FA M ILY | P RO P E RT Y | SP O RT | L I VI N G
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Rocky times ahead... Hong Kong’s best climbing spots
APR 2020
COME ON IN! HOW TO HOST EASTER LUNCH
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CONTENTS — 0 4/ 2 0
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COVER STORY Corona outside? The cities leading interior designers share tips for inside
2 Contributors Meet our team
6 Snapped Life on Hong Kong Island
8 THE PLANNER What’s NOT cancelled in April
12 NEWS Truly local news
15 Must haves Work from home in style
17 Hong Kong sportSman
19 Local
32 Horoscopes
Public housing for same-sex couples
What’s in store for Hongkongers this month?
26 Dining
33 Books & podcasts
Throw an Egg-trodinary Easter dinner party. Plus dining news
Celebrate World Book Day with our editor’s picks
29 Zim city
35 Pets & gardening
Can Jumbo Kingdom rise from the depths?
Monthly news on homely matters
30 Outdoors
36 Backpage
Take a walk on the wild side with canyoneering, coasteering and climbing
Nury Vittachi lightens the mood
Sevens Captain Max Woodward on the new October tournament dates
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15
20 “Design won’t save the world but it will sure make it look damn good” - Mary Crawford
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Photo taken by: Graham Uden at Osteria Marzia
EDITOR’S LETTER
hongkongliving.com talk@hongkongliving.com @hongkongliving facebook.com/hongkongliving852
Editorial Managing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Melanie Cox, melanie@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Design Graphic Designers Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com
As we go to print, COVID-19 grips Hong Kong and the rest of the world. At Hong Kong Living, we continue on our mission for 2020 - to spread positivity across the city. Nothing’s gonna stop us. Most of us are spending more time at home, so in our cover story this month we meet six of Hong Kong’s leading interior designers to discuss the impact of interiors on personal wellbeing (page 20). Big shout out to award-winning photographer Graham Uden for taking our cover shot and to Black Sheep Restaurants for hosting the shoot at Osteria Marzia. Continuing on the theme of staying home, Apple Lee learns how to throw the perfect Easter lunch (page 26). Fancy rising above it all? Melanie Cox goes climbing with expat Roland Sharman of @HKOutsider, turn to page 30 to be wowed by the pictures. Enjoy our April issue and hang in there Hongkongers - we’re right here with you.
Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Managers Joey Ho, joey@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Digital Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com Publisher Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com Thanks to Black Sheep Restaurants Yankee Leung Paul Zimmerman Graham Uden Roland Sharman Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772
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.
Want to write for Hong Kong Living Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | hongkongliving.com
Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, Room 2B, LG1 floor, Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222-226 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, TPTL 13 Dai Kwai St, Tai Po Ind Estate, Tai Po, Nt Hong Kong Living 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.
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CONTRIBUTORS THANK YOU GUYS!
Graham Uden
Melanie Cox
Alvin Cheng
British-born photographer Graham Uden shot our fabulous cover stars this month against the backdrop of Black Sheep’s Osteria Marzia. His more risky work has involved being held up by AK-47 toting ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers in Cambodia and squatting metres from Taliban trenches in Afghanistan. grahamuden.com
Melanie is Programme Director of IRIS: Your Escape as well as our newly appointed Acting Editor at Hong Kong Living. Half Australian, half Chinese Melanie was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is dedicated to the practice of yoga, meditation and all things spiritual. A seasoned hiker, check out her outdoor adventure on page 30.
Alvin is an experienced graphic designer who has worked on Hong Kong publications including HK Magazine, New Travel Magazine and Kee Magazine. He’s also heavily involved in the fitness scene and is a NASM certified trainer. Using both sides of his brain helps Alvin maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Nikita Agrawal
Nury Vittachi
Hong Kong student Nikita is in her final year at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology where she studies marketing. She can’t get enough of this vibrant city - whether it’s hiking with her family or finding new brunch spots, she’s always out and about. This month she snapped your smiling faces! Check out her pictures on page 6.
Nury Vittachi is the Hong Kong-based author of more than 40 books, several of which have been published internationally in multiple languages. His journalism has appeared in more than a dozen publications, including the New York Times and Reader’s Digest. nury@vittachi.com
Black Sheep Restaurants
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A big thanks to Syed Asim Hussain and Christopher Mark, founders of Back Sheep Restaurants for hosting us at their awardwinning restaurant space Osteria Marzia for the shoot of this month’s interior design cover. blacksheeprestaurants.com
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PEOPLE
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PLANNER
Our guide to what’s NOT cancelled
APR 4
Women’s Five Women have the option of running either a 5km or 10km race. womensfive.com
APR 1
April Fool’s Day Pinch punch first of the month. Don’t get fooled!
APR 3
Women’s Wild Swim Connect with the earth in one of Hong Kong’s secluded rock pools with Kembali. 9.30am12.35pm. $150. Tai Po Market Station, Tai Po. kembali.org
APR 4
Ching Ming Festival Also referred to as Tomb Sweeping Day, the traditional Chinese festival celebrates ancestors.
FROM APR 5
The Great Carnival Fair A family event featuring yoga, games and healthy
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WHAT’S ON cooking workshops. Every Sunday in April. 10am8pm. Free. Central Harbourfront Event Space. Facebook: The Great Carnival Fair
APR 6-10 & APR 13-17 Spring Adventure Camps
A week-long camp for adventurers in the city. Campers must be capable and confident swimmers with good fitness and stamina. $4,480. Treasure Island, Lantau. treasureislandhk.com
APR 8
Brush and Barrel An evening of painting, sipping and socialising at ABOVE. 7pm. $450. ABOVE at Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. ticketflap.com/brushnbarrelxabove
APR 6-10 & 13-17
Easter watersports and sailing camps Hebe Haven Yacht Club courses include race training for beginners, adventure watersports and HKSF levels 1-3. Members and non-members welcome. Prices vary. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk
APR 10
Easter Trail Race A 14km race starting and ending at Aberdeen Barbecue Site. $200. xterace.com
APR 10
Good Friday Let the four day weekend commence!
APR 11
APR 11-12
Kids can learn the basic concepts of urban agriculture and gain hands-on farming experience. 2.30-5pm, $460, tools & equipment included. k11musea.com/happenings
Celebrate Easter at our sister SAR with face painting, egg hunting, painting, orienteering and more. Price varies. taipavillagemacau.com
Urban Agriculture with Coffee Ground Composting
Galo x Taipa Village Easter Festive Fun
APR 13
Easter Monday Enjoy the egg-tra long weekend!
APR 18
Kayak & Run Deep Water Bay Kayak through Middle Island and run over the hilltops in this multi sport race. 7.30am. Deep Water Bay. actionasiaevents.com
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PLANNER APR 25
11am-3pm. Free. Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Bus Stop. Facebook: GreenHourHK
16th Year Anniversary Party Has it really been that long? Celebrate 16 years of The Underground with seven hours of live music. 7pm-1am. $200. Rula Live, G/F, 58-62 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. undergroundhk.com
APR 27
Tin Hau Festival A celebration of the birthday of The Chinese Goddess of the Sea.
APR 25
3 Islands GreenRace Race across Lamma, Hong Kong Island and Lantau. Those wanting more can incorporate Tung Lung Chau island. 7.30am-6pm. $1,700. Pier 4 Central Ferry. tgr.run
APR 26
Earth Day Cleanup Hike A clean up with a view at Kam Shan Country Park.
These events are still going ahead at the time of publication. Please check individual event websites for the latest information
BOOK NOW
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
JUN 19
Big Band Night Enjoy a night of life music, performed by Hong Kong’s very own jazz band, Basic Notes. 8.30pm-10.30pm. Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. Facebook: Basic Notes
MAY 9
HHYC Open Day Enjoy free sailing and watersports trials, activities and food stalls at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. Free. 10am-5pm. hhyc.org.hk
viewers for the races, followed by a beachside afterparty. Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island. lamma500.com
MAY 24
MAY 17
Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water World Tour
The Lamma Dragons and Thirsty Horse host
She was a Sk8er girl…. and she’s in Hong Kong for one night only. 8pm. $488. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. hkticketing.com
The Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival
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WHAT’S ON
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NEWS
THE PEAK TRAM IS BACK The refurbishment of the Peak Tram has been completed and our favourite mode of transport is back. To start this new chapter off with a bang, the Peak Tram has two special offers exclusively for Hong Kong citizens until April 19. The packages include buy-one-get-one
tickets for adults, children and senior citizens, with additional privileges at designated shops, restaurants and entertainment venues at The Peak Tower. All the more reason to take a ride on the city’s iconic red train! For more information, visit ticketing.thepeak.com.hk
POISONED PORPOISE
credit: Flickr: kuribo
A recent study has found concentrations of the organic tin compound triphenyltin (TPT), a dangerous toxin banned in 2008, at record-high levels in local Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises. One finless porpoise reportedly harboured ten times the level of TPT compared to a sample of the species tested in 2003. The data has raised concerns that local seafood prepared for human consumption may be contaminated as well. HKU professor Kenneth Leung warns that high concentrations of TPT will have a negative health impact in humans and urges people to avoid bottom-dwelling fish, which may have more exposure to the chemical.
TRAFFIC TICKETS GO ELECTRONIC Electronically printed traffic penalty tickets were introduced in mid-March on a three-month trial scheme to eliminate human error. According to the police, up to 9,000 tickets are ruled invalid every year due to human factors. Officers testing out the scheme are equipped with a
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mobile phone and a portable printer to be used when issuing a ticket at the scene. The scheme costs an anticipated $8 million, which includes the costs of mobile phones, portable printers, data transfer and a back-end system.
RECYCLE YOUR LEGGINGS Activewear producer Sweaty Betty has introduced its leggings take-back recycling scheme as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The company has partnered with global textile recycler SOEX, allowing customers to return their unwanted leggings of any brand to Sweaty Betty’s IFC store in exchange for a reward voucher which can be redeemed against their next Sweaty Betty purchase. Leggings in good condition will be rehomed, but if they are unwearable, the leggings will be recycled or broken down to raw materials for use in new products. Sweaty Betty hopes that this recycling scheme will make it easier to give garments a second life. Shop 1028, Podium Level One, IFC Mall, Central. sweatybetty.com
BORDERS CLOSING At the end of the month, Hong Kong saw an alarming surge in coronavirus infections, both imported and spread locally. In response, as of March 24, the city has closed its borders to all international arrivals, following Singapore and Taiwan’s examples. Non-residents would not be allowed into the city, transit passengers
IN YOUR BACKYARD included, for a two-week period. Arrivals from mainland China, Macau or Taiwan will be allowed in, according to Carrie Lam in a press conference, provided they had not travelled anywhere else in the past 14 days and are subject to quarantine orders.
AAF MAKES A COMEBACK Start saving up, because the new date for the Affordable Art Fair has been announced. The eighth edition of the annual fair is now set to take place from August 20 to 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Along with most events originally scheduled for February and March, the fair was postponed due to the current coronavirus outbreak. For the latest updates, visit affordableartfair.com
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MUST HAVE
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MUST HAVES Step file large gold $185 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
Work From Home
Be your most productive self with these work from home essentials. By Nicole Slater
Big Boss SOHO $19,980 from Tequila Kola tequilakola.com
Essenza Plus $1,788 from Nespresso nespresso.com
Sidus desk bureau $3,290 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Wild fig fragrancesticks $440 from Rituals rituals.com
Image desk with two drawers $8,990 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com
Aair Lite air purifier - quartz pink $4,800 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk
Royal Blend tea $198 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com
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5 MINS
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HK SPORTSMAN
5 minutes with
Max Woodward Captain of the Hong Kong Sevens men’s team discusses the rescheduled tournament. By Nicole Slater Naturally, we are disappointed and saddened that the tournament will not go ahead in April as planned. But Hong Kong Sevens remains the highlight of our year. We are grateful to still be able to play on home turf in October. Plus, we have the added build-up over the summer months. That will contribute to make the atmosphere even better. Summer is usually our off season but this year we will be training. It will undoubtedly
be tougher in the heat and humidity. But I like a challenge, even as I enter my twilight years - there’s always something to work on and improve physically. Tournament dieting is tough. During training we play so much and therefore need to eat as much as possible. It can be gummy bears, rice cakes, jerky… After a win, we celebrate with a big feed and a few drinks. The lead up to a tournament is restrictive on our social lives so
it’s good to let loose a bit afterwards. As a spectator, I’d opt for Friday and Saturday in the South Stand and Sunday in the West Stand. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend the whole time in the South Stand! I have lots of friends in the South Stand. I’ll usually try to spot them or give one of them a call during the march past. Last year, I spotted a friend of mine, he was dressed as a strapping Freddie Mercury at the back of the South Stand. My favourite team mate by far is Ben Rimene, we have such a special bond both on and off the field.
Cheer on Max and his team at the rescheduled Sevens tournament from October 16-18. As of April 1, there are 198 days until kick off! 55 Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay. hksevens.com
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5 MINS
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LOVING HK Hong Kong’s LGBTQ achievements 1991 After an 11-year debate, the Legislative Council announced the legislation of decriminalising homosexual acts between consenting same-sex individuals aged 21 years and above.
1995 The Sex Discrimination Ordinance was enacted in July 1995, making it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on their sex or marital status.
2002 Several online publications were founded to support the LGBTQ community. These included the Dim Sum magazine and HKqUeer Campus (renamed in 2009 to Queer Straight Alliance).
2003 Kenneth Cheung stood as Hong Kong’s first openly-gay candidate for the District Council.
2008 Hong Kong’s first formal Pride Parade was held on 13 December 2008. The route was taken from Great George Street in Causeway Bay to Southorn Playground in Wan Chai.
Photo credit@freepix.com
2009 The first Mr Gay Hong Kong pageant was held and NTXS opened its Causeway Bay studio.
2011 The first Hong Kong Pink Season, a premier LGBT festival celebrating acceptance, inclusion and awareness, was announced.
Public housing for same-sex couples Faye Bradley highlights Hong Kong’s LGBTQ achievements to date Same-sex married couples recently won the right to apply for public housing, prompting us to delve into some of the most significant progressions and celebrations in LGBTQ
diversity throughout the years. While we may still have a long way to go, it’s worth celebrating how far we’ve come since homosexual acts were criminalised under the British rule.
2012 The New People’s Party, a conservative political party in Hong Kong, included LGBT rights on its platform.
2018 Human Rights Lawyer, Michael Vidler helped to bring about a change in the law which now sees dependent visas issued to men and women who enter Hong Kong in same-sex civil partnerships.
2020 On March 4 2020, the High Court ruled that it is deemed unconstitutional to deny legally same-sex married couples the right to apply for public housing.
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COVER STORY
Spotlight on design
Charmaine Ng meets Hong Kong’s leading interior designers
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INTERIOR DESIGN bring sustainable design practice to reality for everyday people.
Rowena Gonzales Founder, Liquid Interiors
W
Image credit: Graham Uden
Born in Montreal, Canada, with parents originally from the Philippines, Rowena Gonzales came to Hong Kong 14 years ago for adventure and to escape from the snow. Her father was very creative with building and an incredible DIY renovator, and she grew up doing whatever he did. He inspired Rowena to take up interior design in university and she graduated from the Ryerson School of Interior Design in Toronto. When she arrived in Hong Kong, she planned to stay only a year, but fell in love with the city in the process and even met her husband here. She eventually started Liquid Interiors, where she offers healthy and eco-conscious design services to her clients. liquid-interiors.com How did Liquid Interiors come about? Liquid Interiors started 11 years ago after I had an opportunity to design my first eco- friendly office. I found an outlet to merge my creativity and passion for sustainability. I became a LEED AP and one of the pioneers in Hong Kong to
Two years later, unfortunately, my nephew was diagnosed with leukemia. Through a homeopath, it was the first time I experienced what changes can be made in the home environment to boost the immune system. It was also becoming a topic where many other children in China were being diagnosed with leukemia with links to home renovation as well. It was evident that standard toxic construction in Hong Kong could be unsuitable for health. A developer liked our sustainability work and asked us to design their first healthy and sustainable show flat using the WELL Building Standard as he had personal concerns about cancer prevention. Since then, I became a WELL AP and infused healthy and sustainable practices together to bridge the gap between international building standards and residential interior design. I believe that your home is your sanctuary, a place to relax, rejuvenate and create memories with the people you love. How do you incorporate sustainability into your work? Sustainability is at the heart of every project we do. From renewable materials, watersaving, renewable energy, energy-saving techniques, growing your food, recycling food waste, managing recycling, where to donate old furniture and even a maintenance guide to remind you when to clean your air conditioners. We are carefully integrating this in every step of our process. How can Hongkongers make their home into a sanctuary? A sanctuary does not mean it needs to have expensive gadgets or materials. Firstly, Robinson Garden apartment project
ith the coronavirus rampant around Hong Kong and the world, many of us are taking precautions to wash our hands thoroughly, avoid large gatherings and work from home. This means a prolonged period of staying in, stressing the importance of an abode we feel comfortable in and are proud of. This month, we meet up with six interior designers based in Hong Kong and ask them about their profession and what self-isolation means for our homes and spaces we frequent during this pandemic-hit period.
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COVER STORY declutter and keep only the items that make you happy and give you meaning. Secondly, bring the outside in. Use natural materials, plants, and bring in as much sunshine as possible. Lastly, focus on what you need to rejuvenate. If better sleep is of concern, then focus on making your sleeping environment a dark, quiet, relaxing technology-free and low electromagnetic field space. The day time should be bright, light and refreshing.
Oliver Corrin Asia Regional Director, CADA Design Oliver Corrin has been interested in design and interiors since he was 11 years old. At a young age, he was fascinated by the emotional response that certain spaces evoked. For most of his career, he worked in London, but around six years ago, he was asked to relocate to Hong Kong to oversee and manage the full renovation of the Hong Kong American Club for CADA Design. The project took two years to complete, and having taken a liking to Hong Kong during this time, Oliver decided to remain in the city, where he now works as the Asia Regional Director of CADA Design. cada.asia
How has CADA Design developed? CADA Design was established over 25 years ago in the UK. At first it started as a general design studio but when CADA was awarded the role of designer for the original Harrods food hall in London, which took over 10 years to complete, it took us from being a general to a specialist studio. Since then, CADA has become one of the world’s leading F&B designers specialising in restaurant, food hall and supermarket design, we have worked with clients such as Fortnum & Mason, Dean & Deluca, Disney, Lotte and Pret a Manger. Why did CADA Design choose Hong Kong as its first location outside of London? CADA was receiving more and more interest from potential clients within Southeast Asia as well as having increasingly more projects in the region. It made sense from this increased demand to establish an office in Hong Kong, so that we could better serve and be more responsive to our clients. We believe in the importance of having feet on the ground and giving our clients the right level of care and attention that is not just expected but deserved.
What goes into designing a restaurant? To create a successful restaurant in 2020, you have to look far beyond the surface design. It’s not just a case of designing a pretty looking space – that may have an impact when someone first enters, but once they’ve sat down and taken it in, they start to look at the menu, how’s it’s presented, both its cover and the graphic design, then the service, the little touches that instantly set a restaurant apart from its competitors. We want people to connect with our spaces on a sensory level by considering the harmony of how the lighting, sounds, smells and textures are experienced within the space. What we aim to do is to create a destination, an experience that not only adds value to someone’s life but creates an emotional connection and ultimately will make them want to come back for more. What trends do you see dominating the next 3-5 years? From the trends already emerging, we are seeing F&B becoming intertwined into all areas of our everyday lives. Luxury retail brands such as Tiffany’s, LV, Gucci and Ralph Lauren are creating restaurants which ultimately do not create profit for the brand but enhance the overall store experience. Hotels are investing far more into their food outlets with some hotel brands using them as key identifiers and selling points. One other big trend on the rise is ‘eatertainment’ – this is where an entertainment concept such as bowling, virtual hunting, darts or ping pong is matched by a strong food and drink offer to create an overall unique experience.
Britta Butler Founder, B Squared Britta Butler has a bachelor’s degree in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University and received her master’s degree in Architecture from MIT. She worked at a firm in Boston that specialises in building
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INTERIOR DESIGN factories in design and manufacture. From her job, she developed an invaluable understanding of manufacturing processes and a respect for the makers, soft skills which she transferred to her second career in interior design. hurlston-tsengdesigns.com
Residential project by B Squared
affordable housing for several years, before moving to Hong Kong from the US 14 years ago. bsquareddesignhk.com and brittabutlerdesigns.com How did B Squared Design come about? I founded the practice in 2014 when I saw a gap in the market for a full-service, boutique, residential design firm that could handle an entire project from conceptual design through to construction administration. B Squared stands out from other companies in the industry because we offer not only interior design services, but architectural services as well. We comprise a Cantonese-speaking project manager, trusted contractors and a full suite of handymen, carefully selected factories used to manufacture bespoke pieces and long-term cultivated relationships with furniture shops throughout the region. Do you have a particular interior style? I create homes that are beautiful and functional for people from all walks of life, that become their sanctuaries from the outside world. Each project is so individual depending on the client, but I have some overarching themes that run through all my designs: clean lines, contemporary spaces, and an attention to texture and colour. Over the years my style has organically shifted to include many more natural materials as a result of becoming much more aware of the environmental impact of my work. It’s my true belief that we can build and design with sustainability in mind without sacrificing aesthetics, and my projects have increasingly shown this way of thinking. Tell us about your most memorable project? The project that comes to mind was a complex one. It had to serve multiple functions: being a ‘home away from home’ when the CEO was in Hong Kong; a meeting and hotel space
for VIP clients; and an event space for work functions. Our client had an extensive art collection that he wanted to showcase, as well as a desire to make an oasis in an urban jungle, so I had to think creatively in terms of space usage. I designed bespoke furniture for the living room and bedroom that would be both functional and sculptural. I created spaces that evoked the feeling of a boutique hotel, using visually impactful materials, bold shapes and meticulously sourced one-of-a-kind furnishings. There were many obstacles in terms of logistics, deliveries, and construction. The timeframe was tight to get everything done. But ultimately, I was able to overcome the obstacles by thinking outside of the box for sourcing and materials to make sure the schedule and high quality of craftsmanship were maintained. to make sure the schedule and high quality of craftsmanship were maintained.
How did Hurlston-Tseng Designs come about? A furniture shop in Horizon Plaza asked to use my background in textiles and colour to revamp soft furnishings and upholstery. This soon grew into buying accessories, designing furniture and travelling up and down to China for the workshop. I took some specific interior courses to complement my existing experience. Over time, customers and friends began to ask me to work on projects for them… and from there, it gradually evolved into my full time business. Do you have a particular interior style? Instead of a particular style, I like to create a particular feeling for my clients. I don’t dictate but I try to guide their style journey. I believe interiors should look as if they have evolved over time, with clients’ treasured pieces worked in to tell their own story. I love juxtaposing something unusual, a strong graphic shape or throwing in a bold colour. Colour, pattern and texture need to play off each other and create tension and friction – this could be creating symmetry or asymmetry... it just depends. How do you incorporate sustainability into your work? I always recommend Eico paints and my style is very much about layering and incorporating meaningful pieces one already has, which is a great start. I love showing clients how to make the best of a piece they have and they are often surprised and delighted with the outcome. Sustainability is something I feel strongly about but Hong Kong’s not the easiest place to access green furniture. I would love to hear any readers’ recommendations! What trends do you see dominating the next 3-5 years? Warmth and nature are key! There’s an overarching feeling for more mixing and layering with colour, materials, texture and eras. Styles evolve for a reason – I believe this is a reflection of people’s search for an individual identity, a longing for a home which has familiar pieces and also an awareness of being more ecofriendly and repurposing existing pieces.
Emma Hurlston-Tseng
Aaron Chin
Founder, Hurlston-Tseng Designs
Founder, The Editors Company
A Londoner originally, Emma Hurlston-Tseng graduated in Fashion from Saint Martin’s School of Art before moving to Hong Kong to work with
Aaron Chin spent his childhood in Hong Kong and moved to the US for high school and university. Upon graduating, he returned to
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COVER STORY
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INTERIOR DESIGN the designs from our collaborations incorporate a mixture of Scandinavian minimalism and lots of earthy, organic textures. It’s hard to pinpoint a particular interior design style as our service places the customers’ wants at the centre. How has your style changed over the years? We focus on everyday homes for everyday people, so our style over time has turned into emphasising comfort rather than just looks. This usually means more textures, organic shapes and functional elements for daily living. Our homes are often more down-to-earth and less glitzy than others on the market, but we are quite happy to be designing for happiness. Hong Kong and joined BoConcept to build their Hong Kong and Macau operation, which introduced him to the world of home design and furnishing. Today, he runs his own online home styling platform, The Editors Company. editorscompany.com How did The Editors Company come about? The idea for The Editors Company sprung up when my partner and I recognised that many people want design help but don’t necessarily need full-scale interior design or renovation. We created an online home styling platform that helps design and furnish homes without making any structural changes. Customers can collaborate with a personal home stylist to furnish his or her home from more than 60 brands, all for the price of a night out.
What advice do you have for people living in a small place? One fun tip for small homes that you can immediately implement is the cantaloupe rule for accessorising. The rule says that anything bigger than a cantaloupe will likely contribute to a busy feeling in a home. This is useful to keep in mind when deciding what accessories and items to display openly in your home!
How do you incorporate sustainability into your work? Sustainability has become a big topic in recent years. In our projects, we use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly materials. We also consider natural lighting and ventilation to reduce energy consumption and incorporate our clients’ reused or up-cycled furniture into new designs. Most of all, we try to foresee our clients’ future needs and design with that in mind, so the space will truly grow with its owner and achieve real sustainability.
Do you have a particular interior style? We probably spend the majority of our time understanding our customers before we move onto design plans and procurement. Usually,
Mary Wong Founder, Haven Design After graduating from architecture school at the University of Hong Kong, Mary Wong found herself working at international award-winning firms, meeting great mentors and taking on key roles in many prestigious interior projects. Eventually, she decided to branch out on her own and opened her design company, Haven Design. facebook.com/havendesignhk
Small space living by The Editors Company
A tranquil space by Haven Design
compromising aesthetic qualities and functional concerns.
How did Haven Design come about? In 2013, I set up Haven Design with the goal to allow extremely bespoke servicing of our clients. Our aesthetic style is versatile and flexible, concentrating on providing a personalised solution for our clients’ lives. Our core belief is that each space should be designed and curated to reflect the character of its owners, creating custom areas that help their daily lives and grow with them, without
How can Hongkongers make their home into a sanctuary? Hongkongers have always led very busy lives and had very little time to spend in their homes. Personally, I see this as a rare opportunity for everyone to use this prolonged period to reorganise and declutter their homes, make it more comfortable or pick up new habits such as routine exercising and indoor planting. What advice do you have for people living in a small place? Hong Kong is known for its small living spaces. Most designers focus on providing multifunctional use of space and storage solutions. We have had multiple projects where we helped our clients plan storage strategies and design transformable furniture. We also focus on maximising ‘liveable space’ rather than storage. There is a new trend in younger generations to acquire simple living – to own only necessary items and keep to a minimalist living environment!
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DINING
Feast with friends How to throw the ultimate Easter lunch at home. By Apple Lee
DRINK PAIRINGS
Avoiding the crowds this Easter? We asked a party planner and a chef to share their top tips for hosting a DIY lunch party. From themed decorations to food and drinks, here’s your complete guide to entertaining guests this Easter.
I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of pairing food with beverages. The key to getting this right is to not over complicate things. Simplicity will help balance and achieve harmony between the two aspects of your meal. I recommend providing a balanced red and white wine, cold beers and maybe a whisky for me!
Braden Reardon Executive chef at Carbone
THE FOOD I always recommend simplicity when it comes to making holiday meals. Sourcing the best seasonal ingredients is the soundest advice for creating a fantastic meal and lessening stress. Easter for me always involves lamb, ham and fresh spring produce. For a simple lunch, I like to make a smoked ham omelette or quiche with sharp-aged Cheddar cheese, fine herbes and pastries on the side. If you’re looking to put together something more finessed, I’d suggest braised lamb pasta with lemon, ricotta and spring peas for starters, smoked ham steak with pineapple
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DECORATING THE PLATE Braden Reardon of Carbone
glaze, grilled asparagus and roasted wild garlic for mains and finish with carrot cake or coconut cream pie for dessert. When it comes to portion control, don’t worry too much about pleasing every single guest and just get a lot of what you personally like. I’d always rather have too much of something and enjoy the leftovers than run out. Your friends know that they aren’t at a restaurant and won’t be expecting loads of choices. Just keep the glasses full and nobody will have any complaints!
As you may have already guessed, for me, less is more. I would rather not clutter up the table or plate with a lot of decorations that will end up in the bin a few hours later. I like keeping things simple but still impactful.
GO WITH THE FLOW When things aren’t going according to plan, embrace it! Nobody is perfect and sometimes those accidents end up making the party more fun and memorable! Pull your friends into the kitchen to help you salvage what you can. If all else fails, everyone loves a takeaway pizza!
EASTER FEAST SETTING THE TABLE Less is more! I personally like a table that can breathe. Small tasteful details will always trump a too lavish, crowded one. Also, it’s nice to mix elements and textures. Florals, eggs and small wooden crates can exhibit a rustic market feel. Adding an interesting print can be an easy way to translate the theme and add character to a table. A lot are downloadable online, put it in a nice frame and you are done! Remember to stick to a colour palette to make sure everything looks consistent.
Samantha Fong
PLAN AHEAD
enjoy prepping for it as well as enjoying every minute of the party. If you can improvise, go right ahead. If you need to cut something out on the day, do that and your guests probably won’t even notice. If there’s a food problem, thank God for Deliveroo and FoodPanda. Don’t stress over things that cannot be fixed and go with the flow on the day.
PEOPLE COMES FIRST Ultimately, parties are successful because of the warmth they emanate. What sets a party apart will always be the heartwarming feeling guests walk away with.
Creative director of Nestology Studio
DECK THE HALLS To make the Easter theme come to life, I love mixing traditional elements (eggs, bunnies and Easter baskets) with a modern twist. Stick to a consistent colour palette to tie everything together. For Easter, pastel rainbow marble tones would be my choice. Your decor doesn’t have to be complicated. Pastel Easter eggs mixed with pretty flowers and small accents like printed out bunny ears popping out from the flowers are probably more than enough to translate the theme.
To make the day as stress-free as possible, I’d actually suggest doing a small mockup of the centerpieces or vignettes so you’ll know how they will look. Recreating what you have done previously will make setting up so much faster on the day! Plus, you have more time to play around with different looks and you know how much you need to buy pre-party.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED When something goes wrong, know when to fix things and when to let go. If you’re throwing a party, I honestly believe you should
hongkongliving.com | 27
DINING NEWS
Dining News
Rech by Alain Ducasse bows out Zuma terrace
United we dine To encourage Hongkongers to dine out again, restaurants across the city including Zuma, Duddell’s and Beef & Liberty will be offering
exclusive menus, and a chance to win fabulous prizes until April 30. For the full list of restaurants and menus visit unitedwedine.hk
Following months of protests and now the spread of the coronavirus, esteemed Rech by Alan Ducasse at the InterContinental Hong Kong has closed as of March 12. The one Michelin-starred restaurant was the first international location of celebrity chef Alain Ducasse’s namesake Parisian restaurant. InterContinental has plans to work on a new restaurant concept with Ducasse Paris that will align with the hotel’s next steps for a major rebranding to Regent Hong Kong in 2022.
Non-alcoholic spirits as good as the real thing
Dine and ride
Wagyu brunch at The Den The family-run restaurant is serving up a wholesome brunch spread featuring Wagyu steak and eggs, French toast and a big brekkie with all your breakfast essentials. If you’re staying at home, you can still get your Wagyu fix by ordering on Foodpanda, Deliveroo and Ubereats. 8 Oaklands Path, Sai Ying Pun. facebook.com/ thedenhk
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Enjoy dinner at The Pulse, plus a free Uber ride home! Guests who spend over $300 at any of The Pulse’s beachside restaurants and bars will receive a free Uber ride home (up to a limit depending on how much you spend). Simply take your receipt to the concierge to redeem your ride. For more information visit thepulse.com.hk/ promotion
All boozed out Prohibition hits Hong Kong as chief executive Carrie Lam introduced her plan to impose a temporary ban on the sales of alcohol across the city’s 86,000 restaurants, bars and nightclubs in a bid to curb a surge in coronavirus cases. Now is the time if you’ve been wanting to do a detox.
Australian brand Lyre has debuted their impressive range of alcohol-free spirits and liquors in Hong Kong. With two thirds of millennials looking to minimise their alcohol consumption, join the sober curious movement with this comprehensive selection of non-alcoholic alternatives that will engage your senses just like the original alcoholic version. The range includes Dry London Spirit, American Malt, Italian Spritz and more. lyres.com.au
credit@Graham Uden
ZIM CITY
Keep Jumbo Kingdom afloat
Can we save Jumbo Kingdom?
With demolition plans afoot, Paul Zimmerman weighs in
An image of a half-submerged ‘Jumbo Restaurant’ went viral after Melco International Development Limited announced it would suspend operations. It became symbolic for our economic challenges and changing social environment. With the tourists gone the business was no longer viable. And the restaurant on top of several barges had unfortunately long forgotten the local market with its single-minded focus on the tourist dollars. Floating restaurants appeared in the typhoon shelter shortly after World War II. The first Sea Palace (海角皇宮) was sold and towed to Australia. The Tai Pak Floating Restaurant was established in 1952. In 2000, another restaurant was taken to Manila Bay. The recent iteration of floating restaurants in Aberdeen Harbour, the Jumbo Kingdom, was established after the devastating fire in 1971. It became operational in October 1976 and was renovated in 2003. The sinking image and lack of local patronage does not reflect local sentiments though. To have the colourful float disappear is a loss, not just as a tourist attraction. The residents of Ap Lei Chau, Tin Wan and Aberdeen are dependent on Aberdeen Harbour and the
jobs it has provided for many generations. The floating restaurant is a character defining structure, an icon. The district council is keen to see it kept afloat and functioning whether as a restaurant or museum telling the story of Aberdeen (in Cantonese “Old Hong Kong”). There is not just the restaurant. Other key elements are at Shum Wan Pier Drive: The three floating piers, a park and a ‘themed’ shelter over the taxi stand. The first responses from the government were disappointing: It is not a heritage building, it is not older than 50 years, it is a commercial enterprise. They showed their lack of interest by replying to the District Council in writing only without attending the meeting to discuss the opportunity to salvage some or all. Although the taxi stand was already removed – a condition from the lands department when returning a piece of land - Councillors are reaching out directly to Melco urging them to hold all demolition for six months. We have asked the Lands Department to withdraw their requirement on Melco to demolish the structures at the pier side. We hope this time can be used to form a rescue team between the government and others to explore what can be saved and reused. Aberdeen Harbour has been a busy
destination with lots of colour for well over 150 years. Floating restaurants have dominated the views of the harbour for half of that time. The local economy is taking a serious bruising. Shall we let the restaurant sink? Can we use the barges as a museum? Can we reuse the piers and park for boats to land and take people to other destinations? How do we pay for the upkeep and management? All ideas are welcome. info@paulzimmerman.hk
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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OUTDOORS
High and wild Melanie Cox coasteers, canyons and climbs around Hong Kong with @HKOutsider
Without a doubt; hikes are more popular than ever for a day out to escape the concrete jungle. Popular trails are busy on weekends and you often find yourself surrounded by more people out at a rock pool in Sai Kung then dining in the city mid-week amidst COVID-19. From rugged untouched islands of the UNESCO Global Geopark to uninhabited mountains that tower over the city, there is something for everyone But what about those who have hiked all the hikes and are after something more? Whether it’s climbing, coasteering or canyoning; this world-class city is full of surprises. And within, a growing community of adventurers gather regularly with one thing in common - an itch to fulfil their adventure-fix. One of them is Roland Sharman, better known under Instagram alias @HKoutsider. His aim is to show there is more to the city than meets the eye. “Experiencing an alternative Hong Kong while challenging yourself will extend your comfort zone and therefore, improve wellbeing”. Sharman’s effort in coordinating outdoor adventures and posting online is a prime example of how the digital world has bridged the gap between nature and a wide social network of outdoor enthusiasts. The experienced mentor those who are new. This organically nurtures a growing community.
ALL PHOTO SOURCE @HKOUTSIDER
While there are a few groups that charge for weekend excursions, @HKOutsider is a passion project. A message is blasted out to members in the community with limited spaces available on a first-come-first-serve basis. This is Sharman’s way of giving back to the city he calls home.
Reaching new heights with @HKOutsider
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“People want a little bit more out of life,” says Sharman, “It’s the way we live, we are always pushing ourselves to do more adventurous things. In the old days, we would play tennis on the weekends, but that’s not good enough anymore, we want to push our limits as a way to understand ourselves”.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Climbing
of the coastlines that are otherwise difficult to access. It’s a full-body workout with scrambling and cliff jumps involved. Similar characteristics to canyoneering except the location is the coastline and typically no ropes are used unless it’s a safety rope. UNESCO Geopark: Sai Kung is a hotspot around the islands over the summer for a big day out.
W HAT IS CL IMB I N G ? Canyoneering
Hong Kong holds one distinct advantage, that anything adventurous can be done a stonesthrow away. “New York, London all require a weekend commitment logistically since people live so far apart from one another. I don’t think the success of what we have now could happen in any other city in the world”.
W HAT IS C O A S T E E R ING?
Coasteering follows the waterline as close as possible without falling in the ocean. Physically and mentally testing, the idea is to stay low so you can explore many of the hidden areas
W H AT I S CANYON EER I N G ? Canyoneering involves following the stream downwards. Scrambling is involved (basic climbing without ropes). When it gets too steep you can abseil, jump or slide with a seat on your harness into the water.
It’s the combination of different disciplines that creates so much more than just a physical journey, it’s spiritual according to Sharman. “On a stream hike, you may find yourself going through rocks with water rushing past you and you feel all charged up. You then turn around the corner, and the water begins to trickle creating this tranquil environment. It’s the transition between the different zones that is most enjoyable to me”. Tung Lung Chau: Easily accessible, and just a ferry ride away; it makes for a convenient full or half-day trip away from the city. It’s regarded as the best place for rock climbing, with multiple routes of varying difficulty. This craggy outcrop has all the tricks to keep you entertained for the day.
Canyons are rarely visited offering lush forestation surroundings. Unlike certain sports such as rock climbing which requires a steep learning curve, if you can walk you can generally start canyoning. It’s all about the mental capacity as the environment can be technically exhausting so trust in your ropes is critical. Ping Nam Stream: in the summer is a great spot for all levels. It’s a journey that combines a variety of drops and technical scrambles. An alternative is to do stream hikes which involves scrambling upwards the stream.
Popularised by Alex Honnel from the awardwinning documentaries Free Solo, there are different styles of climbing. Sharman’s style is a more traditional approach where all gear (nuts and bolts) are placed to protect yourself as you move. “A typical day out would involve climbing, hiking, abseiling, along canyons before you drop down into the water”.
Coasteering
Want to go on an adventure with @HKOutsider? All hikes are designed with options to exit as a “get out of jail card”. Newcomers are typically invited to hikes on the island to begin with. For more information visit hkoutsider.com
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HOROSCOPE
Written in the stars
Our soothsayer reveals what’s in store for you this April
Mar 21 – Apr 20
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Nov 23 – Dec 21
Drinks are expensive these days, so it’s just as well that Carrie Lam has banned alcohol. It’s time to have a second go at Dry January. Order fruit juice or, if you must, a mocktail to go with your dinner. You’ll thank yourself the next morning, and so will your bank balance.
Lantau’s Big Buddha is the world’s largest outdoor bronze Buddha. Pretty great title to be held, huh, Leo? Don’t feel you have to be the world’s best at anything. Pull back this month and take it easy. You deserve it.
Andy Lau is one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” – the god of 90s Cantopop. He doesn’t seem to have aged at all since then. What’s his secret? It doesn’t matter. What matters is keeping your heart and soul young. Then it will be Andy Lau asking for YOUR secret.
Apr 21 – May 21
Aug 23 – Sep 23
Dec 22 – Jan 20
This time every year, we start anticipating whether or not a typhoon will come and bust in on our lives (which have already been so disrupted by COVID-19 over the past few months). Is there something or someone you are expecting to bust in on your life this month? Not sure? Well, be prepared. Tape your windows and hold your ground.
Do you have any Chinese aunties? If so, you’ll know they’re always interested in your health (and especially your health, given current circumstances), career and love life. Irritating? It comes from a place of love, so embrace the attention.
Sai Ying Pun was one of the first districts of Hong Kong. In recent years, it’s become more popular and gentrified. Some worry the neighbourhood is losing its identity… or has already lost its identity. Do you find yourself changing to suit others? Try not to be like SYP – no matter how good it feels to fit in with the crowd.
May 22 – Jun 21
Sep 24 – Oct 23
Jan 21 – Feb 19
The ice lemon tea is simple but elegant. Sweet but tart. Cool but not icy. That’s how I want you to see yourself this month. As a perfect combination of contrasts made all the more unique because you combine them so well.
If you speak to some, Chungking Mansions is a wretched hive of scum and villainy. Speak to others, and it’s a great place to get a curry. This is your reminder that perspective is key. Everyone sees things a little differently.
This month is looking good. You’ll never get caught at taxi change over time, you’ll always get a seat on the MTR and your bus won’t get stuck in traffic. Probably because everyone is at home practising social distancing. Either way, your transport woes will be lesser this month, which means that your stress levels will be similarly lowered.
Jun 22 – Jul 22
Oct 24 – Nov 22
Feb 20 – Mar 20
Spring is here, and junk season is fast approaching. With that, comes plenty of insecurity. Are you bikini-body ready? Also – who cares? When you’re on a junk, everyone’s chugging beer in swimsuits. Your six-pack or lack thereof will pass unnoticed. Embrace your body, crack a brew and dive right in.
Remember when the purple plastic $10 note was introduced? Everyone thought that it looked like silly toy money. Now, we use them without thinking twice. Plastic notes have even been introduced in London. The lesson? Sometimes a small change is just small change.
Romer’s Tree Frog is a tiny, unremarkable brown frog with one special characteristic: it’s endemic to Hong Kong. In other words, this endangered and protected species is native to the territory. So, what do you have that no one else on the planet has? That’s also something worth protecting.
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BOOKS & PODCASTS
BO O K REVIEWS
Our editors share their favourite books for World Book Day on April 23
NICOLE
APPLE
MEL
RECOMMENDS
RECOMMENDS
RECOMMENDS
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert If only we could travel this freely these days! Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir sees the New York-based author take a journey through Italy, India and Bali in an attempt to recover from her divorce. This inspiring tale is the perfect read during hard times, Gilbert’s witty humour and emotional vulnerability will have you laughing, crying and leave you dreaming of adventure! Available for $70 from bookdepository.com
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Siddhartha (1922) by Herman Hesse
Chick flicks always make the top of the list of my guilty pleasure reads. Conversations with Friends is relatable, stupidly good and has all things I love about romance novels. College students and best friends Frances and Bobbi become entangled in a four-way affair with a young married couple. The book encompasses the many frustrations of modern love and is a gentle reminder of how we try, and often, fail to understand each other. Available for $150 from bookdepository.com
Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha (1922) is my go-to textbook guru. I always find something new to take away from it. Siddartha is the son of a Brahman who leaves his home in search of enlightenment. He goes from one form of extreme to the other and it is the completeness of these experiences that allow Siddhartha to finally attain understanding. Hesse portrays the teachings of Buddha in a story so that it is easy to grasp, helping you to find meaning in your own life. Available for $90.8 from bookdepository.com
For romantics
For realists
For spiritualists
PO D C AS T REVIEWS
Inside China
Agender Cafe
Brooklyn’s Own
SCMP’s China Desk reporters take a deep dive into the many facets of the country to bring you in-depth reports of their current affairs. As Hong Kong and the rest of the world battles the coronavirus, this podcast offers insight into how this ongoing crisis is affecting millions. The team have conducted detailed interviews with doctors and analysed news reports to present fresh perspectives to avid listeners. Find the podcast on Spotify. scmp.com
Tackling a series of uncomfortable and taboo topics every Friday, Noreen Mir and Karen Koh dissect relevant social issues by having open conversations with their guests. From dealing with infidelity to having a love addiction, this RTHK podcast will keep you engaged in the constant dialogue between guests and their hosts providing a range of perspectives. Listen on Apple Podcasts or RTHK. rthk.hk
Brooklyn’s Own Easter Edition (Episode 22), starring Joe Causi and “Intern Anthony”, discusses Easter traditions and food à la New York-style. Listen to witty banter as the hosts trade stories about their own holiday traditions. You might even learn about a dish or recipe that will pique your interest for your own Easter lunch. Listen now on Apple Podcasts.
Nikita recommends
Nabdeep recommends
Nikita recommends hongkongliving.com | 33
MARKETPLACE
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
34 | hongkongliving.com To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772
PETS
Ask a vet... Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions during COVID 19
Can my dog become infected with COVID-19? Pet parents, and the public in general, are concerned about the involvement of pets with COVID-19. At the time of writing, several pets of COVID-19 positive humans are now under quarantine and testing at AFCD. However, so far scientists have found no evidence that mammalian pet animals (including dogs and cats) could become a source of infection to other animals or humans. My advice is to remain calm and follow good hygiene practices in your home. Change your pet’s bedding more often, wipe leads and accessories with a disinfectant daily and use an antiseptic wipe on your dog’s paws and coat after a walk. Brush your pet more often to remove loose hairs and other debris and disinfect the grooming tools and floor brushes afterwards. If you feel your pet is ‘off colour’, call your vet for advice. Since working from home, I’ve noticed that my dog sleeps a lot. Is this normal? Yes, adult dogs sleep or nap between 12 and 14 hours a day on average and pups up to 18 hours a day. Dogs are only ‘active’ for about 20% of their day. Boredom and lack of environmental enrichment will lead dogs to sleep more. In your case, you probably haven’t had the opportunity to spend as much time with your dog up until now which is why you are only just noticing. If your dog is still keen to go walkies, play with a toy, interact with you and jumps up for feeding time then they are probably behaving in a normal fashion.
Photo credit@unsplash: Roberto Nickson
Can you recommend some pet-friendly home cleaning products? The simplest and easiest disinfectant is a bleach solution. Concentrated bleach that you buy in the supermarket or pharmacy is diluted with water. This can be liberally used around the home on floors and hard surfaces. It dries quickly and applications can be repeated regularly using floor mops or cloths. Carefully read the content ingredients on the label of the disinfectant brands you purchase. Common sense should be used at all times. Do not let your pet lick or drink these solutions nor walk over the floors when they are wet. A good resource to check is the American government website; Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. epa.gov
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
What to plant in
April
Weather facts: - Average high temperature: 25°C - Average low temperature: 20°C - Average rainfall: 172.7mm (6.8”) - Average rainfall days: 12 days - Average sunshine hours: 3.4 hours - Daylight hours: 11 hours April is a joyous month for gardeners as we carefully transition into springtime parting with the frigid cold. Tread this season with a newfound gratitude for life as the steadily increasing temperatures continue to bloom the fruits in our gardens. Remember to spread this warmth all around you as the sun does unconditionally upon us. Begin with digging into the soil and sowing the last seeds of your cool-season vegetables. Mustard and cress, Chinese spinach, French beans, cucumber, lettuce, sweet corn, Chinese long beans, and brinjal. Tend to your garden beds with a lot of love and generous watering. Don’t forget to plant out your seedlings of cucumber and lettuce from last month. Those you raised in the past mustn’t leave one’s memory. And while you’re at it, heed this advice, it will save grief in the long run. Witness their growth after you successfully transfer them from your domestic pot to a homely vegetable bed. Smaller plants such as canavalias, cucumbers, and long beans, will require a garden stake to hold themselves up. Support them with reliable materials and strength to grow. Use a Dutch hoe to maintain the condition of your soil. A hard baked surface will not allow your plants to thrive as the earth is but a womb for your babies to flourish. Leave all your past grudges behind and cultivate your best relationships. Care for your garden as you would your lover and continue to grow alongside it.
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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BACKPAGE
everything Yes, is trying to
kill you
Nury Vittachi can be contacted at nury@vittachi.com or through his Facebook page
Award-winning author Nury Vittachi looks back on the month MANY PEOPLE ARE concerned about the rise of violent crime on Hong Kong streets, and in particular, offences committed by plants. These innocent-looking creatures, often tenderly raised by humans, are increasingly “going rogue.” I learned about this from a Malaysian horticulturalist friend who wants to add a Giant Sheep-Eating Puya Tree (Puya chilensis) to his collection. This is a three-meter tall plant which uses spikes to kill passing mammals which are then left to “perish and decay at its base like a bag of fertilizer,” according to a report (which I did not make up). But at least it doesn’t chase you down the street. The same cannot be said for the Javan cucumber, the seeds of which have wings larger than those of many birds, and can fly 100 meters or more. (My therapist is so going to love that one. “So, what do you think the flying cucumbers chasing you represent?”) I arrived home to find the kids spooked by social media predictions about the imminent end of everything. “I don’t want the world to end,” said my neighbor’s daughter crossly. “My hamster’s not married yet.” I postponed worrying about her hamster’s love life until after I had opened the bills, which were so plentiful that the world ending would be incredibly helpful just now. I wondered whether to tell her that hamsters are also trying to kill us. A reader had sent me a piece from the Japan Times about a pet lover killed after
having an allergic reaction to a hamster bite. The key point here, of course, is that these days everything is trying to kill us. Having a social life? You’ll get Covid-19 and die. Having a VERY social life? You’ll get HIV-AIDS and die. Spending your life sitting at home with the door welded shut? You’ll get deep-vein thrombosis and die. Reader Gerry Em told me he went for a walk in the wilderness to find some spiritual solitude and found so many people on Lion Rock that he realized he’d get more personal space in the mosh pit at a concert. The following day, a primary school teacher doing her thing by Internet told the neighbors’ children to educate themselves by growing houseplants. I wonder whether to recommend Selaginella lepidophylla, which is nicknamed the Zombie Fern. You can leave this plant in the sun until it has died and turned into a dried-out scrap of dusty grey detritus. Weeks or even years later, it miraculously comes to life again. To me, it’s the plant version of property developerturned-politician CY Leung. You think you’re finally done with him, and then, arrgggh, he pops up again. My horticulturalist friend recommended the Australian bug-eating sundew, which has
tentacles which flick passing items of food into its mouth, a description startlingly reminiscent of my children at meal times. But he warned us to look out for the pretty yellow and white flower known as the swallow-wort or dog strangler. All parts of the plant are registered as dangerous poisons, but are frequently used in Asian natural medicines. Asian natural medicines should of course also be classified as dangerous poisons, my aunt’s medicinal lentil-tamarind soup in particular. Terrorists could simply sneak it onto the recipe list of an airline caterer and fill an entire plane with noxious gas in minutes. It would be a scene of indescribable horror and misery, just like her dinner parties. But to go back to the cheery subject of being stalked by death, I’d like to thank a reader from Malaysia who sent me a cutting about a distant sighting of a yeti in a village near the state of Negeri Sembila. A villager was quoted by the Harian Metro newspaper as saying: “Based on the footprints, we can assume that the creature has two legs and weighs more than 100 kg.” Given the description, this could be my horticultural friend on the hunt for a Giant SheepEating Puya Tree. Or maybe CY Leung, returning from the political wilderness. *** Send ideas to our columnist via his Facebook page or that of Hong Kong Living.
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