Sai Kung Magazine April 2011

t es ver gg e Bisue is

April 2011

Easter holiday guide

Doggy Style Readers' choice awards Vote to win!

186 things to do

Picture: Michael Loh

April 2011

the planner 4 Happening in April Who knew there was so much to do?

6 Book Ahead Shows to sign up for Letters 8 Hey Mr Postman Got some comment for me? Hey Mr Postman, will ya look and see...

News 10 What’s going on?

Help a good cause, annual food drive, Stingrays win again, property pops LocaL 12 Standing up for Stella How a community rallied for a Clearwater Bay toddler Local Hero 13 George Wong On bicycles, business empires and having a clear vision

Cover Feature 14 It’s a dog’s life Sai Kung celebrates man’s best friend

Boots 18 Walkies!

Jackie Peers’ on her four favourite places to give Fergus a run Eating 20 DIY Easter eggs Local baker Hazel Cheung on how to make an Easter Egg at home Plus news from the dining scene Outdoors 22 Qigong Master Lawrence Tse invites you to breathe Property 24 Light up your garden Recent property transactions A beautiful home in Che Keng Tuk

Village Focus 26 Hoi Ha Starfish and sunshine, just 20 minutes away Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 27 Vote to win!

Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine readers are invited to vote on what makes our world wonderful. It’s democracy – with great prizes!

Easter activities 31 Great things to do this Easter And none of them involve watching the telly Family 34 The Gate Mother-in-the-Middle doesn’t mince her words

Health & Beauty 36 Detox, my darling Adele Rosi gets it out of her system... and stays married. Plus, Sense of Touch and Seasons Fitness open Pets 38 Easter bunnies Dr Carmel Taylor goes nuclear on thoughtless bunny owners Gardening 40 The recycle of life Rambling Rose makes a compost heap and learns to give back Marketplace 41 Guide to shops and services Classifieds 51 Local property, holiday lets and other random stuff

Schools 35 Mind your English A new language school opens in Sai Kung

Back page 54 Last Orders hates themes Plus free stuff to give away

Wait! There’s more. Check out www.saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 3

planner the best of April

Apr 1 Fool Me Once Comedy improvisation show by People’s Liberation Improv.

9pm-10.30pm, TakeOut Comedy Club, Basement, 34 Elgin Street, Central. Tickets $150 from 6220 4436 or jami@ takeoutcomedy.com.

Apr 1-2 Peter Shaffer’s Equus Faust International Youth Theatre presents Peter Shaffer's Equus with a teenage cast, aged 15-18. Not suitable for the under-12s. McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $150-$190 from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999. For more details, contact Faust on 2547 9114 or Equus@FaustWorld.com.

Apr 1-3 Scotty and Lulu in Outer Space Hong Kong’s favourite clowns are out of this world. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $188-$388 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Apr 1-5 35th Hong Kong International Film Festival Highlights this year include films by Romanian, Vietnamese and US indie directors, including Oscar-nominated “Winter’s Bone”. For programme and tickets, visit www.hkiff.org.hk.

Apr 2 Sai Kung Stingrays BBQ Big barbecue bash to celebrate the end of the minirugby season, with games and a lucky draw. 1pm5pm, Victoria Rowing Club, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. Tickets $250 for adults (minis $75, colts $150), including drinks and food, at training sessions or www. saikungstingrays.com.

Apr 2-5 Barney’s Space Adventures The big purple dinosaur blasts off. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $100-$500 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

4 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

APR 9

Yoga Family Morning

Salute the sun and help raise funds for Stella Standing Tall at this fun yoga session. (Nonyogi children may prefer the bouncy castle.) Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. Entry by donation. Details from stellastandingtall@gmail.com.

Apr 4 Friends of Sai Kung AGM

Apr 9 A Mother’s Touch Open Day

Get involved! Join this active group by emailing membership@friendsofsaikung. org. AGM at 8pm, Italiano’s, 1/F, 20 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.

Free 15-minute taster sessions on baby massage, baby and toddler reflex, CalmBirth and other programmes.

A Mother’s Touch, Room 202, 18-20 Wyndham Street, Central. Details from Kathy on 6340 4687, Liz on 9769 2701 or email info@amotherstouch.com.hk.

Apr 5 Ching Ming Festival Public holiday. Expect the countryside to be busy with families sweeping graves and worshipping ancestors.

Apr 7 Stella Standing Tall Cocktails Raise a glass at this cocktail evening and auction, with music from DJ Wak It Up, in aid of Stella Standing Tall, a local group raising funds for brain surgery for a Clearwater Bay three-year-old. The Space, 210 Hollywood Road, Central. Tickets $500 from stellastandingtall@gmail.com.

Apr 9 Easter Pop Concert An evening of pop hits by the students of local music school, Music Horizon.

6pm, Starbucks Sai Kung, Chan Man Street. Details from enquiry@musicsaikung.com, or call 2791 7676.

Apr 9 French Gourmet Tasting Sample the best of French food at this tasting event at La Petite France. 5.30pm7pm, G/F, 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.

Tickets $200 for non-members (free for members) from 2719 0082, www. lapetitefrance.com.hk.

Apr 10 Food Bank Collection Help prevent hunger in Hong Kong by donating canned goods, rice, instant noodles, sauces and other non-perishables to the St James’ Settlement Food Bank, which will be collecting in Man Yee Wan Recreation Centre, the yellow building near the Sha Tsui children's playground. Details at foodbank.sjs.org.hk.

cover planner feature Apr 11-16 Theatre for All 2011 The Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation presents nine mini-musicals developed by local schools.

Fringe Theatre, Central. Tickets $96-$120 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Apr 14-16 Punchline Comedy Club

Apr 22 Good Friday

Cracking the jokes this month are British comedians David Morgan, Vladimir McTavish and Dan Evans. Duetto, 2/F Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $320 ($270 before April 4) from www.cityline.com. hk, 2111 5333, or Duetto 2598 1222.

Public holiday.

Apr 22-23 Easter Bazaar Stalls, bouncy castle, an egg hunt and magic show bring all the magic of Easter to Hebe Haven Yacht Club. Adults can chow down at the Easter Family Brunch in the Garden Bar, or carvery in the restaurant. HHYC, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 8300, www.hhyc.org.hk.

Apr 15 End of term

Apr 24 Easter Sunday

ESF schools break up.

The holiest day in the Christian calendar – with support from the Easter Bunny.

Apr 27 Quiz Night Thinking caps on. Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515, info@101.com.hk.

Apr 12-13 Bob Dylan in concert The legend, live. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $580-$980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Apr 13 Quiz Night

Apr 29 A Right Royal Wedding Party A street party to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Live broadcast of the wedding, dancing, prizes, British carvery, champagne toast and lashes of bunting. From 5.30pm (wedding at 6pm). Tickets $390, including dinner and two drinks, from Hebe Haven Yacht Club, 2719 9682, hhyc@hhyc.org.hk.

Keep your wits about you. Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515, info@101.com.hk.

Apr 14 steamers Wine Tasting Try before you buy at Steamers’ charity wine tasting. $50 a head, with all proceeds donated to Japan Red Cross. From 7.30pm, Steamers, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

Apr 18 hebe one o one Golf Day

Apr 30 French Gourmet Tasting

Hack away, golfers! $999 for 18 holes on the Kau Sai Chau South Course, ferry, driving range, drinks and prizes back at Hebe One O One. Details and reservations at 2335 5515, info@101.com.hk.

More yummy French food to try. 5.30pm-7pm, La Petite France, G/F, 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. Tickets $200 for non-members (free for members) from 2719 0082, www.lapetitefrance. com.hk.

Book Now!

May 14 Summer Garage Sale

May 7 Avril Lavigne – Black Star Tour The punk princess returns. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets $380-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

May 3-15 Riverdance the Farewell Tour Last chance to see the flying limbs of the Irish dancers. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $35-$950 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

6 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

May 13 Justin Bieber – My World Tour Shriek! The boy with the $2 million hair comes to town. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $480$1,899 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Rumble through the jumble at the HKUST’s ever-popular garage sale. More than 180 tables of new and secondhand goods, food, drink and plenty of bargains. Free entry. 9.30am-1.30pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay. More details from Jean at 9045 5942 or gujean@ust.hk.

May 21 Maroon 5 Live Grammy Award-winning rock. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets $380-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

letters Cool customer My fridge died on me on Sunday morning.

By 5pm on Sunday night I had another one installed in my flat. Amazing, right? Delivered to me by the little shop opposite steamers.

Tara Making rooms?

Can anyone tell me why there are no hotels in Sai Kung? Is the Beach Hotel ever going to be finished? And what about the rumoured boutique hotel in Pak Sha Wan? Can whoever is building these places please get a move on. The in-laws, whom I love very much, are lining up another visit...

Henry Rampton

Courtesy cars I successfully passed my driving test, first time, more than 25 years ago. Apart from a stint in the Magic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, when I wasn't allowed to drive owing to my feminine demeanor, I have been driving various vehicles on various roads since then. I have negotiated the steep, narrow lanes of West Yorkshire, I have managed snow and ice driving, I have bumped across the desert and stopped on the motorway for camels in Bahrain, where I saw enough accidents to last a lifetime. I am a driver with experience.

8 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

have your say However, since arriving in Hong Kong I have regressed. Even the breakneck speed and reckless Arabic driving style did not prepare me for Hong Kong's roads. My main hurdle is geography. Understanding the road signs seems to rely on telepathy. Although there are signs to, say, Kwun Tong, how do you know when you've arrived? There is no sign to tell you, and everything looks the same. How can you tell if you have left Jordan and are in Prince Edward or Mong Kok? What's the blooming difference?

But it’s the complete lack of courtesy that is most difficult to deal with. I am programmed to queue and hard wired to be a polite road user.

I am English, after all. So if someone in front is signalling to change lanes then you, as a sensible, polite and intelligent driver, should give him/her space to do that. It is then quite normal – no, expected – that a friendly wave to acknowledge this politeness is executed.

Is there no courtesy on Hong Kong roads?

Some drivers seem blissfully unaware that other drivers need to change lanes and will, eyes front, continue to drive at the same speed, ignore your signal and even speed up to fill the gap so there is no chance of a safe manoeuvre. Then they have the nerve to beep their horn!

This can also be done while queuing for tunnels. Everyone is crawling along. Eye contact, friendly nods or acknowledgment of the presence of other drivers can easily be made, but it never is. No weakness must be shown.

Any attempt at lane changing at the tunnels is a serious chess move which, surprise surprise, regularly causes check mate.

If no one will let anyone else in, where are we all going?

Leslie Croft

From your iPhones (Please email outbursts to letters@saikung.com) Re: Hoi Ha Hoo Ha (Sai Kung, March 2011). The people – all 20 of them – have spoken. David Newbery lost the election by three votes. That’s democracy. Move on.

Peter Chan Loved the Wayne Parfitt interview.

Amazing, though, that a man with such a gift for stylish restaurants – Wagyu, Oolaa and Jaspas – has absolutely no interest in PR photos.

Becky Re: Time to sell your property. My letter box is stuffed with notes from random estate agents wanting to sell my home – if that’s not a sure sign of a property bubble I don’t know what is.

Tim Jiang

Please email your letters to letters@saikung.com. We may edit for length.

news Food drive

Watersports centre opens

Time to clean out the kitchen for a good cause! Sai Kung residents are being asked to sort out their cupboards and donate unneeded food to the People’s Food Bank of St James’ Settlement.

Please bring unopened instant noodles, canned food, rice, oils and other nonperishables or food coupons to the Man Yee Wan Recreation Centre – the bright yellow building next to the small children’s playgound in Sha Tsui Square, Sai Kung – from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, April 10.

“Your donations will be warmly received,” said organizer Grace Tam. “It is great way to teach your children about the importance of giving. There are lots of needy Hong Kong people who will benefit from your kindness, such as low-income families, deprived children, the elderly and street-sleepers. Please clean out your kitchens and donate to a very good cause.”

For more details, visit foodbank.sjs.org.hk

Great news for watersports lovers. Popular swimming and watersports trainers Blue Sky is opening a permanent 6,000-square-foot watersports centre in Sai Kung this month.

The Sai Kung Water Sports Training Center (SWC) will offer a world of fun activities and training including dragon boating, stand-up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, swimming and kayaking. Visitors will also be able to rent fun items such as inflatable water toys and trampolines.

Among the host of training programs on offer are a surfing school (starting September) and special events for corporate team building and school camps.

You’ll find the new venue at the side of Sai Sha beach, next to the public swimming pool. The grand opening is on April 23. For more details contact Bryan Ng on 2791 0806, 9468 1684 or info@skswc. com or check the website, www. skswc.com.

10 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

in the know

Grapevine Congratulations to Kowloon Stingrays, the grownup branch of the Sai Kung Stingrays, who won the Division 3 Grand Final cup in their first season, making them a club to watch in the local rugby scene. And talking of Stingrays, look out next month for the Sai Kung Stingrays poster – free inside our May issue.

Sai Kung resident John Warham, leader of The 49ers group of pilots fired by Cathay Pacific in 2001, has published a book about his epic 10-year legal battle against the airline. “The 49ers – The True Story” details the twists and turns of the intricate court battle that ensued as Warham fought tooth and nail to exonerate himself and his “band of brothers”. Buy it from Amazon.co.uk.

Sai Kung Stray Friends would like to thank all the guests who attended last month’s Steamers Wine Tasting Night and raised more than $10,000 for stray, abandoned and injured dogs. Organizer Narelle Pamuk sends out a big thank you to Les Curl of Steamers, Philip & Aileen Booth of the Lucky Door, Mr and Mrs Gordon Dyer for donating $1,600, and Angela Rolston of Limestone Wines for providing all the very enjoyable wine.

Leapfrog Kindergarten still has places available for its summer term, starting May 3. Interested parties should contact Leapfrog Kindergarten & Playgroup, 11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, Tel: 2791 1540, www.leapfrogkindergarten.org.

Grosvenor Group, the real-estate company owned by the family trust of Britain’s Duke of Westminster, has scrapped a property deal in Clearwater Bay. Its Asia-Pacific CEO Nicholas Loup told Bloomberg last week: “The sellers changed their minds or even raised the price during the documentation stage... The prices have already gone up a lot... [We] have to be careful.” Grosvenor declined to give the exact locations of the Clearwater Bay site. Hong Kong is the world’s most expensive place to buy a home because of a supply shortage, according to a study released by Savills in January.

local Publisher & Executive Editor Tom Hilditch Tom@saikung.com Editorial Jane Steer Jane@saikung.com Adele Rosi Adele@saikung.com Jovy Lai Jovy@saikung.com Art Direction Eric Luk Eric@saikung.com Accounts May Oul Yong May@saikung.com Advertising Heung Sai Sai@saikung.com Distribution Polly Lee Polly@saikung.com Contributors Graham Uden Aani Andriani Dr Carmel Taylor MVB Denise Li Iain Lafferty Jackie Peers Liz Remington Becky Merrett Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang Hong Kong Published by Fast Media P.O. Box 291, Sai Kung Sai Kung is published by Fast Media 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.

Sai Kung 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 pubishers.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

12 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

where the heart is

Standing up for Stella Clearwater Bay residents rally to help pay for lifechanging surgery for three-year-old Stella Sipma,

by Adele Rosi.

Restoring one’s faith in humanity is a group of Clearwater Bay residents who have thrown themselves into raising money for Stella Sipma, who lives in Sheung Sze Wan. Stella, who has just turned three, suffers from tuberous sclerosis, which causes tumours to grow in her brain – including one the size of a golf ball – and other vital organs.

Battling with up to 10 seizures a day and no longer able to stand unaided, little Stella last month travelled to the United States for critical brain surgery, without which she would be unable to lead a normal life.

To help pay the surgery expenses of about $2.34 million – the final bill depends on the complexity of the tumour activity – her friends and neighbours last month launched the Stella Standing Tall campaign.

“As mums, our hearts went out to the Sipma family and their daily struggle to help Stella,” explains Sheung Sze Wan resident Lisa Peterson, who is leading the fund-raising efforts with neighbours Sharyn Kitchener and Lynn Lawrence-Brown. "We just had to do something to help so we decided the best thing was to help the family raise money for treatment that will give Stella a shot at a normal life."

Its inaugural event was a Family Treasure Walk (pictured) from Sheung Sze Wan to the Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre and back. Despite the rain, about 250 adults and children and countless dogs took part, raising $80,000 and having a great time afterwards with a barbecue, face painting and tattoos. At the time of writing, this brought the total raised so far to about $200,000, with several families volunteering to donate their $6,000 government handout to the cause.

“Our goal is to raise US$100,000 [HK$780,000], or more, to help Stella’s family pay for the surgery and their medical bills,” Peterson says.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child and the response so far from our friends and neighbours has been overwhelming – everyone is rallying around Stella and her family. They all want to see her down the beach playing in the sand or having a swim in the bay just like any other kid her age.”

Stella’s mother, Alison, said she and her husband, Marcel, had been deeply moved by people’s generosity.

“We never thought we’d be in this position but we take comfort in the fact that there is a caring community out there who are helping us during this time,” Alison said. “Due to Stella’s condition, we have been so focused on our family.

We are touched that so many who don’t know us have been so thoughtful and generous. I hope that one day we can also personally thank all those that have supported us, and fingers crossed we can back in time for the next fundraiser.”

Two more Stella Standing Tall fundraisers are planned. The first is a cocktail evening at The Space in Central, on Saturday, April 7 ($500 per person), with a charity auction and music by DJ Wak It Up. The second is a yoga family morning on April 9 at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, with “108 Sun Salutations” for diehard yogis, and a bouncy castle for children.

For information, tickets or to make a donation, visit Stella Standing Tall on Facebook, or email stellastandingtall@gmail.com.

local hero

life cycle

George Wong Yui-lam

The founder and chairman of Bauhaus clothing and its sister brands has 192 stores in greater China, but loves nothing better than to get on his bike and ride.

I have been living in Sai Kung for two years. Before moving to Sai Kung, I used to bike ride around Hoi Ha. I wanted to enjoy stunning views of the sea. I love the ambience of this area – there are more smiley faces in Sai Kung than other areas. The ambience of the old town is unique, it reminds me of The Lanes in Brighton, on England’s south coast.

My favourite thing to do locally is biking. Living in Sai Kung has also rekindled my interest in kayaking, which was my favourite sport 30 years ago. Last summer I bought three kayaks.

In Sai Kung, I do more exercise, and live a more regular and healthy life. [This means] I have to delegate effectively and reduce my workload. From this I learned the meaning of the famous quote from Zeng Guofan: “To do big things, look for a first deputy is top priority.” On the other hand, the simple life here keeps the creative juices flowing.

The awesome landscape of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay is the best place to ride a bicycle. In terms of speed, driving is too fast, walking is too slow. By riding, you can explore and enjoy the beauty. Ironically, this area is one of the most dangerous for cyclists in Hong Kong: narrow roads, heavy traffic, poor road conditions, so many cycling-restricted areas It’s too bad that we don’t have a dedicated bike track. The East dam in Sai Kung Country Park is one of the best scenic sites, but it is identified as cycling restricted area. This really angers me.

The government should develop a complete cycling network in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, and let tourists know eating seafood is not be the sole purpose to visit Sai Kung.

I can't afford sports cars! So I collect classic vintage bicycles. I think the art and craft is much more attractive than the modern models.

My latest project: canoe camping on an uninhabited island.

Don't complain about others. I follow my own way and do my utmost.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 13

A dog’s life Sai Kung is a doggy paradise. We ask the experts how to keep tails wagging. Pictures by Eric Luk. Why keep a dog?

Dr Carmel Taylor: Because they are your best friend – loving, affectionate, and nonjudgmental. They are always excited to see you, listen attentively to your problems, and love big sloppy cuddles. They are also really hilarious when they chase laser pointers.

Clement Lo: My dog is my best friend. Missy can read my mind.

Sally Anderson: There is a bond that develops with a dog that is very special. They encourage you to exercise and socialize, reduce stress and boost the immune system.

What is the best part of your day as a dog owner?

Dr C: Getting home from work – my dog always dashes over to smell my shoes, trousers, hands. His ultra-superior sense of smell tells him I have been handling sick animals. I always wonder what is going through his mind.

Mike Muir: Like most vets, we don't always follow the best advice with our own dogs. One of the highlights is the pleasure they get when we share food that we probably shouldn't.

Small pieces of ham or cheese are favourites.

Any advice for Sai Kung residents who are thinking about getting a dog?

Dr C: Stop and think again – why do you want a dog? Owning a dog means committing to caring for him for up to 15 years “for better or for worse”. And that comes with a hefty price tag: food, healthcare costs, grooming, boarding can cost up to $20,000 annually. Be

Meet the experts Dr Carmel Taylor graduated from vet college in Dublin and worked in a James Herriot-style mixed practice. Tired of freezing cowsheds at 4am, she was excited to land a two-year contract with the SPCA in Hong Kong in 1992. She has worked in general practice and been involved in

14 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

animal-welfare issues, and now runs a dermatology consultancy, dealing with skin, conditions of the footpads, claws and ears, and allergies. She writes a monthly column for Sai Kung Magazine.

Clement Lo is the owner of Three Dog Bakery in Hong Kong.

He has two dogs: a chocolate Labrador called Missy – a present from his brother – and a Pomeranian cross called Murphy.

prepared to spend quality time with your dog every day, or it will be an unhappy relationship.

Most “unwanted” dogs in shelters are not feral pups – they are previously owned animals that became “too much trouble”.

SA: Avoid pet shops! Many pet-shop puppies come from inhumane puppy farms. There are so many rescue organisations that have dogs and puppies needing homes, and adopting means saving a life.

Cynthia Smillie: Do as much research as possible beforehand. Things to think about include: male or female? Generally females are more placid and males more boisterous; if you already have a dog, choose one of the opposite sex. Puppy or adult? A puppy needs someone to be there most of the time so it can be trained and socialized. Pedigree or crossbreed?

Acquiring a pedigree dog allows you to know exactly what size it will be and the breed characteristics. Mongrels have the advantage of not having strong breed traits and are often more suitable as pets.

What are your top tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy?

SA: Exercise and companionship. As pack animals, dogs can't tolerate isolation, and a dog that's left alone all day is an unhappy one. Having a garden is a bonus, but a dog shouldn’t be left outside 24 hours a day. Being excluded from the family is punishment in a dog’s eyes. It’s cruel.

Sally Anderson arrived in Hong Kong by yacht in 1984, and ran the New Age Shop from 1992 to 2000. Instead of early retirement she founded Hong Kong Dog Rescue, initially to find homes for mutts abandoned on Lamma's “Dog Island”, starting with her own, Bruno, Pippa, Midge and Katie.

What breed of dog is most suitable for Hong Kong homes?

Dr C: It has less to do with the size of dog and more to do with how committed the owners are. All dogs need exercise. Some small terriers are very active, and need quite a long daily workout.

SA: The local Hong Kong mutt! Huskies are popular, but also abandoned more than others – a ridiculous dog for this climate. "Show off" breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff and Saint Bernard, are totally unsuited to Hong Kong’s climate and lifestyle. Heatstroke is common (and often fatal) in flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs.

How do you introduce a second dog to the home?

SA: Having two dogs is half, not double, the work. It’s a mistake to think siblings from the same litter will be BFF – often they become rivals, especially if they are both females. If you already have a dog, allow the dogs to meet outside the home, and if possible walk them together. Remember that a puppy will love any dog, but it may take time for an adult to accept a puppy.

Make sure your dog doesn’t get jealous by giving it time alone and lots of fuss. If the new dog is an adult, there may be some fights, but as long as these aren't serious (and they usually aren’t), leave well alone and they will soon stop.

Dr Cynthia Smillie has been a vet for 35 years, and was the Hong Kong SPCA’s first full-time vet and Deputy Executive Director. In 2000, she did a postgraduate diploma in animal behaviour in Britain and returned to Hong Kong a year ago to open the city’s first behavioural veterinary practice.

What should you do when you find a puppy?

Dr C: Decide whether you want to keep it. If you have not considered having a dog before then the correct answer is NO. In this case, surrender the puppy to a shelter.

MM: Contact one of the welfare groups locally, such as Sai Kung Stray Friends, Hong Kong Rescue Pups or SPCA. If they have no space, they may ask you to help look after the pup yourself until some space is freed up.

Desexing, why is it important?

Dr C: If you’ve established your dog is just going to be a family pet, desex them early.

This prevents uterine infections, and ovarian and mammary cancer – common and often fatal in older females. If females are spayed before their first season the risk is negligible.

Neutering male dogs early can help prevent testicular and prostate cancer, reduce territorial urine marking, dog-to-dog aggression, and the tendency to roam. Neutered dogs of both sexes pay more attention to humans because they are no longer concerned with you-know-what.

SA: So many dogs are killed in Hong Kong because there are too many of them. A bitch can start having puppies from six months, and litters can be as big as 10 puppies. Don't think your dog won't get pregnant because a female in season will do everything she can to mate, and males will be only too willing to help.

Dr Mike Muir is a small-animal vet who has worked in Sai Kung for more than 10 years, and is currently at Pets Central. About 70 per cent of his patients are dogs. He currently lives with two Pomeranian crossbreeds – although he insists they belong to his wife.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 15

Dog maintenance

16 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Picture: Jackie Peers / www.jackiepeers.com

Healthcare Puppies need to visit the vet frequently in the first year of life for vaccinations and desexing.

Young adults should have an annual check up, and seniors (dogs over seven years) should visit every six months. Dogs need deworming every three months and heartworm prevention either as an annual injection or monthly pills.

If your dog is in contact with grasses, he should have protection against ticks.

Vaccinations All dogs should have vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, adenovirus, parvovirus and leptosprosis, with the schedule starting at about eight weeks. After the initial course, the booster schedule may vary from dog to dog – ask your vet. Vaccination against kennel cough is usually required only if your dog spends time in kennels.

All dogs over five months must be microchipped, licensed and vaccinated against rabies, and hefty fines may be incurred by those who fail to comply.

Grooming Your dog needs: a bath every one to two months; a “hands on” check weekly for lumps, bumps and skin nasties; a weekly ear check and clean (don’t overdo it ­– earwax has a purpose); and daily coat and teeth brushing.

Essential kit Brush – try the Zoom Groom from Whiskers n Paws, and a comb for long-hair breeds.

Nail clipper – use a guillotine style.

Ear cleaner – Epiotic Advanced is one of the safest, and use cotton wool, not cotton buds.

A dog toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs – VET Aquadent from Virbac is a cool new mouthwash that goes into the dog’s drinking water and prevents the build up of plaque.

Dog shampoo – take your pick.

Training tips?

Dr C: The earlier the better. Dogs under five months are learning about the world and need early socialization and training if they are to make well-adjusted pets. Enroll in a class with a reputable trainer who uses positive reinforcement.

SA: A dog understands about 200 individual words, so shouting "No! No!" means nothing.

No what? Use individual words for individual commands: Sit, Stay, Leave, Come, Down. And be consistent. Decide what your rules are and stick to them. Websites such as www.dogstrust.org.uk have excellent training tips.

Mutt or pedigree?

Discuss.

SA: Mutt, mongrel, mixed breed, every time.

The joy of a mix is that you have the best of all breeds rolled into one. If you insist on a breed, research the health issues you can expect, and don't think that a certain breed is any guarantee of a “good” dog. Very few dogs at HKDR have been put to sleep for serious aggressive behaviour, but those that have were all pure breeds, including a beautiful year-old golden retriever.

Clothes: yes, or just silly?

Dr C: One big nasty word – anthropomorphism, or treating animals as if they are humans. I believe this is wrong. Dogs should be allowed to behave like dogs, and not be fed pasta on a chair at Jaspas, wheeled around

in prams, and certainly do not need clothing.

There are only two situations where I capitulate – with patients that have extensive alopecia (hair loss), and those with rare skin conditions aggravated by UV light, when we have special solar suits made.

CS: From a behavioural point of view, the pressure of clothing along the back and neck mimics the pressure a dominant dog exerts in an interaction with another dog and this can be threatening and lead to anxiety.

CL: Some of my customers think dressing up dogs is silly. Some even said it is an Asian thing. I totally disagree. Back in the States, people dress their dogs with warm clothing in winter, especially where there is snow, and at Halloween.

MM: If it doesn't hurt the dog, then when in Rome...

Can an old dog learn new tricks?

SA: Absolutely. It’s good for an older dog to keep the old grey matter stimulated.

What do dogs think about?

Dr C: Cool! Dad’s up! Let me drag you round the block on the string. Cool! Breakfast – you’re a culinary genius, Mum! Cool! One of those two-wheeled exercise machines I need to chase till the human falls off. Was that the can opener? Cool – naptime! Cool! Mum’s home!

B2B APR11 SK.indd 1

She must be an awesome hunter to find so much food! Vet? Did she say vet? Help – gotta hide… I’m sure that’s the can opener? Cool!

Kids home, lets plaaayyy! Cool! Cat left treats in the sandbox again – yum! That’s gotta be the can opener? Cool! Dinner – you’re a culinary genius, Mum! Cool! Dad’s home! Let me drag you round the block on the string. Cool!

Naptime – that was an exhausting day…

Do dogs love you, or is it just the food?

CS: Dogs are remarkably loyal and there are amazing stories of dogs staying by their owners’ sides if they fall ill or die, or waiting for years at the same spot for their owners to return, or travelling hundreds of miles to be reunited if they get lost. I don’t know if it is love, but it’s pretty wonderful.

Common ailments Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis.

Microscopic larvae are transmitted to dogs though mosquito bites, and travel through the blood to the heart, where they breed in large numbers. There may be no symptoms initially, but as the worms multiply they crowd out the heart, blood vessels and lungs, interfering with blood circulation and causing damage to internal organs. Treatment is expensive and not always successful – prevention is inexpensive and effective.

Tick fever is infection by two different bloodcell parasites, Babesia and Erlichia. These are transmitted by the common dog tick, which generally completes its lifecycle outdoors on vegetation, but can breed indoors. Dogs display a variety of symptoms, can deteriorate rapidly and die. Treatment is not always successful. Preventive measures may include a monthly spray with Frontline by Merial (available from vets) and a new Preventic collar (Virbac) every couple of months.

Screw worm maggot infestation can occur in any uncovered wound, and dogs with oozing skin lesions are also at risk. All wounds should receive prompt veterinary attention.

Dr Carmel Taylor

23/03/2011 2:56 PM WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 17

boots Four legs good Jackie Peers takes her dog for a walk – or four.

Walk two: Sheung Yiu Family Walk A similar walk with expansive sea views and plenty of exploratory potential is the Sheung Yiu Family Walk, just inside the country park gate at Pak Tam Chung. This is the site of Fergus’ favourite water hole. Many a bride posing for her wedding photos there has been startled by the sight of a spaniel with ears flapping, heading straight for her long white dress at alarming speed! But he doesn’t mean to wreak mayhem.

He just wants to get at the water, do a bit of fishing and have a dog paddle.

This is a perfect stroll in the summer heat, and you can retreat afterwards to the Fat Kee Store for a cold Coke or Tsing Tao overlooking the river, or continue on and do the round circuit of the family walk, turning uphill and left just past the pier and Folk Museum, then looping back along the road.

To come up with walks suitable for dogs in the Sai Kung area is as difficult as finding sky suitable for birds, or water that fish might like. There are plenty of options. The one walk I don’t do with my dog, Fergus, is the weekend waterfront promenade. Fergs gets a bit freaked by dogs wearing sunglasses, caps, shoes and tartan vests. He’s apt to give them an exploratory tooth mark or two, just to see what they’re made of.

Walk one: Trio Beach to Hiram’s Highway So, where to start? Perhaps with the one we did this morning, which shows how privileged we are. From Pak Sha Wan public pier, Fergs and I took the sampan to Trio Beach, which set us back $10. (I should add here that there are prominent signs indicating dogs are not permitted, although this is more strictly enforced when the beach is busy.) One possibility is to take the eager one by lead past the club house and scramble over the rocks to the small beach nearest the lighthouse where interesting smells can be attended to and crabs pursued to the hairy one’s heart’s content.

From the beach we followed the pretty trail overlooking the yachts on their moorings, and veered off on the track to Tiu Min Hoi. The walk from Tiu Min Hoi to Sai Kung is a great wee stroll, although this morning we took a different option and cut back to the Lions Nature Education Centre and walked through the park to Hiram’s Highway.

18 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Trio Beach

walkies

Walk three: Kai Kung Shan If you’re after a more strenuous option to give the indefatigable one more of a workout, then you can’t really wrong with Kai Kung Shan. Start at Shui Long Wo, just a short taxi ride up Sai Sha Road from the roundabout by the barbecue pits. From there, head up Stage 3 of the MacLehose Trail, going backwards. Pass the toilet block, picnic area and grave sites and then steeply up the hill.

This walk is a favourite of ours because we can get the muscles warm and the breath moving without taking all day. It’s shaded the whole way, we usually have it to ourselves and there are wonderful sea views stretching both to the north and south from the top. Bliss!

Walk four: Tai Po Kau Another shaded walk for summer is further away at Tai Po Kau. Head by car or taxi towards Tai Po Market, but once you leave the Tolo Highway turn back on yourself at the first roundabout and head up Old Tai Po Road, parking at the entrance to the country park. This is Hong Kong’s most glorious patch of mature forest, and a wonderland of creeks, pools and rambling trails.

Even on busy weekends there is enough scope on the well-signposted yellow and brown trails for the hairy and enthusiastic one to run freely, and to investigate rustlings in the undergrowth at his leisure.

These four walks are just a sample of Sai Kung's many great hikes. But they are a sample of paradise, and are guaranteed to have Spot or Lucky curled contentedly on his bean bag in the evening, with closed eyes flickering with happy memories. And, of course, en-route it’s great to chat with other dog owners, because they’re such nice people. When I came to Sai Kung it was out on the trails that Fergs and I made our first friends – and what great friends they are.

Jackie Peers is a director of Walk Hong Kong, a unique company that reveals Hong Kong to visitors. She also runs photography courses in the Sai Kung area.

Details at www.walkhongkong.com.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 19

eating How to make an Easter egg Put on your Willy Wonka hat! Ali Oli’s Hazel Cheung shows us how to make your own Easter egg.

You will need: a couple of bars of good-quality milk or dark chocolate, white chocolate for decorating, food colouring, sugar thermometer, Easter egg moulds (available online at www. cakescookiesandcraftsshop.co.uk), a glass bowl and saucepan.

1. Here’s the secret to a good Easter egg: use top-quality chocolate. Most supermarket Easter eggs are not really chocolate – they contain less than 20 per cent cacao and lots of nasty additives. If you use posh choc, it might be twice the price but you get three times the cacao.

2. Break the chocolate into a glass bowl and place it over a bowl of hot but not boiling water over a low heat. Allow the chocolate to melt slowly. Let it cool and then reheat slowly to about 35 degrees Celsius. This is called tempering.

3. Spread the melted chocolate inside the

20 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

half-egg moulds and place them in a fridge for 15 minutes.

4. Then do another layer, then a third — in the chocolatier trade this is called laminating the couverture. It gives your Easter egg a yummy thickness and texture that you don’t in supermarket eggs.

5. Once both the halves have cooled, melt the edges and stick them together.

Don’t forget to hide a gift inside! It’s “hey presto!” moments that make cooking with children such fun.

6. Now it’s time to decorate. This is the bit when homemade is really special.

Melt the white chocolate in a glass bowl over a pan of hot water, and using a piping bag or paintbrush, write on names or draw pictures.

Flower petals are really easy. If you want to make give your egg colour, add food colouring to batches of melted white chocolate.

7. Pop the egg in the fridge to set.

8. On Easter morning, get up early and hide your eggs. Then let the hunt begin.

And if you don't have time to do it yourself, pop into Ali Oli for one of Hazel’s homemade Easter eggs.

11 Sha Tsui Path, 2792 2655.

choccy heaven

Nibbles Your invitation to the royal wedding got lost in the post? Never mind, you can watch it live on the big screen at Hebe One O One on April 29 over a slap-up traditional roast beef dinner, with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings ($198). The wedding is at 6pm, Hong Kong time. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

Hebe Haven Yacht Club is making the most of its gorgeous new Garden Bar. The new Afternoon Tea Set includes finger sandwiches – cucumber, naturally, plus smoked salmon and chicken – a selection of cakes and mini French pastries and homemade scones with cream and stawberry jam; $168 for two, Saturday and Sunday. It is also offering special children’s party packages from $120 a head for a minimum of 20 people, with a range of kid-friendly food plus optional extras such as birthday cakes, a bouncy castle, face painting, laser guns, helium balloons and entertainment.

(Two weeks’ notice required.) Cosy up to a member, and check it out at HHYC, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 8300, www.hhyc.org.hk.

Steamers is sizzling! Its new head chef Jun Dulay, who learned his craft cooking for Outback and Anthony’s Ranch, is revamping the menu to include such classics dishes as Steak Diane and other sizzling plates. The first of the new series of monthly specials – cheesy grilled chicken and beef bourguignon, introduced in March – have already graduated to the permanent menu. Other regular events include Curry Night on Wednesdays, with a free glass of house wine or beer with every curry, and Monday Pizza Night, when the thin Got the afternoon munchies? Try the new and crispy oven-baked pizzas come with a free cheese & wine happy hour at Classified, which drink. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991. is offering a slice of your favourite fromage

accompanied by a glass of house wine for $98 from 3pm-6pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. 5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2529 3454, www.classifiedfood.com.

Grownup chocolate fans will find some deliciously sophisticated goodies on sale at the Patisserie at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin this Easter. Top of the chocolate pops are the white forest cake – a sensational melange of chocolate cake, kirsch, fresh cream and cherries, smothered in white chocolate. Less sinful is the spring menu at the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant, Sha Tin 18. New seasonal dishes include marinated wild mushrooms and enoki mushrooms with coriander, simmered Ma Chung carp dumplings with bamboo pith, and steamed shrimps with beancurd sheet and soya paste.

For details and reservations, call 3723 1234.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 21

outdoors Feel the energy Qigong master Lawrence Tse talks to Jovy Lai about energy, balance and doing the Wild Goose.

What is qigong?

In Chinese, qi is energy and gong is exercise, or work. Qi is a popular concept in Chinese culture: we call the weather “sky qi”, and when food is well cooked, we say “the wok qi is good”.

How does it differ from tai chi?

I teach both qigong and tai chi, which was originally a martial art. Tai chi is about training the body and improving the health in order to stay strong enough to fight. It involves moving the whole body continuously. Qigong was created purely as a wellbeing exercise, with some forms using individual movements. Beginners’ qigong is easy enough even for the elderly and the sick. More advanced qigong, such as the Wild Goose style, is similar to tai chi in that the whole body moves continuously.

Which form of qigong do you practise?

There’s static qigong, which is mainly meditation; dynamic qigong, which has movements as its main characteristic; and hard qigong with strong breathing to train the body and energy. Although I have studied all types, I like dynamic qigong the most, and the Wild Goose technique is my favourite form. It is a series of movements from the Kunlun Mountains of northern China; it flows well and keeps the energy running throughout the body. If you practise it for many years, you will maintain a high level of well-being.

Where does the energy come from?

Everything in the universe is in a circulating system.

Otherwise, where does everything come from and go to? Likewise, energy constantly circulates through our body. We can consider it like breathing: energy comes from nature, enters the body, circulates through us and then leaves the body. Practicing qigong is about relaxing the body so we are more open to nature, allowing more and stronger energy to enter and flow through the body.

How does qigong improve wellness and fitness?

The main essence of our being is energy: it fuels every part of the body, including the organs. When energy is blocked from body parts, they stop functioning properly. How well the energy flows within us is reflected almost exactly in how healthy the body is. While we are practicing qigong, the internal energy runs more strongly. And the qigong movements give the body a physical workout. Qigong keeps the body fit from the inside out.

How long have you been practising qigong?

Ever since I was teenager – more than 25 years. My

22 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

eldest brother is my teacher. As soon as he began qigong about 25 years ago, he started sharing with me what he had learned. As he learns more and more from different teachers in China, I have been learning more and more from him. Practising qigong gives you a good feeling, as different parts of the body are energized, recharged and get into better shape.

Once I’d experienced this feeling, I never wanted to stop.

How does qigong heal?

Illnesses and physical problems are simply energy blockages within the body. Practicing qigong creates a strong energy flow that clears these blockages, healing sickness in a natural way. It deals with issues at the level of energy – at the root. It is a natural method with no side effects. More and more research points to emotion as a major factor in our health. Qigong eases and relaxes the mind. It detaches and releases the negative emotion, making the body healthier.

Can it reduce stress?

Qigong emphasizes relaxation making it a good solution to stress. We relax and experience a good feeling that helps us relax even more. The cycle creates a harmonic state, and we should be able to take things easy.

It’s said most people breathe in a non-optimal way, how can this be corrected?

In the Chinese system, being “balanced” is the key to health. Breathing is the same. Qigong is a tool helping us to achieve a state where our body systems work in the most natural and, therefore, optimal way. We just need to tune ourselves to true and deep relaxation,

just breathe

and forget about everything – then our breathing will naturally become more effective.

Where can beginners find out more about qigong?

They’re most welcome to join my Sai Kung outdoor qigong class on Tuesday mornings.

What can they expect?

The classes aim to help individuals relax the body and mind, and exercise the body in easy and simple movements. My classes are not about intensively training the muscles but about achieving a state of harmony, and tuning into a self-adjusting and self-healing state. We work on energy, and afterwards most people feel relaxed and energized.

Classes will be held every Tuesday, 9am-10am, starting April 12. $180 a session. For details, please contact Lawrence at 6055 5387, lawrence@healingqigong. com, or Lea at wileawil@gmail.com, or visit www. healingqigong.com.

On the waterfront Anne Carroll Marshall joins Tse's class.

Lawrence's Sai Kung class takes place in the covered walkway below the golf-course car park. We move out onto the grass when the sun is shining, which it almost always is. Then we can focus our gaze and draw energy from a tree, the sun on the waves or the islands rising mistily from the South China Sea. Better than the back wall of a gym, wouldn’t you say?

I immediately felt at home. I was told not to try to memorize the steps or positions but to allow my body to follow the others and relax into the movements. When it feels right, it is right. After a warm up, Lawrence asks if there is any area anyone would like to focus on. Necks, shoulders, lower back – all the usual victims of tension and too much time spent hunched over computers – get the appropriate attention. There are even movements that get the energy zinging into the fingers. After each session, my stiff hands and wrists have more flexibility and a surprising break from pain.

Then we move into the Wild Goose, a sequence of movements rather romantically based on the imagery of the bird. Lawrence leads and we follow. I am still at the following stage – reassured when I forget or stumble at the concept that qigong is not about excellence in form but rather experience through practice.

The energy fizzes around Lawrence and he leads you to feel your own energy sparking too, leaving you recharged both physically and mentally. He asks for feedback and questions, demonstrating and explaining again and again. And not one of us feels like an ugly duckling.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 23

Picture: Graham Uden / hkaerial.com

property How does your garden glow?

Funk up your outdoors with groovy garden furniture.

Che Keng Tuk: $28.5m for 2,100 sqft.

Recent property transactions Property sqft Price $/sqft Island View 2,073 $28.48m 10,690 Marina Cove 'F' 2,215 $26.5m 11,531 Sheung Sze Wan 2,100 $25.5m 8,382 Razor Park 1,220 $9.98m 8,326 Green Park 1,371 $8.18m 6,463 Pine Villas 2,400 $20.69m 8,180 Che Keng Tuk 2,100 $28.5m 10,476 Ng Fai Tin 1,750 $13.2m 6,000 Tsam Chuk Wan 2,100 $14m 6,190 Limited Apr11.pdf Royal display Garden Sheese Kingsbrook 700 $4.998m 5,914 Updated by Homelife Property

1

Looking like something from a Miami nightclub, we’re loving the illuminated, colour-changing garden furniture, lamps and planters from the Pentium Lighting collection. Bring a 1970s vibe to your terrace with the tub chairs and coffee tables, or spruce up a boring corner of the garden with the funky pebble lamps.

And what pool wouldn’t benefit from the floating orbs of the Aqua collection?

The furniture is fitted with colourchanging LEDs that glow in seven tropical colours. Purple, orange, green or turquoise: take your pick and change the mood at the press of a button.

The furniture is made in Britain from durable, weatherproof recyclable materials, and adding to its green cred 17/03/2011 5:13 which PM are the LEDs, can be recharged from the mains (eight hours operation

Sheese

AWARD WINNING NON-DAIRY CHEESE The delicious, compassionate, healthy and environmentally friendly choice.

Suitable for vegans and those allergic to dairy products.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

One of the most common reasons given for not giving up dairy produce, whether for animal welfare, environmental or health reasons, used to be that there wasn’t an acceptable dairy-free alternative to cheese, that really tasted of cheese. Now you can enjoy 9 flavours of hard dairy-free cheese, and 5 flavours of 100% non-dairy cream cheese, and know that no animals suffered in their production.

Hard Cheeses Blue, Cheddar with Chives, Cheshire, Edam, Gouda, Medium Cheddar, Mozzarella, Smoked Cheddar & Strong Cheddar Cream Cheeses Cheddar Spread, Chives, Garlic and Herb, Mexican & Original

For more information and to order please visit www.veggie-deli.com or e-mail info@veggie-deli.com

24 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

from a five-hour charge). A low-energy version is available in four colours. The lighting is operated by remote control.

The range is available online at www.pentiumlighting.hk.

safe harbour

On the waterfront A cleverly designed terrace keeps this Che Keng Tuk house private.

Sparkling like a three-storey lantern at night is this gem of a house on Che Keng Tuk Road. Glass walls maximise the uninterrupted view across Shelter Cove, so that the house feels at one with the power boats, junks and luxury yachts moored just outside.

Increasingly chic Che Keng Tuk gets its fair share of visitors at weekends, but keeping this house private is a cleverly designed terrace.

Half-a-flight above ground level, it acts almost as a country house ha-ha: the hoi polloi pass right by the doorstep, out of sight and out of mind. The private car parking space – a true luxury – is also tucked away at ground level, so the view is not marred by your motor.

The exterior is finished in sandstone-coloured tiles and sea-resistant coated aluminium, a handy feature in such a salty location.

Top-quality finishes continue inside, where luxury is the byword for the bathrooms, particularly the master en-suite with its stand-alone tub. Located on the second floor, the large master suite has its own private balcony plus a walk-in wardrobe – a gift for any girlie.

It’s one of three large bedrooms in this 2,100-square-foot house, which also boasts a family room on the first floor and open-plan living and dining areas on the ground level, plus a large maid’s room and utility area.

For more details, contact Megan Inglis at Sotheby’s International Realty, 9819 7870.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 25

village focus

star beach

Hoi Ha If you go down to the beach today... you'll find one of Sai Kung's most magical destinations. Pictures by Eric Luk. Hoi Ha is about as far-flung as a village can be in Sai Kung and still be on the beaten track.

Located literally at the end of the road in Sai Kung Country Park, visitors disembarking from the No.7 minibus find their cell phones beeping with “Welcome to China” messages from their mobile service providers.

It’s a 25-minute haul from Sai Kung town to this tiny dot on the map. Through the Pak Tam Chung barrier, the familiar feeling of being in another country descends: mile after mile of wooded hillsides, occasional barbecue sites, hardy hikers and hardier feral dogs, with barely a building to be seen.

So it’s a tad disappointing when, on first appearances, Hoi Ha appears to be just another Sai Kung village: three short higgledy-piggledy lanes of houses, some less well-kept than others, packed too closely together, with a couple of noodle shops and cafes to fortify passing hikers. And then you reach the beach.

As the most accessible part of the 260-hectare Hoi Ha Marine Park, and possibly the most cosseted stretch of sand in Hong

Kong, the coastline makes the journey worthwhile. Unlike most of the territory’s somewhat sterile shores, the beach at Hoi Ha is a glorious reminder of all that we have lost. There’s so much to do and see.

At low tide, when the sea disappears towards the horizon, the sand flats bristle with life. The area is famous for its starfish, which bury themselves as the water retreats leaving ghostly outlines in the sand.

Thousands of tiny shellfish, hermit crabs and mudskippers scuttle and leap unexpectedly.

At one end lie rock pools, at the other slightly spooky mangroves and in between is a maze of freshwater streams and sandbanks, all just begging to be explored.

A small shack on the beach rents kayaks and sailing boats, snorkels and sunshades, showers and lockers for daytrippers.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has a warden post in the village, enforcing the strict Marine Park rules about not removing wildlife such as seahorses, sea cucumbers, urchins and starfish. On Sundays and public holidays, it also runs eco-tours through the mangroves, past a 100-year-old lime kiln and out to view the corals near the public pier. There’s no advance booking service, just show up half an hour before the tours start at 10.30am and 2.15pm.

For more pictures, visit Sai Kung Magazine's Facebook page.

26 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

vote & win

Sai Kung

Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 Vote for your favourite things about Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, and win these great prizes...

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin One-night stay in Regency Suite with Regency Club access for two persons and breakfast included worth $4,840

Flight Experience flight stimulator Four classes valued at $6,580. Great for children aged 11 to 18. G/F MegaBox, Kowloon Bay, 2359 0000.

Seasons Fitness One year’s free membership at Seasons Fitness One Kowloon, Kowloon Bay, 29953009, www.seasonsfitness.com.

Elemis treatment worth $1,580 and a Dermalogica Kit worth $428, from Sense of Touch, 77 Man Nin Street, 2791 2278, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

Year membership for two at Island Golf Club Driving Range, 3 Chi Shin Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2513 9888, www.islandgolf.com.hk

Spa treatment worth $1,500 from Sabai Day Spa, 2/F, 10D Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2259, www.sabaidayspa.com.

Sleep Naked Bedsheets A set of luxurious bedsheets worth $1,279 to $2,254 from www. sleepnaked.com.

A framed aerial picture of your Sai Kung or Clearwater Bay home. Valued at $4,000 from HKAerial.com.

A huge cantilevered garden umbrella valued at $3,950 from Wicka Designs, G/F, No 1 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, 2422 0885.

Welcome to Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Your opinion really matters to us. What’s more we have some brilliant prizes for you. So fill out this form and tell us what you love and loathe.

Alrighty, it’s time to sort the wheat from the chaff.

SHOPS & SERVICES Best beauty centre/spa: .....................................................................................................

Best hairdresser:

I live in Sai Kung because: .....................................................................................................

The air is cleaner I want to be next to the ocean There’s more room for the children It’s safe here People smile

Best manicure/pedicure: .....................................................................................................

Best workout centre (gym, yoga, exercise class etc): .....................................................................................................

Favourite food shop:

FOOD & DRINK Best restaurant: .....................................................................................................

Best new restaurant: .....................................................................................................

Best bar: .....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best wine shop: .....................................................................................................

Best car mechanic: .....................................................................................................

Favourite shop: .....................................................................................................

Sai Kung’s friendliest waiter / waitress: .....................................................................................................

RECREATION

Most child-friendly restaurant:

Best beach:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best dessert:

Favourite place to take visitors:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best baguette:

Best children’s activity:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best cup of coffee:

Favourite walk:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

vote & win

COMMUNITY ISSUES

BEYOND SAI KUNG

The issue I care most about (and why):

Best hotel for guests:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best Hong Kong pampering experience:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best home-furnishing shop: .....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Best shopping mall: .....................................................................................................

Online shop I can’t live without: .....................................................................................................

Biggest waste of space (and why): .....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Shop that should open a branch in Sai Kung:

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

Thanks for your feedback, now tear these pages out and pop them in the mail for a chance to win one of our great prizes. .....................................................................................................

CONTACT

.....................................................................................................

Best-kept village:

Please fill in your details so we can tell you if you have won.

Name:

..................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................

Sai Kung/Clearwater Bay person of the year:

Email or phone number:

.....................................................................................................

..................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................

All answers and personal information received will be treated as strictly confidential. We will not to give your contact details to anyone.

vote & win Send in your answer & win

> 1. Fill in Readers’ Choice Awards

> 2. Rip out the awards pages

> 3. Fold into thirds

>

4. Stick or staple the edges

5. Affix stamp and post

6. Wait to hear if you’ve won a fabulous prize

fold inside

stamp here (lick it, stick it)

Sai Kung Magazine PO Box 291 Sai Kung Hong Kong

fold inside

Thanks for voting

family

just do it

Easter holiday activities Spring breaks for kids.

Outward Bound Set in the beautiful, peaceful Outward Bound complex off Tai Mong Tsai Road, this five-day Kids’ Discovery Course, aimed at children aged eight to 10, includes a range of fun outdoor activities and builds valuable personal development skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.

Conducted by experienced and qualified instructors, the course includes all sorts of water sports, a camping and exploring expedition, as well as drama, arts and crafts. Providing children with the perfect opportunity to forge new friendships, try new experiences and enjoy plenty of fresh air, the course ultimately aims to increase your child’s social skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and independence in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Outward Bound’s Kids’ Discovery Courses run from March to December and cost $3,800 for five days, including accommodation and meals. For details, call 2791 3228, or email loufy@outwardbound.org.hk.

Hebe Haven Yacht Club Holidays are always busy at HHYC, and Easter is no different. Among the many five-day courses on offer for children and teenagers is the alwayspopular Adventure Watersports Week – a high-energy combo of sailing, day trips, barbecues, raft building and other activities – plus sailing courses at all levels in Lasers and Optimists. There’s also a spinnaker and trapeze training course. Prices from $2,500. For details and reservations, contact the sail training team at 2719 0926 or email sailtraining@hhyc.org.hk.

Clearwater Bay Equestrian and Education Centre This popular horse-riding centre is offering non-member rides on weekdays throughout the holidays. With coffee, picnic, bike-riding and kite-flying facilities, as well as beaches and great walks, there’s plenty to do before and after your ride. For details and reservations, call 6398 6241 or email info@ceec.hk.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 31

easter cover activites feature runs general sports camps, aimed at improving co-ordination and skills, organised by age for children aged three to four, five to six and seven-10.

Specialist camps include football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, kung fu and ESF Lions Development. Also available are a range of language camps, aimed at improving English skills in a variety of fun ways (for children aged three-12), and two-day IB revision courses for older children.

For details and online reservations, visit www.esf.org.hk.

Sai Kung Watersports Centre Get wet during the holidays at Blue Sky’s new Sai Kung Watersports Centre (SWC), a 6,000-square-foot premises located between the public swimming pool and Sai Sha Beach. It is running five-day stand-up paddle board camps on April 18-22 and 25-29 ($3,500 for five days), plus a surfing camp on April 18-22 ($750 a day). All activities are available for anyone over eight years old who can swim 100 metres without a flotation device. The grand opening is April 23, after which it will be offering a host of activities as well as kayak tours, and boat tours of the GeoPark – a perfect Easter outing.

For more details, contact Bryan Ng on 2791 0806, email info@ skswc.com or visit www.skswc.com.

ESF Educational Services Get those sprogs moving with five-day sports camps at Renaissance College and South Island School. Run daily from April 26-30, 9.30am-noon, ESF

32 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

easter cover activites feature Cricket Centre of Excellence Former Hong Kong international cricket coach Lal Jayasinghe brings cricket to Sai Kung. He is looking for players of all ages for his new Cricket Centre of Excellence school, which starts its 12-week term on April 5. Taught by qualified coaches, the 90-minute sessions are $100 each, and will be held at the Pak Kong village football pitch from 4.30pm-6pm. All equipment provided. For more details, contact Lal on 2330 7287 or 9143 6197, or email cricket@ omniconevents.com.

Faust International Calling all drama queens (and kings). Faust International is running its ever-popular holiday programmes from April 26-30, and still has spaces on both its theatre and creative-writing workshops. Held in Sheung Wan, and suitable for children aged three to 12, the Holiday Theatre explores a different theme, topic or skill at morning or afternoon sessions over five days, with a chance to perform for parents at an open session on Saturday morning. The creative-writing workshop gives young writers a chance to hone their skills in different styles and subjects in a fun, stimulating environment with plenty of professional feedback. Both courses are $2,450 for five days, or $2,250 if more than one sibling signs up. For details and reservations, contact Faust on 2547 9114, or visit www. faustworld.com.

Anastassia’s Art House Put paintbrush to paper at Anastassia’s special Easter workshops from April 18 to 30. With all sorts of seasonal themes, including eggs and bunnies, the workshops are organised by age, with one-hour classes for children aged three to six, and 90-minute sessions for six- to 12-year-olds. There will also be two-hour family workshops where mum and dad can join children of any age in fun sessions that could produce a masterpiece for the living-room wall. Schedules were yet to be finalised at presstime, so for more information please call 2719 5533 or visit www. arthouse-hk.com.

Swiss Art Studio Got a budding Vermeer in the family? Swiss Art Studio is offering classical painting lessons in a variety of techniques and media, including oils, acrylic paints and watercolour. Learn the delicacy and skills employed by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters in the “Flowers and Still Life” course.

Before enrolling, new students can try it out during free one-hour trial classes where they can practice different drawing techniques in a wide choice of materials. Junior classes (for children aged three to six) are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am-noon, or Sunday from 2pm to 4pm. Senior classes (for children aged six and up) are held from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

For details and reservations, call 3188 4127 or email info.sak@ swissartstudio.com.hk.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 33

schools family

you $@#%! xxxx

The Gate Dissing up lunch I was a nerdy child. At primary school when one of my classmates swore, we didn’t speak to the criminal for at least a lunch break. I loved reading books and was on the classics by my pre-teens. I made neat revision notes, underlining important points in different colours.

I went horse riding at weekends with Virginia, the local vicar’s daughter. I wore T-bar sandals in the platform-soled 1970s and survived the ridicule of my contemporaries with a stoicism worthy of a saint. At one stage, I wanted to be a nun.

So you can imagine my utter horror as I see with increasing clarity that my youngest child has started to show signs of absolutely in no way taking after me. Maybe my parenting skills have slipped. I thought I’d become a wiser mother with more children and learned when to let things go. Maybe I’ve just become lazy.

Matters with the youngest came to a crunch point at 7.30am one Monday morning. I was

34 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

packing his lunch into his bag when I found a piece of A4 paper not seen the night before.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Nothing,” he replied, trying to hide the paper behind his back.

“Son...”

“It’s homework,” he suggested.

I managed to wrestle the paper out of his hands to find it was a written apology to a dinner lady.

“Why?!” I asked.

“Because I used a rude word.”

My mind span into a whirl of swear words. Turns out he didn’t take kindly to being told where to stand in a queue and said to the dinner lady how dare she tell him what to do.

Not as bad as I thought

– no B words or S words, but what did he think he was doing?

I’ve taken to lurking on the peripheries of the crowds at the Gate in case I meet an outraged parent whose child has been on the receiving end of one of my son’s tirades. When I told the story of the apology to a couple of friends they tried to placate me with the old adage that my son is displaying “character”. But I can tell they are totally relieved it’s not their child in the poo.

Increasingly, I like the sound of what happened in Jane Austen’s English childhood when young children would go and live with other families in the local village for a couple of years.

So: spirited young boy, full of character, looking for a home. Any takers?

Mother-in-the-Middle

schools

nu skool

Making English fun New from the people behind Sai Kung Tutors, Sai Kung English offers language lessons with a twist.

Following the successful launch of Sai Kung Tutors, founder Sean Whaley brings another new addition to the local educational services scene: Sai Kung English.

Where Sai Kung Tutors caters predominantly for native-English-speaking students – particularly those studying at ESF schools – with private tutoring in such subjects as maths, science, Mandarin and music, the new Sai Kung English is aimed at Cantonese- and other nonEnglish-speakers.

As well as formal English-language lessons for all age groups, Whaley says the school plans to offer English in combination with other activities, including watersports, hiking, drama, music – one idea is to set up a band with practice sessions in English – and maybe even baking. It will also offer English in combination with revision classes in subjects such as maths and science.

“We aim to be the best educators in the local

area,” Whaley says. “We want parents and students to experience quality tuition – and enjoy it. Why should people travel to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui when they could have better tuition in Sai Kung?

“The real advantage of being in Sai Kung is that we are located right next to both mountains and the sea.

We’ll be providing educational courses while hiking, exploring, boating, swimming, fishing and camping. Your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they are learning!”

More formal lessons will be conducted by the group’s qualified tutors in one-on-one sessions at the student’s home or in small groups in Sai Kung. Ahead of the launch, Whaley has been providing fun and free English lessons at the Sai Kung Community Centre.

The grand opening of Sai Kung English will

be on April 2 from noon till 4pm. Expect games, prizes, food and soft drinks, with free iPod Shuffles to any student who signs up during April and is able to solve the secret code on the company’s website, www.saikungenglish.com.

1/F, 10 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. For details, call Sean (English) on 6907 2514 or Jenna (Cantonese) on 9387 7237.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 35

health & beauty How to detox together ...and stay married. Adele Rosi gets it out of her system.

My husband has been recommended Doctor Joshi’s 21-day Holistic Detox and I decide to do it too – except, with both the rugby sevens and a trip to London on the horizon, we are going to do it for only 14 days.

Dr Nish Joshi (www.joshiclinic.co.uk) rose to fame in the early 1990s and was feted by the likes of Princess Diana, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ralph Fiennes. His detox is based on avoiding foods that are acidic, toxic and refined, altering the body’s pH balance from acid (bad) to alkaline (good). It is supposed to alleviate all sorts of ailments – including joint inflammation, dermatitis and headaches – as well as flush toxins from the system, restore energy levels and promote weight loss.

So out go wheat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and artificial flavourings, red meat and all fruit except bananas. And in come chicken, fish, natural yogurt, soy milk, herbal teas, vegetables, honey and gallons of water. We are each determined not to be the first to crack.

Day one The detox begins with a mug of hot water and lemon followed by natural yogurt and a banana. We feel surprisingly full and are instant Joshi devotees. We text each other regularly for dietary updates and lunch on grilled salmon and brown rice (me) and steamed vegetables (him). Why on earth does everyone whinge about the difficulties of detoxing? This is a cinch.

4pm Without my daily sugar and caffeine fix, by midafternoon I have the mother of all headaches and am snarling at the kids. Joshi’s name becomes an expletive. My husband comes home annoyingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so I snarl at him too. He feeds me a paracetamol, which I suspect is a Joshi no-no. I grill chicken, brown rice and vegetables and head for bed.

Day two Headache gone, I feel much better. I drink my lemon and hot water and skip to yoga, trying not to think about cappuccinos. I come home to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Just as I am wondering whether I can sneak one, my phone beeps. An image pops up of my husband with an enormous green salad and holding a carrot and spirulina juice. I forego the biscuit and console myself with more bananas and yogurt. Thankfully, Joshi’s book includes recipe suggestions so, for dinner, I marinade white fish with lemon and thyme and serve it with brown rice. It is delicious and filling but the demon cravings for chocolate and pasta are still with me. My husband feels great.

Days three and four Despite sleep broken by ill children, I feel fine. I go for a run with a

36 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

friend without dropping on my knees with tiredness. I have a lunch meeting in Sai Kung, but I eat carrot and bean soup before leaving home, and sip peppermint tea while everyone else chows down on yummy-looking prawn mornay. My body is a Joshi temple. But the thought of chicken and brown rice for dinner again is not appealing.

Day five I promise the kids pizza and the smell is so overwhelmingly delicious I have to leave the room. I make lentil pilaf instead. It looks like the kind of pap any right-thinking baby would refuse but, amazingly, it tastes pretty good. I have three helpings. With Joshi, you don’t have to portion or calorie count. My husband opts for a salad.

Days six and seven It’s the weekend and my husband shows signs of cracking. He’s finding it hard being at home and around food all the time. I feel smug, but he has a point. Although mealtimes are relatively easy thanks to Joshi’s recipes – and after years of not cooking much, I have discovered my inner Nigella – it is a bit boring.

To make up for not having our usual takeaway, I cook chicken curry with lots of spices, soy milk and more brown rice, which I like but my beloved isn’t enthusiastic about. And people eat this way for life?

Day eight We have both lost weight, our pH levels are decidedly alkaline and we are both feeling pretty good.

Amazingly, we haven’t cheated. As we have been avoiding temptation by not going out, we go on a hot date to… Ikea. We have to choose a sofa. But without dinner, our patience with sofas, shopping and with each other soon wears thin. When I tell him he has chicken stir-fry with brown rice to look forward to, he is not impressed. But we buy a sofa, heroically bypass the hot dogs and eventually eat our stir-fry. I silently pray that the sofa I insisted on will fit in the room.

Day nine I eat the rest of the stir-fry for lunch so my husband doesn’t have to have it again for supper. If that’s not love, what is?

Days 10-13 Things are looking up. I find myself looking forward to my hot water and lemon, my skin seems clearer and, bizarrely, my eyes feel brighter. I have more energy and everything tastes good. My cravings are less intense. I can pass the confectionery at Park n Shop without drooling.

Day 14 We made it! Neither of us cracked or cheated – and we’re still talking. There is a maintenance phase that comes next, in which you reintroduce various foods and live a more normal life. But given that we have tickets to the sevens, one of the biggest party weekends of the year, we will be breaking Joshi’s rules. Together.

clean your pipes

Beauty spot Brazilian Blowout Ladies, if you’ve ever fancied participating in the annual dragon-boat races, here’s your chance. Blue Sky’s dragonboat section is looking for ladies to join the team. In addition to the Sai Kung race, the club is hoping to enter a women’s boat in an international race in Victoria Harbour in June. Regular training is on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at Pak Tam Chung beach, but if you’re a complete novice, you can learn what to do and how to do it at special beginners’ sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Contact Bryan Ng on 9468 1684 or email him at bsscbryan@yahoo.com.hk.

The latest Island export to reach Sai Kung is the Sense of Touch spa.

Currently under renovation, the spa is hoping to open by the end of April at 77 Man Nin Street (near the waterfront).

Similar to its sister spas in Repulse Bay, Central and Discovery Bay, Sense of Touch Sai Kung’s treatment menu will include nail services, waxing, threading, tanning, massages and facials (using Dermalogica and Elemis products) as well as exclusive signature treatments.

The spa will comprise four treatment rooms including a couple’s room with a steam shower. A private courtyard area will no doubt prove popular for parties or for an alfresco mani/pedi with a friend or two. For further details, call 2791 2278, email asksk@senseoftouch.com.hk or visit www. senseoftouch.com.hk.

Organic Colors & Highlight Great Lengths Hair Extension Make up & Make up lesson Manicure, Pedicure ● ● ● ●

Refer a new client & get 50% off your next haircut New clients receive 10% discount 10 days guarantee on all services Free Consultation

Sai Kung: 56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, N.T. Central: M/F, No.4 Shelley Street, Soho, Central

Tel.: 2335 1694 Tel.: 2521 9333

www.talashairandbeautycentre.com

Seasons Fitness has opened a glossy new complex in upand-coming Kowloon Bay – and it’s inviting Sai Kung Magazine readers to join for free. Seasons Fitness One Kowloon is a luxurious, $15 million centre with more than 130 pieces of stateof-the-art workout equipment in a 20,000 sqft gym. It boasts top-calibre trainers, a worldclass day spa with six treatment rooms, and even an Oxyvital air purification system to help you breathe easy. Many facilities are brand new to Hong Kong, including the Livestrong spinning studio inspired by legendary US cyclist Lance Armstrong. And we’re loving the sound of the cardio stations with cutting-edge virtual video entertainment systems. To celebrate the opening, until April 30 Seasons Fitness is waiving the joining fee for all our readers – just utter the magic words “Sai Kung Magazine promotion”. Offer applies to the One Kowloon location only. Check it out at G/F, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, 2995 3009, www.seasonsfitness. com. See page 54 for more offers.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 37

pets Hopping mad Dr Carmel Taylor cares for rabbits.

“So, why do you think Peter has radiation sickness?”

Rainbow anxiously clutched the large bag of salt she had bought from the market.

“Well, he has stopped eating, and just sits in his cage, with saliva dribbling from his mouth, and there is blood in his urine. And then I found these…” she wailed, tipping the terrified bunny over to reveal large ulcerated festering sores on his back legs. “I’m really worried, because the pellets I give him come from Japan.”

“Hmm,” I said. “So you feed him pellets.

Any hay?”

“Oh no! It’s too messy! And anyway, there’s some alfalfa in the pellets.”

A thorough exam revealed that food was the problem, but not in the way Rainbow had imagined. So I explained that rabbits need

38 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

to consume lots of fibre, such as hay, on a daily basis.

Without it, their guts stop moving and they can get painful gas buildup, so they stop eating. This means their constantly growing back teeth aren’t getting the grinding action they need to stay flat, and sharp, painful tooth spurs can cut into their cheeks, making them more reluctant to eat. A vicious circle.

Making matters worse, alfalfa pellets contain too much calcium for adult rabbits, which form into crystals in the urinary tract, scrape the sides of the bladder and make it painful to urinate.

“Poor Peter is probably in a lot of pain right now,” I said.

“But this doesn’t explain the sores.”

“I’m guessing you keep him in a small, wire-floored cage. How often does he get out?”

I asked “Er, we used to take him out for a quick snuggle in the evenings. But I have been so busy recently, and he’s become a bit smelly.”

“What about bedding?” I queried “Oh no, we can’t. He just eats that...”

“Rainbow, domestic rabbits are not far

hot cross bunnies

removed from their wild cousins who roam other parts of the world eating clover and raiding allotments. Their feet are designed for hopping on springy grass, not sitting in their own mess on a wire mesh floor.

Peter has a condition called ‘sore hocks’ – also painful.”

“So, does he need some iodine pills? Or maybe you could put him on a saline drip?” she persisted.

“Rainbow, there has been no radioactive plume in Hong Kong. We are all exposed to low levels of radiation from bricks, sunshine

– even bananas!

On the Blue Sky dragonboat team, we probably exceed our annual levels with all the bananas we consume at a race…”

A tear escaped from the corner

of her eye. “I gave him a piece of banana last week,” Rainbow sobbed.

While Rainbow decides how long she is going to keep Peter hospitalised for intensive nursing I am quietly fuming about yet another bunny suffering because people see them as a low-maintenance pet. For bunnies, it really is a case of you are what you eat.

So if anyone reading this is considering buying a bunny for Easter, please make it a chocolate one.

Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD is a veterinary dermatologist with clinics at vet hospitals in HK. She makes house calls for pets with skin and ear problems in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. For appointments, call 9251 9588 or visit www.cutaneous.com.hk.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 39

gardening

mucking about

Making mulch Rambling Rose on the pleasures of composting.

I was lucky enough to grow up with a wonderful garden on my doorstep complete with orchard, woods, shed and lawn. My parents’ playground was the veg patch, which I tended to ignore though enjoyed eating its produce. The bonfire pit was far more exciting. Next door to that was the compost heap, which I considered another no-fun zone. Little did I know then how exciting mulch can be.

In recent years it has been a mission to become a composter. My green side felt it was wasteful to put all those peelings in the bin. But I had no idea where to start – and lack of space coupled with zero DIY skills scuppered my vision. That is, until I was introduced to a compost tumbler, an orange vision on legs with a rotating barrel into which you fed the kitchen and garden waste, span it to mix and, hey presto, after a few weeks spooned out rich compost.

I was overjoyed to find a similar contraption in Sai Kung, which sits outside the kitchen window, where I feed it peelings, eggshells, garden cuttings etc. I’m unlikely to win any prizes for quality compost: without a lawn I’ve found it hard to get the balance of “ingredients” right. And goodness knows what species of insect life have made it home. Some bugs fly out when the lid is opened – others crawl out by the dozen. It is not for the fainthearted.

40 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

I am not alone in my pursuit of good mulch. My friend, Carla, not only has a proper wooden compost heap but also owns a wormery. I had to visit.

The wormery turned out to be a neat stack of boxes on legs.

It’s compact and non-smelly and could be kept inside or out. You feed the waste to the worms (though interestingly they avoid potato peelings), they do their job, and out of a tap at the bottom of the stack comes pure black garden goodness. This liquid must be diluted before pouring onto the plants – in Carla’s case, an enviable veg patch.

I came home with broccoli spears, a lettuce and radish plucked straight from Carla’s garden. French beans, aubergines, tomatoes, carrots and cucumber also benefit from this nutritional drink.

Carla’s wooden compost heap has me envious and inspired in equal measures. It’s a cube of slotted planks (with no top or bottom) with a hinged door across the bottom of one of the sides for access to the mulch. The slats let air circulate through the mix. In goes garden and kitchen waste. Cover it, stir occasionally, then lift the access hatch and fork out the goodness. Carla has experimented with size and found a smaller cube works better.

My tumbler and Carla’s wormery were both sourced from the Green Earth Society, See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0106.

YOUR Guide to shops and services

To list your business in our new directory – or to guarantee a listing every month – please email ads@saikung.com

Awnings

Best United Engineering Ltd. 2344-9028 www.bestunited.com.hk

BABY STUFF

see also Baby Care

Bumps to Babes 2522-5000 www.bumpstobabes.com

Nuan Cashmere 9096-1645 sales@nuancashmere.com www.nuancashmere.com Small Print 9381-5481 / 6050-5940 mandy@smallp.hk / elisa@smallp.hk www.smallphk.hk Togs Unlimited 2987-0523 tchmp@biznetvigator.com www.togsunlimited.com

BABY CARE

wholesaler of quality outdoor furniture and accessories open to general public for single purchases luxury european designs crafted by the finest weavers we welcome commercial project orders

new arrival - home accessories

Virgina Newhouse, RN 5185-2220 virginia@postnatalcare.com.hk www.postnatalcare.com.hk

Enjoy the Best for Less

Sun Ping Bicycle 2792-3116 www.hkmba.org

BOATS

Club Marina Cove 2719-6622 cmcltd@netvigator.com www.clubmarinacove.com

wicka designs limited G/f, No.1 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung.

New Territories, Hong Kong

+852 2422 0885

BICYCLES

enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com

Hebe Haven Yacht Club 2719-9682 hhyc@hhyc.org.hk www.hhyc.org.hk

ads@saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 41

BOOKS

The Reading Room (Sai Kung) 2719 5036 seasidereadingroom@gmail.com

BUILDERS

Wofu Deco 2768-8428 info@wofudeco.com www.wofudeco.com Yuki International Contractors 9884 5824

BUSINESS SERVICES

Professional Wills 2561-9031 enquiry@profwills.com www.profwills.com

Zoya & Buttar 8100-0711 info@buttar.hk www.companyformation.hk

CAR RENTAL

Peugeot Open Europe 3106-0136 info@eurocardrive.com www.eurocardrive.com

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaning and Protection 6608-5720 / 3480-5072

Phoenix Carpet Care 2328-2287 / 9517-5436 phoenixcarpet@netvigator.com

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Ace Kids Workshop 2194-4319 info@acekidsworkshop.com www.acekidsworkshop.com Babushka 2791-9070 Bumble Tots 2631-4001 enquiries@bumbletots.com.hk www.bumbletots.com.hk Musik’n’Motion 2559-9556 support@musiknmotion.com www.musiknmotion.com

Mandarin course For beginners Every Wed 3:30pm to 5:00pm Suitable for beginner - age 7 to 10 Experienced tutor with Excellent teaching materials 6-month period Upon completion, students can take the

Chinese Proficiency Test HSK Level-1

Add: Shop B1 Marina Cove Shopping Centre Enquiry: 23351261

JWT Kids Gym 3968 7500 www.jwtkidsgym.com.hk

Looking for a breakthrough in reading and writing?

CLOTHING

Hung Tak Sino Manufacture Ltd 9472-5073 david@hungtaksino.com

COMPUTER REPAIRS

Jan (Computer Repairs) 6403-6623 jbosvark@gmail.com

DESIGN

Sai Kung Magazine, magazines and brochures 2792-2955 tom@saikung.com

DINING

Bacco / JoJo’s Indian Restaurant 2574-7477 Grande Restaurant 2792-1105 grandesaikung@netvigator.com

ads@saikung.com

42 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Call 27194555 (Clearwater Bay)

Come join ‘Ready to Read & Write’ Courses for Kindergarten and Primary.

Email: fastrack@netvigator.com

DINING cont'd

Hebe One O One 2335-5515 info@101.com.hk www.hebe101.com

Steamer’s Bar & Restaurant 2792-6991 Veggie Deli 9751-3463 info@veggie-deli.com www.veggie-deli.com

Domestic Helper

Hire-A-Helper Asia 3188-9399 admin@hahaasia.com www.hahaasia.com

DRY CLEANING

Mak’s Drycleaning & Laundry 2792-6100

EMERGENCY

Ambulance Centre 2735-3355 Marine Rescue 2803 6267

ESTATE AGENTS

Homelife Property (Sai Kung) 2719-0606 info@homelilfe.com.hk www.homelife.com.hk Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty 3108-2108 www.hksothebysrealty.com 2 x 30 Minutes Flight :

HK$1,700

20 Minutes Flight :

HK$700

Easter Group Class :

HK$580

2.5 hours class available only on :

CALENDAR

Chinese Classes:

April 25th , 26th , 29th , 30th , May 1st (2:30-5:00pm) April 24th(4:30-7:00pm)

English Classes: April 23rd (4:30-7:00pm) April 28th (2:30-5:00pm)

Adult Classes: April 22nd or May 1st (2:30-5:00pm)

Limited Availability, ENROLL NOW!

The Property Shop 2719-3977 info@thepropertyshop.com.hk www.thepropertyshop.com.hk

GARDENS

Everything Under The Sun 2554-9088 info@everythingunderthesun.com.hk www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Jervis Bay 2656-4429 info@ltljb.com www.ltljb.com Max Concepts Ltd (trampolines) 5316-1456 info@mcl-sources.com www.mcl-sources.com Wicka Design 2422-0885 enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com

GIFT EXPERIENCES

Flight Experience, a New Zealand born company, is the only one in the world offering to anybody the possibility to fly a real Boeing 737-800 Flight Simulator, like the one used by professional .

Teambuilding workshops designed with different activities aimed to build up the theme of leadership, stress / emergency handling, time management, communication, etc.

Highly professional pilot trainers are used to guide the team activities and the de-briefings.

Tailor made program will be designed for 8-16 person. It can be a half day or full day event at HK$1,280 – HK$1,580 per person.

Call 2359 0000 now or send your inquiry to bookings@flightexperience.com.hk Shop20, G/F, MegaBox, Kowloon Bay

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE H O N G

K O N G

Craft Box Limited 9014 3262 info@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia Flight Experience 2359-0000 bookings@ flightexperience.com.hk www.flightexperience.com.hk Live It 2522 9993 www.liveit.hk

GOLF

Island Golf Club 2513-9888 info@islandgolf.com.hk www.islandgolf.com.hk Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course 2791-3388 jckscpgc@kscgolf.org.hk www.kscgolf.org.hk

ads@saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 43

HANDYMAN

Marco Electrician & Plumber 6190-8051 National Harbour Renovations & Removals 9085-1886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk Rag & Bone Man 6492 8218

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Allure 2792-2123 www.allurebeauty.com.hk

Alluring Skin 6114-5376 alluring-skin@hotmail.com www.natashalowkefford.mionegroup.com Be 9663-7719 info@imageandlifesty.com www.imageandlifestyle.com Cambridge Weight Plan Hong Kong 9618-1777 / 9045-5942 www.cambridgeweightplan.hk Herbs to Heal 9484-5257 info@herbs-to-heal.com www.herbs-to-heal.com Lai Hing Foot Massage 6690-3658 am66903658@gmail.com www.ablemassage.com Monika Parker Life Coach 9127-4340 coach@coachmonika.com www.coachmonika.com Personal Trainer - Nick 9446-9056 www.nicks-pt.com Sabai Day Spa 2791-2259 sabaidspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com Sai Kung Orthopaedic, Physiotherapy and Pain Centre 2792-9366 Savvy Style 2522-2592 image@savvystyle.com www.savvystyle.com www.colourmebeautiful.hk Seasons Fitness 2878-6288 (Central) / 2995-3009( Kowloon Bay) Sense of Touch enquiries@senseoftouch.com.hk www.senseoftouch.com.hk Tala’s 2335-1694 info@talashairandbeautycentre.com www.talashairandbeautycentre.com Weight Watchers 2813-0814 tpaulsen@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Zu San Li 2343-1866

ads@saikung.com

44 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

HIKES

Walk Hong Kong 9187-8641 walks@walkhongkong.com www.walkhongkong.com

HOME FURNISHINGS

Amazing Inspiration Workshop 2528-1811 (Admiralty) / 2552-5388 (Ap Lei Chau)

HOME FURNISHINGS cont'd

Amtrac Furnishing 2508-9668 tphc01@yahoo.com.hk www.tphc.com.hk Cost Solution 2545-3800 info@cost-solution.net www.skat.com.hk Hunter Pacific Fans 2164-7228 www.elar.com.hk

Pentium Lighting 6675-4515 info@pentiumlighting.hk www.pentiumlighting.hk

HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin 3723-1234 hongkong.shatin@hyatt.com www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

3 Design Interiors 6533-9433 alexchoi@3designinteriors.com www.3designinteriors.com

Outofstock Design House Limited 2369-6008 / 9586-1308 info@outofstock.com.hk www.outofstock.com.hk THE XSS 2739-7150 enquiry@thexss.com www.thexss.com

Investment

Lifestyle Brokers 3115-7620 info@lfsbrokers.com www.lfsbrokers.com

ads@saikung.com

STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kong’s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 45

marketplace Belinda Bath image Apr11.pdf

Photography Courses

LOCKSMITH

Tung Tai Key Cut 2792 4886

MOVERS

Elite Movers & Decoration 8209-1793 elite930@hotmail.com www.emdhk.com

Movers cont'd

Expert-Transport & RelocationsWarehouse 2566-4799 www.expertmover.hk Warehouse Removals 9125-2611 warehouse_removals@hotmail.com

Spend a day on location with Jackie Peers & your camera

PEST CONTROL

Biocycle (Hong Kong) Ltd. 3575-2575 info@biocycle.com www.biocycle.com.hk

from bustling market place to the tranquillity of an abandoned village.

Christian Environmental Health 2370-9236 a-s-a-p@ceh.com.hk www.ceh.com.hk

Groups are small, and customised to meet each person’s needs.

Truly Care 2458-8378 info@trulycare.com.hk www.trulycare.com.hk

You can join a group, arrange your own small group or choose a private tour for one.

PETS & VETS

Prices are available for each.

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618-2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com

Contact jackie@jackiepeers.com www.jackiepeers.com mobile 9121 1470

Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD 2549 2330 www.cutaneous.com.hk

C

M

Y

CM

MY

Ferndale Kennel 2792-4642 boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com

CY

CMY

HK Vet Services 2792-2206 hkvet@pacific.net.hk www.hongkongvet.com 125x58ad_Mar11_3FINAL_2OL_Press.pdf

ads@saikung.com

K

1

16/03/2011

3:05 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Reliable Professional Services in Hong Kong and China

www.companyformation.hk

- COMPANY FORMATION in Hong Kong, China and Offshore - Accounting, Audit Arrangements and Tax Planning & - China Market Entry Solutions - Hong Kong Immigration Services Tel: (852) 81000 711 || Ms. Nisa || Email: info@buttar.hk

1/F, Mau Lam Commercial Building, 16-18 Mau Lam Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong 46 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

1

PETS & VETS cont'd

Hong Kong Pet Memorial 2332-7117 service@petmemorial.com.hk www.petmemorial.com.hk Kennel van Dego 2792-6889 kennelvd@biznetvigator.com www.kennelvandego.com

Mutt & Mogg pooch@muttandmogg.com www.muttandmogg.com Three dog bakery 2792-6778 www.threedog.com.hk Vet2Pet 6999-1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com Whiskers 'N Paws 2552-6200 www.wnp.com.hk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Belinda Bath Images 6117-8854 bath@netvigator.com www6.clikpic.com/belindabath Graham Uden Photography 9195-7732 uden@netvigator.com grahamuden.com Jackie Peers 9121-1470 jackie@jackiepeers.com www.jackiepeers.com

PRE-SCHOOLS

Abacus at Clearwater Bay 2719-5712 / 2435-5291 www.esf.org.hk Busy Bees Kindergarten 2358-2142 busybees@ust.hk ihome.ust.hk/~busybees ESF International Kindergarten Wu Kai Sha 2435-5291 kinder@wks.esf.org.hk www.esf.org.hk

ads@saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 47

PRE-SCHOOLS cont'd

Leapfrog Kindergarten and Playgroup 2791-1540 admin@leapfrogkindergarten.org www.leapfrogkindergarten.org

New Song Christian Kindergarten 2791-2472 newsong@netvigator.com www.newsonghk.com Woodland Group 2813-0290 saikung@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com

SCHOOLS

Clearwater Bay School 2358-3246 info@cwbs.edu.hk English Schools Foundation www.esf.org.hk Hong Kong Academy 2655-1111 office@hkacademy.edu.hk Hong Lok Yuen International School 2658-6997 info@hlyis.edu.hk www.hlyis.edu.hk International College Hong Kong (ICHK) 2655-9018 info@ichk.edu.hk www.hlyis.edu.hk Japanese International School 2834-3531 esinfo@jis.edu.hk www.jis.edu.hk Kellett School 2551-8234 kellett@kellettschool.com www.kellettschool.com King George V School 2711 3029 office@kgv.edu.hk

ads@saikung.com

This year, the rules of weight loss are changing forever!

Introducing brand new ProPoints™ Our biggest innovation in over 15 years!

Discover the new world of weight loss: Clearwater Bay/Sai Kung Wednesdays 6 pm – 7 pm The Bay Practice 1/F Razor Hill Dairy Farm Shopping Centre Clearwater Bay Road Pik Uk, New Territories

For other meeting locations call 2813 0814 or visit www.weightwatchers.com.hk

48 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

SCHOOLS cont'd

Renaissance College 3556-3550 info@renaissance.edu.hk www.renaissance.edu.hk

SNAKE CATCHER

Sing to the Lord a New Song for He has done marvellous things.

-Psalm 98 v 1

Sai Kung Police Station 2792 8600

20 years of learning together sharing God’s love.

C W Tennis 5326-8010

SPORTS

Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048-2810 lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com Sai Kung Water Sports Training Center 2791-0806 info@skswc.com www.skswc.com Marine Divers info@marinedivers.com www.marinedivers.com Sai Kung Stingrays paul_white@cathaypacific.com saikungstingrays.com

TRAVEL

Gakuto Villas info@createasia.net www.gakutovillas.com Happy Day 9036-2128 happyday2128@netvigator.com Sun n Sea Holiday 2926-1668 info@sunnseaholidays.com www.sunnseaholidays.com

TUITION

Anastassia’s Art House 2719-5533 (Sai Kung) arthouse.hk@gmail.com www.arthouse-hk.com Antsmart Learning pro@playgroup.com.hk www.playgroup.com.hk Bright Sparks Language & Learning 2536-0944 enquiry@brightsparks.com.hk www.brightsparks.com.hk E.nopi Maths 2335-1261 www.enopi.com Fastrack Education 2179-4555 fastrack@netvigator.com HK Institute of Languages 2877-6160 info@hklanguages.com www.hklanguages.com La Petite France Ltd 2719-0082 www.lapetitfrance.com.hk Les Petits Lascars de Sai Kung 2526-8892 lascarssk@hklanguages.com

ads@saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 49

TUITION cont'd

Parkour with Yannick Ben williamsongay@hotmail.com

Primary Matters 2526-1153 / 9465-4468 primarymattershk@gmail.com web.mac.com/primarymatters Sai Kung English 6907-2514 info@saikungenglish.com www.saikungenglish.com Sai Kung Tutors 6907-2514 info@saikungtutors.com www.saikungtutors.com

WINDOW CLEANERS

Sai Kung Shiny Windows 9104-2304

WINE

Sheen Classic International 2374-4030 info-hk@ sheenclassic.com www.sheenclassic.com

WORSHIP

Resurrection Church 2358-3232 www.resurrection.org.hk

YOGA

Utpala Takhel 9740-4516 utahhel@gmail.com Yoga for friends 9255-0567 (Stefanie) 6743-4059 (Esra) smahn500@yahoo.de Yoyo Yu 9302-3931 www.yoyoyoga.net

ads@saikung.com

On patrol...

Home security Acting Chief Inspector Grace Mak Ka-po has some basic tips to keep burglars at bay.

Perhaps you laughed at the ignorance of those who rushed to buy iodised salt to protect them from radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. But plenty of people are just as amusing about the protection of their homes. One resident said he had not turned on the intruder alarm because there were people at home and it was safe. Another resident said he doesn’t close his windows because he had nothing worth stealing.

Here’s a pop quiz to determine if you need to reassess your own home-security measures. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you need to rethink your security.

1. Do you have a ventilation fan anywhere in your home?

2. Do you have a drain pipe on an outside wall?

3. Do you have any valuables located near a window, and clearly visible?

Judging by recent burglaries, ventilation fans are a weak point, because they can be dismantled from outside, allowing thieves to gain entry or open the window in which it is fitted. The best way to secure fans is to install a metal protection grille. Burglars use drain pipes as ladders unless they are wrapped in barbed wire.

50 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

And think twice before leaving a window open.

In one recent case, a thief simply reached through an open window and stole valuables placed within arm’s reach.

These are simple tips for increasing your home security but they are not taken seriously enough. We can at least learn from other peoples’ mistakes.

A new team of auxiliary police, trained in rural patrol, is being deployed in Sai Kung to further reinforce security in the villages.

For non-emergency reports, please call the Sai Kung Police Station Report Room on 3661 1630.

random but interesting Local Property ROOM FOR RENT in Sai Kung Town with attached toilet & kitchen. 3K-4K, new decor, please contact 6014 3091.

Sai Kung Mid Level Villa. 1846 sq ft lovely sea view Meticulously finished with approx. 1000 sq ft garden asking $23.8M . For viewing please call Pauline 9229 2699 paulinecho@18-property.com

Yan Yee Road. Hidden treasure.

2100 s.f village house. Extensive high quality renovations. Four ensuite bedrooms plus study. Combined living /dining and open kitchen. Private pool and garden. Huge roof terrace. For Sale HK$25.9M. Sole Agency. Megan Inglis. (Licence No. S-323179). Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty.

9819 7870, 3108 2162, email megan. inglis@hksothebysrealty.com

Razor Park, Ref: 80899.

Sale Price: HKD 11M. Brand new renovated modern designed apartment, excellent finishes. Features sauna and luxurious shower facilities.

Split level private terrace. Separate air-conditioned maid’s room in garage.

2 car parks Contact Teresa Chu (Licence No. S-293988) Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty. Tel: 9029 6819, 3108 2118, email Teresa. chu@hksothebysrealty.com

Tan Cheung Townhouse 2100 s.f. Four bedrooms incl one ensuite/ three bathrooms. Combined living and dining. Open plan kitchen with excellent layout Large family room and study. Gorgeous views from upper level terrace. Lovely private garden.

5 minutes walk to Saikung Town. For Sale HK$13.5M. Megan Inglis (Licence No. S-323179). Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty,tel: 9819 7870, 3108 2162, email megan.inglis@ hksothebysrealty.com

Grand Chateau. For rent, 73K per month. 2700 s.f Magnificent views and semi private pool. Separate living and dining room. Family room.

New kitchen with latest appliances.

Three bedrooms incl 2 ensuites/ 3 bathrooms. Fabulous views from huge roof terrace. 5 minutes walk to Saikung town. Megan Inglis. Licence No. S-323179. Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty, 9819 7870, 3108 2162 email: megan.inglis@ hksothebysrealty.com

Po Toi O, Clearwater bay: 2,100' fully detached village house, with 1,000' garden. Full sea view, peaceful location, with 3 bedrooms, communal pool and tennis court and with management. $28M. For details, please contact Homelife Property on 2719-0606

Country Park Home: Unique village house. 4 Bedrooms, combined living/dining plus family room.

Modern fittings and large garden.

Full privacy in lovely environment.

For Sale HK$15M. Contact Melanie Krepp (Licence No. S-283925). Tel: 6698 7740, 3185 4385, email melanie. krepp@sothebysrealty.com

Venice Villa For sale16.8M This modern village home with 700sf terrace is situated in a well organized compound at the southern end of Sai Kung, close to a shopping centre. 10 minutes to Hang Hau or Choi Hung MTR. Easy access to Hong Kong Island. Small community of 15 well maintained houses with communal swimming pool, gardener and night guard. Ready to move in!!! Contact Petra Bauerle (License E-246055) M: 9768.3130 T: 2813.7266 Email: petrapphk@gmail.com for Peninsula Properties Hong Kong (C-015023(A000)

The Flower Box. 2100 sq ft fantastic designer house fully detached greenery surroundings asking $18M. For viewing please call May 94867450 maychan@18property.com

Email classifieds@saikung.com for classifieds booking WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 51

cover classified feature Overseas Property Koh Samui: Spacious four en-suite bedroom villa in Koh Samui with glorious views, infinity pool, maid service and tropical gardens. 10 mins from golf course & white beach, and 20 mins from airport. Daily flights from HK. Special rates negotiable. www.baan-ling-noi.com Enquiries: Susan Field (Owner) Tel: +852 2521 1498 Email: susan@impactasia.com

PHUKET LUXURY FAMILY APARTMENT. Club Lersuang apartment. Sleeps 5. Great value. Master bedroom, 2nd bedroom (3 single beds), self-contained, fully fitted kitchen, pool, gym, restaurant. Visit www.tripadvisor. com and search “Club Lersuang” to see amazing reviews. E-mail: paul_ stocker88@hotmail.com

PHUKET LUXURY FLAT: Surin Beach - available for rental at The Chava (www. thechava.com). Short or long term.

Fully equipped, two extra large en-suite bedrooms, three minute walk to the island's best beach. Balconies, pool and relaxing green views from every room.

Email surinbeachrental@gmail.com for photos and inquiries.

NEED A HOLIDAY? PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches.

Reasonable rates! Website:www. phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com

Property in the Philippines.

80,000 square foot property consisting of main house, business, Thai style guest houses and farm, furnished and ready to move in. Please see http://www.kotong. net/Alcala/Welcome.html for details or email williamsjim@mac.com

Sudoku Medium Difficulty

Charities/Community SAI KUNG WATERCOLOR SOCIETY: All levels welcome. Free, just bring your own equipment.

Meetings mostly take place on Sat mornings once or twice a month. www. hkcolours.typepad.com or contact Laetitia at saikungcolours@gmail.com New Song Christian Kindergarten Floral Villas, Commercial Area, 18 Tso Wo Road, Tso Wo Hang, Sai Kung.

T : 2791 2472 F : 2791 2477 Email : newsong@netvigator.com Web : www. newsonghk.com Resurrection Church Community Choir. Enjoy singing?

This is the community choir for you!

Every Wednesday in Resurrection Church. Pak Sha Wan 7.30 pm – 9pm.

RXchoir@gmail.com DONATE clothes, shoes, books, toys and electrical appliances in good condition.

Collection: 2716 8778. Donation: 2716 8862. Website: www.christian-action.org. hk Blog: siewmei.cahk.org Email: ca@ christian-action.org.hk

Furniture DESIGNED FOR GENERATIONS: Skagerak Denmark High Quality Contemporary Scandinavian Furniture & Accessories for your home and garden. Visit SKAT’S showroom, in Central or browse our online shop for your home decoration. Unit A, 5/F, 8 Gilman’s Bazaar, Central, Hong Kong, Tel.: 2545 3800, www.skat.com.hk

DONATE old baby clothes, toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed, a charity for that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna: 5135 3015. (Chi) GUIDE LEADERS WANTED: Calling all former Brownies! The Sai Kung Guide Unit in Pak Sha Wan is looking for guides (girls aged 10 and above) and new voluntary leaders for this enthusiastic group that encourages girls to be responsible and reliable through skills such as camping, first aid, crafts and more. Sign up and save the unit from closure!

For details, please contact Anna at guidesinsaikung@gmail.com.

Tuition & Courses ACE KIDS Workshop Sai Kung: unleash creativity, develop artistic skills, produce original artwork! Ages 4 up, small classes in English. Find out more: www. acekidsworkshop.com or info@ acekidsworkshop.com or 21944319.

Primary Matters: Hong Kong's premier provider of quality literacy tuition for young people, offers reading and writing workshops on a termly basis at Renaissance College and E.S.F. schools on the island. Easter courses taking place at Renaissance College and Island School: see web site http:// web.mac.com/primarymatters for details. Enquiries: primarymattershk@ gmail.com or call Marion 2526 1153 / 9465 4468

Email classifieds@saikung.com 52 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

cover classified feature Services PHOENIX CARPET CARE LTD: If you are looking for: curtain, picture, mirror and shelf hanging, assembling and disassembling of furniture, wall painting, wall repair and patch, floor covering (laminate, carpet, linoleum), tiling (floor&wall), bathroom & kitchen repair, and much more... just give me a call! Mobile: 61411766 germanhandyman@ymail.com BESPOKE CUSTOM MADE LADIES CLOTHING. We are a professional design house located in Hong Kong, making bespoke ladies clothing, specialists in making dress, jackets and coats. We can copy your favourite dresses, custom make from magazines or photo’s. Please email for a quote, no job is too small, we offer discrete professional services, consultations can be at our offices in Hong Kong or at your home. Email: david@hungtaksino.com for initial discussion.

FOR FULL HOME RENOVATIONS Painting, Plumbing, Carpentry, Floor tiling, Electrical work, Ceiling repair; call Yuki International Contractors & Engineers for free quotation. Our staff are fluent English, Cantonese & Japanese. Tel: 9884 5824

NEED TO MOVE? Call Warehouse Removals for a free quotation. We have over 15 years of moving experience with English-speaking staff. No job too small.

Local / International / Office / Disposal.

Call 2789 2205 / 91252611 or email warehouse_removals@hotmail.com

NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS & REMOVALS: Contracting, decoration and whole house removals. Painting, plumbing, electrical, flooring, masonry, doors, windows, airconditioning, waterproofing, bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinets.

Call Charles 90851886. info@ nationalharbour.com.hk

Expert-Transport & Relocations: MOVER, HANDYMAN, STORAGE. Local & International Relocation, Packing Materials Supply Cargo Collection / Clearance / Deliveries, Transportation Service Storage & Disposal, Professional House Painting. All sort of Handyman Works.

All-in one Professional Service at attractive rates Call 25664799 www. expertmover.hk

HAPPY DAY: ShenZhen DayTrip Shopping Hk 1,800. with 7-Seaters Lighting Mall, Furniture Mall, Art village, Homedecoration , Carpet and Rugs. Call 90362128 (Franki) or email happyday2128@netvigator.com GERMAN HANDY MAN. If you are looking for: curtain, picture, mirror and shelf hanging, assembling and disassembling of furniture, wall painting, wall repair and patch, floor covering (laminate, carpet, linoleum), tiling (floor&wall), bathroom & kitchen repair, and much more... just give me a call! Mobile: 61411766 germanhandyman@ymail.com Accounting & Business Admin.

Too busy running your business? Is your bookkeeping falling behind? Help is on hand, reliable service backed up with 15 years experience. English/ Cantonese/Putonghua call May 9815 2435 or ecacsolutions@gmail.com

Domestic Help Part Time Helper available.

I am a happy and helpful domestic helper with 8 years broad experience.

I have a pleasant demeanor and get along well with babies, children and parents alike. I am available for several times a week or every day part time. Sarah 6715 3093, lady_g2010@ yahoo.com

Health & Wellbeing Stressed? Need to talk?

Monika Parker is an experienced life coach and stress management counselor. Call 9127 4340 or email coach@coachMonika.com. See www.

CoachMonika.com for more info.

Acupressure, Pedicure, Body & Foot Massage: A cooperative of professional massage therapists that offers mobile (outcall, housecall) service at reasonable rates. Address: 24 Main Street, Sai Kung Appointment: 66903658 www. ablemassage.com Yoga for Friends: Welcome to join our open Yoga classes Clear Water Bay. Teachers are certified by Yoga Alliance Please send an email to following address for time schedule. smahn500@yahoo.de; Stefanie 92550567, esra.boehm@hotmail.de; Esra 67434059 Classes in German and English language

Cambridge Weight Plan: No need to go to Central...Cambridge Weight Plan is in Sai Kung and CWB. We help you create an easy-tomanage daily diet plan and provide motivation and support every step of the way. Call our friendly local consultants today! Alison Barnes 9618 1777 Jean Hudson 9045 5942 www. cambridgeweightplan.hk Personal Trainer - Established HK trainer opening for business in the area. Aussie/US Educated. From fat loss to Athletic performance I have the experience to help you reach your goals. Private studio, visit www.nickspt.com or call Nick on 9446 9056.

Experienced Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga teacher offering classes at Tina’s Dance Studio, Sai Kung, Timings: Wednesday 7-8pm, Thursday 8-9pm and Friday 12:30-1:30 pm Private and Prenatal Yoga classes possible at a venue of your choice.

Contact Utpala at utakhel@gmail.com or 97404516 Postnatal Care Registered Nurse - Have you just had a baby?

Need a little support or help with your new baby? Are you needing guidance with breast feeding? Call Virginia Newhouse on 51852220. www. postnatalcare.com.hk

Wanted Wanted: Chess teacher 3:154:15 every Wednesday in Sai Kung town.

Wanted: Yoga teacher at home in Pak Sha Wan area. Call Katie 9802 4337

For Sale Moving Sale! High quality used furniture (bed, sofa, dining / dressing table and many more) ideal for Sai Kung living style. Must go due to relocation. Call 92650294 for viewing (location: Sai Kung Tai Mong Tsai Village).

PARTY-IN-A-BOX: We provide everything you need for a craft party for children of all ages, all in a box delivered directly to your home.

Boxes contain everything you need to run the craft activities along with easy to follow instructions.

Your guests can take all their treasures home in their own decorated gift bag.

Call CRAFT BOX on 9014 3262, email info@craftbox.asia or visit www. craftbox.asia

Employment STEAMERS BAR CAFE is now hiring! Full time waiter / waitress position available. Must be experienced and energetic! Please apply with CV and expected salary to steamers.08@hotmail.com BUMBLE TOTS is looking for a baby/ toddler gym instructor to hold weekday classes. Must have experience training kids and babies. Please send CV to enquiries@bumbletots.com.hk or call Dorothy on 2631 4001.

SENSE OF TOUCH, Hong Kong’s award-winning spa chain … is recruiting!

Various positions available: 1 therapists 2 receptionist 3 spa manager Location: Sai Kung.Location: Sai Kung.

Requirements: Good spoken English. Cantonese is an advantage but not essential.

Recognized esthetics certificate is preferred (NA for receptionist’s role).

Ability to listen to client needs, explain procedures and their benefits clearly to clients.

For Spa Manager - minimum 5 years spa management experience strongly preferred.

High standard of personal hygiene and grooming.

Friendly, welcoming manner, selfmotivated, team player, honest.

If you are interested, please email your CV, with expected salary and availability to: amanda@senseoftouch. com.hk Sai Kung Magazine is always looking for good people. If you would like to contribute to Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine or if you have any suggestions on how we can improve please write to tom@ saikung.com

Travels Great Holiday Deals: Bali - W Opening promo $5,980up Si Kao -Anantara 2+2 $ 5,180up Maldives -Herathera 4N $ 8,888up Mauritius - Le Meridien 4+2 $8,980up Phuket-The bell 2+1 Promo $ 4,420up Puerto Galera-4N Diving $3,680up Greece- 7N Splash $ 18,300up India -8N Ananda Spa $ 46,200up Call : Hanson 35883630 email :hanson@sunnseaholidays.com web :www.sunnseaholidays.com

for classifieds booking WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 53

Going to the dogs

Given the choice between spending a Saturday afternoon at Disneyland or shopping for garden furniture in the Causeway Bay branch of Ikea, my natural aversion to themed leisure entertainment would have me beating a pathway to the crowded Scandinavian tat shop.

For similar reasons, the Venetian in Macau doesn’t hold much joy for me, and a recent visit to the gondoliers of Cotai left me feeling rather uneasy and depressed.

Usually I find embroidery more exciting than gambling but the permanent artificial twilight of the casino floor had even me gagging for a dry Martini and a round of baccarat on the way to breakfast.

The experience couldn’t have been further from the alleyways and canals of the Queen of the Adriatic, although the success of the venture suggests convenience rather authenticity is what the paying customer wants. And at the Venetian it seems you can pay with anything from Colombian pesos to Nazi gold.

If any theme, regardless of taste, is worthy of development, my suggestion for the next Macanese casino complex is The Glaswegian.

Instead of recreating Venice at the height of the Renaissance, the aesthetic experience could be based on the City of Glasgow during the miserable Thatcherite experiment that was 1980s Britain. Hotel rooms would be in recreations of damp tenement blocks and 24hour floodlit greyhound racing would replace the gaming tables.

Deep underground,

the integrated shopping mall would feature such timeless brands as Pound-Stretcher and Woolworths

to shamelessly exploit every urban myth and maximise tourist revenue.

Staff dressed in period costume of stretch denim and Doc Martins, would be employed to roam the fake metropolis staging mock fights outside chip shops selling deep-fried Mars Bars.

Darker characters from the imitation housing estate would deal Temazepam through the bars of the children’s play area.

Instead of a daily parade or fireworks display, I envisage a cast of thousands reenacting a poll-tax riot every evening to a haunting soundtrack by Clannad. Like a cross between “Braveheart” and River Dance, the staged finale of a police baton charge across a recreated George Square could be a bigger draw than the Shanghai Expo.

Fortunately Sai Kung has so far managed to avoid such excesses in the name of tourism. But as the harbour front continues to expand and develop, it is beginning to look increasingly like a New Territories version of Ocean Park. We may be able to claim some moral high ground in the absence of a humiliating sea lion show or gift shop, but at Ocean Park they don’t encourage the customers to eat the exhibits.

Iain Lafferty

come and get it

Win free tickets to Riverdance Riverdance the Farewell Tour has been a massive global hit and runs from May 3 to 15 at Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $350$950 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

To win a pair of tickets to Riverdance the Farewell Tour, tell us who is the patron saint of Ireland?

Email your answer to free@saikung.com.

Seasons Fitness free membership To celebrate the grand opening of Seasons Fitness Kowloon Bay, it is offering five lucky readers a one-month membership as well as a free body assessment.

Email free@saikung.com to win.

54 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

How many bunnies?

To win a free one-year membership to Island Golf Driving Range, tell us how many bunnies appear in this month’s issue (including advertisements). Count 'em up and email your answers to free@saikung.com.

Last month's winner Lauren Hunt's dad

Last month's winners Last month’s winner of a three-person, family ticket, to Barney’s Space Adventure was Josephine Wightman (age four). She correctly identified the colour of Barney’s planet as purple. Barney’s Space Adventure runs April 2-5 at Star Hall, KITEC. For more information visit www.hkticketing.com.

Love Japan˙Help Japan

Make a donation to Hong Kong Red Crossto support the disaster relief, recovery and preparedness work of the Red Cross in Japan. www.donation2.redcross.org.hk/onlinedonation

NEW “BRIGHT SPARKS” CLASS (For children aged from 5 years plus) 9.15 am – 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday • Conducted by a qualified Primary school teacher • The class will closely follow Key Stage One of the British National Curriculum • Specifically designed to prepare children for the ESF and International School systems For further information please contact Mrs Deirdre Hamilton:

Sai Kung

Shop D, G/F Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung.

Tel: 2813 0290 Email: saikung@woodlandschools.com

www.woodlandschools.com Enrol Now for

SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME 2011 (4th July to 12th August) Woodland Pre-Schools’ Summer Fun Programmes offer a whole calendar of fun activities to entertain and educate children aged 12 months to 7 years: painting, clay modelling, cooking, dancing, science experiments, story telling and much, much more. Programmes throughout July and August are organised into 2-week blocks of theme-based activities. Enrol for any of the 2-week sessions or the whole 6-week course.

Give your child the advantage of a brighter summer by enrolling today.

For more information and registration forms, please visit our website or contact the schools below.

Sai Kung

Tai Tam Montessori Repulse Bay Montessori

Tel: 2525 1655 Tel: 2803 1885

Mid Levels Montessori The Peak Repulse Bay Beachside Happy Valley

Tel: 2549 1211 Tel: 2849 6192 Tel: 2812 0274 Tel: 2575 0042

Pokfulam Harbourside (Aberdeen) Sai Kung Woodland Tree House (Pokfulam)

www.woodlandschools.com

Tel: 2551 7177 Tel: 2559 1377 Tel: 2813 0290 Tel: 2872 6138