Sai Kung Magazine September 2013 by Hong Kong Living Ltd

This Months Menu @ Casa, Sai Kungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hottest New Tapas Bar Breakfast / Lunch served 8:00am - 4:00pm Sandwiches & Omelette

................................................... Emmental + Tomato + Basil Baguette $40 Bacon + Eggs Baguette $40 Chorizo + Mozzarella Baguette $50 Omelette + 2 fillings $40 - Cheese, Chorizo, Bacon, Mushroom, Tomato +$10 & get a tea or coffee when you order a sandwich or omelette Coffee / Latte / Double Espresso $20

Dinner Menu 4:00pm - close Pinchos

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Meatballs Crab Cakes + Smoked Chili Jelly French Mussels + White Wine Chili Prawns + Garlic Bacon + Figs ... so many more

Opening Hours - 8:00am - 11:00pm

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PEOPLE

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

THE PLANNER

EATING

CREATURE FEATURE

EDUCATION HIKES

VINES IN SAI KUNG

LETTERS

OUTDOORS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

CLASSIFIEDS

PETS

ULTIMATE GUIDE

CHARITY FOCUS

NEWS FEATURE

LOCAL FAMILY ON PATROL

“If you can’t take the heat, don’t tickle the dragon”

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Sep 5 Agua Plus Quiz Night Teams of six test the grey matter. 8pm, Agua Plus, 72 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2030.

Sep 5 Sai Kung Sampler After a summer break, the monthly pop-up market returns to Steamers. Top up on deli goodies, gifts and more. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

Sep 5-Oct 6 Hong Kong International Comedy Festival Back for its seventh year and funnier than ever. Join the audience or stand up and take the mic. Details at www.hkcomedyfestival.com.

Sep 29 Outward Bound Multi-Race Teams of two test their endurance in this 12km mini adventure race. Start and finish at Outward Bound Base, Tai Mong Tsai Road. Register at 2554 6067, www.outwardbound.org.hk.

Sep 4 & 18 Quiz Nights Testing times at Hebe One O One. 8.30pm. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2332 5515.

Sep 4 Drink for Good Cocktails for a cause at leading Central and Sheung Wan bars and restaurants, which will donate $5 to HandsOn Hong Kong for each drink consumed. Details at www.drinkforgood.org.

Until Sep 30 Geisha obsession exhibition Art exhibition by Hong Kong artist Ron Legault. Alliance Francaise de Hong Kong, 2/F-3F, Jordan Centre, 52 Jordan Road, Kowloon, www.afhongkong.com.

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Sep 4-8 Watch & Clock Fair Asia’s premier timekeeping showcase. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, www.hktdc.com.

Sep 6-7 Craft and Designer Sales Designers on Friday, crafts on Saturday. Look for everything from handmade ceramics to kids clothing. The Artists’ Studio, Lot 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9254 8803, www.saschahoward.com.

Sep 13-14 Rihanna Live in Macau The Diamonds diva is selling out fast. CotaiArena, The Venetian Macau. Tickets $280-$1,700 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 15, 22, 29 Island East Markets Hong Kong’s very own farmers’ market sells everything from organic veggies to vintage goods. 11am-6pm, Tong Chong Street, Island East, Quarry Bay, www.hkmarkets.org.

happening in september Sep 18-20 Fire Dragon Dance Noisy, smoky, awesome. 7.30pm-10pm, Lily Street, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay. See p.32.

Sep 19 Mid-Autumn Festival Light a lantern, eat a mooncake. See p.32.

Sep 20 Public holiday

Sep 21-Nov 1 Hong Kong Cleanup

Sep 25-29 Shakespeare’s Globe The Taming of the Shrew

Take a broom to Hong Kong’s coastline, parks and urban areas in this annual series of enviro-events. Register at www. hkcleanup.org.

London’s Globe Theatre recreates an Elizabethan staging for Shakespeare’s comedy. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $265$795 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 28 Dragon Dash An urban adventure race that has multi-sex teams of four or five dashing across Hong Kong solving clues and completing challenges. All is revealed at www.dragondash.org.

Sep 21 Sai Kung Saturday Hash Join the local hash on its monthly hare around Sai Kung. Details at sites.google.com/ saikungsaturdayh3/calendar or email Guy Shirra at gunpowderplod@gmail.com.

Sep 29 Suede Live in Hong Kong Brit-pop is back (for one night only). AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580$780 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 24 The Killers Live in Hong Kong Are they human or are they dancer? Here’s your chance to find out. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $888 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Private Tuition in the Comfort of Your Home. Maths, Music, Science, Mandarin and More!

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Book now Oct 3-6 Asia Contemporary Art Show Young, emerging and recognised artists feature in an exhibition of works by 75 international art galleries. J.W. Marriott, Pacific Place, Central. Tickets $150-$240 from www. asiacontemporaryart.com.

Oct 12 Clean Half Swim A 15km annual race from Stanley Main Beach to Deep Water Bay for solo swimmers or relay teams of five. Dry off at the barbecue afterparty. Register at www.openwaterasia.com.

Oct 12 Justin Bieber Live in Macau Become a Belieber (we won’t tell). CotaiArena, The Venetian Macau. Tickets $380-$1,768 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

Oct 26-27 24-Hour Charity Dinghy Race The biggest weekend on the local sailing calendar with teams racing non-stop while their supporters party at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. Stalls, games, food and drink, capsizes, silly races and more. All welcome. Details at 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.hk.

Oct 19-20 Hong Kong International Water Polo Tournament and Southern Beach Games Two days of sandy fun and games at Repulse Bay Beach, including a 5km open-water swim from Stanley. Details at www.openwaterasia.com.

Nov 29-Dec 1 Clockenflap Festival

Graham Uden/HKaerial.com

It’s back! Franz Ferdinand headlines Hong Kong’s answer to Glastonbury, with seven music stages plus art, film and cabaret. West Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets available from September 2 at www.clockenflap.com.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@saikung.com.

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letters

Picture: Graham Uden

have your say

Update on Unauthorized Building Works Readers may be interested in what has happened to the Reporting Scheme for Unauthorized Building Works (UBWs) since the close of the reporting period on December 31, 2012. A question was asked of the Secretary for Development, Paul Chan, in the Legislative Council on June 19. His reply is summarized as follows. By the close of the reporting period on December 31, Building Department (BD) received about 18,000 report forms, mainly comprising enclosed balconies, rooftop

structures, ground-floor extensions, etc. BD is still analyzing the information. The government has not conducted a comprehensive survey or compiled statistics on UBWs in village houses. This said, given the number of low-flying aircraft in late 2012 there is speculation there was a rush to get updated aerial photographs of the villages. The priority and “first-line targets” have not really changed but item 4 below has been added: 1. those constituting an obvious hazard or imminent danger to life or property; 2. those under construction or newly completed UBWs; 3. those constituting serious contravention of the law and posing higher potential risks to building safety; 4. those UBWs that have not been reported. As of May 31, BD had issued 130 statutory orders requiring owners to rectify irregularities. Of these, four had been complied with and BD was arranging prosecution against owners in 40 cases for non-compliance.

By May 31, BD had selected 17 targeted villages from the nine New Territories administrative districts for conducting largescale operations. About 4,700 village houses will be inspected to identify first-round targets for enforcement action. I cannot find any written information as to where the “targeted villages” are but I understand they include Ho Chung New Village and Sha Kok Mei in Sai Kung. Perhaps readers know more? Given there must be hundreds of thousands of UBWs in the New Territories it seems the reporting level has been pretty low despite requests by the Heung Yee Kuk to extend the deadline. No doubt it will be a long process for the government to analyze and prioritize the UBWs, given there is only a staff of 41 in the BD’s New Territories’ enforcement section. We can expect a slow, pragmatic and what looks like a “piecemeal” enforcement of the UBWs. However, if your village is one of those targeted you can expect greater enforcement action. Tim Hallworth Luk Mei Village

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

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news

in your backyard

Tapas town

Sai Kung’s circumnavigator

The tapas boom on Hong Kong Island has spread to Sai Kung with not one but two tapas bars opening last month. Confusingly similarly named, Casa and Cava are unrelated. Casa, which has only a house logo on its signage, is an attractive contemporary bar just steps from the waterfront (near Hung Kee seafood restaurant). With its reclaimed-wood tables, polished concrete bar and interesting tapas menu, it was pulling in a buzzing crowd even before its alcohol license was granted. Coming from the team behind Winerrack.com, we’re looking forward to sampling the list of boutique beers and wines on the chalkboards. Cava, which has opened in the former location of Chef Welly’s Kitchen on Po Tung

Road, has more traditional decor, with a cosy vibe and tables in the upstairs cockloft. It has Peroni and VB on tap, and we’re already hearing good things about its paella. Owner Doug Marshall plans to invite live (acoustic) musicians to play.

Gotta lotta bottles

Illegal structures

Cheeky mooncakes

Here come the building inspectors. The government crackdown on illegal structures could be about to move up a gear, with the Building Department identifying 17 “targeted villages” across the New Territories. According to lawyer Tim Hallworth, who lives in Sai Kung, these are believed to include Ho Chung New Village and Sha Kok Mei. Residents in those areas who have not reported any illegal structures may be about to get a knock on the door... For more details, see Hallworth’s letter, opposite.

G.O.D’s cheeky sense of humour goes into overdrive for the MidAutumn Festival, with its popular bum-shaped mooncakes. The saucy “moons” are available in four derriere designs and filled with white lotus paste and egg yolk. $68 each, or 11 for the price of 10. Available in store or order online at www.god.com.hk before September 2.

Outward Bound’s Chris Stanmore-Major is gearing up to sail around the world for the third time. He first made landfall in Hong Kong in 1996, aged 18, to work at Outward Bound in Sai Kung. He sailed around the world twice in two years, and after a period of recuperation, he’s ready to go again this time under Hong Kong’s flag. The first race he will enter is the Transat Jacques-Vabres, a 10,000km race across the Atlantic from France to Brazil that starts in November. He will be teamed with the experienced and internationally renowned Canadian sailor, Derek Hatfield. “Hong Kong has been an important part of my life for a very long time now and I would be very proud to race on behalf of the territory,” he says. “We have started a competition on our website, www.csmoffshore.com, where you can win all sorts of sailing prizes, which will be exciting both for experienced and new sailors alike.”

New pet store opens

Specialising in craft beers and ciders not found readily anywhere else in Hong Kong, The Bottle Shop is a new off-license situated on the waterfront next to TREE. It’s fast becoming a local favourite for labels such as XXXX Gold, Pipsqueak cider and more. It has a distinctly Australian flavour, with a supply of Aussie confectionery such as Twisties and Red Rock Deli chips. Or go the full nine yards and splurge on a Golden Rough. Yum! Online orders are also available at www.thebottleshop.hk. 114 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 1600.

Hong Kong pet store chain Megapet is opening its eighth branch in Sai Kung this month. It carries more than 2,000 different product lines including cat and dog food, accessories and supplements, as well as grooming services. G/F, 110 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2626 0818, www. megapet.com.hk.

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local

born to beXXXX wild

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Carly Tonna carly@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Stephen Vines Tim Sharpe Laura Tyson Nobel Cho Sammy Ko Gregoire Olie Karen Chow Steffi Yuen Agatha Yuen Jackie Peers Zoe Byron Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor 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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Tanks? No thanks!

Zoe Ng hands a petition to Timothy Ng of Ocean Park.

Activist Zoe Ng tells Steffi Yuen why there should be no more dolphins at Ocean Park. July 27 was the first global Empty the Tanks day, when eco activists gathered outside 24 aquariums in 11 countries from the US to Australia to protest against the captivity of dolphins and orcas. At Ocean Park in Hong Kong, about 30 Empty the Tanks protesters demonstrated with banners, gave out leaflets urging the public to boycott the park and its dolphin show and handed in a petition to the deputy director of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation. It was a remarkably civilised affair. The park not only granted permission for the protest at its entrance, but even offered to supply a table for the leaflets. Leading the official demonstration was Zoe Ng, former actress, jazz dancer, Sai Kung resident and daughter of veteran comedy actor Richard Ng. “The dolphin show really needs to stop,” she said. “I do not think it does any justice to the dolphins. It is not conservation, it is abuse. Hundreds of dolphins have died so that they can get their experience and knowledge.” Muddying the waters was

an unofficial demonstration by another six activists who had brought along a bloody dolphin model and were swiftly asked to leave by police. Ng distanced herself from the “extremists”, saying, “I cannot be responsible for the crazies out there”. As the Empty the Tanks representative in Hong Kong, Ng was invited to tour the park’s facilities and discuss the issues with chairman Allan Zeman and his team.

The dolphin show needs to stop... It is abuse “They said that they have the best facilities, no cruelty, no attempts at suicide. But are the dolphins happy in there?” she said. “I would like to see them phase out the dolphin shows, maybe not acquire anymore, not breed anymore. But I am not saying ‘free them; release them all’. Some cannot be released because they were born in captivity or have been there way too long.”

However, she was keen to maintain cordial relations and continue talking with the park, which she admires for its conservation efforts in raising awareness about shark’s fins and providing medical care and neutering for Hong Kong’s macaque population. “Ocean Park has been reasonable. I am so grateful that they would come out and receive the letter,” she said. “I like Ocean Park. It is my childhood memory. If they could take the dolphin show away, it would be perfect.” Meanwhile, she is encouraging the public to sign the Empty the Tanks petition while she awaits an official response. “Everyday, people are signing the online petition and I will continue my dialogue with Ocean Park,” she says. “The sea is where the dolphins should be.” To sign the Worldwide Empty the Tanks petition, visit www. change.org or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ EmptyTheTanksAtHongKong

five minutes with...

Painting on the hoof Local artist Sascha Camille Howard tells Karen Chow about her new Sai Kung studio. I was born in Hong Kong and lived here until 1993. I left to travel and study art around the world. And two years ago, we decided to move back to Sai Kung. Nowhere compares. I am so inspired by the landscape and wildlife that surrounds us. I could paint all day, everyday and never run out of subjects or ideas. Where I paint depends on the project I am working on. Currently I love floating on a kayak around the bays along Tai Mong Tsai Road. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to paint the sea eagles, black kites and villages. You can normally find me wandering the hills of the Sai Kung

Country Park early in the morning when there is no one around and everything is quiet as this is when I see most wildlife. I tend to paint things I see everyday and I paint from life most of the time. Before I opened my studio in Sai Kung town, I painted the cows that lived near Yan Yee Road. Now, I see more of the cows that live in and around Sai Kung town, I have started to paint them. The Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Studio just happened. The primary use of the studio will be for me to work in and exhibit my work.

However, I am also looking at ways to use it as a platform to promote and collaborate with local artists. I have met wonderful people and every one of them has said the same thing: they felt isolated creatively and wished there was somewhere to meet and showcase

their work without spending a fortune. Now there is. Howard holds life drawing classes every Wednesday, 7pm-9pm, and craft and designer sales on the first Friday and Saturday of the month. G/F, Lot 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9254 8803, www.saschahoward.com.

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vines in sai kung

stephen says...

Rules of the road Stephen Vines on feral cows, poor driving and Fanling’s golf-course dilemma. Feral cattle and ‘feral’ drivers Feral cattle are an emotional issue, understandably so because the fine cows wandering around Sai Kung are more than welcome and very much part of the countryside. The emotion stems from what happens to them when they venture onto the roads. The terrible slaying of eight of cows on Lantau Island provoked a big response, which was echoed in Sai Kung with a demonstration aimed at getting the police to slow down traffic in order to prevent cow death and injury on our roads. As I live off one of the main roads where these cows are to be found I have to say that I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. In my experience drivers are extremely careful around cows and most of us are not at all worried by being delayed as the cows meander around the middle of the road. Therefore demonising all road users for careless attitudes towards cattle is well out of order. That said there will, unfortunately, always be drivers who are a danger to other road users, including humans. The way to deal with this is not to target all drivers as a potential menace but to be on the lookout for those who are. What’s happened to the rules of the road? At the risk of turning this column into a highways-obsessed corner of the magazine, I cannot help but observe the increasingly poor standards of driving on Sai Kung’s roads. Maybe this observation applies elsewhere, but this is where I drive most often. Why are the simple rules of the road so widely shunned? I have in mind, for example, the basic principle of giving way to traffic from

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the right when entering road junctions. Then there’s the business of only overtaking on the right hand lane of two-lane roads, not forgetting that dawdling along on the outside lane is supposed to be a no-no. As for signalling before turning, why is that so challenging? Worse, and I have seen it happen quite often, are the idiots who put on the hazard warning lights before turning, thus giving no idea of which direction they intend to go.

Demonising all road users for careless attitudes towards cattle is well out of order A slight, very slight, case could be made for non-professional drivers not following these elementary rules of the road but I frequently observe that taxi and small truck drivers are among the worst offenders. How often have you seen a taxi driver providing a courtesy to other drivers by giving way in a queue of traffic? Maybe it’s my imagination but I seem to recall that taxi drivers used to be better than this. Or perhaps I’m just confused. A hole in one for Sai Kung’s golf course Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung is home to Hong Kong’s only public golf course and so we can afford a little chuckle over the row steadily engulfing the elite Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Apparently, its private golf course is more precious than the villages earmarked for demolition to build a new town in the area.

The golf course defenders are getting a bit desperate in making the case for the right to occupy a vast swath of government land for the princely rent of $1. They argue that the public is given right of access, and then have to admit that this is severely limited. And their argument that golf courses are good for the environment is highly contentious – there is quite a big body of research contesting this point of view. Finally, and most absurdly, it is argued that Hong Kong’s status as a world city would be diminished if the Fanling golf course was to go and thus threaten the chance to hold an international golf tournament at this venue. The Hong Kong Golf Club’s officials claim that only the course at Fanling is fit for this purpose. Well, if this is the trump card it is a rather weak one because Sai Kung’s public golf course is, so we are told, already international standard and could presumably be enhanced should the need arise. It is also already open to the public. So what would the loss of Fanling’s golf course really entail? The answer is very little. If the case for keeping it were to be placed on a par with the preservation of rural life, it would be interesting to see the outcome. Here is an opportunity for the government to stand up to the privileged elite. Who thinks the hapless C.Y. Leung will seize this opportunity? Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

SkyHigh

charity focus

giving back wild. In Thailand, for example, the number of elephants has plummeted from 100,000 in 1900 to just 3,000, of which only an estimated 1,000 live in the wild. Habitat destruction and poaching are major threats to the wild population, but EARS is also concerned about working elephants being abused by circuses,

EARS promotes ‘elephant-friendly’ projects and sanctuaries

Jumbo kingdom In the first of a new column, Agatha Yuen looks at EARS, a charity that aids Asian elephants. Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation (EARS) was launched in Hong Kong in November 2010 to promote awareness of the plight of the Asian elephant. It is sponsored by the Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre. Found across South and Southeast Asia, the Asian elephant is facing extinction in the

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trekking companies and urban tourist activities. Founder Louise Rogerson, who lived in Hong Kong for 15 years before moving to Cambodia in 2012, is passionate about animal welfare and has worked with various charities, including the Animals Asia Foundation. She set up EARS after witnessing a Thai elephant starve to death because of a broken leg. “When you see an elephant beaten, starved or shackled in chains, you feel absolutely compelled to help – everything else around you becomes insignificant,” Rogerson says. EARS offers financial support for elephant rescues and co-ordinates emergency relief. It

also works with specially selected projects in need of financial assistance by funding food, medical care and construction projects – such as an elephant hospital, enclosures, ponds and bathing pools – or helping to purchase land. EARS promotes responsible tourism. Its website gives details of “elephant friendly” projects and sanctuaries in Asia where the animals are treated with kindness and respect. It takes particular interest in three elephants: Kiri, Seila and Sombo, sponsoring their retirements in Cambodia. For 20 years, Sombo gave tourist rides at Wat Phnom temple in Phnom Penh, which left her with painful abscesses on her front feet. EARS sponsored her veterinary care and retirement as well as construction of a bathing pool and home.

Elephant-sized bills Sombo’s monthly expenses include: • Betadine for twice-daily foot baths US$360 • Bathing pool maintenance US$200 • Fruit treats US$100 To donate, please visit www.earsasia.org.

feature

Pictures: Hannah Grogan

Sai Kung new pier at dawn. Opposite, from top: 7am tai chi; mid-morning with the sampan lady.

24 hours on the waterfront Hannah Grogan documents a day in the life of Sai Kung’s seafront.

5am It’s dark, hot and humid on Sai Kung’s waterfront when I arrive for a marathon stint on the district’s most famous and best-loved promenade. The paving is slick with dew and last night’s rain, and spattered with yesterday’s rubbish. In the hour before dawn, it does not look its best. Despite the time, I am not alone. Sai Kung is waking up. Mr Softee is not out of bed yet, but a few health-conscious joggers and dog walkers are already up and about, pounding the promenade before starting the day.

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6.45am Something stirs in the Waterfront Park. The ladies (and a few men) who take part in morning tai chi classes are beginning to gather. Within minutes there is a crowd of more than 30 ready to Hold the Sky, Shoot the Hawk, Separate Heaven and Earth and all the other evocatively named movements of this age-old discipline. At the bus station, the first commuters are starting to queue and the cleaners have been and gone at the pier, which looks spick and span and ready for another busy summer day.

9am The early-morning calm is over. The first of the day’s procession of pleasure junks arrives to pick up lucky day-trippers heading out to the beaches and seafood restaurants. Families and friends wait on the pier in cheerful, colourful knots, bristling with coolers, barbecue forks and inflatable toys. A sampan weaves through the junks on one of many trips it will make today, ferrying residents from Tui Min Hoi to the waterfront where they can catch a bus to the city.

I do like to stroll along the prom

Some of the commuters peel off to join the morning regulars at the seafront restaurants, which are busy serving steaming baskets of dim sum to small groups of diners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and loading takeaway containers for those who are running late.

11.30am The pier empties as the last of the junks departs for the beaches. Nearby on the promenade a sampan lady waves optimistically as she does every time I pass. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her lucky day, as I finally say yes and ask to see the town from the harbour. We barter good-naturedly, agree on half her starting price and set off. We peer nosily into liveaboard boats, view the old town from a new perspective and wave at the marine police on their daily rounds. When we dock an hour and $100 later, a string of tourist buses has arrived, disgorging throngs of sightseers. Most seem to have gathered outside the large seafood restaurants and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost impossible to see the tanks through the wall of people taking selfies.

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feature From left: catch of the day; kites in the afternoon; walking the tanks; hello Polly; the night shift.

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feature 5pm A change of scene: a herd of cows moves onto the grass that was earlier filled with dogs, kids and kites. On the horizon, the junk fleet hoves into view off Kau Sai Chau, racing back to drop off their salty passengers before the 6pm curfew.

2pm The waterfront morphs into a fashionable runway for people and their pooches from all over Hong Kong. The daily pet parade offers more than “my dog is cuter than yours” bragging rights; it’s a social event with owners meeting and greeting and swapping stories and photos of their beloved pets. And it’s not just dogs. Check out the chick with the parrot.

The grassy strip beyond the Sunday market – where weekends bring stalls loaded with everything from dancing electronic toys to organic veggies – is popular with kite-flyers. An elderly couple sits next to each other, kites in hand. They make the kites themselves, they say, and have been coming here for years when the wind is right to test their latest designs.

7pm Chaos hour. It feels like every man and his dog is in town. The daytime junk trippers cross paths with the evening shift, heading out with giant lamps to try squid fishing. Good luck finding a cab. And watch your step for doggie landmines.

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feature 9.30pm For the first time today there’s a hint of coolness in the air. As the junks disperse, the debris the day’s tourists have left in their wake becomes visible. Watermelon rinds, beer cans and foam noodles litter the piers, overspilling from the bins. With the evening service winding down, staff from the seafood restaurants eat dinner together before packing up for the night.

From left: restaurant staff after hours; out for a stretch; the night fishermen.

outfitted with professional gear. They’re a distinct community. The serious fishermen are focused but the groups of families and friends are relaxed and chatty. They’re all having a great time. Overhead, the stars are coming out.

11.45pm Calm descends. The restaurants are closed, the boats moored. Even the squid boats have returned. On the waterfront love is in the air as couples come out for an evening stroll. The piers are busy with night fishermen. Some try their luck with a handheld line, others are

3am The day is over. Only a few ultra-keen fishermen linger on the pier. For the first time since 5am yesterday morning, it’s all quiet on the waterfront. Time to go home.

Perry Contracting (HK) Ltd *design *build *project management *

The Island

Glee

Club

Hong Kong’s Youth Performance Club

The Island Glee Club aims to teach, inspire and build confidence, while unearthing talent through the creative process. SAI KUNG

H A PP Y V A L L E Y

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family Get crafty Sai Kung joins the handicraft boom. Laura Tyson gets arty. Around the world, a quiet revolution in handicrafts has been taking place, and now it seems it has reached Sai Kung. Crafts are a multi-billion-dollar business. Martha Stewart led the charge in America, while in Britain Kirstie Allsopp champions all things handmade. Websites such as Etsy, Craftgawker and Cut Out & Keep allow keen crafters to share ideas, take tutorials and sell their creations worldwide. Etsy alone boasts 25 million members and last year reported sales approaching US$900 million. In June, it held its first Hong Kong party. It was a sell out. “Hong Kong is a fast-paced, career-driven city, which does not make it an obvious breeding ground for the craft movement that is really taking off around the world – or so you might think,” comments Jacinta Read of craft bazaar Handmade Hong Kong. “As it turns out, we have had the privilege to watch the handicrafting community in Hong Kong explode over the past five years.”

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The Garden House Crafting Moms in Clearwater Bay.

A Hong Kong Craft Lovers group on Facebook is packed with tips and information on where to get supplies. And The Crafties in Sheung Wan, where Etsy’s party was held, lets crafters hire workspace by the hour. In Sai Kung, a new generation of crafters is getting creative. Lian Jones’ love of sewing and felting grew from school lessons. Now 22, the

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lifetime Sai Kung resident and trainee teacher, designs her own patterns to create the toys she uses in the classroom. And in Marina Cove, Katarina O’Mahony makes cushions, cards, bunting using bright colours and bold fabrics for her company, Ketika Crafts. Until now, the monthly Sai Kung Sampler (held on the first Thursday of the month at Steamers,

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busy bees 6pm-10pm) has been one of a very few places locally where artisans can sell their wares. But other venues and events are starting to pop up. Sai Kung-based artist Sascha Camille Howard is opening her new studio to local crafters. After reaching out to other artisans in the area, she found they shared a sense of creative isolation and a desire for a space where they could meet and showcase their work. Starting on September 6-7, the Sascha Camille Howard Artist Studio on Po Tung Road will host Craft & Designer Sales on the first Friday and Saturday of each month.

We have watched the handicrafting community in Hong Kong explode Also new this year is Craft Hour Asia, which offers lessons for children at Howard’s studio and at Clearwater Bay School as well as knitting, crochet and sewing classes for adults of all abilities. It evolved from child-focused Craft Box, explains new director Lisa Ackerman. “After chatting with friends I realised not everyone was fortunate enough to be taught a craft as a child and so although they were interested

in picking up a craft as an adult, they didn’t know where to begin and felt as though it was a world reserved for the retired and thrifty,” she says. Many crafters lament the lack of supplies in the area, scouring Sham Shui Po or the internets for special items. Yet tucked away in Garden House Kindergarten in Silverstrand is a small stall selling quality crafting supplies, including wool, felt and looms. Every Monday and Thursday morning crafty mums gather at the kindergarten to knit and sew while the children play. The Garden House Crafting Moms work for a purpose: to raise funds for the new Waldorf primary school set to open this term in Clearwater Bay. The group has grown from a few individuals making Christmas decorations to more than 40 members, who pool their talents to produce wonderful items for creative play or to be sold at their colourful stall. The local crafting boom has not gone unnoticed. Hong Kong scrapbooking company Mei Li Paperie is hoping to run classes in Sai Kung in the autumn, once everyone is back from their holidays with a heap of photos ready to organise. And Jacinta Read is itching to establish a market in the area.

“Handmade Hong Kong would love to expand to Sai Kung,” she says. “We are just waiting for the right opportunity.”

Craft events Sep 5 Sai Kung Sampler It’s back, with all your favourite local stalls. Look for special launch prices on courses at Craft Hour Asia. 6pm-10pm, Steamers, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991. Sep 6 -7 Craft & Designer Sales Local creatives sell everything from artworks to children’s clothes. Sascha Camille Howard Artist Studio, Lot 787, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9254 8803. Sep 15, 22, & 29 Island East Markets Every Sunday until January, vendors offer homemade food, handmade gifts, vintage finds and more. 11am-6pm, Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.

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eating Time for tea Pinkies out for Hong Kong’s top afternoon tea spots. By Steffi Yuen. Lobby, The Peninsula When it comes to afternoon tea in Hong Kong, the Lobby at “The Pen” is rightly considered an institution. Gilded neo-classical interior? Check. Whitegloved waiters? Check. String quartet playing gently in the background? Check. Tiered Tiffany cake stands? Check. Milk in second? Check, check, check. The finger sandwiches come with traditional fillings – smoked salmon, egg salad, chicken salad, prawns and, of course,

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cucumber. The savouries are many and varied. The scones are made from a recipe unchanged for more than 50 years and come with glistening strawberry jam and satiny Devonshire clotted cream. The cakes and pastries are delicate and jewel-like. Seriously, what’s not to love? Tea: $328 for one or $578 for two. 2pm-6pm, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6693 Lounge & Bar, Ritz-Carlton Tea doesn’t get much higher than at The Lounge & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, way up on the 102nd floor of the ICC. Any meal would have to work hard to compete for your attention against a location – and view – like that. And yet, once the afternoon tea arrives, you will have eyes for little else (at least for a while). The Ritz-Carlton has teamed up with Italian jeweller Damiani to create a three-tier tea set based on the brand’s Belle Epoque range. The result is a visual feast that includes edible

chocolate pendants, five-textured limoni tea cake, golden Sicilian pistachio and raspberry croissant, and tomato jelly martini. Our favourite is the “illy” tarte, a sinuous wave of chocolate cream based on an interlocking ring design. Tea: $388 for one or $618 for two. 3pm6pm, September 1-30. 102/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 2263 2270. Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Much as we love afternoon tea, sometimes an occasion or location calls for something celebratory. When the mood grabs you, drop by the InterContinental Hong Kong’s Lobby Lounge, which offers a champagne tea for two. It comes with all the elegant, delicate trappings of its traditional set – sandwiches, Parisian pastries, warm scones with clotted cream and Earl Grey jellies beautifully presented on an art deco stand – plus a glass of pale and perfect

good afternoons Perrier Jouet Grand Brut. And if that doesn’t pop your cork, try the Red Box tea for two, with three layers of Chinese-style pastries, savouries and sweets and fine Chinese tea. Tea and Red Box for two: $548 weekdays ($568 weekends); champagne tea for two, $888 weekdays ($908 weekends). 2.30pm-6pm

Tea at the Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin.

weekdays, 2pm-6pm weekends. 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 1211. Cafe, Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin The good weather is on its way. Celebrate Hong Kong’s blue-sky autumn days with an alfresco afternoon tea on the terrace of the Cafe of our closest luxury hotel. Slip on your shades and prepare for the sun glinting off the silverware and glistening on the glaze of the pastries and savouries of this three-tier set. Feast on finger sandwiches and sweet little cakes, but save space for the star attraction: the hotel’s famous Sha Tin apple pie made with natural honey from local bees. It’s the buzz. Tea: $148 for one or $268 for two, 2.30pm5pm, Mon-Fri except public holidays. 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 1234. Olde Hong Kong Tea Cafe This new spot in the heart of Sai Kung is all about the tea. It comes in wonderful and spectacular variety, listed on an impressively long tea menu. (Make ours a green tea lemon grass with apple flower.) It’s only appropriate that these fine Chinese teas come with equally authentic Chinese-style snacks. Presented on

a carved wooden stand, the delicacies include sugar cane pudding, coconut yellow split pea pudding, traditional candy and coconut wrap, deep-fried banana and shrimp toast. Tea: $168, noon-11pm Tue-Sun. G/F, 51 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 3890, www.oldehongkong.com.

Olde Hong Kong Tea Cafe’s Chinese-style set.

education Making the grade Get a jump on university applications with tuition and advice from education services. The Edge The Edge has a simple philosophy: to reduce stress for school students by providing expert help in everything from university applications to subject tuition. Perhaps best known for its SAT preparatory courses, the six-yearold centre also offers group and individual tutoring in a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP). The company also offers longterm admission consultancy packages to help students plan a path through higher education. It has centres in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, and also runs SAT preparation courses at ESF secondary schools. For details, visit www.theedge.com.hk. International Tuition Services ITS offers educational support for children of all ages. The company places importance on finding the right fit and continuity of service

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testing times to boost grades. Other services include tuition in AP, IB and A-Level courses, college and career mentoring and admissions consulting. One course is specifically designed to help students manage the often daunting number of admissions essays and personal narratives expected by universities. Services of a more limited scope include essay-only reviews and hourly consultations. Its students have won places at most major US and British universities including Harvard, Princeton, Oxford and Cambridge. For details, call 2893 6060 or visit www.capstoneprep.com.

Cana Elite Education Centre Cana Elite Education Centre was founded by passionate teachers with experience in Britain, the US and Canada. It offers small group and one-to-one lessons in numerous GCSE, A-Levels and IB subjects as well as prep for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, SSAT, ACT, AP and pre-GCSE, and is the official SAT programme provider for ESF. It also provides university application consultations and assistance. About 40 per cent of Canaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IB diploma students achieved grades of 40-45 and more than 90 per cent of its A-Level economics students achieved grades of A-A*, with students admitted to top universities including Cambridge, Oxford and the University of Hong Kong. For details, call 2383 2160 or visit www.canaelite.com.

Picture : Angie Tam

from admissions to IB tutorial support to university entrance help. It offers tuition in a wide range of languages (including Mandarin, Cantonese, English, French, Latin, Spanish and German) as well as tailor-made private tuition programmes and exam preparation services for SAT, A-Levels, ACT, SSAT and more. It has centres in Central and Mong Kok. For details, visit www.tuition.com.hk.

Capstone For those looking for help with university entry, Capstone offers various courses and sessions including test strategies and time management

Sai Kung Tutors Sai Kung Tutors offers tuition services for all ages, including exam preparation for IB, A-levels, HSC, SAT and IELTS, and university preparation for the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Tutors focus on organisational and time-management skills to help students cope with their workload and develop a strong work ethic. All tutors were education and qualified overseas giving them a thorough understanding of international higher education. For details, call Tammy on 5321 4400 or visit www.saikungtutors.com.

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www.esf.org.hk sports@esf.org.hk tel 2711 1280 1/2 Page Sai Kung Magazine.indd 1

Play Football

with the ESF Lions | 29 19/08/2013 11:14 WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

sponsored column

Introducing Coach Fergus Meet Sai Kung Stingrays’ new head coach, Fergus Oliver. I am from a small town close to Newcastle upon Tyne, England. I came to Hong Kong to play for Kowloon RFC.

I have lots of ideas. I really would like to promote the need for a more dynamic approach to the warm up for all age groups. It’s great for team bonding, it’s fun, it gets everyone involved and, more importantly, decreases the chances of injury.

I got into rugby at age eight after being banned from playing football and tennis at school (the teacher didn’t like me much). After university I became head coach of the Tynedale RFC girls’ section. My first session was a disaster: two girls turned up!

I will provide qualified coaching sessions using my teammates who are all currently playing toplevel rugby here in Hong Kong. Some have played for top teams in Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Argentina. I will also be running clinics for Stingrays’ coaches that will be posted online to create a library of ideas, exercises, skills and drills.

One girl I coached now represents England in her age group. Since coming to Hong Kong I have coached rugby, tennis, football and even hip-hop dancing (don’t ask). I am now honoured and excited about becoming the new head coach of the Sai Kung Stingrays.

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I like to get the kids to understand what is going on. I ask them to tell me some good points and some bad points about what they have just done. Asking if they understand is not effective. Most kids will say yes even though they have no idea. For younger athletes, I make sure the lessons are fun. I weave the serious parts of the session into fun, silly games. If I find sessions boring then the kids will definitely find them boring. It’s not bad to make a mistake or lose and I emphasise that children mustn’t get upset, angry or frustrated. They need to figure out what to do next time to improve and make it work. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s how you learn from your mistake that defines you as a sportsman. I love to hear kids who have never played a particular sport before wanting to continue because they have had so much fun. It’s great to watch children coming out of their shells; they start off shy and after a few minutes they join in and really enjoy themselves. For more details about Sai Kung Stingrays, please visit www.saikungstingrays.org.

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Little leagues Coach Will Murray talks tactics on getting kids into sports. Earlier is better for your child to take up sport. Once children are able to run, they are able to kick and throw and learn the fundamentals of sports. Children learn new skills a lot faster than adults and developing a skill is all about repetition, teaching the body the correct movement and fine-tuning that skill.

A major benefit of sport at any age is the social aspect. Once your child starts a class they will make friends and build strong relationships with their coaches.

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Limit time watching TV or playing computer games, and make activity and healthy-eating fun by playing at the park or beach, or baking healthy treats.

Try a few different classes to see which your children show interest in. It may be fun to do this with friends. I don’t believe parents should have to commit to a sports programme for a whole season

36 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

until their child has tried it, and enjoys it, which is why we offer free trial classes at Sport4Kids. A mini-sports class where children have the opportunity to develop a wide variety of sports skills is a great first sports programme. Focusing solely on one sport – for example, mini-soccer – can limit hand-eye coordination and focus on specific skills, such as kicking. I would recommend a mini-sport class from a young age and then letting your child decide which sport they prefer when they get older. Learning to swim is essential for all children. At three years old even rugby and soccer classes should be all about basic skill development – balance and coordination, learning to interact, share and take turns – and having fun. There should not be any real contact in classes at this age.

health & beauty

Safety is a big concern when your child is playing sports. Choose a company that only hires qualified, experienced coaches who are all certified in first aid. It is also important to ensure your child has the correct sports equipment and shoes – Crocs are a big no-no! As they get older, check if any special equipment is needed such as mouth guards or shin guards. Take plenty of water along.

A major benefit of sport at any age is the social aspect

Basic sports skills development is vital for young children.

Competitiveness is healthy when it is controlled, however, controlling this can be hard. We encourage children to be the best they can be but teach them that respect for opponents and teammates is important. It is also important to recognize efforts other than winning, such as “best team effort”, “most improved”. It is important children have exposure to competition at an early age while also learning how to manage it.

In hot weather, it is important that your child is well hydrated. Water with a pinch of salt and honey/ lemon is the best. A lot of sports drinks are full of sugar. Take a healthy snack – fruit or nuts and raisins – for the halftime break. Teaching children the fundamentals of sports from a young age is vital in skill development. A child’s first sporting experience must be positive to encourage participation into adulthood. Will Murray has been coaching children for more than 10 years. He is the co-founder of Sport4kids, www.sport4kids.hk.

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Will Murray (right) and the Sport4kids team.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 37

pets To survive in this job you have to be dedicated, driven and determined, singleminded and absolutely committed to the cause. The work is physically tough, but it’s even more demanding emotionally, and it leaves no room in your life for anything else.

Picture: Kathleen Kuok

The work is physically tough, but it’s even more demanding emotionally

Ways and means Sally Andersen explains why there will never be just one animal-rescue organisation. There’s one question I hear time and again – the same one I also asked before I got involved in the dog-rescue world – and that is: why don’t all the competing small animal-rescue

38 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

organisations join forces to create one large organisation? It’s a good question and one I’m now able to answer, even though it might not seem to make sense on paper.

To be focused not just on rescuing and rehoming, but also on fundraising and administration – and all the foot-slogging, begging and rejections that come with it – you have to believe in what you are doing. If you waiver for even one minute, you will lose your will and your way. When you’re dealing with life and death on a daily basis you have to find a balance between staying objective and not losing sight of the fact that these animals all have the right to live, that they all deserve to be treated with

top dog kindness and respect. You have to accept you can’t save every dog and puppy that needs rescuing, but you can try your hardest to help as many as you possibly can. Under this constant pressure to do more, relationships can become strained and partnerships falter. Everyone has their own vision and ideas of how to reach it, and it’s pretty much guaranteed that a group’s cofounders will disagree on what is the best way forward, or how something should be done. Organisations differ in their adoption requirements and how things should be run. There are disagreements about how many dogs is too many and how much the adoption charges should be, whether home visits are necessary, when and if a dog should be euthanised, and so on. In the end, there is no right or wrong answer just differing opinions, and that’s why it doesn’t work to try to merge everyone together. Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

creature feature The barking deer aka Muntiacus muntjac The barking deer, also known as the red or Indian muntjac, is the world’s most common muntjac species. These small deer can be found in wooded areas in South and Southeast Asia. In Hong Kong, it is common in country parks throughout the territory. The barking deer has a short, reddishbrown coat with cream underparts, relatively long slender legs and a long face. Its body is typically 90cm-110cm long, slightly larger than the Chinese muntjac, and it has a distinctive dog-like barking alarm call. Males have rough antlers while females have tufts of bristly hair and small bony knobs instead of horns. Both females and males have long canine teeth protruding from the upper jaws. The barking deer feeds on leaves, twigs and small animals. It prefers dense tree cover to avoid predators such as Burmese pythons. There have been incidents of barking deer being attacked, sometimes fatally, by domestic or stray dogs in Hong Kong.

Except during the breeding season, muntjacs are solitary and territorial. Adult males mark their territory with secretions from a gland beneath their eyes, which they rub along the ground and on trees. They also scrape the ground with their hooves and score the bark of trees with their lower incisors. Males fight fiercely to protect their territories. Steffi Yuen

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 39

hikes

take to the hills

Away with the fairies Spend the morning with the Eight Immortals in Pat Sin Leng Country Park, suggests Jackie Peers.

Right on our back doorstep, this walk is a must-do for all fit nature lovers. It’s a stroll along the fabulous Pat Sin Leng range, named for the Eight Fairies or Immortals of Chinese mythology, which we have cunningly turned into a round circuit that let’s you see the very best the Pat Sin Leng Country Park has to offer and still get back for lunch. The “fairies” are outcrops of hard volcanic rock that have formed a bumpy and spectacular ridge, so there’s a bit of up and down involved. But on a clear day you’ll be rewarded by wonderful views across Plover Cove Reservoir and Tolo Channel towards Ma On Shan. If you’re driving, head east along Ting Kok Road, which skims the Tai Po Industrial Estate, getting prettier and more remote with every kilometre. Pass the weekend cycling and dining resort of Tai Mei Tuk and park at the Plover Cove Country Park Visitors’ Centre.

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Climb up from the car park past the Spring Breeze Pavilion, a poignant memorial to a school party caught in a bush fire here in 1996, until you meet the Wilson Trail by the PCCW emergency telephone. Turn left at the Pat Sin Leng signpost onto part of stage 10 of the Wilson Trail (in reverse direction). When I say left, I really mean up. From this point, it is an unforgiving climb to the first of the Fairies, Hsien Ku Fung (511m). From the summit head west along the Pat Sin Leng range, stage 9 of the Wilson Trail. It’s a wonderland of volcanic geology with (hopefully) a blue sky above you and a patchwork of green and blue below. How appropriate that this privileged spot between earth and sky is named for the gods. By the time you get to the last of the Immortals, Shun Yeung Fung (596m), you will have earned your muffin. From there it’s a gentle descent west to the next peak, Lai Pek Shan. Beyond the summit, keep an eye out for Wilson

Trail marker 121; this is your crucial turning point for the round trip. Head down on the obvious trail at this point and keep going in a vaguely northeast direction until once again you hit stage 10 of the Wilson Trail at a point further north than you were before. There is a trail marker offering reassurance that you’re on the right track. From there, turn right following the contours of the hill, slowly descending until you reach the emergency telephone again, then retrace your steps past the Spring Breeze Pavilion to your starting point. A fit, fast walker could do the round trip in four hours, but why rush? Take your buddies, dogs, Mavis from the office and make a fiveor six-hour morning of it. And then your only dilemma will be where to go for lunch – one of the Thai eateries at Tai Mei Tuk, or the deservedly renowned salted chicken further north at Luk Keng? Did I mention the turtles, the barking deer, the old abandoned villages? Perhaps I didn’t. The magic of the Pat Sin Leng range is more than myth. How to get there From Tai Po Market, take the 75K bus or the 20C green mini bus to Tai Mei Tuk.

good heavens

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distribution

where to find us

Sai Kung Magazine continues to extend its reach in the community, here is the latest in distribution news.

SAI KUNG PENINSULA

Shatin

Sai Kung Town Hebe Haven Marina Cove KOWLOON Silverstrand Tseung Kwan O Clearwater Bay

HONG KONG ISLAND

Restaurants, Bars and Cafes - Agua Plus - AJ’s Sri Lankan Restaurant - Ali Oli Bakery - Bacco - Butcher King - CC Café - Chez Uno - Classified - Colour Brown - Fiesta Fiesta - Olde Hong Kong Tea Cafe - Firenze - Hebe One O One - Italiano’s - Jaspas - May’s Sawadee - Occos - Paisano’s - Pepperonis - Pizzeria La Gondola - Revolution Gallery Cafe - Sai Square - Sauce - Sawadee Thai

42 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

- Starbucks - Steamers - Sushi Tenku - Takka Fusion - T.C. Deli - Tree Cafe (Horizon Plaza) - The Duke of York Pub - The Sandwich Club, HKUST - Village the Restaurant

Shops - East Point City Shopping Mall - Final Fragment - Ka Ying Curtain Craft - Leisure Book Shop - Park N Shop (Fusion, Clearwater Bay) - Patsy House - Taste (East Point City) - Tree - Today Speed Photo Finishing - Watsons Wine Cellar - Everything Under The Sun (Horizon Plaza) - Life’s a Breeze (Horizon Plaza) - The Bottleshop

Private Clubs and Hotel - Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club - Equestrian Centre - Hebe Haven Yacht Club - Hillview Court - Hyatt Regency Hong Kong (Shatin) - Marina Cove - The Giverny - The Portofino

Health and Fitness - Allure - Tala’s Hair and Beauty - Sai Kung Healthcare Centre - OT&P (Razor Hill) - Zone @ Sai Kung Reflexology Centre

- Music Horizon - Sunshine House - Sai Kung English - Woodland Pre-School

Property Agents - Homelife Property (Silverstrand Mart) - Pacific Property Agency Ltd

Pets and Vets - Pet Central - Sai Kung Animal Hospital

To VIEW OUR magazine ONLINE

Schools and Kindergartens - Anastassia’s Art House - Clearwater Bay School - Garden House - Hong Kong Academy - Hong Kong Adventist College

Visit www.saikung.com

Search: Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine

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classifieds Overseas Property

TUITION Mandarin / Cantonese speaking nanny -- can play with your kids, read them stories and guide them to discover the daily life. Mandarin tutors -- for kindergarten, primary and secondary students, (teach them pinyin, vocab, oral, writing skills....) also experience in helping students to prepare IGCSE, IB, AL... Please visit www.call-a-tutor.com or call 2572 8989.

SOUTH OF FRANCE, NIMES Charming family home, with swimming pool, in the South of France FOR SALE. In perfect condition, the house is walking distance from the lovely town to go to the market or go to the bakery to get your fresh bread. Priced at HKD 4.2 Mio, it is a steal and the ideal investment!! The offer will be dealt with on a first come, first serve basis. Please email: (Aubord2013@gmail.com). Galle, Sri Lanka Superb 4b/r Villas, Rent and Sale Close to beach & Galle Fort Private Pool, Fully Staffed www.watura.com Owner: Sue 9754 5967.

LOCAL PROPERTY

Super Convenient Location $ 68K Ref ~SK411 Small Development Close to Shops, Restaurants and Transport. 3 Double Beds & Study. Terrace and Conservatory. Attractive Environment. Large Shared Pool. Good Management. Covered Parking. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C027656 HOLIDAY LET Can’t accommodate your relative or friend? Fully furnished two bedroom apt available near Sai Kung Town. Rental from $650 per night. Minimum one week stay. Email to: wingctse@yahoo.co.uk

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Silverstrand Villa $78K Ref CWB499 Conveniently Located, 3 Bedrooms, Landing/ Study Area. High Ceilings, Spacious Living/Dining Room, Large Terrace, Helpers Q, Garage, Sea Views. Popular Location. Stroll to the Beach www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

Learn Business Mandarin Call Tel: 6013 7827 ˇ Nín hao! One on one Or Group mdrin1998@yahoo.com Learn Spanish now! One to one. Specialized in Legal and Business Spanish. Native Spanish Lawyer. Contact legalspanish@hotmail.com. 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 MUSiC WONDERLAND PRiVATE PiANO LESSONS @ YOUR HOME www.mymusicwonderland.com Experienced tutor offers an inspired & creative lesson for kids, especially aged 2+. STUDENT ANNUAL RECITAL/ EXAMINATION Trial Lesson, Tel:6014 - 9389 / mschanpiano@yahoo.com. Jesse Taekwondo & Hapkido Korea Kukkiwon Black-belt 5th Dan International Instructor. Provide One-on-One personal training, Group training & Family classes. www.supra.com.hk/jessetkd Master Chow 9467-7787.

Richiewise Sophia Learning SAT/ AP/ GCSE/ IGCSE/ DSE/GED/ IB/ GRE/ Gifted Education/ Olympiad/ University Level/ Mathematics/ Finance/ Science/TOEFL/ IELTS etc Please call Auntie Lilian for details: 6437 4148 (Sai Kung)

Classified classifieds@saikung.com

2776 2772

random but interesting SERVICE NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886, info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk. Western Cooking & Kitchen Management Course for domestic helpers, available in Sai Kung. Contact Caroline 2335 9774 or email cchouse13@gmail.com for more details. LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT (BILINGUAL 英語／廣東話) FREE QUOTATIONS ON: HOME (PET) / MAID / MEDICAL/ TRAVEL / MOTOR / CONTRACTOR ALL RISK / LIFE / INVESTMENT CALL ELLIOT: 9545 0283 EMAIL: elliotinsuranceagent@gmail.com 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 : 2397 6418. Kids’ birthday party Capture your kid’s fun-filled faces with a face painting party. Photography and video services provide. makeupmagician.com 5500 1621. Australian Tax Returns, Tax planning for expatriates in HK. Australian Chartered Accountants based in Central. Holistic Business Consulting, Tommy Ip, Registered Tax agent 6901-8136 email: info@myoztax.com, website: www.myoztax.com. COMPUTER SERVICES HK – Onsite troubleshoot & setup, windows & apple devices, ipad. Iphone, apple tv, data recovery, data transfer, installation of network, wireless, wifi extenders. Internet, email, hardware, software problems. Email chrisk@netvigator.com or call christopher krishnan 9147 0230. WELCOME AND LOVE AND SHARING PET(S) GROOMING AND TAKING CARE SERVICES

MOBILE: 6908 4939 EMAIL: ritang923@yahoo.com.hk

BOATING Jeanneau Selection 37 (11.3 meters) Fast and fun to sail - Handles like a big dinghy. Built 1989 Successful Club Racer Fractional Rigged. Racer/Cruiser New mast, rigging and instruments in January 2010 Hardly Used UK Tape Drive Main and 150% Genoa. Low hours engine. Anti-fouled May 2013. Swinging Mooring in Shelter Cove (RHKYC) HK$330,000 ONO Please call 9034 6997

Employment / Recruitment RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN SUPPORT (BASED IN SAI KUNG) Brookes Bell is an international independent marine consultancy (ISO 9001) with offices in the United Kingdom, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Job Description: • Perform reception duties including handling phone calls, greeting and serving clients. • Provide general clerical and administrative support. • Travel arrangements and calendar management. Requirements: • Form 7 graduate with minimum 1 year’s receptionist / administration experience. Recent degree graduate will be considered. • Excellent command of spoken / written English. Cantonese, Mandarin preferred. • Proficient in MSOffice Suite, Adobe Acrobat. • Excellent telephone manner. This position is ideally suited to the right candidate who wishes to gain experience in working for a large international company. To apply, please submit a cover letter and your CV to hongkong@ brookesbell.com with details of your expected salary and availability.

Health and Wellbeing CAMBRIDGE WEIGHT PLAN is in Sai Kung & CWB area. An easy-to-manage weight loss plan with long term changes, motivation and support to help you. Call our friendly local consultants Jean 9045 5942 (jean@cambridgeweightplan.hk) or Alison 9618 1777 (alison@cambridgeweightplan.hk)

Yoga with Yoyo Build up a Yogic Body with a Vedic Mind Peaceful environment with High Energy vibrant in Sai Kung Town Email: info@yoyoyoga.net Tel: 9302 3931 Website: www.yoyoyoga.net.

Massage @ Home, Hotel Body massage. Our therapists offer mobile outcall service after 7:00pm $700/2hrs & Lai Hing Lok Body Massage Centre. Address: G/F No.24, Main Street, Sai Kung. By Appointment Tel. 6690 3658.

Outcall Massage ITEC qualified Holistic Masssge Therapist offering customized treatments in the comfort of your home. $600/2hrs. Pls call or whatsapp 6695 3518 contact Pamela.

Charity Free Basic First Aid Courses We offer 4 free places on basic first aid courses to registered charities and youth organizations in Hong Kong. For further details, please contact info@bestfirstaidhk.com.

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the ultimate guide to sai kung Social, Sports & Equipment

Community & Health

LEE PARKER Golf Coaching

Online Stress Relief

9126 1413 | lee@theoldgolfpro.com Blue Sky Sports Club 2791 0806 | info@bluesky-sc.com www.bluesky-sc.com Cambridge Weight Plan Hong Kong 9618 1777 / 9045 5942 www.cambridgeweightplan.hk Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Impact Fitness 6385 0304 | www.impactfitness.com.hk Nonie Studio 2333 2027 | info@noniestudio.com www.noniestudio.com The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen 2657 8899 | enquiries@cchly.com www.cchly.com

Annerley — Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals www.annerley.com.hk Resurrection Church 2358 3232 | admin@resurrection.org.hk www.resurrection.org.hk

Real-Estate & Hotels

OKAY.com

2102 0888 | support@okay.com www.okay.com

Weight Watchers 2813 0814 | kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East 800 968 688 | info@cptko.com

Financial Services

2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Babies R US 2287 1788 | hk.babiesrus@toyrus.com www.babiesrus.com.hk Hazel Ltd 53161456 | saleshazel@biznetvigator.com www.mcl-sources.com Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Events Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair | Sept 4 - 8 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 1830 668 | www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwatchfair-en/ One Man Lord Of The Rings | Oct 1 - 6 Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts 31 288 288 | www.hkticketing.com Starlight Express | Oct 4 Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts 31 288 288 | www.hkticketing.com Kidsfest Hong Kong 2014 | From Jan 15, 2014 Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts 31 288 288 | www.hkticketing.com

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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

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Shatin www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

Bumps to Babes

Box Design

9127 4340 / coach@coachmonika.com www.coachmonika.com / L.R.P.LTD

Sai Kung Stingrays www.saikungstingrays.org

Toys, Accessories & Kids’ Parties

Home

Financial Planning Excellence info@fpehk.com | www.fpehk.com HFS Asset Management Limited 2511 8337 | drb@hfs.com.hk | www.hfs.com.hk Kwiksure 3113 2112 | christian@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com

Transport & Travel Services Crown Relocations 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong

Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Look Upstairs 2791 0606 Marco Electrician, Plumber, House painting, Air Conditioning 6190 8051 | marco_yeung000@hotmail.com National Harbour Renovations 90851886 | charles@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk Natural Balance United Inc. info@nbucoufal.com.hk www.nbucoufal.com.hk Patio Mart 2555 8988 | patio@kh-group.com www.patiomart.com.hk Perry Contracting HK Ltd 9225 6565 | perrycontracting@outlook.com Wicka Designs Limited 2422 0885 | enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com Wofu Deco 2768 8428 | info@wofudeco.com.hk www.wofudeco.com.hk

Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk Hebe Haven Yacht Club 2719 0926 | sailadmin@hhyc.org.hk www.hhyc.org.hk Philippine Department of Tourism 2806 3261 | 2911 0119

Multimedia

The Reading Room (Sai Kung)

5 Tai Po Tsai, Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories | 9199 5900 seasidereadingroom@gmail.com ABA Productions 2547 7150 | www.aba-productions.com

Pets & Vets Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 www.animalemergency.com.hk Best Friends Veterinary Hospital 2792 8555 Homevet 9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk Ferndale Kennel 2792 4642 | boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com Mega Pet 2626 0818 | www.megapet.com.hk

directory Education Tutti Music

2176 4028 tuttimusic.tko@gmail.com www.tmusic.com.hk

ITS

3188 3940 es@tuition.com.hk www.tuition.com.hk Antsmart Learning Centre / Playgroup, Math 2335 1261 | tangfrancis@hotmail.com www.playgroup.com.hk Busy Bees Kindergarten busybees@ust.hk http://ihome.ust.hk/~busybees Bricks 4 Kidz 2791 0007 | saikung@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk Concordia International School 2789 9890 | office@cihs.edu.hk www.cihs.edu.hk Craft Hour 6757 2564 | crafthourasia@gmail.com www.crafthourasia.com Easy English for Kids Limited 3487 3053 | www.eek.com.hk ESF International Kindergartens www.esfkindergartens.org.hk ESF Sports Programme 2711 1280 | www.esf.org.hk Focus on Film 3975 1020 | www.focusonfilmhk.com German Swiss International School 2961 4008 | www.gsis.edu.hk Hong Kong Academy 2655 1111 | www.hkacademy.edu.hk Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048 2810 | lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen 2658 6935 | info@hlyis.edu.hk www.hlyis.edu.hk The Island Glee Club info@theislandgleeclub.com www.theislandgleeclub.com Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre 2791 4838 jumpstart@netvigator.com www.jumpstartmlc.com Kellet School admissions@kellettschool.com www.kelletschool.com Leapfrog Kindergarten 2791 1540 / 6413 8247 admin@leapfrogkindergarten.org www.leapfrogkindergarten.org Les Petits Lascars 2526 8892 / 2526 8666 www.lespetitslascars.com

Education

Other Services

Lighthouse Playroom 2791 2918 info@lighthouseplayroom.com www.lighthouseplayroom.com

Biocycle 3575 2575 | info@biocycle.hk www.biocycle.com.hk

Mills International Preschool 2717 6336 | www.millsinternational.com.hk

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

My Music Wonderland 6014 9389 mschanpiano@yahoo.com www.mymusicwonderland.com

Dave’s Wholesale Cars 9889 6409 | 9272 9166 | www.dwc.hk

Playball Hong Kong info@playballhk.com | www.playballhk.com

Island Property Consultancy Ltd 6256 4353

Quest Study Skills 2690 9117 | www.queststudyskills.com Sai Kung Tutors 5321 4400 | info@saikungtutors.com www.saikungtutors.com Savannah College of Art and Design 2253 8044 | www.scad.edu/hongkongsummer SKIP 2791 7354 | www.skip.edu.hk Sunshine House International Pre school 2358 3803 | www.sunshinehouse.com.hk The Edge Learning Center 2783 7100 / 2972 2555 info@theedge.com.hk www.theedge.com.hk

Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods

Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong | 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com

Federal Elite Consultants Ltd. 3568 4691 | info@federalelite.com

King Kong Ping Pong info@kingkong-pingpong.com www.kingkong-pingpong.com Microtech 2397 6418 | www.microtechhk.com Nature’s Harvest 2723 3126 | www.naturesharvest.com.hk Perfect Party Hong Kong 6770 5591 | laura@perfectpartyhk.com Pete Kelly - Musician 9477 0669 | www.petekelly.com.au Professional Wills Limited 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com Relosmart 2561 3030 | enquiry@relosmart.asia www.relosmart.asia Roomplus 2331 7331 / 2331 7333 | www.roomplus.com.hk SameButDifferent Silver 6626 5424 | samebutdifferent.silver@gmail.com www.samebutdifferent.co Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk

Casa - Modern Tapas 5594 0007 | info@casagroup.co Colour Brown Coffee 2791 7128 | shop.colourbrown.com.hk Hebe One O One 2335 5515 | info@101.com.hk www.hebe101.com Winerack 2433 9929 | www.winerack.com.hk

Fashion & Beauty A-nails 2792 1099 | www.a-nails.com.hk Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com Sense of Touch 2791 2278 | ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk Tala’s Hair & Beauty Centre 2335 1694 | talashair@biznetvigator.com www.talashairandbeautycentre.com

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@saikung.com WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 53

on patrol

onwards and upwards

Last post Tim Sharpe bids Sai Kung a fond farewell. You may have heard I have been promoted to Chief Inspector. “Richly deserved,” I hear you say – although for the wife it was, “About bloody time. Now, how about more money for the housekeeping?” (I kid you not.) It took a fair time in coming after more than 19 years in the force, but very welcome nonetheless. However, the downside is that I have had to depart from Sai Kung. Force policy dictates that promoted officers must move to a new posting to gain experience and a new skill set. It is with great regret that I say this is my last column. I was given just a week’s notice before moving to my new posting in Kwai Chung – yes, I also had to look on a map to see exactly where it was. In nearly two decades in Hong Kong, I had never experienced the slightest inclination to go there, but I had driven past it on the way to the airport muttering, “There but for the grace of God...” Heavily industrialised, with a massive container port, vast ageing public-housing estates and eye-popping air pollution, it took two weeks just to get my head around the spaghetti-like road system. It’s certainly very different from Sai Kung. My new view is of a concrete flyover and a 25-storey godown. From my Sai Kung office, I used to look out at a verdant sea of virgin greenery. I am exaggerating, my window actually overlooked the station’s car park, but you get my drift.

My occasional bare-chested lunchtime run along the Sai Kung waterfront, where I delighted ladies with my ripped torso, is a distant memory. Apparently there is a park around here somewhere with real trees but I have yet to find it.

Everybody seemingly knows everybody else... and residents look out for one another Policing in Kwai Chung is challenging, which is the most politically correct word I can find, with myriad issues to resolve. White faces are a rarity, with many locals doing a double take “Wahhh!” on seeing me in uniform and giggling schoolgirls wanting to have their photos taken with me. My posting is head of administration, it’s not particularly sexy or glamorous but it is a solid start to my new rank. I greatly miss Sai Kung, brief though my time there was. It was my first posting where I experienced a real community feel: everybody seemingly knows everybody else in the town square and village residents look out for one another. It was certainly vastly different from my time elsewhere in the New Territories, where it was a mostly “get off my land” mentality. I maintain Sai Kung residents are the friendliest bunch anywhere, with complete

photo competiton Submit your shot 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@fastmedia.com.hk. This month’s winner: Julia Denvir. “Our Sai Kung kids take in the fabulous view across Kowloon to Central from the top of Fei Ngo Shan, off Clear Water Bay Road. The kids have named this picnic spot ‘top of the world’.”

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strangers unhesitatingly striking up conversations in the street. It is also one of the few places in Hong Kong where locals and expats live cheek by jowl and mix well together. May it long continue and prosper. On a more serious note, this column is one of our most effective links with the community and we are keen for it to continue under my successor, Joe Au Yeung Tak. I like to think my columns have provided some understanding as to what it’s like to be in the force. It has its highs and lows but it’s never boring. And I very much hope I have been able to make some difference, however slight, to the community. If we have met in a professional capacity, I trust I was able to assist you satisfactorily and leave you with a favourable impression of the police force. It is invariably stressful when you need our services and I hope I was able to provide some reassurance and comfort during those difficult times. Don’t think I have left Sai Kung for good – I certainly plan to come back off-duty, in civvies, with the family. So if you see me kicking back with a beer in Jaspas on a lazy Sunday afternoon, please come over and say hello.

Tim Sharpe was the Police DVC for Sai Kung until his recent promotion to become the head of administration at Kwai Chung Police Station.

shoot for it