tours can be arranged with at least two weeks’ notice, and on weekends, there are regular tours including a fun ‘sticky rice’ demonstration. The ferry from Ma Liu Shui Pier to Lai Chi Wo runs once per week on Sunday at 9am and returns at 3.30pm. A single trip is $50 per person and a return trip is $80 per person.
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travel
FROM VENICE WITH LOVE
Travel news
Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is set to launch “The Party”, a new immersive 1920s journey from Venice to London, early next year. Guests are invited to step into an exceptional 48 hours of magic and drama in a glamorous setting surrounded by red hot jazz and hedonistic encounters. If travelling by air isn’t your thing, now’s your chance to journey through Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France in an original, legendary train made up of 17 original 1920s carriages. Prices for the two-night ‘The Party with Belmond Hotel Cipriani’ journey from Venice to London start at £3,760 per person based on a one-night stay at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in a Garden View Room including a celebratory dinner. Onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, this price includes a stay in a twin cabin, drinks, all table d’hote meals and entertainment. The train journey runs from March 27 to 29, with limited tickets available. belmond.com
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Travel news
ULTRA-LONG HAUL FROM NEW YORK TO SYDNEY The first direct commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney has landed after 19 hours 16 minutes in the air, carrying a total of 49 passengers and crew on the flight. Data from the flight will be used to help shape the customer service of Qantas’ ultra long haul flights in the future. For example, cabin lighting and in-flight meals were adjusted in ways that are expected to help reduce jet lag. “This is a really significant first for aviation. Hopefully, it’s a preview of a regular service that will speed up how people travel from one side of the globe to the other,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce. He added that ultra long haul flights usually pose some extra challenges, but he remains positive that advancements in technology will help us travel further and faster in the near future. qantas.com
THE STARFISH HAS LANDED
Beijing has claimed the title of ‘biggest airport in the world’ with the opening of Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) at the end of September. Beijing New Airport, also known
as the “alien starfish”, will be the second international airport in Beijing after Beijing Capital International Airport. The new airport is located south of the city, a mere 46km from Tiananmen Square and 67 km from the older airport. This colossal project was estimated to have cost around US$17.47 billion and was paid for by the Chinese government. So far all of the major China air carriers have begun operating at the airport, along with a select few international carriers such as British Airways. With four runways and an aim to build three more, the new airport is set to handle up to 45 million passengers per year by 2021 and 100 million by 2040. daxing-pkx-airport.com
travel
Plaza Premium have expanded into China with the opening of Aerotel Beijing at the newly built Beijing Daxing International Airport. The hotel is currently the only in-airport hotel and the largest in-terminal international airport hotel in China, just a five-minute walk from domestic checkin counters and ten minutes to international check-in. Aerotel Beijing offers 215 guest rooms including single, double, and family rooms, a 24-hour dining space, Fitness Corner, Games Room and multi-functional spaces for meetings. Aerotel hotels are located around the world and offer travellers a comfortable accommodation that can be booked on an hourly basis to suit their timetables and needs. myaerotel.com
AEROTEL BEIJING OPENS
Well-known airport lounge and hotel group, expat-parent.com 61
marketplace
marketplace
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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
GET LISTED! 2776 2772 talk@fastmedia.com.hk expat-parent.com 63
two little dumplings
The getaway must go on
Typhoon Hagibis is no match for our mum-of-two’s trip to watch the rugby
E
arlier this year, my husband walked through the door after work one day with a look of total jubilation plastered across his little face. Which was a bit unusual because this is a man who works in the dullest, driest end of finance. You don’t have to know much about asset-liability management to appreciate that it probably isn’t a laugh a minute. So it’s rare for him to come home looking quite so ecstatic.
more crucial than a rugby match: this was a chance for a weekend away from the children. The fact that there might be some rugby was irrelevant. What I wanted was a lie in. And a flight without anyone needing me to wipe their bottom. Before he could change his mind, I was on the Cathay website and our weekend of sleep, rugby and reckless, childfree abandon in Tokyo was booked.
But then all became clear when he announced – almost breathless with excitement - that he had got two tickets in the Rugby World Cup ballot.
On the day of departure, two days before the match, our excitement levels were hitting stratospheric - for entirely different reasons - when Typhoon Hagibis swept towards Japan and it looked like neither our plans nor our plane would get off the ground.
And this is where my sadistic nature came into play. Because before he could utter another word, I said “Great!” When are we going?”
A few hours later, when the rugby match was officially called off, it seemed that the only sensible thing to do would be to admit defeat and cancel the trip entirely.
And that jubilant little face fell into one of confusion followed by abject panic.
But so desperate were we for a weekend away without children that we made the questionable decision to knowingly fly into a super typhoon. My only explanation for this is that parenthood makes lunatics of us all.
“We?” I knew fine well that when he received the email saying he had won a pair of tickets to England vs. France in Tokyo, his first thought had not been that his wife would be the perfect person to accompany him. Which was entirely understandable. I would refer to myself as a fair-weather rugby watcher. He, on the other hand, is a fully blown, all-weather, die-hard egg chaser. When we got engaged, he had just three requests for married life and one of them was that it should not infringe upon his love of rugby watching. But I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to make him squirm for a moment.
Our columnist is a mumof-two and meticulous organiser. She lives in Hong Kong. so, after only a few breaths of composure, he put on his poker face and said that he would be delighted if I came with him. I didn’t believe him for a moment.
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However, by this time it had dawned on me that this offered up something far
And we had one of those weekends that only Japan can give you; one where you belt out Bon Jovi hits in Bauhaus and accidentally eat horse sashimi; where you drive go-karts around the streets of Tokyo dressed as cartoon characters and have a lock-in at the Grand Hyatt while a typhoon passes; where you don’t have to ask anyone to tidy up their toys or take their fingers out of their nose. And the irony, of course, is that having gone away for rugby, sleep and children avoidance, in the end there was no rugby, there was not much sleep and we came back desperate to see the children.
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