FAMI LY | T R AVE L | VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY | MED ITAT ION
February 2020
The really useful magazine February 2020
2 CONTRIBUTORS Meet the team 4 PEOPLE Sai Kungers out and about 6 PLANNER
What’s happening in February
10 NEWS
What’s going on In your backyard?
13 POLICE BLOTTER Senior Inspector Ron Yung talks crime 14 LOCAL An update on the Hoi Pong Square redevelopment
36 BIG DAY OUT Spend the day on Lamma Island 40 TRAVEL Medical tourism, discounted treatments in the sunshine
42 ZIM CITY Problems facing the Queen Mary Hospital redevelopment project
43 SAI KUNG SECRETS Disappearances at Sai Kung Peninsula 44 PETS Your pet questions answered. Plus
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walkies
15 5 MINUTES WITH.. Regina Larko, founder and host of podcast #IMPACT
18 MUST HAVES Valentine’s gifts to woo your boo 20 COVER STORY Your guide to the old town 24 DINING Farm to table in Hong Kong. Plus nibbles 28 HEALTH & WELLNESS Find your zen with these meditation
47 IN THE GARDEN What to plant in February 48 VINES Stephen Vines reports on goings on around town
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classes
30 LIFE STYLE Valentina Tudose on finding love in the city
33 HOME & LIVING Interior designer Aaron Chin on decorating for wellness
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“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE WORD ITSELF SAYS “I’M POSSIBLE!” - AUDREY HEPBURN
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editor’s letter
W
elcome to the Year of the Rat! The new year promises progression and energy, making it the perfect time to start a new project or change up your life. Wherever your new endeavors may take you, I hope this issue can provide you with some much needed motivation. Our cover this month was hand drawn by local artist Gary Yeung, he visits and documents areas at risk of redevelopment or protected from Hong Kong’s urbanisation. This includes our very own Old Town, explore Sai Kung’s more traditional side on page 20. Lamma Island has a charm, unique to anywhere else in the city, although it’s a little far out I highly recommend the journey! Alan Shaw ventured over to the island this month for a leisurely stroll, join him on page 36. Last but not least, the holiday that women love and men have the tendency to “forget”, Valentine’s Day. We’ve rounded up the best gifts to woo your boo on page 18 and for those celebrating single, don’t fret, relationship Coach Valentina Tudose shares her advice on finding love in the city on page 29.
Editorial
Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editorial assistants Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Joey Ho, joey@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com
Operations
Management Trainee Edwina Chan, edwina@hongkongliving.com
Digital
Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
Publisher
Have a LOVEly month,
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to
contributors
Paul Zimmerman Denis Leung Melissa Albarus
Lusia Smyth Dr. Pauline Kira Albarus
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
Lilly Theres Mahn
Alan Shaw
Our cover artist this month is studio artist and co-founder of Urban Sketchers Hong Kong. In his sketches, Gary documents places that are either at risk of or are protected from, redevelopment projects. His work exemplifies the mystic charms of Hong Kong’s past, present and future. studiogario.com
Currently studying for a BTEC in Extended Art at KGV, Lilly is passionate about photography and loves to go out and about with her camera. This month she interned with the Hong Kong Living team see some of her shots on page 4.
Alan Shaw is an avid hiker and explorer of Hong Kong’s great outdoors. This month he ventured to Lamma Island, hiking from Sok Kwu Wan on the east coast to Yung Shue Wan on the west, stopping for a spot of lunch at Concerto Inn. Follow his footsteps on page 36.
talk@hongkongliving.com
@hongkongliving
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HONG KONG hongkongliving.com
Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd.This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | SAIKUNG.COM
Illustration: Gary Yeung
Gary Yeung
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people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
credit: Graham Uden
Hong Kong Living New Year Urban Retreat 2020 #awakenyourcity
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FEB 15
Sai Kung 50 Sign up for a 12km, 22km or 50km race around Sai Kung as part of Action Asia’s HK50 Series. 6am. $430. Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden, Sai Kung. actionasiaevents.com
FEB 4-9
Hong Kong Race Week Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club hosts this regatta with over 230 boats competing. hongkongraceweek.com
FEB 6-9
Hong Kong Pet Show 2020
UNTIL FEB 16
The AIA Great European Carnival Hong Kong’s biggest winter fair. 11am11pm. Adults $130 (includes 10 tokens), concessions $90 (includes seven tokens). Central Harbourfront Event Space. tgec.asia
UNTIL FEB 23
Join the 15th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s cutest pet show! Free entry for pets, owners $30. Times vary. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 3. petshow.com.hk
FEB 8-9
Sleeping Beauty Performed by the Hong Kong Ballet. From $200. Times vary. The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District. hkballet.com
KidsFest 2020
FEB 8
Enjoy favourites such as The Gruffalo and Mr Men and Little Miss. Times vary. $195. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. kidsfest.com.hk
Cultural performances, lion dances, stage acts and fantastic lantern displays. 7.3010pm. Free. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
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Spring Lantern Carnival Night
happening in february FEB 15
Sai Kung Montessori Information Session Explore the Montessori approach and find out more about the early learning program in Sai Kung. 10am. Free. 787 Unit SB, Tan Cheung, Sai Kung. saikungmontessori.com
FEB 17-24
Wellness Week Hong Kong
FEB 9
Hong Kong Marathon 2020 This annual marathon celebrates 24 years, options include a 10km run and a half marathon. 6.10am start. $450. Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. hkmarathon.com
FEB 13-MAR 14
Hong Kong Arts Festival A month-long performing arts festival. Times, prices and locations vary. hk.artsfestival.org
FEB 14 Credit: Dancers (from left): Dong Ruixue, Henry Seldon | Creative: Design Army | Photographer: Dean Alexander | Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
Valentine’s Day Don’t forget the roses!
FEB 14-16
Shakespeare in the Park presents Twelfth Night Performed by the Hong Kong Shakespeare Performance Association. Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 5pm. Free. Olympic Square, Amphitheatre, Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. hkshakespeare.com
FEB 14-19
Hong Kong’s first ever Wellness Week, hosted by Liv Media presents special offers, discounts and events related to health and wellbeing in support of local mental health charity MIND HK. For more information, visit wellnessweek.hk
FEB 19-23
Disney on Ice - Live Your Dreams Disney heroes on ice skates. Times vary. $180. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com
Mumz Talk
FEB 29
Four days of talks and workshops focusing on the issues faced by new mums. 11am7pm. From $100. Baby Basics Store, Lansing House, 41-47 Queen’s Road Central, Central. meetmumz.com
Join this epic 4km run in your favourite Batman suit. 6-9pm. Adults $580 and children $480. West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon. hybridticketing.com
Batman Night Run Hong Kong
FEB 14-16
Longines Masters of Hong Kong A prestigious equestrian event. Highlights include an Asian Arabian Horse Show and a kid’s hobby horse competition. Times vary. $230. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. longinesmasters.com
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planner
BOOK NOW
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
MAR 8
International Women’s Day Celebrating women since 1975. Events across the city.
MAR 14
Flying Colours HK Trail A race from Tai Tam through Hong Kong Island in support of education of ethnic minority girls in the Guangxi province. 7am. $350. Tai Tam Country Park. flyingcolourshktrail.com
MAR 28
Sónar Music Festival Fancy some Spanish electronic music? This is the place to be! Noon-10.45pm. $680. The Grand Hall, Building 12W, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park. sonarhongkong.com
APR 10-11
Peppa Pig Live - Perfect Rainy Day A musical adventure with plenty of muddy
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puddles. Times vary. $280. Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. hkticketing.com
MAY 24
Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water World Tour She was a Sk8er girl… and she’s in Hong Kong for one night only. 8pm. Tickets from $488. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. hkticketing.com
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news
Jacquiline Hamilton releases second book
Sai Kung welcomes new Senior Inspector
Local resident and Founder of Aphrodite Hair and Makeup, Jacquiline Hamilton has just released her second book. A Walk Through Healing is a collection of Jacqui’s poetry which follows her personal and real emotions as she faces the everyday challenges of parenthood and running a business while struggling with mental health. The book aims to be a source of inspiration and comfort for anyone struggling to find balance in life. Jacqui will be holding a book reading at Kidnapped Bookstore on February 20 from 6 till 8pm. selfemployedmummy. com
Late last year, Sai Kung Police Force welcomed Senior Inspector, Ron Yung to the force. Inspector Yung received his first post at Sai Kung Police Station seven years ago, before joining the Police Tactical Unit and the Police Emergency Unit’s across the city. He is happy to be back in the town and believes the feeling of harmony here hasn’t changed since he departed seven years ago. Read more about what Inspector Yung and the force have been up to this month on page 13.
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Wellness Week Liv Media has announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first ever Wellness Week from February 17 to 24. The event presents an entire week of special offers, discounts and events related to health and wellbeing, bringing together dozens of wellness brands, both large and small. Partnering with local mental health charity MIND HK, a portion of proceeds from the event will go towards supporting mental health in Hong Kong. For more information, visit wellnessweek.hk
in your backyard
Hong Kong at a loss The Hong Kong Tourism Board has just announced yearly figures for visitors to the city for 2019. The stats show a decline of 14.2 percent compared to the previous year. A total of 56 million people crossed Hong Kong’s immigration gates last year, as the city saw a 13.9 percent increase in tourists during the first half of the year. From July onwards, the report details a staggering loss of 39.1 percent of visitors, with the number of mainland tourists and overnight travellers being hardest hit. Dr
Smoke free zone YK Pang, Chairman of The Hong Kong Tourism Board believes; “Hong Kong’s tourism industry has faced exceptional challenges over the past year, but I have every confidence in our resilience and appeal as a world-class travel destination.” The board has recently rolled out a new campaign, “Hong Kong is ON” which offers discounts on flights, hotels, restaurants and attractions, to encourage tourists back to the city. discoverhongkong.com
At the start of the New Year, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health (DH) declared the North Transport Interchange a no-smoking area in the town. The unused bus terminal opposite Sai Kung Police Station is one of three new no-smoking areas announced by the DH, the others include Chung On Bus Terminus and West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus. Anyone found smoking or carrying a lit cigarette in the area will face a penalty of $1,500.
Students cashing in On January 8, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced a one-off Student Grant of $2,500 for day-school students in the 2019/20 school year. The grant is estimated to benefit around 900,000 students attending secondary dayschool, primary school and kindergarten in Hong Kong. Parents should be able to collect and submit the application forms via their schools, for schools to submit by February 14. The EDB stated that they “expect to start disbursing the subsidy in about six weeks after receiving the applications.” They also stated that “the provision of the Student Grant will be regularised starting from the 2020/21 school year.” For more information on the grant and eligibility, visit info.gov.hk
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on patrol
Senior Inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases in Sai Kung
Tai Long Wan
Good friends
Maccas madness
What a cliffhanger
On December 15, a male was swimming at Tai Long Wan with five friends. He began drowning in the ocean and his friends rushed in to save him. The man was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a conscious state and admitted for observation.
At 2am on December 21, a male got into a dispute with restaurant staff at McDonald’s. He began throwing incense ash at the staff and into the kitchen, police were called and the man was arrested.
On the morning of December 22, a male aged 60 went hiking with five friends from Pak Lap Wan to Sai Wan. During the hike, the man accidently fell from a cliff. He was airlifted and conveyed to Ruttonjee Hospital with multiple injuries to his neck, shoulder, arm and thigh.
Beep Beep On the afternoon of December 21 two mini buses collided near Pak Kong, both drivers and 24 passengers were taken to Tsung Kwan O hospital in a conscious state for precaution.
Just in time A married couple were arrested on December 10 after burning coal. Police suspect the couple were attempting a joint suicide due to money-related problems.
Mind your step On January 1, a 65 year-old male was hiking from Pak Tam to Cheung Chui with a group of 30 friends. The man tripped over a stone, fell and injured his head. He was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in conscious state and admitted for observation.
Not so safe On December 24, a house in Fung Sau was broken into while the residents were on holiday. A safe was found missing upon their return. The case is still under investigation.
Pile up Watch out for the paint Five men were arrested on December 24 after being stopped at a police spot check on Hiram’s Highway. Police were suspicious of red paint and facial masks found in the car.
On the afternoon of January 5, two taxis and two private cars collided outside the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Fuk Man Road. Four males and two females sustained minor injuries and were taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital.
For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630
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local
Fair and square
Nicole Slater celebrates the reopening of Man Yee Pavilion
S
ai Kung Square (also known as Man Yee Square) is the heart of Sai Kung. A place bustling with activity, from excited children running around the playground to nattering old ladies disputing a game of mahjong. Over the past two months, the pavilion
(the undercover area in the centre of the square) has been under construction, leaving little space for Sai Kung’s older generations to socialise. This month, renovations have been completed and it’s back in business. Sai
The elderly residents had to sit in the playground
Kung District Office stated, “the pavilion at Man Yee Playground was cordoned off due to ongoing improvement work, taken forward by Sai Kung District Leisure Services Office.” The renovation works were undertaken in order to make the pavilion a more enjoyable and comfortable place for residents to be during all weather conditions. Ken Kay, a spokesperson from The Architectural Services Department shared details of the development, “We replaced the flooring of the undercover area as it had started to deteriorate, now we have laid something much more durable. As the area is so popular, we added additional seating.” This news comes as a relief to local businesses and restaurants in the area, as the construction was a bit of an eyesaw and the noise disrupted the customer flow. A spokesperson from CENA said, “It’s been really annoying, taken too long and cost our company business.” With the playground painted and pavilion beautified, we hope the square can go back to it’s usual routine, without any further disruptions. Got a local story you’d like to share? Email us at editorial@hongkongliving.com
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five minutes with 5 podcasts I’m listening to: Fruehstueck bei mir - An Austrian show which reminds me of my roots On Being - For when I have quiet moment Happy Mum Happy Baby - For when I need a good laugh Online Marketing Made Easy - To help me build my business Hong Kong Stories - For local knowledge
Listening back, I can hear the nervousness in my voice, but listeners don’t notice. My imperfections and my own feelings are part of the bigger #impact story. My podcasts could always be edited more. But there has to be a point when you press the publish button. It’s not easy but really there’s nothing to lose. Hong Kong’s podcasting community is tight-knit. It’s a small but growing community and there is so much support and encouragement for each other. You will often find me at The Hive. It’s such a gorgeous space, the people are lovely and I’ve even recorded some episodes for #impact Podcast there. Until last year we lived on Hong Kong Island - I loved it there. When we had our second daughter we simply did not have the space in our petit Sheung Wan flat so we moved to Sai Kung.
Five minutes with
Regina Larko
Nicole Slater meets the founder and host of podcast #IMPACT I create podcasts about individuals who are making a positive impact in the world. Many of my podcasts feature people in Hong Kong. Being a radio host was a childhood dream. So one day I asked myself, what
could I do? I got very excited at the idea of running my own podcast show. Since then I’ve interviewed many influential people, including former Bloomberg anchor Angie Lau, I was so nervous but tried not to let on.
My husband was so excited to move to the suburbs. I was not. I gave him a hard time. But after being in Sai Kung for a year, I’m so happy. What a privilege it is to live here! For those interested in podcasting I’d say: Don’t aim for perfection and just get started. Listening back to my first episode featuring HandsOn Hong Kong, I did not even introduce what my Podcast was about. Each episode gets around 300-500 downloads, some of my most popular ones have reached over 700, which i’m very proud of! To listen to Regina’s podcast #Impact visit hashtagimpact.com or sign up for an online podcasting course at hashtagimpact.com/courses
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must haves this month
The Valentina $2,000 from BYDEAU bydeau.com
Peachy Gift $225 from Lush
Love Locket $130 from Lush hk.lush.com
St Valentine’s Tea $248 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com
Nicole Slater suggests Valentine’s Day gift ideas to woo your boo
Gold Sparkle Ear Climbers $482 from Karma Links karmalinksjewellery.com
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Heart Gift Box $475 from La Maison du Chocolat lamaisonduchocolat.hk
woo your boo
Revitalizing Cream Cleanser $835 from RARE SkinFuel
Activating Mist $960 from RARE SkinFuel rareskinfuel.com
Twig Heart Wreath $195 from Tree tree.com.hk
L’amour Earring and Ring Set $35,000 from Kristina Rybaltchenko rybaltchenko.com
Mini Heart Charm $890 from TUMI tumi-hk.com
The Ritual of Ayurveda Scented Candle $195 from Rituals rituals.com
DIY Card Holder $328 from KH Artistry & Design khartistrydesign.com
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cover story
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oldalltown aboard guide
OLD TOWN ROAD Nicole Slater explores Sai Kung’s traditional roots
O
nce a quiet fishing village, Sai Kung has developed into a popular weekend destination and vast neighbourhood, popular with the expat community. Despite this, many areas have managed to retain their traditional charm and boast classic architecture and traditional ways of doing business. Here’s our guide to the old town and all you need to know to navigate it like a native.
Grab a bite The Dutch - Cheese and more Illustration credit: Melissa and Kira Albarus
Fit and fabulous team at Outdoor Fitness
In 2012, entrepreneurs Dirk Jasper and Nick Pauli hatched a plan: to bring Dutch cheese to all corners of the world. After opening their first store in Central, they expanded to a second location here in Sai Kung on Hoi Pong Street. The store sells a range of cheeses - from Gouda to goat. Pull up a stool overlooking the waterfront and enjoy a cheese platter. 19 Hoi Pong Street. thedutch.hk
Let’s Jam Soak up the sunshine on the delightful balcony terrace of this popular breakfast/lunch spot,
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cover story
named after its famous homemade jams which include mango, cinnamon and apple. The all day breakfast is a steal at $79 including scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, beans and toast. 9 See Cheung Street. letsjam.hk
Loaf On Loaf On is Sai Kung’s only Michelin-starred restaurant! Nothing to do with bread, this hidden gem invites diners to bring along freshly caught seafood and then it’s up to the chef to decide the menu. Alternatively, select from their inhouse menu which features an extensive range of local dishes including fried tofu, crab meat soup and their signature chilli pepper crispy skin chicken (pre-order this popular chicken dish in advance.) 49 See Cheung Street. 2792 9966
Taps Located in the hotspot where Little Cove started out, Taps serves up delicious Western and Asian cuisine including Ramen, sandwiches and an extensive range of desserts. Enjoy people watching from this quiet nook. G/F, 38 See Cheung Street. Facebook: Dot taps
Shiba Taro Cafe For those who love dogs and coffee in equal proportions. While there are no actual shibas in the restaurant, there is no shortage of shibathemed accessories and artwork. Enjoy the all-day-breakfast menu, along with a selection of pasta and small bites. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace. G/F, 11 See Cheung Street, Facebook: Shiba Tora Cafe
Coffee break Black Smith For a laid-back atmosphere, the dark interiors of this cosy coffee house provides the perfect place to refuel. Popular drinks include the coffee combo (espresso and cappuccino), and a red latte made with South African Phd tea. For later in the day, a range of coffee cocktails, think espresso martinis all round. Ground Floor, 17 Market Street. Facebook: Blacksmith Coffee Shop
Bem Bom Cafe Located at the entrance of See Cheung Street, this modern and minimalist cafe offers a local coffee experience with premium coffee beans freshly roasted in Hong Kong. Bem-bom means “very good” in Portuguese and the word has spread with their house-brewed coffee being served in over 100 cafes across the city. Grab a mug and enjoy! G/F 48 See Cheung Street. en.bembomf.com
BEI Coffee For real coffee conoursues, BEI Coffee serves
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Illustration credit: Gary Yeung
oldalltown aboard guide
See Cheung Street
up hand drip coffee and handcrafted espressos. This Japanese coffee shop offers customers the opportunity to try blends from countries around the world including Ethiopia Yirgachefe and Jamaica Blue Mountain. 3 Tai Street. Facebook: bei.coffeekan
Shop locally Kwan Kee Florist Run by two brothers, this well known florist is a local hotspot for freshly cut flowers, potted plants and even Christmas trees. Expect friendly service, reasonable prices and customisable bouquets… perfect for Valentines Day (hint, hint). 35 See Cheung Street. 2792 6962
BeCandle Find the perfect scent or create your very own at this unique candle laboratory and shop. Workshops are held weekends from 2-4pm. You can even bring along an old candle container for Becandle to refill to help reduce wastage. G/F, 8 Wang Street. Facebook: BeCandle
The Bottle Shop When looking for the perfect tipple, The Bottle Shop offers a unique selection of wine, craft beer and spirits that you won’t find in local supermarkets. Perfect for last minute gifts, or if you just want to treat yourself. 114 Man Nin Street. thebottleshop.hk
18C This adorable boutique retails a range of unique and stylish accessories including handbags, bracelets and shoes. 18C is the perfect place for those wanting to spruce up their wardrobes without trekking out of town. 18C Tai Street. Facebook: 18c
Live Zero Live Zero is a zero-waste, bulk-buy store offering over 200 organic products from spices to pasta and oats. The brand is the brainchild of long term resident Tamsin Thornborrow. Don’t forget to bring your own container! 5 Tak Lung Back Street. livezero.hk
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dining
Grow local, eat local Todd Darling talks about supporting local farmers as a restaurant owner. By Apple Lee
Homegrown Foods make it easy for Hong Kong consumers to have access to high quality, local organic fruits and vegetables from farmers in the northern New Territories of Hong Kong and across the border in China. We sat down with Todd Darling, founder of Homegrown Foods and Red Sauce Hospitality Group (responsible for restaurants including Fini’s and Franks) to talk about supporting farmers in our city. In Hong Kong, there are farmers working exceptionally hard to grow great produce just a few miles away, but the limited availability of land makes it hard for these growers to get to a point where they are reliably providing hotels and restaurants. I started Homegrown Foods because I wanted to make sure that people had
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widespread access to local fruits and vegetables. We work with Hong Kong farmers to learn what’s available on the ground and when it’ll be ready for picking so that we can supply establishments and consumers with fresh groceries consistently. I want to smash the myth that the best ingredients have to be flown in. People seem to have this view that corners are cut, and it’s simply not true. I highly recommend visiting local farms and witnessing their hard work and dedication firsthand. It’s also important to acknowledge and support local farmers who may be struggling to compete with big label brands. When we first started out, it took us a little while to earn the trust of local farmers, but once they knew I was serious about supporting them, things ran smoothly.
summer spice grow local
Todd at a farm in the New Territories
Nowadays, more Hongkongers are starting to take notice of local suppliers. It’s important that consumers ask questions about what they’re purchasing. There are online platforms through which you can calculate your carbon footprint – you’d be surprised by the impact that you’re having on the environment and favouring local produce can reduce that impact significantly. When I reconnect with young adults I met ten years ago, it’s great to see that I’ve made an impact – however small it may be – on the way they consume food. These
now teenagers still appreciate the local and organic produce that I’ve introduced to them when they were kids and make it a part of their daily diet. At Red Sauce Hospitality, we’re always experimenting to see where a local ingredient might improve a dish. At our original restaurant Posto Pubblico, you’ll always find seasonal vegetable dishes on the specials board. Right now, there’s a braised fennel dish that I can’t get enough of. At FINI’s, we do a creamy fettuccine pasta using local shiitake and oyster mushrooms.
People talk a lot about our typhoon shelter crab pasta, which we make using locally grown pickled chillies, preserved black beans and a garlic scallion gremolata. Also at Frank’s, our latest venue, we prepare the pappardelle alla vodka using local shiitake mushrooms. My three tips for adopting a healthier lifestyle are to develop strong routines, reevaluate your routines to make sure they are suited for your personal goals and to never stop learning and growing.
Farm-to-table Homegrown produce takes pride of place at these Hong Kong restaurants Fini’s
Roganic
Fini’s spread of Italian American dishes and its colourful location on Soho’s sidewalk makes the casual eatery a favourite haunt for big groups and families alike. The restaurant partners with local farms to source organic produce that are incorporated into their flavourful dishes. They also have meat-free options for vegetarian diners and their menu boasts delicious cocktails and drinks that are not to be missed! 49 Elgin Street, Central. linguinifini.com
Founded by celebrity chef Simon Rogan, Roganic impresses the city’s epicureans 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. Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic. com.hk
Locofama By working closely with Hong Kong’s local farms, Locofama uses organic fruit and vegetables that are free from any pesticides and chemicals. Their menu is designed for sharing and features a slew of small bites and fresh salads. The restaurant also offers a range of natural and biodynamic wine, which comes with probiotics and antioxidants, so you don’t have to feel guilty about that sneaky glass. 9-13 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun. locofama.com
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dining
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nibbles Pawsitively wonderful Calling all cat lovers! Sai Kung now has its very first cat cafe. Coffee Cat sits pride of place on Po Tung Road and has seven furry residents that eat, play and lounge on the mezzanine floor. Diners are welcome to enjoy food and drink, prepared by owners Nelson Lau, Kayla Cheung, and Frankie Koo, before heading upstairs to pet and play with the cats. The cafe is pink inside and the menu includes hearty pastas and rice dishes. 56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.
The Pizza Project opens
That’s cronuts! The World’s Best Pastry Chef and creator of cronuts won’t be serving the famed croissantdoughnut crossover at his first-ever Hong Kong shop. “As a chef, I’ve always believed that we shouldn’t just copy and paste, but instead, create something that’s unique for guests and for the community,” says Dominique Ansel. Instead, you’ll find original, Hong Kong-only creations that pay tribute to the city’s culture and traditions. These include the lemon juice box (a white chocolate cake with bergamot curd) and the coconut passion fruit pineapple bun (a coconut mousse “bun” filled with passion fruit jam). G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. dangwenli.com
The trio behind Pirata Group’s ever-popular pasta bar Pici, namely chefs Andrea Viglione and Davide Borin and operations manager Nacho Lopez rolled out an exciting new concept on January 14, The Pizza Project. Launching with a grand opening party offering free pizza, antipasti and drinks, the latest pizza concept drew in a crowd of
hungry punters. The Pizza Project follows the success formula of Pici and offers only a simple, single page menu – but with a focus on the chewy round dough. The casual eatery prepares fresh homemade pizzas daily along with various Italian starters and desserts. G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central. thepizzaproject.hk
CÉ LA VI is now SKYDECK On December 31, we bid a fond farewell to CÉ LA VI. However, there’s no need to feel sad, SKYDECK has popped up in its place! The bar serves up cocktails, wines and beers
T.C Deli closes in Sai Kung Fresh and frozen meat supplier T.C Deli has sadly closed its doors in Sai Kung after almost three years in the town. It’s not all bad news though, the original branch of the deli in Hang Hau remains open. Late-founder Henry Thiel started the deli chain with a mission to offer more Danish meat options to the region. G/F, 12B Tseung Kwan O Village, Hang Hau Wing Lung Road.
to sip on while enjoying panoramic views of the skyline. Ahhh… that’s better! 25/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. californiatower.com
Magical treats This Valentine’s Day, Hong Kong Disneyland gets into the spirit of love. Hollywood Hotel is hosting heart-shaped pizza-making classes and specially-themed lunches. At recently-opened Dreamer’s Lookout in Disney Explorers Lodge personalised chocolate gift box are on offer for $150 and Midtown Delights, just opened at the park and serves up soft Hokkaido milk ice cream for $45. hongkongdisneyland.com
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health & wellness
Nicole Slater maintains inner calm at these meditation classes
Malbert Lee and his gong
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party-ready ommm relaxation sessions aim to alleviate stress, relax muscles, rejuvenate energy and clear unnecessary clutter from the mind. red-doors.com
Red Doors Studio Gong Bath
Y O GA NID R A Shan Studios
Dee Dream Life
In Hectic Hong Kong, it can be difficult to find moments of stillness. Undoubtedly these moments are vital in helping us stay sane. Try out these meditation studios which offer weekly classes to help you schedule tranquility into your routine.
PRANAYAMA M EDITAT I O N Dee Dream Life Dee Dream Life is a dance, fitness and yoga studio in Mid-levels that also holds specifically-tailored meditation classes. Founder Dee Oh leads Pranayama (breathing) meditation sessions with the aim of helping students focus on techniques that enable them to draw in more pranic energy (positive and vital energy), be more energetic and feel calmness within. deedreamlife.com
Pure Yoga Pure Yoga locations are dotted across the city including in Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. These relatively corporate studios are convenient due to the vast number of classes they host throughout the day. Look out for teacher Chuck Chan’s unique take on meditation in which he instills in his students a deep thinking about the universe. pure-yoga.com
ART M EDI TAT I O N Enhale Meditation Studio Mindfulness-based art is all the rage (or anti-rage!) Enhale Meditation Studio, based in Lan Kwai Fong, holds art meditation sessions that use different mediums of art to observe, reflect and listen. Techniques include drawing, colouring, cutting, collages
and mindful calligraphy. No previous art skills required! enhalems.com
SO U ND M E D ITAT IO N Malbert Lee “When everything flows in harmony, my mind, body and well-being improves” says Malbert who works with high-frequency sound vibration to elevate his students energy and encourage a higher state of mind. Enjoy deep relaxation experiences led by Malbert at Enhale or join him to learn the art of Tibetan singing bowls at The Yoga Room. malbertlee.com
Red Doors Studio Home to Asia’s largest personal collection of meditation gongs, Red Doors Studio, based in Wong Chuk Hang, offers a place for the community to come together. Their weekly gong
Encouraging students to find a healthy routine, Shan Studios offers tranquility high above the city. The Wong Chuk Hang studio offers a range of yoga and meditation classes for beginners and experienced yogis. Their 30-minute Yoga Nidra class leads students through a reclined meditation, designed to relax every part of the body and allow the mind to slip into a deep state. shanstudios.com
Benefits of sound meditation By Malbert Lee How does it work? Sound meditation is an active listening practice in which the student uses sound and music to reach a deep, meditative state of consciousness. What do your classes involve? I use different instruments to create various sound frequencies for brainwave synchronisation. The vibration from the instruments promotes circulation and releases tension in the body. What instruments do you use? I have a collection of gongs, crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, tingsha, wind chimes, drum and other sound-effect instruments which create the soundscape for physical and mental relaxation and rejuvenation. How can Hongkongers connect more with their spirituality? Find out what spirituality means to you - books, videos and podcasts can help. Then, experiment with different mindfulness practices. Lastly, start taking care of your body by noticing the way you move, breathe, eat and the things you consume. When you start having more sense of ease and harmony your connection with your spirituality will grow stronger.
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lifestyle
Spice up your love life Charmaine Ng navigates the world of Hong Kong dating with relationship coach Valentina Tudose Hong Kong-based relationship coach Valentina Tudose, founded Happy Ever After in 2014. Through coaching, she helps her clients to find love and better understand themselves. At the time, I had a lot of friends in Hong Kong who complained about the difficulties of finding love. Some even
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moved to other cities in the belief that that would help them meet a suitable match. With the invention of dating apps, our dating pool now extends worldwide. But many people are afraid to make deep connections for fear of FOMO - in other words, could there be someone better out there?
We have observed a shift towards instant gratification. People want to meet straight away, have sex on a first date etc. This prevents us from building true human connections and emotional intimacy - the foundations of a long term relationship. Once you get to know each other enough, agree on the type relationship you want. Make plans for how you will eventually merge your paths, that way you don’t waste your time. Hong Kong women commonly believe that
lucky in love The ‘work hard play hard’ mentality in Hong Kong has a big impact on relationships. We struggle to find time to relax and reconnect.
fulfills a fundamental need, is also a passion killer. Couples often struggle to maintain the spark and they take each other for granted. That’s when things can really go wrong.
Fundamentally couples need reassurance from each other that they are loved and important. I encourage my clients to prioritise spending quality time together.
There are many ways couples can ‘spice things up’. From exploring sexting, to watching porn together or visiting a sex shop.
Call each other and don’t rely on text. When we text, we are only getting seven percent of the message; so much is lost in interpretation. Monogamy is the current preferred relationship model but, it is not the only one. My definition of monogamy is ‘serial sexual and emotional exclusivity’ and it fulfils a fundamental human need – that of feeling loved, accepted and validated. But it’s a security blanket which comes at a price. Some people feel trapped in the boredom of monogamy. Safety, as much as it
Discuss your fantasies with your partner, this enhances sexual experience, but be aware not to replace the real emotional connection and intimacy that sex is actually all about.
TEDxTinHauWomen Valentina Tudose was recently a guest speaker at TEDxTinHauWomen. Its yearly sold-out events bring together innovative women and men to explore a diverse range of ideas and to drive change in the community. tedxtinhauwomen.com
Valentina Tudose
You can find love in the city
age is the most important factor in love. This leads many women to settle. Some women believe that after a certain age they can only date foreign men because they have missed the boat with the local population. Foreign women are plagued by another belief: that all men only want to date Asian women. The good news is that we have started to see a lot more mixed couples with Western women dating Asian men. Women commonly report that there are not enough eligible matches in Hong Kong, and that men are only interested in sex. Men also report that they struggle to find women who want commitment and exclusivity.
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harmony at home
Find your happy place
Redecorating doesn’t have to be boring
Transform your home for wellness with interior designer Aaron Chin
H
ome is where you start each morning. So it’s really important to decorate your home well so it gives you a nudge to start each day off on the right foot. Here are five quick and easy tips to give your home a facelift.
The 80/20 rule Introducing new colours is a sure way to inject new energy into a tired space but this can often be overdone. When working with a colour palette apply the 80/20: Keep 80 percent of the room neutral and pick stronger colours for the other 20 percent. That means -- you pick a few items within that 20 percent of your room and fashion them with new colours from the same
colour family (colours from the warm family include reds, yellows and oranges while cool family colours are blues, greens, purples.)
Rock n’ roll rugs A rug serves as more than just something to keep your feet warm. You can use rugs to section one room into smaller spaces. This is especially helpful in studio apartments where you can use a few smaller rugs to separate areas so it appears you have more than one space. Another strategy to use a striped rug. Just like vertical stripes on clothing, a striped rug can make your room appear longer. Orient the stripes to go the length of the room that is the longest for optimal effect.
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The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide
A stunning collection of 12 Sai Kung hikes, all completed in 2017 for the most updated information.
Order now at hongkongliving.com/shop (we can mail it anywhere in the world) 34 | SAIKUNG.COM
harmony at home
Keep to 80/20 rule
In other words, you can make your room look longer or wider.
Living with art Art can be many things. A David Hockney painting, the H’mong textile you got in Vietnam last summer or the new creative family photo you took can all make for great wall art. A large picture can act as a centerpiece to elevate a room and serve as a focal point. You may also consider creating a “happy wall” - a gallery wall with multiple pieces that bring you joy and remind you of what’s truly important in your life. We recommend only three to six inches of wall space between the pieces so that the eyes consider it as one coherent piece. When choosing your art, it is helpful to remember the color palette and the 80/20 rules mentioned above.
Create harmony Rearranging your existing furniture does
wonders for your home without you having to buy anything new. It also helps to create a healthier flow through your home. Flow is a bit like chi (energy) in Feng Shui – a good flow at home generally means that people and energy can move through the room freely and harmoniously. Minimise the furniture and decorations that obstruct your sight and path to the walls, windows and doors. Your mind is instinctively at ease if you can see that you have a way through. Be sure to avoid “bowling alley syndrome”. This is when you line up all furniture against two walls, leaving a straight alleyway down the middle. Another super easy trick is to leave a few inches between your furniture and your wall. This gives the illusion of spaciousness.
The Cantaloupe Rule The last easy tip is to remember the “Cantaloupe Rule”, a rule of thumb to follow when choosing what accessories
and small items to display. According to Sabrina Soto, a home style expert from Target, “Decorative accents smaller than a cantaloupe crowd a room.” A room will look more spacious if you only display bigger accessories and do what you can to hide the small items. Aaron Chin is founder of The Editors Company and former GM of BoConcept Hong Kong. The Editors Company is a Hong Kong-based online platform offering affordable home design and furniture shopping services for city dwellers. editorscompany.com Fancy a home makeover with help from professional interior stylists? Hong Kong Living is teaming up with The Editors Company to offer a free home design service for one lucky reader. To enter visit hongkongliving.com
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big day out
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lamma island
GETTING THERE Around half an hour by ferry from Central Pier 4, Lamma Island feels a million miles away from the bustling business district of Hong Kong. You can take a ferry to Sok Kwu Wan on the eastern side of the island or Yung Shue Wan in the northwest. Ferries depart less frequently than to some of the other islands so be sure to check ferry schedules before you leave home. The most up to date schedule can be found at hkkf.com.hk
Alan Shaw takes a leisurely stroll from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan
FROM EAST TO WEST Our route takes from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan with plenty of rest stops along the way and a spot of lunch as we near the western side of the island. We disembarked at the seaside village of Sok Kwu Wan just in time for a morning coffee at one of the laid back bars around the bay. There are also a variety of shops selling snacks, souvenirs and handmade clothing. From Sok Kwu Wan, take the only path out of town, past a small temple on your left. The path turns right and continues uphill. From here you’ll take in stunning views across Hong Kong Island. Look behind and you’ll see the harbour town of Sok Kwu Wan fading into the distance, look ahead and you’ll spy a couple of small sandy beaches. This is where you’re headed. The path becomes shaded by overhanging tree branches and the odd spider’s web. Watch your face, you may be alarmed by the size of the spiders here; indeed they are a common talking point for hikers along this route.
TO THE BEACH… After around 20 minutes, you’ll pass some public toilets which look oddly modern given the surroundings. You’ll also pass a sign for Lo So Shing Beach. For a refreshing break, head down to this pretty little beach for a rest and a swim. Here, there are more public toilets along with showers and changing rooms. The water in this area is relatively clear, despite views of Lamma Island Power Station, just a few kilometres away. After a cool off at the beach, retrace your steps back along the path you came for around 150 yards. One you rejoin the main path, turn left towards Yung Shue Wan. Here, you’ll find the gradient is predominantly uphill, but the incline is not steep and there is plenty of shade provided by overhead trees. By now you are very much in the midst of the Lamma jungle!
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big day out
FROZEN PINEAPPLE ON STICKS You’ll come across a couple of small, rural villages with stalls run by locals selling cold beers and frozen pineapple on sticks. Keep on climbing and you’ll reach a beautiful pavilion jutting out over the sea. Take some time here to observe the route you have come from and take in more stunning views of Sok Kwu Wan.
remainder of the walk should take around 20 minutes, you’ll continue through some seaside villages and reach your destination of Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier. The walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan isn’t too strenuous, provides numerous opportunities for pit stops and takes in a number of sandy beaches. All-in-all, a great day out!
Lamma Island’s eight legged residents
Golden orb weaver Golden comb-footed spider
Ferries run from Central Pier 4 and from From here you have the option to return the way you have come but in my opinion, it’s far more interesting to take in something new. Continue uphill. The route will take you past another pavilion on the west coast from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding islands, the power station and two more beaches which lay in the bays ahead. Good news. From here onwards it’s mainly downhill. The path changes from smooth concrete to large granite cobbles and foot traffic picks up as you get closer to Yung Shue Wun.
Aberdeen. There are two ferry ports on Lamma Island, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. From Central, ferries take 27 minutes to Yung Shue Wan and 30-40 minutes to Sok Kwu Wan.
Banded argiope
Spitting spider
HUNG SHING YEH BEACH You’ll pass Hung Shing Yeh Beach, probably the busiest beach on the island. At the far end of this beach we stopped for lunch at Concerto Inn (concertoinn.com.hk). Daniel and the staff here are incredibly friendly and the food was delicious and filling (I’d recommend the fish and chips!) After leaving Hung Shing Yeh Beach, the
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Cheers from Alan and Sue!
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travel
Shopping for a new face
Charmaine Ng explores Asia’s cosmetic treatment hotspots
H
ow far are you willing to go for beauty – literally? Hong Kong may be known for its shopping and nightlife scene, but how do its beauty treatments and cosmetic procedures compare? The city’s high prices and strict laws mean that savvy women (and men!) have directed their attention elsewhere to get their beauty procedures. Perhaps you’re looking for an affordable dental clinic for teeth whitening or a reputable hospital for lip fillers? Maybe you’ve decided to go all out and under the knife for a new face? Whatever you’re after, here are the most popular countries for cosmetic tourism in Asia.
HONG KONG Although there is no specific law in Hong Kong that regulates plastic surgery, the
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government has, in 2017, proposed a regulatory framework for medical devices including those used in cosmetic procedures, making our city a smidgen safer than many others. Registered plastic surgeons in Hong Kong also have to complete at least 12 years of schooling and training, ending with an examination. Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital, Matilda International
Hospital and OT&P Healthcare are amongst the few larger institutions that offer treatments and procedures in Hong Kong. Advantages Hong Kongers are more familiar with the laws in Hong Kong compared to those in other countries. Consultations with specialists can be done any time, with no need to rush into a procedure in a certain timeframe. Recovering at home, in a familiar setting, is also much easier than recovering overseas in a strange country after a procedure. Disadvantages Hong Kong has a lack of specialists compared to other countries such as South Korea. Our city is good at many things, but plastic surgery isn’t one of them, so doctors here may not give the best results. The biggest disadvantage, though, is the high cost of treatments locally – and it’s exactly this that drives locals to neighbouring countries.
TAIWAN For Hong Kongers, Taiwan is by far one of the most popular countries to go to for cosmetic treatments thanks to its close proximity, affordable pricing and
medical tourism financial crisis, Thailand’s government began to market the country as a destination for cosmetic surgery, which has helped bring in more than a million tourists overall.
ease of communication. Apart from eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty, procedures undertaken in Taiwan mainly involve gel injections, skin tightening treatments and limited invasive surgery, which are well received by high-end Mainland Chinese travellers on a weekend trip. Advantages The biggest advantage of surgery in Taiwan is the ease of communication. Most Hong Kongers are able to speak Mandarin, which lessens the risk of miscommunication. This may not be a selling point for expats, but one thing that everyone can enjoy in Taiwan is the affordable cost of beauty treatments and cosmetic surgeries. Taiwan is also just a short plane ride away and with a climate similar to Hong Kong’s, it’s a practical weekend destination. Disadvantages Taiwan’s plastic surgery industry is essentially a toned-down version of South Korea’s – that is, riddled with false advertising and misleading messages through social media and fake online reviews. Some clinics even omit to relay the risks of surgery to their customers.
THAILAND Medical tourism in Thailand has been on the rise in the last decade. The Southeast Asian country is traditionally known for tourists seeking gender selection IVF treatment or sex changes but has grown in popularity for general cosmetic procedures. After the Asian
Advantages Cosmetic procedures in Thailand are at a fraction of the costs of Hong Kong hospitals. Most note that the service is much better too, with most staff proficient in English. After your surgery, you can even book yourself in for a beach holiday in the Land of Smiles! Disadvantages Thailand’s hospitals are advertised for their high standards of hygiene, maintenance and post-surgery care, but this is not the case for all medical clinics. Some hospitals have been discovered to lack adequate infection control and hygiene measures. Perhaps more worrying, though, is that there is a lack of regulation in Thailand.
SOUTH KOREA South Koreans have willingly gone under the knife for years, with girls still in school flocking to have eyelid operations. This operation, oftentimes a birthday or high school graduation present from family members, accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all operations in the country. Apart from eye surgery, South Korea is known for its rhinoplasty and facial contouring procedures, the latter of which involves cutting and reshaping the bones to change the face shape. The country is also spearheading stem cell treatment and spine surgery.
Treatment checklist What are you hoping to achieve? Most people hope for an improvement in the shape of a particular body part and maybe even a self-esteem boost. Make sure to have realistic expectations and know the limitations of the procedure. Is there a less invasive way? If you are considering surgery, know that there may be other options for you to achieve your outcome. Could you change your diet or exercise more? Give alternatives an honest try first. What are the risks? Before you commit to a procedure, educate yourself on what could go wrong. From permanent nerve damage to even death, have it all laid out in front of you. Will you be able to hide the scars? Scarring occurs with all types of surgeries – there is no such thing as a ‘scarless surgery’. Ask your practitioner about the location and size of the scar. Will you be able to hide it afterwards? How can you prepare to treat the wound so minimal scarring occurs? Are you prepared for additional procedures? You will need periodic top-ups for temporary treatments like botox or fillers. Even if you decide to go under the knife for a permanent solution, things could also go wrong and lead to revision surgery, which involves additional surgery to fix the mistakes of the first. One thing’s for sure – do your research and be prepared.
Advantages High demand for facial and body surgery in South Korea has led to many cosmetic clinics popping up around the Gangnam area. If you’re heading to South Korea for surgery, then you’ll have plenty of choices at affordable prices. Disadvantages The plastic surgery industry in South Korea is notorious for its shady practices, the mildest of which involve false advertising and fake reviews to mislead potential customers. In more serious cases, unqualified doctors have been caught practising as cosmetic surgeons and assistants have been found to be performing surgeries instead of the assigned surgeon – leading to disastrous results.
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zim city
Parking lot at QMH
Why is it so hard to be a smart city?
Paul Zimmerman discusses problems facing the Queen Mary Hospital Redevelopment Project
T
he redevelopment of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) is a mess. In more polite terms: The risk of suboptimal outcomes of the QMH redevelopment process are becoming apparent: Lack of vision, lack of planning, lack of implementation controls.
The hospital has completely outgrown its small footprint on the slopes of Pok Fu Lam Road. The infrastructure is crumbling. Besides serious risks of outages and leakages, wards are overcrowded, doctors and nurses complain, parked vehicles are stacked risking delay of fire and rescue services, vehicles of all sorts block roads, and mortuary visitors paying their respect are left clambering up public roads. In medical terms - the hospital itself is a patient at acute risk of organ failure. That is bad news, as Hong Kong is already facing the challenge of an ageing population which puts tremendous pressure on the healthcare services. Established in 1937, QMH is a major
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acute hospital serving a population of over half a million in the Central and Western and Southern Districts. It is also a research and education centre. Being the teaching hospital of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, QMH is responsible for providing clinical training, innovation, trials for new treatments as well as complex organ transplants, neonatal care, coronary care, burns, reconstructive surgery and neurosurgery for Hong Kong as a whole. After long debates, a phased redevelopment plan commenced in 2014. The District Council is briefed regularly. Phase 1 is focused on redeveloping the north end of the QMH complex by first decanting existing services to the exSenior Staff Quarters (renamed Block T) and now constructing the New Block for completion in 2024. Academics and medical staff battling over priority for new facilities have pushed out the mortuary and car parking from the New Block. This
makes it difficult to redevelop the rest of QMH in the future. It also means that more vehicles will increasingly be found blocking access to QMH and the neighbourhood. To address access problems, the government must consider fast tracking the Queen Mary Hospital MTR station of the South Island Line (West). Due to poor planning the site originally earmarked for the station - the former laundry - is no longer available. The station will now have to be located next to Ebenezer School resulting in clumsy connections with the hospital. The second requirement is that QMH expands its footprint. We have proposed to add land towards the north along Pok Fu Lam Road. A review of land uses along Pok Fu Lam Road and Sassoon Road including the hospital and university facilities is needed to come up with better solutions. A sustainable plan is needed which allows QMH to thrive as a premier teaching hospital, and a modern efficient environment for patients, medical staff, academics, students and residents.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
Photo credit@ Eddie Yip Flickr
sai kung secrets
Mysterious disappearances Nicole Slater investigates local conspiracy theories surrounding the Sai Kung Peninsula
K
nown for challenging hikes and breathtaking scenery, the Sai Kung Peninsula is home to some of Hong Kong’s most famous trails including High Junk Peak and Sheung Luk Stream. What’s lesser known about the Sai Kung Peninsula is the mysterious happenings that have taken place. The far northeast of Sai Kung is believed to contain an unnatural energy, similar to that of the Bermuda Triangle. That energy has been referred to locally as ‘the Sai Kung barrier’ and is located around Section 3 of the Maclehose Trail. Over the years, hikers have tackled this route with many reaching the other side unharmed. But for a few, this area has been their last known location, and they have vanished without a trace. One well known incident occurred in 2005 and involved an off-duty police officer. The officer called for help after getting lost on the
trail. When asked to name his coordinates (all Hong Kong trails are numbered with signs), the dispatcher could not locate the coordinates using the government registry. To this very day, the police officer is still missing. In 2009, a bus driver went hiking alone in a similar area. After failing to return home, the man’s family called his mobile phone, a local fisherman who had found the phone answered the call. The man is still missing. The most recent case reported was in 2011, a third male hiker called an emergency number after getting lost on the trail. While midconversation, the call mysteriously cut off and the man and his phone were never found. These disappearances, along with some other odd occurrences, have been the inspiration for many conspiracy theories. The most popular being that the area is surrounded by an energy barrier which transports people into a parallel universe. Similar theories have
been suggested with regards to mysterious happenings around the Bermuda Triangle. Other theories about the Sai Kung Peninsula include bad Feng Shui and hauntings. Sceptics of these theories suggest that the odd occurrences are a result of rock formations in the area which have a magnetic field that malfunctions compass and affects phone reception. The rough terrain of the trail also makes this a difficult hike, even for the most experienced hikers. Each missing person mentioned above was hiking alone in the Sai Kung Peninsula so if you are concerned about this phenomenon, always hike in a group. Stay safe out there Saikungers! Know of a Sai Kung secret? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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woof
I smell a rat
Dr Pauline Taylor celebrates rodents as we enter the Year of the Rat Rats are known to be the most social of rodents. They live in large cooperative family communities. Rats are thought to have originated in northern China and spread to every continent except Antarctica, making them the most successful mammal, alongside humans.
Rats live to forage and mate. Most are nocturnal, though the brown rat is often awake day or night. They usually stick together in groups called packs. New packs are formed when a male and female go off on their own and nest in a new area.
Brown rats generally live wherever humans live, especially in built up areas. Most people have seen wild rats but few people encounter pet or laboratory rats. Pet rats come in a variety of colours and are very interactive with their human keepers. Rats have been studied extensively by scientists and used and abused in laboratory experiments. Here are simple facts about the common rats we see on our streets:
The squeak is a rat’s scream; they squeak when they are frightened or in pain. They are extremely intelligent creatures, which makes training them a piece of cake. The reason why rats are used in scientific studies is because they have such high levels of emotional intelligence.
Rat biology (John Hopkins University data) Lifespan 2.5-3.5 years Adult weight Males 300-500g, Females 250-300g Birth weight 5-6g Heart rate 330-480 beats per minute Respiratory rate 85 breaths per minute Body temperature 35.9-37.5ºC Blood volume 50-70 ml/kg Urine volume 3.3 ml/100g bwt/day Allergens Dander, urinary protein Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
Finally, wild and pet rats can carry many diseases including Leptospirosis and Salmonella. Humans and other animals including dogs can catch these diseases through contact with rat urine, most commonly occurring through contaminated fresh water. May I wish everyone a very happy, prosperous, peaceful and healthy Year of the Rat!
Dr. Pauline Taylor Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.
Walkies
High Island Reservoir trail with Rex the short-haired Weimaraner Stretch your legs while taking in views across Hong Kong’s biggest reservoir, High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung. The walk begins with a short detour around Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, an old Hakkke village, before joining the first stage of the MacLehose Trail towards East Dam. This dam is part of the Geopark and offers
stunning views over the water, famous hexagonal rock columns and even a sea cave. (You can get great photos around this area!) The hike is just under 13km and takes around four hours to complete. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks - for both you and the dog, and stay in the shade wherever possible. February
with it’s cooler temperatures is the perfect month to tackle this relatively challenging hike. Since there are no water pools on the route it’s perhaps not as ideal for dogs during the hottest of summer months. How to get there: Dogs are not allowed on public buses so take a taxi from Sai Kung to Pak Tam Chung (around 10 minutes). If you drive, the area offers free parking but spaces fill up fast on weekends. Alternatively, if you don’t have a dog in tow, take minibus number 7, 9 or KMB bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung.
Have a favourite walk? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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marketplace
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
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marketplace
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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
marketplace
What to plant in February
F
ebruary is a dry and mild month with average highs and lows of around 19°C / 14°C (66.2°F / 57.2°F). The numbers alone don’t deliver much hope but alas it’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand. Are your winter beauties blooming? Chrysanthemum are rarities in Hong Kong, but if you happen to have a pot or two, cuttings should now be put in. Heliotropes may still be potted on, as well as Crotons propagated last summer. Put pots and soil undercover for potting purposes next month. Clean pots and fresh soil are necessary for a successful and bountiful bloom. Prune and re-tie Bignonia Venusta once it has finished flowering. You can’t miss it - an admirable rich orangy colour that contrasts passive winter hues. Another sowing of Sunflowers may be made. Seeds of Verbena Venosa may be sown - the plants will flower in July. If your green reserves are running low, now is a good timing to plant ahead and sow the following: Mustard and Cress, Radish, Turnip, Chinese Spinach, French Beans, Peas, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Long Beans, Water Spinach, Ochroes and Sword Beans. Put out young plants of Lettuce, Vegetable Marrow, Tomato, Cucumber and Brinjal. Plant Jerusalem Artichokes towards the end of the month. February is still relatively dry, so keep the tubers watered regularly. Asparagus beds may now be manured. Blanch Lettuce and Endive for succession, and earth up Celery for the same purpose as well. Winter does not encourage gardening affairs, but in harsh conditions our love prevails. Once the work is done, sit back and think of the warmer Springtime days that lie ahead. Flowers wilt so a new sapling can grow. Your garden is actually tougher than you know.
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By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.
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stephen says... democrat majority in the council promises that a number of changes will be made. However, at the time of writing, the prospects of cooperation with the fast fading Lam administration are not strong. Mrs Lam has shown no interest in meeting the newly elected councillors but very quickly convened a meeting with those who lost their seats from the pro-China camp. The fear is that the future of the council’s work will be clouded by endless attempts to undermine the people who overwhelmingly won the election. The very limited powers given to district councils means that the administration can do its worst if it is determined to do so.
Life is a highway
Hiram’s Highway
Stephen Vines praises government shock...But there is always a however..
N
ow that stage one of the Hiram’s Highway widening programme is nearing completion the Highways Department is wasting no time in gazetting stage two, the more complex part of the programme stretching from Marina Cove to Sai Kung town. This includes a complicated subway pedestrian crossing at Pak Sha Wan as well as considerable hillside removal and complex slope reinforcement. It also looks as though we will be seeing more of those ugly noise reduction barriers which have been installed around Marina Cove. Besides doing surprisingly little to reduce noise they add an eyesore to what will become a spanking new four-lane highway. The need for expanding Hiram’s Highway is hard to question and the success of minimal construction inconvenience during the building of stage one is truly admirable. However, there is always a however, it remains a mystery why this work is being undertaken alongside equally major work on the Sai Sha Road, the only other road providing a means of exit from Sai Kung town and indeed the rest of the Sai Kung peninsula. Joined up planning does not seem to be a speciality of the fine folk over at the Highways Department. Both road widening schemes are needed. Hiram’s Highway is already heavily congested but Sai
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Sha Road can probably wait a bit because the new housing developments that anticipate the need for road widening, are someway off from completion. Fishy, but in a good way Meanwhile, also in the realm of gazetting the government has been laying down plans for a new fisheries strategy in the marine parks. Crucially this will ban commercial fishing in protected areas such as those of the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. Hopefully it will also result in the declared aim of preserving marine life and enhancing the coral communities. As well as preservation the plan calls for fish restocking and the creation of artificial reefs. This is all good news and although the government has, at best, shown itself to be a reluctant conservationist, this new strategy promises to significantly notch up conservation efforts. Let’s see how it actually plays out. Can the district councillors pull it off? The new Sai Kung District Council is now installed with Ben Chung as chairman and Francis Chau as vice-chairman. Hopefully the youngish Ben Chung does not intend to repeat his predecessors’ interminable reign which saw him hogging the post for over three decades. The strong pro-
One of the main cards in the councillor’s hands however is to blow away the secrecy and general lack of transparency demonstrated by the outgoing pro-China camp. The Sai Kung DC has already shown a willingness to be active participants in the wider political debate which has caused some kickback from the defeated pro-China parties who say that district councils are not the place for politics. Why then did the Sai Kung DC, alongside the other pro-China controlled councils, scramble to support the now defunct extradition legislation that led to the current protests? Is their logic that political action in support of the government is somehow non-political? A 40th anniversary that remains unmarked Entirely unrecognised by the government, the MacLehose Trail marked its fortieth anniversary at the end of last year. This 100km long trail starts in Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, ending up in Tuen Mun. Maybe the silence over this significant anniversary is down to the fact the trail was named after the ardent walker and former Governor Sir Murray MacLehose. Evidently under the new dispensation colonial reminders are not required. Yet this trail is a magnificent achievement and was named by National Geographic magazine as one of the world’s 20 dream trails. The spirit of Big Mac, as he was known on account of his height, but not to his face, can easily be imagined striding through the paths making up this breathtaking natural adventure which many of us still enjoy on a very regular basis.
Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.
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