Sai Kung Magazine August 2010

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August 2010

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r u o e v a S y r t n u o c park! +1

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clearwater bay

The really useful magazine August 2010

the planner 4 What’s going on in August NEWS 6 Need to know Stingrays are go, Volunteers needed for Oxfam Trailwalker LOCAL Hero 10 Michael Wolf The Hong Kong photographer shares his vision Feature 12 Save Tai Long Sai Wan How people power won the battle... but not the war

EATING 18 Coffee break Get your java fix 20 Grab your chopsticks New sushi place, plus Nibbles

Outdoor 22 Shock and Oar Explore the Sai Kung coast

Boots 24 High Island trekking A classic walk

VILLAGE FOCUS 30 Tso Wo Hang A much needed makeover Schools

Pets 38 Howl!

“I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, and vacuum cleaners”

32 All about Clearwater Bay School Family

Classifieds

34 Rainy Days & Mondays Summer workshops and more

Health & Beauty 36 Chocolate craving A healthy dose for your sweet tooth

40 The small ads

BACK PAGE 42 Last orders flies deportation class

PROPERTY 26 Down by the sea The best of both worlds

Who do you love?

Tell us in the Sai Kung Awards, www.saikung.com/awards

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

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planner the best of August

JUL 15 – OCT 10 Aug 1-31 Ghost Festival The gates of hell are ajar this month, as hungry ghosts wander Sai Kung looking for food, cash and something to do. Luckily, local people have it covered. Expect to see lots of old ladies, sitting streetside, burning gazillion dollar bank notes, paper iPhones and even the odd mini paper amah to appease these wandering spirits.

Aug 1 Happy Farm at AsiaWorld-Expo Get friendly with your favourite animals, as the AsiaWorld-Expo transforms into an exciting indoor petting zoo slash carnival for the whole family. Tickets start at $40.

11am-6pm, Hall 5, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok, www.asiaworldexpo.com/happyfarm, 3606 8880.

Aug 4 Quiz Night Test your skills at the first quiz night of the month. 8.30 pm, Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, info@101.com. hk, 2335 5515.

Bruce Lee The Dragon’s 70th Birthday Exhibition

An early celebration for legendary kung fu megastar Bruce Lee’s 70th birthday (Nov 24, 1940). View memorabilia from private collections from around the world at Lok Fu Plaza (Aug 5), Lung Cheung Plaza in Wong Tai Sin (Aug 11-24), Kai Tin Shopping Centre in Lam Tin (Sept 1-14) and Wo Che Plaza, Sha Tin (Sept 29-Oct 10). Free admission, www.bruceleeclub. com, 2771 7093.

AUG 1- 31 Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure Meet the ocean’s T-Rex! The Hong Kong Space Museum brings to life the most ferocious sea creatures of the Cretaceous Period in this fascinating Omnimax Show.

Admission $12-16 concession, $24-32 standard. Stanley Ho Space Theatre, Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.hk.space.museum.

Aug 7, 8, 14, 22, 28 Sails Up! More shelter sailing and races around the Eastern islands, as the Nautica Typhoon Series continues. Open to all competitors. Fun parties after. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, www.hhyc.org.hk

AUG 1- 31 Aquaplus Pool Competition Rack ‘em up! Sai Kung’s best pool players compete for a $10,000 top prize. Aquaplus, 72-74 Po Tung Road, 2791 2030.

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AUG 1- 29 Hong Kong Disneyland: Stitch & Friends Summer Hangout Get soaked at this giant summer Disney extravaganza. Admission $250 for kids 3-11, $350 for adults and $170 for senior citizens 65 above, www.hongkongdisneyland.com, 1830 830.

AUG 11 – AUG 13 Summer International Film Festival 2010 Catch the latest hits from both Asian and international cinema at various venues throughout Hong Kong. Tickets $60, www.urbtix.hk. For details www. hkiff.org.hk, 2970 3300.

AUG 14 Football on the telly

AUG 18 QUIZ NIGHT

Hebe One O One kicks off the Premier League by screening Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City.

7.45 pm, Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

Fingers on the buzzers. 8.30 pm, Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, info@101.com.hk, 2335 5515.

AUG 22 stingrays are go Registration for Sai Kung Stingrays. More details: saikungstingrays.com

AUG 24 MENACE DANCE AUDITION

AUG 16 Seven Sisters Festival Still looking for love? Try the traditional Chinese way and wish for your heart’s delight on this eve of romance at Lovers’ Stone Garden, Bowen Road. Lovers’ Stone is located in the middle of Bowen Road, Wanchai, about 20 minutes’ walk from Stubbs Road.

Calling all male movers and shakers aged 11-18, The Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) is searching for potential dancers to participate in a yearlong series of workshops. Register online before Aug. 18 at www. hkyaf.com. 5pm - 9pm, YAF Studio, Quarry Bay, kerryL@ hkyaf.com.

AUG 28 The Third Pixel

AUG 21 Saturday hash Join the Saturday Hash House Harriers for the monthly hare around our highways and byways.

Meet 4.45pm for 5pm sharp! For details visit: sites.google.com/site/saikungsaturdayh3

Enter the weird by wonderful multi-media world of composer Samson Young. He writes for symphony orchestras, Nintendo Gameboy and theme parks, sometimes dressed as a Tellytubby. This chamber concert-slash-digital installation with old-school video game overtones is a must-see. Multi Media Theatre, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, 135 Junction Road, Kowloon. Tickets $200 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

Book Now!

AUG 28 old boys Dec 22-29 Walking With Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular Hear them roar. The groundbreaking BBC series comes to life with 20 life-size dinos in a $15m spectacular this Christmas. Only five shows in English, four in Cantonese. And, yes, T-Rex will be there. AsiaWorldExpo, Lantau. Tickets $195-$995 from 3128 8288, www.hkticketing.com.

Oct 7-24 Grease Rydell High comes to Hong Kong. All hairspray, hops and hormones, this is a 70s parody of the 50s, with a bouncy soundtrack made legendary by the John Travolta-Olivia Newton John movie. It’s electrifying! Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai, 3128 8288, www.hkticketing.com.

Joel Dunn Memorial Cup. King’s park, Jordan, 2pm. More info see page 6.

AUG 29 kick off First training session for Sai Kung Stingrays minis as the season begins.

AUG 30 GLEE CLUB AUDITIONS Are you a GLEEK? HKYAF is looking for sixteen powerhouse singers and movers aged 13 to 16 to join Hong Kong’s very own Glee Club! Register online before Aug. 25 at www. hkyaf.com. 6pm - 9pm, YAF Studio, Quarry Bay, kerryL@hkyaf.com.

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news Stingrays are go

Open call for new Stingrays members Calling all Rugby stars of the future, Sai Kung Stingrays will be starting a new season in late August.

All ages are welcome starting from 4 years old right up to 16.

For the parents, we are also looking for coaches, helpers and even players. We are looking at getting a senior side together this season, so please get in touch.

A new website is in development where all new and old members will be able to register online. For a small annual fee, each child will get the shirt, shorts, socks and a mouthguard, and will be able to participate in many territory wide festivals, as well as training at Sai Kung Stadium every Sunday morning.

More details soon on www.saikungstingrays.com You are also welcome to call/text Paul White on 9121 7250 or email paul_white@cathaypacific.com for more information.

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Joel Dunn Memorial Cup Hong Kong rugby’s hall of fame (past, present and future) will strap on their boots this month to participate in the first Joel Dunn Memorial Cup. The tournament on August 28th at King’s Park is held in memory of Sai Kung’s Joel Dunn, who died last year after fighting a battle with leukemia. Friends and former teammates of Joel will be coming from all around the territory and the world - including Australia and Britain to participate in the event.

Since Joel was an active member of Aberdeen rugby club playing all his club rugby at this club, the main event will be a match between Sai Kung Stingray Old Boys, captained by Hong Kong Seven’s player Warren Warren, against a team of Aberdeen Old Boys.

“The memorial cup is a great way to honor Joel’s life,” said Lola Williams, one of the organizers. “Rugby was one of his passions. He lived life to the full and spent a lot of time coaching and helping develop the game of rugby in Hong Kong.”

When the Sai Kung Stingrays started Joel brought his 2 children Eli and Jasmin to play and ended up coaching their age group.

The event, which makes the most of King’s Park’s three pitches, bar and restaurants, starts at 2pm with games for the under 11 boys team and under 19 girls team, followed by the recently formed Hong Kong bauhinias girls under 16 team playing 7s rugby. After the kids games there will be a touch rugby tournament featuring 2 teams from the Sai Kung sting rays. The main event starts at 6pm.

news

A reader writes...

“As I was out walking this morning, I came across the pagoda at the junction of Chuk Yeung Road and the Maclehose Trail (very near the beginning of Stage 3). It caused me to think about the scene it would present in a few months time. In November, thousands of enthusiastic, strong, and possibly insane people will put on their walking boots and strike out across the New Territories for the benefit of others. They will cover the 100km of the Oxfam Trailwalker in anywhere between half a day and 2 days, in order to raise funds for charity, and, inevitably, some will fall by the wayside. It is a noble undertaking and deserves all the support we lesser mortals can give.

As a member of a support team for the past 3 years, I would appeal to anyone who is willing to help to volunteer now; handing out hot soup, brownies or fruit; filling up water bottles; making sure bags are in the right place at the right time with the right people, all go towards making the walker’s life that much easier. Teenagers can get CAS points if they are there to give encouragement and hot tea! Husbands, wives and partners will earn lots of brownie points from their mates. Just being available to do little jobs is invaluable to any support group organiser. So, put on your thinking caps and think about how you can partake in the Trailwalker experience without walking 100km! And start now! The time will fly. Just think, by the end of November you could have numerous people eternally in you debt! If it’s your first time, contact me for moral support. I’m no expert but I’ve been there. Good luck!”

Anna Boon boon.anna@gmail.com

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Grapevine Paddlers injured as dragon boat tips over A dragon boat capsized last month leaving its 21 crew-members hanging on to the upturned boat while they waited for rescuers. The crew - four women and 17 men were paddling in Sam Sing Wan off Sai Kung when an unfortunate mix of sea swells and the wake of a passing speed boat caused the dragon boat to take in water. The dragon boat was not damaged. But several team members suffered cuts on their arms and fingers caused by barnacles on the bottom of the hull.

New treatments at Sea Foot Reflexology House Celebrating their fourth year in all-around therapeutic services, Sea Foot Reflexology House has launched a brand new line of healthy beauty treatments. The new series of manicures and pedicures, facials and ear/navel candling use only the best natural methods and products available. Enjoy the extended ‘body to soul purifying journey’ for up to 40% off and de-stress from head to toe.

Green Earth moves The Green Earth Society has upped sticks and moved to that new Sai Kung hot spot, See Cheung Street in the old town.

It will be stocking all your favorite organic and eco-friendly goodies but in a more rent-friendly venue. Their new address is 37 See Cheung Street, 2792 0106, www.greenearthsociety.com. No word yet about who’s taking over the Sha Tsui Path location - could we be about to see yet another restaurant in the square?

“There is nothing so beautiful as a bridge” The 300-year old Wo Liu stone bridge will be restored if Friends of Sai Kung, led by Chairman Guy Shirra, get their way. The three-beam bridge, possibly the oldest of its type in the territory, was in its original condition up until the 1970s.

But in the last decade it has been damaged in various clumsy attempts to illegally widen it for traffic. You can find the bridge between Tai Wan village and Wo Liu village, on the old boulder road from Sai Kung to Che Ha via Kei Ling Ha. Got something to say? Send us an email: editor@saikung.com

local hero

picture post

Michael Wolf The world famous and highly collected photographer lived for many years in Sai Kung town and Nam Wai. I was 50 years old before I made the move from jobbing photographer for Stern magazine to artist. It was risky and I could not have done it without the support of my wife Barbara.

My first success was “The Bastard Chairs of China”. As well as photographing chairs whenever I was in China, I also brought back over 100. They are now in storage in Germany.

they do look great on a wall. Ninety-nine per cent of people who buy my work hang it on their walls.

I am acutely aware of how little time I have left. I am 55 now and to do a project from conception to book and show can be three to four years. Three more projects I will be 65. It is not endless.

For me success is about the recognition, about communicating ideas.

Sai Kung is an amazing place to live. The sea, the mountains, the walks... It’s like being on holiday all the time. It’s a wonderful place to raise children.

Trying to be an artist is hard. In the beginning I suffered a tremendous amount of rejection... got almost to my wit’s end. But you just have to keep going.

I was lucky. The art world is difficult to crack. Galleries like to discover young artists they can milk for decades. Well, I’m not even a mid-career artist. I am old.

During SARS I stayed in Hong Kong and did my first Hong Kong project - the book “Hong Kong: front door / back door”. I started trekking over the hills to shoot gigantic skyscrapers.

You never earn money on a photo-book. You get 6% of the cover price. But they do get passed around and they do outlast you. That’s the great thing! That’s the point.

Hong Kong has given me all my great topics.

A picture of mine sold for US$24,000 at auction last month (May 2010). It’s a relief.

It takes the pressure off.

My pictures are often critical of modern life, but

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I am an obsessive collector. Walking in Sai kung I found so many beautiful things - bones and skulls, animal leftovers... I have found some beautiful fish skulls and bird skulls. They all go into the collection.

Hong Kong storage limitations mould your collecting habits. One of my earliest collections was Chinese propaganda posters and I did a nice book with Taschen called “Chinese Propaganda Posters From The Collection of Michael Wolf”. A key reason I started the collection was because posters are thin and flat and I could store over 4,000 of them under my bed... No, now they are all in a climate controlled storage in Germany.

The over-development of Sai Kung villages borders on the criminal. There has been no concern for the environment or aesthetics or community. All these crappy white tiled houses. All done cheap cheap cheap... It’s tragic.

Best advice I ever got? Be generous, be loyal.

I’m overwhelmed! Got two books out in Fall (Hong Kong Corner Houses and Tokyo Compression), and another in March 2011 about the art village near Shenzhen (Real Fake Art). In May, next year, my 2003 exhibition about manufacturing in China (The Real Toy Story) will come back to the Hong Kong Art Fair.

That’ll be very nice.

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Saving Tai Long Sai Wan

How 75,000 people

& one Facebook group

saved Tai Long Sai Wan

12 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Power to the people! That was the message last month as more than 75,000 Hong Kong people joined a Facebook group to eject developers from Tai Long Sai Wan’s iconic, pristine beach.

A series of demonstrations and “protest hikes” quickly followed. And within two weeks the developer at Tai Long Sai Wan gave up and closed down work.

But the fight to save Sai Kung Country Park from development is far from over. Concerned citizens have now unearthed more than 20 separate development projects that encroach on land in, or very close to, Sai Kung Country Park. Petitions are being passed around. Hikers are printing up protest tees. Students, middle class families, grannies and grandpas are getting involved in land protests for the first time in their

lives, and nothing will be the same again.

“We helped wake up a giant,” said Wayne Yim, the founder of the “Save Tai Long Sai Wan” Facebook group. “The quiet majority of Hong Kong people have shown they will no longer stand by and let developers take away their core assets.”

The dizzying speed of events also revealed a new world where citizens, not media groups, set the news agenda.

Mr Yim started his Facebook group titled “We strongly condemn the destruction of Tai Long Wan and demand the immediate cessation of the construction!” on July 16th. Four days later there were 20,000 members. A week after that, 50,0000 members. “People are joining at the rate of about 10,000 a day,” says Mr Yim.

Tai Long Sai Wan Facebook Group founder, Wayne Yim.

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feature

From left to right: Hung Wing-tat and Ng Cho-nam of The Conservancy Association, with Paul Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong Limited

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Everyone has their reasons for joining. For one thing there is a growing suspicion that the government is too cosy with property developers and cannot be trusted to act in the interests of the community. “In some ways this is the countryside version of the Star Ferry demolition,” says Paul Zimmerman, of Designing Hong Kong and a key activist in the fight for Tai Long Sai Wan. “The destruction of the Star Ferry shocked people into realizing that if they could not rely on the government to protect heritage, they must raise their own voices.”

“Tai Long Sai Wan is equally shocking. People have been coming here for decades. Everyone presumed that laws were in place to protect it for

the community. So when images of the devastation began to get out people were very shocked and angry and - this time they were ready to take action.”

Mr Yim, the founder of the Facebook group, says there are other several reasons why the site went huge. One is the hiker groups: “There are a number of very old hiking groups with interests in this area. Some such as Friends of Tai Long Wan are actually more than 10 years old so they already have strong networks and a clear understanding of what is at stake. The vast majority of hikers are anything but radical people.

But well, people have been shocked into action...”

Walking with the “protest hikers” on a Sunday in late-July, it is clear just

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A part of the devastation at Tai Long Sai Wan.

how the Tai Long Sai Wan issue has woken people up. Almost everyone has a camera. At times people are almost queuing to photograph the bulldozers and devastation. More than 700 people including Sai Kung Magazine - sign a large banner promising to fight the destruction of Tai Long Wan. “I don’t care for politics and I didn’t march for democracy,” says one senior, surnamed Chan. “But this issue is different. There is no gray area here. No argument for defacing this beautiful beach or for taking it away from the community and fencing it off for some rich developer.

The fight to keep this beach open and unpolluted is a fight for the future. We do it both for ourselves and generations to come. It is an absolute good.”

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eating Java time Jessica De Borja checks out newcomer C.C. Cafe

Quietly tucked along Sai Kung’s up-and-coming gourmet street is a laid back contemporary coffee shop that opened its doors last month.

C.C. Cafe is run by two coffee enthusiasts with the goal of sharing their passion for the java culture with locals. It is a place that brings

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together the best of modern city life and small town allure. Not to mention, good coffee and homemade cakes.

Cammi Choi and Carl Ng met years ago in a coffee shop where Cammi worked. They naturally bonded over their love for the bean and for years, dreamed of going into the coffee business.

Finally, a few months ago they decided to set up a joint venture. The first step was finding the perfect location.

“At first we were thinking of Quarry Bay but I thought it was too much of a busy business district. I don’t like the rush of the city.

Everyone is always in a hurry,” says Cammi, as we sat outside their days-old cafe. “We went through so many locations until we realised Sai

Kung was the best.” Why? Well, they have the cappuccino to thank for that.

“About 9 years ago I went to Paris, while sipping a cappuccino outside a cafe, I had a true coffee experience,” Cammi said. At that moment she decided to one day recreate that feeling.

Carl wasn’t too far away when he had a similar coffee epiphany in Italy. “Carl went to Italy 8 years ago and he also ordered a cappuccino and sat outside a cafe,” Cammi said. “Maybe there was something in our coffee!”

You may not realize at first but every detail in C.C. Cafe is there for a reason. “We chose black and white interiors because we wanted to keep it simple. The walls aren’t cluttered

a cup of joe

Cafe culture Two new reasons to stop by for coffee.

C.C. Cafe, G/F, 33 See Cheung St, c.c.cafe@live.com.

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Upon entering the antique wooden Chinese door of this cafe, you’ll be greeted by a cosy hub with the cutest dogs. It’s perfect for those in need of a quiet corner to sip a latte while reading a book. Bring your dog and the owner’s pets will keep him company, too! Try the soothing Honey Ginger Latte with fresh raw honey or any of the yummy cakes and international teas available.

Colour Brown Coffee, 34 See Cheung Street, 2791 7128

After being in Wanchai for eight years, White Black Caffe has found a new home in Sai Kung. Drop by to quench your thirst for java and try their famous Australian Flat White, a cross between your classic cappuccino and latte – without the milky froth. Or choose from a variety of traditional Italian coffee. Need to beat the heat? Cool off with their organic smoothies and savory fruit gelatos.

White Black Caffe Ltd., 62 Po Tung Rd., 3113 6088

Picture: CC-Filme / www.thefilme.com

with decors so there are no distractions,” said Cammi. And this works because the focus remains on what’s important: the coffee.

Sipping a hot cuppa may not be your ideal summer hangout but if you head over to C.C. Cafe, see what Cammi or Carl recommend.

With coffee comes cake and Cammi’s top pick is their homemade Dark Chocolate. “It’s rich and not too sweet, just the way it should be.”

Simplicity is at the core of C.C. Cafe. It’s not only about the location; it’s about the mood that comes with it and the people who make it. Whether you prefer espressos over cappuccinos, here you will appreciate the “no fuss’’ attitude that the owners radiate and find the same sincerity reflected in their coffee.

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WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 19

eating

YO MAMA Sushi Sai Kung’s new sushi bar

If you’re craving for fast and fresh sushi, YO MAMA is just the place to fish up some top quality, well made rolls. The new sushi restaurant is bursting with raw goodness—and raw talent!

James Ma is a young entrepreneur whose family has been in the food business for more than two decades (his dad owns Wo Kee Restaurant, a popular local Chinese restaurant right next to Yo Mama). Having lived in Sai Kung all his life, he knows the ins and outs of the old fishing town. Spotting the trend for all things Japanese, James decided that it was time to open a Sushi bar.

The rain is pouring outside and we’re sipping on warm agari (green tea) while observing a platter of mouthwatering freshly made sushi. “My favourite is the ‘roasted saga Japanese beef’,” says James. “Most of our ingredients come from Japan. Our salmon is from Norway.” Serving only the best quality

ingredients, it’s surprising how affordable the menu actually is. “On Hong Kong Island this would be triple the price,” says James, “Ours is only $38!”

While the design of the restaurant is modern, the food is quite the opposite. “We prepare everything in the traditional way,” he says. “We even make our own homemade soy sauce.” The soy sauce recipe is a family secret, but James doesn’t hesitate to share that his team of chefs all used to work in a local sushi chain.

Testing out the waters, they currently have specials running all day with an assortment of tea sets, grilled dishes and other traditionally handcrafted sushi. From fatty yellow tail to roasted mackerel, YO MAMA has everything a sushi place should have. During the day it can be quiet but as the night wears on, the sushi conveyor belt starts to rotate and the customers come strolling in. Stop by if you’re hungry.

Jessica de Borja

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YO MAMA SUSHI, 2 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, www.yomama-sushi. com, 2791 9971.

eating

Nibbles House Spirits: It’s ghost month so spirits are plentiful at Hebe 101. Just $15 after 9pm in the bar all month.

Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, info@101.com.hk, 2335 5515 British Ales: Good news for Brits missing a taste of home.

Hebe 101 has extended their range of strangley named British beverages to include Wells Banana Bread Beer, Wells Bombardier Bitter, Courage Best Bitter, Courage Director’s, Marston’s Pedigree, Fuller’s ESB, and Fuller’s Organic Honey Dew Ale. Lunch Break: Check out the latest brunch and lunch menu available at Ali Oli. Dine in or brown bag the tasty homemade goodness. Ali Oli, 11 Sha Tsui Path, www.alioli.com, 2792 2655.

Green Home: Shop for your organic food and products at The Green Earth Society’s new spot on See Cheung St. New products available each month. Green Earth Society, 37 See Cheung St, www.greeenearthsociety.com, 2792 0106.

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If we can show it we will, please just give us a call in advance

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Tel: 2335 5515

Hebe One O One 112 Pak Sha Wan Sai Kung, NT WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 21

outdoors Sea Kayaking There’s no better time to go exploring Sai Kung’s distinctive coastlines.

Kayak and Hike Ltd expert, Paul Etherington puts his oar in.

SK Mag: How did you get into sea kayaking?

Paul Etherington: I started kayaking in 2000. My good friend Chris Campion showed me around and really opened my eyes. I found it a great way to see our marine parks from a different perspective.

That’s when I added kayaking to the business. I started in Hoi Ha and Grass Island then, as it got busy with other commercialized tours I moved to Sai Kung. From Clearwater Bay I explored the surrounding islands to find the best places to go on kayaking adventures.

kayaking, snorkeling and hiking in Sai Kung’s undiscovered offshore islands that commercialized tours have no access to.

How has Sai Kung inspired your work? What is there for people to discover and appreciate?

Sai Kung is the last place in Hong Kong that has untouched natural areas, all of which need to be protected from urban developers.

Some of the best geological sites in the world can be found here and most people don’t even know about it! It’s covered with hills, mountains and a distinctive coastline all waiting to be explored.

What is Kayak and Hike?

We offer Hong Kong residents unique adventures whilst power boating,

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king canoe Sea kayaking reveals a whole world.

Watch out for...

What are the highlights of your Geo-Park Explorer adventure?

The main highlights of the Geolical Park day trip are the sea caves and arches we get to paddle through. The waters can be quite rough in these parts so we take a powerboat out first.

For bigger packs, we bring a junk boat.

The whole day is filled with kayaking and snorkeling around the neighboring islands.

Who do you recommend should try out sea kayaking?

Anybody can kayak, but you have to learn to swim first!

Adventure Escape Explore with www.kayak-and-hike.com Contact Paul at paul@kayak-and-hike.com, 9300 5197.

Jellyfish: Among nature’s weirdest creatures, jellyfish are comprised of 95% water and have no bones, heart or even eyes! Marine biologists discovered that at least one type of jellyfish, Turritopsis Nutricula, may be immortal.

White Bellied Sea Eagle: With wingspans reaching seven feet, these are among the biggest birds of prey in the region. They feed on fish and sea snakes, which they catch by skimming over the water and catching their prey with their talons.

Chinese white dolphins: These sociable creatures love to play and often jump out of the water entirely.

Adults live for 40 years and weigh around 200 kgs.

Fun fact: around Hong Kong white dolphins are pink and no one knows why.

Mermaids: When you see one of these you have been kayaking too long.

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boots

lazy daze

High times at High Island Jackie Peers explores one of Sai Kung’s great summer rituals (walking optional).

You’ve probably seen them on Sunday evenings, glassy-eyed and sunburned. Mum, having enjoyed maybe one glass of white wine too many, struggles along with a tired dog draped over one shoulder, and a sleeping child on the other. Dad, with a tum full of fried pepper squid and Tsing Tao, herds the rest of the family and hums a favourite tune from his youth. Chances are they’re returning from a seafood lunch at one of the villages in Leung Shuen Wan, High Island, an established Sai Kung ritual.

It’s an outing ideally undertaken on a fine sunny day, with a bunch of friends and perhaps some newcomers or out-of-towners. They’re bound to be impressed. Ours always are. Leung Shuen Wan is best approached by sea, so head to the Sai Kung waterfront where you can hire a sampan, though the redoubtable sampan ladies will certainly put your bargaining skills to the test. (I’ve managed $450 return mid-week, but that may nearly double on a Sunday.)

First, chug out past the pretty islands of Inner Port Shelter and head for the southern end of Kau Sai Chau (the golf-course island) where you can visit the Unesco World Heritage temple to Hung Shing, once a mortal Tang dynasty government official and now revered as the God of the Southern Ocean. Pay your respects and ask for a safe journey. Due east from here across the water is our destination and as you enter the bay you can see to the left some of the Geopark’s wonderful hexagonal columnar joints, and in the bay itself large clumps of fish farms.

To the right is the village of Tung A, where you can alight at the small pier in front of the Yau Ley Restaurant, a firm favourite with yachties. Immediately south of the restaurant is a pretty beach where kids build sandcastles and pooches knock them down, before happily swimming around some of the anchored boats together. Adults can keep a look out while applying themselves to the serious business of consuming vast quantities of seafood and cold beverages, and entertaining each other with tall stories and true.

If it’s not too hot, there’s a very pleasant walk around the bay to the village of Pak A, now all but deserted except for Jaspas Beach Club, possibly the most chilled of the group’s restaurants, which offers Western dishes as well as Chinese seafood. En route you’ll pass Hong Kong’s smallest school – now abandoned – and a Qing dynasty Tin Hau temple with a sedan chair and 200kg copper bell. Modern fishermen still pay homage there, in more or less the same way as they have since Sai Kung’s sheltered inlets were first settled in the 14th century.

There are a few choices for your return. You can retain your sampan, and make a round trip of Kau Sai Chau, with its spectacular public golf courses, the fishermen’s cemetery island and the towering wall of the High Island reservoir.

Alternatively, dedicated walkers can hike for 30 minutes up to the reservoir road, and catch a taxi to Pak Tam Chung (and the 94 bus to Sai Kung) or walk 8km along the road, stage one of the Maclehose Trail and, to my puzzlement, more popular than some of the more natural stages.

Enjoy yourselves on what is arguably Sai Kung’s best day out!

Jackie is a director of Walk Hong Kong, a unique company that reveals the urban and rural delights of Hong Kong to visitors. Find out more about Jackie Peers’ walks at www.walkhongkong.com

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property

Rustic chic A beautifully restored property on “Millionaire’s Row”.

A timeless landscape of pristine waters and overhanging trees surround this 15,000 sqft property, with a captivating weathered stone exterior. Inside, that rustic vibe gives way to modern chic, with three floors of clean-cut, open-plan rooms.

Located along the peaceful Shelter Cove waterfront, this one-off home blends old and new, rustic and sleek in a refreshingly stylish and cozy home.

26 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

With so much space at hand, the possibilities are endless. But when the current owners bought the property, they chose to keep it simple yet striking. “In the past, people liked to embellish with bold colours and heavy furniture,” says project director Richy Ng of Box Design Ltd. “These days it’s all about a ‘less is more’ attitude.”

The predominantly white and beige scheme sets an uplifting tone. “It’s a matter of

a zen den maximizing the space by keeping it simple and bringing more light into the house,� Ng says.

To do this, they placed different-sized windows and glass walls throughout the house to open up the space. As well as being practical, the windows are an eye-catching way to break up the expanses of white wall and reveal the remarkable views.

The living and dining areas have an uncluttered, calm ambience with clean lines,

overhead lamps and monochromatic fabrics.

Adding depth to the neutral shades in the master bedroom and en-suite are dimmer lights and darker wooden floor panels. Sliding glass doors lead to the bathroom, where an oversized bathtub makes a striking centrepiece.

Surrounded by black interiors and a distinctive wooden floor, it incorporates the rustic elements seen on the outside.

The large garden once featured a

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 27

property swimming pool. But finding it a breeding ground for insects, the owners got rid of it. “At first we were planning on making the pool smaller but in the end the owners decided it required too much maintenance,� Ng says. Instead, they opted to keep the yard simple with wooden tables and chairs for quiet afternoons and social gatherings.

The rich natural environment and rural exteriors come together with the sharp contemporary interiors, making up a home that is elegant and relaxing.

Contact Richy Ng, Box Design Ltd., www.boxdesign.com.hk, 2573 3998.

28 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

property Tai Hang Hau: houses for $16,666 a square foot

Ask Agent Fixit

Dear TTSC, You don’t always have to flip the switch when it’s blazing hot outside. Here’s some tricks to get the temperature down naturally.

Put plants in the areas of the house that receive the most sunlight such as next to windows. They’ll soak up the sun’s heat and energy. Use air.

Avoid dishwashers and clothes dryers. They generate heat. Go trad, wash dishes by hand and leave your clothes to dry outside. Air drying sheets in front of an open door or large window will help to cool incoming breezes.

Change your bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) give off less heat than incandescent bulbs because they use 75% less energy and last longer.

Use fans. They don’t cool down a whole room but they do cool you.

And if you put a bowl of ice directly in front of a fan you’ve got an instant arctic breeze. Install outdoor awnings over large windows and glass doors.

Use window tinting such as 3M Scotchtint™. It deflects more than 70% of the heat coming through windows.

Cucumis sativus. This may sound strange but a cold slice of cucumber fresh out of the fridge can cool you down almost instantly. Alternatively, a refrigerated wet face towel works too. Drape one on your forehead and voila! Cool as a cucumber.

Picture: Graham Uden / hkaerial.com

Dear Agent Fixit, It’s so hot! How do I stay cool inside the house without running my airconditioning bill through the roof?

Trying To Stay Cool

Recent property transactions Property Villa Horizon Ryan Court Terrace Po To O Green Villas Marina Cove “K” Bayview Villas Berkeley Bay Yan Yee Road Casa Bella

sqft Price 2,500 $32.8m 2,300 $25.8m 1,368 $12m 2,100 $20.8m 2,187 $14.38m 2,391 $23.5m 1,400 $12.2m 1,600 $16m 2,100 $11m 1,348 $13m

$/sqft 13,120 11,217 8,772 9,904 6,575 9,828 8,714 10,000 5,238 9,643

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 29

village focus Tso Wo Hang Handy for Sai Kung and Sha Tin, with a new paved village centre and a stunning view, Tso Wo Hang is on the up and up.

Picture: Graham Uden/hkaerial.com

Never one of Sai Kung’s prettiest villages, Tso Wo Hang has had something of a makeover lately. Tucked around a bend in the road between Sai Sha roundabout and the country park, the large, ugly car park that used to dominate the village centre and its row of traditional houses has been cleaned up, fenced in and paved with bricks. A large stone emblazoned with gold characters proudly announces your arrival in Tso Wo Hang.

That row of old houses is now broken up by four new-builds, as jarring as the gold teeth in a Hakka lady’s smile. But overall, the impression is of a village on the rise.

More new houses huddle together to the right of the repaved square, and many more climb the hill in the Tsovo Villas complex to the left. The appeal for these new properties lies in Tso Wo Hang’s proximity to Sai Kung, just a five-minute drive away, and Sha Tin (10-15 minutes) – and its lovely view.

While the new developments are more crammed in than the older blocks, such as mews-like Bayview Villas and spacious Country Villas, frequently visited by feral cows, the view from their roofs is stunning.

Like the cluster of more expensive, individual homes clinging to the

JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Japanese International School is an authorised International Baccalaureate (I.B.) PYP School offering the very best educational opportunities for International students. We offer a full 'through train' of education from 4 -18 years with International College Hong Kong (Seondary). At JIS we have a unique environment that offers state of the art facilities, within rural surroundings, that are easily accessible from all areas of Hong Kong.

4663, Tai Po Road. NT., Hong Kong, t: 2834 3531 e: esinfo@jis.edu.hk w: www.jis.edu.hk 30 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

rising star

Parent-friendly, Child-specific precipitous hill on the other side of the village, they look straight across islanddotted Inner Port Shelter to the HKUST. Anyway, who needs a garden when right across the road is a string of grassy picnic and barbecue grounds on the water’s edge?

The Hong Kong Police Force must like it, because it has a Recreation Centre here, right opposite the large public pier.

Like piers everywhere, Tso Wo Hang’s is a popular spot, filled with fishermen, brides having their pictures taken, dog walkers, lovers and others just enjoying the view.

Up for grabs!

This remarkable modern 2,100 sqft house has five bedrooms (two en-suite), a study, 2 fixed parking spaces, and a large outdoor lawn. It is fully furnished with a great open sea view in Sheung Yeung, Clearwater Bay. For sale for $30m. For rent for $80k.For details contact Sunshine Property at 2866-6640.

Starting this September in Sai kung, Wai Man Road soccer pitch every Tuesday afternoon.

For boys and girls from walking to 5 years of age.

We use Creative games & music with specially designed equipment to engage children while encouraging maximum enjoyment and confidence through participation in sports.

For more details: Head Coach/Carlos Nunes Cell- 65762111 Office- 34887724 Fax- 34887742 www.tinytots.com.hk

For over 5 years old soccer program

This newly renovated house by the sea has four bedrooms (two en-suite), a garden and a spacious balcony and roof area.

Located in Siu Hang Hau, it is 2,100 sqft. For sale for $16.9m.

More information, please contact Homelife Property, 2719 1199, 2719 0606.

Which is the best-kept village?

Let us know in www.saikung.com/awards

Sai Kung Sharks Football Club

Contact: Charles Tel: 3623 0785 Fax: 3623 0785 Email: charles@saikungsharksfc.com Website: www.saikungsharksfc.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 31

schools All about Clearwater Bay School Clearwater Bay School is one of the English Schools Foundation’s highly successful International schools catering for students in the Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay communities.

Clearwater Bay School has become one of the most successful international schools in the territory by mixing a relevant curriculum and socially responsible attitudes.

Located on Clearwater Bay Road, adjacent to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, it has 720 primary school students who come from a diverse range of backgrounds and represent over 35 nationalities. The admissions policy is non-selective and suitable for Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay families in search of primary education that follows the British education system.

In May 2009, Clearwater Bay School was granted authorisation by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to teach the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB PYP focuses on the development of the child as an inquirer both in the classroom and the outside

Welcomes children of all ages

to play and have fun in a bright, caring friendly safe environment, whilst mums enjoy a

ENGLISH & MANDARIN PROGRAMS

complimentary coffee/tea.

COURSES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN FROM 1 to 12 YEARS OLD

Opening Hours:

ENROLLMENT STARTS NOW for the

Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5pm & Sat 9.30 - 12.30pm

JULY -AUGUST “Lights On” SUMMER PROGRAM SUITE 2, 7B & 9 DAIRY FARM SHOPPING CENTER, 8 RAZOR HILL ROAD, CLEARWATER BAY TEL: 2335-5437 EMAIL: info@kidscan.com.hk Website: http://www.kidscan.com.hk

Prices & Packages:

$100 per session (2hrs) for 2 children, $20 per child thereafter.

Packages: $400 and come once a week for a month OR $1000 for unlimited sessions per month.

Child drop-off services available - For children 1-3 yrs Snack/drinks provided $150.00 per child per session Call for further information

Baby clinic with Virgina Newhouse RN 2nd Monday of each month 9.30-11.30a.m. & 2.30-4.30p.m.

Cost $100 per session

Baby changing station available.

NO registration, or joining fee AND no pre-booking required!

(Available for party hire at weekends)

Address: Sun Ho Garden, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.

(We're a minutes walk pass base camp, then Japanese restaurant)

Contact: Joanne 9887 4205

littlemonkeyshk@gmail.com

32 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

international lifestyle

world. Students also receive daily specialist lessons in Mandarin, Music and PE. A core component of the CWBS curriculum is that education must extend beyond the intellectual to include socially responsible attitudes and thoughtful action, on an individual basis as well as a school and community basis. This is combined with the school’s drive to create closer curriculum links with the Mandarin program.

Heifer International’s ‘Read to Feed’ campaign is one example of this. For the past three years students at CWBS have been raising money through reading to support the program. The goal of Heifer is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty.

Students have already raised over $200,000 in support of Heifer’s work in rural China. This year’s target is $125,000.

Celebrating the students’ differing cultures is also part of the core curriculum. The recent ‘International Story Telling’ event encouraged parents to come to school to share books in their mother tongue. Due to its success, it has been incorporated with the school’s regular ‘Book Week’ celebrations.

For more information, the school hosts regular tours for prospective parents and holds 3 open mornings every June.

Visit www.cwbs.edu.hk or contact the school at 23583221.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 33

family Rainy Days & Mondays Somewhere to go, something to do, a treat to eat

Lavender Garden Take the family on a trip to Fanling’s countryside. Roam the lovely lavender fields, go strawberry picking, make your own candles (only available on weekends and public holidays) or simply relax and enjoy the sweet smelling greenery. Admission is $5 per person (children under 3 years old get in for free). Open from 10am to 6pm, DD76 Lot 655 Hok Tau Road, Fanling, New Territories, www.lavendergarden.com.hk, 2674 7822.

Bite-sized Oreo Truffles Easy come, easy go. These Oreo Truffles are fun to make and even more fun to eat!

All you need is 1 pack of 8 oz. softened cream cheese (try Philadelphia cream cheese from any local supermarket), 1 pack of finely crushed Oreo Cookies and 1 bar of melted milk chocolate (Cadbury milk chocolate or any type you prefer will do). This will make approximately 36 – 40 truffles.

1. Finely crush 7 cookies in a food processor or place them in Ziploc bag and proceed to crush. Set aside for later.

2. Crush the remaining cookies and mix in the softened cream cheese until you get a good consistency. Get the kids to help you roll 1’ balls and place them on a wax paper covered cookie sheet.

3. Melt chocolate in a glass bowl over a small pot of hot water on a stove or as directed on the package and then dip the balls into the chocolate.

Sprinkle the crushed cookies from earlier on top and once they’re dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

Busy Bees Kindergarten Is now accepting non HKUST staff and resident‛s children • Situated in the scenic grounds of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay • Bilingual (English/Mandarin) Kindergarten • Native English/Putonghua Speaking, Qualified Kindergarten Teachers • Child centered approach to learning Busy Bees is a small, bilingual (English/Mandarin) Kindergarten, set in the scenic grounds of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, which implements a child centered approach to learning through play.

We are now accepting applications from non-HKUST staff/residents. Please visit http://ihome.ust.hk/~busybees/ for detailed information of classes or contact Helen Brighton at busybees@ust.hk for details on admissions.

34 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

ad_saikung_july1.pdf 1 16/7/2010 1:37:32

keep ‘em busy

C

Chameleon Workshop M Get those creative juices Y flowing with Chameleon CM Workshop’s series of summer art classes this August. All MY aspiring artists aged 3 to 15CY years old are welcome to join CMY in on some fun oil painting, crafting and other art relatedK classes. Parents can sign up, too! Choose from any of the available 1-day workshops or 4-day courses. Admission $450 and $1,650, respectively.

Chameleon Workshop, 2b Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, www. chameleonworkshop.com, 2527 2251.

kids and money Helping your children develop successful money management habits and a good sense of financial responsibility is a gift that can last a lifetime.

Join ipac’s interactive session for mums and kids aged 10 or above to find out: ~ how to teach your children good financial skills ~ being a good financial role model ~ all about pocket money! ~ the real costs of education ~ how to achieve the lifestyle you want for your family ~ protecting your family with Wills, Guardianship & Insurance date:

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

time:

6.45pm - 8.00pm (registration begins at 6.30pm)

venue: ipac boardroom fees:

$100 per person or $150 for two people (fee includes refreshment and a 45-minute private consultation with one of our highly qualified planners)

visit www.ipac.com.hk for details or call Evonne at 2285 2669 ipac financial planning Hong Kong Limited Suite 5101, 51/F The Center 99 Queen’s Road Central t: 2285 2888 f: 2285 2899 w: www.ipac.com.hk This seminar is of a general nature and the application of its contents will depend on an individual’s own personal circumstances. ipac is licensed by the Securities & Futures Commission, CE No: AAN641 and a member of Professional Insurance Brokers Association.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 35

Brazilian Keratin Treatment Organic Color Systems Make up & Make up lesson Free Consultation

Make overs Manicure, Pedicure

THERE’S A COVER GIRL IN EVERY WOMEN

AFTER

56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, N.T. Tel.: 2335 1694 M/F, No.4 Shelley Street, Soho, Central Tel.: 2521 9333

36 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

xxxx

Magic chocolate Chocolate that is better for you than fruit and veg?

Adele Rosi treats herself to a bar of Xoçai.

Waxing, Facial

Uncover the true you BEFORE

health & beauty

Picture a group of women discussing their eating habits and the absolute necessity of chocolate after supper every night. Then imagine their reaction – and, if you’re a true chocaholic, note your own - when one of them mentions the existence of “magic” antioxidant chocolate that is super healthy, amazing for the skin, can help to suppress your appetite and demands that you eat three squares or three nuggets a day. Exactly. What is it and where can you get it?

Made from cacao beans and Amazonian açai berries, two of the world’s most antioxidant foods, Xoçai (pronounced “show-sigh”) is the ultimate healthy chocolate. It looks and tastes like dark chocolate – I’ve tried some and it’s delicious, not at all bitter, considering its low-sugar content - but that’s where the similarities end. To get the same amount of antioxidant value as three pieces of this little godsend, you would need to eat a daily helping of 2.6 pounds of raw broccoli or 10.7 pounds of bananas or 11.4 pounds of raw carrots - all of which fruit and veg are also higher in calories. Three squares of Xoçai total 100 calories (each nugget is 70 calories) while consuming the aforementioned amounts of broccoli, bananas and carrots would see your calorie count shoot up by 418, 4,313 and 2,100 calories respectively.

Among its many benefits, Xoçai claims to promote cardiovascular health by opening the arterial walls to boost energy and mood, provide antiaging benefits, improve the skin’s condition and decrease bad cholesterol.

“I eat chocolate every day so when I heard about Xoçai I had to have it,” says Clearwater Bay resident and yoga instructor Mindy Tagliente, who is a Xoçai distributor. “I’ve never been religious but I’ve been thanking God that someone had the knowledge to invent

life by chocolate

it. After a few weeks of eating it daily, my skin started to glow and I no longer need my morning coffee as I’m getting the extra boost I need from the chocolate. It really is vitamins in chocolate form.”

Apparently, 90 per cent of us don’t eat the recommended amounts of antioxidant food that are needed to combat free radicals, which are produced when your body is exposed to nasties like pollution and smoking and are thought to play a role in cancer and other diseases. Our bodies naturally produce antioxidants but – surprise - as we get older that process slows down and we acquire more free radicals.

Although cacao, which is found in dark chocolate, is the world’s richest source of antioxidants, most regular dark chocolate loses up to 85 per cent of its antioxidant value because the cacao is heated and processed. Normal chocolate also contains waxes, preservatives, artificial flavours and fillers such as sugar. Xoçai uses something called a patented cold-pressed technology and is unprocessed, so the raw cacao retains its antioxidant properties. It is also low in sugar, vegetarian, vegan and lactose-intolerant friendly, caffeine, gluten and trans-fat free.

And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, Xoçai can be delivered to your door. Just give your name, address and credit card details to a distributor – there are opportunities to do this as a business and anyone can become a distributor - and you’ll have your fix within two days. It costs HK$1,035 for a one-month supply (based on the assumption that you will eat three squares daily), which works out as $23 a day. If you were going to eat the equivalent antioxidant value in, say, tomatoes, it would cost $185 a day. There is no commitment; if you decide you don’t like it or simply don’t want it the following month, you just cancel your order.

So, vegetables or chocolate?

It’s a no-brainer.

For further details or to order Xoçai, contact Mindy on mindy_tbp@yahoo.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 37

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION HLYIS

HONG LOK YUEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SCHOOL BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE FROM SAI KUNG

Hong Lok Yuen International School is an independent non-profit making school, providing quality international education, through an English medium, to kindergarten and primary students, in a multi-cultural environment. It was established over twenty five years ago to serve expatriates from all over the world, together with local Chinese children from Hong Lok Yuen, and other areas in the New Territories of Hong Kong. HLYIS is a fully authorised IBPYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme) school, with a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy skills.

HLYIS

HONG LOK YUEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 20th Street, Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po, New Territories.

For further information visit www.hlyis.edu.hk or email: info@hlyis.edu.hk telephone: 2658 6935

COUNCIL of INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

pets Rain dogs Dr Carmel Taylor holds a paw

My dog takes his role as family protector very seriously. He considers himself invincible, taking on animals twice his size. But his one weakness is astraphobia, which is not a fear of British family cars (though he views all vehicles suspiciously, as his last ride culminated in the removal of his manhood). It is a fear of storms. The faintest rumbling has the indomitable hero with saucer sized eyeballs stuck to the patio glass, frantically pawing at the corner of the door until we let him in and he paces around the sofa panting and drooling.

About 50% of canines are terrified by ‘apocalyptic situations’ such as thunderstorms and fireworks (and vacuum cleaners, hairdryers and bizarrely, hiccups). Felines, it would seem, are less bothered by such noises but there are some scaredy cats who hide under furniture. Having a den or a safe place to hide can help some animals deal with storms, but others become frantic, and some even injure themselves trying to escape.

Recent studies suggest that the traditional solution of sedatives, dispensed by vets to keep on hand for thunderstorms, might actually make the whole experience more intense and terrifying for the pets.

A combination of behaviour modifying drugs and de-sensitization may

We make

DELIVERIES! Fear not cats and dogs of Sai Kung...

WNP offers a convenient home delivery service!

2552 6200 www.wnp.com.hk

thunder wear

help. This involves playing a tape of thunderstorm noises for increasing amounts of time to get them accustomed to stormy sounds, but can cause more problems if not done correctly. Low success rate has led some experts to suggest that other factors such as lightning, smells or even barometric pressure make storms much scarier.

But behaviourist Nicholas Dodman from Tufts University believes there is another reason: static electricity. He has theorised that the build up of this in dogs’ coats leads to painful shocks, which is why some dogs clamber into their least favourite spot in the house, the bathtub, to try and ‘ground’ themselves. Dodman’s hypothesis led him to develop a special coat with antistatic lining called the ‘Storm Defender cape’. But when testing it against a similar cape with no lining, he found that both garments seem to reduce anxiety symptoms, so it may just be gentle pressure that helps calm terrified terriers.

Now there is a rapidly growing range of ‘thunderwear’, which is not something you might make your husband wear after a curry night with the lads, but a selection of leotard like sartorial creations that claim to give dogs a ‘therapeutic hug’. They may become popular now that we have a new word to add to the lexicon for noise phobic dogs – vuvuzela!

Dr Carmel Taylor, MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD www.cutaneous.com.hk

classifieds

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40 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

classifieds ads just $230 email sales@saikung.com Carpentry, house painting, tiling, plumbing, landscaping. Call CiCi, Famous Bright HK.Co.ltd 23525868 office, 93294791 mobile for free quotation.

Insurance Agent from Prudential: provides service for life insurance, medical, personal saving plan, education fund, retirement planning, annuity, home, maid, car, company insurance, MPF, etc. interested parties, pls call Erica Yiu 9675 4550.

Computer Repair: Technician available to help with any computer problems at home or in your office. Viruses, spyware, data recovery, networking, website design.

Call: Jan Boshoff 6403 6623 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 27892205 / 91252611 email - warehouse_ removals@hotmail.com COMPUTER SERVICES: Windows & Apple Mac’s. Hardware, Software support. virus & speed problems. Transfer data Windows, Mac, Deleted data recovery, Sync PDA’s, Blackberry,iPhone, Itunes, Apple TV, Time capsule. Wireless Router, Range extender etc. Call Christopher Krishnan M:9147 0230 or 2572 2867, Email:chrisk@netvigator.com

MANDARIN LESSONS Kids 2-12 yrs Adults Mandarin Mandarin Art Class

TEL: 2791 4838 www.jumpstartmlc.com jumpstart@netvigator.com 2/F, 51 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung

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 in English, Cantonese & Japanese. Tel - 98845824 / 34805100 Fax - 34819600 Email - yukibecky69@yahoo.com Guitar Lessons: www.guyleclaire.com Tel: 91963321 or 23282367 HKMacs: British Macintosh Specialist 19 yrs experience + Apple Certified. Personalised training, software installation, computer set-up and parental controls, networking, troubleshooting, data recovery, iPhone integration with all networks. PC switchers welcome! Call Vince Loden Mobile: 9348 6884, Office: 2982 4274, Email: hkmacs@ mac.com Website, Blog, Forum: http://hkmacs.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 41

back page

Last Orders A Postcard from Northern Britain

Flying deportation class, my family’s annual pilgrimage to Caledonian and East Yorkshire, began at midnight with the usual twelve hours spent locked in an interrogation style stress position while being force-fed reheated K rations by a small team of short-sleeved perfumed belligerents itching for a strike. It was easy to forget we had actually paid for the experience.

Ironically, in the age of semtex-lined exploding underpants and air rage proliferation, this was the easiest part of the trip. Getting off the plane at Heathrow Airport one now has to negotiate nine levels of security, immigration and customs in order to enter the sceptic Isle.

And, if you intend boarding an onward flight, you will have to repeat most of these steps again in reverse order.

The process is more convoluted than trying to import a boatload of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and especially if you are wearing any form of footwear more complex than a flip-flop or if you have been stupid enough to procreate and are travelling with children.

After much condescension and harassment we

finally managed to fly up to twenty-four hours, aged me Edinburgh only to face the several years through anguish next challenge in the form of and poor diet, and dumped trying to locate the “airport” approximately 2.5 tonnes of branch of our trusty car hire carbon dioxide into an already company. This took the best polluted atmosphere. part of the morning, as it was Understandably expatriates so far away from the terminal tend to build up a distorted building it was situated in an mental picture of their area with a separate cultural homeland, loosely based on the identity. reality at the time when they left The overly-friendly and diluted by a great deal of Sorry kid, Mr Lafferty Gaelic welcome we received wishful fiction. Long hot summer comes first. stood out in stark contrast syndrome is a classic product to the customer service of this and is the reason why I we’d experienced so far that day. Predictably never think to bring a coat when visiting the it proved to be a smoke screen to disguise UK, even in deepest winter. I look forward to the fact they didn’t have the child’s seat I’d the next few weeks; subconsciously priming booked and paid for over a month ago. Two myself for the trauma of the return leg back to hours later they produced something matching Hong Kong while being constantly shocked by the description of “child’s seat”, except that it the price of everything and confused as to why looked like it had been assembled by a child, I can’t fit into a 28 inch waisted pair of skinny rather than designed to protect one. jeans.

Door to door the entire trip took about Iain Lafferty

Part-time Advertising Salesperson Wanted Sai Kung magazine is looking for a part-time ad sales person to develop ad sales in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. ˙2 years Experience in media sales an advantage ˙Outgoing, positive attitude, excellent communication skills ˙Fluent English essential, Cantonese an advantage ˙Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and organize your own day ˙Can work from home ˙Candidates must have legal rights to work in Hong Kong We offer competitive, commission-based remuneration.

Please email your resume and cover letter to tom@saikung.com

42 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

NEW “BRIGHT SPARKS” CLASS Opening 1st September 2010 (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 Arabella Lambe:

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 2010 (5th July to 27th 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 8-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.

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