The really useful magazine DECEMBER 2012
THE PLANNER
FEATURE
4 Happening in December Christmas is coming... LETTERS
18 A-Z of Christmas The need-to-know for Christmas shopping in Sai Kung.
EDUCATION 34 Applying for uni How to play the US college admissions game. FAMILY
6 Have your say
EATING
NEWS 8 What’s going on? Sai Kung Stray Friends loses its shelter, Vegemite in crisis, toyshop opens. LOCAL
24 Countdown 2013 Where’s the party on New Year’s Eve? Plus Stephen Vines’ Food Gurus and Sai Kung’s new chippy. WINE
12 Giving back Doing your bit for Sai Kung charities. INTERVIEW
28 Quaffing organics Keep a clear head.
INTERIORS
14 Hello sailor! Meet architect and former commodore Inge Strompf-Jepsen. VINES IN SAI KUNG
30 Deck the halls Even more Christmassy than holly and ivy. IN MY ELEMENT
16 So much for team spirit Why the PLA is sulking.
32 Here comes the son Fashion designer Lee Pak-man’s sofa safari.
36 We found Santa! And she’s funny. HEALTH & BEAUTY 38 Sense of Touch in TKO Spa villas in Tseung Kwan O – yes, really. HIKES 40 On the farm Pete Spurrier communes with the Kadoories. MOTORING 42 Drive nice The importance of driving etiquette. TRAVEL 44 Short escapes Where to jet for a quick holiday.
PETS 46 Not just for Christmas... Plus, the perils of the season and pet personals. GARDENING 48 Autumn leaves We hear the ginkgo tree is pretty this time of year. PEOPLE 50 Out and about ON PATROL 54 Hankie panky A 999 hoax caller gets caught.
BIRD AT MY WINDOW 57 The spotted dove ‘Tis the season of love. LAST ORDERS 62 The Beatles vs PSY “Gangnam” is not Iain Lafferty’s style.
“CHRISTMAS IS NOT A TIME OR A SEASON, BUT A STATE OF MIND” — CALVIN COOLIDGE
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planner
Until Jan 13 Winter in Venice
The Venetian Macau becomes a winter wonderland, complete with gondola tours, ice skating, 3-D music and lights show, and real snow. Details at www.venetianmacao.com.
Until Jan 1 A Sparkling Christmas
Dec 1-2 Clockenflap
Oh look, it’s snowing on Main Street. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau, park. hongkongdisneyland.com.
Hong Kong’s homegrown music festival featuring international heavy-hitters Primal Scream, De La Soul, Sneaky Sound System and Azealia Banks, and local acts Dan F and Uptown Rockers. West Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets at www.clockenflap.com.
Nov 30-Dec 2, Dec 6-9 Little Red Riding Hood: The Panto Well, slap your thigh, it’s the Hong Kong Players’ annual pantomime. Oh yes, it is! Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $250-$330 from www.urbtix.hk.
Nov 30-Dec 2 Hong Kong International Boat Show Cruise the superyachts, sailing boats, ribs and dinghies and dream a little at this popular annual event. Club Marina Cove, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung, www.clubmarinacove.com.
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Dec 1-2 Christmas Bazaar
Dec 2 Sting: Back to Bass Tour
One-stop shopping opportunity at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan. 10am-4pm. All welcome.
Sting performs with a stripped-down five-man band. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Tickets $488-$1,388. Book on www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Dec 1-2 Hullett House Christmas Market
Dec 4 Elton John
Drink mulled wine, eat smoked meat and buy handicrafts at this European Christmas market. Free entry, noon-9pm. Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Dec 1 Operation Santa Claus Christmas Quiz The annual fun fest, with great prizes, curry buffet and lots of brainteasers. 7pm, Garden Bar, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan. Tickets $350 from saikungchristmasquiz@ gmail.com, or 9758 0125.
Dec 5 Christmas List Shopping Walk
The Rocket Man cometh. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Tickets $488-$1,888 from www.hkticketing.com, Think of it as ArtWalk 3128 8288. with Santa. Central’s favourite gift emporia will be open from 6pm10pm for seasonal shopping, drinks and nibbles. Details and tickets, $100, from hk.asia-city.com/store/ xmaslist.
happening in december Dec 5-12 Winter Exhibition
Dec 15 Christmas Magical Mystery Tour
Sai Kung Gallery is featuring selected works for purchase by local artists. Prices from $500. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, 2/F, 14A1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. 2792 3939.
The Sai Kung Hash is led a merry dance. 4pm. Details at sites.google.com/site/ saikungsaturdayh3.
Dec 16 Riverwalk Friends of the Earth fundraising walk through Sai Kung Country Park to highlight Hong Kong’s water sources. Minimum donation: $300. From 9am, Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. Register at www.foe.org.hk.
Dec 6 Sai Kung Sampler
Dec 10 Macy Gray Live
One-stop shopping at Steamers. From 6pm. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.
The croaky-voiced diva plays Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $480-$680 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Dec 13-15 Godspell
Dec 8 WINTER GARAGE SALE
The classic musical presented by Lindsey McAlister and 45 teenagers of the Youth Arts Foundation. Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets from www.urbtix. hk, 2111 5999.
A bonanza of pre-loved goodies – get there early. Free entry, parking available. 9.30am-1.30pm, LG3 car park, HKUST, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942.
Dec 8-9 The Snowman & The Bear Animations of the Raymond Briggs’ storybooks on the big screen with live orchestral music, singing and story-telling. Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $150-$350 from www.urbtix.hk.
Dec 9 Sai Kung Stray Friends BBQ
Dec 13-16 The Snow Queen Icy but fun. Faust Youth Theatre production. McAuley Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $150-$200 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
Dec 14 Turkey Trot Steamers and Hebe Haven Yacht Club jointly tee off for a golf tournament, with Christmas turkeys to prize winners. For details, contact 2792 6991, gm@steamerssaikung.com.
Join the dog lovers for a champagne and sausage sizzle in a bush setting. From 2pm. Tickets $250 (children free). No dogs please. 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung, 2335 1126.
Dec 10 Conrad Fair The mother of all Christmas fairs – hampers, designer fashion, jewellery and skincare. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.
Dec 16-Mar 31 Andy Warhol 15 Minutes Eternal The largest touring exhibition of the pop artist’s work from the Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh. Tickets $5-$20, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 0116.
Dec 24 Carols in Sai Kung O come all ye faithful... Sai Kung’s English- and Chinese-speaking churches unite to sing carols in the streets, starting at 7pm outside Lok Yuk Kindergarten, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. Be joyful and triumphant.
Dec 25 Christmas Day Tree! Presents! Turkey!
Dec 15 Christmas Pop-up Bazaar Handbags, dresses, skincare, jewellery, wine and exclusive photographs of Sai Kung by Australian photographer Nick Gleitzman. 2pm-6pm, Steamers, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Have a good one, everybody.
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letters
have your say
Roberts’ fan I am writing to say that I really enjoyed your article on Lorette Roberts. Her artwork is gorgeous, and it was great seeing it on the cover. Well done all around. Samwell Kwok
Easy Breezy What a great concert! My wife and I went to the Breezy Sai Kung Concert held on November 11. It was a very pleasant surprise, we initially looked at the programme and thought it was going to be just for teenagers but it turned out to be a programme for everyone. The music and talent on display were fantastic and we stayed till the end, enthralled by the enthusiasm and skill shown by the performers. Well done, Sai Kung. Les Whittle
Estate management The topic of mortality is never an easy one to tackle. But your article on expats and their wills was quite tastefully done (Family, November 2012). It was informative and timely without being alarmist. I too assumed that my will “back home” applied here in Hong Kong. Now I know. Thank you. Jennifer Pates
Fitness drive I just wanted to let you know that I liked the Louis Doctrove article (Health & Beauty, November 2012). It was an easy and optimistic read that I plan to aim to follow in my training for the half marathon – although I may not always take his advice! Jackie Chung
Please email your letters to editor@saikung.com. We may edit for length.
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news
in the know
Toy shop opens
Temple trail Walk off the Christmas excess with a cultural expedition to Sai Kung’s newest temple, which opened a few weeks ago in Ngong Wo Village, above Wong Chuk Wan. Turn off Sai Sha Road at Wong Chuk Wan and walk up the hill, bearing right then left up a dirt track to Ngong Wo. If you have the energy, follow the (somewhat overgrown) track for two hours or so past the temple and you’ll eventually come out on Yan Yee Road.
Say hello to Moshi Moshi
We’ve been hearing good things about Tai Po Tsai sushi joint Moshi Moshi, which was opened earlier this year by Eddie Chan and Kit Chen. “I wanted to open a small bar,” Chan confesses. “It was my partner who said, ‘I want to do sushi.’” It attracts about 50 patrons a day, but Chan is hoping to double that in 2013. It’s a friendly neighbourhood shop, he said, a place where people can go to talk and grab a casual bite. Chan makes an effort to get to know his customers, regularly sharing a drink with them. “It’s kind of like Cheers, where everybody knows your name,” he says. Sounds good to us. 2 Tai Po Tsai Village, Clearwater Bay Road, 2668 2605.
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Gimme shelter Months after moving into a purpose-built shelter in Tai Lam Wu, dog-rescue charity Sai Kung Stray Friends Society has been given 18 months to quit the premises. “We're devastated,” said the charity’s chairman, Narelle Pamuk. “The kennels have been sold from underneath us to a Chinese consortium. The new owner was agreed for us to stay until our leasing arrangement ceases in 18 months.” Pamuk, who says she has personally invested $2 million in renovating the site, fears the charity may not be able to find a suitable new location. And she is worried about the future for the 35-40 dogs who live permanently at the shelter. “It will be impossible to find homes for all the dogs in this time frame – some are not homeable,” she said.
Just in time for Christmas, Easy English for Kids (EEK) is opening a new toyshop in Sai Keng Village. The new venue will specialise in wooden toys and has an outdoor play area to keep the kids happy while you browse. The shop is at 28F Sai Keng Village, Sai Sha Road. Meanwhile, EEK is also offering Christmas decoration painting classes for baubles you will cherish for a lifetime. The class provides pottery tree decorations – a Christmas tree, bauble or gingerbread man, for example – and lets your child loose with the paintbox. Granny will love them. Decorations are $30 each. Mondays and Fridays, 3pm-5pm or 5pm6.30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am11am. 17F Sai Keng Village, Sai Sha Road, 3487 3053.
Meanwhile, the charity is no longer holding weekend homing sessions outside Starbucks in Sai Kung. Other dog-rescue charities have taken over the location. “Some adoptions on the street were made in haste and we couldn’t ensure our dogs were going to safe and secure homes,” Pamuk explained. Instead, the charity recommends potential adopters go to its shelter and build a relationship with the dog before taking it home, walking it along nearby trails and introducing it on neutral ground to any dogs that are already part of the family. “We offer a ‘foster trial leadup’ of one to two weeks before the final adoption is complete and the dog can be returned to the shelter,” she said. “This is a safety net for adopters and our beautiful dogs." If you can help by adopting or sponsoring a dog or with finding a new home for the shelter, please contact Pamuk on 9199 2340. Sai Kung Stray Friends Society is open seven days a week at 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung.
Unique Opportunity Awaits Your Child
Known for its innovative and holistic approach to education, Renaissance College, an IB World School, has decided to add one class at each year level for students born in 2003 and 2004. With only 28 vacancies, this is a rare opportunity to give your child seamless entry through to secondary school and on to achieving the highly esteemed IB Diploma. Classes will commence in August 2013. We are now accepting online applications with Nomination Rights being available for priority entry. Act now to reserve your place and to secure your child’s future!
Enquiries: School Tour:
admissions@rchk.edu.hk www.rchk.edu.hk/content/school-tours
Phone: Application:
3556 3556 www.rchk.edu.hk/admissions
news
Vegemite crisis In a disastrous turn of events for Hong Kong’s Australian community, Vegemite has all but disappeared from supermarket shelves. A drop in supply has seen expats scouring supermarkets in search of the popular toast and sandwich spread. Rumours were rife that food and beverage conglomorate Kraft, producer of the popular yeast-based spread, was no longer distributing to Hong Kong and that Vegemite was being withdrawn from grocery shelves here. At the time of going to press, there were understood to be just a few jars still remaining at Fusion supermarket in Clearwater Bay. However, Kraft’s Hong Kong distributor Mondelez International has assured Sai Kung Magazine that Vegemite has not disappeared for good. “We recently went through some supplier structural changes which resulted in limited supplies of Vegemite being sold in Hong Kong grocery stores,” said a spokeswoman for Mondelez. “Rest assured we are working through this as quickly as we can… We apologize for any inconvenience caused.” The company anticipates normal distribution resuming by the end of January.
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The art of Christmas Get the kids off the couch and doing something more creative this Christmas with Winter Wonderland art classes at Anastassia’s Art House. Running from December 27 to January 6, the classes include reindeer painting and collage, penguin paper sculptures, snowman masks, 3-D angels and Christmas trees. 9 Hoi Pong Street (entrance on See Cheung Street), Sai Kung, 2719 5533, www.arthouse-hk.com.
Not-so-happy little Vegemites Harry and Scarlet (of the Australian International School Hong Kong), with one of the last remaining jars in Hong Kong.
local Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@saikung.com Managing Editor William Whitaker william@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Sammy Ko sammy@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Carly Tonna carly@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Nobel Cho nobel@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Clara Chan accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk This month’s contributors Kawai Wong Carolynne Dear Iain Lafferty Louis Doctrove David Diskin Jane Ram Robby Nimmo Stephen Vines Cynthia Smillie Sally Andersen Christine Or Timmy Lee Kevin Yeung Joshua Kindler Lauren McPhate Christopher Young Pete Spurrier Tim Sharpe Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang Published by Fast Media Limited LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call!
Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Sai Kung Magazine 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. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
www.fastmedia.com.hk
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Giving back Get in the Christmas spirit by donating time, money or gifts to local charities. By Timmy Lee Sai Kung Buffalo Watch The volunteer group keeps a fond eye on Sai Kung’s much-loved feral cattle, and acts as a firstresponse team when cows are in need of help, injured or causing an obstruction. To join the “herdsman programme”, please contact skbuffalowatch@gmail.com or call 6773 9907. Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Hong Kong donors are among the most generous for this charity that helps children in Vietnam and Mongolia with education, basic nutrition and primary health care. Help keep up the good work by helping to organise a fundraising event, make a monthly donation to sponsor a child, or join the
Bicycle Support and Give a Ger programmes. For details, contact CNCF on 2832 2161, Sai Kung Stray Friends This local charity rescues, cares for and homes stray dogs from its new shelter in the hills above Ho Chung. This Christmas, chairman Narelle Pamuk is wishing for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are needed all year to walk the dogs, play with the puppies and help the organisation’s sole full-time employee to keep the kennels clean and tidy. The charity’s new Sponsor 45 programme is seeking 45 people to donate $1,000 a month towards the shelter’s overheads. 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung, 9199 2340, saikungstrayfriends@gmail.com.
Orangutan Aid A trip to Borneo prompted Sai Kung resident Mara McCaffery to set up a charity that fundraises for orangutans, a threatened species in the jungles of Malaysia and Indonesia. All money raised goes to orangutan rehabilitation and protecting the animals’ rainforest habitat. McCaffery sometimes needs volunteers to help during fairs and events. Donate directly or become an orangutan guardian for a year and receive a certificate and a Christmas card. Please contact 2792 6716, info@orangutanaid.com. Christian Action The only comprehensive support in Hong Kong for 4,500 refugees from around the world. It offers pro-bono legal aid as well as
wish lists psychological, social and medical help, a refuge for abused domestic helpers, late-night services and even language classes for the children of ethnic minorities. It also works with abandoned and abused disabled children in Qinghai on the Tibetan Plateau. Become a one-off or monthly donor, give a donation in lieu of a Christmas gift, organise an event in aid of the charity or volunteer online at www.christianaction.org.hk. Or call Mandy Leung at 2716 8861. Animals Asia Foundation Started by long-time Sai Kung resident Jill Robinson, AAF has an ongoing mission to protect animals in Asia. This includes putting an end to bear farming and trading for their bile in China, and the consumption of dogs and cats, as well as zoos and safari parks care. Donations are much needed for each programme.
Donate directly through the sponsor a bear programme or by purchasing festive calendars, cards and other items from the gift shop. 10/F Kai Tak Commercial Building, 317-319 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2791 2225, info@animalasia.org. D’Oli The big-hearted owners of this French delicatessen in Sai Kung old town, Dolly and Olivier, devote much of their spare time to collecting and donating useful items to areas in need. In the back of the shop – behind the refrigerators packed with fine French cheeses and charcuterie – Dolly packs boxes with everything from school shoes to crockery for destinations such as Nepal and the Philippines. If you have new or nearly new items to donate, contact Dolly at dolly@saiiltd.com.
Hong Kong Dog Rescue Founded by Sai Kung Magazine columnist Sally Andersen, Hong Kong Dog Rescue rehabilitates and finds homes for abandoned dogs. It has several centres across Hong Kong and volunteers are always needed to play with the puppies, and to help walk and socialise the
dogs and keep the kennels clean. Adopt a dog, sponsor a dog on a monthly basis, or make a one-off cash donation. 6 Shek Lin Road, Tai Po, 2875 2132, www.hongkongdogrescue.com.
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interview
skipper
Inge Strompf-Jepsen The architect, interior designer and first female commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club talks to Robby Nimmo. my parents fly out for three months a year. I see more of them here than I would if I had stayed in Denmark. We have an open house at Christmas. Many friends drop by. On the island, you make an appointment to see people. In Sai Kung, people say, “I was passing and saw your car, I thought I’d drop in.” Our house has been a bit of a commune. We started with flatmates, an American poet and Greek-British police officer. My brother lived with us for seven years, and our America’s Cup Kiwi sailing friends lived with us for seven years between regattas.
You have to stick to the rules with building, particularly in Sai Kung. Strompf-Jepsen in her two favourite places: in the hills and at sea.
I came to live in Sai Kung in 1979. I had come over from Denmark in 1977 and my then boyfriend, Rick, and I were renting a 3,500 sqft flat in Macdonnell Road for $5,000 a month. When the landlord more than doubled the rent, we thought it was outrageous. We rented the house where we still live in the Mid-Levels of Sai Kung for $2,400 a month. In 1986, we bought the house. And got married. Sai Kung had 14,000 people then. There was lots of land. The government housing area in front of Centro (the former Star Plaza) didn’t exist – it was water. There were plenty of fishermen on liveaboard boats. Sai Kung was a wild west cowboy land. That Sai Kung doesn't exist anymore. I have transformed a lot of Sai Kung houses. As an architect/designer I’ve done more than 500 jobs in Hong Kong, about 100 residential. I have also done a few boats. You have to stick to the rules with building, particularly in Sai Kung. It’s best to follow the guidelines in the Small House Policy and Minor
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Works Control System. Once scaffolding goes up, it will be noticed. Many people think they know better than the Lands Department – in fact, the department does a good job. The problems stem from the fact that village houses are 2,100 square feet – no more, no less – and everyone wants more than that. Solving the problem requires good design to make the spaces work. There is never a good time to buy Hong Kong property, it is always too expensive. Those who do buy benefit in many ways. In Sai Kung, you can have a house with a garden, a family home, and you can live close to the water and the hills. Christmas for us is a time of family and friends. My brother, Henry, lives here and
I was the first female commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club from 2004 to 2006. I took up sailing in Hong Kong and have competed in hundreds of overseas and local regattas as crew and skipper. These days, I tend to act as a race officer, most recently for the Tommy Bahama Around the Island Race, with more than 230 boats competing. Life moves into different phases. A few years ago, Rick and I used to spend our spare time on the water, racing. Now we spend a lot of time hiking. Often on a Sunday we’ll take our dog and about 20 friends and walk to Yau Ley seafood restaurant. For more challenging walks, we’ll head to Sharp Peak or to Fei Ngo Shan and walk home. Recently, I explored the villages in the hills opposite Marina Cove – I’d never been up there before. There’s always something new to explore in Sai Kung. Sai Kung is all about wildlife. I’ve encountered black cobras, particularly around Che Keng Tuk and the Lions park. There’s also a lot of wild boar and the ever-present free-roaming cows. There’s a rabbit that goes out on a leash, and some friends have a Vietnamese pot bellied pig. Wildlife makes Sai Kung unique. I would not choose to live anywhere else.
vines in sai kung
stephen says be reduced for the coming year. No bureaucrat worth their pencils wants to see a budget cut. Preserving and increasing the departmental budget are viewed as priorities in the never-never land of the Hong Kong government bureaucracy. In part this is a matter of status and in part it is simply a product of the internecine warfare that characterizes the life of our hapless pen pushers. Somewhere in all this the public interest is supposed to be served, but don’t hold you breath trying to work out where.
The winning PLA team in 2009.
So much for team spirit Stephen Vines on the PLA’s Trailwalker sulk, big spenders and doggy responses. The perils of equal competition If you can’t win by unfair competition why bother to compete? This may be the reasoning for the withdrawal of the People’s Liberation Army team from Sai Kung’s most famous sporting event, the Oxfam Trailwalker marathon that took place last month. The PLA had participated in this event and won in the three previous years. Apparently they did so with the kind of support teams and assistance that other participants regarded as excessive. Trailwalker used to be dominated by Gurkhas serving with the British Army and they kept winning by simply being the best. There was no fancy back-up team for them nor, if memory serves me well, did they have special kit. It looks as though the PLA decided to take part as a matter of pride because they were determined to show that any event once dominated by the British military could, and should, be dominated by the new boys in the barracks. Now they appear to be sulking after their tactics were criticized, something that does not usually happen in a one-party state. However, who’s to say that even without some slightly
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No bureaucrat worth their pencils wants to see a budget cut. dubious tactics the PLA lads would not have succeeded? They certainly looked fit enough, but it is the way of organisations such as this to leave nothing to chance. Tis the season for spending public money Have you noticed the proliferation of road works in Sai Kung, not to mention a whole host of other make-work jobs that start towards the end of the calendar year? It’s the same story every year so there’s no excuse for not noticing. And the reasons are precisely the same: the bureaucrats need to spend their budgets before the financial year ends in March and the best way to do this is to pour cash into projects, regardless of need. The way the barmy system works is that money not spent in a previous year is taken as an indicator that a department’s budget can
A doggy tale with an alarming end Are there more dogs than people in Sai Kung? The answer is probably no if you take a strict view of the district boundaries and include Tseung Kwan O New Town, where the overwhelming majority of the people in Sai Kung District live. However, if we confine the observation to the rural areas and Sai Kung town, I suspect a very different picture emerges. My observation is pretty subjective, but I know there are more dogs than people in the tiny area where I live – and the same applies in most villages I am familiar with. As a dog lover I have no problem with this. Dogs make life a whole lot happier and one of the great benefits of living in Sai Kung is that most residents have developed an ability to live amicably alongside this proliferation of canines. The same cannot be said of some visitors, who demonstrate extraordinary responses to dogs they encounter on country park trails and in other places. “Your dogs scare me to death,” is a cry often heard, along with: “Keep the dogs away – they are dirty.” But the worst thing I’ve heard is: “Your dog can kill my child.” There are a number of replies to this but I have so far refrained from using a response uttered by a former colleague. He used to drive around in a battered van and on one occasion, when we were coming back from the printers, he came to an admittedly rather precarious stop at a pedestrian crossing. A woman with a pram yelled at him saying, “You could have killed my baby!” My colleague leaped out of the vehicle, bowed to the woman, and said, “But madam, I could always have made you another.” The distressed woman, understandably, fled the scene.
Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.
feature
A-Z of Christmas Your essential Sai Kung shopping list.
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A-Z of Hong Kong – Sai Kung artist Sascha Camille Howard, whose paintings of Grumpy the cow went down a storm in Sai Kung Gallery recently, has produced two giclee art prints featuring all our favourite city icons (above). Available in pink or blue, the prints are available in A2 ($980) or A3 ($1,490) sizes from www.saschahoward. com and www.etsy.com. Advent calendars – You’re never too old for the Christmas countdown. Butcher King has traditional German calendars with a chocolate a day ($30). Or let the kids make their own everlasting fabric versions with advent calendar kits from Dymocks ($189).
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Dave – 1980s music albums It’s a running joke between me and my brother; we used to listen to all this old music. He gives me 90s music.
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Baubles – Yellow House has gone Christmas crackers, devoting almost the entire store to all things Noel. Tree decorations come in almost every shape, size and colour imaginable (from $30). Bubbly – Pop a cork for less with discounted prices on Champagne at Watson’s Wine Cellar. Moet & Chandon is $365 (down from $458), Veuve Clicquot is $398 ($488) and Dom Perignon is $1,080 ($1,288). Miss Han – Origami cranes I made an origami crane every day with a message written on it. Then I put them all in a jar and gave it to my best friend.
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Candy canes – Small enough for the tree or giant-sized for chewing on all through The Wizard of Oz. Butcher King, $6-$15 each. Christmas cupcakes – Preferably baked in Christmas tree-, staror heart-shaped silicon cupcake moulds ($30 for six) from Noble Living. Alternatively, treat yourself to some cupcakes homemade in Sai Kung by Cake Boutiques (tel: 6036 6275). Look for them at Sai Kung Sampler.
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is for...
Fun, downhill – New company Freetecboards has limited-edition, custom longboards for your skateboard fix. Available online at www.freetecboards.com. Flippable frying-pan – New eco store eCosway has double-sided frying pans, perfect for stove-top goodies such as damper bread, pancakes and other Christmas breakfast treats.
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Ham – A home-cooked ham is almost as Christmassy as turkey. Butcher King has various options for smoked, unsmoked, bone-in and boneless, cooked and uncooked gammon hams (from $50/lb).
Crackers – Butcher King has boxes of crackers in various sizes and degrees of luxury ($160$300) and Dymocks has gorgeous eco-friendly designs ($265-$310).
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Duck – As a change from turkey, try a Barbary duck, renowned for its firm, plump meat and able to comfortably feed four to six people. Get yours from TC Deli (3.4kg for $730). Or go for the 2.5kg US farm duck ($189). Save the fat for roasties.
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Gingerbread – Decorate your own Hansel and Gretel house with a kit from Ali Oli, which comes complete with candies and icing ($290). Goose – Europe’s original Christmas bird, goose meat is rich, dark, tender and juicy with deliciously crispy golden skin. A 6kg goose feeds 8-12 people. TC Deli has 5kg-6kg Polish or German geese for $1,300 each. Green gifts – Give a friend a tree ($100), which Friends of Earth will plant for you the Dongjiang headstream, source of Hong Kong’s drinking water. Available online at www.foe.org.hk.
Hampers – Give a hamper and call it good. • Homemade in Sai Kung, Not Only Olives has hampers stuffed with Christmas chutney, marinated olives, cheese and more. Free delivery in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. • Sai Kung’s own little slice of Belgium, Valentino has hampers stuffed with Belgian chocolates and pralines, Belgian beers, French wines, Spanish Iberico ham ($278$968). • Classified has a range of six hampers, most with vouchers so you can choose your own cheese. Order yours online at www.classifiedfoodshops.com.hk. • Ali Oli’s homemade goodies are gathered in one yummy basket ($998-$2,088) including Christmas tree-shaped pasta, premium coffee, gingerbread cookies, stollen, Christmas puddings, panettone and much, much more.
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Eggnog – Once a drink of the English aristocracy, now a boozy, creamy alternative to sherry on Christmas morning. To make your own, you will need: 12 eggs, separated, 6 cups milk, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups thickened cream, 2 cups bourbon, three quarters of a cup of brandy, 2 tsp ground nutmeg. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together until firm and pale. Slowly add bourbon and brandy, then chill in the refrigerator. Just before serving, pour in the milk and 1tsp nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the cream until stiff. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff then gently fold first the egg whites, then the cream into the cooled eggnog mixture. Ladle into glasses and sprinkle with the remaining nutmeg. John Potter – An antique book To one of my best friends – we both love reading. It was a funny book with naughty poems. It was my grandfather’s and our family had it for 60 to 70 years.
Classified Hamper, The Grinch, $1,500.
Carine – A cat I rescued a cat in the city and thought of my brother who has always been a cat person. Now he smiles every time he’s with it.
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Internet – Let your fingers do the shopping. • Paddyfield.com – Hong Kong’s answer to Amazon, with loads of great books but without the dodgy overseas postal services. • Thebookdepository.co.uk – British bookshop with free delivery worldwide. • Shopinhk.com – Local website with books, toys and children’s clothes, free delivery on orders over $388. • Littleredfox.com.au – Australian site stuffed with children’s gifts and clothing, A$25 (HK$200) delivery fee. • Karoohk.com – Personalized storybooks. • Brightminds.co.uk – Thousands of educational and fun toys and games, delivery worldwide, shipping fees apply. • Notonthehighstreet.com – British site filled with fabulous unusual gifts by artists and craftsmen, shipping fees apply. • Houseoffraser.co.uk – British department store website, with £10 (HK$123) shipping fee.
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Jubilee Queen – Getting our vote for top gift of the year is this kitsch model of Her Maj, complete with solar-powered waving hand, by Kikkerland (www. kikkerland.com). Look for her at the Conrad Christmas Fair, December 10.
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Lights, Fairy – The world is divided into two types of people, those who like their tree lights multicoloured (and maybe musical) and those who prefer them white. However you prefer yours, Shun Kee City Houseware is sure to have something to please.
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Mince pies – By that, we mean the sweet, rich fruit version that originated in 15th-century Europe, not Aussie meat pies. Sai Kung loves these traditional Christmas pies so much that last year Butcher King ran out of jars of mincemeat early in December, so this year owner Timothy has ordered twice as much from British brand Fosters. If you prefer yours ready to eat, try Ali Oli, which has six pies for $90. Mulled wine – Few things warm the cockles like a glass of hot, spiced wine. Ali Oli mixes its own mulled-wine spice kits ($25, or $180 including two bottles of wine). Warm but don’t boil the vino, or it will be alcohol-free.
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Nine Dragons Belly Up – The new novel from Sai Kung resident and former Hong Kong television newsreader Peter Maize. A sequel to Zoom Out, it’s set in Hong Kong during the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s. We hear it’s a darn good read. Get your copy at Dymocks Sai Kung.
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Pudding – Ali Oli has two sizes of Christmas pudding in ceramic pots for $78 and $118. Don’t forget the sixpence – and if you haven’t got a sixpence, 50 cents will do.
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Quince paste – It’s a Christmas tradition in Provence, France, where quince paste makes up one of the season’s Thirteen Desserts, representing Jesus and the 12 apostles. But you may prefer it with cheese on a big platter at Classified.
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Reindeer – Deck the halls with boughs of driftwood... shaped like reindeer. These lovely fellas are herding at Tree (from $295).
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Kissing – Under the mistletoe, that is. It’s a fragile plant and lasts only a day or two in Hong Kong, says Cindy Liu of Cindy’s Florist. So order yours for the day you need it, and make it a hot date. While you’re at it, add some holly and deck the halls.
Oh no! – As in “Oh no! I’ve eaten too much and my New Year’s Eve party outfit doesn’t fit!” Waddle down to Sense of Touch for a session on the new Cellu MG miracle machine. The figure-hugging LBD might have to go, but the rest of you will be party perfect. Organic gifts – Available by the trolleyload at Green Earth Society, which has everything from organic cider to organic cotton clothing.
Yanis Chan – Photo album I took secret snapshots of my friend, playing around with colour films, then I pieced it all together for her birthday.
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William Poon – A movie We spent a day at Disneyland and I took a lot of photos of my friends. I made a movie of them overnight, adding in music and everything, and posted the YouTube link to them in the morning.
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Skateboards – Top of the wish list for lots of kids, SK Outdoor & Sport stocks must-have longboards (from $1,488), plus small sizes for small children, rib sticks, three-wheeled scooters as well as helmets and other safety gear. Stockings – Yellow House has everything from a pillowcase-sized sack to a stocking just big enough for a tangerine and a couple of walnuts. It also has mantlepiece stocking hooks, for those lucky enough to have a mantlepiece.
Sai Kung gift guide for the shoppingphobic.
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Umbrella – Practical yet funky in the hands of the clever designers at G.O.D. We’re loving the King of Kowloon calligraphy, sure to lift the spirits of the suited and booted on rainy days.
Dymocks It’s not just books at Dymocks, although it has a good selection of best-sellers, local books, fiction and non-fiction, and even books in German. If you’re buying for children, head upstairs for a great range of toys, including a Make Your Own Snowglobe ($199). Adults may prefer the Moleskine notebooks or the solid wood bookrests – a great accompaniment to the latest Bill Granger, Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver cookbook.
Stocking stuffers – Bumps to Babes has loads of present ideas for kids, including clothing, mobiles and Early Learning Centre toys, available online or in-store. Stuffing – Turkeys have space for two types of stuffing, which is just as well as we can’t choose between TC Deli’s stuffings: its own-recipe sausage stuffing ($119/kg), or Aussie imports fig-pistachio stuffing and macadamia-cranberry stuffing ($159 each).
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Very nice pottery – We know, it’s a stretch, but bear with us. After all, these pieces are handmade by Hong Kong artists. Look for new stoneware pieces by Rachel Smith, Chinese teaware by Sai Kung potter Yu Tak-wah and pretty cups by Wong May-lee (above) at Kuro Vale pottery studio and gallery on See Cheung Street in Sai Kung old town, 2792 0102.
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Teapot – This gorgeous little number is by Mariko Jesse, who subverts the classic willow pattern by inserting Hong Kong items such as dim sum, the Star Ferry and red market lamps ($880 from Tree). Tinsel – Available by the box-load outside Kong Ming Emporium in any colour you can name. Turkey – The big bird. Butcher King has US turkeys from Butterball ($22/lb) and Norbest ($20/lb), while TC Deli has free-range chilled Australian turkeys for ($149/kg, or $67/lb). Allow approximately one pound per person (uncooked weight). Heather Perano – Rosary beads It was for my grandson on his christening; because we are Catholic.
Babushka We love this cheerful toy shop, filled with treasures for the under-12s. Look for wooden toys, Matilda Rose fluffy-edged tutus in pink, purple and fuchsia, local brand Sam’s Jams pyjamas, a Potato Clock, bunting and canvases for kids rooms. Go explore.
G.O.D If there’s an old Hong Kong product you know and love, chances are the designers at G.O.D have found a whole new way to appreciate it. Old-school Good Morning towels reappear as pillowcases and even Octopus cardholders, red plastic colanders emerge as table lamps and New Territories’ postboxes as handbags. Triad tattoo sleeves are a fun stocking stuffer and we have a hankering for the silver bracelets with red market stall lamps, pingpong bats and other made-in-Hong Kong charms. Spa vouchers Who doesn’t like to be pampered? Slip a voucher for a massage, facial or manipedi into the stocking of anyone over the age of 12 and you’re onto a winner. Top spots locally include Sense of Touch, Tala's, Melo Spa, Sabai Day Spa and Allure, which also sell the beauty products their regulars know and love, including many on special offer for Christmas.
Judy – Christmas lunch Every year I make Christmas lunch for my close and extended family. It’s always a time of laughs and since they come every year I assume they like it.
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Turkey To Go Christmas is all about family, friends and a slap-up home-cooked meal. And therein lies the catch. For those who don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn to cook the turkey, or spend all morning crossing sprouts and basting the beast, we say... order out. Ali Oli Ali Oli does the icky bit for you, providing pre-stuffed turkeys either ready to roast, or cooked, golden brown and rested from the oven (12lb-14/lb, $998 cooked or $798 uncooked). Either way, your bird will come with homemade gravy and cranberry port sauce. Don’t want to peel the spuds? Order a batch of ready-toroast vegetables, steamed and ovenready ($130/kg). Or opt for a change from turkey with a salmon en croute wrapped in puff pastry with lemon and herbs ($260/kg). Delivery available. Order by December 18 by fax at 2791 0175 or email orders@alioli.com.hk. Anthony’s Ranch When it comes to turkey takeout, Anthony’s Ranch pulls out all the stops. We’re talking a succulent bird (various sizes available), smoked or roasted in the restaurant’s special oven for extra flavour, with stuffing, gravy and all the US-style “fixins” – succotash, corn on the cob, mash, garlic Brussels sprouts and more. Just pick it up steaming, perfect and ready to eat. Yum. Prices range from $600 to feed 10-12 people to $1,200 for 16 to 18 people; fixins are extra. Mushroom Bakery As its regulars will tell you, Mushroom Bakery knows a thing or two about baked ham, which it cooks daily. For Christmas, order a pineapple honeyglazed ham all to yourself ($170/kg), or a roasted turkey with bread and herb stuffing ($140/kg). Also available are iced Christmas fruit cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Enquiries to Marilynn on 2792 6826.
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Welsh Male Voice Choir – We’ll keep a welcome not in the hillside but in the Garden Bar at Hebe Haven Yacht Club where the choir will be carolling at 7pm, December 14. Mince pies, mulled wine and Gloria in Excelsis Deo… Wine – Look online at www.veritas-wine. com for well-priced wine deliveries, with plenty of familiar labels and awardwinning vintages.
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Yule log – The Patisserie at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin calls it a “Christmas log”, but it’s a reassuringly familiar roll of vanilla cream and chocolatey goodness of the type your grandmother might have made ($290). The original yule logs were giant bits of tree that kept the home fires burning in Europe during the festive period. Revive the tradition at your favourite barbecue pit.
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XMAS TREES
Cindy’s Florist The ever-reliable Cindy Liu has noble firs ranging from 3ft to a ceiling-scraping 9ft. A 3ft-4ft tree is $840 and a 6ft-7ft tree is $1,200. She also has holly, mistletoe and poinsettias, and is ready and waiting for the usual lastminute Christmas bouquets. This year, she’s recommending a red and white mix of holly and lilies (about $500). Ikea Ikea is running a tree-delivery service until December 17 on orders placed by December 12. There are two sizes available, Scandinavian firs at 4ft-5ft for $549 and 6ft-7ft for $629. Order in store only. KK Horticulture Noble firs are available in a range of sizes, from two-foot tiddlers ($300) to eight-foot ($1,750). Most people, however, go for the 5ft-6ft ($1,000) or 6ft-7ft ($1,300) trees. KK also has its usual vibrant display of poinsettias ($40-$100), 24-inch Christmas wreaths ($350) and candle centrepieces ($350).
Yue Sun Garden Open only for the Christmas season, this Pak Kok garden centre has noble, Frazer and Douglas firs available. Noble firs (with thicker needles) are available in five sizes including 4ft-5ft ($865), 6ft-7ft ($1,375), 7ft-8ft ($1,625) and 8ft-9ft ($2,225). Douglas firs are in three sizes: 5ft-6ft ($965), 6ft-7ft ($1,115) and 7ft-8ft ($1,365). Wreaths and poinsettias are also available.
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Zzzz – The traditional post-prandial Christmas nap is best spent in front of a great DVD from Today Speed Photofinishing – The Great Escape, Sound of Music or the Downton Abbey Christmas Special, perhaps. Just try not to bend in the middle for an hour or so...
Ali Oli 11 Sha Tsui Path, 2792 2655, orders@alioli.com.hk. Allure 22-40 Fuk Man Road, 2792 2123. Anthony’s Ranch 28 Yi Chun Street, 2 791 6116. Babushka Shop 12, 66 Yi Chun Street, 2791 9070, babushkahongkong@gmail.com. Butcher King 24 Yi Chun Street, 2792 0159. Bumps to Babes 21/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, www.bumpstobabes.com. Cindy Florist Man Nin Street, 9365 0624. Classified 5 Sha Tsui Path, 2529 3454. Dymocks 7 Man Nin Street, 2791 9110. eCosway 47 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2791 0371. Freetecboards www.freetecboards.com. Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 1234. Ikea L4, MegaBox, Kowloon Bay; 5/F Home Square 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, 3125 0888, www.ikea.com/hk. KK Horticulture Tai Chung Hau Road, Sai Kung, 2792 7440. Kong Ming Emporium 14 Wan King Path, 2792 1678.
Mushroom Bakery 26 Yi Chun Street, 2792 6866. Noble Living Shop 38, Ko Shing Building, 9 King Man Street, Sai Kung, 8101 4047. Not Only Olives, 6100 0253, email meandjoe@netvigator.com. Sabai Day Spa 2/F, 10 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2259. Sense of Touch 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2278. Shun Kee City Houseware 6 Yi Chun Street, 2792 9850. SK Outdoor & Sport Shop 20, Sai Kung Building, King Man Street, 2791 0106. Tala's, 56 Po Tung Road, 2335 1694. TC Deli 10B Hang Hau Village, Tseung Kwan O, 2358 2332, www.tcdeli. com. Today Speed Photofinishing 26 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung. Valentino Shop 24, 22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2686 9044. Yellow House 12 See Cheung Street, 2791 5599. Yue Sun Garden Sai Kung Nursery Pak Kong Road, 2367 9561, y.s.garden@hotmail.com.
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Happy New Year! Where’s the party on December 31? Timmy Lee finds out.
Fire and Ice The annual New Year’s Eve ball at Hebe Haven Yacht Club takes over the whole clubhouse and includes a five-course set dinner – and a breakfast buffet for the survivors. Bust some moves to live music in the restaurant, then head down to the Garden Bar where midnight will be piped in by a kilted and sporraned bagpiper, followed by a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne and lots of kissing. Tickets are $880 ($388 after 11pm) for members and guests only. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.hk. Steamers Party Steamers is throwing a knees-up for New Year’s Eve, with live music from Sai Kung band The Village Dogs to get the party started and an iPod loaded with dance music to keep things swinging into the wee hours. “It’s a party to say thanks to all our customers for their support over the past year. Hopefully a great night of singing, dancing and a few beers,” says co-owner Jacki Craggs. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991, gm@steamerssaikung.com.
Mods & Rockers Party Hebe One O One is going for a 60s vibe: we’re talking target logos, The Who, Parkas, StaPrest, pale lipstick, pompadour hairdos and lots of leather. Get ready for ska, blues and the golden age of rock, with Quadrophenia on a permanent loop on the big screen. Just leave your Lambretta at home. Four-course British dinner with meat, fish and veggie options, and drinks all night, $988. Drinks only, $488. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515, info@101.com.hk.
Countdown Louder.
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Countdown Louder For the loudest New Year’s Eve party in town, head to Woobar at W Hotel Hong Kong for thumping tunes and a packed dancefloor. Pumping up the volume are international DJs Gio Vanhoutte from Seoul, A.N.D.Y from Brussels and Punks Jump Up from London. Indulge in Winderlust – free-flowing wines and a lavish selection of cheeses. From 7.30pm till late. Tickets are $498 from W Hotel, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 3717 2230, holidaylouder. hk@whotels.com, www.woobarhongkong.com. Bond & The Beautiful Partygoers will be shaken and stirred at Tamarind, which is going Bond, James Bond for New Year’s Eve. Dig out your DJ for the “fabulous and flashy” dress code, sip a martini in the chillout lounge, exchange smart one-liners on the harbour-view terrace or get dangerous on the dancefloor with DJ Jonn. The champers will be free-flowing all night (with an open bar for non-bubbly options), and there will be a ruby shooters bar, cocktail canapes and an international buffet plus hangover breakfast at 2am. 2/F Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets are $898 (or $798 before December 12) from 2827 7777, newyears@mayfare.com.hk or Cityline, www.cityline.com, 2111 5333.
eating Christmas lunch Can’t face cooking this Christmas? Steamers is offering slap-up roast turkey feasts with all the trimmings for a bargain $280. The threecourse meal includes French onion soup or smoked salmon salad, roast turkey or ham with all the trimmings and homemade pecan pie or Christmas pudding, plus a glass of wine or beer. Children-sized portions are $120. The special menu is available all day from December 24-26. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.
Good Nyonya Cuisine Raja is a new Malaysian restaurant in Sai Kung old town. A simple cafe, it specialises in Nyonya dishes – including chicken with spiced banana sauce – and steaming bowls of laksa. The lunchtime sets are a steal. It’s behind the red building on the old town seafront at 30A Sai Kung Tai Street, 5499 7344.
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Pamper hampers The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin has a wide selection of goodiesin-a-basket. Pamper hampers from Melo Spa (tel: 3723 7684) vary from $280 for a de-stress basket to $665 for a hydration set. The Patisserie (tel: 3723 1234) has the more traditional hampers, including foie gras pate, smoked salmon, panettone, Sha Tin organic honey and housemade black bean sauce ($1,150-$1,550). And check out its Christmas cakes (left). 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin.
Chippy opens For authentic fish and chips, try Chip In, a new chippy that has opened opposite the playground on King Man Street, Sai Kung. Boasting “Fish and chips from Norwich” ($34), the shop dunks its fish in traditional beer batter and fries it in sunflower oil. Also available are great British favourites chip butties, bacon sandwiches and Hong Kong’s only deep-fried Oreo ($8). Tel: 9761 5091. Bacchus lunch deal Bacchus has a yummy-looking lunchtime deal. For $98, it’s offering two substantial courses with a choice of four appetisers – including wild fungi in wasabi sauce, fresh Thai prawn salad and soup – plus a choice of three Asian and three Western mains. These include herbed poussin with roasted pumpkin and balsamic reduction, chorizo and fresh squid linguini with tomato sauce, seafood curry and chicken Thai fried rice. 79-81 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 7868.
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Vines on chefs Stephen Vines has a new book on that thing we just can’t live without.
Journalist, entrepreneur and foodie Stephen Vines’ new book, Food Gurus, is an amusing and insightful exploration of the extraordinary chefs, food writers and scholars who have pushed the culinary arts forward and helped shape the ways society thinks about eating. “The food gurus on these pages are not merely good cooks, or great food writers,” Vines writes in his introduction, “each one has had a
transformative influence on the food we eat.” On one hand, this transformation has much to do with modern culinary celebrities. There is a chapter on Catalonian chef Ferran Adrià i Acosta – often rated as the world’s no.1 – and his celebrated culinary constructions. Another focuses on British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his ability to “make food entertaining”. But Vines also explores 16th-
century Florentine noble-turned-French queen Catherine de Medici’s incredible contributions to modern French cuisine. Of course, the French perfected their cuisine themselves, Vines says. But because of de Medici, Italian cooks felt comfortable settling in France, “and should be credited with some of the pioneering work in getting French cuisine off the ground”. Making judgments about who to profile in his book was subjective, Vines says. And some readers may be dissatisfied with the selection of gurus. “But claims of objectivity are suspect because food rightly excites passions and controversy,” Vines points out. “There are no absolute standards.” Other culinary experts featured include Antonin Careme, Julia Child, Elizabeth David, Georges Auguste Escoffier, Henry Heinz, Delia Smith and Alice Waters, as well as lesser known but equally influential personalities. Ultimately, Vines says he hopes this book contributes to the dialogue about food. Food Gurus by Stephen Vines (Marshall Cavendish) is $240 from branches of Dymocks, Eslite and Relay (at the airport). It is available in ebook by PodTribe.
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Red, white and green Lauren McPhate goes organic for a clear head this Christmas. Avoid that morning-after feeling by drinking something that’s good for your head and good for the planet. Organic wines are produced with no chemical pesticides and no added sulphites (some naturally occur during fermentation), which means fewer allergic reactions and less likelihood of a headache the next morning. If you’ve never tried organic wines, start with Clearly Organic’s line of red, white and rose wines from sunny La Mancha, Spain. These grapes ripen fully in the hot Spanish summers creating rich, fruity, textured wines that pair perfectly with a plethora of dishes. Clearly Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (La Mancha, Spain) 100% Sauvignon Blanc, $100. Sunshine in a bottle. This is the ultimate summer wine, with flavours of passion fruit, citrus and hints of grapefruit, it is ideal with picnics, fresh salads, lemony fish and creamy cheeses. Clearly Organic Rose (La Mancha, Spain) 100% Tempranillo, $80. This Spanish rose is anything but usual. Dramatically pink with aromas and flavours of strawberry, peach and red fruit, this vino is dry and refreshing. Enjoy with sardines, pork and beans, omelette and prosciutto.
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Clearly Organic Barrica 2007 (La Mancha, Spain) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah, 4 months French oak, $100. Spicy woody aromas give way to flavours of plum, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate. The structure and tannins are enough to stand up to roast meats, sharp cheddar, squid with ink and pepper steak. All wines are available from www. houseoffinewines.com, which offers free delivery on all orders. Lauren McPhate is the company’s commercial manager.
Wine events Dec 4 Great Wines of Italy Tasting Tasting by various vendors. Open to the public. 5pm-8pm, Ballroom, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Admiralty, www.greatwinesitaly.com. Dec 5 Wine tasting Free monthly wine tasting at Adelaide Cellar Door, Wan Chai. Booking essential at www.adelaidecellardoor.com.hk. Dec 6 Private Kitchen WIne Dinner The first such wine dinner hosted by House of Fine Wines, www.houseoffinewines.com. Dec 10 Conrad Christmas Fair Including House of Fine Wines and other vendors. 10am-6pm, Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty, www.prestigefairs.hk.
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How to glaze a Christmas ham By South Stream Seafoods
A Pudding for Everyone? South Stream has Christmas puddings for all tastes this year: traditional Christmas puddings wrapped in muslin cloth, Scotch whisky puddings, organic puddings, glutenfree puddings, spotted dick, treacle, sticky toffee, orange and ginger, and more. Indulge your sweet tooth this Christmas at www. south-stream-seafoods.com.
Ingredients Half leg cooked ham (3kg-4kg) 1 cup pineapple juice Serious splash of sherry (about 1 cup) 200g-250g brown sugar 2 tbsp seeded mustard 1 tbsp hot English mustard Cloves (optional) Single-use aluminium baking tray
When it comes to Christmas, there are turkey people and there are ham people. Luckily, South Stream Seafoods can help with both. South Stream has conventional and organic turkeys as well as bone-in ham, boneless ham and the ever-popular spiral sliced.
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While cooked hams can simply be warmed and served, many people prefer to glaze them. Sweet and savoury glazes compliment and give contrast to the flavour of pork. Here’s an easy recipe to make your Christmas ham shine. Method 1 In a saucepan, warm the pineapple juice and sherry over a medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it has dissolved. Stir in the mustards and simmer for three to five minutes until the glaze thickens slightly, then remove from the heat.
2 Slide your fingers under the rind
of the ham to separate it from the fat – peel it back and remove it. Score the fat in diamond shapes, but don’t cut too deep. Place a clove in the centre of each diamond if you wish. 3 Add a little boiling water to the bottom of an aluminium tray and add the ham, then smother the ham with warm glaze until it looks radioactive. Roast in a 180 deg C oven for 45 minutes or until it’s glazed to your heart’s content. Just don’t leave it for hours or it will dry out. When the ham is golden and glowing, carve and serve.
For an after-dinner treat, help yourself to Elizabeth Shaw’s luxury chocolate collection.
There are turkey people and there are ham people.
Let South Stream Seafoods save you time this Christmas. We sell a range of poultry, meats and a host of other goodies for a successful meal. And it’s all delivered to your door! Freezer too small? We'll happily store your turkey, carefully defrost it for you and deliver it closer to the big day.
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in my element House of the rising son Menswear designer Lee Pak-man tells Kawai Wong why he returned to his furniture roots. The 28-year-old founder of Hong Kong menswear label The Perfect Tangent has returned to his family business, Nuovo Collections, supplying designer furniture to homes in Hong Kong and Beijing. In the process, he picked up Capital Weekly’s Rising CEO of the Year 2012. I trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology where Marc Jacobs is an alumni. I have always loved design. Although when I was studying fashion, I often questioned whether it was the fashion, the art or the design that I enjoyed more. I still don’t have an answer. Maybe I love them all.
Cracking the fashion world can be challenging. It wasn’t finding the inspiration to ceaselessly come up with collections, but the production and manufacturing side that took the wind out of my sails. For me, interior design is more multidimensional than fashion. Clothes concern only fabrics, buttons, zips and cuts. But with interior consulting projects I get to play with wood, glass, fabrics, wallpaper, lighting and so on.
Staircase replica An uncle gave this to me on my 23rd birthday. The staircase is built on Da Vinci's Golden Ratio.
Lee Pak-man at his Happy Valley showroom and studio.
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My fashion label, The Perfect Tangent, got a lot of press from the likes of Wallpaper*, Men’s Folio, Time Out and fashion blogs, the terrible economy in Europe and the US meant my fashion showroom in Milan had to drop a few labels. I had big brands such as GlobeTrotter and Y3 to go against. Unfortunately I didn’t have the same commercial machine they did...
sofa so good
This is the 25th year anniversary of Nuovo Collections, the furniture company in Happy Valley is my parents’ other baby. I shied away from the business before, but now I realise I am the only son and it is my responsibility to help to rebrand it. Now is the time.
I don’t think of interior design as furniture plus a nice slick of paint. It is a lifestyle. I can’t just do a room, I often have to ask my clients what use they have for each room in order to come up with a furniture plan.
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Some clients have huge homes. I have worked with Hong Kong homes of 40,000 sqft to 50,000 sqft. I am very inspired by the book Italian Touch by Tod’s. It’s full of beautiful, bourgeois vintage images. Looking forward, I think the furnishing
trend is going to be Japanese Zen juxtaposing Italian opulence. I have a lot of clients decorating their homes in that style. Nuovo Collection, 69 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, 2895 0929, www.nuovocollection.com.
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education that considers the overall application pool in making final admissions offers. Spring: Applicants are notified of admissions decisions – whether they have been admitted, not admitted, or wait-listed – and admissions officers encourage them to accept the university’s offer. Summer: Officers prepare for the next application cycle.
Admission USA Former college counsellor Christopher Young explains the world of US university admissions officers. Every autumn, secondary-school students around the world expend emotional and intellectual energy preparing US college applications, hoping to gain admission to a university they believe will direct them towards a successful future. Their to-do lists are long and formidable: researching dozens of universities, taking standardized tests – often multiple tests, multiple times – obtaining a school transcript (report) and teacher and counsellor recommendations, writing essays, not to mention interview preparation. All this just to apply for a chance at admission. Financial aid requires its own set of paperwork. And after all the work and worry, the odds of admission are often statistically formidable. These harsh realities can be difficult for students to understand and accept. Students see their futures as reliant on getting into a top-ranked school, and they – and their parents – can work themselves into a frenzy over the process. It can help to develop an understanding of the other side of the college-application world: the admissions office and its officers.
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How a US admission office works US college admissions offices are responsible for assembling their universities’ communities by identifying and attracting students who are a good “fit”. If Harvard wanted to fill its classes with top-scoring students, it could. But it does not. Princeton and Yale do not. No top school looks solely at standardized tests or at any one part of the application. Instead they focus on holistic evaluation: looking at each application in its entirety and constructing a diverse class of students that will best fit the university’s unique society, at once contributing to it and reaping the benefits of it. The offices operate on a seasonal schedule. Autumn: Admission officers are each responsible for a geographic region and they travel extensively within that region to build connections with secondary schools. The goal is to attract a high number of qualified applicants to their universities. Winter: Admissions officers evaluate applications from their region and identify qualified applicants who fit their schools, and, crucially, support and promote those applicants. They present chosen applications to a committee
How to play the admissions game US university admissions officers meet a lot of people from a lot of schools, and they read and evaluate a lot of applications from students with similar academic credentials. So make yours positively memorable. If you do not build an application that adds to those credentials – that makes you stand out in a positive way among the hundreds, possibly thousands, of other applicants – then yours will be rejected. Consider how your test scores, academic report, extracurricular activities, teacher recommendations, and personal statement and supplementary essays work together to paint a holistic picture of the person you are today. Do not allow yourself to be a set of data (test scores and grades). Make yourself human and make yourself stand out.
Your admissions officer has to want to fight for you. For example, when I applied to US colleges, I had an academic record demonstrating high test scores and success with challenging curricula. However, I knew those factors alone would not get me into top schools. To humanize my data, I used my personal statement to write about my difficult home life, and I made sure my recommenders knew me well enough to know about my challenges outside school. This personal information illustrated that I had worked hard to overcome those challenges and become a top student. This provided context for my “data” and, I believe, made me a more competitive candidate. Your admissions officer has to want to fight for you. This often surprises students. If admissions officers choose your application, they are going to defend your candidacy. They are going to tell their admissions committees to admit you and, in most cases, the committees will. Different countries have different university admissions’ criteria, so please check with your secondary school advisers.
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All about IB How the International Baccalaureate works. With the increasing trend in Hong Kong for schools to switch from country-specific syllabuses to the International Baccalaureate, many parents are left asking questions about what exactly the IB is and whether it offers their children a solid education. Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a transdisciplinary curriculum designed for learners aged three-12, students are encouraged to become inquirers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, balanced and reflective. The premise of the PYP is that children learn through their own curiosity so teachers encourage them to explore ways to answer their questions. As a student moves from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level, they often test their theories, collect data and report on their findings, or use critical-thinking skills to defend a position and solve a variety of problems. Teachers are actively involved in assessing students’ progress by analysing a student’s performance throughout the year. This identifies what students understand and can apply at different stages of their learning. Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a framework of academic challenges that encourages students aged 11-16. The inquiry-based programme instills international awareness and the connection between subjects and real-life experiences, while focusing on the development of the whole child (physical, personal, social and intellectual). In the last year of the MYP, students produce a personal project which is a significant aspect of their learning. This offers students opportunities to differentiate learning
and expression according to their initiative and creativity. Teachers measure student attainment against specified subject criteria, each of which has a descriptor that explains what each student is able to achieve. The accumulated points for each criterion falls within an IB point range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). The Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19, is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final external examinations to prepare students for success at university and life beyond. The DP helps students to develop critical-thinking, independent learning and research skills, and provides a gateway to the development of intercultural understanding. The DP course is not about reciting facts and figures; students learn how to learn, and appreciate this process.
Student achievement is assessed in myriad ways. There are written external examinations developed and marked by international examiners at the end of the two-year course and, depending on the subject, students may have oral language exams or laboratory experiments, coursework and portfolios to submit for internal grading throughout their studies. The student's final score is calculated from a combination of these skills and tasks, reaching a maximum of 45 points. This allows the classroom teacher to have input into the student's final grade and gives students the opportunity to express what they know, rather than finding out what they do not know. In Canada and the United States, some DP courses are recognized as equivalent to college-level courses, and universities may award entering students with first-year credit(s) for high DP exam scores. In this regard, it is similar to the Advanced Placement Programme, or in some cases, superior to it. The IB has proved to be a successful programme for many students, stretching their limits and stimulating discussions in classrooms. So parents in Hong Kong can feel assured their children are still receiving an education as holistic as traditional paths. ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@tuition.com.hk or 3188 3940.
Hong Kong Academy is a community school that brings together students, teachers and parents around a commitment to learning at all levels. To learn more, attend our Sai Kung Information Session on 6 December. Call 2655-1112 to register, or visit www.hkacademy.edu.hk. WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 35
family
ho ho ho
Becoming Santa It takes a big heart and a real beard to be a shopping mall Santa, says the Santa School’s Head Elf, Jennifer Andrews. By Joshua Kindler. But our Santas can take solace in knowing that, for the moment the child spends with Santa, he or she is special and not alone. Any rules for sitting on Santa’s lap? We teach our Santas that both hands are to be visible at all times. I also require the Santas to have current police checks, because they are working with children. How do Santas deal with difficult children? Children are rarely difficult, sometimes the parents can be. Some parents want to force a Santa visit at all costs. Some children are timid and the parents should respect their wishes and accept that the child is photographed beside Santa or sitting on the parent who is sitting on Santa.
Whispering secrets to one of the Santa School's trained Father Christmases.
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Dun Che Lao Ren... call him what you will, his is the name on children’s lips this month. A combination of the historic (St Nicholas was a fourth-century Turkish bishop), the mythic (that flying sleigh) and the commercial (CocaCola designed the red suit), today’s Santa is more popular than ever, inspiring legions of impersonators in shopping mall grottoes across the globe. Many of them are trained at the Santa School in Calgary, Canada. And three will be travelling to Hong Kong this year.
Anyone can try to be Santa, anyone can want to be Santa, but not anyone can be Santa.
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Can anyone become a Santa? Anyone can try to be Santa, anyone can want to be Santa, but not anyone can be Santa. All Santas are not created equally. In our training, I take a goodlooking Santa and make him great looking. Then I take his natural ability and make it supernatural. We take a Santa visit and turn it into magic. How do you become a certified Santa? Becoming Santa is a process. It starts with the right heart and takes research, observation, practice and more practice. It also takes the right look, having the right expressions, finding the right outfit and accessories, and then finding an inner Santa voice and learning how to make it genuine to listeners. My Santas need certification: we put them through rigorous training to see if they'll pass to the most stringent judges... children. I also require Santa to have a real beard that is professionally cared for. What do Santas learn? That not all children come from the same background, and that can be a sad reality.
Best thing about being a Santa? It is a privilege to be involved in children's lives. Many photos taken with Santa will endure in family albums for decades. It is our goal to provide the very best-looking Santas combined with the very best Santa feeling so that when the child looks back on their experience, they will remember that great feeling. Santas keep the spirit of Christmas alive, reaching out to children, assuring them that the magic of Christmas is very real. They encapsulate the spirit and joy of Christmas.
Visiting Santa Santa Claus is coming to town. Here’s where to find him: Pacific Place, Admiralty Afternoons and evenings, Dec 6-11, 13-25 Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-26. Find him in the grotto on LG2. Dymocks bookstores Dec 8-9, 15-16 Afternoons 1pm-3pm & 4pm-6pm Details at www.dymocks.com.hk/christmas
four kids & a life
one mother tries to have it all
Merge management Carolynne Dear tries a new coping strategy. According to the latest research, as a busy wife and mother I should no longer be “juggling” my life, or even working towards a “work-life balance”. Instead, I should be “merge managing”. It may sound like a hiccup with the laundry – like when your clothes go into the machine white and come out merged into elephant grey – but apparently it’s how women should now be dealing with life’s various demands. “Experts” have deemed work-life balance all but impossible to achieve in reality, so “merging” different facets of your life to achieve a degree of domestic harmony is the new thing. The work-life-balanced noughties yummy mummy, in her stylishly minimalist home, children playing happily on the sisal carpet with gorgeous wooden educational toys while she whisks up something wholesome in her Cath Kidston pinny, is passé these days. Thank goodness. I used to believe those magazine features showing a celebrity mother reclining on her snowy white couch in a cocktail dress (at lunch-time), discussing her plans for a perfect
family Christmas, with not a scuffed toy or snotty security blanket in sight. Am I the only mother alive with felt-pen ink on my bedroom walls, lollies stuck to the sofa cushions and permanent finger smears over the bi-fold doors? (And, yes, we already tidy the lounge several times a day.)
Experts have deemed worklife balance all but impossible to achieve in reality. My mother, who is visiting, has no truck with merge managing – she believes it’s just multi-tasking, which women have been doing for millennia. In her day, she says she could feed a baby, load a washing machine and knit a jumper at the same time – and still have a hot meal on the table when her husband came home from work. She never greeted Dad with the words,
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“Sorry babe, we ate at the club – I think there might be some baked beans in the fridge.” My clever friends have come up with a merge-managing social event: “fookie club”, a cross between book club, a girls’ night out and reflexology, involving discussing a novel over a glass of wine in a foot massage parlour. After all, who has the time to do all those things separately at this time of year? I’ve enjoyed some success mergemanaging the children. The five-year-old is practising her reading on the three-year-old, who likes a story before bedtime. Which means I have much more time for... oh God, timestables practice with the 10-year-old. Maybe not such a clever merge-management tactic. But here’s one that does work: If I stop at the Captain’s Bar, I can merge-manage a glass of wine with placing an order for a Mandarin Oriental pre-cooked turkey, ensuring a very merry (and managed) Christmas.
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Kawai Wong checks out Sense of Touch’s new Thai-style treatment villas. Bringing a touch of Thailand to Tseung Kwan O are the six standalone treatment villas of the spanking new branch of Sense of Touch day spa. Be pampered alfresco, or round up the girlfriends for mani-pedis in the communal lounge with a floor-to-ceiling view of the outdoor patio. Located off a walkway that runs from the patio, the resortstyle villas are decked out like Thai salas, all soothing tropical ambience and tranquillity, with ensuite showers and, in the couple’s room, even a steamroom and a bath built for two. The sixth branch opened on the brand’s 10th anniversary in a whopping 6,500 sq ft location in the new Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, near the Junk Bay waterfront. Since the first Sense of Touch spa opened on Hollywood Road in 2002, the chain has won about 20 awards Asia-wide. Every Sense of Touch branch has its own signature treatments. Secrets of the
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Orient (from $1,380 for 90 minutes or more) is designed to reinvigorate the body. The therapist starts with dry-brushing, followed by a scrub using Argan oil. To end, a 60- to 90-minute deep-rolling sand massage boosts the immune system and energy levels. Couple's treatment Two Tropical Bliss ($3,350 for two; 150 minutes) starts with a milk and oat bath, followed by a detox steam bath enriched with ginger, spices and lavender, and ends with a sensual aromatherapy massage. 3/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 3983 0406.
thai style
Trim with all the trimmings How to stay fit and have fun during the holidays. By Louis Doctrove. This is the time of year when people give up exercising and turn all their attention to the fork. Trying to lose weight over the Christmas period isn’t a sensible goal. Realistically, what you should be considering is damage limitation: how to have a fantastic Christmas and emerge from the indulgence in one fit(ish) piece. Here are ways to maintain your fitness without feeling like you are on a holiday bootcamp. Exercise in the morning This is never more important than in the holiday period. Completing your workout in the morning gets it out of the way and allows you to enjoy the rest of your day. Leave training until the evening and you are more likely to come up with excuses to put it off. Push-ups, crunches and squats These are three of the best exercises for maintaining fitness. Start the day by doing push-ups and squats to failure (until you can’t do anymore), followed by three sets of 20 crunches for abs. Keep a mental note of how many push-ups and squats you knock out, and try to beat it by three to five repetitions the next day. Indulge in moderation Indulge occasionally, but limit your portions. Enjoy yourself, but try not to allow Christmas or the New Year to ruin your hard-earned results.
Never party on an empty stomach When you are hungry you tend to eat faster and more. Pig out on something healthy before an event and don’t gorge on the buffet. Stay active every day Walking or skipping rope may not be part of your regular workout, but try to flex your muscles at least 30 minutes a day. As hard as it can be to workout over the holiday, it’s going to be twice as hard to lose any weight you gain. Return to training early Plan to start back on your regular regimen by January 3 at the latest. Any later and you are likely to keep pushing it back to the end of January, when it will take twice as long to get back to the level you were at. After the holidays, begin training at a slower pace and reduced frequency for the first week to avoid overtraining and potential injury. Interval training is a great way to get back in the swing. It burns more calories and helps to increase the body’s ability to use fat as fuel. In other words, you burn calories even when you are resting. To do this, sprint on the treadmill or spin on the bike for two to three minutes, working at about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of your capacity. Rest for 90 seconds and repeat the cycle for 10 rotations. It’s tough work, but the results are tremendous.
Louis Doctrove (louisdoctrove@hotmail.com) is a NASM-certified personal trainer with a Sports and Exercise Science BSc. He specialises in strength training, weight loss and TRX suspension training.
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hikes
Reaping rewards Pete Spurrier gets agricultural at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.
High on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s tallest mountain, there is a wonderful botanical garden, wildlife reserve, organic farm, mature woodland and animal rescue centre. A trip to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic
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Garden is a great day out for anyone who loves nature, and children especially will benefit from the educational opportunity. The terrain is steep in parts, but shuttle buses are available and many attractions are located near the entrance. Walking time is two to three hours. From Tai Po Market MTR, take bus 64K through the rural Lam Tsuen valley, past the famous Wishing Tree. Watch out for the Kadoorie Farm stop announced on the electronic panel inside the bus; it is near the highest point of the valley, before the road descends towards Shek Kong. The farm stretches up the hillside. It was founded in the 1950s by Sir Horace and Lord Lawrence Kadoorie to develop new farming methods for the waves of immigrants arriving from China at that time. The Kadoorie
brothers thought it was best to help small farmers help themselves by providing seeds, advice and interest-free loans. Later, as farming declined in Hong Kong, the farm focused on preserving the biodiversity of the region, evolving into a centre for conservation and education. Entrance is $10 per person. Buy a map for an extra $5, as it will help you plan your route around the vast grounds. There is too much to see in one visit, but here’s one itinerary that makes use of the free shuttle bus service to the higher reaches of the park. Line up at reception to collect your bus tickets at 9.30am for morning departures, or 1pm for afternoons. There are more trips on Sundays. The bus makes its first stop at the Fern Walk, halfway up the hill, for ten minutes for you to look around. After further
stops at the Orchid Sanctuary and the Kadoorie Brothers Memorial Pavilion – which has a moon gate and views far and wide – it takes you to the summit of Kwun Yam Shan, a pointy peak at the upper limit of the gardens. A statue of Kwun Yam, the goddess of compassion, stands near an ancient shrine. From this vantage point, there are amazing views down the orchard and vegetable terraces into the sheltered valley, over to far-off Yuen Long, and across the grassy uplands to Tai Mo Shan. Tell the bus guide you’ll make your own way from here, and follow the track downhill to the Post Office Pillars – relics of the old General Post Office that was demolished in 1976 – and across to the Butterfly Garden. A woodland trail leads down to the beautifully landscaped middle section of the farm, which
on the farm
The moon gate and memorial pavillion are among the farm's highlights. Below: A wink from the owl sanctuary.
contains an owl sanctuary, insect house, fruit forest, wildlife pond, amphibian and reptile house, pigsties and wild boar enclosure. Black kites, flamingoes and barking deer are also resident here. See as much as you can before the gates close at 5pm. A farm shop sells organic foods, plants and books and has an exhibition of old photos. And near the reception is a great openair vegetarian cafe that serves food until 4.30pm. After you have filled up, cross the road and catch the 64K back to Tai Po.
There’s nothing like real Dutch cheese Brand new in Sai Kung: the exciting flavour of authentic Dutch cheese. Taste our selection of traditional Dutch cheeses and fine wines. In our trendy store, we present the best Holland has to offer. Ask for our newest XO cheese and the authentic Dutch farmhouse cheeses with rosemary, honey, clover or cumin. The Dutch Cheese and More, now on the Sai Kung waterfront. Say Cheese!
Pete Spurrier is the author of The Leisurely Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong and The Serious Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong (FormAsia).
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motoring With serious motor accidents in the headlines recently and the holiday season on us, it seems a good time to highlight the importance of practicing good driving etiquette. The roads that traverse Clearwater Bay and Sai Kung are renowned for their scenic views, attracting drivers and cyclists from across Hong Kong – all anyone wants is to get where they’re going, and enjoy the journey. So please remember that we all share these roads. Here are a few driving types to watch out for.
Share the road
Kevin Yeung makes a Christmas wish for courteous driving.
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The distracted driver Please don’t call, text, Facebook or use any part of your mobile handsets when you are driving. You are piloting a steel projectile weighing more than a tonne along tight roads with oncoming traffic. It scares and infuriates the rest of us when we see oncoming motorists driving between two lanes talking on the phone. Please stop.
smile and wave The boy racer Please remember public roads are not racetracks. While enthusiastic drivers feel capable of pushing their cars to their limits, only a handful of elite drivers possess both the skill and luck to correct cars once they lose control. Should you feel the need to push your car hard, consider getting track time at Zhuhai International Circuit. Racetracks are great and, with no oncoming traffic, they are also much safer. Plus ZIC is only an hour by ferry from Hong Kong. The inconsiderate ignoramus Please say thanks (simple hand gesture) when people let you in. If someone is driving slowly ahead
of you, please don’t tailgate them or, worse, honk repeatedly. Driving courteously creates a much better experience for everyone. The cyclists’ scourge Please maintain a safe distance between your car and the cyclist in front of you, and only pass when it is safe to do so. Please be respectful and remember that cyclists are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident. Cyclists are our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours so treat them as such. Our biking brothers Cyclists, please ride responsibly and allow cars to pass you safely by not riding two abreast. Make sure you ride with helmets and bright, reflective clothing at night.
All anyone wants is to get where they’re going, and enjoy the journey. clean by reporting polluting vehicles to the Environmental Protection Department. We need to care about our community and it requires everyone working together. Cyclists, please help – you guys get stuck behind them too. Vehicles (including diesels) should not discharge huge clouds of black smoke, those that do need
to be reported to the Mobile Source Group, Environmental Protection Department, Rm 3402, 34/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, 2838 3111. I wish you all a happy holiday season and happy motoring and cycling. Let’s enjoy the roads safely together.
Kevin Yeung is a Southside resident and entrepreneur. He is a founder of Feeding Hong Kong and a motoring enthusiast.
The heavy smoker Please help keep our environment
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travel
Short but sweet Above: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Below: Bagan, Myanmar.
Enjoy a real holiday this Christmas. By Timmy Lee.
Siem Reap Cambodia’s tourist hub is a charming riverside town, with a buzzing bar and restaurant scene, interesting markets, gracious avenues and an Old Quarter of Chinese- and colonialstyle buildings. But you’ll be there for the archaeological treasures that lie a few minutes’ drive away: the “lost” temples of Angkor. Rediscovered in the jungle in the early 1900s, Angkor Wat, Bayon and Preah Khan are among the world’s most majestic and romantic structures, particularly at sunset with someone you love. You won’t be alone, however. For that, explore the area’s 100 or so less wellknown monuments for the full Lara Croft experience – giant trees rising from 12th-century temples, beautiful bas-relief carvings, secret passageways and tranquil ponds. Had enough temples? Visit the floating village on nearby Tonle Sap lake – or even hire a speedboat for a blow-your-hair-back journey to Phnom Penh. Or trek into the hills to see the carved stream bed of the Thousand Lingas River. After dark, sip a cocktail in the Frenchcolonial bar of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (www.fcccambodia.com) or dine under a bodhi tree on the seven-course Khmer tasting menu at Meric in the hip Hotel de la Paix (www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com).
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Yangon, Myanmar If it’s good enough for Barack Obama... With Aung San Suu Kyi now free, and even the US Pres popping into town (if only for six hours last month), Myanmar is no longer the pariah state of Southeast Asia. Which means it’s legitimately back on the tourist trail. Get there before the banana-pancake-eating backpacking hordes overrun the place. Capital Yangon is all decaying colonial splendour, centred on Shwedagon
Pagoda, one of the most revered in Asia and said to have a 2,500-year heritage. Stay in style at the Governor’s Residence, or the historic Traders Hotel. From there, drive five (bumpy) hours south to Ngwe Saung Beach, a stunning nine-mile stretch of sand, and chill at the Bay of Bengal Resort (www.bayofbengalresort.com). Or get cultural and fly up-country to astonishing Bagan on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, where the plain is covered with 2,000 brick-built
travel stupas, wats and temples. It’s an incredible sight, particularly from an early morning hot-air balloon. Further upriver is Mandalay, the cultural heart of the country, where the bicycle is still the favoured mode of transportation. If you have the time (and the moolah), consider travelling on the OrientExpress river cruiser, Road to Mandalay (www. orient-express.com), which departs Mandalay on December 26 for a seven-night cruise to Bagan. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia Homesick Brits can get a taste of the home counties Asia-style in Malaysia’s hill stations, thanks to mock-Tudor hotels with roaring fires, teashops and even red post boxes. Three hours from Kuala Lumpur, and 60 kilometres up scary switchback roads from the equatorial heat, the area was developed in the 1920s at the height of the British colonial era. Its main attraction is still its cool climate, perfect for growing tea – try a brew of Boh, Sungal Palas or Cameron Valley Tea. But interspersed with the plantations are 9,000 acres of rainforest offering some amazing hiking. Walk to aboriginal villages, the divine Parit and Robinson waterfalls or climb the lush mountain peaks for bravura views. Then treat yourself to a round of golf and seasonal slap-up roast dinner at the famous Smokehouse hotel (www.thesmokehouse.com.my) or afternoon tea at Foster’s Lakehouse (www.lakehouse-
cameron.com), which also boasts a pub with a selection of single Scotch whiskies. Afterwards, you can sleep it off in an antique four-poster bed in front of a log fire. Krabi, Thailand Krabi has all the best bits of Phuket, without the crowds. We’re talking jungle-clad limestone islands rising vertically from a turquoise sea, long white beaches and island-hopping on longtail boats. On the mainland, go for hippie chic on Railay Beach – accessible only by boat and popular with climbers – or five-star luxe at Tupkaek (Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton both have properties on this long, shallow beach). Or head offshore to the region’s gorgeous islands. Ko Lanta is being promoted as the new Ko Phi Phi. It’s perfect for laidback loafing about, with more than enough beach to go around even in peak season. Try the Pimalai Resort and Spa (www. pimalai.com), for the full blissed-out experience. Live out your desert-island fantasies on Ko Ngai (pronounced Ko Hai), at least mid-week, where you can stay in a simple resort on the beach. And day-trip to Ko Muk’s Emerald Cave, the star of a Thai tourist campaign. An 80-metre swim through a pitch-black cave brings you out into a secret lagoon with its own strip of sand surrounded by cliffs in the middle of the island. The Beach, anyone? For details, visit www.yourkrabi.com.
Above: Tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands; Ko Lanta beach, Thailand.
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pets Furry Christmas The holiday season holds hidden perils for pets, says Cynthia Smillie. In the hectic run up to Christmas, spare a thought for your pets. While we’re busy wrapping presents, trimming the tree and worrying about the turkey, it is easy to overlook the mischief a curious or bored pet can get up to in a house filled with novel items. Emergency vet visits for dogs and cats rise during the holidays, mostly related to the ingestion of foreign objects or poisonous substances.
Given the opportunity, the family Labrador is likely to devour a whole box of chocs. Most people know chocolate is dangerous for dogs (and cats), especially the darker varieties containing more of the toxic substance theobromine. But while you may know this, your dog doesn’t. Given the opportunity, the family Labrador is likely to devour a whole box of chocs, including the wrappers. Grapes and raisins also pose a threat, so keep leftover Christmas puddings and mince pies away from the dog. Other things to be careful of include alcoholic drinks, and sweets and baked goods containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Before decking the halls, be aware that holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and pine needles can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in animals.
Lilies are particularly deadly to cats and can cause liver failure even in very small quantities. Christmas trees, both real and artificial, are often treated with flame retardant or other toxic chemicals. Place a barrier around the tree to prevent your pet drinking the tree water, which can contain fertilizer or pesticide. Cats are irresistibly drawn to climbing the Christmas tree, which can tip over and cause injury. And both dogs and cats are tempted by tinsel, ribbons and other decorations that can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
If you’re planning to buy Fido or Fluffy a present, avoid small toys that can be ingested and choose nutritious, high-quality food treats. We’re not the only ones who gain weight at Christmas. Pets may also be stressed by changes in routine, diet and environment, such as the arrival of trees and decorations, more visitors and long-term guests. Even worse is missing out on all the fun when the family goes off to Phuket. Owners should be aware that there may be changes in appetite or behaviour. Try to maintain as normal a schedule as possible in terms of feeding and exercise times, and ensure your pet has a quiet place to retire to away from the attention of guests and other activities that may be frightening to pets. Lastly, of course, Christmas is not a good time to acquire a new pet as everyone is far too busy to give it the attention it needs to settle in happily. Have a wonderful Christmas but do take precautions to keep your pet safe. After all no one wants a trip to A&E just as you are about to carve the Christmas turkey. Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG DIp CABC MRCVS is a veterinary behaviourist and deals solely with behaviour problems in companion animals. For appointments please call 9618 2475 or visit www.petbehaviourhk.com.
Pet Personals Have a heart and adopt a rescue dog from Sai Kung Stray Friends, saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com, 2335 1126.
Bella Make it a threesome with “The Girls” – this black beauty and her soul mate, TiffanyFoxy, are looking for a home a deux.
Tiffany-Foxy This pretty threeyear-old is one of “The Girls” and is looking for a home with her best bud Bella.
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Sammi Super-bright Sammi is loyal, capable and the smart girl on the block.
Jolie & Mary A loving pair of oneyear-old sisters, Jolie is outgoing and Mary is the shy one.
Happy He’s Happy and he knows it. A strong, lively, good-looking lad – who could ask for more?
Ah Bo This adorable boy is gentle, shy and one of a kind. A real heartbreaker.
bow wow
Not just for Christmas... Should you give puppies as presents? Sally Andersen joins the debate. Christmas is looming and the kids are begging for a puppy. Should you? Animals are a notable responsibility. Some rescue organisations don’t release their animals during the holiday period in order to prevent them being thrown out with the wrapping paper once the novelty has worn off. Sadly, this is a reality every year – not every family is up to the challenge. But for some there is no better gift than a puppy or a dog. If this is something that has been discussed and agreed beforehand with the commitment to giving a home for life and not just for Christmas, now you have to choose the right puppy. I'm going to make the assumption you will not be heading for the nearest pet shop, but instead to one of the rescue organisations. Adopting and saving a life is, after all, in keeping with the spirit of Christmas. When confronted with so many cute faces and wagging tails, I have an important suggestion to make: don't involve children aged under 10 in the decision making. Trust me, they will be happy with whatever you bring home. Trying to explain to a five-year-old that the little ball of fluff in front of them won't stay that way forever is
like expecting them to understand quantum physics. The life of a dog is not something a young child should be responsible for. Think about your home and lifestyle, and be honest and realistic about the type of dog that would best fit in. Often that may not be a puppy, as puppies have needle-sharp teeth and need to be trained. They don’t know that shoes shouldn’t be chewed, antique rugs peed on or that it hurts human babies when they play in the same way they would play with other puppies. Ask for advice and recommendations from the organisation you are adopting from, and don't choose looks or breed over compatibility. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and temperament is far more important. When you have made your choice and taken your new family member home, make sure it has somewhere quiet it can retreat to when it feels overwhelmed, especially if you are celebrating noisily. Make sure the children understand dogs need a special safe place, and to leave them alone when they are sleeping. Above all, remember you have a new family member that now relies on you for everything – including its life.
Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.
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gardening Gardening events Dec 5 Compost-making and bee-keeping introductory workshops at Kadoorie Farm. Dec 7 Illustrated talk on Korean gardens. December Regular Wednesday and Saturday morning art sessions with Roz Keep introduce you to some of the most interesting gardens around Hong Kong while you discover your hidden artistic talents. More details from Janetaipening@gmail.com. Jan-April New series of Saturday afternoon workshops in Fanling, including talks on camellias (January 12), ferns (February 16), hibiscus (March 16) and the passiflora family (April 20).
Fall order Jane Ram seeks some seasonal colour. Last month I spent a week in Beijing. I arrived the day after the first snowfall of the winter. Hong Kong was still enjoying temperatures in the upper 20s, so it was a shock to meet temperatures of six degrees Celsius and icy winds straight from Siberia. I felt that my head was being blown inside out. Because winter started so early, the central heating was on throughout the city several weeks ahead of schedule, mercifully. Despite the icy winds, it was brilliantly sunny and I enjoyed the sight of trees in autumnal
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foliage along the road from the airport. The following day the wind dropped and, although the sun was less bright, I went out with my camera to capture some of the glorious colours. The ginkgo tree is rarely seen in Hong Kong: I only know of one in a private garden on the Peak that will never rival those now on every Beijing street corner. Natives of China, ginkgo biloba trees are living fossils. The capital has planted thousands of the trees, which reach about 40-50 metres in height at maturity. Young ones are spindly, but have leaves that turn a
Events fill up fast, so secure a place early with janetaipeng@gmail.com.
deep rich yellow-ochre before they flutter to the ground. While Hong Kong misses the dramatic changes of colour that herald the onset of winter in more northerly climes, we have seasonal pleasures of our own as less humid weather and shorter daylight hours trigger new garden delights. One of my favourite shrubs, clerodendrum wallichii, started to produce cascades of white flowers at the end of October. Barring freak hail storms, it should stay looking good for about two months. Around the same
fall into winter time the spiral growing heliconia latispatha also began to bloom. Soaring to a height of around two metres, these will add dramatic red and yellow notes to the garden all winter. They are as showy as the summer-flowering heliconia rostrata, which have become familiar in recent years. The latispatha deserve to be more widely grown here as they give colour when it is most needed. I have been growing them for a decade or more and, unlike many other types of heliconia, they withstand our cold weather very well. Gifts for gardeners Christmas gifts for gardeners are a real challenge. A serious gardener probably already has all the plants, books and gadgets he or she might covet. However, I recently gave myself a new book, Food Plants of China, by the late Dr S.Y. Hu. It’s a monumental work of scholarship, complete
with more than a few glimpses of the author’s personality shining through. Arthur Van Langenberg’s latest book, Growing Your Own Food in Hong Kong, is so new that it’s probably a safe bet. Based on more than half a century of first-hand experience, it’s totally practical. Like Dr Hu’s book, it is published by the Chinese University Press. There’s a discount for anyone ordering direct from the publishers before December 15 by emailing cup-bus@cuhk.edu.hk. Finally, a subscription to Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine (resurgence.org) should be well received by anyone who cares about environmental issues. Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for more than 30 years and is still learning. Please e-mail her at janetaipeng@gmail.com with comments and queries, and to be kept informed of workshops and excursions for gardeners.
December tasks The major challenge this season is to keep hungry birds away from tender-leaved plants. Fine nets (to prevent birds getting entangled) and scarecrows sometimes work. Try tinsel, discarded CDs and even an unwanted teddy bear, like the one that presides over Lamma vegetable fields. If all else fails, try a rubber snake, rearranging it from time to time to keep it lifelike. You can sow herb seeds with every chance of success, also lettuce and other tender-leaved salad plants. Try a few rose cuttings if you are pruning local roses or miniatures.
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people Go Aussie, go! On the Melbourne Cup catwalk.
Race-goers at this year’s Melbourne Cup lunch enjoyed a sunny day at Happy Valley race-course as they cheered on the Flemington jockeys. Clearwater Bay School mum Bec ClarkKirk won the Fashions on the Field contest, while jockey Brett Prebble, riding Green Moon, took the cup back in Australia.
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snap!
marketplace
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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
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marketplace
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marketplace
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marketplace
on patrol...
hankie-panky
Deploying the helper network Sai Kung Police Station’s key concern at present is burglaries. I make a point of visiting every crime scene to gain insight into the culprits’ modus operandi and see what measures we can undertake to counter it. I also speak to the neighbours and confirm to them our commitment to their safety and security. I am always struck by how much useful information can be gleaned by talking to domestic helpers. Maybe this is because they are at home the most. Unfortunately, few of them pass on any suspicions they may have. Sometimes, they inform their employers when they return home and a police call is made, but by this time there is little we can achieve. At one recent burglary, helpers had seen the possible culprits loitering in the area for weeks but had not called the police. Some helpers are cautious of us and I
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don’t really know why. Possibly it’s to do with the quality of police officers in their own countries or maybe they don’t want to be seen to "cause trouble". Whatever the reason, if you employ a helper please tell her to call the police immediately if she comes across something suspicious. We will respond and deal with it professionally and promptly. Please also reassure helpers that we will not criticise if the reported incident turns out to be a genuine misunderstanding, but will usually thank them for being alert, aware and good citizens. This applies to anybody who witnesses something that seems not quite right. Hoaxer arrested Big kudos to officers of Patrol Sub-Unit 3 Sai Kung Police Station for an excellent arrest last month. Over the past few weeks the emergency services have been plagued by hoax 999 calls. These tie up the lines, divert emergency services from people in life-threatening situations, and drain our resources – it costs a significant amount of money to respond to a 999 call.
This spate of hoax calls included reports of robbery, house fires and people requiring hospitalisation. The most serious claimed to see a person drowning in Ho Chung river, for which more than 30 firemen and a specialist diving team were called out. After analysis of the hoax calls (999 calls are all recorded), it was determined there was a single perpetrator calling from pay phones in Sai Kung. A stakeout was authorised. After a long period of observation by the officers, a man was apprehended acting suspiciously inside one of the booths – he was making a 999 call and, would you believe, trying to disguise his voice by putting a handkerchief over the mouthpiece. His call alleged there was a 50-man gang fight nearby, which would have required regional resources to deal with. A man was arrested and charged with multiple offences. He has since been convicted and is now serving a lengthy jail term. Stay safe. Tim Sharpe is the Police DVC for Sai Kung.
marketplace
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marketplace
T h e h a n d y ma n hk Plumbing Painting Carpentry Electric Picture hanging Varnishing and polishing Board work Flooring and tiling Removal and relocation AC installation and cleaning Garden service
Contact
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+ 30,000 upscale readers 2776 2772 or email us ads@saikung.com Please call
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bird at my window
The spotted dove aka Streptopelia chinensis Aside from the feral pigeon, the spotted dove is the most familiar of the five members of the Columbidae family that regularly occur in Hong Kong. It is one of the commonest birds in the urban areas and can be found even in the heart of the city where trees are present. Because it is so common, bird watchers often dismiss is as “just another spotted dove� and pay it little heed, which is a shame because it is rather beautiful. Particularly striking are the black-and-white patterned neck patches and the vinaceous pink underparts, which flush when birds are courting. The species breeds all year, with the male indulging in a distinctive courtship display in which it flies upwards at a steep angle and then descends more gently on extended wings. The nest is a flimsy structure made of twigs usually placed low in a tree, but can be up to eight metres above ground. Two white eggs are usually laid and incubated for about a fortnight. The nestlings fledge after a further two weeks. The spotted dove is resident from Pakistan through Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines, and through central and eastern China to the Bohai Gulf. It has also been introduced to Australia, New Zealand and the USA. David Diskin is a writer and photographer based in the New Territories. His latest book is Hong Kong Nature Walks: Kowloon, Hong Kong & Outlying Islands (October 2012). Details at www.accipiterpress.com.
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classifieds LOCAL Property
Build your dream house Sai kung. High privacy. your own design house. Old schedule house lot. 3 storeys 2100'. Potential huge garden.Pool.Golf and tennis court. Sale$ 11M @ no premium Owner melvin 63389382
PRIVATE RESIDENCE ~ $16. 5M SOLE AGENT - Gorgeous 2100sf Detached 4 Bedroom Family Home. Private 1750sf Walled Terrace & Garden with STT. Quiet, Exclusive, Sought After Location. Green Views. Ref ~ SK414 www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656
Western Living Resort Villa HK$50K-Sai Kung 2100' Three Storey Detached House. 4 Bedrooms (2 ensuite), Maid's Room, Roof, Lawn and Wood Decking Garden, Fitted Open Kitchen, Spacious Bedrooms with Fitted Wardrobes, Shared Pool, Carpark, Westernised Community, Quiet Location. Angela 92882529 (Private Listing)
Sai Kung country park brand new. Retirement paradise. 1800' and 800 garden. potential back garden and open green view follow your new design layout owner Melvin 6338 9382 SAIKUNG COASTAL PROPERTY 360o panoramic sea and mountain views in an area of outstanding natural beauty – Cha’Am Chuk Wan. House excess 2100sq ft. Terrace with swp and Jacuzzi. Delightful garden with numerous mature trees, mostly fruit. Gated front parking many cars, very safe for pets, could keep a horse. No management fees. $25M With immediate leaseback by current owner if required. 94880282 – Owner
Nice stand alone village house in Clearwaterbay. Privacy. Near MTR station. Unique tranquil area. Fully renovated in Spanish style. Private garden with walls around. Rent 80k. Sell 25 Mio
Club Marina Cove Debenture for Sale Debenture with full membership and boat mooring for sale. Interested parties please contact Nick for more info. Tel: 6685 4265
Overseas Property
YACHT CLUB VILLA ~ HK$130K Sai Kung- Ref-SK355 SOLE AGENT - Attractively Renovated, Detached Gated Villa, 4 Bedrooms, Study, Spacious Accommodation, High Ceilings, Large Living/ Dining Room, Pool, Terrace & Garden, Garage, Green & Sea Views. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656
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NEED A HOLIDAY? PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches. Reasonable rates! Website: www.phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com
Luxury Beach Villa in Cebu Island Philippines for rent. (Fully Staffed) 4 double rooms all with bath. 3 direct flights per day from HK. We have a Private chef, New 50ft sailing yacht, 2speedboats, Hobie Cat and more... www.cebubeach.net or contact owner +852 91625321
random but interesting BOAT
Services ShenZhen DayTrip Shopping Hk 2,000. with 7-Seaters Lighting Mall Furniture Mall Art village Homedecoration, Carpet and Rugs. Franki (90362128) happyday2128@netvigator.com
MONTE FINO PRICED TO SELL. With acres of space, this 1993 66 ft classic luxury cruiser (refitted 2011) is great for sharing, chartering, or as a live-aboard. Beautiful teak floors throughout, blending perfectly with sophisticated neutral tones inside & out. Hull, all paneling, soft furnishing, heads, galley restored/repaired/refitted to a high standard. New swim platform and custom made Austral Props installed. 2 x 805.68 kW Detroit Diesel engines in good condition with only 17xx hours and 2 x Kohler diesel generators. Capacity for 28, 6 berths, 1 crew cabin, 3 heads & 1 crew head. Sound & TV system, plus hoist for tender. Asking 3.5 mil. 1.75 mil for half share. With SWING MOORING in Sai Kung or Aberdeen, both with power".. To view, call Mark 9664 8934/Joanna 9318 8736.”
PetProject.HK is the online store for all your pets needs, with the best food, treats and toys, home delivered. Get $50 off your first order with discount code 'saikung'. Visit www.petproject.hk or call 30085650
STUNNING 20 ft CHRIS CRAFT for sale. Classic blue/red Heritage Edition 2011 Lancer. Only 6 hours on the engines. Excellent condition. Like New. Volvo Penta Petrol Inboard 201.42 kW. Top speed 50.3 knots @ 5100 RPM Cruising speed 27.3 knots @ 3000 RPM. Under engine and structural WARRANTY. With DRY STACK at Pak Sha Wan. Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to own a piece of motor boating history at a great price. New at 460k. NOW ASKING 380k. Call Mark 9664 8934 or Joanna on 9318 8736.
First Aid qualification (16+ hours) Willingness to achieve Bronze Medallion life saving qualifications or equivalent Must be able to devote 6 months to training. Closing date for applications is 7/12/12. For further information and to download an application form, go to: www.outwardbound.org.hk; or email matt@outwardbound.org.hk
PHOENIX CARPET CARE LTD for 20 years Hong Kong’s premier cleaner of carpets & upholstery. Phoenix ensure true quality workmanship at reasonable cost. Hand cleaning of Oriental rugs. Steam extraction of fitted carpets. Upholstery cleaning. Scotchgard Protection. Call 2328 2287 or 9517 5436 for free quote/inspection. NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk
Health and Well being Massage @ Home, Hotel Body massage, Chinese Tui Na, Swedish Massage, lymphatic drainage & aromatherapy massage. Our therapists offer mobile (outcall, housecall) service $700/2hrs (text in Chinese Address & speak in Chinese 66903658) www.ablemassage.com
Tuition Breakthrough Cantonese Learn Practical & Useful Cantonese in a Relaxed, Fun, Small Group Setting. Day & Evening Classes Available. Please send an email to Catherine at man_catherine@ yahoo.com.hk Jesse Taekwondo & Hapkido Korea Kukkiwon Black-belt 5th Dan International Instructor Provide One-on-One personal training, Group training & Family classes. http://www.supra.com.hk/
PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS IN SAI KUNG Conservatory-trained professional Soprano, recently relocated to Hong Kong offers lessons to students 12 years old and up. All experience levels welcome. angela.hodgins@gmail.com 6295 6266
Piano Lesson @ HOME in English/ Cantonese by professional and qualified teachers. Annual Recital in Cityhall. Trial lessons available, visit www.grandpiano.hk for details.
VIANNE'S MUSIC WONDERLAND PRIVATE PIANO COURSE @ YOUR HOME ﹣ www.mymusicwonderland.com ﹣ Experienced tutor accept students aged 3 and over. Student Annual Recital/ Practical Examination/ Competition/ Theory/ Accompaniment/ T:6014 - 9389 for Trial lesson/ mschanpiano@yahoo.com Master Chow 9467-7787
COMPUTER SERVICES Microtechhk(HK).COM provides onsite support to day-to-day computer (MAC/WINDOWS) usage since 1992, Call us for any Hardware/ software, internet problems, wifi setup, data recovery Reasonable Price 24/7 hotline : 23976418
Tennis Performance Asia Limited Lessons/Training : Private, Groups – Adult, children, Ladies Coaching Kowloon, NT, HK Island HK, Australian, USTPA Qualified Coaches Contact Senior Coach Todd Hooper – 97335197: todd@ tennisperformanceasia.com www.tennisperformanceasia.com Director/Coach – Ray Kelly
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the ultimate guide to sai kung COMMUNITY & HEALTH Hang Hau Community Hall 3740 5328 / 3740 5346 Li Pang Tat Chinese Medicine Practitioners 2328 9913 Resurrection Church 2358 3232 | www.resurrection.org.hk Sai Kung District Community Centre 2792 1762 Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre 2792 3828 The Sai Kung Jockey Club Town Hall 3740 5328 / 2792 1487 Annerley — maternity and early childhood professionals www.annerley.com.hk Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022 1779 | www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com
DAILY NECESSITIES City Lifestyle 2791 5485 Mannings 2791 4432 Market Place by Jasons 2358 0542 ParknShop 2791 0471 Wellcome 2791 1841
FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank Of China (Hong Kong) 2792 1465 Citibank 2962 8027 HSBC 2233 3000 Pacific Prime (Kiwisure) 3113 1331 | christian@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com Standard Chartered Bank 2792 1351
TRANSPORT SERVICES Webjet HK
Unit 1706, BEA Tower, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kln, Hong Kong 2313 9779 Onlinetravel@webjet.com.hk www.webjet.com.hk Crown Relocations 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong Hebe Haven Yacht Club pr_mgr@hhyc.org.hk | www.hhyc.org.hk Kwong Hing Motors Ltd 2791 4949 | http://khmwhk.com Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk Scorpion RIBS Hong Kong 2511 8337 | scorpionribshk@gmail.com www.scorpionribs.com
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HOME Box Design
2573 3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk
AA Mini Store 3483 1693 / 6977 6107 www.aa-aquarium.com Box Design 2573 3323 | info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk Best United Eng. Ltd. / lawnings, roll shutter & insect screen 2344 9028 info@bestunited.com.hk www.bestunited.com.hk Brooks Thompson Ltd 2851 3665 iqbalhk@netvigator.com Chez Uno 2791 9662 / 2723 8990 www.chezuno.com Eco Living 2792 2998 | askus@ecoliving.hk www.ecoliving.hk The Handyman HK 9268 0514 / 6376 7950 thehandymanhk@gmail.com Marco Electrician, Plumber, House painting 6190 8051 | marco_yenug000@hotmail.com Pakpersian Carpets Hong Kong 2549 012 / 9192 9594 pakpersian@netvigator.com www.pakersiancarpet.com Studio Annetta 9849 1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com Wicka Designs Limited 2422 0885 enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 jcawltd@biznetvigator.com
TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS' PARTIES Bumps to Babes
2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com
LEARNING CENTRES Anastassia's Art House 2719 5533 arthouse.hk@gmail.com | www.arthouse-hk.com Anfield School admin@anfield.edu.hk | www.anfield.edu.hk Antsmart Learning Centre / Playgroup, Math 2335 1261 tangfrancis@hotmail.com | www.playgroup.com.hk Craft Box 9014 3262 simone@craftbox.asia | www.craftbox.asia Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk La Petite France 3403 9887 | info@lapetitefrance.com.hk www.lapetitefrance.com.hk Hong Kong Academy 2655 1111 www.hkacademy.edu.hk Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048 2810 lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com Hong Lok Yuen International School 2658 6935 info@hlyis.edu.hk | www.hlyis.edu.hk ITS 3188 3946 | jennifer.c@tuition.com.hk Leapfrog Kindergarten 2791 1540 / 6413 8247 admin@leapfrogkindergarten.org www.leapfrogkindergarten.org Little Hands Workshop 5431 3122 info@littlehands.com.hk www.littlehands.com.hk New Song Christian Kindergarten (Sai Kung) 2791 2472 newsong@netvigator.com | www.newsonghk.com Sai Kung Tutors 6907 2514 info@saikungtutors.com | www.saikungtutors.com Woodland Pre-Schools 2559 4855 enquiry@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com Imran Cricket Academy 2575 3400 / 9745 2700 imran@imranacademy.com | www.imranacademy.com Renaissance College 3556 3556 admissions@rchk.edu.hk www.rchk.edu.hk/content/school-tours www.rchk.edu.hk/admissions Southern School of Dance 2872 6917 www.southernschoolofdance.com
REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES Hazel Ltd saleshazel@biznetvigator.com Hong Kong Toy Club 8216 3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com EEK Toy Shop 3487 3053
Vega Suites 3963 7888 | enquiries@vegasuites.com.hk www.vegasuites.com.hk Sino Group 8207 7608 | www.sino-homes.com Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty 6280 3566 | lilian.lue@hksothebysrealty.com hksothebysrealty.com
directory FASHION & BEAUTY
PETS & VETS
Au Lait Online Nursing & Maternity Wear www.aulait.com.hk B Two Hair Salon 3194 4181 / 2861 2638 | btwohairsalon@gmail.com Nuan Cashmere sales@nuancashmere.com www.nuancashmere.com Podiatrist – Heidi Corcoran 2335 1694 / 6255 0088 info@ntpodiatry.com Sabai Day Spa 2791 2259 sabaidspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2791 2278 | ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk Tala’s Health and Beauty Centre 2335 1694 info@talashairandbeautycentre.com www.talashairandbeautycentre.com Tranquility Foot Spa 2792 0821 | Tranquility.skhk@gmail.com Natural Day Spa 2791 0606 | info@naturaldayspa.com.hk Uglow www.uglow-alg.com
Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 | trilby@animalemergency.com.hk b dog Tokyo(Grooming, spa, hotel) 2791 6555 b-dog@hotmail.co.jp | www.facebook.com/bdog.tokyo Ferndale Kennel 2792 4642 | boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com Vet2Pet 6999 1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com | www.vet2pet.com.hk Best Friends Veterinary Hospital 2792 8555
MULTIMEDIA
2/F., 14A1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, NT, Hong Kong 2792 3939 | saikung.gallery@gmail.com www.saikunggallery.com
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT Curves
2234 9000 www.curves.com
Seasons Fitness
3/F, ICBC Tower, Citibank Plaza, No.3 Garden Road, Central, HK 2878 6288 | customerservice@seasonsfitness.com www.seasonsfitness.com Blue Sky Sports Club 2791 0806 | www.bluesky-sc.com Cambridge Weight Plan Hong Kong 2525 7165 www.cambridgeweightplan.hk OKU Oxygen Limited 6904 3093 okuoxygen@gmail.com Outdoor Fitness 9043 4674 www.outdoorfitness.hk | dayle@outdoorfitness.hk Weight Watcher 2813 0814 kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Pilates Plus 9756 1659 | brubar@netvigator.com
Get listed
call 2776 2772 email marketing@saikung.com
The Reading Room (Sai Kung)
21 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, New Territories 9199 5900 | seasidereadingroom@gmail.com Dymocks 2791 9110 | www.dymocks.com.hk Jackie Peers 9121 1470 jackie@jackiepeers.com | www.jackiepeers.com Light Jar Photography 6274 1362 | info@lightjarphotography.com www.lightjarphotography.com
UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY China Light & Power Emergency Services 2728 8333 China Light & Power Customer Info Line 2678 2678 Electrical Appliance Repair Hong Kong Mr Ho 9846 8082 Sai Kung District Council 3740 5200 Sai Kung Fire Station 2792 1553 Sai Kung Police Station 3661 1630 / 2791 5129 Sai Kung Post Office 2792 2243 Typhoon Emergency Centre 2773 2222 Water Fault Reports 2811 0788 Water Supplies Department 2824 5000
Food Delivery South Stream Seafoods
Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 sh@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com Casteloconcepts 2869 1766 | www.casteloconcepts.com Colour Brown Coffee 2791 7128 | shop.colourbrown.com.hk Hebe One O One 2335 5515 info@101.com.hk | www.hebe101.com Laithwaites Wine 3071 5085 info@laithwaiteswine.hk | www.laithwaiteswine.hk La Petite France 3403 9887 | info@lapetitefrance.com.hk www.lapetitefrance.com.hk Moshi Moshi 2668 2605 Natural Springs 2484 1388 | www.naturalsprings.hk Pacific Rich Resources (HK) Ltd 2316 7290 | office1@pacificrichresources.com Paisano’s Pizzeria (Sai Kung) 2791 4445 | www.paisanos.com.hk Pizza Express (Hong Kong) 2123 1083 | info@pizzaexpress.com.hk www.pizzaexpress.com.hk Organic Experience Management Group 2981 2888 | www.organicxp.com The Dutch www.thedutch.hk Top Chefs Food Services Ltd. 2358 2332 | http://tcdeli.com
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OTHER SERVICES Biocycle 3575 2575 info@biocycle.hk | www.biocycle.com.hk Christian Environmental Health 2370 9236 | a-s-a-p@ceh.com.hk | www.ceh.com.hk Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 enquiry@evergolf.com.hk | www.evergolf.com.hk Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 2956 1234 http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com Lunchbox Theatrical Productions 8203 0299 Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk Airstar 2264 0300 | facebook.com/aworldoflight Federal Elite Consultants Ltd. 3568 4691 | info@federalelite.com
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Last orders Feed the world, Gangnam style Every year at this time I become gripped by a usually dormant interest in the UK singles chart and particularly the Christmas no.1. I’m not sure I fully understand how the charts are compiled these days and lately bland X Factor contestants have dominated the field. But like an impending festive train wreck, I can’t take my eyes off this overhyped, sentimental spectacle, now in its 61st year. Slade were the first band to target the Christmas no.1 slot with a specifically penned festive single in 1973. Exceeding all expectations, Merry Xmas Everybody sold more than a million copies and still commands a significant amount of seasonal airplay. But Slade's Faustian pact with the devil came with inevitable consequences and their overexposure on this record alone turned the band from a successful and respected rock outfit into a novelty act destined for a slow and painful decline. The competition for the top spot in
Christmas week is driven by the promise of increased sales and every artist, no matter how cynical or cool, secretly covets the prize. Yet the binge-drinking, music-buying great British public often loses all sense of perspective and taste during the boozy run up to December 25. Thus the pantheon of winners is an eclectic mixture of the good, the bad and the very, very ugly. St Winifred School Choir singing There’s No One Quite Like Grandma coming top in 1980 was a particular low point for a teenage Joy Division fan. A year later things improved when The Human League’s understated Don’t You Want Me made it to no.1, holding The Pogues at no.2 with arguably a better song, Fairytale of New York. Seasonal music consumers, like seasonal drinkers, distort the normal order of things wreaking long-term damage. Band Aid’s Do They Know it’s Christmas has been no.1 on three separate occasions, ultimately undermining its worthy cause by passing the
burden of guilt, responsibility and action from governments to individuals. Implausibly, The Spice Girls’ crass brand of post feminism took them to three consecutive Christmas no.1s, but the less said about that the better. And Sir Cliff Richard had one with The Shadows (I Love You) and two sanctimonious efforts of his own (Mistletoe and Wine and Saviour’s Day) full of mawkish Christian imagery and badly rhyming prose (he also sang on Band Aid II). This year Simon Cowell’s latest manipulated prodigy is up against a charity record of some weight. Robbie Williams and an all-star lineup have recorded a cover version of He Ain’t Heavy… He’s My Brother, produced by triple Ivor Novello winner Guy Chambers. With all proceeds going towards the legal costs of the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, it appears on paper to be a fait accompli. British pop music at its worst can be a homogeneous seam of manufactured record company drivel, but at its best it can reflect a political, cultural and musical diversity unseen in any other country. Where else could the profits of a pop song fund a private prosecution against a police force refusing to accept any blame for its part in the manslaughter of 96 football fans? I can’t imagine this happening in, say, South Korea. Which is probably why the all-time winners with four Christmas no.1s, The Beatles, came from Merseyside and not the Gangnam district of Seoul. Iain Lafferty
photo competition
shoot for it
Submit your shots Here at the Sai Kung Magazine office, we love receiving beautiful pictures of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, along with a brief description, to photo@saikung.com. Happy snapping! This month’s winner: George Chow "This was taken from my rooftop in Marina Cove a while ago. Let's call this 'Electrified Ho Chung'." For more electrifying photography, visit George's blog at www.georgechow.com.
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THE FEEDING HONG KONG
FESTIVE FOOD DRIVE Fill a bag and feed a family in need this Christmas
This December, help us bring some extra Christmas cheer to those in need. Simply fill a shopping bag with groceries, drop if off at the FHK warehouse and we’ll make sure it gets delivered to the door of one of our 35 charity partners.
Find out more at feedinghk.org
Get a head-start on your family's finances for the New Year and help a family in need! Our supporting partner iFS will make a HKD500 donation to our Xmas campaign on completion of a financial analysis with their team. No financial obligation is required. Email iFS at hongkong@interfs.com and quote Feeding HK to book your appointment. Learn more at www.interfs.com.
Feeding Hong Kong, Unit 806, Block A1, Yau Tong Industrial City, 17-25 Ko Fai Road, Yau Tong, Kowloon
www.arthouse-hk.com Stanley Plaza Art Studio: Shop 208, 2/F, Stanley Plaza Stanley, Hong Kong Tel: 2104 3303 Fax: 2104 3383 stanleyplaza@arthouse-hk.com
Happy Valley Art Studio: G/F, 1A Wong Nai Chung Road Happy Valley, HK Tel: 2838 0040 Fax: 2838 0070 happyvalley@arthouse-hk.com
Repulse Bay Art Studio: Shop G107B, The Repulse Bay 109 Repulse Bay Road, HK Tel: 2812 6465 Fax: 2812 6466 repulsebay@arthouse-hk.com
Sai Kung Art Studio: G/F, 9 Hoi Pong Street Sai Kung Town, NT Tel: 2719 5533 Fax: 2719 5599 saikung@arthouse-hk.com