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the really useful magazine expat-parent.com
December 2019
Fir or fake? Where to buy a tree
Hike it baby Boxing Day hikes with kids
Eco ideas for a sustainable season
Let the
festivities begin!
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CONTENTs 2
Editor’s letter
20
Hello from the hot desk
4
ISSUE 067 44
Festive feastings and afternoon teas
46
Contributors What’s on
49
Dates for your diary this December. Plus our Mum about town
12
News
56
Two little dumplings Our mum-of-two takes the baby to Bali
Me & my big idea
35 46
Kay Sakhrani, interior designer and founder of IStyle
18
Travel Sun, sea and sand in the Maldives. Plus travel news
Your monthly local news roundup
17
Big day out Take the kids on a Boxing Day hike in Sai Kung Country Park
Merry Christmas from the team!
7
Dining
Home & living 24 hours at Pets Central North Point
20
Cover story We plan a more sustainable Christmas
25
The perfect gift this Christmas Hong Kong-themed gifts for friends and family back home
35
7
Things you need to know Fir or fake? All you need to know about Christmas trees
36
Book club December reads and podcasts for the Christmas holidays
38
46 23 44
Education Amelia Sewell visits American International School. Plus winter camps for kids
36
49
25
Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com
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editor’s message
who’s in charge?
I
f there has ever been a Christmas during which Hong Kongers are in need of peace and joy, it is this one. After a difficult month in the city, we’ve had many conversations in the office about how we can be useful to our readers. The decision has overwhelmingly been that our role should be to help promote positivity and joy throughout every corner of Hong Kong. So, this issue is bursting with fabulous events (page 7), stocking fillers (page 25), festive feasts (page 44) and ideas for a wholesome and sustainable Christmas (page 20).
Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Nicole Slater
Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley
Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng
Digital Editor Apple Lee
Blake and Sloane grace our Christmas cover, the girls are party-ready in dresses by awardwinning children’s luxury party wear brand, Tachéri (shop the look on page 30.) And if the partying gets too much, Nicole Cooley suggests festive winter camps for active kids (page 42.) It’s been a pleasure to edit Expat Parent throughout 2019. Wherever you’re spending the festive season, wishing you the merriest Christmas and a peaceful 2020.
Managing Editor Gemma Shaw
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Shopping for a sustainable Christmas at Prince Edward Flower Market
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com
3 things we love this month... Festive workshop and high tea
For December, Madame Fù have collaborated with Neal’s Yard Remedies on a Christmas workshop and high tea. Learn about aromatherapy through citrusy and spicy essential oils before blending a unique Christmas scent to take home, then indulge in a specially curated high tea set for $450. madamefu.com.hk
Graphic Designer Jeramy Lee
Director of Content Hilda Chan
Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui
Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Southside Charity Christmas Lunch
Lion Rock Press
A Hong Kong Christmas would not be complete without Christmas decorations, cards and wrap from Lion Rock Press. We love these tree decorations, $100 each or $350 for a set of four. thelionrockpress.com
about the cover A big thank you to this month’s cover stars. Blake (left) and Sloane (right) wear children’s luxury party wear brand Tachéri, founded by Roomila Chandra. For more on festive wear and gifts, turn to page 25. 2 expat-parent.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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: Tachéri
Join us on December 6 at Prompt@Le Meridien Hotel in Cyberport to celebrate the festive season and raise funds to support Box of Hope and their initiatives in helping underprivileged children in Asia. Tickets are $550 and includes a semi-buffet, three courses and free-flow drinks. hongkongliving.com/shop
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from Hong Kong Living
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what’s on
Diary dates
DEC 12 - FEB 16
AIA The Great European Carnival This year’s carnival brings with it games, great prizes, European street entertainers and thrilling rides. Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. tgec.asia
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what’s on UNTIL JAN 1
Hong Kong WinterFest Sing carols around the Statue Square Christmas tree, take in a special Christmas ‘A Symphony of Lights’ show at Victoria Harbour and join the spectacular New Year’s countdown on the harbourfront. Free. Locations vary. discoverhongkong.com
DEC 6
Southside Christmas Charity Lunch 2019 Join our annual Christmas soirée. This year Hong Kong Living is supporting Box of Hope. 12 noon-3pm. $550. Prompt@Le Meridien Hotel, Cyberport. hongkongliving.com/shop
From $498 per adult and $249 per child over three. Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen. oceanpark.com.hk
DEC 25
DEC 8
Have you been good this year? Check under the tree to find out if Santa’s paid you a visit.
Stride for a Cure Choose a 5km or 10km hike around Tai Tam Country Park to raise money for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. 9am-12 noon. Registration from $100. Hong Kong International School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam. cancer-fund.org
DEC 24
Christmas Eve Kick back with a glass of eggnog.
Christmas Day
DEC 26
Boxing Day Walk off those turkey sandwiches with our Boxing Day hike on page 46.
DEC 31
Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations Ring in 2020 with a spectacular firework display at Victoria Harbour.
Christmas Markets DEC 7
SISHK Family Fest 2019 Singapore International School students put on festive performances while the PTA host a Christmas bazaar featuring over 40 trading stalls, face-painting and a bouncy castle. 10am-3pm. Free. 23 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen. singapore.edu.hk
DEC 7-8
Hong Kong Open Day Experience first hand what makes Epsom College in Malaysia, an extension of it’s UK counterpart. 10am-4pm. Free. Epsom College in Malaysia, Persiaran Kolej, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Malaysia. RSVP tony.lai@ epsomcollege.edu.my
DEC 7-JAN 1
Ocean Park Christmas Sensation This year Ocean Park presents a sparkling winter theme with festive gourmet food and a daily tree lighting ceremony. Opening times vary.
DEC 4
Chinese Academy Christmas Activities Parents are invited to tour the school whilst children take part in Christmas activities and crafts. 9.30-11am. Free. Chinese Academy, 77 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay. caps.edu.hk
DEC 7
Mount Kelly EYFS Christmas Fair A festive educational experience with Mount Kelly’s British qualified teachers and Christmas themed play-based learning activities. 9am-12 noon. Free. 38 Kwun Chung Street, Jordan. mountkellypreschool.edu.hk
DEC 7
French International School Christmas Festival 2019 Give your Christmas the French touch! Enjoy stalls, international delicacies and magician 8 expat-parent.com
shows. 10am-4pm. Free. French International School, 28 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O. fis. edu.hk
DEC 13
American International School Winter Fair The Winter Fair is the school’s largest annual event, this year’s theme is ‘Shine a Light’. 3-9pm. Free. American International School, 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong. ais.edu.hk
DEC 16
2019 Prestige Christmas Gift Fairs Hong Kong The Prestige market is back for its 20th season. Selling jewellery, gourmet food, clothing, toys and more. 10am-8pm. Free. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk
tell me more
Carols, concerts & shows
mum about town
DEC 1
Christmas Carolling An outdoor Christmas concert by the Sai Kung Choir and Sai Kung Montessori Kindergarten. Enjoy complimentary hot-chocolates and Christmas treats. 11am. Free. Sai Kung Montessori Kindergarten’s Front Garden, 787 Unit SB, Tan Cheung, Sai Kung. saikungmontessori.com
DEC 4
Angels Live Lounge An evening of live music for a good cause. Tickets include a drink and mince pies, proceeds support Society for Community Organization. 7.30pm. $350. BB Jazz Lounge, 2/F, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street. angels-for-children.org
DEC 5-8
A Christmas Carol
It’s panto time, oh yes it is!
Faust International Youth Theatre present this Christmas classic. Times vary. $260. Macquarie Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. faustworld.com
Despite all the Christmas trees and markets, it never truly feels like Christmas until we’ve all trooped along to see a panto (and a classic performance of The Nutcracker ballet, of course!) This year the Hong Kong Players are putting on a magical rendition of Sleeping Beauty and I’ve been practicing my ‘it’s behind you’ all year!
DEC 18-JAN 12
Disney’s The Lion King 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
Sleeping Beauty the Panto: December 5-15, times vary. Tickets from $350. The Shouson Theatre, Wan Chai. hkplayers.com
DEC 19-29
Inspirational women
The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker
DEC 21-22
In the theme of being bold and brilliant, TEDxTinHauWomen are presenting a diverse lineup of different speakers with varying perspectives. I’m looking forward to taking inspiration from other women who have the courage to shine, be bold and make change, without apologising for their brilliance.
Professional performers Sandra Waters and Michael Sharmon share one of the stories of Aesop’s Fables, with activities and songs. 3pm and 4pm. Free. 2/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. aftec.hk
Bold and Brilliant *Without Apologies: December 6, 1-7pm. $600. sky100, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. tedxtinhauwomen.com
A classic Christmas ballet performance, perfect for all ages. From $180. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com
Absolutely Fabulous Children’s Theatre at Lee Gardens
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BOOK NOW JAN 11
HK 50 Series – Hong Kong West 50 The third race of the HK 50 Series, covering distances of 6km, 10km, 25km and 54km. Starting from 6.30am. Entry fees from $280. Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater, Tsuen Wan. actionasiaevents.com
JAN 19
Gammon China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Registration is open for Hong Kong’s oldest marathon and half marathon, this is their 40th run! 8am. Entry fee from $400. Start and finish at Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. avohk.org
FEB 14-16
Longines Masters of Hong Kong One of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events returns to Hong Kong, introducing a-first-of-its-kind Asian Arabian Horse Show. Times vary. From $230. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. longinesmasters.com
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news
Christmas tree recycling After the festive period, it’s important to recycle your Christmas tree to create organic, biodegradable waste. EcoPark offers a natural Christmas tree recycling service at the beginning of January, at their park on 133 Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun and around Hong Kong at their many pick-up points. Visit ecopark.com.hk for exact locations.
Helpful guide for employers Win a date with Choo As part of the annual fundraising campaign Operation Santa Claus (OSC), Kowloon ShangriLa, Hong Kong, has enlisted the help of worldfamous fashion designer Professor Jimmy Choo, OBE to offer an exclusive grand prize. The charity raffle in support of OSC will be held from now until January 12. Donors are invited to purchase charity raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to OSC’s 13 beneficiaries in Hong Kong to help children, the elderly and mentally or physically challenged people. The grand prize is a holiday for
two to Kuala Lumpur including return air tickets, three nights’ accommodation and two exclusive meetings with Professor Jimmy Choo himself, the ambassador for Tourism Malaysia. The second prize is a one-night stay at Kowloon Shangri-La including breakfast and a meal at the Michelinstarred Shang Palace, worth $12,800, and the third prize is $3,000 dining credit at the awardwinning Angelini Italian restaurant. The draw will be held at 3pm on January 16. Tickets are $50 and available at shangri-la.com/kowloon
Is your helper pregnant? PathFinders has launched a guidebook helping employers navigate their helper’s pregnancy in a lawful way. The booklet answers common questions as well as a step-by-step plan of next steps to encourage employer and helper to work together. PathFinders aim to make sure that no helper is unlawfully terminated, whilst employers can retain their employees. Community Education Manager of PathFinders, Angie Chandran states, “Many employers don’t know how to react when their helpers are pregnant. We get it and hope this online guidebook can provide them with accurate information about their options, as well as practical tips for moving forward with their helpers positively.” Find the guide online at pathfinders.org.hk
Last-minute Christmas tree
Kids21 lands at K11 MUSEA
If you don’t have your Christmas tree this year yet, don’t fret! Like everything these days, you can buy your Christmas tree online. Trees from Xmastree Online are sourced environmental responsible farms in America, from 5ft Douglas Firs to 8ft Nordmann Firs. Xmastree Online, delivers them straight to your door and even offers a removal service to help you clean up after the festive season. If that doesn’t take the stress out of Christmas I don’t know what will! xmastreeonline.hk
Singaporean luxury children’s fashion store, Kids21, recently opened its first flagship store in Hong Kong inside the K11 MUSEA. Kids21, part of Club21, focuses on children’s wear, accessories and toys, carrying over 50 fashion labels such as Stella McCartney Kids, Kenzo Kids, Yves Salomon and more. Their K11 MUSEA flagship store also carries exclusive brands such as Baghera, Flo Dancewear and POP Shoes. hk.club21global.com/kids21
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me & my big idea
Me and my big idea
Charmaine Ng talks to Kay Sakhrani, founder of IStyle and Hong Kong Living influencer 2020 How did the idea for IStyle come about? A series of coincidences led me to become an interior designer and stylist. I’ve always been creative – back in Manila I used to design women’s footwear. When we bought our own place, I renovated everything and the transformation caught the eye of my family and friends. After that, a few of them approached me to help out with their places – and bang, it just started happening!
What were the challenges of setting up your business? To begin with, the biggest challenge was simply running the show! Having to wear all of the hats myself was daunting. And also, finding the right kind of people, such as suppliers, to work with.
How has your style evolved? As with any profession, you evolve with experience. That’s definitely me – I’ve become bolder with my choices and I take more risks these days as I am more confident. I stick to my decisions and am no longer swayed by the likes of others, as I was at the beginning of my design journey.
What would you say your favourite interior and design style is? I would call it ‘glam minimalist’! I like clean lines and uncomplicated finishes. Minimalists consider the importance of negative space as much as positive space. Adding glamorous statements on top of that, like fun colours, bold prints and metal tones without over-cluttering the space, is my style’s most notable feature.
What is your favourite memory since starting IStyle? It would have to be the first time IStyle was featured in an article about Indian designers who live abroad, in an Indian magazine. Oh, and of course being nominated for the Hong
Kong Living Influencers Award 2020 – you can’t top that!
What advice would you offer to budding designers? My advice would simply be: “Your style, your rules”. Creativity never goes out of fashion. Let your style speak for itself so you don’t have to explain. There isn’t a rule book, go with your gut!
What’s in store for 2020? ‘Sustainability’ has become popular across many industries. I think the trend will grow as we step into the future and turn to methods that involve upcycling furniture and designing for longevity and flexibility. Another feature is the vertical garden, with
people adding plants to their homes to brighten up their spaces. And finally, neons and purple seem to be big colours for the coming year – pairing them together with bold prints, metal and wooden finishings.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? I love spending time with my husband and children. When I’m alone, I like to pamper myself through facials and massages, and sometimes I reward myself with a cheeky glass of wine! To find out more about Kay’s bespoke design services at IStyle, visit istylehk.net
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PET
24 Hours at Pets Central Charmaine Ng takes a tour of the 24-hour North Point clinic
C
alifornia-based Pets Central Group is known for its hospitals and clinics around the city that provide general and specialist professional veterinary services. If you have a pet, chances are you’ve met their dedicated team of veterinary professionals. Pets Central markets itself as a one-stop shop, providing care for animals across Hong Kong, from Sai Kung to Mong Kok. Recently, they opened up their first 24-hour clinic in North Point and launched an online vet-to-vet platform in order to bring the global veterinarian network to Hong Kong residents.
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Good morning! The veterinary technicians do a quick once-over of the dog and cat wards. At the same time, the first pet owner comes bustling in carrying her chihuahua. “Attacked by a boar, poor thing!” The owner exclaims in tears. Dr Pauline Taylor whisks the pup into the Treatment Area to examine her. Throughout the morning, clients stream in and out of the clinic for both regular check-ups and emergency appointments.
paws for thought Most of the animals drift off to dreamland. The clinic quietens down, except for the few staff and vets on rotation, who take turns to inspect the pets at regular intervals. First the dog ward, then the cat ward, but shhh…
A pet owner comes in with a Pomeranian in her arms. “She seems to have hurt her legs!” The owner cries. Dr Kurt Verkest takes the pup in and examines her. After a check-up, he deems the pup stable and sends her and her owner home with medication. Clients continue to run in and out of the clinic all afternoon.
The first surgery of the day. Dr Jossie Yang and her team perform orthopaedic surgery on a little kitten in the Clean Surgery Room. Everything goes smoothly. Lunchtime! The veterinary professionals prepare delicious meals for the dogs and cats boarding in Pets Central. Each animal follows a specific diet depending on their medical needs. Yum yum! It’s time for a consultation on the Vets Central platform! Pets Central has recently launched a new vet-to-vet system where veterinarians
A new work shift begins and the fresh team of veterinary technicians do a quick clean-up of the Treatment Area, the Solution Area, the Clean Surgery Room and the X-Ray and Imaging Room. Meanwhile, pet owners continue to come in for consultations until nine o’clock. Dinner time! Once again, the veterinary professionals prepare meals for the dogs and cats boarding overnight according to their medical needs.
The phone rings again. “My sweet Momo has swallowed something!” Within minutes, a pet owner is knocking on the doors of the clinic. She is carrying a domestic shorthair. Dr Zadil takes the kitten into the Treatment Area for an examination followed by the appropriate care and medication. The next pet owner who comes in skips calling entirely. Her ragdoll cat is vomiting excessively. Dr Zadil promptly takes the feline into the Treatment Area to care for her. Thankfully, the case is not complicated and is settled quickly. The rest of the night remains quiet until breakfast time, when the whole cycle begins again.
You can find the 24-hour Pets Central hospital and clinic at G/F, 66 Java Road & 1/F, Yan Wo Building, 70 Java Road, North Point. For more information, visit pets-central.com credit: Vincent Chen Photography
worldwide can share resources to provide the best care for animals. Dr Reanne Kwok logs on to TeleVets and links up with Dr Dan Ohad, a Board Certified Diplomate of both the American and European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine based in Tel Aviv. They discuss a dog cardiology case.
It’s completely quiet… until suddenly, the phone rings. Pets Central is the only 24hour clinic in the area and receives a lot of enquiries after regular working hours. Dr Sinet Zadil picks up and has the client – who lives nearby in Causeway Bay – bring in her Maltese. After a quick check-up, the doctor confirms that the pup is in stable condition.
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C ST OV O ER RY
How to have a sustainable Christmas
Charmaine Ng draws up the ultimate guide to a greener holiday season
Gifts Shop locally Scrap the online shopping – the first step you can take towards sustainable gifting is choosing to support small, Hong Kongbased businesses. Handicraft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for gifts without the added costs of transportation, which contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming.
Pick a gift that lasts Who says presents have to come in the form of a toy or utensil? We recommend the gift of life – that is, gifting someone with a houseplant! If properly cared for, it will last forever and ‘spark joy’ time after time.
Battery-free gifts Did you know that 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season? That little robot dog may be fun for a week or two, but keep in mind that it needs plenty of
Finding the perfect Christmas tree
batteries to run and that discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. Choose a naturally-powered toy instead.
DIY your gifts Young children may prefer store-bought toys, but most adults are happy with anything that shows thoughtfulness. And what better way to show thoughtfulness than with a homemade gift? Make your own edibles, like dehydrated fruits or sundried tomatoes!
Gift an experience Concerts, spa treatments and even 20 expat-parent.com
weekend getaways have become popular gifts in recent years. Experiences can bring laughter, learning and memories that last forever. If your friend has a particular passion, another great idea is to donate to a charity that provides service for a cause he or she cares about.
Eco-friendly wrapping Metallic wrapping paper looks pretty but is difficult to recycle since there are heavy metals in the foil. Instead, choose wrapping paper made using fibres or recycled content. Better yet, go for fabric gift bags, furoshiki or even old newspaper.
R VE Y O R C TO S Christmas dinner celebrations
Regifting is okay! As long as you’re not regifting something super undesirable you received 10 years ago, we say that regifting is fine! It saves you money and the gift finds a new home where someone will love it and put it to good use.
Christmas trees
and can last for 100,000 hours.
Recycled ornaments Setting up the tree is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit! Try to reuse last year’s decorations, but if you must get something new, look for ornaments that are made with sustainable and recycled materials.
clean-up that comes with it, too. Consider switching to natural and non-toxic cleaning supplies. You can even go down the DIY route and use lemon juice!
Hosting a party Buy a live tree Many people think that fake trees are more eco-friendly since they can be reused year after year, but actually, the more sustainable option is going with a live tree. Plastic trees are made of PVC and use up resources in both manufacturing and shipping, whilst live trees are renewable, easily recycled into mulch and contribute to air quality while growing. They are also grown locally and give off the scent of Christmas!
LED Christmas lights Lower the impact of holiday lighting by swapping to LED lights, which use up to 95 percent less energy than traditional bulbs
Sustainable groceries During Christmas, a lot of time is spent in the kitchen cooking and baking. To lessen your impact on the environment, choose organic and locally sourced produce whenever possible and be conscious of the amount of food you make to avoid wastage. We suggest shopping at the wet market – remember to bring your own cloth grocery bag – and avoiding the excessive plastic packaging in supermarkets.
Non-toxic cleaning products It’s not just about your dinner – it’s the Plants are an everlasting gift
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R VE Y O R C TO S
Ethically-sourced clothing Christmas is all about parties and dressing to impress. But before you go out and try on that dress, consider a more ethically sourced option. Why not go second hand or organise a clothing swap with friends?
Activities Boxing Day hike At its core, Christmas is a time for connecting with family. One of the most popular things to do on Boxing Day in Hong Kong is going for a hike. Make it an annual, earth-friendly tradition to hit Dragon’s Back with your kids, reconnect with nature and walk off your holiday meal!
Dragon’s Back is perfect for a Boxing Day hike
Beach clean-up
Plogging
Do even more this Christmas by joining a beach clean-up. Many non-profit groups organise events for the local community to get together to make the environment a better place. Keep an eye out on the Hong Kong Cleanup (hkcleanup.org), Clean Shorelines (epd.gov. hk) and Plastic Free Seas (plasticfreeseas.org) websites.
One of the newest exercise trends is plogging, a combination of jogging and picking up litter. It began as an organised activity in Sweden and has since spread to other countries following increased concern about plastic pollution. You don’t have to join a group to get started – just lace up your shoes, grab a trash bag and get out there!
Plogging
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2019
GIFT GUIDE
GIFT GUIDE Nicole Slater suggests locallysourced gifts for the whole family
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GIFT GUIDE
For stockings Cha Siu Papers In an ever-growing digital world, Faye Bradley creates handdrawn greeting cards using eco-friendly paper. She likes to humour people with punny slogans and designs on a range of products including cards, tote bags and mugs. Cha Siu Papers is offering a 10 percent discount to all readers with the code HKLIVING until December 31. chasiupapers.com
Christmas cards $40 Alpaca socks $65
Tote bag $80
For parties SodaMagic Add a little fizz to your festivities with SodaMagic’s Sparkling Water Machine and save the hassle of carrying bottles from the supermarket while also reducing plastic waste. The machine allows you to customise your own sparkling creations with multiple carbonation settings to make every glass perfect. sodamagic.hk
SodaMagic 'Maxi' $1,480
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GIFT GUIDE
The Big Four
ME&BERG
The Big Four was founded by Swedish hikers Lena and Pernilla who were inspired by their treks around Hong Kong. After completing all the sections of Hong Kong’s four major hiking trails (Hong Kong, Lantau, MacLehose and Wilson), they wanted to create unique souvenirs for those who had done the same. bigfourhk.com
With a strong focus on sustainable and high-quality fashion, ME&BERG produce minimalistic cashmere pieces that will suit every wardrobe. From scarves and hats to baby blankets and travel wraps, keep your loved ones cosy and stylish this winter. meandberg.com
TB4 bracelet + 1 charm $500 (use code Winter Hike for a $150 discount)
For adventurers
Serving tray with Hong Kong trails $550 (use code Winter Hike for a $100 discount)
Travel Wrap $1,400 (Use code Christmas Travel for a $200 discount)
SuperPark Hong Kong Embark on your fitness journey this Christmas with SuperPark Hong Kong’s winter activities. Their exclusive winter experiences include indoor Alpine Slopes, G-force simulators and other challenging courses. Avid skiers and snowboarders can revive muscle memory for the coming ski season, while beginners can learn in a safe environment. The park also offers a range of “Gift to Move” Christmas gift packages to make this Christmas one to remember! superpark.com.hk
#YouAreMadeToJump Set $800 (up to 70 percent off) Includes: four all day tickets and the new SuperSki group lesson experience
For fitness lovers #YouAreMadeToMove set $98 (up to 52 percent off) expat-parent.com 27
GIFT GUIDE
For bedheads Emma Mattress Who doesn’t crave for the perfect night’s sleep? Europe’s award-winning memory foam mattresses from Emma Mattress are made in Germany and come with a 100-night risk-free trial and 15-year guarantee. Each mattress is vacuum-packed in a box, making it easy to store and transport anywhere in the world. Showrooms at Nature Evolution, Sheung Wan and JG Casa, Kwun Tong. emma-mattress.hk
Emma Mattress from HKD $5,188
Emma Mattress Protector from HKD $1,299
Emma Pillow from HKD $899
Now 31% off with the discount code HKL<3Xmas at our online store, only for the readers of HK Living
For the mantlepiece
Personalised Christmas Cards pack of 30 $675
Hong Kong Canvas Art and Prints $250-2,500
Biscuitmoon Designs
Hong Kong Christmas Cards Pack of 10 $110
Hong Kong expat Ellie Rampton founded Biscuitmoon Designs in 2012. The brand produces a wide range of fun and quirky greeting cards, bespoke personalised stationery and prints and canvases for the home. Many designs are inspired by Hong Kong, particularly the unique range of Christmas cards which capture quintessentially Hong Kong themes and scenes - ideal to send to friends and family overseas. biscuitmoondesigns.com 28 expat-parent.com
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GIFT GUIDE
For children Tachéri Award-winning children’s luxury party wear brand, Tachéri creates timeless and festive outfits perfect for the holiday season. Designed by a mum with comfort in mind, the collection offers outfits that kids will love to play and party in. The brand focuses on high-quality fabrics, all hand-washable which are hand-sourced and stitched in India. They also concentrate on small batch production to control wastage of materials used. Follow @tacheriofficial for updates. tacheri.com Natasha Dress in a Mint & Rose Gold (Left) 12-18 months $720, 2 years + $760 Charlotte Dress in a Champagne Rose (Middle) 12-18 months $740, 2 years + $780 Rania Top & Skirt Set in a Mint & Rose Gold (Right) 12-18 months $720, 2 years + $760
For art lovers Kate Sparrow Hong Kong-based artist Kate Sparrow creates large scale paintings based on the personality of the subject. Her work aims to capture the essence of the person using colours and patterns. Kate also takes on commissioned work. katesparrow.com
Lion Rock Press Give your gifts local touch this year with Lion Rock Press’s range of Hong Kong themed goodies. From iconic Star Ferry tree decorations to wooden toys, and even an ecofriendly range of “No plastic mm goi” products, there is something for everyone, near, far and moved away. thelionrockpress.com
Hong Kong push-along taxi $100
Hanging decoration, Star Ferry $100
Custom portraits $15,000 - 25,000
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Eco-bottle $100
For HK fans
GIFT GUIDE Merci Dandy Have a man in your life who can’t stand shopping? Merci Dandy is an online personal shopping service designed for men. Simply answer a few questions about him on Merci Dandy’s website, sit back, and wait for his personalised clothing selection to arrive directly to your home. The box contains 3-4 complete outfits that are hand-selected by a style advisor based on his profile. Pay only for the clothes you want to keep, and the rest will be collected for free within 5 days. It’s fashion made simple for men. Free service. No subscription. Merci dandy is offering a 15% discount for all readers until December 31. Use code MERCIHKLIVING to retrieve. mercidandy.com Merci Dandy gift card, customisable amounts available
For men
MindBeauty FIND & BOOK Beauty and Fitness Near You Whether you’re looking for a last-minute facial right before meeting your hubby or a 30-min sharp up after your big lunch, MindBeauty is the most user friendly and informative booking apps at your fingertips!From facial, massagse to tanning, yoga class, gymnastic to personal training, each professional chosen to feature on MindBeauty is carefully selected!
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GIFT GUIDE
For women
MindBeauty No beauty or fitness routine is complete without a visit to the MindBeauty app. Offering a booking service for a range of treatments from facials to personal training, the app carefully selects and recommends the best places in town. mindbeautyhk.com
MindBeauty Gift Card up to 25 percent off selected treatments from MindBeauty Booking App
MindBeauty is offering Hong Kong Living readers a 20 percent discount on any purchase from MindBeautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online Store with the promotional code: HKLIVING-VIP20
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things to know
1
Christmas trees take around seven to 10 years to mature into the trees we place in our living rooms each year!
3 2
The most popular Christmas trees are: Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir. • Douglas Fir best for: lasting the entire festive season • Noble Fir best for: stiff branches to hold heavier ornaments • Fraser Fir best for: its fresh pine smell • Balsam Fir best for: its natural green and silver colouring
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Christmas trees were traditionally decorated with apples, nuts and other food. Now they can be decorated with baubles, tinsel and lights. Shop for your decorations at: • Bookazine, Shop 326-328, 10 Chater Road, Central • Indigo Living, 6/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau • Lane Crawford, 8 Finance Street, Central
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Hong Kong is home to some of the most magical Christmas displays, with one of the largest trees placed in Statue Square.
Things you need to know
Where to buy a real Christmas tree • Van der Bloom, 61 Hollywood Road, Central • Lily Flowers, Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam • IKEA, Upper Basement, Parklane Hotel, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Christmas trees
6
After the festive period it’s important to recycle your tree to create organic, biodegradable waste. EcoPark offers a natural Christmas tree recycling service at the beginning of January, at their park on 133 Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun. ecopark.com.hk
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Save the hassle of hunting for a tree and go online. Xmastree Online offers a range of trees and wreaths to decorate your house plus they can even help remove it after the festive season. xmastreeonline.hk expat-parent.com 35
book review
Sporty girls Author and Founder of Women In Sports Empowered (WISE), Alicia Lui, talks to Nicole Cooley about her journey into sports What sports do you recommend starting with? I mention in our crowdfunding campaign, “If you don’t like to play sports, you haven’t found the right sport for you”. We simply need to give different sports a go. In Hong Kong, running and hiking are easily accessible. Water sports like kiteboarding, paddleboarding, wake surfing and other outdoor sports like rock climbing are also great.
How can girls build sport into their daily routine?
Alicia Lui, founder of Women In Sports Empowered
Tell us a bit about yourself? I grew up participating in different sports such as figure skating, horse riding, swimming and basketball, and generally preferred running around and moving! I also care deeply about personal development, women’s topics, and gender equality, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I officially formed Women In Sports Empowered Hong Kong (WISE HK), a volunteer-led non-profit initiative to champion sports for women and girls.
So what is your book about? Sporty Girl Journals is written primarily for girls aged 10 and under. It focuses on the stories of 10 Hong Kong-based female athletes and is illustrated by 10 female Hong Kong. Each story has a key message behind it that shows a few of the life lessons that sports impart, and there are activities that help girls dream big and bold on and off the sporting field.
Why did you decide to combine the journal with stories? The idea for this book originates from pulling together a few things that we’ve 36 expat-parent.com
done at WISE HK. I also wanted it to be suitable for young girls to carry around in their bags and felt it was important to combine stories with activities and journaling. Journaling is therapeutic and athletes are fantastic role models who do incredible work.
Where do you take your inspiration from? The tagline of the book is “channelling girls’ inner sportiness”. I want to use the book to help girls define what “being sporty” means to them, but also as a way to help girls understand themselves, their strengths, their identity and express self-love and gratitude. I want to encourage girls to be sporty, creative, compassionate and so much more.
What are the benefits of sports for young girls? Sports gives us community and belonging. It brings us joy, fulfilment and meaning, relieves stress, nurtures competitiveness and ambition and helps us to become mentally tough, resilient and adaptable - all very important in this constantly changing world!
Start small and build up. Take the stairs rather than the elevator, or exit the MTR one stop earlier and walk the extra distance. Allocate some time to exercise in your daily calendar and stick to it! Five minutes every hour during the workday accumulates to 40 minutes a day. When we start exercising regularly, it becomes a habit and we no longer need to “make time” for it.
Where can we buy the new book? Sporty Girl Journals is available at Gone Running and T8 Labs (both in Wan Chai), Lantau Base Camp in Mui Wo and Bookazine stores across Hong Kong.
book review
Books & podcasts BOOKS
Stocking fillers from Bookazine For kids:
• The Twelve Days of Christmas with Roald Dahl
Dragon Feast by Frances Hurley
Wait a Minute What’s This Feeling by Laura Venezia
Set in Sai Kung, Dragon Feast is an adventure story about the last dragon to live in Hong Kong and his encounter with a family on Trio Beach. This is the first children’s book from Frances Hurley and is illustrated by Malaysian illustrator Ying Hui. The duo has carefully considered the production of the book using paper that is either recycled or sourced from sustainable forests. dragon-feast.com
Laura Venezia uses her experience of teaching around the world to write a relatable story, Wait a Minute What’s This Feeling. The book follows the journey of Shane as he struggles with his emotions and tries to identify them. This book is helpful for starting a conversation about stress and raises the importance of managing emotions with both adults and children. Now available at SnuggleWuggle in Stanley.
• Christmas Stories by Enid Blyton
• The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher
PODCASTS For adults: • Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Tis the Podcast
Deck the Hallmark
Listen to three Christmas fanatics keep the Christmas spirit alive, every day of the year. Meet Santa’s head elf, the holiday armadillo and chief reindeer pooper scooper as they aim to review all Christmas entertainment including Christmas movies, tv specials and shows. Who’s made it to their naughty and nice list? Listen on tisthepodcast.com
Tra la la la! Listen to three guys bring out the festive cheer as they watch and review Hallmark’s latest Christmas movies. Last year they gave brutally honest reviews of the likes of Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe, Mingle All the Way, and Jingle Around the Clock. We’re eagerly awaiting to hear their differing opinions of this year’s releases. Listen on deckthehallmark.com
Nicole recommends
• Last Christmas by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson
• One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
Stephen recommends expat-parent.com 37
schools
School of thought
Kindness rules at American International School, as Amelia Sewell discovers
H
opefully no one will lynch me for saying this but, on occasion, I find international schools in Asia can be a bit snooty. I’ve visited a lot of them and sometimes they can come across as a little smug; maybe there’s an admissions department that’s slightly pleased with itself or a principal that’s a tad aloof. Not at every international school, but certainly some. That however couldn’t be further from the truth at the American International School (AIS), where everyone from the principal to the admission department, the head of middle school to the lady stringing up the festive decorations in the kindergarten were so friendly I was tempted to invite them to our Christmas party. It is a genuinely warm and welcoming place. AIS has sat amongst the plethora of Kowloon Tong schools for well over 30 years now but in its ethos, it sits entirely apart from its educational peers. This is not an institution that feels its only
worth is in reeling off academic achievements and awards (although one look in the cabinets behind the reception desk confirms that there are awards a plenty). Rather it is a place that prefers to talk about the softer elements of education – things like communication, kindness and supporting each other. And I for one am all ears for that kind of thing. It is exactly what I like in a school - not shiny; not slick; there’s no boasting about how the swimming pool has next-generation, bionicintelligence flooring that utilises NASA grade technology. No. Too much. It is instead an entirely wholesome environment more concerned by the quality of its teachers than the newness of its facilities and which – very unusually - has the word ‘love’ in its list of core values. And this is precisely what attracted Anita Simpson, the new Head of School to AIS. “It’s the first time in my life I had ever heard any school talk about love,” she says.
This alone tells you a lot about both Simpson and the school. In addition to love, the other core values are justice and knowledge and AIS works hard to make sure it adheres to these in everything it does. Far from just being a catchy phrase for marketing brochures, the school uses these ‘pillars’ to constantly ask questions of itself and where it can improve. “We really try to anchor everything in our belief system and our pillars. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? How are we doing it? Our framework is very progressive and forward thinking,” she says. Simpson has arrived in Hong Kong from Dubai where she worked for the mighty and much famed GEMS, an institution known for its outstanding practices and efficient protocols. It is these types of elements that she will be looking to integrate into the AIS community. But she is also conscious of the timeliness of
AIS students playing basketball
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schools making changes. “All leaders are well advised to watch and listen. At the same time, you can’t afford to wait a full academic year before making changes. A child doesn’t get another Grade 3 for example, so it’s a balance of giving people enough time to get to know you and trust you, enough for you to make some change; reasonable, necessary change.” Leading is what Simpson does well. So much so that in 2017 she was awarded the ORION Leadership Award for Innovation in Education. However this type of success does not mean that she feels she should micromanage every element of how the school runs. “If you talk to faculty here, I hope they would say that they feel free to teach on their own terms. To clear the roadblocks. I really believe that teachers need to be given permission to do things their way. Especially those who come from a standardised testing environment.” And what about the stats behind the AIS demographic? Well they’re a pretty assorted bunch making it difficult to pigeonhole the student body, despite its American allegiance. With 850 students, AIS is a comfortable mid-sized school running all the way from kindergarten to Grade12, all on one campus. It has a wholly diverse student body with no overwhelming national majority. The biggest is local Hong Kong (25%) followed by American (17%). The rest are from all over the globe. It offers a through train system from bottom to top with no additional assessment to pass into the next stage (“If they’re our student, then they’re our student. There’s no reason why we would make them sit another test to stay with us,” says Simpson. Quite right). The high school curriculum is the full AP
Interactive teaching in the assembly hall
Capstone. For those unfamiliar with this, the Capstone element is what makes the course comparable to the IB, requiring personalised projects and independent study in order to matriculate. The sitting of SATs is optional depending on university destination. On that topic, more than 40% go on to US universities but after that many choose Canada, Hong Kong and Europe. Of the importance of achieving strong academic results, Simpson is not in denial. But one gets the feeling that she does not consider this to be her only responsibility as principal. “We have to be sure we’re measuring what
Lending a helping hand to a sea turtle
matters,” she says. I have to agree with her. I felt so encouraged during a walk around the campus; the students looked up, made eye contact, smiled, said hello. One charming young chap (probably aged about twelve) held the door open for me without any form of prompting. And that, basic though it may sound, is my definition of a good, confident kid. Manners maketh man and all that. Above everything, there is a nurturing feel at AIS that you just don’t get everywhere. Nurturing both of the students and the type of education the school aims to offer. And that sentiment comes right from the top - “They’re just the most gorgeous kids in the world,” says Simpson. “I’ve never had a student body like it before. It’s a different deference and appreciation for education here and it’s so exciting.” ais.edu.hk
Out on the waters around Hong Kong
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schools
Teaching in progress
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schools Principal’s office Anita Simpson took over as Head of School at American International School earlier this year You’re a few months into your new role at AIS, have there been any surprises or stand out moments so far? I have experienced a few surprises and special moments. I think my favourite so far was a short but sweet encounter with a student who stopped beside me one day at recess and said, “I’m glad you’re here.” That might seem like a small thing, but it’s stuck with me. You can’t help but notice how caring our students, staff, and families are when you’re here. It’s genuine.
What are your aims for your tenure at AIS? My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at AIS. I see opportunities to streamline our practice and synthesize the pillars the school has developed. Another goal is to further distinguish AIS through the promotion of our Future Framework. We understand that learning happens best when it’s social, personal, and applied, and we continuously seek to deepen our ability to create these opportunities for our students.
What does the school have in store for this academic year? We have a lot in store this year! Right now, all of our Middle and High School students are away on their Outdoor
Education Leadership Program (OELP) trips. They spend a week in countries around the world, giving to the community, as they do in Vietnam mixing rock, sand and concrete to build pavement for a local school or challenging themselves to fulfill their potential as they literally achieve new heights, hiking up mountains, as they’re currently doing in Nepal. Our annual Winter Fair is fast approaching on December 13, which is one of the highlights of the year. Students will perform Grease, the musical, in the new year, and everyone is deep into rehearsals already.
Do you feel international schools have a responsibility towards their community? Absolutely. And at AIS, we take that responsibility very seriously. For example, once a month we host a Charitable Free Dress Day where all of the money raised for the privilege of dressing in casual attire is donated to a charity of choice. Each month, we choose a different charity to support. So far this year, we’ve raised money for the Hong Kong Community Chest, the local Green Ribbon Campaign for mental health, and this month we fundraised to bring money and clothing to children at the Moonlight School in Nepal. We believe in making a difference around the corner and
Head of School, Anita Simpson
around the world.
And tell us a bit about your career to date. I’m in my 27th year as an educator and have been blessed with an amazing career. I’ve been fortunate to serve as a superintendent, head of school, and principal in schools from K-12, each offering a wide range of curricula and programs including Advanced Placement, IB, American, and Canadian curricula. As Superintendent of Program and Innovation in a large board in Canada, I introduced an innovation agenda in 107 schools for over 51,000 students. I think I’m most proud of the work I did as Canadian Cluster Lead for New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), a global learning lab involving seven countries from around the world. Before moving to Hong Kong this summer, I led the amalgamation of two elementary schools in a new, purpose-built campus in Dubai.
And now you’re settling in to Hong Kong what are your favourite spots so far?
American International School, Kowloon Tong
I have yet to visit all of the places and restaurants I’d like to go, with only four months behind me, but I do love the egg tarts from Hoover in Kowloon City, the dumpling soup at MoMo in Wu Kai Sha, and the green curry at Chef Tai in Kowloon City. I also love the boardwalk along Ma On Shan and Soho on the Island. I’m sure with more time, I’ll discover a lot more!
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winter camps
Holidays are coming
Nicole Cooley suggests festively fun camps to keep kids busy this Christmas YWCA CLLE This Christmas, YWCA CLLE are offering over 100 specialised Christmas camps for your little ones, aged two to 12. Encourage the fun and festivities with Christmas-themed sessions in football, drama, baking, messy play, comic illustration, gymnastics, martial arts and more. Camps run from December 16-31. clle.ywca.org.hk
Woodland Pre-Schools Stimulate your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural sense of wonder at this multi-activity camp from December 23 to January 3. Let the little ones engage in crafts, science experiments, games, play, storytelling, cooking and also be in charge of their own play. Ages two years eight months to six years. woodlandschools.com
ESF Sports Keep moving over the winter break with fun and sports from ESF. From December 17-20, two to 11-year-olds can join the multi-sports winter camp to develop core skills, or join a specialised 42 expat-parent.com
sports clinic in swimming, football, gymnastics, fencing or tennis to work on their technique. esf.org.hk
Minisport HK Minisport camps help children aged one-and-ahalf to seven years old develop a love for sports whilst making new friends and happy memories. From December 16 to January 3, winter camps include tennis, football, basketball, rugby, athletics as well as other fun activities such as party games and team building activities. minisport.hk
Faust Expand the imagination of your four to 13-year-olds as they experience a wintery wonderland of drama or creative writing. Join a four-day programme starting on December 17 or December 30. Play in a Day is a unique experience where kids can put on their very own performance in just one day, on December 21 they will stage The Snow Queen. faustworld.com
winter camps Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong With Christmas just around the corner, Malvern are offering The Joy of Christmas from December 16-20 and The Winter Story Wonderland from December 30-January 3 at both campuses. Children aged 2.5 to five years can develop their English language skills through singing and drama performances. malvernpreschool.hk
December 16 to January 4. activekidshk.com
First Code Academy For beginners to advanced coders, First Code Academy will be running winter camps from December 17 to January 3. Kids aged three and above can embrace their digital future with a tech-filled Christmas for curious minds! hk.firstcodeacademy.com
Hong Kong Institute of Languages Staying in town this Christmas? Keep your little ones busy at Hong Kong Institute of Languages’ Winter Camp. From December 23 to January 3, the Central-based language school is offering culturally enriching French, German, Spanish and Mandarin programs for children ages four to 12. Your kids will learn about key aspects of each country’s culture – including festivals, cuisines, famous landmarks, arts and literature – through fun language-based activities. For more information, call 2877 6160 or email info@hklanguages.com.
ActiveKids Hong Kong Keep the kids active with a whole range of camps for ages three all the way up to 17. Choices include hands-on science, chess, robotics and coding, arts and crafts, cooking and even fashion design! Camps run from
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dining
Turkey and trimmings
Apple Lee tucks into the yummiest lunches, dinners and afternoon teas this holiday season
Festive ready at Pici
Pici
AMMO
Whether it’s a relaxed holiday brunch or Christmas set dinner you’re after, the ever-popular pasta bar is serving a tantalising spread of homey Italian dishes throughout the festive season. Full of warming flavours to get you through the colder season, the menu consists of comforting mains like truffle tagliolini, pappardelle beef cheek and Sicilian lasagna; and desserts including the rum and raisin chocolate mousse and their signature tiramisu. $248 for brunch on December 25, 26 and January 1; $250 for Christmas dinner on December 24 and 25. 24-26 Aberdeen Street, Soho. pici.hk
If you’re looking to host a holiday party from the comfort of your humble abode, Ammo is offering two home-delivered party sets that can cater to six to eight guests. Their turkey set ($2,088) features a hefty 4.5kg U.S. turkey while the prime rib set ($2,788) includes a rosemary-roasted prime rib with beef gravy. Both party hampers are accompanied by four side dishes including maple balsamic-glazed Brussel sprouts, baked four cheese macaroni with truffle, sweet potato mash and an adults-only pecan pie infused with Jack Daniel’s bourbon. Available from now until January 1. Orders must be placed four days in advance before 5pm. Lower Level, Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. ammo.com.hk
Roganic British chef Simon Rogan’s Hong Kong restaurant is offering a familystyle feast this Christmas. Start your meal with chestnut tart with truffle and Loch Duart smoked salmon with blinis and caviar, accompanied by a glass of house-branded sparkling Exton Park Rosé or classic Buck’s Fizz. For mains, tuck into a hearty roast turkey with trimmings. Finish off with profiteroles, Christmas pudding ice cream and minced pies plus some warming mulled wine as a nightcap. $980. Available on December 24 for lunch only; December 25 for lunch and dinner. UG/F 08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic.com.hk 44 expat-parent.com
dining The Upper House Kick off the Christmas celebrations this year at The Upper House’s Cafe Gray Deluxe. The grand cafe features a festive family-style menu of nibbles, roasted beef or chicken, sides to share and dessert, all whilst enjoying stunning views of Victoria Harbour for a Christmas to remember. From $600 per person for a table of 12 or more. Christmas set menus also available from $995 per person. Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. upperhouse.com
Rosewood Hong Kong Rosewood, Hong Kong’s hottest new hotel of the year, is hosting a series of holiday happenings to usher in the festive cheer. Enjoy a Cantonese spin on traditional Christmas feasts at Holt’s Café or tuck into a lavish festive afternoon tea at the coveted Butterfly Room. For a healthier option, the newly opened Asaya Kitchen offers Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired set meals featuring wellness-focused dishes like sweet prawn ceviche with yuzu ginger dressing, 63 degree egg with winter truffle and kombu steamed black bass. 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. rosewoodhotels.com
- Christmas afternoon teas The Cakery Always wanted to gobble down the entire advent calendar in one go? Now is your time. The gluten-free bakery is offering a vegetarian afternoon tea set featuring bauble chiffon cakes, golden raisin scones, an Impossible burger and more. Available daily until December 31. $538 per guest. The Cakery is also offering a range of Christmas-themed treats for you to bring home including a gingerbread house cake ($1,680) with a glowing light-up topper and adorable cake pops ($50 each) in snowman and Christmas tree designs. Shop 303, The Landmark, Central. thecakery.com
Mandarin Oriental The landmark five-star hotel is joining hands with luxury Chinese fashion brand Shanghai Tang to curate a special festive afternoon tea experience – starting from the Christmas trees in the lobby, which are styled in Shanghai Tang’s sparkling baubles. To give back and spread kindness during the holiday season, the brands will donate part of their proceeds to The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association. The afternoon tea set is available daily until January 31 at Mandarin Oriental’s Clipper Lounge and Café Causette and across all Shanghai Tang outlets in Hong Kong. Starting from $388 per guest. 5 Connaught Road, Central. mandarinoriental.com
W Hong Kong It’s going to be a very berry Christmas at W Hong Kong. The trendy West Kowloon hotel is introducing a berry-themed afternoon tea this winter. For savoury bites, indulge in foie gras with strawberry chutney and pistachio crumbs; Serrano ham and figs roll; and pulled turkey on French toast, slashed with cranberry jam and fresh red currants. Decadent desserts include milk chocolate mousse with popping candies; vanilla and strawberry mille feuille; and champagne dark chocolate ganache. Starting from $488 for two. Available daily until December 31. 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon. marriott.com expat-parent.com 45
big day out
TIS’ THE SEASON TO BE HIKING Tara Smyth takes the family on a Boxing Day walk in the Wan Tsai Peninsula
I Boxing Day cow
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t’s Boxing Day. The wrapping paper, cardboard packaging and all those pesky cable ties have been stashed away for recycling. The turkey has been stripped to within an inch of its life and the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special is on its third round in the living room. Grandma’s getting itchy feet and the kids are driving Dad mad. Mum is on the gin – it’s 9am – but that’s another story! Time to switch off the telly, prize the gin out of mum’s hand, and get
your trainers on. Sounds like you could all benefit from a Boxing Day Hike! This one is extremely pretty, very gentle and suitable for all members of the family. It starts in the quaint village of Hoi Ha in the far north-eastern reaches of Sai Kung Country Park. You can get there on the number 7 minibus from Sai Kung (waterfront terminus) or jump in a green taxi. Once at Hoi Ha (the end of the line, you can’t miss
big day out
Taking a break by the water
Tara and friends starting their stroll
it), you should head through the village and take a right at the dai pai dongs (a mass of brightly-coloured umbrellas, shading white plastic tables, flapping gently in the breeze, amidst a backdrop of blue skies – if you are lucky – and vivid green banana trees). Continue along this path for 1.5km (allow around 20 minutes), skirting the coastline which will be on your left the whole time. The path winds through trees, over a couple of streams, and opens out in places exposing eroded trails. You will know you are at the end of this first part, once you hit steps heading down to an open area, an information board signposted Wan Tsai Extension and a choice of trails leading off in different directions.
Here you want to pretty much continue straight, heading towards “Wan Tsai” and ignoring signs to Tai Tam. In 100m you will be faced with a bit of a curvy t-junction – keep right here. And in another 170m you will be faced with another one! This is where the Wan Tsai Peninsula loop starts. You will see a very large campsite on your left and therefore know you are in the right place. You can either head right and walk around the loop anti-clockwise, or head left and walk around the loop clockwise. For some reason, I always head right and take the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, but I’m not really sure why – a creature of habit I suppose. The loop will travel through a shady, wooded area and the path is very wide (unlike most HK hiking trails) so you can all walk together, kids, granny and all, and chat amicably reflecting upon your wonderful Christmas together! Alternatively, the kids can run on ahead and look out for the permanent parkorienteering course markers that can be tricky to find but satisfying when one does. The entire loop is 2.5km long.
an English woodland walk when I take them on this hike and it never disappoints. You literally just follow the trail round until you get back to where you started. You then retrace your steps back into Hoi Ha, perhaps stopping to have a picnic on the beach of Hoi Ha itself – a very pretty white sand beach with large boulders, perfect for a picnic. If you are feeling adventurous and the kids aren’t worn out yet you may hire kayaks, stand up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. Granny can have a nana nap on the sand and Dad can hit the dai pai dongs for a well-deserved Tsing Tao. Something for everyone. What’s not to love? Take your time over this hike/day out – Hoi Ha and the Wan Tsai Peninsula really are a world apart from the sprout aromas emanating from your fridge stuffed with leftovers, Gavin and Stacey on repeat (again!) and the almost-empty bottle of Bombay Sapphire.
Tara Smyth runs photography company Nitty Gritty Images. For details, visit facebook. com/NittyGrittyImages
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Travel news
IDYLLIC FAMILY RETREAT
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resorts launched a “Stay 7 Pay 5” offer for their luxury four-suite villas in Bali. Each villa can accommodate up to 12 guests and the offer includes complimentary daily mindfulness activities, daily breakfast, gym and spa access and a 24/7 private butler for added pampering. Families with children have the benefit of complimentary access to daily babysitting services and activities such as gardening to keep young travellers entertained. Laurie Mias, CEO and Co-Founder explains, “With luxury facilities in the tranquil area of Nusa Dua, REVĪVŌ villas provide an unforgettable and unparalleled guest experience that’s perfect for families, larger groups or those looking to host their own retreat.” The offer runs until January 31 for guests to stay until February 29, prices start from US$9,855. revivoresorts.com
GORDON RAMSAY LANDS IN HONG KONG AIRPORT World-renowned, Michelin Starred Chef Gordon Ramsay has brought his classic British fare to the airport. Located at the East Hall in Terminal 1, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go offers travellers from all around the world a delicious array of great quality food. The all-day dining menu includes the likes of the chef’s signature dishes, such as the short rib burger, the Californian fried chicken burger and the full English breakfast. “It is wonderful to be launching Plane Food To Go to all the amazing guests travelling through Hong Kong International Airport,” says Ramsay, “As someone who spends a lot of time in airports, I know how important it is to deliver fresh and tasty food super quickly!” Unit 7E163, Level 7, East Hall, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport. hongkongairport.com
VISTAJET CROWNED BEST OPERATOR The first and only global private aviation company, VistaJet, has been crowned Asia’s best operator for the fourth consecutive year at the AsBAA Icons of Aviation Awards. The company celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, having transformed from a start-up with
travel
Taking in the sunset in Bali
two aircraft to an aviation unicorn with more than 70 long-range jets. “It’s a privilege to be crowned the best operator for the fourth time,” says Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer of VistaJet, “It is recognition of our team working earnestly 24/7 to ensure the seamless and safe operation of each flight to the highest standards possible.” In January 2020, VistaJet’s first fleet of Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft will enter service as the largest and longest-range business jet on the market, offering the ultimate private flying experience in terms of productivity and efficiency. vistajet.com expat-parent.com 49
travel
Barefoot luxury IN THE MALDIVES
Shirley Lau jets off to Conrad Maldives for some much needed R&R ahead of the festive season Photography by Justin Nicholas
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n this tense time in Hong Kong, we ought - and deserve - to take a break. Besides, the festive month has just started. It’s time to switch to a holiday frame of mind. To that end, nothing beats a beach holiday. So how about some world-class barefoot luxury and copious amounts of sunshine? That’s precisely what Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can offer. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives, this idyllic resort island is a paradise on earth for families, couples and friends. To be fair, this cliché is applicable to most of the 130-plus Maldivian resorts - and to the archipelagic South Asian country per se - but Conrad Maldives, owned by Hilton Hotel, is in a league of its own in many ways. It’s a different kind of luxury; aesthetic and attention to detail are taken to extraordinary lengths, not to mention it is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant and first ever underwater hotel residence, which generated many column inches worldwide last year when it opened. The official website of the resort, opened in 1997 as Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa and rebranded in 2007, features a dazzling range of villa and suite options. Every option looks fetching, but altogether they can be a tad overwhelming. Getting to know the
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island’s layout may help you pick the villa or suite that suits your family best. With a duo-island design, Conrad Maldives has 151 villas and suites spanning three locations across the twin islands of Rangalifinolhu and Rangali, all connected to each other by a 500-metre-long wooden footbridge. Each place offers their own unique atmosphere. If you travel en famille, Rangalifinolhu, the larger main island, has a more relaxed, familyfriendly vibe, whereas Rangali is a quiet haven with a number of adults-only areas. On Rangalifinolhu, you can choose between villas and suites perched on stilts above the Indian Ocean, and those sitting on the beach. Of late, a redesign project was completed just in time for the festive season. The popular Family Water Villa, for example, has been transformed into the Two-Bedroom Grand Water Villa, with the style quotient upped and the sense of space enhanced.
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travel What to do
Plunge pool at the Deluxe Beach Villa
Kids camping out at the Muraka
But in any case, the notions of luxury are played out in all of the accommodation. From the complimentary chocolate to the silky bed linen to the distinctive space design that blends in seamlessly with the natural environment, everything is immaculate. “Barefoot luxury” can be taken literally on this resort, which has been twice voted the Best Hotel in the World. With the turquoise Indian Ocean that is never far away and with the fine sand almost everywhere (even in the indoor concierge), many guests - adults and children - like to ditch their shoes and walk or run around free as a bird. Inside your abode, you can swan about in the liberating ample space, barefoot - and naked without inhibition since there’s maximum privacy. The villas and suites on the beach provide direct access to the beach from the private patio. After a morning dip into the sea, you can walk a few metres back to your patio, play with your little ones in the plunge pool, or simply sunbathe on the deck. Then head to the outdoor shower for a rinse, surrounded by
miscellaneous foliage. And of course, there’s always the Muraka, that magnificent two-storey residence with the most luxurious possible set-up including an undersea bedroom. Having just celebrated its first birthday in November, this architectural gem is set more than 4.8 metres below the Indian Ocean and can sleep a big party of up to nine (six adults and three kids). In such a desired and perhaps longawaited holiday location, you’re absolutely forgiven for craving some child-free time. The resort has that covered. Their babysitting services, outdoor programmes such as pirate tours and treasure hunts, kids club, and children’s pool will ensure you and your other half can bliss out elsewhere on the resort, worry-free. The resort is currently going the extra mile to make it even more family-friendly. Come Christmas, there will be a series of festive events, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and carol singing on December 24 and an artisanal market on Boxing Day. Santa
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Go diving or join a diving course run by Conrad Maldives - the resort is in close proximity to 42 dive sites
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Go snorkelling in search of whale sharks and sea turtles and to explore the resort’s house reef, which is just 50 metres from the beach
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Cruise aboard Conrad Maldives’ luxury yacht or traditional Turkish yacht at sunset in search of dolphins
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Fly a jetpack and experience the thrill of hovering high above the water
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Enjoy a spa session in one of the over-water, thatched-roof treatment rooms set on stilts and take in views of the coral reef below through the glass floors
A sea turtle under the water
Claus will also be seen around putting a smile on children’s faces. Tropical Father Christmas clad in a sleeveless red robe perhaps…
How to get there Cathay Pacific flies directly to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, from Hong Kong four times a week, and Singaporean Airlines indirectly via Singapore. From Malé, you will take a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey over the Indian Ocean. Conrad Maldives has an exclusive seaplane lounge at Malé’s international airport. For evening arrivals in Malé, consider a domestic flight transfer or an overnight cruise aboard the resort’s luxury yacht. conradmaldives.com
Shirley Lau is a journalist who divides her time between Hong Kong and Berlin. Having covered the ongoing protest movement for the past few months, she recently headed to the Maldives for a much needed break, pampering herself at Conrad Maldives Rangali.
Sunrise deck of the Muraka
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two little dumplings
The baby goes to Bali
Our busy mum-of-two can hardly contain her excitement for the first family holiday
W
e have just got back from holiday. If you read last month’s column about my super typhoon extravaganza in Tokyo, these two things together might imply that I swan around foreign lands on a monthly basis. But alas that is not the case. In reality I have spent most of the last year being a) pregnant and b) grounded so we are making up for lost time now that the little rotter has arrived and my obstetrician has stopped panicking that I’ll go into early labour at 30,000 feet (“Messy,” she said, “and a nightmare for passport applications.”). So the moment flying with a newborn no longer seemed as appealing as a sauna with Donald Trump, I insisted we book a week in Bali for our first holiday as a family of four. This, I announced to my husband, was an essential rite of passage for our new little quartet, before blabbering something hormonal and fluffy about seminal moments of childhood. I got an eye roll, booked the holiday and before you could say “cabin crew, seats for take off”, I was in Baby Basics buying a stash of swimming nappies, multiple tubes of weapon-grade sunblock, a pair of Babyiators and an elaborate inflatable baby ring so that the second-born could float around the pool like Cleopatra at a Vegas pool party. And we used none of it. Because I had overlooked the crucial fact that newborns and holidays have absolutely no mutual interest in one another. In the Venn diagram of life, there is no overlapping section between the two. Beach holidays in particular go against all the golden rules of owning a newborn. If you’re not flapping about sun exposure and the risk of overheating, it’s because you’re too busy fretting about questionable water sanitation and whether or not the mosquito repellant is toxic. And here’s the real kicker – little babies could not care less about swimming. Why I hadn’t learnt my lesson from when my first son was born, I have no idea; when he was four-months-old, we went to Phuket for a long weekend. We were beside ourselves with 56 expat-parent.com
Our columnist is a mumof-two and meticulous organiser. She lives in Hong Kong. excitement at the thought of getting him in a pool for the first time. We couldn’t wait to photograph the joy on his fat little face as he experienced the glorious freedom of wafting around in a giant tropical bath. When it came to it, however, we were sorely disappointed by his reaction. I would describe it as easily the most underwhelming moment of parenting thus far. There was no look of elation; no high-pitched squeal of delight. Instead, a blank stare, devoid of apology, which clearly communicated his utter contempt for the entire experience.
His first trip to the beach was an anticlimax of similar proportions. Again, we hoped for squeaks of enthusiasm at the sensation of sand between toes. Instead we spent twenty minutes trying to stop him eating the aforementioned sand, and, when that wasn’t successful, another 24 hours waiting for it to come out the other end (“Internal exfoliation,” said my doctor friend, when I rang to check this wasn’t going to be fatal.) And then, as if to put the nail in the coffin for my deluded ideas of the four of us enjoying a week of non-stop family jollity, just prior to departure, the baby got a raging cold. I won’t deny that it crossed my mind for a moment that the option of leaving him behind in Hong Kong was not completely ridiculous. But the maternal guilt was too much and we got on the plane to Bali hoping we weren’t going to be one of those families that ends up holidaying in a foreign hospital. In the end of course, we all had a fabulous week. The firstborn learnt to swim without armbands, which was a heart-bursting moment for his parents. The husband had a tremendous week doing not very much other than ignoring all work emails for six solid days, which is a holiday in itself. My own triumphs came in the form of reading two books and having a glass of rosé in my hand by 2pm each day. And the newborn? Well he had no idea that we’d even left Hong Kong; aircon and black out blinds are the same, wherever you go. But he certainly enjoyed the gorgeous Javanese nanny who threw all my boring sleeptraining rules out of the window and let him do whatever the hell he wanted; cuddled to sleep, picked up at the slightest squiffle, dummies on tap - he took the lot. On the final morning, when his cold had finally gone, we dangled his feet in the pool for a grand total of five seconds to be able to say he’d at least been in it. And we made sure we got photographic evidence so he can’t tell his therapist in twenty years time that being NFI’d on the family holiday to Bali was where all his troubles began.
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