Expat Parent July 2020

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the really useful magazine hongkongliving.com

July 2020

Making Magic The people who make your children’s wishes come true

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CONTENTs 2

Editor’s letter

Hello from the hot desk. Plus three things we love

ISSUE 074

8

4 Contributors

Meet this month’s team

6

What’s on

Summer is here. The best events this July

8 News

Your monthly local news roundup

10

Things to know

World Chocolate Day

12

Must haves

Your beach essentials checklist

14

Cover story

Hong Kong children’s brands and the entrepreneurs behind them

20

Dining

Beach restaurants with superb views

24

Home & living

Get your home summer ready

28

Big day out

Summer day trips for the whole family

32

Book club

How to navigate change and uncertainties with Claire Rowe

36

Rugrat ramblings

Diary of an expat baby

32

ove The Big M

14 6

10

28

24

Rowe &

by Clare Written e Box ted by Kyli Illustra

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editor’s Letter

who’s in charge?

W

hen the weather app says rain and thunderstorm every day, you know that summer is officially here. And if there is one thing I’ve learned about Hong Kong summers after being here for more than 20 years, it’s that the wet and gloomy weather tends to disappear just as quickly as it arrived.

The day we shot our magazine cover there were huge clouds looming over our heads. Despite the ominous looking weather, we took our chance and carried on with the outdoor photoshoot.

I was firstly impressed by our cover stars who switched gears from being savvy entrepreneurs to professional models – just look at how great the photos turned out.

And what do you know, the sky cleared up near the end of our shoot. We like to think the sun came out because of all the good vibes we put out.

Read our interview with these children’s brand founders on page 14. From a party supplies retailer to a kid’s consignment shop founder, they are the everyday heroes who are working with mums and dads to make your children’s dreams come to life.

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editorial Director Gemma Shaw

Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater

Editor Apple Lee

Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng

Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam

Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang

Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan

Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui

Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip

Partnership Manager Elaine Li

Publisher

Editor’s picks

Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com

Founding Director Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Learn how to bake egg tarts with Virginia Chan, the local food guide from Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge.

Learn basic Cantonese phrases and the history of the Hong Kong sweet staple while you’re at it. humidwithachanceoffish balls.com

Drink

Young Master Brewery and COA have joined forces to launch the ultimate drink this summer. The result is a tepache-inspired ale fermented with fresh pineapples and aged in Chardonnay barrels. youngmasterales.com

Stay

Book yourself a summer staycation at Four Seasons Hotel and join its Masters of Craft classes to learn the art of cocktail making or how to make dim sum at the world’s first Michelin three-star Chinese restaurant. fourseasons.com

STAY STRONG HONG KONG You may have noticed that we’re at a reduced number of pages. These are tough times for everyone and just like other small businesses in Hong Kong, we are rationing. Hopefully things will return to normal soon. For now, we’ve squeezed the same great content into this slightly smaller issue. We hope it fills you with positivity for this great city in which we live.

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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: Graham Uden

Make

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contributors

Graham Uden

Marina Watt

Katrina Lau

British-born photographer Graham Uden shot our cover this month at Repulse Bay. His riskier work involved being held up by AK-47 toting ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers in Cambodia and squatting metres from Taliban trenches in Afghanistan. grahamuden.com

Marina has more than a decade of experience in communications and is currently studying for a doctorate in education. She enjoys writing about parenting and education for various Hong Kong publications. See what she’s up to this month on page 7.

Born in Malaysia and raised in Hong Kong, Katrina is now in her second year of journalism studies at The University of Hong Kong. As a self-proclaimed coffeeholic and foodie, she is always down for Instagrammable cafes and food adventures.

Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com

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what’s on Wine connoisseur, Debra Meiburg shares the trusted techniques used by the world’s top wine professionals in a unique workshop. 7-9pm.

From $750. MWM Wine School, 9th Floor, Aberdeen Industrial Building, 236 Aberdeen Main Road. mwminternational.com

JUL 4-25

Organic Farm with Ayurveda Yoga & Breakfast Start your weekend with Ayurveda Yoga, meditation and a light breakfast at a local organic farm on Lamma Island every Saturday in July. 8.15-10am. $250. vatayogaretreat.com

THROUGHOUT JULY

Donut Playhouse Kids Summer Carnival Enjoy over 30 fun family experiences at K11 MUSEA this summer. Perfect your strokes at the new kid’s golf club or join an art jamming and balloon twisting workshop. $200. 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. k11musea.com

UNTIL JUL 5

A Tale of the Southern Sky Well-known for its award-winning production of Border Town, the drama group is returning this summer with a new original tale. $190.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. urbtix.hk

UNTIL JUL 19

The 2020 Sovereign Asian Finalists Exhibition A diverse presentation of artwork by 31 shortlisted artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. Visitors will be invited to cast a vote for their favourite artist until July 12. Free. L2, K11 ATELIER, 728 King’s Road, Quarry Bay. sovereignartfoundation.com

UNTIL AUG 21

Hebe Haven Yacht Club Summer Sailing and Multi-Activity Weeks Members and non-members can enjoy a summer of watersports activities every Monday to Friday. Coach Ash will also be teaming up with the club to teach land activities and beach games. From $3000. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk

JUL 1

Special Administrative Region Establishment Day Let’s start the month off with a public holiday.

JUL 1

Standup Comedy Open Mic Try your hand at comedy or watch new and seasoned comedians perform. 7.30-10.30pm.

Free.The Riff, 8/F California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central. theriff.hk

JUL 3

Expert Series: Taste like a Master with Debra Meiburg MW

JUL 5

Porgy and Bess The Foundation of Arts and Music in Asia presents the James Robinson production of Porgy and Bess. 5pm. $200. Béthanie Theatre, HKAPA Béthanie Landmark Heritage Campus, Pok Fu Lam. premier.hkticketing.com

JUL 6

The Upper House Running Club Hit the trails by Bowen Road on the first Monday of each month with resident Running Coach, Mark Herman. 8-10am. Free. Meet at the hotel entrance. The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. upperhouse.com

JUL 7-8

Start Me Up HK 2020 Bringing together the local and international tech community. The festival condenses 365 days of start-up life into two with multiple stages, workshops and resources. startmeup.hk

JUL 10

Summer Sparkles 2020 Discover local brands and shop for amazing deals at the annual Kowloon Bazaar. Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, 64 Mody Road, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui. 11-8pm. Facebook: Kowloon Bazaar.

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tell me more

HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair

mum about town

JUL 15-21

HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair

Put your craft hat on

Attention all bookworms. The Hong Kong Book Fair is back with book deals, compelling conferences and seminars featuring famous writers. $25.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. hkbookfair.hktdc.com

Summer camp is a great way to learn something new. Not only for kids, but for us adults too. Southside furniture store Mirth is now offering a series of summer craft workshops, from making a personalised market bag to weaving your very own macramé rainbow wall hanging.

JUL 16-17

Entrepreneur Day A series of exhibitions, sessions and events to promote entrepreneurship and start-ups in Hong Kong. 10.30am-7pm. Free. Hall 5/F, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com

Summer Camp at Mirth: July 7, 14, 15, 21 & 23. From $570.

3/F, Yally Industrial Centre, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang. mirthhome.com

JUL 17

Hand Pan Experience Workshop Learn the basics of the unique instrument hand pan. 7pm-8.30pm. $350.

K11 Atelier, 728 King’s Road, Quarry Bay. kaa.k11atelier.com

JUL 19

Spring Race

Craving adventure? The XTE Challenge Series is organizing an action-packed race through some of nature’s wondrous places. From $200. Kam Shan Country Park. xterace.com

JUL 24-25

Ani-Com And Games Fair A five-day convention for gamers and anime enthusiasts.

10am-9pm. $35. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. ani-com.hk.

Make your own hand sanitisers that actually smell good Using hand sanitizers has become part of the post-Covid new normal for many of us. Don’t like the smell of your alcohol sanitisers? Come and join Parfumerie Trésor to learn how to make your own perfume scented hand sanitiser. All proceeds from the workshop will go towards Maggie’s Centre to support its work in offering multi-professional services to cancer patients and their family members.

Charity Perfume Scented Hand Sanitiser Workshops: July 17, 24 & 31, 5.30-6.15pm. $200. G/F, 18 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan. parfumerietresor.com

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news

Beaches are back More good news just in time for the sweltering summer months. Beaches, parks and libraries have reopened. A handful of our most beloved swimming spots, including Big Wave Bay, Silverstrand Beach and Trio Beach have opened, along with Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and Kowloon Park. Time to dust off that picnic basket.

Holiday at home In response to the coronavirus outbreak, many governments have implemented travel restrictions, which means any idea of an overseas vacation is out of the question at the moment. Luckily, it is not difficult to find joy travelling within Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has recently launched the Holiday at Home campaign to encourage Hongkongers to be a tourist in

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their own city and to view Hong Kong with a new perspective. The campaign has received great support from the tourism, retail and dining industries, which are working together to boost local consumption. “By encouraging local tourism, we hope to rebuild the city’s vibrant atmosphere and give the world a positive impression so that visitors will feel confident about coming to Hong Kong again,� says HKTB Chairman Dr YK Pang. discoverhongkong.com

news

BABY NEWS Bedding supplies to give your newborn the best night’s sleep

New World Development’s ‘Mask To Go’ dispensers start service Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, New World Development (NWD) has launched a series of relief measures. Building its own mask production lines in Hong Kong with an aim to produce 7 million masks per month for distribution, its much-anticipated “Mask To Go” dispensers began service in May. This creative initiative enables 40,000 pre-registered beneficiaries to collect a free pack of five medical masks over ten consecutive weeks. The masks are available at 37 designated centres run by NGOs across all 18 of Hong Kong’s districts, easing citywide anxiety about the shortage of masks. nwd.com.hk

Sleep needs for babies change with their age. Newborns need around 16 hours per day, but their sleep is in short segments.

Generally, newborns sleep up to nine hours in the day and about eight hours at night, although they may not sleep more than one to two hours at a time. To maximise the quality of sleep that your baby has, the type of bedding you choose is very important. Here are three products from NotTooBig to help your baby get the best night’s sleep.

4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet Soothe and comfort your baby in this sleep bassinet with its natural bounce and sway motions that move just like parents do.

Plastic with purpose

Love to Dream Swaddle Up This wearable sleepsuit is designed to calm your baby’s natural startle reflex and allow them to have a safe and deep sleep.

Hong Kong-based company Rupert & Bird has introduced a new line of ecofriendly towels. Each towel is created from recycled plastic bottles, equaling to an overwhelming 22 bottles per towel. This fresh line breathes new air to six eyecatching designs with its first collection devoted to Hong Kong. rupertandbird.com

HugsieBABY Anti-Dust Mite Pillow for Baby Made with chemical-free anti-mite fabric, this washable cooling touch pillowcase will soothe your baby to sleep with its comfortable shape.

NotTooBig Mega Baby Expo Date: Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2020 (Thu-Sun) Time: Oct 29 - Oct 31, 2020 12noon-8pm Nov 1, 2020 11am-6pm Venue: Star Hall / Rotunda 2, 3/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre Fee:

$10 / person

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THINGS TO KNOW

1

Chocolate was said to be first introduced in Europe on July 7, 1550. That’s why the International Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7 annually.

2

Farmers have to wait four to five years for a cacao tree to produce its first beans. Cacao trees are so delicate that farmers lose approximately 30% of their crop each year.

3

Scientists have found that dark chocolate has high levels of flavanols, which is a chemical that helps lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots and fight cell damage.

4

Chocolate contains substances that stimulate the brain in the same way cannabis does. It also creates a greater mental high than kissing does.

Things you need to know Chocolates

5

Hot chocolate was the first chocolate treat. Cocoa was a bitter concoction often enjoyed during weddings in Aztec and Mexico.

It’s World Chocolate Day. Katrina Lau finds out everything you ever wanted to know about these dangerously addictive sweet treats

6

Since the Aztecs, chocolate is said to contain substances that inflame desire and make the beloved one more open to romance. That’s why chocolate is the most popular gift on Valentine’s Day.

7

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We consume at least 7.2 million 7.2 metric tons of million chocolate a year, ton with Switzerland being the country with the highest annual consumption.

Where to get your cacao fix: Leonidas From a family brand to a worldwide favourite, Leonidas has over 100 years of history and now boasts over 1,300 shops across the globe. leonidas.com.hk Godiva A well-known name in the chocolate world, explore its extensive collection of chocolate delights, from bars, cookies to ice cream. godiva.com.hk La Maison du Chocolat Indulge yourself in one of its praline chocolate boxes or share it with your loved ones. lamaisonduchocolat.hk Venchi The Italian chocolatier has 140 years of heritage. Mix and match your Piedmont chocolates to personalize your bag of happiness. venchi.com.hk Lucullus Found all over Hong Kong, Lucullus boasts a wide variety of decadent and gourmet chocolates as well as artisanal cakes. lucullus.com.hk

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MUST HAVES

Floral escape malachite wrap bracelet $1,008 from Anthea Cooper antheacooper.com

Amazonite midi wrap ring $426 from Anthea Cooper antheacooper.com

Life’s a beach Your summer staycation essentials. By Nicole Slater

Orange gold babani cover up $11,626 from Marie France Van Damme mariefrancevandamme.com

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Pom pom straw bag $359 from Black Coral xo blackcoralxo.com

MUST HAVES

Sampans at sunset $1,000 from Mazu Resortwear mazuresortwear.com

Tied flat leather sandals with jute $399 from Zara zara.com/hk

Eric Javits raffia fringe floppy hat $2,940 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

Eco beach towel $380 from Rupert and Bird rupertandbird.com

Sunkissed bottle $270 from S’well swell.com

Active pink sunscreen 110ml $129 from Cancer Council Australia cancercouncilshop.org.au

Manarai one-piece swimsuit $349 from Black Coral xo blackcoralxo.com

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C ST OV O ER RY

Building brands for kids

Charmaine Ng meets the creative minds behind Hong Kong’s leading children’s brands. Photography by Graham Uden Bonne Mere is a boutique children interiors brand that cultivates the values of a ‘good mother’. It focuses on offering heirloom products to be handed down and appreciated for generations to come including classic, timeless bedding, nursery accessories and clothing.

The brand was founded by Nicole Mair, an Australian fashion designer and product development manager who has worked on iconic sci-fi film The Matrix, creating the costumes for Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss, and presented collections at Paris Fashion Week. “After many years of travelling abroad for weeks at a time and endless weekends working to meet deadlines for fashion shows, it was time to try something new,” Nicole says, of starting Bonne Mere.

“The brand has enabled me to continue my passion to create and given me the opportunity to spend more time with my daughter and watch her grow.”

Devoted to helping new parents decorate and create beautiful and cosy environments, 14 Expat Parent

Bonne Mere combines classic European tradition with contemporary design, embracing subtle and soft colour tones to help support peaceful and harmonious moments for children. The brand works hand in hand with a small family-run factory and happy community of mothers and grandmothers who are passionate about their handcrafted products. “We are very proud to create economic opportunities for people, especially women, to provide for themselves,” says Nicole.

When asked about the future of Bonne Mere, sustainability and longevity lie at the core of the brand is doing. “Our overall design and production focus is sustainability. This means using eco-friendly practices, sustainable materials and ethical production processes,” Nicole also mentions continuing to produce timeless designs and expanding to become a global children and nursery brand. “We believe there is a need for products that withstand the test of time and still be stylish long after the season is over,” she says.

R VE Y O R C TO S

Started two years ago by mum-of-two Conny Wong, Pepper & Mint is a brand that seeks to create lasting memories for parents and their loved ones through handmade gifts. Its speciality lies in baby shoes and snuggle blankets with playful and young-at-heart designs, each meticulously handcrafted by upskilled mothers and fathers in Indonesia.

This year, Pepper & Mint’s shoes were notably part of the 2020 Academy Awards swag bags that were received by some of this year’s Oscars winners and nominees.

The brand has also been featured in British Vogue as well as a finalist at the 2018 Hong Kong Smart Designs Award.

As a small brand, Pepper & Mint tries to have a positive impact in both community and the world. As well as empowering stay-at-home artisans in Indonesia, its handmade products are made in small batches, meaning that there is less production waste and less product wasted.

The brand has even started an initiative whereby the fabric offcuts from the production process are repurposed and given a second life.They are sewn into baby bibs, and more recently, made into reusable face masks which were then donated to nursing homes in Indonesia where there is a severe shortage of masks during the pandemic. To top things off, a percentage of all sale proceeds goes to a children’s charity in Tacloban, Philippines, where Conny personally volunteered in 2015.

“The development of the brand has been natural and instinctive and I hope it will continue that way,” she says. “Our handmade products are produced in small batches with love, intention and care. As my kids grow up, it’s natural that I am looking for different items and product lines that will cater to their needs, so we have some exciting projects in the pipeline to add to the brand soon.”

Founded in 2016, Swoon Soirées has established itself as the city’s go-to destination for unique partyware. Its website features over 100 party themes to choose from, offering everything that is needed to plan a pictureperfect party for children and adults alike.

Founder and owner Brenda Wilson started Swoon Soirées when there was little in the way of party supplies available in the local market.

“I could often be found with suitcases full of party and baking supplies on trips back from the United States,” she says. “After being ‘randomly’ stopped a hundred percent of the time by TSA for additional screening, I thought perhaps it was time to start importing my favourite goodies in bulk.” She decided that an online party supplies platform would give her maximum flexibility to focus on raising her daughter while still building a business from the ground up.

Today, Swoon Soirées prides itself on sourcing the finest quality items from around the globe, such as gourmet sprinkles from Canada, giant balloon kits from Australia, colourfully themed lollipops from the United States and sophisticated ceramic cake stands from Denmark.

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C ST OV O ER RY 16 Expat Parent

R VE Y O R C TO S

Hong Kong-based online retailer Gift Something is a one-stop-shop for all gifting and celebratory occasions – from children’s birthdays to baby showers and more. Its platform offers a vast collection of gifts and hampers, including luxury baby and toddler products.

Founder and owner Justin Chung, who describes himself as a serial entrepreneur, started the company in 2011 when online shopping was new to Hong Kong. Having previously run a multi-brand fashion agency and baby brand in Australia, he knew that baby gifts were one category that he had to include in his e-commerce store. “Having experienced the financial ups and downs as a business owner, I learnt that when the economy is bad, people would continue to buy gifts, especially baby gifts,” he explained.

With Gift Something, Justin hopes to continue offering customer-focused service. “When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I couldn’t believe how big successful companies can operate with such terrible customer service,” he says.

“I wanted to change that and make sure that our focus is always on the customer.”

With a mission to make a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste in the fashion industry and supporting unprivileged children in Hong Kong, KidsDressSmart (KiDS) is a consignment store with a strong charitable slant. It transforms unwanted clothes into a force for good while offering parents a novel and cost-effective way to shop for kids’ designer clothes.

To date, KiDS has helped to raise almost $200,000 for worthy causes through various pop-ups and its online store.

KiDS is the brainchild of Aira Sasso, who realised that people in Hong Kong were looking for an outlet for their children’s clothes.

“I noticed a lot of my friends had wardrobes full of kids’ clothes – some used only for a few months, others never worn. ‘What should I do with them?’ was often the

question that came up. So I set up KiDS in 2014 to offer parents a solution,” says Aira.

Through KiDS, Aira encourages parents to extend the life of the clothes their children no longer need, by selling them (and receiving 50% of the sale proceeds) or choosing to donate the proceeds to charity. For Aira, creating awareness about environmental issues while giving back to the community is of utmost importance. “With KiDS, we hope to play our part in reducing clothing waste and inspiring parents to shop for high quality, second-hand clothes instead of fast fashion. I have been touched by how many people have chosen to donate their children’s clothes to support charitable causes and I hope this community of caring parents will continue to grow,” she says.

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C ST OV O ER RY With over 50 years of history, Rent-A-Mum is a professional childcare agency offering nannies, maternity nurses, childminders and babysitters to its largely expatriate clientele. All its caregivers speak English as a first language and have culturally western philosophies regarding the care of children.

Founded by Shirley Robinson, Rent-A-Mum works to ensure that every child placed under its care has a positive experience from the caregiver. “I have never underestimated the responsibility that I have running this business,” says Shirley. “It’s a huge responsibility to look after other people’s children. Although I don’t have children myself, I am absolutely passionate about how we as a society raise them.”

Indeed, one of the reasons why Rent-AMum has the great reputation it has in Hong Kong is because Shirley handpicks both the business’ personnel as well as its clients. She appreciates that she cannot help every family for both cultural as well as financial reasons, choosing to focus on quality instead. “As Hong Kong remains a cosmopolitan city, there will always be room for Rent-A-Mum,” she says.

Baker & Bloom is a K-12 education centre that cultivates creative literacy and entrepreneurial mindsets in kids. Unlike other tutorial centres that focus on standardised tests, its mission and curriculum hone in on a child’s long-term success.

Teachers at Baker & Bloom come from all walks of life, from a former NASA engineer to an award-winning writer and journalist and reading specialists to makerspace educators – all keen to support each child’s growth.

Founder and educational director Renée Boey started the organisation to help Hong Kong students unleash their creativity despite the stress and stifling burden of exams. “I feel society often pressures kids to aim

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to be ‘the best’ or to compete for ‘a bigger share of the pie’ in life,” she says. “But I want to encourage children to ‘bake their own pies’ which is just a way of capturing a mentality of abundance.”

Renée hopes Baker & Bloom will pioneer ways to prepare kids to be compassionate creators and innovators. She is currently working with a team of educators to build a new bilingual school in Hong Kong that promotes project-based learning, focuses on real-world issues and cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets. “It may be the first of its kind in our city, but I believe lots of people here are ready for new ways to prepare their children for the future,” she says.

R VE Y O R C TO S

Naomi Wear curates simple and playful kidswear for newborns to children aged eight years old. Established in 2016, founder and owner May Liu wanted to create a platform for mothers who were tired of mass-produced brands and who appreciated the beauty of simplicity.

At first, Naomi Wear sourced its products from indie brands made in Japan and Korea.

Now, however, many of its collections are designed in house, taking inspiration from Japanese kimonos.

“I’ve always believed that excessive designs only overshadow a child’s characteristics,” says May, who was juggling full-time work in the hospitality industry when she started Naomi Wear. “For me, simple cuts and patterns with some playful details help shift the focus back to the child. That’s why I draw inspiration from Japanese culture and aesthetics, which give the utmost importance to attention to detail.”

Four years along, the brand has grown from a website to two retail stores in Hong Kong catering to both local and international customers. You can find Naomi Wear at Windsor House in Causeway Bay and K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui. It also offers global shipping on its website.

Learn more about the brands: Baker & Bloom: bakerandbloom.com Bonne Mere: bonnemere.com Gift Something: giftsomething.com KidsDressSmart: kidsdresssmart.com Naomi Wear: naomiwear.com Pepper & Mint: pepperandmintboutique.com Rent-A-Mum: rent-a-mum.com Swoon Soirées: swoonxoxo.com

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dining

Limewood

Breezy beach eats

Transport yourself to the tropics at these balmy beachside restaurants.

By Nicole Slater Shek O Cococabana

Specialising in barbecue, seafood and margaritas, Limewood serves up a fusion of Hawaiian and Caribbean cuisines. Kids eat free Monday to Wednesday. It’s also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends too! limewood.hk

Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills of Shek O while dining on fresh seafood with Mediterranean flavours.

Cococabana has received praise worldwide from the Lonely Planet guidebook to celebrities including Chris Martin and Jeremy Clarkson.

Chef-owner Jean-Paul Gauci places an emphasis on sustainability with much of the meat and fish sourced organically and sustainably. toptables.com.hk

Repulse Bay Limewood This colourful Repulse Bay restaurant makes for a fun pitstop for a day at the beach.

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South Lantau Treasure Island Restaurant and Bar Located at one of the hippest beaches in Hong Kong, Treasure Island’s beach restaurant and sun terrace is a popular hangout in South Lantau. The Pui O Beach restaurant offers classic comfort food like steak, sliders and burgers alongside a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is open every Friday evening, weekends and public holidays. treasureislandhk.com

Our editors love…

Limewood has launched a new weekend breakfast menu with something for everyone.

There is a range of healthy options for those looking for a light bite as well as heartier numbers like the bacon and egg roti.

dining Lamma Island The Bay Tucked away on Mo Tat Wan, enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine while taking in spectacular views of the crashing waves. The Bay offers a laid back atmosphere with friendly staff, comfortable chairs and reasonable prices. Its menu features a range of seafood, salads, pastas and grill options. thebayhk.com

sandy Repulse Bay Beach. The restaurant uses long rising dough to make its pizzas lighter and easier to digest. For those who are dining with kids in tow, the Bambino menu features fun fish-shaped pizzas with a number of kidfriendly toppings including pepperoni, cheese and tomato. While you are waiting for the food to arrive, keep your little ones entertained with games and colouring activities offered by the restaurant. amalfitana.hk

Lantau

Repulse Bay Amalfitana Enjoy classic Italian dishes inspired by the colourful Amalfi coast while overlooking the

Bathers Restaurant and Bar Located on the edge of Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Bathers exudes a relaxing resort vibe while serving up a range of international

seafood dishes, fresh salads and classic holiday staples. Only a few steps from the ocean, parents will love having a leisurely lunch while the little ones splash around in the sun. bathers.com.hk

Discovery Bay Zaks Be it dining from the upper lounge or relaxing on the al fresco deck enjoying vast views of the beachfront, this spacious restaurant is a favourite amongst Discovery Bay residents.

With an extensive menu boasting international flavours, guests can enjoy everything from pastas and Singapore noodles to baby back ribs and salad. casteloconcepts.com

Race you to the bar Beach bars that dole out good vibes and stunning views

Hing Kee Beach Bar Set on Cheung Chau with nearly 70 years of history, Hing Kee Beach Bar is a charming little bar serving up drinks and casual bites such as fish and chips, pork chops and other home cooked dishes. A great spot to chill out after a long day at the beach, the bar also serves a selection of local craft beers such as Gweilo, Heroes and Kowloon Bay. Facebook: Hing Kee Beach Store

Ben’s Back Beach Bar Known as the ‘BBB’ to locals, this bar is both kid- and petfriendly. It serves up drinks for a great price with beers starting at $20 and spirits at just $25, which you can enjoy to the stunning sunset view.

An outdoor patio BBQ space is available for reservation.

Facebook: Ben’s Back Beach Bar

Momentai Located at Sai Kung Waterfront, Momentai is an independent al fresco bar-restaurant popular with local Saikungers. It isn’t next to the beach per se, but still has a laidback, beachlike vibe that brings you right to the water’s edges. It serves a range of local craft beers, including Gweilo, Lion Rock, Yardley Brothers, Young Master and more on draft. momentai-la.com

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dining

Dining news Scones for everyone

Fortnum & Mason has brought one of its signature baked treats to town. You can now enjoy freshly baked scones from the iconic British brand – prepared thrice a day at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm respectively. The delicious baked goods are available in both plain and raisin. All scones are sold in sets of two for $76 and four for $142. G/F, K11 Atelier Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. fortnumandmason.com

22 Expat Parent

A taste of summer meadow The Ritz-Carlton is ushering in summer with a new afternoon tea set featuring artisanal French cocktails made with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Enjoy the summer inspired menu while taking in sweeping views of Victoria Harbour from now until September 13. Guests can also redeem the St Germain Gift Box at a discounted price, so you can shake up your own drinks at home. Starting from $418 for one. 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. ritzcarlton.com

Night out in Shanghai Known for its salute to Shanghai nights of many moons ago, Elite Concepts has relocated the much-loved Yè Shanghai to a brand new Kowloon location in K11 MUSEA. With a total of 13 Michelin stars and a time-honored history of over 20 years in Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai, the restaurant for the first time ever has added an extensive new dim sum menu to the offering, along with numerous innovative new à la carte signature dishes created for its new location. Shop 702, 7/F, K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui. elite-concepts.com

dining NEWS

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credit: Indigo Living

HOME & LIVING

Refresh your space

Nikita Agrawal discovers the coolest homeware stores to spruce up your home this summer Thorn and Burrow Take a trip over to the up-and-coming Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood to pick out interesting interiors inspired by worldly travels. Thorn and Burrow is a boho chic lifestyle store that stocks a diverse selection of houseware, decor and even Hong Kong artwork. Its themed products make for great gifts, souvenirs and original additions to your humble abode. 1/F, 30 High Street, Sai Ying Pun. thornandburrow.com

Indigo Living If home is where all the nice furniture is, invest in Indigo Living’s homeware items to add a touch of sophistication to your interiors.

Its modern yet elegant pieces will complete 24 Expat Parent

visions of your dream house, and if you’re looking for a little more help, the store offers design services as well. Shop B2, G/F, 69 Caine Road, Central. indigo-living.com

Homeless Pay this home decor shop a visit if you’re looking for eclectic pieces to liven up your living space. You’ll find a unique selection of furniture and home accessories like neon light fixtures, side tables that take the shape of monkeys and skateboard decks for your walls.

With shops dotted all across the city, shopping for stylish homeware that brims with character has never been easier. 29 Gough Street, Sheung Wan. homeless.hk

HOME & LIVING Stylish summer hacks Alvin Cheng, the Creative Director of MADesign Studio Limited, shares his top tips for prepping your home for summer. Alvin graduated from the University of Bath with a Masters in Architecture. He specialises in residential and educational design and his best works include Victoria Kindergarten in Shanghai and many stylish residential units in Hong Kong.

Go bold Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours and patterns. The Pantone colour of the year, Classic Blue, is a great place to start. Match your new wall colour with an oriental rug and play around with different geometrical patterns with your cushions, throws and decorative wall art.

Grow, baby, grow Adding plenty of green always does the trick. For summer, choose plants that have long broad leaves like Birds of Paradise and Monstera. If you are feeling creative, a DIY plant pot like a simple weaved basket will complete the look. Hanging planters also adds a nice decorative touch.

Light it up Nothing beats good old natural sunlight when it comes to lighting. Leave your curtains open to let the sunlight in. Your plants will be thankful. Wall finishes like spatterdash plastering looks great under natural light and will give you that effortless Mediterranean resort look that is perfect for summer.

Rustic chic It’s time to put away your fancy porcelain plates to make space for some artisanal hardwood tableware. This will bring that outdoor picnic vibe into your dining room. Pair them with a tartan tea towel and tea is served.

Stay dry This is both a practical piece of advice and a stylish one. Summer in Hong Kong can be wet and wild with torrential rain and typhoons. Spice up your entrance with a bespoke stand for your raincoats and umbrellas.

Hit snooze Leather is reserved for the winter. Invest in some light colour fabric sofa for your lazy summer afternoon naps. A casually placed beach throw and some bright colour cushions can also be stylish additions to your lounge.

Take it outdoors It is the BBQ season. If you are one of the lucky few in Hong Kong with a nicely sized patio or garden, we’d like to see that you have fully utilised that space with a proper barbecue set, hardwood lunch table, benches and chairs. Did someone just say hammock?

Visit madesign-studio.com to learn more about Alvin’s work.

Tree Tree is a homegrown Hong Kong brand born out of a vision to bring together an eco-conscious ethos and timeless design. The shop delivers show-stopping statement pieces and nature-inspired furniture without uprooting the environment. Its signature collection of eco-wood furniture is crafted from recycled teak and sustainably sourced oak and walnut.

28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. tree.com.hk

Inside Inside offers a range of artisanal furniture and accessories for your home decor needs. Through working closely with skilled craftsmen in India, the shop produces handcrafted wood furniture and soft furnishings that are one of a kind. Sourcing its products from around the world, Inside also offers vintage furniture made with upcycled materials to bring depth and sophistication to your space. G104, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay. inside.com.hk

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HOME & LIVING G.O.D. Nothing screams Hong Kong home like one titivated with G.O.D.’s products. The iconic homegrown lifestyle brand captures the essence of the east-meets-west ethos in everything it produces – from cushion covers featuring hand-painted Hong Kong skyline

to bath mats featuring Chinese lucky cat caricatures. Pick up a thing or two at the shop to deck out your place like a true Hong Konger.

48 Hollywood Road, Central. god.com.hk

Tequila Kola For new home-owners in city, don’t miss out on this emporium of furniture and accessories for the home. With a flagship showroom set

Habitat at Horizon Plaza, browse through endless displays of homeware products at this interior decorator’s heaven. 1/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street. tequilakola.com

Originally from London, UK, Habitat has been transforming living spaces for over 50 years. With a focus on creative design and youthfulness, shop for any home-related product at this stylish furniture store to upgrade your interiors. 118 Hollywood Road, Central. habitat.eu

How to upgrade your home office With more people working from home, Kei Kei Chan, Founder of EKOBOR, reveals her home office design tips to maximise wellness and productivity.

Kei Kei started EKOBOR after having suffered severe back pain during her pregnancy with twins. She realised the importance of having good working posture and decided to pursue further studies and obtained the Certificate of Occupational Ergonomic training under the Colorado State University. She is also a certified fitness personal trainer. Kei Kei’s mission is to bring health and wellness into the workspace through EKOBOR. What are the latest trends in office furniture?

Working from home has become more popular in 2020. This means we are spending more time at home, making it harder for us to separate our work life and off time.

Since sitting in front of a computer for virtual meetings all day long is not the healthiest thing to do, more people are thinking about upgrading their home office set-up and getting height adjustable desks that allow them to have some movement and alternate between sitting and standing while working.

designed for comfort and relaxation, while your home office should resemble a professional setting. To help yourself be more productive, it’s important to find an area that allows you to focus at your work and remove yourself from distractions.

How do you find the perfect balance between your workspace and living space?

You can easily change the mood of any space using different styles and tones of lighting.

Your living space should be an environment

Any tips for our readers on how to make their home office more comfortable?

We offer a range of work desks and chairs in different colours and textures to help our customers create a cosy, yet motivating, work

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environment. Aside from your furniture, it is just as important to build healthy work habits at home. Remember to take a break and recharge from time to time. Place a plant on your tabletop, get a coffee, water or some snack, stop for a minute and look out the window. Walk around and stretch it out before diving back into your virtual conferences and business phone calls.

Visit ekobor.com.hk to learn more about EKOBOR’s office furniture collections.

HOME & LIVING

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big day out

SIZZLING SUMMER ESCAPES

With travel restrictions still on, enjoy these Hong Kong day trips that are just a ride away. By Rik Glauert and Katrina Lau For the Instagrammers Mui Wo From pastoral scenes, breathtaking waterscapes to beachside restaurants, Mui Wo has it all. Also known as Silver Mine Bay, Mui Wo was the largest settlement on Lantau Island before Tung Chung took over. And unlike Tung Chung, Mui Wo still 28 Expat Parent

boasts quaint villages, tiny temples and you can still see cows roaming around. Follow the Olympic Trail and you’ll be taken to the three waterfalls of Silver Mine Bay – Pearl Falls, Silvermine Lower Falls and Silvermine Main Falls. You can also stop by the Silver Mine Bay Waterfall Garden which looks over a picturesque waterfall that is totally Instagrammable.

How to get there: Ferries leave from Central Ferry Pier 6 every 40 minutes.

For outdoor enthusiasts Sai Kung Sai Kung ticks off boxes for unspoiled beaches, azure waters and undulating hills of tropical forest, making for one of the best getaways

big day out

Mui Wo

from the city. All you have to decide is whether to charter a boat to picnic on a small island, paddleboard around rock formations or conquer the mountains. We suggest ending the day with a sumptuous seafood feast on the waterfront.

How to get there: Take the MTR to Hang Hau and then take a minibus or taxi. Minibuses also run from Mong Kok and Kwun Tong.

village or join one of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch’s ecotours and head out to sea in search of Hong Kong’s playful pink dolphins. Take a walk along the coast for lunch at the Tai O Lookout, a renovated colonial police station, to refuel amidst lush surroundings. Those in the mood for an adventure should take the coastline path south in search of Man Cheung Po, the infamous natural infinity pool formed by a waterfall.

How to get there: The easiest and quickest way to arrive is by taking the MTR to Tung Chung and then hopping on bus 11. If you want to make a real day trip of it, you could take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village then board bus 21.

For a taste of old Hong Kong Tai O This ancient fishing village is about as far as you can get from Central without crossing a border.

Take a boat trip around the atmospheric stilted

For history buffs Ping Shan Heritage Trail Plunge into some of Hong Kong’s oldest history.

This 1.6-kilometre trail in Yuen Long features

Tai O

pagodas, temples, ancestral halls and police stations spanning the full gamut of Hong Kong’s history. The Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery at the trail’s end is located in an old police station built in 1900. Sitting atop a hill, it offers great views across the New Territories to Shenzhen as well as back towards the skyscrapers of Kowloon and Central. For a fully-packed day trip, consider spending some time at the Hong Kong Wetland Park nearby. Alternatively, have a go at the 15-kilometre ancient trail between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun. How to get there: The trail is well signposted from MTR Tin Shui Wai Station Exit E3.

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big day out

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big day out FOR DAY TRIPPERS Lamma Island

Credit: Jay Sterling Austin

As one of the most accessible days trips from Hong Kong, Lamma Island has a handful of charming hikes, beaches and seafood restaurants just waiting for you. One of our favourite ways to visit is to take the sampan ferry from Aberdeen to the tranquil Mo Tat Wan. You can then take your way exploring the neardeserted beaches of the island’s south side as well as the abandoned sun-dappled village of Luk Chau. Later, you can trek north to the cafés, trinket shops and seafood restaurants of Yung Shue Wan before taking the ferry back to Central.

How to get there: Ferries leave from Aberdeen and Central Ferry Pier 4.

Peng Chau Lying next to Lantau Island is the laidback neighbourhood of Peng Chau. Once famous for housing the biggest matchmaker in Asia, Great China Match Factory, Peng Chau is now a peaceful island with ancient relics, unspoiled wilderness and locally known seafood restaurants. Unlike neighbouring islands, Peng Chau is untrampled by huge crowds, and with no car in sight, it is the perfect escape from the bustle. Take a hike at Finger Hill, cycle around the island, visit Lung Mo Temple or shop at the bright and quirky local shops. Feel free to bring along your furry friends as there are allocated seats on the ferry too.

How to get there: Ferries run from Central Ferry Pier 6 every 45 minutes.

For the young and the old Tai Mei Tuk Away from the islands, Tai Mei Tuk is a family favourite in the New Territories. Get ready to spend a full day there as Tai Mei Tuk is filled with fun activities and perfect for family gettogethers. Close to the Plover Cove Reservoir and Country Park, the line of restaurants along Ting Kok Road overlooks a scenic view of the waters. If eating at a restaurant is too easy for you, enjoy a summer grill with your family and friends at The Bradbury Jockey Club barbecue area. As you walk across the Plover Cove Reservoir, you’ll be greeted by young cyclers and kite-flyers. The Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports

How to get there: Take the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and then take minibus 20C or bus 75K. Credit: Tara Smyth

For laidback souls

Centre nearby also offers kayaks, windsurfing boards and sailing dinghies for hire.

For beach lovers Tai Long Wan

For intrepid foodies Cheung Chau Hong Kong’s very own tropical island paradise is just 40 minutes away by ferry. This tiny island has everything you need for a vacation, compacted into just one day. Gorgeous sandy beaches, seafood restaurants along a bustling harbour and ancient temples are all yours to explore. Check out the quirky snack shops serving up island specialities like mango mochi and fish balls as big as tennis balls. We recommend hiring a bicycle and peddling your way around the island to get a complete picture in just a few hours.

How to get there: Ferries run from Central Pier 5 every half an hour.

We’re all missing our summer getaways to Phuket, Guam or Boracay, so Tai Long Wan is the perfect dupe to get our dose of sunshine.

Hidden behind Sai Kung Country Park, Tai Long Wan is a bay with three magnificent beaches – Ham Tin, Sai Wan and Tung Wan. The white sands and clear blue water resembles the Maldives and the unspoiled beaches are popular among surfers and campers. Water sports equipment and camping tents are available for rental in local stores by the beach.

If you are up for a hike, follow Maclehose Trail 2 and go in for a dip in the Sai Kung rock pools and Sheung Luk Stream along your way. Tai Long Wan boasts the clearest water in Hong Kong and is the best summer escape for cooling off.

How to get there: Take a taxi to Sai Wan Pavillion and hike along the path. If you’re not a hiking person, speed boats also leave from Sai Kung Pier.

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book club

The big move Author and careers coach Clare Rowe on how to navigate change and uncertainties in her new children’s book. By Apple Lee Six months after our move, with newfound time on my hands and having experienced some of the stages of transition first-hand as a parent. I rediscovered my love of writing and decided to incorporate this change model into a story for children to help them recognise their emotions and prepare for the process of change.

How do you hope to see families benefiting from the book?

I hope this book will help other expat parents and their young children in their global transitions – from preparing for change to processing the rollercoaster of emotions and behaviour that accompany a relocation.

How can parents help their children during a crosscountry move?

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a qualified careers coach and mum of two young children, now aged six and eight. We relocated as a family from England to Malaysia on our first overseas posting with my husband’s job last summer. We were excited to return after having visited Malaysia once in our early twenties backpacking and then again ten years ago to get married. Of course, this time, a completely different experience, starting a new life with two children rather than a vacation.

So, what’s the book about?

The rhyming story is about a tortoise on his journey through the change curve as he relocates to the other side of the world. At first, he is not convinced about ‘The Big Move’, but he later realises that change can be an adventure, and so much fun. The story is told from the tortoise’s perspective and reveals his inner thoughts and anxieties. I wanted the 32 Expat Parent

story to reveal how strongly change can be linked to the senses, the smell and sight of new surroundings too​. The illustrator, Kylie Box, has really captured this with her vibrant illustrations and attention to detail to portray the character’s emotions.

What inspired you to start writing The Big Move?

Amongst the chaos of farewells, completing a Master’s degree, working and packing up our lives in England, I was concerned about how the children would adjust to their new lives abroad.

We spent a lot of time talking about Malaysia, their new school and answering any questions – but my youngest, especially, didn’t really have any concept of the distance or time.

I started searching online for a children’s book about moving abroad to help them prepare for the emotional change of relocating, but I was unable to find anything suitable for our specific situation.

At the back of the book, I have included some practical tips for parents based on my own experiences of relocating. They include involving your children in the move, preparing them by sharing images of their new home, writing a list together of all the new exciting places to explore, talking and listening to their questions, keeping regular routines in place where possible, arranging playdates before starting school, ways to keep in touch and preserve memories, empowering them through giving choices and taking time to absorb new surroundings.

Most importantly, where can we buy your book?

The Big Move is now available to buy online through Amazon and Book Depository or directly by emailing me at thebigmove2020@ outlook.com. More information is also available on my Facebook page thebigmove2020.

The Big Move

Written by Clare Rowe & Illustrated by Kylie Box

Books & podcasts

book club

Katrina Lau learns more about race and racism in our society BOOKS

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo In the midst of widespread mass protests and police brutality, it has become impossible to ignore the issues of racism and inequality in America, or the rest of the world. So You Want to Talk About Race offers a great starting point in conversation about race and racial oppression for those who want to educate themselves about the everyday struggles of people of colour. Available for $95 at bookdepository.com

For honest conversations

How to Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming Fleming offers a sociologist’s take on debunking common misconceptions surrounding race and racism. She highlights the ways that race is misrepresented in the classroom, pop culture, media, politics and more. Using social critiques and humorous personal anecdotes, this book is easy on the palate, perfectly combining racism 101, critical analyses and intimate conversations that almost feel like talking to a friend. Available for $185 at bookdepository.com

For taking your first step

The Colour of Law by Richard Rothstein Wondering how discrimination has persisted, or even deepend? Leading authority on housing policy Richard Rothstein reveals how the US government has promoted discriminatory practices in the residential sphere. People who are not white are denied the right to live in where they want to; and private real estate companies intentionally promoted and enforced residential racial segregation. Find out more about the black history of housing in America. Available for $103 at bookdepository.com

For insightful explanations

PODCASTS 1619

Code Switch

Pod Save the People

The 1619 podcast is part of The New York Times’ well-known 1619 Project.

Hosted by Pulitzer prize winner, Nikole HannahJones, the audio series connects the dots for us. Starting from when 20 enslaved Africans stepped on the land of America in 1619, the podcast takes listeners down the historical journey of slavery and racism in America. While many still deny how slavery has shaped American economy, politics and social institutions, Hannah-Jones tells the story happened 400 years ago and shows how society still hasn’t changed in many ways. Listen on nytimes.com

When it comes to having discussions about race, a historical documentary might be too heavy and intense of a starting point for some. Code Switch is produced by a team of journalists of colour and hosted by Gene Demby and Shereen Marisol Meraji. It dives into the topic of race and identity by sharing real life encounters of black Americans. From politics, education and history to pop culture, gender and disparities, Code Switch decodes how racism and ethnic identity is intertwined with the social context of our everyday life.

Listen on npr.org

Host DeRay Mckesson invites all listeners to the conversation of culture, social justice and politics by exploring the history, language and people.

The podcast analyses social issues, featuring special guests from singer John Legend to House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Tackling inequalities, identity and race issues, Pod Save the People covers change makers and activists and their struggles to create real change. Tune in every Tuesday to learn about the next steps we can take to make a change in today’s world. Listen on crooked.com

For history buffs

For curious learners

For change makers Expat Parent 33

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marketplace

Expat Parent 35

Rugrat Ramblings

Hit me with your best shot The youngest member of our team gets vaccinated

S

o... something happened. Something that I have been putting off writing about for some time because it was, I suppose, a rather traumatic experience. What I like to call a ‘surprise attack’. Unexpected.

Brutal. Even writing about it now makes my baby palms sweat a little bit. No, not from this Hong Kong heat, but the sheer horror of it all.

tense. “Have you travelled overseas in the last fourteen days?” “No, nope, no,” mum responds. So we are given a ticket which I will refer to as “The Ticket of Terror”.

“Number four” a voice booms down from above. Mum stands up, takes a deep breath and we enter another room. She takes me out of the carrier and sits down. “Left leg,” the nurse says. Mum looks at my legs. “Your left or my left?” The nurse looks confused.

She points to my leg. “Leg,” she says.

And then... SONOFABIGHORSE what on earth was that? A bite? A scratch? Pain shoots down my left thigh. “Other side,” the nurse says.

Wait, wait wa..... SONOFACHIMP it happens again. Here come the waterworks. “Thank you,” mum says as she exits. Thank you? I thought we were on the same team here.

But, I think I’m ready now. I mean c’mon, It’s been four months since it happened and I don’t consider myself to be a little baby anymore. I’m a big baby now and I can crawl and clap and pull myself up on stuff.

I’m different, stronger, changed.

My hope is that sharing this experience will prepare others for the nightmare that it was and perhaps be less of a shock.

So here goes.

But then something happens. It’s mamma, making a hushing sound.

“Shh shh shh, it’s over now.” The tears stop and my eyes droop a little.

I cuddle up close. “Mamma’s here.”

Those words melt me. I feel safe and can’t help but think that whatever just happened was for the best.

It started out like any other day.

I woke up, had breakfast, (well, the floor had most of it) and mummy dressed me. I remember looking at myself in the mirror thinking that I looked particularly sharp that day and that nothing could ruin my mood. Oh, how terribly wrong I was.

We hopped on the bus headed for Tung Chung and I figured we were going to pick up some groceries. No big deal, I love groceries, they’re great. But as soon as we arrived and began walking away from what I thought was our destination, I knew something was off.

Five minutes later we enter a building and take a seat with other mummies and babies. “It’s okay,” mummy says to me.

Excuse me, what? What’s okay? I look up at her from my carrier and she has a look

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Just like when mum and dad don’t let me watch television, or when they make me wear pants. I trust there’s a reason for their madness.

Thoughts and perceptions from the mind of an expat baby of fear on her face. As I cuddle up against her chest I can feel her heart rate increase a little. “EXCUSE ME, WHAT’S OKAY?” Before she can respond, we enter another area where everyone is asked to put on a mask. Oh no, oh no. I can feel the energy in this place and it’s tense. Like, off the chart

Here’s how I see it. To get better I need to be a little bit uncomfortable, just like all those Covid-19 restrictions recently. It’s no secret Hong Kong is going through some trying times. But we’re strong and resilient and being a baby born through all of this, I like to think I am too. We’ve come so far as a city and we’ve pushed through the worst. We’ve been uncomfortable in order to be healthy and happy and that’s just fine with me. JUST.

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