FAMILY | FOOD | FINLAND | FLOATING AWAY
September 2018
Reach for the stars Stargazing in Sai Kung
Glow up Your guide to the Mid-Autumn Festival
Exploring Finland THE LAND OF 3 MILLION SAUNAS
MODER MOON N CAK GUIDE E
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The really useful magazine September 2018
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26 24 PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life THE PLANNER 6 Happening in August What’s on this month NEWS 10 What’s going on? In your backyard CRIME 12 Police blotter What have the Sai Kung police been up to? GIVEAWAYS 13 Free stuff Fab things to win!
42 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH 14 Dinner parties Keeping guests entertained FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Gustav Szabo Graffiti artist and Clearwater Bay resident LOCAL 18 Burglaries on the rise Are new developments to blame? COVER STORY 20 Mid-Autumn Festival guide Plus modern mooncakes EDUCATION 26 Mills International A creative option for preschoolers
DINING 32 A night at The Conservatory A closer look at Sai Kung’s best restaurant. Plus Nibbles. OUTDOORS 36 Stargazing Where to admire the sky this autumn season TRAVEL 42 A trip to Finland Jane Steer explores the happiest place on earth ZIM CITY 48 Paul Zimmerman explains… Land reclamation
VILLAGE FOCUS 50 Hang Hau Wing Lung Road A village with so much more PETS 52 Lonely dogs Sally Andersen explains dogs’ routines. Plus Walkies. GARDENING 55 In the garden What to plant in September VINES IN SAI KUNG 56 Village elections Steven Vines reports on villages being disenfranchised
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“HOW PEOPLE TREAT YOU IS THEIR KARMA; HOW YOU REACT IS YOURS.” – WAYNE DYER
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editor’s letter
I
t’s always a sigh of relief once September rolls around – you can finally see the end to the hot summers and a slight breeze takes you by surprise. The cooler nights make heading out in the evenings much more enjoyable. Sai Kung is one of the few places left in Hong Kong where light pollution is limited, making it a great location to celebrate the moon festival. Find out everything you need to know and some tasty treats to try on page 20. While you’re celebrating the moon you mustn’t forget about the stars, so check out our stargazing guide on page 36. Mid-autumn is all about spending time with family and friends, and dinner parties are a great way to gather everyone together. Whether you’re inside or outside, we’ve got you covered with the perfect dining accessories for your table on page 14. If dining out is more your style, we paid a visit to Sai Kung’s best restaurant, The Conservatory, this month and caught up with Rob and Kim. Find out all about it on page 32. I wish you all a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival, and hope to see your lanterns up and ready to glow.
Editorial
Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Acting editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Sub-editor Kay Ross, kay@hongkongliving.com Media trainee Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com
Design
Graphic designer Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
Sales director Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Sales & Marketing executive Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Corrie Tang, corrie@hongkongliving.com Johnny Wong, johnny@hongkongliving.com
Accounting
Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com
Publisher
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to Pearl Law Christina Matula Ellie Alexander
contributors
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong saikung.com
talk@hongkongliving.com
… currently studies in Scotla nd, where she a nalyses films for her degree a nd makes the m in her spare time. She spends her su mmers back in Hong Kong stuffing her face with local food a nd finding new places to explore with her friends.
Aviva Duncan
Jeramy Lee … was born a nd raised in Hong Kong with a touch of Japa nese influence. She writes a nd designs, finding inspiration in stra nger horizons. Recently she pu blished her own magazine a nd is working to pu blish a nother one. She’s quite cool.
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HONG KONG
Cover by: Sonia Khatwani
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Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd.This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com SAIKUNG.COM | 3
people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese Bamboo Aerial Yoga
Sai Kung Recycle Day
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planner
SEPT 29 - 30
Hebe Haven 24-Hour Charity Dinghy Race Calling all sailors and landlubbers alike! Hebe Haven is gearing up once again for its annual Charity Dinghy Race where participants test out their endurance on the waters of Pak Sha Wan for a continuous 24 hours, all for a good cause! The club will be buzzing with activity on the weekend of Sept 29-30 with a harbourfront carnival featuring live band performances, a plethora of food stalls, a flea market, face-painting stalls and much more. Free entry, $3,000 to compete. 10.5 miles Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
SEPT 1 - 2
SEPT 2
Nord Anglia International School is offering free play sessions at its campuses in Sai Kung and Tai Tam for children aged 2.5 to 3.5. Each session will be run by UK-qualified teaching staff. Every Tuesday and Thursday until Sept 20, 3-4pm. Email emma.coleman@nais.hk to reserve a place.
Catch the last few days of the summer edition of Restaurant Week, with great deals in restaurants around the city, including ALTO, Big Sur and Bread Street Kitchen & Bar. Various locations. restaurantweek.diningcity.hk
An introductory lecture about practising meditation to understand your mind, where you are now and where you want to be. Free (register at eventbrite.hk). 4-5pm, Hong Kong Meditation, Flat D, 6/F, 1 Glee Path, Mei Foo, Kowloon. Enquiries: meditationhongkong@gmail.com
Free Play Sessions at NAIS
Restaurant Week
GlamFest Kowloon Bazaar 2018 Shop ’til you drop at this lifestyle bazaar! Enjoy the lucky draw, freebies and wine tastings while you browse through high-quality stalls selling just about anything you can imagine. 11am-8pm. Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East. kowloonbazaar.com
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Finding How to Live Truly
SEPT 1
happening in Sept SEPT 3
SEPT 8
The soccer school is looking to start a girls’ football team in Sai Kung. All girls are welcome to attend the trails, regardless of their ability. 4.30-5.30pm girls aged 7-9, 5.30-7pm girls aged 10-14. Wai Man Road Playground Football Pitch, Sai Kung. apsoccer.hk
Don your best fancy pink outfit and sip on the best rosé wines from around the globe at this eighth annual event, hosted by The Flying Winemaker. Expect exclusive cocktails and fabulous raffle prizes! Standard tickets are $360. 3-7pm. Red Sugar, Kerry Hotel, Kowloon City. flyingwinemaker.com.hk
Asia Pacific Soccer School’s Free Trial Classes
Rosé Revolution
SEPT 4 - 9
SEPT 15 - 16
Ballet Classics for Children: Carnival of the Animals Woof, meow, roar! Whether your little one is an animal-lover or a ballet fan, they’ll enjoy this interactive and delightful show featuring favourite ballet animals such as Swan Lake’s Little Swans and The Sleeping Beauty’s Puss in Boots. Tickets start at $200. Sept 15, 5pm; Sept 16, 12noon and 2.30pm. Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, TST. urbitix.com
“Beyond the Barricade” Enjoy the best songs in concert from the biggest West End and Broadway musicals of all time. Tickets start at $395. Various times. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com
SEPT 5
The Blue Moment Join French photographer Romain JacquetLagrèze for an informal exchange as he shares his passion for capturing Hong Kong’s unique atmosphere at dusk, when the city is washed in deep shades of blue. Free. 7-8.30pm. AF library, 1/F, Alliance Française de Hong Kong, Jordan Centre. afhongkong.org
SEPT 8
“Centrestage” Fashion Expo Get your vogue on as the Trade Development Council hosts the third annual Centrestage fashion expo. Learn from a fashion editor about how to mix and match outfits and watch models parade down the halls. Free. 9.30am-5pm. Hall 3B-C & Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. centrestage.com.hk
SEPT 13 - 16
Hong Kong Cool Seven world premières by eight Hong Kongbased choreographers, each partnering with a local artist in creative media to create an exciting celebration of Hong Kong’s trend-setting and creative class. Tickets from $200. 8pm. Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, TST. urbtix.hk
SEPT 15 - 16
RAH & Asopie Gallery & Shop Launch Italian artist Roberta Boffo and Asopie Amazonian Natural Food founder, Wendell Paulus will be opening an art studio and food hub for all things Amazonian in the town. Join in the opening weekend on Saturday 6-7pm and Sunday 2-3pm. 1/F 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung.
SEPT 16
Momentai Pop-Up Market Get your baskets ready for another pop-up market filled with handmade and yummy goodies. Kiosk 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung.
SEPT 16
Step Out for Children The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children is hosting this educational charity fundraising event to establish a data registry for patients with rare diseases in Hong Kong. The event will include treasure-hunt games and booth games. $300. 10am-4pm. Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art, Central. srdc.org.hk
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planner SEPT 22
SEPT 26
World-famous singer-songwriter Jessie J is coming to Hong Kong to roll out her hotlyanticipated fourth album, R.O.S.E. Tickets start at $698. 8pm. Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo. asiaworld-expo.com
Learn more about the Montessori philosophy created over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, and its teachings. Free. 6.30pm. To RSVP, email info@saikungmontessori.com
Jessie J The R.O.S.E. Tour
Sai Kung Montessori Information Session
SEPT 22
Momentai’s First-Anniversary Free-Flow Party Celebrate Momentai’s first birthday with live music and free-flow local craft beer from breweries such as Lion Rock Gwei.lo Beer. Free. Kiosk 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung.
SEPT 24
Mid-Autumn Festival Be captivated by the gorgeous full moon! Try traditional or ice-cream mooncakes, then head to Victoria Park or the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to admire the displays of bright lanterns. Find out more on page 20.
SEPT 25 - 30
Shakespeare’s Globe Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew are coming to Hong Kong! Don’t miss out on the Bard’s very best. Tickets start at $395. Various times. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com
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SEPT 30
Hard As Nayls Charity Trail Race Now in its fourth year, Clearwater Bay’s “toughest trail race” is back, this time with 4 and 8km family races and 16 and 50km trail runs. The event is held in memory of local runner and Hong Kong policeman Andy Naylor, and to support dog rescue charity Sai Kung Stray Friends. Sign up at hardasnayls.org
happening in Sept
BOOK NOW OCT 26 - 28, NOV 3 - 4
OCT 6-7
One of the most beautiful ballets in history, the transcendental and romantic Giselle is not to be missed. The new staging and stunning set add freshness to this timeless classic. Tickets start at $140. 7.30pm every day except Oct 28; 2.30pm every day except Oct 26. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. urbitix.com
Child performers with an interest in theatre, regardless of their status, race or ability, will be performing The Tempest at Shakespeare4All’s annual Gala. Tickets from $130. Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall. s4a.org.hk
“Giselle”
Shakespeare4All Gala Performance
OCT 6-14
Hong Kong Tennis Open More than 50 of the world’s top female pla`yers will battle it out in singles and doubles matches for prizes worth US$500,000. Free from Oct 6 to 8, $160$880 from Oct 9 to 14. Buy online or at Tom Lee Music outlets. Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, Causeway Bay. hktennisopen.hk
NOV 9-11
Clockenflap Grab your tickets to Hong Kong’s biggest music and arts festival in November. The three-day festival will feature big names, including The Vaccines and Peking Duk. Tickets from $820. Central Harbourfront Event Space. clockenflap.com
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
AD
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news
Pets Central Parents Club soft opening
Man arrested for leaving his dog in his car
NPS Photo / Neal Herbert
On August 8, pet-lovers gathered together for the soft launch of the Pets Central Parents Club. The event marked the opening of Fur Art’s Sake, a charitable animal-themed art and photography exhibition curated by Art House
Asia. The occasion was celebrated with a lion dance performance while guests enjoyed complimentary nibbles and refreshments. This spot is gearing up to be the talk of the town for pet parents and their four-legged friends.
A pizza delivery man who had been living in his car for around nine months was arrested in early August for locking up his dog in his car for over 12 hours. The man had been convicted for a similar incident four months previously and served two weeks in jail. The dog, a Pomeranian that had been with the man for three years, was taken into custody by the RSPCA and will be put up for adoption once the paperwork from the court has gone through.
Sai Sha Road widening If you’ve been avoiding the increase in traffic on Hiram’s Highway by commuting to work via Sai Sha Road, you may have to rethink your route. In order to keep up with Sai Kung’s evergrowing population, many roads going into and out of the town are undergoing construction. This includes the newest development on Sai Sha Road. In preparation for the Sun Hung Kai development, the road will be doubled to four lanes and will include roundabouts and footbridges. These drastic changes will take around five years, so drivers can expect some delays in the upcoming months once construction begins.
Asia Pacific Soccer School’s team trials for girls Girls are becoming more a part of the sporting world, and we couldn’t be any happier! Asia Pacific Soccer School (APSS) has just announced that it will be offering free trials for girls aged 7-14 on September 3. The soccer school already has girls’ teams in other locations around Hong Kong, but this will be the first one in Sai Kung. The APSS aims to provide an excellent environment for female footballers to develop themselves physically, technically and socially.
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New Watsons store now open Watsons has opened in a new location with a new look. They said goodbye to their old location on Chan Man Street in late July and have taken over a section of the previous location of Japan Home Centres on Fuk Man Road. Sai Kung’s monopoly has seen some big changes so far this year, including the recent move of Mushroom Bakery to Yi Chun Street, but we are happy to see the health and beauty chain remain in the town.
in your backyard
Schools Fair for expats
Overheard on the 101
Our sister publication, Expat Parent, is proud to be hosting its inaugural International Schools Fair next month. Whether you’re struggling to figure out Hong Kong’s education system, fine-tuning your applications list or just want to chat with an expert, the Expat Parent International Schools Fair offers a one-stop-shop for all school info. October 20, 10am-3pm. The Annex, Central. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com for more info.
Is there going to be a new shopping centre in the hotel?
Friends of Sai Kung 2019 Calendar: Calling all photographers
Eavesdrop and share! Send your snippets via Facebook messenger at Sai Kung Magazine or email 101@hongkongliving.com
Will the Picture House be getting a new menu? Will this rain ever stop? Do we need another Sai Kung Facebook group?!
The annual calendar by Friends of Sai Kung wants your photographs! There is no limit to how many photos each person can submit, so get snapping. Your photographs should capture the essence of Sai Kung life: cultural events, scenic views, outdoor activities... If any of your images are selected you will receive a one-year free membership to Friends of Sai Kung. Submit your images to friendsofsaikunghk@gmail.com by September 30.
Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race “There are only four 24-hour endurance races worldwide, making the HHYC Charity Dinghy Race truly special,” says Lisa Keatley, General Manager of HHYC. The endurance race aims to fundraise for charitable causes throughout the region, and also to give back to the community by offering free activities and live entertainment for locals and visitors to enjoy. As well as the race itself, there are also plenty of activities during the race event around the Hebe Haven Yacht Club, including the Race Village, which will have over 40 diverse vendors, including food, stalls and live music for the whole family to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends throughout the day and evening. The event also aims to encourage attendees and their families gain new experiences with free trials of a watersport of their choice.
On September 29-30, Hebe Haven will hold its annual 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race. The race is the only 24-hour aquathon in Hong Kong and throughout Southeast Asia,
making it a popular event, with thousands of people taking part each year as either visitors, participants, volunteers or supporting sponsors.
Teams are welcome from both Hong Kong and abroad, and from a diverse mix of sailing clubs, social groups, school teams and corporate crews. Adults and children alike are also welcome to forgo the racing element and simply “sail for charity”. hhyc.org.hk
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police blotter
Reports from Sai Kung Police Chief Inspector Daniel Tsang reports on recent cases in Sai Kung Knocked down On August 11, a 63-year-old woman was knocked down by a private car while she was crossing the road outside Lok Yuk Kindergarten. She sustained injuries on the back of her head and her arms and legs.
Motorbike mayhem On August 15, a man was ambushed while riding his motorbike on Tai Lam Wu Road in Ho Chung. An attacker struck him in the head and forearm with a wooden bar. The victim was able to identify the culprit as someone who held a grudge against him. The attacker was later arrested and charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage to the motorbike.
Remember to call mum Eric Ho hiking in Sai Kung
Guided to safety On August 9, a couple in their 40’s got lost while hiking on the MacLehose Trail. They called the police for assistance and were guided to safety.
Airlifted over muscle cramps A 30-year-old male experienced muscle cramping while hiking on August 5. He was airlifted to hospital and was treated.
Tree cut before police could arrive On August 12, a group of men cut down a large incense tree in Che Kung Tuk Village. Although the police have recently teamed up with the AFCD to install motion cameras in certain areas prone to increased tree crime, the culprits escaped before police could reach the scene.
A 13-year-old girl with diabetes was reported missing by her mother after not returning from a dance performance. The girl had promised her mother she’d be home by 11pm. The girl returned home the next day and withdrew the report.
In the wrong lane Money and jewellery stolen A house in Po Lo Che Village was burgled, resulting in the loss of a wallet, a diamond ring and $4,000 in cash. The house had been left unattended from 10am until 11pm, and the police believe the intruders broke in by prising open a window frame.
A coach was driving on the wrong side of Tai Mong Tsai Road, resulting in a collision with another coach heading towards Pak Tam Chung Country Park. Eight passengers and one driver were injured as a result of the crash.
WhatsApp hacked Not in these waters Two fisherman from Mainland China were caught in Hong Kong waters by the marine police, who believed there was no cause for concern and sent the men back into Chinese waters.
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On August 14, a 40-year-old male was deceived via WhatsApp, resulting in the loss of $24,000. He received a message, supposedly from a friend, asking for My Card points. But when the victim finally phoned that friend, he discovered that the friend’s WhatsApp account had been hacked by a thief.
For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630
giveaways
win at hongkongliving.com
Dulce De Leche Mooncakes
“Hubbub!” Tickets
Up for grabs: A box of Dulce De Leche Mooncakes for two lucky winners
Up for grabs: 1 pair of tickets (1 adult & 1 child) for Theatre for the Very Young’s Hubbub!
From: Gaucho, Hong Kong’s premier Argentinian steakhouse, celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival by taking one of its most popular desserts, the Dulce de Leche cheesecake and adding a mooncake twist to this delicious treat. gauchorestaurants.com
SHAKESPEARE4ALL PRESENTS 小
場
FROM IMPACT TO INNOVATION : THE i2i THEATRE PROJECT
! b u b b u H THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG
幼兒
場
// 寧 DIRECTED BY // SHIONA CARSON
27-28.9.2018 ( Thu 四 - Fri 五 )
10:00am / 11:30am / 1:45pm / 3:15pm
29-30.9.2018 From: Shakespeare4All, ArtisTree a registered $260 / $230 charity founded in 2003 with the purpose of building fluency and confidence in English through drama performing Shakespearean plays, and inspiring young people to aspire to be excellent. The tickets are for the 3.15pm show on September 27. Shakespeare4All will also hold its annual Gala on October 6-7. s4a.org.hk ( Sat 六 - Sun 日 )
10:00am / 11:30am / 1:45pm / 3:15pm / 4:45pm
1/F Cambridge House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay 鰂魚涌太古坊康橋大廈1樓
Skin Care Formula Gift Set Worth $2,156 Up for grabs: A skin care gift set including: HA+B5 water based Masks, Travel Size Squalane’s, Rise & Set moisturizers and sunblock. From: Skin Need Natural Condition System, is a reputable line of professional formulas known for its excellence in quality, with distribution centres world-wide offering Skin Need services in clinics, spas and beauty centres. skinneed.com
*
＊
Discounted tickets for under 11s, full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and
the minder.
＊
惠
於 11 歲 或
下小
幼兒︐
日制學
︐ 60 歲 或
上人士︐殘
人士
人︒
Tickets at http://juven.co/s4a-hubbub2018
PRODUCED BY
作
Shakespeare4All is financially supported by the Springboard Grant under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 小
助
別
政
政府「
展
助
SPONSOR
助
劃」
The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
容並不
別
政
政府
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe
SAIKUNG.COM | 13
must have this month
Always tailor the menu, decor, flowers and drinks to the season. Fresh, crisp and bright tones in the hot weather; comforting and muted tones in the cold weather.
Nambe Scoop Ice Bucket $1,520 from Town House 210-211, Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Road, Central townhouse.com.hk
Custom flowers $1,000 from Bydeau bydeau.com
BE OUR GUEST Interior designer and stylist Aviva Duncan gives her advice on preparing for dinner parties
I always serve food on white china, but I have summer, autumn and winter sets of linen napkins and tablecloths, each with their own colour tone to reflect the season. Coasters with gold trim Price on request from The Pink Lotus facebook.com/ thepinklotus
Porcelain Bowls $150 from kikki.K Shop 220, 2/F Prince’s Building, Central kikki-k.com
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Living Salt and Pepper Mill $939 from BoConcept 73 Wyndham Street, Central boconcept.com
Ma chère mademoiselle
Theme your table according to the dishes you’re serving. If it’s Italian, have bottles of Campari and pots of basil on your table, and if it’s Spanish have fans for the ladies and mason jars of sangria at every setting.
Seedlip Non-alcoholic Spirits $328 from stores including Oliver’s The Delicatessen and Kapok seedlipdrinks.com
Have lighting low and coming from different sources. I like to light the table and have the surroundings less bright.
Moon Lamp $1,696 from Everything Under The Sun 902 Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau everythingunderthesun.com.hk
Valarie Marble Dining Table $29,990 from Indigo Living 221-224 Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Road, Central indigo-living.com
Metallic Porcelain $590 from Bowerbird Home 8/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau bowerbird-home.com
Always have a focal point on your table – a huge bunch of flowers, a collection of herbs in pots, different glass vases, etc. Keep this high and arrange a buffet around it. Spaghetti Garden Nature Chair $2,790 from Tequila Kola 1/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau tequilakola.com
SAIKUNG.COM| 15
five minutes with Recently in Hong Kong there’s been a change of attitude towards street art. Generally, graffiti can be seen as a symbol of rebellion but in a city known for its concrete skyscrapers, street art adds a splash of colour and excitement to an otherwise blank wall. Hong Kong is full of contrasts. There are the fancy galleries in Central sitting amongst artworks on walls and in alleyways. It’s these contrasts that are exciting as an artist. Over the last few years the local street art scene has exploded. Street art is transforming from something seen as rebellious or even vandalism to a kind of sought after artwork for properties and brands. It’s an exciting time with big changes to the street art scene; there’s phenomenal talent and people are more receptive to it. My signature piece is a Koi fish. When I presented an owner of a café with several Koi fish designs for his wall, he suggested that I couldn’t draw them. So rather than take offence I decided to paint the Koi fish all around Hong Kong. To become an artist nowadays is a difficult thing to do. There are creative people out there who are just looking for the next outlet to express themselves. We can’t all paint our cars!
Gustav Szabo: Szabotage Meet the Clearwater Bay resident and graffiti artist who’s making his mark around Hong Kong
I’d love to see Sai Kung become a bit more of an art hub for the New Territories. With the amount of traffic and people that come through Sai Kung it could become a window of opportunity for artists. Sai Yin Pun and Sheung Wan are hotbeds for street art, it would be great to see Sai Kung get in on the action. There are already some great murals here. Art is my passion but is was my career in design ultimately drew me to Hong Kong and
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I fell in love with the art scene here. I love the opportunity to transform a wall or street with my art. It allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and bring art to a wide crosssection of the community who might otherwise not see it. I’ve had my adventures on Hong Kong Island but I feel that as an artist I need a bit more space, which is what Clearwater Bay has. I have the room for a home studio and we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing greenery and mountains, and of course there’s the beaches which I love. The number plate on my car says Graffiti. I bid for this in this very corporate environment, which I found quite funny, and now I get parking tickets that say “graffiti” on them.
flickr.com/photos/darylchapman/
Art is drawn to beautiful locations, and Sai Kung is one of them. There’s this energy here that’s unlike elsewhere in Hong Kong, a real community feel. It’s such a unique side to Hong Kong life. I’ve always been inspired by the iconic urban architecture and now Sai Kung is bringing new elements beyond the skyscrapers for inspiration.
You can expect to see more of Szabotage’s art popping up around the town soon. Check out his work at Art Supermarket or displayed on the walls of Hong Kong Island. Original artworks are available to be viewed by appointment at his home studio in Clearwater Bay. szabotage.com.hk | szabotage.me
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local
Sai Kung police station
Sai Kung scams Don’t become a victim of online crime!
O
ver the past decade, we’ve all become more and more dependent on our digital devices. They help us stay up-to-date about recent goings on, keep in touch with friends and even shop from the comfort of our own homes. While technology undoubtedly has many benefits, many people have fallen victim to online scams in recent years, resulting in the loss of money and dignity. They seem to forget – or be unaware of – the dangers online, with more and more of them sharing details of their lives with strangers, and even sending money. In one recent case in Sai Kung, a man invested $382,000 in a petroleum company via Facebook on July 2. After sending off the money he realised the website was fake. He was unable to retrieve his money and the police were unable to track the scammers, as the site had already been removed from social media. Although not all cases are as dramatic, every day there are incidents via online
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marketplaces and second-hand shopping apps where people pay upfront for products but never receive them. Chief Inspector Daniel Tsang says: “This is a much more common scam, but people don’t report these cases to us, as it’s usually just a couple of hundred dollars lost.” While police are attempting to monitor and control the online scams, they are finding it difficult to keep up with the ever-changing platforms and techniques that scammers are using. Chief Inspector Tsang gives us an example of a recent scam to watch out for. “A typical one we have been seeing lately is a friend or contact on your phone saying they’ve been arrested and need money for bail. The phone or app of the contact has usually been hacked, but once money has been sent via cash points, it’s too late to get it back.” So here is a warning to all those online: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. We wish you a scam-free September.
Chief Inspector Daniel Tsang’s tips on staying safe online: •
Always call or talk face-to-face with a friend or family member asking for money
•
Research companies before you invest
•
Read the comment sections before buying anything via shopping apps or marketplaces
•
Stay cautious
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cover story
Your guide to celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 24 What’s it all about?
Illustrations by Pearl Law © The Shadow in the Moon - written by Christina Matula
The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second-largest festival in China, after Chinese New Year. As the name suggests, the ancient Chinese festival falls in the middle of the autumn season. Celebrations are focused around offering thanks and gratitude to the moon for a successful harvest, and as such the festival always falls on a full moon. The festival is the perfect time to enjoy the company of loved ones.
Sai Kung residents share their Mid-Autumn memories Ah Suk When I was young, my favourite thing about the Mid-Autumn Festival was making lanterns out of pomelo peels. The key is to make two holes on each side of the peel and put a chopstick through it so that the lantern stays together. Making lanterns with my family was the highlight of every MidAutumn season and you get an excuse to eat the pomelo, which was a treat back then!
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Po Back in the day, mooncakes were a rarity. My family wasn’t rich, so we didn’t get mooncakes every Mid-Autumn. But when we did get some, I remember biting into them and it felt like I had a piece of heaven in my mouth. I only took small bites and chewed slowly because I didn’t know how long it would be until I could have my next mooncake. Comparatively, now it seems like the whole city has too many mooncakes to spare!
lantern festival
Mr. Chan
Mr. Kwok
I’m probably not as old as the other folks you interviewed (I hope), so maybe that’s why I don’t think there is much of a big difference between MidAutumn in my day and today. There is one thing I would say that is missing from Mid-Autumn nowadays though: the warm atmosphere. When I was a child, I remember all the people I knew gathering together at the waterfront to appreciate the moon. It’s Sai Kung you know, everybody knows everybody and neighbours treat each other like family. Mooncakes would be passed around. I would run around with the other Sai Kung kids, handmade paper lanterns in hand. The air was filled with noise: chatter between adults interrupted by the high-pitched laughter of frolicking children.
These days me and my family don’t often get together, but Mid-Autumn was such a happy time. We would gather together, just like a family reunion. We would make mooncakes and eat water chestnuts together and simply enjoy spending time with each other together as a family. Now it’s still a wonderful time but it’s not the same.
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cover story
Illustrations by Pearl Law © The Shadow in the Moon - written by Christina Matula
How to celebrate Have a family dinner: Go out to dinner or cook up a feast at home. Family time is special during this festival and there is no better way to celebrate than by sharing food together. Take a moonlit stroll: Weather permitting, walk hand-in-hand along the Sai Kung promenade and soak up the atmosphere. Go camping: Hike to Tai Long Wan, take advantage of the lack of light pollution (and the following day being a public holiday) and fall asleep under the moonlit sky. Light lanterns: Lanterns are a big part of this festival, so light some up and hang them around your garden, balcony or porch.
Take the Monday off and get away! Rainy season in many parts of Asia is coming to an end and there is still time to book a getaway. Take the Monday off work and spend four glorious days soaking up the sun on a beach.
What’s happening around town Tsim Sha Tsui Thematic Lantern Exhibition Stroll along and witness a spectacle of light and colour along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. From early September to October, a beautiful display of unique and colourful lanterns can be found in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade Watch as a 67-metre Fire Dragon, built from straw and covered with joss sticks, parades through the streets of Tai Hang. The parade features over 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks and lots of firecrackers. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has been inscribed onto the third national list of intangible cultural heritage. Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang Mid-Autumn Urban Carnival at Victoria Park Visit the biggest Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Hong Kong, which offers lantern displays and a full cultural programme, including a Fire Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations, folk songs and crafts. September 24, 8-11pm. Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
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Sai Kung Waterfront Promenade Chill out and walk along Sai Kung’s waterfront. The low light pollution makes it easier to see the moon, which is why many families come here to stroll along with lanterns and candles. Sai Kung Waterfront Promenade
Where to buy your lanterns • Kong Ming Emporium • Japan Home Centre • Market stalls in Mong Kok and Central
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cover story
Mooncake madness
Nicole Slater samples the most popular treat of the season Traditionally mooncakes are made with a thick crust and a filling of red-bean or lotus-seed paste. But many expats and some locals find the mixture a little too rich, especially at over 1,000 calories a serving! For those of you who aren’t so keen on the cakes but still want to celebrate the tradition, here are some alternative mooncakes we’re sure you’ll love.
1 Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency in Sha Tin is mixing traditional with local delicacies in two unique mooncake flavours. The first is a refreshing mini ginger-pomelo mooncake inspired by Sha Tin pomelos, and the second is a mini Chinese-wine chocolate mooncake inspired by the famous ice cream of Sha Tin 18. $298 for a box of six mini mooncakes. Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Ma Liu Shui. hyatt.com
2 The Cakery
For a healthy alternative, The Cakery is offering a selection of gluten-free, dairy-free and lowcalorie mooncakes to keep you guilt-free this season. By using natural and nutrient-dense ingredients such as red dates, nuts and seeds, they have increased the amount of good fats and proteins in the mooncakes. $428 for a box of six mooncakes. Shop 124, 1/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. thecakery.com
4 Häagen-Dazs
For something a little more chill, Haagen-Dazs is offering 12 ice-cream mooncake collections, including Moonlight Jewels and Twinkle Night, with classic flavours such as vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. Sets start from $278 for early birds. Available at all Haagen-Daz stores. eshop.haagendazs-gifting.hk/mooncake
Editor’s verdict: The flavours a rich and savory with a traditional look, but far less calories!
3 VIVE Cake Boutique Editor’s verdict: The traditional mooncake style is kept while the flavours have been modernised, creating a beautiful delicate and delicious snack, the perfect size for munching.
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Editor’s verdict: The pastry was delicious. Coconut and custard are a great combination, but a little on the simple side.
VIVE Cake Boutique is offering a Shortcrust Custard Mooncake with a cookie crust-like puff pastry and slight coconut scent. Like many of the treats on offer, the mooncakes are simple and delicate with a creamy, smooth custard filling. $298 for a box of four. Shop 3, 1/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central. vive.hk
Editor’s verdict: Refreshing and delicious. You can never go wrong with ice cream, especially in Hong Kong’s heat.
mooncakes Fields 5 IfMrs. you’re feeling extra sweet, Mrs. Fields chocolate mooncakes are a real treat. They come in three different mousse fillings: walnut, coffee and chocolate, each covered in a thick chocolate casing. $80 per mooncake. Available in most MTR stations. mrsfields.com.hk Editor’s verdict: Very delicious, but you won’t be able to munch it all in one sitting, due to the richness of the chocolate. But it’s perfect for sharing.
Make your own mooncakes — Hilda Chan shares her recipe For the Dough Ingredients: 1. Low-gluten flour 135g 2. Olive oil 18g (or vegetable oil) 3. Golden syrup 100g 4. 1/8 teaspoon of salt 5. 1 teaspoon of water (for adjusting the dough) Steps: 1. Sift the low-gluten flour 2. Pour the olive oil, golden syrup and salt into the low-gluten flour 3. Quickly mix all the ingredients and knead into a dough 4. Cover in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
For the Filling
Intercontinental Grand 6 The Stanford This hotel has released a Kavalan Whisky Chocolate Mooncake especially for the season. The mooncakes come in a variety of three single malt whisky flavours: Kavalan Classic, Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon and Kavalan Solist Amontillado. $468 per box of three mooncakes. The Intercontinental Grand Stanford, 70 Mody Road. ihg.com/intercontinental Editor’s verdict: A real decadent treat. The chocolate is enhanced by the whiskey, creating a rich, warm flavour.
Ingredients: 1. 6 salted egg yolks 2. 600g of bean paste 3. 1 tablespoon rice wine Steps: 1. Spray salted egg yolk with rice wine 2. Divide bean paste into 6 equal portions (100g each) 3. Poke a hole in the middle of the paste, place the egg yolk inside and roll into a ball
Combine Dough and Filling 1. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll into a ball shape 2. Poke a hole in the middle of the dough, place the filling inside and shape into a ball 3. Place the stuffed balls into the mooncake mould, press and remove the mooncake from the mould 4. Place the mooncake into the pre-heated oven at 210 degrees C for 7-8 mins 5. Then brush the mooncakes with egg wash and bake again for 7-8 mins 6. Brush the mooncakes with egg wash again and bake for the final 12-15 mins
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education
Mills International Preschool Adele Brunner takes a sneak peek inside
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mills international
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ending your little one off to school for the first time can be overwhelming – for you just as much as for your child! Which is why Mills International Preschool in Yau Tong tries to make this initial educational experience as welcoming, fun and stress-free as possible for everyone concerned. From tiny tots heading into Pre-Nursery to K3 students turning five, the preschool lays the foundations for a love of learning at each age and stage, and aims to prepare the children for the next steps and challenges on their academic journey. “We want each child to feel comfortable in the school environment, so we will do anything we can to help kids and parents achieve this at their own pace,” says School Director Deirdre McCloskey, who has been with the school since it opened and is noticeably passionate about what she does.
What’s there Mills International Preschool was set up in 2013, offering a bilingual English/Mandarin education to children aged two to five. The building in which the school is currently housed was a shell when Mills International took over the space, so the layout and interiors have been purpose-designed for little people. Activities take place on the first floor, where there are four spacious shared areas as well as six classrooms. These are all decked out in a riot of colour, and there are enough enticing activities to keep little ones gainfully occupied for months on end. A part of the KG Group, which was founded by Joanna Hotung and includes Kids’ Gallery, Star English and Face Productions, Mills International follows the UK Early Years curriculum, but also centres its teaching around the creative arts. There is a huge dedicated art room, but judging by the walls adorned with Chinese brushstroke paintings and printed fabric, it seems the children learn a lot more than simply how to put paint to paper.
A sensory touch “The curriculum was designed by creative experts so even at a very young age, our students are exposed to pretty advanced techniques such as clay modelling, papier mâché, printmaking and plaster casting,” says McCloskey. “Many Hong Kong children live in small flats, so they don’t have the opportunity to explore the sensory side of things. At Mills, they’re encouraged to roll up their sleeves, get messy and create. As art lessons take place in a specialist art studio rather than in the classroom, teachers don’t have to worry about paint spillage or spending teaching time clearing up before the next activity begins.” Morning and afternoon sessions are
available for Pre-Nursery to K3, and a host of co-curricular courses are offered by Kids’ Gallery and Star English each afternoon and all day on Saturdays. This full-day option is particularly beneficial for children whose parents work full-time and want them to develop new skills through fun activities in a supportive environment. “The advantage of our co-curricular programme is that all of the content has been devised and delivered by KG Group teachers for 22 years,” says McCloskey. “It’s also constantly reviewed and tweaked to keep it relevant and up to date.”
Mindfulness When it comes to the hot topic of mindfulness, Mills International is more than up to date – it’s ahead of the curve. It’s been teaching the MindUP™ programme alongside the general curriculum on a daily basis for the past five years, and McCloskey believes they are still the only Hong Kong nursery and preschool to offer this. Created by The Hawn Foundation in America, MindUP™ helps children to understand and self-regulate their emotions, and gives them simple strategies and tools to cultivate wellbeing and emotional balance and basically cope when things all get too much. The Mills International children take regular three-to-four-minute “Brain Breaks” and use techniques to calm down themselves and their breathing such as Star Breathing (blowing through a star-shaped prop developed by Mills International) and Take 5 (stretching out the fingers of one hand and using the opposite index finger to trace the outline). “It’s not about discipline or reining children in, but gently giving them a few minutes of quiet time so they can control themselves and understand and manage their emotions,” says McCloskey. “By addressing how the children are feeling within themselves and by teaching them focused attention, kindness and empathy, we have found that a truly positive school environment is created. Children are happier, they concentrate more and become more receptive to learning so, as a result, academic aspects of schooling improve too.”
Teacher support Mills International is not affiliated to any other school, but as soon as a child is enrolled, McCloskey and her team find out from the parents what their future educational plans are – whether they foresee their child going to a local or international primary school and what their top three choices are. The teachers then work with the kids one-on-one to give them whatever support and guidance they need to get where they want to be. “A lot of parents are keen on preschools
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education
with an affiliated primary, but this doesn’t always work out in the long run,” says McCloskey. “These children are so young they’ve had little chance to develop their personalities and learning styles, so it can be hard to tell in Pre-Nursery which primary-school environment they will thrive best in. We give them time to grow and we work with parents to choose a school to suit their child. Parents
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really appreciate that aspect of Mills.” As well as local schools, ESF Clearwater Bay, the French International School, Kellett School and the Nord Anglia International School are just some of the places that Mills International alumni have gone on to. Yet when McCloskey relates how these little ones knock on the school doors every morning, desperate to come in, and cry when it’s time to go home,
you get the impression that most of Mills International Preschool students never want to leave. Mills International Preschool (The Spectacle, 8 Cho Yuen Street, Yau Tong, Kowloon, tel: 2717 6336) is hosting an Open Day from 10am to 12.30pm on Sunday September 2. Register online at millsinternational.edu.hk
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interview What comment do you remember from your school reports? The majority of them seemed to be along the lines of “We can’t fault her enthusiasm but it would be lovely if Amelia could give the others in the class the chance to contribute as well.” Another report noted a strong character resemblance between me and Margaret Thatcher, which I chose to believe was intended as a compliment. What was the best thing you learnt at school? My school motto was “Plus Est En Vous”, which the French would be able to tell you means “More is in you.” I think about it often now and realise how applicable it is to almost everything. How is the Hong Kong education system different to that in the UK? They are tricky beasts to compare. The Hong Kong education system is very much a product of its environment: this is an Asian city with a large expat community but a limited landmass, and the school options reflect that, with a mixture of local and international schools, predominantly within urban surroundings. In the UK, you don’t perhaps get the same diversity of people but you do get diversity of places.
School daze
Amelia, eager to learn
What are the benefits of an international education in Hong Kong? An education in a city like Hong Kong gives the opportunity to broaden a child’s cultural knowledge (and hopefully, compassion). In more closed communities with limited diversity, you might have one or two children in a class who speak a different language or follow a different religion, but in Hong Kong that number is much higher. It helps to dissolve
Our Education Editor, Amelia Sewell, shares her school memories and advice to parents looking for the perfect school in Hong Kong Where did you go to school? I am half-English and half-Australian but grew up entirely in the UK. So my first school was a tiny and completely charming little pre-prep called Hawthorne House in Norfolk. It had just three teachers. I then went to a prep school called Beeston Hall, they gave me six wonderful years of Enid Blytonstyle schooling: tree climbing, tuck shops, dormitories and hockey matches. At 13 I moved to Gordonstoun in Scotland, where I perfected the art of not getting caught.
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Did you enjoy your school years? I truly loved school. I was lucky that my parents put a lot of time and effort into choosing schools that would really suit my brother and me, and I had a ball. If you could change one thing about your school years, what would it be? Appreciate how long the school holidays are! Starting my first job was quite a shock when I realised that an eight-week summer holiday was not a courtesy extended to adults.
Amelia (centre) in primary school
old school some of the “them vs. us” idea and encourages children to realise from an early age that the world is full of people who are different to them and that this should be embraced. What features should parents look for in a good Hong Kong school? In Hong Kong particularly, I think it’s crucial to ask questions about the staff. Does the school have lots of transient teachers who only stay a year or two before relocating to a new country? Does the school make an effort to retain its staff? Are the teachers up to date on their specific curriculum? Wanderlust is a magical thing, but not if it’s to the detriment of the students that the teachers are being employed to educate. How do Hong Kong schools cater to children with extra learning needs? Sadly, this area needs some work. Off the top of my head, I can name on just one hand the schools in Hong Kong that actively welcome children with SEN [Special Educational Needs]. Many children with some level of SEN can easily be part of a mainstream class if they’re given a little additional support – my brother was one of them, and so was my husband. Hong Kong schools seem to take the easy route and only offer places to
children who do not require extra assistance. To borrow a well-used school-report phrase, “Must try harder.” What would you like to change about the Hong Kong education system? Aside from the previous point about SEN and the ridiculous practice of putting small children in an interview situation, I would put greater emphasis on creativity in English lessons. English is often taught in a very sterile way in Hong Kong, with importance on grammatical perfection. Fine, grammar is important, but no more so than creativity. My opinion is that it’s more important for eightyear-olds to be able to reel off five interesting words for the verb “to walk” (words like stroll, wander, amble, saunter, shuffle) than to be able to put the punctuation mark in exactly the right place every single time. Why should parents attend school fairs? It’s an unavoidable fact that when parents are selecting a school, they need to gather lots of information and ask a plethora of questions so they can make an informed decision about which school might be right for their child. Attending a school fair [where many different schools have a booth] helps to shorten this process as parents have access
Team spirit!
to a large amount of information, in one place. I recommend that parents arrive with a list of questions and take plenty of notes. Amelia Sewell will host the Hong Kong Living Annual Schools Fair on October 20 at The Annex, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central. Tickets are $60 at the door, or scan the QR code to register for a free ticket.
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dining
A night in The Conservatory Nicole Slater takes a closer look at Sai Kung’s best restaurant, as voted by you
From left to right: Gloria, Virginia and Virgie
A brief history Since opening its doors in 2016, The Conservatory has become a staple in Sai Kung Square, claiming the title of best restaurant for two years running. After the restaurant won our Readers’ Choice Awards again this year, we wanted to pay a visit and see how it’s been getting on since it opened two years ago. Rob and Kim Cooper are a husband-andwife duo who founded the restaurant group Enoteca. After relocating to Clearwater Bay, they decided to learn from the success from their Central restaurants and give it a go in Sai Kung. The Conservatory lives up to its name, with a large front window flooding the inside with natural light. With its dainty and refined decor, featuring bright-white walls and banana-leafpatterned panels, this restaurant stands out amongst other restaurants around the town. Like most restaurants in the Enoteca group, the dishes are designed for sharing, with salads, nibbles and pizzas. Some of their standout dishes include the wild mushroom & parmesan risotto balls and the grilled paprika chicken skewers with green chilli & lime dressing.
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around the banana-leaf wallpaper that Kim found!” Kim adds: “Trying to make it feel like a conservatory was quite difficult but the wallpaper played a very big part. As soon as it was ready I thought we have to do High Tea here, it just looks like the perfect place for having High Tea.”
The opening When the couple initially moved to the area, opening a restaurant wasn’t their top priority. “We held off for quite a while. We knew we had a market but since so many people owned homes here compared to Central we thought they’d probably eat dinner at home every night, but it turns out people in Sai Kung do eat out a lot too,” Rob explains. When talking about the success of The
The concept Describing the concept behind the restaurant, Rob states: “Sai Kung is known for being the garden of Hong Kong, so we wanted to create a garden-type restaurant with an outdoorsy/ indoorsy feeling. We really built everything
Did you know? You can order food from The Picture House while dining in The Conservatory, and vice versa.
the conservatory
5 •
must-order dishes
Peri Peri Chicken “I sneak in Peri Peri Chicken on every menu.”
Rob and Kim’s daughter Summer enjoying the children’s tiffins
Conservatory, Kim states: “I don’t think either of us realised it would be busy quickly. We were pretty much busy from day one. I think Sai Kung was ready for something a bit more grown-up because everything is kind of the same. Everyone was so happy to have a bit of Central in Sai Kung.”
Challenges Although The Conservatory has successfully won over the hearts and stomachs of many residents, there were some challenges the restaurant had to consider. Rob elaborates; “We had to consider that everybody has homes with big kitchens here compared to Soho, so a big concern for us was whether families were going to eat at their dinner table every night, rather than go out. But it turns out people in Sai Kung do eat out alot too!” Kim adds: “Catering to children was also a new experience, we never had a kids menu in central. So we wanted to do something a little different and interactive for the kids with our Tiffins, as I noticed many of the kids meals in the town didn’t have vegetables. Now I get mothers thanking me for finally getting their kids to eat vegetables!”
Why The Conservatory
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Moroccan Lamb Cutlets
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Risotto Balls
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Mediterranean Pizza
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Smoked Tuna Ceviche “My favourite one to serve; it always gets a woahh.”
What makes The Conservatory so unique is the quality of service, Kim reveals. “At the beginning I said that just because it’s Sai Kung and we’re serving children, it doesn’t mean we can be slack. Taking over The Picture House was a bit tricky for that reason, because we took over all the staff, and they were resistant to doing it the proper way; they just never had before. But now it’s good.” With so many restaurants opening and closing around the town, Rob has a prediction: “I think we’re going to see a lot more change over the years. There’s going a be a few old favourites that are probably going to disappear. I think there’s going to be about four or five new restaurants coming in in the next two years.” Everyone at The Conservatory feels honoured and privileged to receive your vote for Best Restaurant once again this year. Thanking their staff, Kim says: “A lot of it is down to the staff we have here. They have created bonds with the customers, and it really helps. I feel a little bit scared now because I really want to change the menu!” Over the next few months you can expect to see some new additions to the menu, but don’t worry, many favourite dishes will be staying.
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dining
NIBBLES
Mushroom bakery moving to Po Tung Road Sai Kung’s favourite bakery will be moving into Tala’s old location on Po Tung Road, just around the corner from their original store. Mushroom Bakery has become a staple in the town, with their fresh bread and pastries being a go-to choice against leading supermarket brands. The original store is set to close on September 15, and although it’s not a permanent goodbye, shop worker Sandy advises: “Stock up on bread for your freezer, as there will be a small gap from when we close until we re-open in the new location.” 26 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung
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Live Zero opens in Sai Kung Grab your glass bottles and food containers! Hong Kong’s first zero-waste store, Live Zero, has come to town. The store sells a wide range of bulk foods such as spices, pasta and cereal, which you can take home without any excess packaging. The founder of Live Zero, Tamsin Thornburrow, used to live in Sai Kung, so it’s nice to see the company come home. The store is settling down on the doorstep of Moni Stand. Go green at 5 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung
Picolos summer drinks deal To keep you cool this summer, Piccolos is offering great deals on summer drinks such as daiquiris in a range of fruity flavours such as mango and strawberry and iced coffees for just $38. The deal will continue throughout September. Get sipping at G/F, 20 Wan King Path, Sai Kung
Tamsin at the Sai Ying Pun store
Firenze restaurant to be sold Mohammed Asif Rahman and Farha Naz Julie, the owners of the popular Italian and Mediterranean restaurant Firenze, are planning to leave the town after 13 years. They say the move is due to health issues, and they’re looking for a healthier lifestyle. The restaurant is currently being put up for sale. 60 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung
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outdoors
A sky full of stars With cooler nights and (hopefully) clearer skies, Jeramy Lee steps outside to admire the night's sky
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stargazing outdoors
ong Kong is famous for its night views, but its starscape is equally beautiful as well, given the right timing. Before celebrating the Lantern Festival, take the opportunity to marvel at the diamonds in the sky. Read on for the best places and dates to stargaze , and tips on shooting stars (with your camera).
Where to see the stars The Astropark Nestled within the Sai Kung East Country Park, the Astropark is a great spot to observe the starfilled sky. Open 24 hours a day, the park is just a 10-minute walk from the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre. Telescopes, binoculars and star dials are available. If you’d like to bring your own telescope, you can apply in advance for a power supply. You can also stay the night at the Sports Centre – book ahead and borrow camping equipment for free. How to get there: Take a taxi from Sai Kung town centre for about $100 or hire a “kaito” (small ferry) at Sai Kung Pier. Register as a camper with the Sports Centre beforehand to take the free shuttle bus from the Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground. lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/Astropark
Grass Island (Tap Mun)
Island getaway The outlying islands are perfect for escaping the light pollution in the city. Grass Island (Tap Mun) offers camping facilities and a clear sky. Arrive at the island early in the afternoon to secure a good camping spot (and be prepared to share your spot with the occasional friendly cow!).
Po Pin Chau, by Kelvin Yuen, facebook.com/kelvinlandscapes
How to get there: Tsui Wah Ferry offers scheduled services to Grass Island, two ferries from Ma Liu Shui and seven to 12 ferries per day from Wong Shek Pier. td.gov.hk
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outdoors The Hong Kong Space Museum The stars still shine, even if it’s raining. If the weather isn’t on your side head to the Hong Kong Space Museum for an indoor extraterrestrial experience. In addition to exhibitions, the museum has star-themed lectures, astronomy observation sessions and film shows throughout September. How to get there: From Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit J, walk towards Salisbury Road. The museum is opposite the Peninsula Hotel. Closed on Tuesdays. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space High Island Reservoir East Dam
Watch from the shore
Hong Kong Space Museum
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Lie on soft sand, listen to the soothing sounds of the water lapping the shore and enjoy a panoramic view of the Milky Way above. Yes, this is as romantic as it sounds! Long Ke Beach and the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung are great spots for unobstructed views of the stars. Pack a beach mat and a cooler bag of drinks to keep you cool in the heat.
How to get there: Take a green taxi to the East Dam for around $130 from Sai Kung town centre, or take bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung and then walk along to Sai Kung Man Yee Road. From here you can walk to the dam in about two hours.
stargazing Bring the right equipment – a tripod to stabilise the camera for a long exposure, and a lens with an ultra-wide angle (>16mm) and a big aperture (< f/1.8). Set your camera manually – vary the setting according to the situation, but generally use an ISO of 1,600-6,400, a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds and maximum aperture.
At 22, Kelvin Yuen is a talented young photographer
Night photography top tips, by Kelvin Yuen
High Island Reservoir West Dam, by Kelvin Yuen, facebook.com/kelvinlandscapes
Kowloon Tong resident and photographer Kelvin Yuen won first prize in the National Geographic International Photo Contest, Taiwan Section’s Youth Division in 2015. He works with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and has collaborated with Green Power, WWF and DJI. Kelvin has visited Sai Kung more than 200 times to capture breathtaking landscapes and starry photographs of the night sky.
Do your research – visit the Hong Kong Observatory’s website for weather updates. It’s best to go when the sky is clear, so check the phases of the moon and pick days when moonlight won’t interfere.
Look up to the stars on these dates September 5 - 9: The moon gets smaller and shines less brightly September 10 - 11: New Moon. Best time to see the stars
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outdoors Want to snap the stars?
High Island Reservoir East Dam, by Kelvin Yuen, facebook.com/kelvinlandscapes
Yuen’s favourite: The High Island Reservoir Why is Sai Kung the best place to go? “There are so many unique islands in Sai Kung. Their geographical characteristics allow me to take photographs of scenery that is so impressive and different to anything else in Hong Kong, I forget I’m in Sai Kung. The High Island Reservoir East Dam is a great spot.” When is the best time for stargazing? “In Hong Kong you can see stars from February to October. It’s misty from February to April,
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so there might be just one or two nights where you can see the stars. The weather is optimal during the summer, from May to September, but there is a lot of squid fishing at sea, which causes light pollution, making it difficult to take good photos of stars in Hong Kong. Apart from that, September is a great month for stargazing.” Usually Yuen goes camping with friends in the mountains during the Lantern Festival, but he has no plans for the year. “I might be out of the city for some photoshoots.”
Collaborating with Blue Tour and National Geographic, Kelvin Yuen and Samson So, director of the Eco Institute, will be guiding a 13-day starscape photography expedition to Namibia in 2019. This is a wonderful chance to observe the wildlife in the Etosha National Park and visit the world’s tallest sand dunes in the Sesriem Canyon. Available in both Chinese and English. facebook.com/events/212436056105231
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travel travel
Photo credit: Jetour
A Finnish Summer Jane Steer visits the happiest country in the world
S
ummer in Finnish Lakeland is a breath of fresh air. Literally. Affectionately known as “La-la”, Lakeland boasts some of the cleanest air on the planet, with pristine water and untouched forest to match. Vast, beautiful and empty, this is a sparkling world of peace and tranquillity, lakes and trees. The food is fabulous, the culture is interesting, and the lifestyle is outdoorsy. If ever there was a place to escape steamy, polluted, frenetic Hong Kong, this is it. Need to recharge your batteries? Try Finland. At the country’s – and the mainland European Union’s – most easterly point, where central Finland nudges into Russia, sit North Karelia and its neighbour, Northern Savonia, or North Savo to its friends. This is arguably the most “Finnish” part of Finland, long considered a national utopia. “This landscape is our heart; our happy place,” explains one local. 42 | SAIKUNG.COM
It’s best experienced from the top of Ukko-Koli, a rare hill in North Karelia’s Koli National Park, with a jaw-dropping view of 100km-long Lake Pielinen and its myriad forested islands. The beauty of this listed national landscape inspired Finnish composer Jean Sibelius to write his Symphony No.4. In winter, this is one of the region’s few downhill ski resorts (Tahko in North Savo is another), with a funicular railway offering a handy ride up most of the hill’s 347 vertical metres. This land has been fought over for centuries, flipping between Sweden, Russia and Finland. It’s 101 years since Finland won its independence from Russia and 70 or so since the border was redrawn, splitting Karelia between Finland and the Soviet Union, where its culture has been slowly eroded. But in Finnish North Karelia, traditions still run deep. Indeed, many of those traditions have been adopted nationwide, such as the
kantele (a 2,000-year-old stringed musical instrument taught in primary schools), the Kalevala book of folk poetry, and Karelian pastries, a breakfast staple of sticky rice wrapped in crisp rye dough and best served slathered in butter. In Lakeland, brown bears and wolverines roam, B&B landladies break into impromptu kantele performances and nice lady tourist-board executives hunt elk in their spare time. And Finns have a lot of spare time. Perhaps that’s one reason they were declared the happiest people on the planet this year, if not the jolliest (Finns are famously poker-faced; witness inscrutable Formula 1 driver Kimi “Ice Man” Raikkonen). An admirable approach to work-life balance means most Finns have a four-week summer holiday – and almost everyone spends at least part of it at a
la la land
Photo credit: Visit Finland
summerhouse. Lakeland is summerhouse central. Traditionally painted red, with white eaves and window frames, these wooden cabins peek out, blushing, from the birches, pines and spruces along the lakeshores. Many have private jetties, often with boats pulled up alongside, or furnished with benches ready to enjoy the Finnish holy trinity of sauna, beer and sausages. Sauna is a national obsession. Finland has 5.5 million people and three million saunas, including some in the unlikeliest of places: a bus, a tractor, tents. While close friends and family might strip naked to enjoy the steamy heat, flicking each other with leafy birch twigs to clean and exfoliate the skin, swimming costumes are the norm among less familiars. Whatever you’re wearing (or not wearing), a La-la sauna is inevitably followed by a brisk plunge into the nearest lake. It’s bracing, but it feels surprisingly good. Afterwards. While most summerhouses have a sauna, not all have electricity or running water. For some, this is part of the joy. Days are spent chopping firewood, fetching water, foraging and preparing the sauna. Dinner might be cooked in a kota, or grill
house, a teepee-shaped wooden hut containing an open fire, cooking plate and kettle. At our summerhouse in Purnuranta, near Koli, the kota had cosy reindeer hides over the built-in seats for comfort while smoking trout or flipping pancakes. If the thought of fetching firewood and water is too hardcore, rent a holiday cottage with all mod cons – power, an electric sauna, a stove, a hot shower – and spend your time kayaking, hiking, fishing or mountain biking (see sidebar). Or just head out to explore. Finland’s “everyman’s rights” allow the public to roam anywhere in the country, on public land or private. If you know what you’re looking for, help yourself to tiny wild strawberries, bilberries (blueberries), lingonberries, herbs and mushrooms. And feel free to wild camp just about anywhere, or picnic at the campfires and kotas, stocked with firewood, dotted throughout the countryside (find them at tulikartta.fi). Just don’t intrude too closely to homes. “Most people have their own favourite patch of forest for mushrooms and berries, which they often keep secret,” explains our friendly elk-hunter. “People can get a bit obsessional about it; there are mushroom societies and clubs.”
Summer eating is all about seasonal ingredients, plucked fresh from the forest or sustainably fished from the lakes. The Finnish approach to cooking is similar to Italy’s in its emphasis on quality ingredients cooked simply, with salads and fish giving way to rib-sticking stews, pies and casseroles in the long, dark winter. But this is the short, light summer, when the sun dips below the horizon for only a few hours and it never gets dark. Finns make the most of it. Winter is the time for sleeping. Summer is the time for partying at a packed schedule of festivals. The annual Kuopio Wine Festival, in North Savo, is buzzing. Even a chilly late-evening downpour can’t dampen the mood. Wearing raincoats and boots, the festival crowd roars out the lyrics with headline act JVG, a pair of former ice-hockey players who perform tonguein-cheek raps about summer’s sunburn, mojitos and mosquitoes. After all, as they say in Finland, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Next day, the sun reappears, the temperature climbs back into the 20s, and a cruise on sparkling, wind-ruffled Lake Kallavesi beckons. At Kuopio harbour, we stop for a while. And breathe. SAIKUNG.COM | 43
travel
Things to do North Karelia Feel Koli
Spot a “troll’s nose” (tree deformation) and bounce on moss that grows as deep and springy as a trampoline on a nature tour through Koli National Park with Feel Koli, which also rents hiking and snowshoe equipment. feelkoli.fi
Laitalan Lomat, Nurmes
Try a peat sauna at this rural guesthouse. Plaster your face with smooth, sticky peat, which dries in the sauna and is washed off in the lake, leaving the skin soft and superclean. laitalanlomat.com
Karelia Cottages
Minna and Marja organise adventure and cultural experiences, including kantele and art workshops, cooking classes, foraging trips, kayaking, fishing, family treasure hunts and overnight “forest bathing” in hammocks. kareliacottages.com
Sinkkonen Berry Farm, near Joensuu
Summer is strawberry season and you can pick eight different varieties at this farm and cafe. sinkkosenmarjatila.fi
Paateri Church & Eva Ryynanen’s studio, near Lieska
Koli Activ
Rent two-man kayaks, SUPs or bicycles, and afterwards, treat yourself to blueberry cake and custard at its lakeside café. koliactiv.fi 44 | SAIKUNG.COM
An hour’s boat ride from Koli this charming forest church was built by late Finnish sculptor Eva Ryynanen in the backyard of her cottage and studio. Known for carving whimsical sculptures from whole tree trunks, the church is her finest creation, with an altar made from tree roots, pews scattered with bas-relief flowers, lambs carved into the beams and a beautiful floor made from slices of tree trunk. Paateri 21, Vuonisjärvi, Lieska, tel: +358 40 1044055.
la la land How to get there •
Finnair’s new fleet of low-emission Airbus A350s fly non-stop daily from Hong Kong to Helsinki in about 10 hours.
•
Business class features distinctively Finnish touches, including food by chef Jaakko Sorsa of FINDS, Hong Kong’s only Nordic restaurant, amenities kits by Marimekko, and a Northern Lights-style display in the cabin during landing.
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Got a layover in Helsinki? Spend it in the Finnair lounge, a series of beautifully designed spaces flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling windows. As well as free food and drink, facilities include showers and, of course, a sauna.
•
Finnair has teamed up with Hong Kong travel agents Jetour and Westminster Travel to offer a number of packages to Finland, including self-drive and family tours. Details at finnair.com, jetour.com.hk and leisure.westminstertravel.com
North Savo
Jatkankamppa smoke sauna, near Kuopio
Finns discard their inhibitions with their clothes, so expect to get chatting in the world’s largest smoke sauna at Jatkankamppa, a converted 1950s lumberjack lodge. Part of the Spa Hotel Rauhalahti and campsite, it’s open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for “Finnish nights”, including a meal and a lumberjack demonstration, and on Fridays in summer. rauhalahti.fi
Aholansaari Museum, near Tahko
A short ferry ride from Tahko, Aholansaari was once home to 18th-century Lutheran revivalist pastor Paaro Ruotsalainen, whose wooden home is now a museum. It’s a charming glimpse of Finland’s past set among the meadows of what is now a holiday camp. Open to all, there’s also a café and open-air church. aholansaari.fi
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travel Lakeland Lines, Kuopio
Grill It, Koli
Run by singing Captain Kari, this local boat operator offers lunch and dinner cruises on Lake Kallavesi. lakelandlines.fi
Stunning views accompany a meal at this contemporary hilltop restaurant in Break Sokos Hotel Koli. Beautifully plated dishes include slow-roasted pork belly with smoked potatoes and salad. sokoshotels.fi
Tahko Safarit
Rent an efatbike, with extra-wide tyres and an electric engine to boost pedal power and allow riders to zoom uphill with ease and freewheel down with the wind in their hair. Join CEO Arto Jauhiainen for a hike into the wilderness and learn to build a fire, whittle a stick and barbecue sausages. Or go canoeing, quad biking, paintballing, or orienteering, the choice is yours. tahkosafarit.fi
Where to eat
Puukarin Pysakki, near Nurmes
Isa Camillo, Kuopio
Dine on divine pike perch gratinated with spring onion pesto and served with buerre blanc at this stylish modern European restaurant in a converted 1912 bank that once held Finland’s entire gold reserves in a vault now used as a private dining room. isacamillo.ravintolamestarit.net
Ukko, Tahko
Local Bistro, Joensuu
A popular après-ski bar (dancing on tables encouraged) and fondue restaurant on the slopes of Tahko, Pekhubaari is a top spot for a summer lunch or post-hike coffee and cake. Inside is the tahko, or grindstone, found during construction that gives the resort its name. pekhu.fi
One of the top 50 restaurants in the country, Local Bistro serves innovative Finnish cuisine. Seasonal, local ingredients are elevated in dishes such as nettle pancake with rhubarb, cauliflower and egg sauce, or mushroom pie with pickled mushrooms, pea foam, broccoli and yoghurt. localbistro.fi
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Traditional Karelian fare is on the menu at this rural B&B, including sweet-and-sour cabbage salad, slow-cooked osso bucco, and rye bread, recently voted Finland’s national dish. puukarinpysakki.com When it comes to smiling for a photo, Finns don’t say “cheese” they say “muikku”, a reference to a tiny, ubiquitous freshwater fish. Ukko bar and restaurant serves them deepfried, whitebait style. tahko.com
Pekhubaari, Tahko
la la land Five things you (probably) didn’t know about Finland
Places to stay Kolin Keidas, Koli
Renovating this cosy old farmhouse in Koli National Park was a labour of love for owners Joona and Marianne, who now run it as a B&B. They also offer forest yoga, an organic café and a traditional wood-fired sauna. kolinkeidas.com
Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi, Kuopio
A large, stylish hotel in the heart of Kuopio and a few minutes’ walk from the harbour. sokoshotels.fi
1.
Finland’s nickname, the land of a thousand lakes, is woefully short of the mark. It has nearly 188,000 lakes and 179,000 islands.
2.
In winter, the lakes freeze. Once the ice is 20cm deep, it is safe to walk, skate and ski on. Ice on most Lakeland lakes reaches 50cm thick; Lapland lake ice reaches a metre deep.
3.
There is only one Finnish word in English dictionaries: sauna. And they would appreciate it if we pronounced it correctly – sow-na, to rhyme with “how”, rather than saw-na, to rhyme with, er, “saw”.
Golden Resort, Tahko
4.
Post-sauna lake swims continue throughout winter, with hardy Finns plunging into holes cut in the ice. Not for the faint-hearted.
Summerhouses
5.
Don’t be fazed by those long Finnish words, simply pronounce every letter. Good luck!
Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, Nurmes
Part modern spa hotel and part traditional Karelian village, Break Sokos Hotel Bomba combines modern luxury with heritage. At its heart is the Bomba Restaurant in a reconstruction of a famous Karelian house. sokoshotels.fi Stay in large luxury villas, each with its own sauna, set in a peaceful golf course just outside Tahko. goldenresort.fi Visit Karelia tourist board has comprehensive online listings for holiday cottages at visitkarelia. fi, and for North Savo, try lomarengas.fi
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zim city
In the land-supply debate, follow the money Who stands to benefit from development, and what are the environmental and social costs?
T
hree core issues are starting to crystallise as the consultation process about Hong Kong’s land supply moves along. And the options will definitely not be cheap. Let’s look at who is chasing the money. Reclamation. The construction and engineering industries, together with the Government, are in favour of a plan to create a large new reclaimed island between Lantau and Hong Kong Island. Our Hong Kong Foundation has taken the lead in calling for an Enhanced East Lantau Metropolis of 2,200ha – double what the Government has proposed. The cost is estimated at $2,000/sq.ft., or about $500 bn. The beneficiaries of the funds will be the contractors and engineers. And the Government will generate land premiums from the land sales. The proponents’ argument is that resolving the issues involved in developing the New Territories will take too long. Opponents are concerned that, besides the damage to the marine environment, the fact that so much money is tied up with this mega-project means there will be no resources left to clean up the New Territories. Brownfields. Unlikely partners – green groups and the landowners, including our home-grown developers and the Heung Yee Kuk – are favouring development of the New Territories. Green groups are keen to see a stop to the environmental rot of the brownfields, while the landowners want to
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cash in on their land banks. Green groups want land-resumption programmes, together with a strengthening of the Government’s resources and legal powers to ensure that brownfields don’t spread to other land, destroying habitats and agriculture. Many of the landowners, however, want the right to develop their own land. Some are suggesting a compromise solution, with Public Private Partnership developments. The cost of land resumption to be paid to owners is lower than the cost of building the artificial island, but it will require more government manpower to negotiate with the many parties involved. Our “lazy” government prefers writing a tender for a reclamation project and then leaving it with the contractor. Military land. Much of the current 2,700 hectares of military land is currently underutilised. The naval base at Stonecutters is an essential facility and it would be impractical to move it. The air force facilities in Shek Kong are also essential, but they could perhaps be moved to Chep Lap Kok airport once the third runway is in place. The near-empty barracks and the firing range in Tuen Mun should be reviewed to see whether the land can be used for better public purposes. Article 13 of the Garrison Law promulgated by the NPC in 1996 allows exactly for this negotiation to take place between the Hong Kong Government and the PLA. It also sets out how to deal with the associated costs and the
compensation to be paid. Given the clamour for land, both parties have a serious responsibility to weigh military versus public uses for each site. Article 15 explains how such a discussion is to proceed. The above are the three big items. Other options are near-shore reclamations (these are generally supported, but there are local objections), the use of the golf course (there’s endless debate over privileges, but we do lack sports facilities) and moving the container port (or consolidating it with other ports in the Pearl River Delta).
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of the Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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village focus
Hang Hau Wing Lung Road Ellie Alexander explores the Clearwater Bay waterfront village
H
ang Hau Wing Lung Road, on first impression, appears to be just a cluster of villages and complexes that are typical to Clearwater Bay. However, on closer inspection, it has a lot more to offer than what first meets the eye. As you turn into the street, the first thing you’ll notice are the spectacular views over the ocean, and the varied range of housing, which spans from modern new-builds, to older, more traditional villages houses, particularly in the village Ng Fai Tin, which branches off from the main road. Tucked away in the village is Perma Club, dedicated to improving and promoting clean air, clean food and a healthy sustainable lifestyle in Hong Kong, with Mind, Body & Soul workshops as well as cooking and gardening classes to help the community reconnect and re-harmonise human living spaces with nature. Towards the bottom of the road there is a shaded path, which is perfect for a summertime dog walk. After continuing down here for around 20 minutes, you’ll stumble out
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on to Little Palm beach, home to the Hong Kong Sailing Association. The sheltered cove is ideal for sports, with various motor boats, dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards along the beach. Because this small jetty and marina is virtually unknown to many Clearwater Bay residents, on the weekends it’s is usually pretty empty, compared to other water-sports hotspots in Hong Kong. At the end of the beach there’s a hill with two village houses on it. If you walk up behind the house, you’ll see yet another hidden gem nestled on the hillside. The Upper Garden is a 5,000-square-foot lawn that can hold up to 120 people. It’s one of Hong Kong’s most unique and breathtaking venues, with an elevated, panoramic view over the South China Sea, perfect for parties and weddings, and most certainly not the kind of thing one would expect from a small road in Clearwater Bay. Want to be a village correspondent? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
How to get there Drive along Clearwater Bay Road until you hit Hang Hau Wing Lung road, and then a little further on you’ll see a small car park on the left. From there, walk down Hang Hau Wing Lung Road until you reach the beach. Alternatively, take the 103M minibus from Tseung Kwan O or the 91 from Choi Hung and get off at the Ng Fai Tin stop.
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woof
Doggy Distress Sally Andersen explains dogs’ routines and how the back-to-school season affects them Dogs are creatures of routine because it makes them feel secure – they like to wake up at the same time every morning, eat at scheduled meal times and have regular walks and toilet breaks. Sometimes this strict dog timetable can be a bit annoying for you if you fancy a lie-in or don’t feel like taking the dog out early on a Sunday, and that’s fine, your dog will live. However a complete disruption to daily life can be very stressful for our canine companions, and that stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from a lack of appetite to diarrhoea, or even a change in usual behaviour. Moving home, a relationship break-up or having a baby, or even our own unhappiness and moods, can affect dogs in a negative way. Holiday times can be also hard for our dogs as they often mean the family disappears for weeks on end and the dogs have to go into boarding kennels. Even assuming they can stay at home (if you’re lucky enough to have
Walkies with dog-walker Tsz Wai harcoal is a two-year-old black mongrel living with Tsz Wai and her family in Sai Kung. Appropriately named after his sootlike colour and slim build, Charcoal was adopted from the SPCA as pup – it was a conscious decision made by Tsz Wai’s parents to support the organisation. Although he can be boisterous at times, Charcoal has no problem sharing his space with the family’s cat, a Scottish Fold called Echo. You can often find Charcoal and the family taking a stroll alongside the restaurants on Sai Kung pier or going on short hikes around Wong Chuk Wan. “It’s never boring when Charcoal is around,” jokes Tsz Wai. “He has a tendency to eat everything in sight! One time he devoured a box of chocolates before we could stop him and we had to immediately rush him to the vet. Thankfully he was able to vomit it all out. We’ve learnt to guard the chocolates better and I’m sure Charcoal has learnt his lesson too!”
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Sometimes the reverse happens and the family stays at home for the holidays, meaning extra time spent with the dog and special fun outings and adventures together such as hiking, swimming or going to the beach. Then when it’s time to go back to work or school, all of the fun
stops and suddenly there’s no one around for the dog to play with anymore. If you do plan to put your dogs into a boarding kennel when you go away, by far the best choices are the home-from-home options, which are more like holiday camps for dogs than kennels. In fact if you regularly use the same place, it can even be something your dog enjoys, as there will be regular walks and other dogs to play with in a place that has become familiar.
e n b o. a c s to Dog ssed , stre
Walkies C
a reliable full-time helper), it still means the family not being there for the duration of the vacation, and that can be a lonely time, because dogs thrive on companionship and having their humans around.
Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs. hongkongdogrescue.com
marketplace
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marketplace
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in marketplace the garden
What to plant in September?
S
September. Cooler, gustier days are shorter. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 30 °C (86°F). Most of you might think that there is not as much to do in the garden, but you are wrong my fellow Hong Kong gardeners, so terribly wrong. Let’s make the most of the remaining warmth while we can, shall we? Lilium Longiforum, or in layman terms the Easter Lily, may be put in beds and pots. If you’re one of the lot who has ever forced these poor darlings to bloom for the religious holiday instead of planting them mid-season like you are supposed to, I am dreadfully ashamed of you. Sow the following seeds: Chinese Balsam, Sunflower, French and African Marigold, Sweet Alyssum and Verbena. Pot off the Salvias propagated last month, and put in more cuttings for succession. These minty treasures prefer well-drained soil, so remember to keep the soil moist during growing season, but not so that water pools. I suggest adding a thin layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture and control weeds – two birds with one stone, marvellous! Pot your second batch of Freesias, and also Violets, and pot your Geraniums towards the end of the month. I have these babies hanging in a wee basket at home, and oh I adore them so! Seeds of the following may be sown: Mustard and Cress, Chinese Spinach, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Green and White Cabbage, Radish, Beet, Globe and Egyptian Turnip-rooted, Carrot, Sutton’s Inimitable Forcing, Cabbage, Little Pixie, Cauliflower, Vegetable Marrow and Celery. Plant out your Tomatoes and transplant your Celery from seed pans into nurse beds. Take good care of your vegetables, as you need the nutrients for the cold that is to come! Towards the end of the month, manure the beds for the bulk of the winter crops; it will be chilly sooner than you think. But don’t dwell in your winter blues my fellow gardeners; remember, spring is not far behind the cold.
By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.
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stephen says...
Disenfranchised in village elections Is your village eligible to vote?
Wong Chuk Wan village
Did you by any chance attempt to register to vote in the village representative elections? I did, on the grounds that no one should be whining about governance without at least making a minimal effort to participate in elections, even though the system is flawed. However the Home Affairs Department rejected my application on the grounds that where I live in Sai Kung is “not within the delineated area of any Existing Village” (their caps not mine). Who knew that whole areas of rural Sai Kung were not within a village area? How many areas does this apply to? I asked the department. Quite a few, it turns out, including a whole clutch of areas close to Sai Kung town. However there is no publicly available figure for how many people are thus disenfranchised. The unrepresentativeness of this process is even more dismal than I previously imagined. But it would still be useful to be able to quantify what’s going on here.
A warning about Lands Department warnings Meanwhile, the Lands Department has been at it again. The bureaucrats have decided yet again to bother owners of short-term tenancies, which in simple terms means anyone who is renting bits of land, usually adjacent to their properties. This time the bothering involves sending out snotty little letters reminding them about – well actually, threatening them with action if they fail to act on – trees posing “any potential risks and danger to public safety”. Apparently expert advice needs to be sought on this matter.
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On the same day, another missive was dispatched to encourage the public “to remain vigilant and actively participate in the battle against mosquitos”. The letter tells us extraordinary things such as the fact that mosquitos breed in water and that they may rest on various types of debris. My oh my, what a mine of information is the Lands Department!
Litterbugs, bureaucrats and dog poo Having slagged off two government departments, let’s turn our attention to a third. Step forward the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which has provided legislators with figures concerning its litter-collection activities at what are known as “designated campsites”. Apparently 3,700 tonnes were collected in 2015, 3,400 tonnes in 2016 and exactly the same amount last year. These figures are almost certainly within the realms of fiction, as can be readily observed by anyone who has visited one of the busier campsites. Obviously it would be better if people took their litter home when they leave the countryside, but I very much doubt that the department’s official “Take Your Litter Home” notices have had the slightest impact. Practical measures such as the provision of large and easily accessible bins in the country parks would be more useful. There must be ways of getting people to be more civic-minded. However they are highly unlikely to emerge from the AFCD’s latest study, snappily titled “The enhancement of the recreation
and education potential of country parks for public enjoyment”. You can’t blame the bureaucrats for everything, but they do have an annoying and rather self-righteous way of thrusting themselves onto the frontline for blame. Moreover, what’s more enjoyable than blaming people who think that the concept of responsibility is akin to a blob of dog poo that needs to be circumvented at all costs?
Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.
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