Southside Magazine August 2013 by Hong Kong Living Ltd

The really useful magazine AUGUST 2013

PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER 6 Happening in August Things to do, places to go, people to see. Letters 9 Have your say Missing links discovered, plus anti-burglary measures. NEWS

EDUCATION

14 Here come the fish The rebirth of Hong Kong waters. INTERVIEW 16 The vice-chairman From Aberdeen boy to the Southern District Council. FEATURE 18 Designs of the times Southside’s hot property, and where to get it. Eating

11 What’s going on? The latest from your backyard. five MINUTES WITH... 12 A riding instructor In the saddle in Pok Fu Lam.

LOCAL

Find us on Facebook Southside Magazine

26 Old gold Why dry-aged beef tastes better. Plus a new column from Fergus Fung.

32 Student volunteers Charities looking for young helpers. Plus ESF’s admissions procedure. OUTDOORS 34 Seeing stars Nights at the Astropark. HIKES 38 Lantau’s beaten track Cowpat Beach and beyond. BIRD AT MY WINDOW 39 The fork-tailed sunbird David Diskin bows out with a beauty. HEALTH & BEAUTY 40 After sun How to keep glowing.

Family 30 Spook town How to feed a Hungry Ghost.

TRAVEL

PETS 44 Unleash the beasts? Hazel Black explains Hong Kong’s leash laws. Plus obedience classes. MARKETPLACE 49 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do. CLASSIFIEDS 54 Loads of random useful local stuff ULTIMATE GUIDE 56 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier. MY SOUTHSIDE 58 Go coconuts The world of Jax Coco founder, Jane Gottschalk.

42 Tracks across China Author Chris Taylor takes the paths less travelled. “When fortune calls, offer her a chair”

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people

Pictures: Hannah Grogan and Karen Chow

Snaps from Southside

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ab-tastic

Pictures: Carlos Leung Ho-sing

Shek O Challenge 2013

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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planner

happening in august

Until Aug 25 Ocean Park Summer Splash Get wet at the park’s annual summer festivities, including water fights and a giant water slide. Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, 3923 2323, www.oceanpark.com.hk.

Aug 5-11 Hong Kong Restaurant Week More than 50 Hong Kong restaurants offer multicourse menus at affordable prices. Details at www.restaurantweek.hk.

Graze the annual foodies exhibition, with dishes from around the world, a Gourmet Zone and more. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, www.hktdc.com.

Want tickets?

Until Aug 30 Spacecraft Exhibition Small boys, grown men and other wannabe spacemen can check out a model of the XCOR Lynx Mark II spacecraft at The Arcade, Cyberport.

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Catch the action with teams from China, Turkey, Czech Republic and Argentina at the Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom, 2771 0293, www.vbahk.org.hk.

Until Aug 11 International Arts Carnival Family-friendly performances including dance, musical theatre, acrobatics, puppetry, physical comedy, with many events in English. Details at www.hkiac.gov.hk. Tickets from Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

Aug 15-19 Hong Kong Food Expo

We’re giving away tickets to the Hong Kong Food Expo. To enter, please send an email with your full name and mailing address to free@southside.hk with the subject “Hong Kong Food Expo”.

Aug 9-11 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix

Aug 11 Air Supply Live in Hong Kong Will Hong Kong ever be all out of love for this Aussie musical duo? AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $480-$880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Until Aug 11 International Children’s Film Carnival Engaging children’s movies from around the world. Details at www.hkiac.gov.hk. Tickets from Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

Aug 13 The Smashing Pumpkins Live In town for one night only. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

planner Aug 25 Hong Kong Scottish Day The Scottish Rugby Football Club kicks off the new season with sevens, beer, and a tug-o-war. King’s Park. www.hongkongscottish.com.

Aug 28 Festa Vino e Pasta A one-night wine-and-pasta fiesta. Bookings essential. $288, The Verandah, The Repulse Bay, www.therepulsebay.com, 2292 2822.

Aug 15 Linkin Park Living Things

BOOK NOW Sep 5-Oct 6 International Comedy Festival Seven years in and funnier than ever. Details at www.hkcomedyfestival.com.

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

Live and rocking the AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $288-$888 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. Details at www.linkinpark.com.

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

Aug 21 Hungry Ghost Festival

With Elizabethan staging. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $265-$795 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Spook city (see p.30).

Aug 23-25 Michael Jackson The Immortal Music by MJ, moves by Cirque du Soleil. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $245-$1,288 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Until Sep 2 Under the Same Sky Exhibition If you think Typhoon Vicente was bad, check out Hong Kong’s worst weather at this free exhibition for the observatory’s 130th anniversary. 1/F Hong Kong Museum of History, Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2724 9042.

Sep 29 Suede Live in Hong Kong Brit-pop lives on. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580-$780 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@southside.hk.

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Headline letters

have your say

Missing links found I read with interest the short item on “Missing Links” (News, July 2013). While I certainly agree that much can be done to improve pedestrian links in Hong Kong, on Southside most of these links already exist. The problem is that so many are unaware of them due to a lack of signage, and thus we get joggers and walkers dodging buses on sections of Island Road and Repulse Bay Road without sidewalks. It is quite possible to walk from Shouson Hill to Stanley on sidewalks and paved footpaths, with only a few short staircases and only five road crossings, none of them over a main road, and all with good visibility. Much of the route is away from traffic. Clear signage would allow those unfamiliar to stop dodging traffic – a small investment for road safety. Andreas Rosboch

Battling the burglars There has been an increase in the number of burglary cases in Southside in the past few months. It is a serious matter and I have been in close contact with police on this issue. Aside from bolstering security measures in your own homes, ask your management company to contact the police about a new initiative, Western District Long Walls Defense Project. In a bid to combat burglaries in luxury units, including low-rise and independent houses in Southern District, in April the Western District initiated this project in collaboration with Southern District Fight Crime Council, Southern District Council, concerned Owner Incorporations (OICs) and security companies. The project aims to curb burglaries through enhancing security measures and raising the anti-crime consciousness of residents. The project comprises three elements: regular seminars for security guards, information exchange between security guards and police, and sudden checks on the guards by police. Regular security seminars: Police

Community Relation Officer, Western District and Regional Crime Prevention Office, Hong Kong Island will organize seminars for estate management staff on the latest modus operandi of burglars and preventative measures. Information Exchange: Police Community Relation Officer, Western District will help private estates establish a mechanism to swiftly exchange useful information such as antiburglary best practice and crime information, including details of suspected persons. Sudden police checks: To make sure security personnel maintain a high level of alertness at all times, Aberdeen Division will perform sudden checks on estates by site visits or phone calls, especially in the early morning. For details, please ask your management office to contact the Neighbourhood Police Co-ordinator, Lo Tszleung, on 9305 9711. Fergus Fung Southern District Councillor

Please email your letters to editor@southside.hk. We may edit for length.

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news

Food Expo hits Hong Kong Following the success of last year, the Hong Kong International Food Expo will open on August 15. The five-day event will present over a thousand exhibitors and feature food from countries around the world including Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Mexico, Thailand, and many more. Special events including cooking demonstrations by famous chefs, conferences and competitions will also be held. The expo will also see a special gourmet zone exhibiting under four themes: Western Delicacy, Asian Cuisine, Sweet Delight, and Chic & More. Tickets are available at Circle K and 7-Eleven until August 19 or you can buy online at www.hkticketing.com.

Want tickets?

We’re also giving away tickets for the Food Expo. To enter, please email with your full name and mailing address to free@southside.hk with the subject “Hong Kong Food Expo.”

Mozzies be gone

Ovolo Hotel opens Southside’s newest hotel addition will arrive in Aberdeen this month when Ovolo finally opens its doors to guests. The new Ovolo Hotel takes inspiration from the area’s historical Hong Kong fishing community and fuses it with modern elements. Featuring 85 guest rooms, sweeping sea views and many amenities, it’ll be a good place to stash the in-laws this holidays. 100 Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2165 1000. For details, www.ovolohotels.com.

Hong Kong’s humid summer always comes with a swarm of mosquitos, that’s definitely not news. To help combat the hassle of applying sticky and unpleasant bug repellent sprays, Para’Kito’s protective mosquito wristband has hit Hong Kong shelves. The number one natural mosquito protection in France is now available in a number of speciality stores around Hong Kong and for purchase online. The waterproof bands offer 15 days of protection and are available in a number of styles to suit. For details, visit hk.parakito.com.

Flowers by TREE TREE has taken its eco-chic theme to the next level by opening a new flower shop and floral delivery service at their flagship store in Horizon Plaza. The new “flowers from the heart” shop is home to beautiful bouquets, herb gardens and house plants guaranteed to add a natural touch of colour to your interior. TREE also offers a home delivery service “scent with love” which means you can send sweet smelling flowers to anywhere in Hong Kong. An online order form will be coming soon. To order your flowers today, call 2870 1582 or pop into their flagship Horizon Plaza store.

Annual cleanup Registration has now begun for the 13th Hong Kong Cleanup. One of the largest environmental volunteer events in Hong Kong, the event sees huge numbers turn out to help clean up the area. The annual event will take place from September 21 to November 1, with three challenges to choose from: Coastal Cleanup Challenge, Country Cleanup Challenge and City Cleanup Challenge, where you get a chance to clean up our renowned coastlines, parks and urban areas respectively. For full details or to become part of this eco-friendly event, visit www.HKcleanup.org.

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five minutes with...

Bridling Bridie Karen Chow gets in the saddle with Pok Fu Lam riding instructor Bridie Watts.

On a typical day, I teach five to six classes, mainly kids and teenagers. It’s really rewarding to see students improve. They keep coming back as they get more and more attached to the horses, and want to get better.

Bridie Watts.

I grew up with horses. I rode my first pony aged four, in England, entered lots of local riding competitions and earned a degree in equine science. I was an equine lecturer at Bicton College and chief instructor at Hartpury College, both in the UK. The 2008 Beijing Olympics made me interested in the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which provided the venues and supporting facilities for the equestrian competition. That’s why I decided to move to Hong Kong.

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Space constraints are the biggest difference between riding in Hong Kong and in Britain. At HKJC Pokfulam Public Riding School we have a hacking route and a paddock – very different from the big open fields and trails in the UK. The weather is the biggest restriction for riding in Hong Kong; it’s very hot for both the riders and the horses. Most people learn for fun in Hong Kong, which removes the pressure factor. In Britain, a lot of people own competition horses or want to do horse-related exams so it’s more intense.

I manage 31 horses, mostly ex-racehorses, and my favourite is Calypso. He’s full of character, always friendly and attentionseeking. When the other horses are sleeping or eating, he’ll stick his nose out, like he’s shouting, “I’m here! I’m here!” People have the misconception that riding is easy – “it’s just sitting on a horse”. But it’s a good workout for the rider. It helps to improve your balance, coordination and core strength. Anyone interested in riding should just get involved. Don’t let the size of the horses put you off. We run summer schools for complete beginners – give it a go. Pokfulam Riding School, 75 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2550 1359.

local

go fish

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Sammy Ko sammy@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Carly Tonna carly@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Nobel Cho ads@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear David Diskin Marie Teather Pete Spurrier Sally Andersen Fergus Fung Chris Taylor Hazel Black Henry Hsiao Karen Chow Kristine Chen Rosie Whitehouse Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call! Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

www.fastmedia.com.hk

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Here come the fish The rebirth of Hong Kong waters. By Hannah Grogan. Hong Kong’s waters are on their way to being healthier than ever and we’ve got the fish to prove it. And not just any fish – a 226kg Pacific blue marlin was caught off the coast earlier last month, causing quite a stir among local anglers. While it’s common to find the black marlin in the South China Sea, many believe big blue may be a first for Hong Kong. But it’s not just the marlins that have everyone buzzing. Local fishermen report that since the ban on all trawling activities came into effect last December, the waters have seen a renewal of life. After years of overfishing, Hong Kong’s waters were in desperate need of a reprieve. The ban on trawling was introduced to help with marine conservation, promote sustainable development, and boost eco-tourism. Just seven months in, reports from the water have sparked much local interest and support for the ban. “It’s a lot healthier,” says local angler Kim Stuart, who has been fishing off the coast of Hong Kong for 26 years and runs Tailchasers, a deep sea fishing company that operates out of Aberdeen. “We’ve been seeing quite

a considerable number of high quantity schools of fish inshore,” says Stuart. “I’ve heard many reports from local anglers ... they’ve been reporting bigger fish and more variety inshore. In May we even saw a whole cloud of shrimp within the Aberdeen marina area itself.”

Record-breaking ‘big blue’.

Stuart says this, much like the blue marlin sighting, was a highly unusual occurrence. Meanwhile, there have been a number of other reports of out-ofthe-ordinary sea life sightings. In April a Youtube video of a shark sighted in Sai Kung went viral. The video hit home for many, especially those who still recall the

shark attacks of the early 1990s. Though experts say there is no immediate cause for concern, the video sent out a different message – more fish could also bring in more sharks. But while anecdotal evidence suggests a renewal of life in the seas, some experts are not convinced. Rob Christie, chairman of the South China Diving Club, feels it is still too early to measure any changes, though he supports the ban wholeheartedly. “We thank all of the fishermen who have supported the trawling ban in local waters and are cooperating to make it effective,” says Christie. “Their support is most critical in helping the Hong Kong fisheries start to recover from decades of overfishing.” Christie is not the only one waiting for more conclusive data. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also says it’s too soon to see any change. A spokesperson from the AFCD, says a longer survey period is needed to draw any conclusions. Yet out on the water, the signs are promising. And the anglers are all saying the same thing – the fish are coming back.

interview

captain

Chan Fu-ming The vice-chairman of the Southern District Council tells Karen Chow about growing up in Aberdeen harbour.

My favourite place is Ocean Park. I love seeing all the fish swim around. I particularly like fish. I used to export fish to Japan, but it gives a completely different interpretation when you see them underwater looking so lively. I was born in 1954 and lived on a fishing boat in Aberdeen typhoon shelter. Life was simple and we caught lots of fish. I remember alleyways and bamboo jetties next to the sea, and people lying down smoking opium. We used to rent storybooks to read in the streets, and sneak into movies. Foreigners going to the floating restaurants would throw money into the water and children would dive after it. The foreigners thought of it as a form of circus performance. My parents and relatives were the first to have a motor-powered fishing boat. I helped as a child, drying squid and fish. It was a difficult job, especially in winter, as we always wore a wife-beater. I’ve only been to sea once or twice. I kept throwing up – it’s really scary, like the pirate ship at Ocean Park.

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In the 1970s, the government was almost begging fishermen to move off their boats and into public housing, but they didn’t want to pay rent – until a big fire in the typhoon shelter scared them. Most of my family still lives on Southside. We have deep roots here. I moved away for a short time – we applied for public housing for 11 years, but when we finally got an offer it was in Sha Tin. We stayed two years. We work in Southern District and travelling was very timeconsuming, but the main reason was because we couldn’t adapt to the environment. When I was a child, Southside was famous for seafood. There were the Palace and Tai Pak floating restaurants and eight to 10 other food boats. The ones serving casual dinners were very popular. And you could take your own seafood into any restaurant for them to cook for you. Fishermen are not big on birthdays, but we put great emphasis on weddings. The celebration goes on for a couple of days. All the relatives moor their boats around the wedding boat and cook up meals for the newlyweds.

I was a sailor for the Palace floating restaurant, then a truck driver. It was a difficult job. We drove 18 to 20 hours a day. I transported ice, and took fish to the airport everyday at 3am. The pay was only $70 for a round trip.

It’s really scary, like the pirate ship at Ocean Park I moved to the Southern District Council because I love helping others. I started as an assistant to the councillor. I was not familiar with the job, but the councillor liked that I was locally born and raised and that people knew me. I try to listen with patience, and work hard. Sometimes people get angry about things, but it’s important to listen carefully. Plus, it’s very rewarding seeing the problems solved. One new development we are working on is a $1 billion seafood place, which will be two stories high with an aerial garden on top of a food market. People will be able to buy fresh seafood and take it there to be cooked and prepared.

feature

Designs of the times Rent or buy? Blue or neutral? Follow fashion or invent a style? Marie Teather gets on trend. THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Joseph Chang is founder of JCAW Consultants, an interior design agency for residential and commercial spaces. My Southside clients are sophisticated and educated and their interiors reflect this. Most don’t expect anything too brash and so we are a great fit. There are many different characters and interiors in Southside: classic, East Meets West, colonial and occasionally contemporary. Interior design is beginning to mirror male preferences for “all-natural” and handmade products as men spend more time at home than ever.

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I do not encourage people to follow trends, it’s simply an admission of not having a style of your own. If you want to follow trends, be subtle and use small pieces that can be easily changed. Choose something timeless and classic, say a brass or copper light fitting, mix contemporary with traditional style and high end with high-street buys.

I always ask what the purpose of the home is. Do you want to live there for a long time? If you are planning to sell in the next couple of years you may need to consider the market. Young families are happy with an open-plan kitchen to make the space larger and have interaction with their kids. This can be achieved

property trends

by rearranging the layout but it depends on the building; structural walls can be a hindrance. Make your personality feature by giving beloved belongings their rightful place. One family had grown-up daughters who had left lots of ballet shoes. I framed the shoes in a circle and hung it on the wall. Sometimes you think something is junk because you never use it but there are ways to give it a new life.

THE REAL ESTATE AGENT Jordan Miller is associate director at online estate agency OKAY.com. Southside’s property market is quiet at the moment. That said, prices are higher compared with other areas in Hong Kong because there is little supply in the market and owners are not reducing prices. In the long term it is a very healthy market to be in.

Southside properties are all so different Because of the price tags, and Southside’s prestigious reputation, over the last year a lot of buyers have come from the mainland.

Make your personality feature by giving beloved belongings their rightful place I often become friends with my clients – I will find pieces to add to their homes years after I have worked on it.

Because of government regulations and the buyer stamp duty, there isn’t a huge rush to buy or sell and local people are starting to look for opportunities overseas. Southside properties are all so different. Those highest in demand have an ocean view and a terrace.

find they have more success with potential buyers, even with a higher price tag. Basic renovations make it easier to capture a buyer’s imagination – it’s more tangible and they have a stronger impression of the property and its potential.

Most buyers buy houses to live in as opposed to rent out. Those who buy tend to stay for a minimum of three years. Most renters tend to stay for two years but are open to relocating. Prices have steadily risen over the years but when rents go up, tenants consider moving further away. Many buyers prefer homes that have not been renovated, but these properties may be old and slightly run down, and buyers walk away less interested. Landlords that do make renovations

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feature THE FURNITURE EXPERT Kate Babington is managing director of TREE, Hong Kong’s first eco-chic furniture boutique. People on Southside have more space in their homes and they may enjoy some outdoor space. These customers, particularly families, spend more time at home and are happy to invest in pieces that create their own sanctuary. Southside customers live closer to the ocean and like a more casual and relaxed feel to their furniture. They add more colour to their homes – embracing blues and greens indoors and colourful reds and oranges outdoors – in comparison to the natural earthy tones that other Hong Kong customers seem to prefer. Our Ferum boat wood collection is a real hit on the Southside as the blue and green boat wood complements the ocean and natural surroundings. We've also noticed our whitewashed finishes for dining and accent pieces are ideally suited to the Southside, as they embrace that casual beach living feeling.

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We are pleased more customers are interested in ensuring their furniture is eco-friendly. They seek us out intentionally and want to learn about our practices and how we ensure our furniture has as little environmental impact as possible. A big trend this year is using antique, reclaimed or industrial salvage-style pieces in contemporary settings. These days homeowners are regularly mixing and matching pieces. This trend covers the love of mid-century modern styles from the likes of Mad Men, as seen in our Vintage Collection, as well as having an industrial take where people are making features out of metal piping, exposed brick and natural materials in their home.

feature

Buyers’ Guide

Okooko www.okooko.com, tel: 2989 9345 TREE www.tree.com.hk, tel: 2997 8522

Air Purifiers Oxyvital www.oxyvital.com, tel: 2893 5928

La-Z-Boy www.la-z-boy.com, tel: 2348 5882

Antique furniture Altfield Gallery www.altfield.com.hk, tel: 2537 6370

Sofa Sale www.sofasales.com.hk, tel: 2541 1230

Carpets Carpet Buyer www.carpetbuyer.com, tel: 2850 5508

White Contemporary Homewares Tel: 2691 0933

Hidestyle www.hidestyle.com, tel: 2790 3801 Curtains ABBA Curtain Co Holds the window specs for Bel-Air apartments. G/F 31 Tung Sing Road, Aberdeen, tel: 2552 2880

Red Cabinet www.red-cabinet.com.hk, tel: 2536 0123

Tequila Kola www.tequilakola.com, tel: 2877 3295

Area Home www.areahome.com.hk, tel: 2556 8008 Di-Mension Living www.di-mension.com, tel: 2246 8382 Kids furniture Flexa www.flexa.dk, tel: 2688 2303

Ka Hin Curtain Co 147-149 Queens Rd East, Wan Chai, 2804 1999

Tickitey Boo www.tickitey-boo.com

Fabrics Makaron Hom linen www.makaron-home.com tel: Jenny 6124 4980, Catherine 9179 1071

Outdoor furniture Wicka Designs www.wickadesigns.com, tel: 2792 2241

Nuan Cashmere (Interior Cashmere) www.nuancashmere.com

Everything under the sun www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk, tel: 2554 9088

Fans Life’s A Breeze www.lifesabreezehk.com, tel: 2572 4000

Gardening & landscaping Leisure Turf and Landscape www.leisureturf.asia, tel: 2579 0323

Decor Attic Lifestyle www.attic-lifestyle.com, tel: 2580 8552

Flowers Pacific Petals www.pacificpetals.com, tel: 2151 1151

Altfield Interiors www.altfield.com.hk, tel: 2524 4867 Fink www.rayford.com/fink, tel: 2919 2311 Furniture B&B Italia www.viahk.biz, tel: 2544 4011

Handyman services Cosy Homes Max Lee works anywhere in Southside. Tel: 9129 2996 Indo Handyman Tel: 2578 1865, sales@indohandyman.hk

The XSS www.thexss.com, tel: 2739 8893 Pest control Homertek www.homertek.com, tel: 3563 6522 Biocycle www.biocycle.com.hk, tel: 3575 2575 Christian Environmental Health www.ceh.com.hk, tel: 2370 9236 Relocation services AGS Four Winds Hong Kong For local or international removals. www.agsfourwinds.com, tel: 2885 9666 Santa Fe Full-service relocation company. www.santaferelo.com, tel: 2574 6204 Moving House Hong Kong “White-glove” unpacking and setting up service. www.movinghouse.com.hk, tel: 2398 7818 Specialist painting and decorating Wofu Deco www.wofudeco.com, tel: 2768 8428 Calcite www.calcitegroup.com, tel: 3428 5441 Home Redesign Hong Kong Lampshade recovering service. www.homeredesignhk.com Hong Kong Murals Fine art murals for children and adults. www.hongkongmurals.com, tel: 9722 8353 Waterproofing Asian Slate wgdavies@netvigator.com, tel: 6075 6694 Window cleaner (Southside) Yat Yau Cleaning Company (Mr. Chow) Tel: 3528 9951 Real estate Jones Lang LaSalle Hong Kong www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk, tel: 2846 5000 OKAY Property www.okay.com, tel: 2102 0888

Home monitoring Easy Monitoring www.easymon.org, tel: 3590 2820

Parkview www.hongkongparkview.com, tel: 2812 3888

Forbidden City www.forbiddencity.com.hk, tel: 2556 8968

Interior design Box Design www.boxdesign.com.hk, tel: 2573 3323

D’home www.dhome.com.hk, tel: 3108 3636

Indigo Living & Indigo Kids www.indigo-living.com, tel: 2552 3500

JCAW Consultants Tel: 2524 9988, jcawltd@biznetvigator.com

Savills www.savills.com.hk, tel: 2987 1919

Inside www.inside.com.hk, tel: 2812 6685

LLS www.llsdesign.com.hk, tel: 2117 8983

Signature Home www.signaturehomes.com.hk, tel: 2828 7728

Rimba Rhyme www.rimbarhyme.com, tel: 2544 4011

Muse Studio Interior Design and Architecture www.musestudio.com.hk, tel: 3620 2877

Sothebys www.hksothebysrealty.com, tel: 3108 2108

Décor 8 www.decor8.com.hk, tel: 5104 8325 Marc James Design www.marcjamesdesign.com, tel: 2189 7476

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The Repulse Bay www.therepulsebay.com, tel: 2292 2878

feature

Conversation pieces Make a statement with bold homeware.

Bamboo teardrop birdcages From $1,650, TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2870 1582.

• Antique brass chandelier $8,390, Indigo Living, 6/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2555 0540.

• White ceramic side table

• Stockholm double seater $8,800, Rimba Rhyme, 5F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2544 4011.

$1,490, Indigo Living, as before.

Oval Circles Wall Mirror $18,990, Indigo Living, as before.

• Shanghai tablecloth From $699, Makaron Home, www.makaron-home.com.

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feature

• Vista TV Cabinet $5,980, Decor 8, Unit B, 9/F Fuk Chiu Factory Building, 20 Bute St, Mong Kok, 5104 8325.

Chevron rug $2,900 per sqm, Hidestyle, www.hkhiderugs.com.

•

• White leather cabinet $52,000, Forbidden City, Unit 703, 18 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 2556 8968.

• Chinese lantern table lamp $1,800, Forbidden City, as before.

• Out of the box

• Happiness shelf

From $1,250, TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2870 1582.

$42,000, Forbidden City, as before.

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eating

what’s the beef?

Age before beauty Aberdeen’s Butchers Club is amping up the flavour by reviving dry-aged beef, writes Henry Hsiao.

There’s more to being a butcher than an ability to wield a chopper and debone a joint. Meat tastes better if you treat it right, and when it comes to beef that starts with ageing. The Butchers Club in Aberdeen is a private kitchen, catering service and butcher that specialises in dry-ageing, a lengthy process of removing moisture from beef in a controlled environment to maximise the flavour. Dry-ageing is being revived in the US and Canada, where chef Aarik Persaud mastered the technique before helping Butchers Club

founder Jonathan Glover introduce it to Hong Kong in April. Persaud, who has spent six years as a dryageing specialist, says the technique pre-dates wet-ageing, a cheaper and more convenient method of ageing beef in plastic vacuum packs that retain moisture. “Before wet-ageing, all meat was dryaged,” Persaud says. “When I started, I hadn’t had dry-aged beef before and my executive chef told me this is going to change your perspective. It really does. I can’t go back.” So what’s the difference? “The taste. The two most prevalent flavours are nuts – from pine nuts to hazelnuts – and blue cheese. If you know what those things smell like, you can really tell when you stick your nose in a piece of beef.” As with wine, environmental factors influence the flavour and texture of a cut of meat. “Temperature, airflow, how the meat is wrapped and rotated affect the crust on the outside and that affects the flavour on the inside,” he says. The length of time the meat is aged also affects the flavour; the longer the ageing, the “cheesier” the flavour. The Butchers Club,

Persaud’s top tips for great steak • Marbling: look for a good amount of fat through the steak. The finer the lines of fat, the better it will melt in the meat during cooking. • Viscosity: “thick” blood indicates the meat is not fresh. • Season liberally. • Take your time: allow the beef to come to room temperature before cooking and afterwards let it rest it on a wire rack to allow excess moisture to drip off and let the meat firm up before serving. This is very important. • Temperature: don’t be afraid to use a thermometer for big pieces of beef.

which sources prime cuts from the US and Australia, typically ages its beef for 30-45 days, although Persaud has aged beef for 90 days. “[Top New York restaurant] Eleven Madison Park does 140 days routinely. It’s on the menu. I met a rancher who said he cut a 266-day piece. He said it was delicious,” Persaud says. So what does he choose to cook at home? “I buy a lot of stuff from the wet market. It’s very good quality and you pick the piece of meat – I like that. It’s funny because I’m a butcher but my wife’s a vegetarian. I go home and cook a bunch of vegetables. It keeps me in shape.” The Butchers Club is available for private parties. 13C Sun Ying Industrial Centre, 9 Tin Wan Close, Tin Wan, Aberdeen, 2552 8281, www.butchersclub.com.hk.

Nibbles The great Aussie barbie For an Australian-style barbie in one of the finest locations in town, try the new Sunday barbecue at Q Deck. Situated right on the edge of the harbour in north Wan Chai, Q Deck has stunning views from its large alfresco terrace. The deal includes seafood, lamb, steak and chicken on the grill, plus an antipasto buffet, a decadent array of desserts and free-flowing beer and wine. There’s even a play area and Movenpick ice cream to keep the kids happy. Available every Sunday, noon-4pm, $488 a head ($168 for kids aged three-11). G/F, The Fleet Arcade, 1 Lung King Street, Wan Chai, 2827 8882.

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Summer at the bay Sunny summer lunches at The Verandah bring the semi-buffet Souffle Extravaganza: salad, a choice of main course and as many souffles as you can eat (from $358, Wednesday to Saturday). At night, the Luscious Summer set dinner features dishes from around the world ($508 a person, Wednesday to Sunday). G/F The Repulse Bay, 2292 2822.

Go wild Southside chef Jean Paul Gauci is cooking up new seasonal dishes at Wild Grass. On the menu is baked goat’s cheese feuilette and marinated Scottish salmon salad, grilled organic rib-eye straight from the Australian Outback and organic ox tongue with capers, green olives and barley. Save room for the summer pudding with mixed wild berries. Available until the end of August, noon-3pm, 6pmmidnight on weekdays and noon-11pm on weekends. 1/F, 8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2912 1826.

food by fergus

amazing grazing

Stan Café In the first of a new column, Fergus Fung tucks into his favourite French neighbourhood cafe. This new column begins with one of Southside’s relatively new neighbourhood eateries. When Stan Café opened last year in an odd location at the top of Stanley Plaza, I expected it to be similar to Classified or Chez Patrick Deli. But Stan Café is something different. Owner Emmanuel Vallier sources produce and ingredients that are hard to get in Hong Kong. The dine-in menu is chock-full of dishes that Francophiles crave, including perfect duck confit, delicious steak tartare and sinful andouillette (intestine sausage). Dinners can be casual affairs – a plate of oysters and a bean salad, or a filling casserole, perhaps – while the lunch sets are delightful and inexpensive. In short, Stan Café serves good, hearty French fare, with a great view of the Murray Building and the South China Sea. I love Stan Café for its many other facets. It is my fromagerie, my delicatessen and my boulangerie. It stocks a fantastic selection of artisanal cheeses: cow’s to goat’s, hard to blue.

It has two kinds of Comté, for example; I prefer the aged one for its nice nutty flavour. From the Dauphiné region come super-creamy SaintFélicien and its smaller cousin Saint-Marcellin, which I am particularly partial to. With 50 per cent fat, the cheese oozes out as one cuts into it. In winter, it has a good value and delicious Mont

It is my fromagerie, my delicatessen and my boulangerie d’Or. And the pungent Époisses is knockout. The selection of pâtés and rillettes is relatively limited, but it’s all mouthwatering. Look for the interesting salami and saucisson, such as the strongly flavoured duck sausages. But trumping the lot are the baguettes, which are surely among the best in Hong Kong. Only limited batches are made daily and it sells out,

so don’t be late. I read somewhere that British actress, singer and Hermes bag inspiration Jane Birkin, who built a career in Paris, could never remember the gender of a baguette in French – it takes the feminine, une baguette – so she dodged the issue by always ordering two (deux baguettes). In Stan Café, you should follow suit and buy baguettes in pairs; it’s that good. Recently, the baker has been testing baguette de meule farine made with ground brown flour that tastes particularly sweet and delicious. I sincerely hope it will become a permanent fixture. For a sweet ending, Stan Café also acts as a pâtisserie, offering beautiful pastries and cakes. Really, what more can you ask of a neighbourhood café? Fergus Fung co-founded the WOM Hong Kong restaurant guide, available in online and print versions. He is also a wine consultant for Bonhams 1793 and a Southern District Councillor.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

sponsored column

ESF’s new admissions policies Next month, ESF will accept applications for the 2014 intake. Here’s how the new system works. Central application period for the 2014-15 academic year: September 1-30, 2013. Year 1 applications: children born in 2009. Year 7 applications: children born in 2003. The new admissions policy will put an end to the category system. From this month, the admissions assessment process will be strengthened, with emphasis on actual testing of the child’s English-language proficiency and on verifying parents’ commitment to an ESF-style English programme. The priority for an interview or assessment under the new admissions policy will be based on the following ranked criteria: • Applicants holding the new Corporate Nomination Right (CNR), which will be released this month, take the highest priority. However, there is no guarantee of a place. • Children of full-time staff at ESF or ESF Educational Services Limited. • Siblings of students already attending an ESF primary or secondary school or Jockey Club Sarah Roe School. • Holders of ESF Nomination Rights.

• Children of former students who have attended an ESF school for a minimum of three years or are former ESF students returning from overseas. • Other applicants who can benefit from an English-medium education. In the past, children who attend an ESF International Kindergarten have received priority to interview at ESF schools. When the new ESF admissions policy takes effect for applications for the 2014-15 school year, the interview priority will no longer apply. However, children attending an ESF International Kindergarten in the 2012-13 academic year, as well as those who apply for and gain a kindergarten place in 2013-14, will continue to receive priority when they apply for a Year 1 place. Nomination Rights Scheme (NRS) • The NRS costs $500,000 for each child and is available for all year groups. The number of places offered to NRS applicants is limited to 150 across all ESF schools. • At the time of application, parents pay a

deposit of $50,000 with the balance due should a place be offered. If a child does not meet the admissions requirements, the deposit is refunded. Corporate Nomination Rights Scheme (CNR) • The CNR is $5 million; released this month. • The value of the CNR will depreciate fully over 20 years from the year of purchase. • The CNR entitles the holder to nominate one child at an ESF school at any one time during the life of the CNR. • When the child leaves ESF, another child may be nominated. • Discovery College and Renaissance College are excluded from this programme.

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@tuition.com.hk or 3188 3940.

the really useful newsletter

WANT FREE STUFF? Southside Magazine has gone digital with The Southsider. Packed with deals and discounts, the weekly newsletter is designed especially for you, our readers, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday.

outdoors Seeing stars Hannah Grogan gazes skywards at Sai Kung’s Astropark.

From left: free binoculars; inside the electronic star dome; the campsite.

Summer is one of the best times of the year for stargazers, especially during the full moon. But given the level of light pollution in Hong Kong, stars can be elusive on even the clearest night. For the best views of Orion, the Big Dipper and other constellations, head to the Hong Kong Space Museum’s Astropark in the darkest reaches of Sai Kung Country Park.

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What to expect? Opened in January 2010, the Astropark is an astronomical “theme park” within the West Sea Cofferdam, next to Chong Hing Water Sports Centre at High Island Reservoir. It features Chinese and Western astronomical instruments, both ancient and modern, including telescopic binoculars, sundials and a star dome with an electronic display of the night sky, all available for public use.

good heavens What to take? Amateur stargazers don’t need to take anything other than a picnic and a starmap downloaded from the Astropark website. Keen astronomers with their own telescopes can use the electricity provided. Make a night of it and camp in the adjacent field; book through the water-sports centre (2792 6810). When to go? It’s a beautiful setting, so arrive in time for sunset. The park is open 24 hours and non-campers don’t need to book.

How to get there? Take a taxi from the country park gate at Pak Tam Chung to the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre (about $50; for taxis, try calling 2729 1199), turning right off Sai Kung Man Yee Road immediately after the High Island Reservoir West Dam. The watersports centre also runs a shuttle bus from Sai Kung town, which is available for campers. To book, call 2792 6810. For details and starmaps, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.

The sky in August

Aug 6 New Moon The darkest night of the month and a good time to see faint objects such as galaxies.

Aug 20 Full moon Watch the sky and landscape light up under the magic of the full moon.

Aug 12 Perseid Meteor Shower Peak viewing for meteors radiating out from the Perseus constellation. Best viewed from midnight on August 12, morning of August 13.

Aug 27 Neptune in opposition Notoriously tricky to view, the blue planet Neptune will be fully illuminated by the sun and at its closest to earth on August 27.

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hikes Cowpat Beach Pete Spurrier is moo-ved by the natural beauty of the Lantau Trail.

Many hiking trails in Hong Kong have been marred by the over-enthusiastic addition of railings and cement steps, so it’s a real pleasure to find a path in its natural state. Stage 9 of the Lantau Trail is one of them. To get there, take a ferry from Central to Mui Wo and change to any bus heading for Tai O or Po Lin Monastery; from Tung Chung, catch bus 11 or 23. After 20 minutes or so, the bus will come to the long bund of Shek Pik dam. Disembark here and walk across the dam for an outstanding view of the spurs of Lantau Peak rolling down to the reservoir waters. Above, the Big Buddha watches over the area from his plateau. At the end of the dam is a yellow Lantau Trail sign. Turn right and follow a lane south, above a compound of beachfront buildings that looks like it could be a holiday resort, but is Shek Pik Prison. Beyond an old police post is a fork in the road. The trail runs to the left, but you can detour right to sea level to view a Bronze Age rock carving beside the prison walls. It was made by a mysterious seafaring people possibly 3,500 years ago. Back on the trail, a single-track road runs downhill to Shek Pik Youth Camp; turn left here

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into the greenery. From now on, the hike follows a natural stone and earth path, edged by bamboo and flowering shrubbery, and shaded at intervals by descents into cool, rocky valleys. The path rises gently until you reach a point overlooking the green coast with wonderful views in all directions. Offshore, the uninhabited Soko Islands are a beautiful backdrop to fishing boats and high-speed ferries racing to Macau. Keep following the path to a barbecue spot behind the quiet bay of Lo Kei Wan, known to locals as “Cowpat Beach”. The reason for the name is clear: feral cattle roam at will around South Lantau, leaving free fertiliser in their wake.

A Bronze Age rock carving... was made by a mysterious seafaring people

From the beach, the path strikes uphill on stone steps to join a service road. Turn left to complete the final stretch. A bridge built by Gurkhas in 1985 leads to Shui Hau village, named for the watercourses that empty here into a shallow bay, which is home to horseshoe crabs.

splat!

bird at my window

Ken gS han R

oad

The village is a little way off to the right. Rooms are available to rent at weekends, but on weekdays it’s so quiet that cattle often settle down in the middle of the road. From the bus stop, wave down a bus to Mui Wo or Tung Chung.

Shek Pik Reservoir

Fork-tailed sunbird

Trail Entrance

aka Aethopyga christinae

Shui Hau Village Sitting-out Area lantau Tong Fuk Miu Wan Shui Hau Wan

Tong Wan

This walk will take up to three hours. There are no shops, so carry enough water.

Pete Spurrier is the author of The Leisurely Hiker’s Guide to Hong Kong and The Serious Hiker’s Guide to Hong Kong (FormAsia).

The fork-tailed sunbird occurs in southern China, north Vietnam and central Laos, but sunbirds can be found in Africa and southern Asia as far east as Papua New Guinea and northeastern Australia. The family name Nectariniidae indicates many sunbird species depend on flowers as a source of food. The male fork-tailed sunbird is strikingly colourful with its metallic green crown, dark red breast and green mantle. The female by contrast is a rather dull green. In Hong Kong, the species is most common in secondary forest in the New Territories but it can also be found in forested country parks and urban gardens on Hong

Kong Island. It makes a pear-shaped nest from plant material that it suspends from leaves on a branch and lays two to four eggs, but little else is known about its breeding behaviour. Although colourful and rather vocal, it tends to stay high in trees and can be difficult to see well until certain flowers are in bloom – including bauhinia and coral trees – and birds come to feed on the nectar. On a hillside in Tai Po Kau, for example, there is an area of coral trees that flower in late winter. The trees are at eye-level beside the road through the forest and provide patient observers with excellent views. The fork-tailed sunbird is a largely resident species, although there is some evidence of movement; it only occurs on Po Toi Island in autumn and winter, for example. It is probable that these are local birds dispersing after the breeding season, but they might be migrants from further north. David Diskin is a writer and photographer based in the New Territories. His latest book is Hong Kong Nature Walks: Kowloon, Hong Kong & Outlying Islands. Details at www.accipiterpress.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

health & beauty Afterglow Maintain that holiday glow with summer treatments. By Hannah Grogan.

Relaxation Be transported with a Journeys treatment at the Mandarin Spa. Drawing on the philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine, it takes your senses on a relaxing holiday. The 90-minute Day Off ($1,450, MondayThursday; $1,600, Friday-Sunday) begins with a heated compress and tension-relieving neck and shoulder massage, combining essential oils of eucalyptus and pine to clear the mind. That’s followed by scalp and facial massages, and foot reflexology. Get there 45 minutes early to play in the Chinese herbal steam room, jacuzzi, ice fountain and hydrotherapy pool. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4888.

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40 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

tall and tan and young and lovely Location Prolong that holiday vibe at the feng shuiinspired I-Spa. The 2.5-hour Summer Retreat Package ($2,470) will help maintain that tan with an aroma bath in the privacy of your own spa suite – soak in those harbour views – followed by a mineral scrub and vitamin C facial. Or go the whole hog and book the full-day experience: five treatments in 4.5 hours, a three-course iHealth lunch poolside and access to the fitness centre and tiered infinity spa pools, which look straight down the harbour. Who needs a holiday? I-Spa InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 1211, www.hongkong-ic. intercontinental.com.

Hydration Revive your complexion after a holiday in the sun with a bespoke hydrating facial at Flawless. This hip beauty specialist uses leading products and skilled beauticians and focuses on providing long-term treatment plans. For optimal moisture levels, the one-hour Hydr8 facial ($1,280) uses Medik8’s signature

hydrating serum to increase cell hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and tone the contours, with immediately visible results. Readers who purchase a package of five hydrating facials this month will receive a free revitalising face oil (valued at $605). 4/F Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham Opposite: Flawless. From top left: the Street, Central, 2869 5868, terrace and an ayurvedic treatment at www.flawless.hk.com. I-Spa; Flawless’ tools of the trade.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

travel

Making tracks across China

Clockwise from top: By train through Tibet; Emei Shan’s Hongchunping Monastery; The Potala Palace, Lhasa.

Chris Taylor explores China’s remoter parts by train and on foot in his new book, Riding the Dragon. So much China, so little time. During my travels to every province in China (detailed in my book, Riding the Dragon), I have learned that the most famous places are not always the best to visit. The China less travelled is beautiful and repays the effort of getting there tenfold. Emei Shan, Sichuan Province Sichuan is huge and varied with beautiful snowcapped mountains, the world’s biggest Buddha statue and most of its giant pandas. But the highlight is the long downhill trek from the summit of Emei Shan mountain, through woodland, past ancient temples and ferocious monkeys. I walked 20 km on the first day to Hongchunping monastery and, though my calves protested at the unyielding thud, thud, thud of tens of thousands of stone steps, it was one of the most delightful days I spent in the whole of China. Mist and snow cleared as I descended into forest so varied and lush that I understood why Unesco was so excited about this place. There are 3,200 plant species on Emei, which is 10 per cent of China’s total: Nanmu trees – tall, straight and flawless, perfect for temple pillars; gingko trees with crescent leaves and medicinal properties; and, above all, bamboo. Great dense swathes cover the hillsides in strands as thin as my finger and as thick as my leg that grow so fast I felt I could see it getting bigger if only I stood still for long enough.

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I saw no monkeys for 19.5 km of that first 20 km, but finally encountered some babies sitting playfully on a fence close to Hongchunping. They were cute and mischievous, of course, but where there are infant monkeys, adults cannot be far away. I turned a corner and there they were. All the monkeys stopped picking fleas from

their neighbours, fixed me with yellow eyes that seemed too small for their big baboon heads, opened their mouths and snarled with great defiant ivory fangs. Worse, the monkeys were sitting on a suspension bridge barring my way; on the other side was the monastery, a pot of rice on the boil, electric blanket warming my bed. I had no choice. Firmly, resolutely and raising my bamboo walking stick above my head, I advanced. A monkey jumped on my back and grabbed a bottle from my rucksack, grinning malevolently as he sat on the bridge’s iron chains with his trophy. But my blood was up. I quickened my pace and opened my throat, shouting a war cry as I banged my stick on the bridge – death or glory. Miraculously, mercifully, the monkeys scattered into the trees, staring resentfully down at me as I continued my long march.

???sino ? ? file ?? China by train Most of my travels around China were by train. Chinese trains are mostly clean, efficient and comfortable, especially in the top-ofthe-range “soft sleeper” class. Yet even the crisp sheets and cosy beds of soft sleeper are cheap and it’s always a thrill to eat a meal, fall asleep to the clickety-clack of the train wheels and wake next day somewhere entirely new. The cleanest, most efficient train of all trundles all the way to Tibet. It is so pristine and bright that it’s like the hermetically sealed experience of flying but with way more legroom. As we crossed the 5,000m Tanggula Pass, the guard brought round oxygen masks and a health declaration form on which we all confirmed “my health condition can adapt to 3,000m above sea level” like we even knew. Chinese passengers greedily plumbed their masks into the dispensers on the wall and sucked in the O2, but the foreigners on the train ascetically declined to use this aid to comfort since severe altitude headaches and nausea were surely part of the authentic Tibetan experience. I plugged mine in to have a go and couldn’t get it unplugged so spent the rest of the journey with oxygen hissing into the cabin. Qinghai had turned into Tibet when I awoke from my oxygen-enriched sleep next day. A thousand kilometres of this railway line lies at least 4,000m above sea level on a bed of permafrost. It is mindbogglingly remote. Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji called the railway “an unprecedented project in the history of mankind”, a typically unvarnished government boast that for once wasn’t hyperbole. Arrival in Lhasa made me feel emotional, as it must have done for foreign visitors to this distant and mystical city in centuries past. Pilgrims were prostrating on the road parallel to our rails with tens of miles to go to their destination. And there at last, perched on a rocky outcrop, unmistakably squat and muscular above the rest of the city, was the Potala Palace, a place that had seemed almost mythically remote in the encyclopaedias I had pawed over in my youth as I dreamed of Tibet.

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Chris Taylor’s favourite places in China. 1. Tribal communities, Guizhou: The wooden villages of the Miao and Dong minorities. 2. Tulou houses, Fujian: Ancient Hakka roundhouses in the countryside. 3. Kashgar, Xinjiang: Mosques and markets way out west on the Kazakh border. 4. Qingdao and Qufu, Shandong: German architecture, beer and Confucius’ hometown. 5. Pingyao, Shanxi: Intact Qing-dynasty town with ancient walls. 6. Dandong and Tiger Mountain Wall: The most easterly section of the Great Wall, with views into North Korea. 7. Lushan, Jiangxi: Colonial villas and woodland walks on a mountain (not shown).

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Riding the Dragon by Chris Taylor is available at Dymocks, Swindon’s Books in Tsim Sha Tsui and online at Amazon.com. For details, visit christaylor1968. wordpress.com.

Taylor-made itinerary

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

pets

sit!

Called to heel Recently I was walking five rescue dogs, including a puppy and a blind dog, along the road where I live. All the dogs are friendly and well socialised, but as two are territorial on a section of the road close to home I had them all on leads. We were walking along calmly when the dogs suddenly turned and their hackles started to rise. A small breed dog was running towards us, moving fast and growling with teeth bared and hackles up. I called to its owner to please call his dog back and put it on a lead. The owner ignored me and the dog kept coming. Were my dogs not under control, his probably would not be with us. Refusing to stop and talk to me, the owner marched off shouting that his dog was a small breed and was allowed off lead. This is not the case. Hong Kong law states that no dog of any size is permitted off the leash anywhere unless it is under control and not causing a nuisance to anyone. Dogs over 20kg without AFCD exemption certificates can only

44 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Picture: Trevor Cheng

When is Rover allowed off the lead? Dog behaviourist Hazel Black explains.

be let off the leash in country park areas (under the same terms). Exemption certificate exams take place twice a year and involve a number of obedience and temperament tests; owners must book the test in advance and any dog that fails can re-take the test at a later date. Dogs are hard-wired to react instinctively and quickly when faced with a potential threat

in their territory. This particular small dog ran at my dogs in a challenging, hostile way, off lead on their turf. Not only is this bad doggy etiquette that dogs will correct in an instant given half a chance, but it may have sparked the prey instinct. My dogs were doing their job by barking to protect their pack; as pack leader, I was doing my job by holding them back. At the end of the day, although humankind has long lived alongside domesticated dogs, they remain predatory animals. Lassie does not exist. Hazel Black is the founder of HK Rescue Puppies, www.hkrescuepuppies.com. For details on government pet regulations, visit www.pets.gov.hk.

pets

Who’s a good dog? Teach your puppy some manners and your old dog new tricks with Hong Kong’s dog trainers. By Rosie Whitehouse. HK Dog Training Rosalind Cheung graduated from the “Harvard of dog trainers” – the Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco SPCA – and worked at the Hong Kong SPCA before setting up her own business. She teaches in English or Cantonese. Classes: Private dog training and puppy packages, including basic commands and house training, dog behavioural consultations and “clicker” training. Classes are held in your own home (Hong Kong Island only) or in groups at the Stanley Veterinary Centre, 10-12 Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley. Contact: info@hkdogtraining.com, www.hkdogtraining.com. Wish You Were Here Offering a full range of dog services, including international relocations, Wish You Were Here gets rave reviews on local websites. It has two trainers – Mark Peters and Lu.

Classes: Private oneto-one dog training anywhere in Hong Kong. As well as puppy training, they can sort out all sorts of doggy behavioural problems. Classes can be conducted in English or Cantonese. Contact: 6252 9821, info@wishyouwereherehk. com, www.wishyouwereherehk.com. Sunny Dog Training Sunny Tang trained in the US. He believes good training leads to happier dog-owner relationships and fewer abandoned dogs. Classes: Sunny offers one-to-one puppy training and Behaviour Modification Courses in your home. His courses involve two sessions of 90 minutes to three hours. In English or Cantonese.

THE PET MOVERS

RELOPET specializes in transporting pets – door to door, anywhere in the world. Every year, we provide a stress free, well organised and cost effective service to hundreds of clients and their pets. Our dedicated consultants will guide you through the entire process – preparing your pet for the move, ensuring all the necessary vaccinations and inoculations are in order, arranging transportation and, most importantly, ensuring that your pet satisfies all customs requirements. And throughout the entire process, our priority is always your pet’s safety and comfort. Pet relocation can be a complictaed process but we’re here to make it easier for you 24x7 – from the day you call us to the day you’re reunited with your pet.

Call (852) 2976 9969 enquiry@relopet.com www.relopet.com

46 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Contact: 9732 8472, sunnydogtraining@yahoo.com, www.sunnydogtraining.com. SPCA The big daddy of dog training in Hong Kong runs monthly obedience training courses in Wan Chai, Kowloon and Sai Kung. Each course starts with a human-only session followed by four to six weeks of petand-owner classes. Classes: Group and private training, puppy socialisation and basic obedience courses with separate sessions for large dogs (over 10kg) and small dogs. Intermediate “Clicker” courses are also available. Contact: 2232 5567, bt@spca.org.hk, www.spca.org.hk. Address: 5 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai, 2802 0501.

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Mobile Veterinary Service 7 days a week, 24 hrs Servicing all areas Home-oriented MF_125x57.5_SSJun_ol.indd 1

5/16/13 4:07 PM

Professional spray tanning from the comfort of your own home. After hours appointments available.

bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com.au Find us on Facebook

T. 6234 8594

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

marketplace

2504-2221 HELLO@WINEMERCHANTSASIA.COM

50 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

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

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

an Jo

P Boivin hotogra ph y

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

marketplace Professional Birthday Party Entertainment

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entertainers Full Party Service:

Party Theming, Entertainment, Decorations, Venue

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Our Communication Arts, Creative Arts, Performing Arts and Home Tutoring Service

Helping your child on the path to success!

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52 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

Do you want to write for

Here’s your chance! Southside Magazine is currently looking for talented individuals to become members of our team. So if you’re a writer with something to say we want to hear from you! We are looking for writers and correspondents for the following areas: • Shek O • Stanley • Repulse Bay • Cyberport • Pokfulam • Aberdeen • Wong Chuk Hang • Ap Lei Chau

Find us on facebook to receive up-to-date

local news & exclusive offers for Southside residents only.

Southside Magazine

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk or call 2776 2772

Interested? Think you are a true Southside local with a voice? Contact us now! Send any writing samples or inquiries to writer@fastmedia.com.hk

WE’RE LOOKING FOR INTERNS Do you want to learn about magazine publishing? Fast Media Ltd is looking for editorial interns to work on our, Southside Magazine and Sai Kung Magazine. You must: • Be a native English speaker • Be available for a full time two month internship • Be a university student or recent graduate • Want a successful career in media • Be available immediately • Be ready to work hard Email us your CV and a cover letter telling us why you would be a good magazine intern. email: writer@fastmedia.com.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

classifieds LOCAL PROPERTY

Services Translation Service. If you would like to expand your business to Japanese speaking community, I am doing translation service for website, blog, menu, workshop, advertisement, recipes etc. Please contact at whitelilygarden@hotmail.com or 91843208.

(HK$80,000) COLONIAL LOWRISE + PRIVATE ROOF 1678(S) 1980(G) + Private Roof Exclusive Colonial Lowrise High Efficient 3 Beds Enjoys Unobstructed Seaview Balcony Bright High Ceiling Pool UNIQUE HOME LIMITED (C-049605) (852)28800709 WWW.UNIQUEHOME.COM.HK

(HK$160,000) SHOUSON HILL 5 BEDS HOUSE 2429(S) 3113(G) + Private Garden & Roof Highly Recommend Modern Town House + Family Area Large Eat-In Kitchen Deluxe Bath Big Pool Quiet Green UNIQUE HOME LIMITED (C-049605) (852)28800709 WWW.UNIQUEHOME.COM.HK

NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk

Insurance Insurance: Home, Motor, Medical. We are HK’s leading general insurance broker. Call for an instant quote or visit the website www.kwiksure.com. Call Christian on +852 3113 1331 or emailchristian@kwiksure.com.

TUITION & COURSES HAPPY VALLEY DANCE CLASSES (ONE ON ONE), AGES 10 TO 80! Offering Tap and Ballet Barre classes for beginners. Including TERMINOLOGY AND TECHNIQUE Telephone 25228930 PARKING AVAILABLE Sai Kung Garden House HK$50K/16.9M Ref~SK035 SOLE AGENT - 3 Bedroom House with Sea Views & Shared Pool in Small Quiet Development. Modern Decor. High Ceilings, Fully Equipped Kitchen, Helpers Q., Lawn Garden, 2 C/p. Convenient for Public Transport. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

Private Pool & Garage ~ Sai Kung HK$78K/32M Ref~SK488 Attractively Renovated 4 Bedroom Village House. Separate Family Room, Open-plan Fully Fitted Kitchen, Large Terraces, Private Pool, Beautiful Mountain Views. Sought after Location. Garage www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

Gorgeous Country Home ~ Sai Kung HK$65K Ref~SK495 Rarely Available. Detached Family Home. 4 Double Ensuites, Fully Fitted & Equipped Open-plan Kitchen, Separate Family Room, Maid’s Q. Lawn Garden, Beautiful Mountain Views. C/p, Quiet yet convenient for Transport. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

Home Leaving Hong Kong House Contents Sale Furniture, electrical goods, household items, plants for sale. Sha Kok Mei, Sai Kung. Phone 27911644/63806171. From 3 to 17 August.

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Mandarin / Cantonese speaking nanny -- available to play with your kids, read them stories and guide the kids to discover the daily life. Mandarin tutors -- available to tutor primary and secondary students, experience in helping students to prepare IGCSE, IB, AL... Please visit CALL-A-TUTOR.COM, or call 2572 8989. Tennis Performance Asia Limited Lessons/Training: Private, Groups – Adult, children, Ladies Coaching. Kowloon, NT, HK Island, HK, Australian, USPTA Qualified Coaches. Contact Senior Coach Todd Hooper – 97335197: todd@tennisperformanceasia.com www.tennisperformanceasia.com [TPA] Director – Ray Kelly School Choice International is the world’s leading school placement consultancy, helping thousands of family globally. There’s a perfect school for every child. We’ll guide you there. Please visit www.schoolchoiceintl.com. DRAMA AND SINGING IN FRENCH IN STANLEY OHLALA Club presents its new drama and singing classes in french for children from 5 to 14 years old. Come and improve your French by having fun! Wednesdays and Fridays afternoon. Please call 67182585 or info@chorus.hk. Piano Lesson @ HOME in English/Cantonese by professional and qualified teachers. Annual Recital in Cityhall. Trial lessons available. Visit www.grandpiano.hk for details.

classifieds Overseas Property

Hua Hin Thailand Superb 4b/r House, Rent and Sale 1-min to the beach Shared Pool, Garden Onsite Thai Cafe, www.watura.com Owner: Sue 9754 5967

NEED A HOLIDAY? PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches. Reasonable rates! Website: www. phuketvilla4rent.com. Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com. Luxury villa for rent in Bali. Breathtaking view, fully staffed, 5 mins from the best beaches. Perfect for a family holiday, or 2 families holidaying together. www.villabayubali.com. “Don’t even consider a hotel in Bali. Top shelf!”

LUXURY FULL SEA-VIEW VILLA ON KOH SAMUI FOR RENT Villa Cumberland is owned by a family and is designed to be enjoyed by families on the beautiful tropical island of Samui. Located just 400m from the beach, the villa is comprised of 3 en-suite bedrooms, large study, wi-fi, cable TV, 250 sqft playroom, totally private swimming pool, and large flat garden. Very reasonable rates, contact the owner: 6273 2668 or view on: www.come2samui.com/html/cumberland1.html

Phuket - Modern Thai villa in secure compound with private pool (not overlooked). 3 ensuite double bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, tastefully furnished, wi-fi, TV, DVD. Short walk to unspoilt Bangtao beach and bars, restaurants. Daily maid service and airport transfers included. Contact British owners: madcat73@ hotmail.com +852 6184 8910.

Events ‘SHOPPING BAZAARS’ For the love of shopping! Register early for Shoppinghongkong’s bazaars at The American Club! Oct 30th & Dec 16th shoppinghongkong@gmail.com.

Charities DONATE OLD BABY CLOTHES, Toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed by Pathfinders, a charity that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna (Chinese speaking): 5135 3015. The Samaritans’ Support Group for People Bereaved by Suicide An English-speaking support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, 8 pm, The Mariners’ Club, TST. Free & confidential. For further information, please tel 2896 0000 or check http://www.samaritans.org.hk DONATE CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS Toys and electrical appliances in good condition. Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline: 2716 8778. Donation hotline: 2716 8862. Website: www.christian-action.org.hk Blog: http://siewmei.cahk.org Email: ca@christian-action.org.hk.

Classified

classifieds@southside.hk Bangtao Beach Villa, Phuket for Rent. Stunning six bedroom luxury villa by Bangtao beach next to Banyan Tree Hotel) with large private swimming pool, chef, maid, executive minibus with driver, all transfers and full breakfasts. Cook will also prepare lunch and dinner, you pay food cost only. We have three large king size suites with full sea views and three big twin suites (one with disabled access). Beautifully furnished with large European style kitchen. www.salafa.net or call +852 6999 1500.

2776 2772

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the ultimate guide to southside Pets & Vets Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 | trilby@animalemergency.com.hk Homevet 9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk

Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods

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

Ferndale Kennels & Cattery 2792 4642 | www.ferndalekennels.com

Colour Brown Coffee 2791 7128 | shop.colourbrown.com.hk

Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 | info@pacificpets.com.hk

Golden Goose Gourmet 2732 0981 customerservice@goldengoosegourmet.com www.goldengoosegourmet.com

Relopet 2976 9969 | enquiry@relopet.com www.relopet.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Vet2Pet 6999 1003 | vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk

Events

Gresham’s Auction House

2552 1887 | info@greshams.com.hk www.greshams.com.hk HKTDC Food Expo | Aug 15 - 19 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 1830 670 | www.hkfoodexpo.com/public/40 Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair | Sept 4 - 8 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 1830 668 | www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwatchfair-en/ Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour Aug 25 - 25 | AsiaWorld - Expo, Arena 3128 8288 | www.cirquedusoleil.com www.hkticketing.com Premiere Performances of Hong Kong Ticketing Enquiries: 2734 9009 Telephone Booking: 2111 5999 Programme Enquiries: 9545 6851 | www.pphk.org

Multimedia My Little Paper, Daily 7/Daily 10 www.daily7-daily10.com Venture Photography 2885 6262 | www.venturephotography.com/hk

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk 56 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Real-Estate & Hotels

Ginsberg & Chan Wine Merchants Asia 2504 2221 | hello@winemerchantsasia.com winemerchantsasia.com Stan Cafe 2324 9008 | www.stancafe.hk The Boathouse 2813 4467 | boathouse@cafedecogroup.com

Jones Lang LaSalle

2846 5000 www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk

Hong Kong Parkview 2812 3888

www.hongkongparkview.com Direct Property Group 2588 3588 / 9730 0952 info@directpropertygroup.com www.directpropertygroup.com Le Meridien Cyberport Club Horizon 2155 04891 | www.clubhorizon.com.hk Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788 One Island South 2118 2992 | cs@oneislandsouth.com

Community & Health

The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 | arcade@cyberport.hk www.arcade.cyberport.hk

Annerley – Maternity And Early Childhood Professionals www.annerley.com.hk

The Repulse Bay Company Ltd 2292 2878 www.therepulsebay.com

Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | info@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

The Telo’s Group LCC www.telosgroupllc.com

Repulse Bay Family Practice info@veritas-medical.com Wellness & Birth, Pre & Postnatal Home Care 9022 1779 | www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com Lotus Parenting 5304 5255 | groups@lotusparenting.com www.lotusparenting.com

Fashion & Beauty Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com Lady Svenson Hair Centres 2248 6320 | www.svenson.com.hk/en/index.htm

Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com

Lemongrass House 2892 0400 | www.lemongrasshousehk.com.hk

Toys, Accessories & Kids’ Parties

Nuan Cashmere sales@nuancashmere.com www.nuancashmere.com

Bouncy Kids 9228 5772 | cs@bouncykids.hk www.bouncykids.hk Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Petit Bazaar 2544 2255 / 2528 0229 / 2407 1892 contact@petit-bazaar.com www.petit-bazaar.com Robstep 3622 1112 sales@robstep.hk | www.robstep.hk Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Match & Fusion 2915 6866 | hello@matchandfusion.com www.matchandfusion.com

Sabai Day Spa — Stanley 2104 0566 | www.sabaidayspa.com

Boating Elite Charters 5434 9955 | info@elitecharters.hk www.elitecharters.hk Explorer Motor Yachts (HK) Ltd 9261 0785 | hk@explorermotoryachts.com www.explorermotoryachts.com V2boats 9122 2126 | conrad@v2boats.hk www.v2boats.hk

directory Education

Education Colour My World

2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com

The International Montessori School

2861 0339 info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk G/F, Blocks 23-23A South Horizons, Phase III, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong

Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com

Mentorhood Learning Center

ITS 3188 3946 | jennifer.c@tuition.com.hk Les Petits Lascars 2526 8666 | 2526 8892 www.lespetitlascars.com

Home Box Design

2573 3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk

Kellet School admissions@kellettschool.com www.kelletschool.com

Decor 8 5104 8325 | info@decor8.com.hk www.decor8.com.hk

Montessori for Children 2813 9589 | hongkong@montessori.edu.sg www.montessori.edu.sg

Hidestyle 2790 3801 | info@hidestyle.com www.hkhiderugs.com | www.hidestyle.com

My Happy Sunflower 2511 2538 | www.myhappysunflower.com

Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com

Orton-Gillingham Centre for Different Learners 2525 8998 | eric@msl-orton.com www.msl-orton.com.hk Panda Pottery 6439 2387 / 6041 9613 www.pandapottery.com Quest Study Skills 2690 9117 | www.queststudyskills.com

Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Life Solutions 2778 3282 | enquiry@lifesolutions.com.hk www.lifesolutions.com.hk

Rugbees Play & Learn 2117 3055 | www.rugbees.com

Lift Lifestyle International Ltd. 3907 0386 | liftlifestyle@gmail.com www.liftlifestyle.com

Savannah College of Art and Design 2253 8044 | www.scad.edu/hongkongsummer

2108 2180 www.starlitartspace.com

Makaron Home Linen info@makaron-home.com | makaron-home.com

Southside Kindergarten 2592 7527 | info@southside.edu.hk

Starlit Voice

Spring Learning Limited 3465 5000 | www.spring-learning.com.hk

National Harbour Renovations 90851886 | charles@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk

5160 1828 | enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk

Starlit Art Space

2108 2182 | infor@starlit.hk www.starlitvoice.com Anastassia’s Art House 2104 3303 / 2812 6465 | www.arthouse-hk.com Bebegarten 3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com Chinese International School 2512 5961 | summerprogram@cis.edu.hk http://summercis.edu.hk Craft Box 9014 3262 | simone@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia Focus on Film 3975 1020 | www.focusonfilmhk.com Golden Path Education 2164 4888 | www.goldenpatheducation.com Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk

Sunshine House International Pre school 2813 0713 | www.sunshinehouse.com.hk Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 | info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com

Transport & Travel Services

Social, Sports & Equipment

Crown Relocations 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk

Weight Watchers

2813 0814 kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk

Hong Kong UU International Academy 5185 08855 / 9189 9591 | iuuokok@gmail.com HKU Space enquiry@hkuspace.hku.hk www.hkuspace.hku.hk

Elite PT 2522 9925 | www.eliteptstudio.com

Island Dance 2987 1571 | dance@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk

Wofu Deco 2768 8428 info@wofudeco.com.hk | www.wofudeco.com.hk

The Edge Learning Center 2783 7100 / 2972 2555 | info@theedge.com.hk www.theedge.com.hk

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 | www.apsoccerhk.com

Imran Cricket Academy 2575 3400 / 9745 2700 imran@imranacademy.com www.imranacademy.com

Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | www.rimbarhyme.com

Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Power Fit Studio 3621 0180 | www.powerfitstudio.com.hk Primal Strength 5305 6323 | enquiries@primalstrength.com.hk www.primalstrength.com.hk

Other Services Dave’s Wholesale Cars 9889 6409 | 9272 9166 | www.dwc.hk HFS Asset Management Limited 2511 8337 | drb@hfs.com.hk www.hfs.com.hk Hampton, Winter and Glynn 2847 2300 | www.hwg-law.com Pete Kelly - Musician 9477 0669 | www.petekelly.com.au Professional Wills 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

my southside

coco a gogo

The Coco Girl Jane Gottschalk, co-founder of Jax Coco coconut water, is nuts about Southside. Tell me a little bit about yourself... I’m a pregnant working mother of four young girls, owner of five dogs and wife to a busy husband. We moved to Hong Kong from Notting Hill, London, two years ago to live near Stanley although we are about to move to the grassier climes of Shek O. What work do you do in Hong Kong? I am a co-founder of Jax Coco 100 per cent coconut water (the chicest on the market according to British Vogue), which we launched a year ago in Hong Kong and then around the world. We source our coconuts direct from the Philippines, where they are cracked, emptied and the water is microfiltered for a fresh smooth taste. Jax Coco contains no added sugar or sweeteners, just 100 per cent pure coconut water packaged in premium glass bottles designed by Stella McCartney’s husband, Alasdhair Willis (for details, visit www.jaxcoco.com). I am also a director of OhSo probiotic chocolate and Perfect Moment ski and surf wear. The emphasis of these companies is health and sports, which I am passionate about. I am also a “self-proclaimed” ambassador for the Animals Asia Foundation, helping raise awareness of the plight of the bile bears and meat-market dogs.

It has a great stretch of green grass – rare in Hong Kong Why Southside? It feels like being on holiday most of the year with beaches, greenery and limited skyscrapers and concrete. I love Stanley Market and often wander around the shops and have a coffee overlooking the sea when I need to think. Your favourite places on Southside? Stanley Market, for sure. I regularly walk the dogs in Tai Tam Country Park, a beautiful tropical spot a million miles from the high rises of Central. I can walk for hours – a great way to get my head in order. A lot of my creative ideas and plans for Jax Coco come out of my Tai Tam walks.

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What’s your Southside secret spot? There is a garden just off a path in Tai Tam that I love. It is secluded, has a great stretch of grass – rare in Hong Kong – and looks over the water and to the green hills beyond. I don’t get much time to myself but I like to go there with the dogs. It’s not secret but I also love the Black Sheep restaurant in Shek O for great pizza and cocktails. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time is limited. I love to spend it with friends. We have met a great group of people here, both expats and local: I love the mix. My closest friend is also from London and lives 10

minutes away in Repulse Bay. It is like having family down the road. Best way to enjoy the outdoors? Buy a paddle board, swim, boogie board in Big Wave Bay with the kids, hike! Hong Kong has some of the best hiking trails anywhere, starting with the relatively flat Dragon’s Back in Shek O and building up to the challenging steps and peaks of the Twins in Tai Tam, Violet Hill and Jardine’s Lookout. Pack snacks and Jax Coco for hydration. Make it a fun family outing. Best advice? Get up early. Never give up.