Southside Magazine December 2013

December 2013

218

festive things to do

Gone fishin’

New Year Party in Shek O

Best kids’ books ever

Helicopter trips And other great gifts

Christmas

in the bag

Creative classes

The really useful magazine DECEMBER 2013

PEOPLE

charity focus 20 Feeding Hong Kong A campaign to feed the hungry.

4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER

FEATURE

6 Happening in November Party time on Southside.

LETTERS 10 Have your say The latest from our readers.

NEWS 12 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

16 The caveman Stanley’s baker, Ricky Yuen.

18 Giving back Volunteer this Christmas.

EATING 28 Days of auld lang syne New Year’s Eve parties. Plus news from the dining scene.

32 Fergus on Food Port in a storm.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

LOCAL

22 Santa’s little helper Where to get your Christmas essentials.

EDUCATION 34 My first page-turner Bookworms name their favourite kids’ books.

BIG DAY OUT 40 Big air days Hong Kong by helicopter.

FAMILY 44 Arts and crafts Creative classes for kids.

TRAVEL 48 Gone fishin’ Chris Beale angles after Asia’s big fish.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 Pamper parties Friends who groom together, stay together.

PETS 54 Hotels for dogs Places to stash your pooch. Plus Sally Andersen says adopt.

CREATURE FEATURE 57 Rhesus macaque The facts.

MARKETPLACE 59 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS 66 Loads of random useful local stuff ULTIMATE GUIDE 68 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

MY SOUTHSIDE 70 Theodora Whittington Meet the children’s author and illustrator.

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind” – Mary Ellen Chase

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people

Pictures: Cherrie Yu

Snaps from Southside

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say cheese

Kids’ Ocean Day, Repulse Bay

Kite-flying Day, Cyberport

Melbourne Cup, Happy Valley

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

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planner Dec 1 Cyberport’s Celtic Christmas Performances by the Celtic Connections Chamber Choir and local schools plus Irish dancing. 5pm-7pm. Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyberport.

Dec 1 Savills Corporate Sevens Celebrating its 30th year with a kids’ zone, food, beer tents and great rugby. All proceeds to Po Leung Kuk for a new multi-surface pitch. Free.

So Kon Po Recreation Ground, 55 Caroline Hill Road, www.corporate7s.com.hk.

Dec 2, 10 Conrad Fair The mothers of all Christmas fairs. Shop for hampers, designer fashion, jewellery and skincare.

Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty, 2521 3838, www.prestigefairs.hk.

Until Jan 5 A Sparkling Christmas Oh look, it’s snowing on Main Street. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

Until Dec 2 Hong Kong International Boat Show Cruise the superyachts, sailing boats, ribs and dinghies, and dream a little. Club Marina Cove, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung, www. clubmarinacove.com.

Dec 1 Santa on the beach Sand sculpture competition in aid Operation Santa Claus. 11am-3.30pm, Stanley Beach, 2680 8159, ocs@scmp.com.

Hong Kong’s food culture in miniature clay figures. Level 3, Stanley Plaza, Stanley.

Dec 3-8 The Woman in Black

Until Dec 8 Sleeping Beauty

It’s really scary. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $295-$795 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

Wakey wakey! It’s panto time (oh yes, it is).

Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $290-$330 from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk.

DEC 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Island East Markets Local organic food and other goodies, with live music and fun activities for children. Dogs welcome. 10am-5pm. Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.

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Dec 2, 3 Clay Exhibition

Dec 5 Julio Iglesias Live Enrique’s dad hits town. Tickets $880$3,880 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

happening in november Dec 5 Carols by Candlelight Shopping, carols, Santa and mince pies in aid of The Matilda Children’s Foundation.

Free. 6pm-8pm, Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, www.matilda. org/childrenfoundation.

Dec 6-8 Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove Some of Disney’s best bits on ice: Peter Pan in Neverland, Simba in Africa and down the rabbit hole with Alice. Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau. Tickets $280-468 from www.cotaiticketing.com, +853 6333 6660.

Dec 7 St Stephen’s Christmas Fete Bouncy castles, charity stalls, coconut shy, games, bands, dancers and Santa in a helicopter. No parking. Tickets $20; free for children. 11am4pm, Sports Ground, St Stephen’s College, www.ststephen.org.hk.

Dec 7 Il Mercatino Charity Fair at Sandy Bay Feast on delicious Italian food and pick up a bargain or two. Entrance $20; bring your own bag. 10am-5pm, Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam.

Dec 7, Jan 25 Winter Garage Sale Rummage for pre-loved goodies. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay.

Dec 7 Blohk Party 2013 Music, DJs, food and fashion come together in Hong Kong’s answer to the New York event, brought to you

by Pharrell Williams, who also headlines. West Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets $600-$1,288 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Dec 8 Made in HK Handmade and handcrafted goodies by local vendors, plus food and kids activities. $20; free for children. 10am-6pm, The Space, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, www.greenqueen.com.hk.

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planner

Dec 12-15 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Faust International Youth Theatre goes to Narnia.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $220$270 from www. hkticketing.com.

Dec 14-15 Cyberport Weekend Harvest Bazaar Lots of shopping plus African drummers, games and face painting. 11.30am-6pm.

Cyberport Ocean View Court, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

Two days of local and international outdoor music, dance, media arts, literature, theatre, parkour, workshops and more. West Kowloon Cultural District. Details at www.wkcda.hk.

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Animal games, Mr. Gingerbread parade, balloons and bouncy castles. Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyperport, Pok Fu Lam.

Dec 15 Diamond Sedan Competition Sedan-chair race to promote wheelchair access.

The fun starts at 1pm, race at 2pm. Stanley Main Street, Stanley Plaza, www.diamondcab.com.hk

Dec 21-28 The Nutcracker Dec 14-15 Free Space Fest

Dec 21-Jan 1 Cyberport Christmas Funland

The Hong Kong Ballet has staged this Christmas classic for more than 15 years. (It’s pretty good now.) Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets from $140 at Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

Dec 25 Christmas Day Tree! Presents! Turkey!

Dec 26 Boxing Day Public holiday.

planner

Book now Jan 12 James Blunt Live It’s going to be beyootiful. It’s true.

Tickets $580-$980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Jan 14 Sarah Brightman Live

Dec 27 Quiz Night Rack your brains. 8pm-10pm, Pickled Pelican, 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4313.

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve

The superstar soprano sings. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580-$1,180 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Jan 15-Feb 16 Kidsfest!

Happy New Year!

Jan 1 Dragon & Lion Dance Festival The annual parade of lion and dragon dancers, happy Buddhas and more. 1.30pm-5pm, Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, www.dragonlion.hk.

Stage productions of The Gruffalo, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Horrible Histories and more. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Details and tickets from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Feb 13 Avril Lavigne The sk8er girl’s back. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $380-$780 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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

Headline letters

have your say

Movember typo First off wanted to say – love the mag! You do a brilliant job. I live on Southside and pick it up every month when I can find it.

My son is six and he’s a keen spelling whizz and noticed a small typo on your cover (see the month). Whoops!

Lucy Errington, Stanley Editor replies: Thanks for your email, Lucy.

We changed the spelling in homage to last month’s featured charity, Movember (Charity Focus, November 2013, page 24). Read more at www.hk.movember.com.

nice when we could play, chat, have a coffee and meet people.

Now, however, you are showing random TVB Pearl content every weekend.

With TVB Pearl playing on the Podium on weekends we cannot play there with our kids – we would not put our children in front of the TV at home at 4pm. We cannot chat to each other because of the TV noise. And we have to explain the content of the TV shows – Marvel’s Iron Man and a pirate show with a mother crying and people in prison – to our children.

You claim the Podium is for the enjoyment of the general public. You have to take into account that the public means everybody and not

Cyberport, turn the TV off!

Cyberport, you are in a position to host a oneof-a-kind family hangout in Hong Kong. The Podium in front of Le Meridien Hotel is the only spot I know where families can spend weekends on a real lawn, safe from traffic, without dogs, with an unobstructed view of the sky, easy access to a coffee shop, with a basketball playground and in relative silence. Afternoons were particularly HK_ss_Dec2013_190x120mm_FA_p.pdf 1 11/15/2013 2:36:36 PM

just people without children, or people who do not mind their kids watching whatever is on TV in the afternoon.

It is a nice gesture to have a TV for anybody who chooses to watch it, but I suggest you place it in the entrance hall of the Arcade – and leave people who choose to be outside on the Podium under the sun alone. Or do not show TV every Saturday AND Sunday, but only one day, or both days every two weeks. Isn’t there a cinema already? Come on, Cyberport.

Jens Schwärmer

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thank you for all the feedback and letters we’ve received this year. Please keep writing to us about what’s on your mind, issues, trivia, news and events. And if there’s something you’d like to see in Southside Magazine, or that you think we could do better, let us know by emailing editor@southside.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

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news Bake sale success

Cat smashes round-island race record The Aberdeen Extreme 40 sailing catamaran smashed the Around the Island Race record by more than 30 minutes last month by circumnavigating Hong Kong Island in just two hours, 13 minutes and 11 seconds.

Sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, the boat was skippered by round-the-world record holder Nick Moloney. The previous record was set in 2005. The 26 mile race attracted 258 entries.

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Bel-Air resident and Kennedy School mum Sally Connell has raised more than $22,000 for the Typhoon Haiyan appeal – all from her own kitchen.

Together with her Filipina helper, Julie, the pair baked cakes, cookies, slices and pies and invited neighbours to come along and buy.

“They brought and they bought,” Connell said. “And everything in huge quantities. We now have $22,000 to hand over to the appeal.

Who would have thought a simple bake sale with the neighbours could bring in so much!”

Even better, Cathay Pacific has promised to match the money raised dollar for dollar.

in your backyard

Schools guide ITS Educational Services has published the fifth edition of The Unique Asia Schools Guide.

Expanded to include Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing, it includes articles by teachers, parents, professionals and education experts. The new edition is $225 from major bookstores or online at www.itseducation.asia.

The big picture The sun was shining on Repulse Bay for the second Kids’ Ocean Day when 1,000 children, teachers and volunteers gathered to raise awareness about shark conservation. The volunteers formed a giant shark on the beach for an aerial photograph – first without its fin, then with its fin and added the characters for “respect”. The image was designed by artist John Quigley based on the winning entries in a children’s art competition? The winning artists were Mimi ArgussSmith, Pun Ka-yiu and Jerry Ip. The day was jointly organised by Ocean Recovery Alliance, Malibu Foundation and Spectral Q. For details, please visit www.kidsoceanday.org.

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news

in your backyard

New event space Looking for somewhere different to throw a party? The Venue is a stylish new arts and events space in Wong Chuk Hang. The 3,000 sq ft space can be hired for everything from a dinner party to a stage performance venue.

Facilities include state-of-the-art PA and sound systems, plus a bar and kitchen. The Venue, 7A Po Chai Building, 28 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2555 7225, www.thevenue.com.hk.

Now we are six “The Wondrous World of Illustration of Two Girls at Six”, an exhibition of art by six-year-old friends Sofia Robertson and Clarabel Poon. What began as a passion for doodling and creating interesting characters and convoluted tales led to àlazizi inviting the girls to join the Junior Master Artists programme. Six months later, they have produced a book and have two exhibitions lined up. Until Dec 4 at Voxfire Gallery (1/F, 52 Gage Street, Sheung Wan, 2581 3385) and December 7-20 at àlazizi Adventureland, 10/F, 57-59 Hollywood Road, Central, 2815 2866.

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five minutes with...

it’s a slice

The Caveman Ricky Yuen reveals the underground story of new bakery Stanley Cave. By Cherrie Yu. I realized money is not a priority and I quit my job. On a trip to Europe I was inspired by how they make bread. I went to Classified and began from the bottom, working with bread.

I spent more than 10 years in marketing and sales, working with many big luxury brands and on lavish events. After one event, I walked around Sham Shui Po and the difference was like heaven and hell. It got me thinking.

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Stanley Cave used to be a restaurant kitchen. One of my freelance jobs was to rent a friend’s place to Paisano’s. I split the space so Paisano’s rented the upper floor and I called my chef friends and we rented the lower floor for Stanley Cave.

We all own a part of this cave: Gordon, Jacky, Vincent, Ken and I got together through a passion for making quality bread. I met Ken at Classified and then he

worked for four years at Grand Hyatt. The others also worked at big hotels and Jacky graduated from a top culinary school in Vancouver.

Customers know. We tried selling bread made the day before but people in Stanley know their bread like the Chinese know their rice. Now we insist on serving freshly baked bread every day. It’s a privilege to serve people good food.

We want to give to the community and communicate with our customers. We love hearing their ideas. The boys and I love

to scooter around Stanley to give out extra bread to anyone in need.

Once a father and his son came to the bakery and asked us how to use the scooter, and we taught them. That’s Stanley Cave.

Basement, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2677 7007.

local

think of the kids

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Reynaldo Dela Paz rey@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz jonathan@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 Adele Rosi Carolynne Dear Fergus Fung Sally Andersen Chris Beale Cherrie Yu Steffi Yuen Olivia Lai 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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Santa on the Beach, one of many events being held for Operation Santa Claus.

Share the joy

Volunteer for charity and give back this Christmas. By Cherrie Yu. Hands On Hong Kong Hands On Hong Kong provides volunteers for a range of Hong Kong charities. This Christmas, it’s looking for volunteers for everything from helping minority children with their homework to carolling in SoHo for Green Grass Green to manning an exhibition booth for Feeding Hong Kong.

English-speaking Santas and elves are also needed at “A Very Christmas Hong Kong”, the first outdoor family concert at the Central waterfront (costumes provided). Sign up at www. handsonhongkong.org.

Operation Santa Claus Now in its 26th year, this annual Christmas fundraiser is coordinated by the South China Morning Post and RTHK in aid of 18 local charities. Beneficiaries vary, but this year’s charities include Bring Me A Book, Animals Asia Foundation, Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association, Children’s Medical Foundation and Sailability. Make a donation, organise your own fundraiser on OSC’s behalf or support events

such as Santa on the Beach (December 1, Stanley Beach), High West cookie sale (Pok Fu Lam, 4pm-6pm, December 2), Santa Hat Day, or the Lamma Island Treasure Hunt (December 8). For details, visit osc.scmp.com.

Make a Wish The Hong Kong branch of this international charity is dedicated to making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. Until December 26, it is looking for volunteers to man its charity sale counter, Share the Joy of a Wish, at The Landmark. Other volunteers are also needed until December 30 at its Tree of Hope in The Peninsula, encouraging people to buy ornaments in aid of Make a Wish to hang on the hotel’s magnificent Christmas tree. Donate your time, money or expertise at www.makeawish.org.hk.

YMCA Hong Kong Make a child’s Christmas this year by donating new toys to the YMCA’s Toy Bank for distribution to the children of low-income families. The YMCA has joined

forces with Hong Kong Post in the Love to Share, Toys Collection Programme, with drop-off locations at 14 post offices across Hong Kong until December 31. The toys should be new and suitable for children under 12. For details, visit www.hongkongpost.hk.

The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children Established in 1953, the SRDC provides medical, rehabilitation and educational services for disabled children in Hong Kong.

It is always looking for volunteers and donations. This Christmas it is also selling a large range of Christmas cards, giftwrap and silk flowers online. For details, visit www.srdc.org.hk.

Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children The HKSPC aims to keep children happy, healthy and safe. It operates 27 service units, including day crèches, residential homes and family service centres. This Christmas buy charity cards designed by children from HKSPC or make a donation at www.hkspc.org.

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charity focus

fill those tummies

Feeding Hong Kong Olivia Lai meets the people helping the hungry.

Hong Kong may be an affluent city but it has one of the largest wealth gaps in the world with one in five people living below the poverty line. In a city that throws away more than 3,200 tonnes of food a day, thousands of people are going hungry.

Feeding Hong Kong (FHK) is a food bank established in 2011 to fight hunger in Hong Kong and reduce the quantity of food waste going into landfills. It collects surplus food from hotels, restaurants and importers and redistributes it to people in need. Think of it as Hong Kong’s answer to Robin Hood, but without the stealing.

One of its main projects is the Bread Run: volunteers collect unsold fresh bread and

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sandwiches from shops at closing time and take it to local charity distribution points that night or the next morning. On a good night, volunteers can rescue 1,000 pieces from bakeries.

This Christmas, FHK founder Gabrielle Kirstein says the group is planning exciting new events to benefit more people. It will be hosting three Christmas community meals and a Christmas party in conjunction with Box of Hope where it will give presents to children and food parcels to adults.

“It’s the small things, but when you combine it, it has a bigger impact,” Kirstein says.

Other new projects include the Santa Sack Campaign, which aims to deliver up to 1,000 family food parcels. The Chef Community Programme invites professional cooks to teach people how turn yesterday’s leftovers into today’s delicious nutritious meals, and run cooking classes at HKU Space. There’s also an FHK cookbook of $10 recipes by local chefs. And sandwich chain Pret a Manger, which has supported FHK from its earliest

days, will donate $1 for every sandwich sold in its Christmas Lunch and brie and cranberry flavours.

The group has grown in the past year, with twice as many companies contributing food and now distributing to 47 local charities.

“We’re not interested in expanding into our own soup kitchen,” Kirstein says. Instead the group is committed to being a crucial link redistributing surplus food in a safe and sustainable way.

How to get involved • Donate your surplus canned foods, rice and noodles.

• Join the FHK Monthly Bread Run on December 17 and 19. Sign up at least three days in advance.

• Become a volunteer driver, warehouse or food-sourcing assistant.

• Donate: $500 can feed a family of three for a week.

For details and donations, please visit www.feedinghk.org.

For 35 years Woodland has set the standard in Hong Kong for quality early years education. With ten schools, Woodland offers the only accredited early years education in Hong Kong.

Seven of our pre-schools use ‘Traditional’ teaching methods in line with the UK National Curriculum’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These schools are fully accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance, London. Three of our pre-schools offer ‘Montessori’ teaching methods that are fully approved and accredited by the Montessori Centre International (London). At Woodlands we recognise the benefits to children of learning Mandarin, and offer the option of bilingual classes.

Tai Tam Montessori Repulse Bay Montessori Mid Levels Montessori The Peak Pre-School Repulse Bay Beachside Happy Valley Pre-School

Tel: 2525 1655 Tel: 2803 1885 Tel: 2549 1211 Tel: 2849 6192 Tel: 2812 0274 Tel: 2575 0042

Pokfulam Pre-School Woodland Waterfall (Pokfulam) Woodland Harbourside (Aberdeen) Sai Kung Pre-School

www.woodlandschools.com

Tel: 2551 7177 Tel: 2872 6138 Tel: 2559 1377 Tel: 2813 0290

feature All I want for Christmas Things we’d like to find under the tree.

Deck the halls (and doors) with Christmas wreaths from The Silk Flower Company. Caledonian Centrepiece, $800 with candles; Somerset wreath, $750 from www.thesilkflowercompany.com Cheerful red and white Christmas tableware from Indigo, www.indigo-living.com

Is this the fluffiest bath linen in town?

Reversible Hong Kong flag towels, $351 from www.sleepnaked.hk.

The Dragon’s Back is the third Hong Kong-based children’s book by Stanley resident Theadora Whittington (Blacksmith Books). $98 from www.theadorawhittington.com.

Battery-operated Smart Candles from $620 at Everything Under The Sun, www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Commission a portrait of your pet in charcoal or watercolour from artist Sascha Camille Howard. Orders by December 14. $2,600 from www.saschahoward.com.

The giftwrap that gives back.

Hong Kong cards, tags and giftwrap in aid of Mother’s Choice.

Cards $50 for 10, wrapping paper $10, tags $10 for five from www.thelionrockpress.com.

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christmas made easy Eco-friendly reindeer, stars, trees and bowls made using driftwood gathered from Asian beaches from $95 at Tree, www.tree.com.hk

Adorn your tree with fairies, red poinsettia balls and sparkly reindeer from $29 at Indigo, www.indigo-living.com

Clean-burning eco-soy candles are now available in Christmas scents: Snow Kitten, Spiced Orange, Iced Gingerbread and Christmas Tree. From $395 at Tree, www.tree.com.hk.

The Butchers Club’s Sausage Making Kit includes all the equipment to make your own bangers, plus a four-hour class and dinner at The Butchers Club in Aberdeen, $7,950, store. butchersclub.com.hk.

Hong Kong artist Lucy Parris produces beautiful watercolours and lino cuts. Prices on request at www.lucyparris.com.

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christmas sorted Santa’s little helper Your guide to the festive season. By Carolynne Dear.

Trees: Keep it real Nothing says Christmas like the fresh tang of pine from real trees and decorative boughs.

Evergreens have been used for centuries as a promise of lighter, warmer months ahead.

Hong Kong stockists offer primarily Douglas or noble firs. Douglas firs are bushy trees trimmed into perfect cones, nobles cost more but have thicker needles and sturdier boughs with more space for dangling baubles. Either way, place your tree in a stand with lots of fresh water and keep the room as cool as possible to keep the tree fresh for longer.

When it comes to decorations, keep it simple, says Indigo CEO John McLennan. “Try to keep to one colour or style. Buy a few new decorations each year and gradually build up a collection. Don’t use tinsel – multi-coloured lights are more fun, but save the blinking lights for the used car dealerships. Don’t overdecorate, but if you have kids remember it is about them – save your perfect tree for when they’re in college.

“Get creative: instead of a traditional tree use a group of candles, a wreath, or even boughs decorated with baubles.”

Where to buy a tree Stanley Market Stanley Flower Shop, opposite Watson’s, has a range of noble firs in six sizes (5ft-6ft $780, 6ft-7ft $1,060) with free delivery in Stanley, stanleyflowershop@yahoo.com.hk. On Stanley Market Road, 2 Kee Art flower shop is also taking orders for noble firs in seven sizes (5ft $880, 6ft $1,050, 7ft $1,480) up to a ceilingscraping 11ft. Order by emailing IR966@ hotmail.com.

P&F Garden This popular nursery has Douglas and noble firs (5ft-6ft $1,088, 6ft-7ft $1,288), poinsettias and wreaths and delivers all over Hong Kong Island.

50 Shui Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2812 0948, pnfgarden@gmail.com.

mantlepiece arrangements ($280) and even pine garlands ($160 for 10ft) for decorating banisters. Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, www.chunhinggarden.com.

Chun Hing Garden As well as trees in several sizes (noble firs are 5ft-6ft $1,100, 6ft-7ft $1,320), this Happy Valley nursery has wreaths, poinsettias, centrepieces,

IKEA Sustainably grown Scandinavian-grown trees are available in two sizes (4ft-5ft at $599 and 6ft-7ft at $699), but they’re packed in bags so

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you can’t pick the perfect specimen. Order by December 12, with last deliveries on December 16. Details at www.ikea.com.hk.

Mong Kok Flower Market Pick up a tree, poinsettias, wreath, decorations and lights in one shopping trip. Flower Market Road, Mong Kok (Prince Edward MTR Station, exit B2).

deck the halls

Christmas feasts Pacific Gourmet Order imported US or Australian turkeys (from $432) and smoked or raw hams (bone in on request; from $650). Order online for delivery or pick up your lunch in person from the Ap Lei Chau, Happy Valley or SoHo delis. 12/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St, Ap Lei Chau, www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.

Mandarin Oriental Get the Mandarin Cake Shop’s chefs to cook for you. Roasted turkeys come with two types of stuffing, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, roast pumpkin and mashed potato (from $1,988 for a 7kg turkey, plus $260 for delivery to Southside). Honey-glazed hams come with Madeira sauce and vegetables (same price per weight). Other festive goodies include brandy puddings, buche de Noel, stollen and panettone. For details, call 2825 4008 or email mohkg-cakeshop@mogh.com.

Festive goodies include brandy puddings, buche de Noel, stollen and panettone Marketplace by Jason’s The Repulse Bay store is taking orders for US roasted organic turkeys. The birds weigh 9lbs and cost $868 ($419 for non-organic). Not only that, they come with a free cooler bag (while stocks last). Last orders by December 20. Call in for an order form. The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2812 0340.

Classified Classified’s gourmet hampers are stuffed with gourmet treats handpicked by expert staff, and include boutique wines, preserves, mince pies and other gourmet goodies from Europe’s culinary centres. G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2563 3454.

Hair BY THD

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xmas sorted Things to do Ice World It’s all icy at The Venetian Macau. Carve an ice trail on the temporary outdoor ice rink at the Cotai Strip, coo at the nightly sound and light show (every 30 minutes from 6pm-10pm until January 5) and check out the amazing ice sculptures. Masters of the chilly art have been jetted in from China’s ice capital, Harbin, to wield their picks and reproduce characters and scenes in ice from DreamWorks movies, including Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek. Don’t forget your coat.

The Ice World Package includes one night’s accommodation at The Venetian with breakfast or lunch, Ice World entry and one-way Cotai

Water Jet, $1,798 for two people through February. Details at www.venetianmacau.com or call +853 2882 8875.

The Nutcracker Because it just wouldn’t be a Hong Kong Christmas without it. Held every year, the Hong Kong Ballet and Hong Kong Sinfonietta

bring to life Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventures with the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. December 21-29, Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets from $140 at Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

Sleeping Beauty The Hong Kong Players deliver the gags and all the corny pantomime traditions (oh yes, they do) with fabulous costumes, song and dance numbers, lots of booing, cheering and audience interaction. Hiss the villain, cheer the dame, fall in love with the principal boy/girl and watch out for an appearance by the Star Fairy (geddit?).

The troupe has been performing panto in Hong Kong for more than 50 years and this year’s outing promises to be as much fun as ever.

Until December 8. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Tickets $290-$330 from Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

A sparkling Christmas at Disneyland “The happiest place on earth” brings every child’s Disney fantasy to life this Christmas, with fresh snow on Main Street and all your favourite characters lined up for a festive seasonal party. Stay till the evening and you

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xmas sorted Cruise the Christmas lights on Aqua Luna. Opposite: A final polish for Po at The Venetian Macau.

might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on his sleigh. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

Aqua Luna See Hong Kong’s Christmas lights in style aboard everyone’s favourite junk on its regular 45-minute evening harbour cruises. The Aqua Luna even has appropriately festive red sails.

Perfect for families, couples and out-oftowners, the traditional junk departs every hour from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui from 5.30pm.

Reserve a place up to 10 days in advance for $195 a person (including one drink) or $260 for the nightly Symphony of Lights cruise, which departs from Tsim Sha Tsui at 7.30pm and from Central at 7.45pm. For details, visit www.aqua.com.hk, 2116 8821.

A Very Christmas Concert It’s not everyday that Hong Kong hosts a giant, family-friendly community picnic on the harbourfront. But on December 14, it will do just that thanks to Very Hong Kong and Hong Kong Generation Next Arts. Pack a picnic, find a space on the grass near Pier 9 and lay down your rug for an evening of festive entertainment against the Hong Kong skyline. Performances include live music from local bands and even choral singers. Free entry. 7pm-9pm. New Central Waterfront. For details, visit www.veryhk.org.

Where to see Santa Santa Claus is coming to town.

Here’s where you can meet him.

Pacific Place 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2844 8988, www.pacificplace.com.hk.

December 5-25, tickets $100 for up to four guests.

Festival Walk 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, 2844 2223, www.festivalwalk.com.hk.

December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 26 Visit Santa in his grotto, noon-6pm.

CityPlaza 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Tai Koo, 2568 8665, www.cityplaza.com.

December 14-15 at 4.30pm, 6.30pm.

December 21-22, January 1 at 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm.

St Stephen’s Fair Sports Ground, St Stephen’s College, Stanley. Santa will be dropping in by helicopter. 11am-4pm. $20, kids go free.

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eating Eve of the balls Where to ring in the New Year. By Cherrie Yu. Dancing on the sand The last moments of 2013 could well be some of its finest for those who spend the evening at Cococabana’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

A lavish five-course Mediterranean feast of oysters, foie gras, sea bass or beef and more will be followed by champagne, DJs and dancing till (almost) dawn on Shek O Beach to soul classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Sounds good to us. $1,180 per head, including a two-hour open bar. G/F, Shek O Beach Building, Shek O, 2812 1826.

Woo hoo!

Wave goodbye to 2013 from a heaving dancefloor at Woobar’s thumping That’s the Wrap New Year’s countdown party. Top international DJs will spin the tunes at what promises to be one of the grooviest parties in town. 10pm until late. Tickets are $688, including three glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne. 6/F, W Hotel, 1 Austin Road West,

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midnight countdown Kowloon, 3717 2230, hk@whotels.com, www. woobarhongkong.com.

Peak party Toast the New Year with a glass of bubbly and the iconic harbour view from Cafe Deco on The Peak.

A six-course meal includes oysters, scallops, coconut dacquoise foie gras and mains such as

lamb chops and pepper prawns. Then dance it all off with music from a live band from 9pm till the midnight countdown. $1,650. L1-L2 The Peak Galleria, The Peak, 2849 5111.

Mask up Maintain an air of mystery at Tamarind’s Midnight Masquerade Ball. Flamboyance is the order of the night, with an all-night open bar, unlimited bubbly, cocktails and canapes and an international buffet. Top DJs will jam until dawn. Take a break on the balcony with its stunning harbour views and refuel at the 2am hangover breakfast. It’s going to be a long night. Tickets are $988 from 2/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wan Chai, 2111 5333, www. cityline.com.

Golden oldie The Pawn celebrates its fifth anniversary by returning to the golden age of Old

Wave goodbye to 2013 from a heaving dancefloor Shanghai at its New Year’s Eve party on the rooftop terrace. There will be a live band, a DJ spinning some great music, free-flowing drinks and a fusion of Chinese and Western nibbles.

Dress to impress. Early-bird tickets start at $900. 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2866 3444, info@thepawn.com.hk, www.thepawn. com.hk.

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eating Southside’s gourmet links The Sausage Company brings you the world’s best bangers, fresh from Aberdeen.

Good news for sausage fanciers: Southsidebased The Sausage Company has started selling top-quality bangers online. Launched

by Shek O resident Andrew Cawte, the start-up makes its own sausages in Aberdeen based on the world’s classic links.

The new company got off to a flying start at Toulouse vs Racing Metro rugby match

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at Aberdeen last month, where it sold 400 saucisse de Toulouse baguettes.

“We believe the key to a good sausage is top-quality meat, and our sausages are made locally using fresh pork from Wah Kee Farm, a family-run enterprise in the New Territories,” Cawte says. “The animals are very well cared for; the farmers mix their own feed using grains imported from Britain, and no chemicals or hormones to stimulate artificial growth. We use no preservatives, emulsifiers, browning agents, just top-quality natural ingredients.”

The range include English breakfast, Cumberland and Lincolnshire sausages, and saucisse de Toulouse and saucisse a l’ail from France. There are plans to introduce North African merguez, Italian salsicce Napoletana and salsicce Siciliana, South African boerewors, Argentinean chorizo and Australian snags.

Details at www.thesausageco.com.

Nibbles

New cafe in Cyberport Cyberport’s latest opening, Recharge Cafe, could be exactly what the area’s yummy mummies have been waiting for. It serves food from Classified, decent coffee and drinks for kids, and has direct access to the outside grassed area. A play area is stocked with games, books, toys, a whiteboard and chalkboard for rainy days. It will even pack you a picnic basket – complete with blanket – if you’d rather sit outside on the grass.

Open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, weekends

top dogs

9am-6pm. Lobby, Level 4 Podium, Cyberport 2, Pok Fu Lam, 2668 3147.

Lunch with Patrick Starved for options at lunchtime? Chez Patrick now delivers gourmet lunchboxes to your desk.

Each comes with a salad, dessert and roll and your choice of vegetarian, meat and fish main course ($118, $128 and $138 respectively).

Orders must be placed a day in advance, with a minimum order of 10 lunchboxes. For details, email lunch@chezpatrick.hk.

Buy one, get one free?

Like Groupon? You’re going to love this. The Entertainer is a buy-one-get-one-free discount system – available as a voucher book or state-of-the-art app – that has just landed in Hong Kong. Founded in Dubai in 2001, it is available in cities worldwide. In Hong Kong, it comes loaded with discounts from Gold by Harlan Goldstein, Chez Patrick, Aqua Luna, Toni & Guy, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Spa and more. The app is free to download in December, with five to 10 free trial offers. As an introductory offer, users can purchase the full mobile package for a 40 per cent discount ($357 instead of the usual $595). For details and downloads, visit www.theentertainerasia.com.

Q Deck’s typhoon relief Party on the harbour front in a good cause at Typhoon Band Aid on December 1, with money raised going to victims of Typhoon Haiyan. To be held at Q Deck on Sunday afternoon, the event will feature bands from around Hong Kong with a chance for amateur and budding musicians to jam with the pros. Guests can go for the barbecue brunch ($488 a head) with free-flowing bubbles, beer and wine, plus all-you-can-eat beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, salad and Movenpick ice cream. Not hungry?

Entry is $150 including a free drink, with $88 from every ticket sold going to the typhoon charity and founder Paul Buxton will match the donations dollar for dollar. Noon-4pm,

December 1, The Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King Street, Wan Chai, 2827 8882, www.greatvision.com.hk.

A steak rebellion The Butchers Club transformed The Pawn rooftop into a scene straight out of Gangs of New York for a special five-course dinner last month, including a few planted actors to add a little more theatricality to the night. It was the latest in a series of events and workshops the Aberdeen-based butcher has hosted lately. For details of upcoming events, please visit www.butchersclub.com.hk.

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food by fergus

do you know the bishop of norwich?

Port in a storm After years in the doldrums, the wine world has rediscovered port, says Fergus Fung.

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, parties… and port.

The perfect end to Christmas dinner, port is great for keeping the body warm and fuzzy in the cooler winter months. A fortified wine made in the Douro Valley of Portugal, port was created by the British and has a long history and many associated traditions, including a gentle enquiry about the Bishop of Norwich to get the port moving around the table (always to the left; the port side).

Port is underrated in Hong Kong. Even in Britain, current sales are well below their peak.

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While wine prices have risen over the past decade, the prices of even the most renowned port vintages have remained stagnant, which speaks volumes about the lack of demand.

However, port is beginning to enjoy a renaissance. People are buying young vintage port to lay down and supplies of the great vintage ports are dwindling and getting harder to source. Winemaker Tersina Shieh is even recommending pairings with Chinese dishes such as sweet and sour pork.

Port comes in various styles: ruby, tawny, white, crusted, late bottled vintage, colheita, vintage and single quinta vintage.

Vintage ports are among the longest-lived wines in the world and benefit from ageing in the bottle. Young port is full, rich and tannic, typically requiring at least 20 years of cellaring before drinking. Not every year is a declared vintage.

Aged tawnies do not have a year association (with the exception of single harvested barrels, though these are rare), and instead have an indication of age, usually labeled 10, 20, 30 or over 40

years old. Unlike vintage port, which has heavy residuals and requires decanting, tawny ports do not throw a sediment and should be drunk soon after purchasing, or else they lose their freshness.

Recently, I sampled some excellent vintages from two port houses – Symington and Fladgate, 1963 and 1970 – and some fantastic old tawny ports, including the Mandarin Oriental’s 50-year-old Taylors Single Harvest Tawny Port. The aged tawny ports are oh so mellow, with walnut, coffee and chocolate flavours. The old vintage ports display complex flavours: liquorice, caramel, prunes, cherries and leather. While the tannic bite is gone, these ports retain their structure with a good balance of fruit and acidity, refined texture and a long soft finish. Cheers!

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.

education

hooked on books

My first page-turner

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What’s your favourite children’s book? Adele Rosi asks Hong Kong bookworms.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Nury Vittachi, journalist and author of The Feng Shui Detective and the Jeri Telstar series “In the 1960s, I was ‘refugeed’ out of war-torn Sri Lanka and ended up in Britain, in a house full of books. I picked one up. One moment I was a kid sitting on a sofa and then something extraordinary happened. I found I’d been transported to a strange house where I watched a short man gazing fearfully out of a window at a range of distant, misty, dragonhaunted mountains. Behind us, someone was reciting a poem: Far over the misty mountains cold/ To dungeons deep and caverns old/ We must away, ere break of day/ To seek the pale enchanted gold.

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“That moment was so vivid I have never forgotten those words. My first reading of The Hobbit will always be proof that the book is the teleportation device people have been dreaming of for centuries. My heart aches for modern children, robbed of these transformative experiences by thoughtless parents who give them DVDs and take them to movies before they have read the books.”

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton Tinja Wright, managing director, Blank Bespoke Art “I loved The Magic Faraway Tree as a child and I still love it. It has amazing characters such as Moonface and the grumpy washerwoman and they have some brilliant

adventures. Details like the slide going all the way down the tree and Upsidedown Land are so imaginative.”

Blank is currently producing customised Favourite Books canvasses ($1,400) with your chosen titles on spines in Blank’s signature prints. www.blankbespokeart.com.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Ursula Huber, owner, Dymocks “The Gruffalo is brilliant collaboration between awardwinning author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Based on a Chinese legend, it is a beautiful story about the power of the imagination. It shows that even the smallest

education creatures can win against big enemies. The book is written in rhyme, it is pure poetry. My children love it as much as I do and we all know the book by heart.”

Matilda by Roald Dahl Sarah Brennan, author of The Chinese Calendar Tales and The Dirty Stories “It’s horribly difficult choosing a favourite kids’ book but if I have to come up with just one, I’ll plump for Matilda by Roald Dahl, mainly because it’s such fantastic fun. Who could ever forget its eponymous heroine, so tiny yet so brilliant, and no pushover when she’s been crossed by an evil adult? Or the fabulous Miss Trunchbull, so ugly, so nasty yet so fiendishly inventive, with her penchant for throwing children over fences by the pigtails.

Then the ineffably sweet Miss Honey, the stuff of children’s dreams, and Matilda’s ghastly family, the stuff of nightmares. I read the book to my girls with many a giggle back when they were little, and still find any excuse to read the book again for my own amusement. Roald Dahl never patronised children and had a wicked sense of humour, which still makes him a big favourite with kids of all ages, no matter how wrinkled!”

Brennan’s latest Chinese Calendar Tale, The Tale of a Dark Horse, is available in good bookshops.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne Kristina Tanso, Room To Read Hong Kong “My favourite book was Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. It was the first book I read where the words made the pages come alive and made a world I knew so little about more accessible. This book not only sparked my interest in reading but a lifelong interest and passion for protecting the marine environment.”

Room To Read is a global charity dedicated to promoting and enabling education through a focus on literacy and gender equality in education. For details, visit www.roomtoread. org/asiapacific.

The BFG by Roald Dahl Oliver Jeffers, author of How To Catch A Star, Lost And Found and other stories “I wasn’t much of a reader when I was growing up, preferring to look at pictures

in books instead and spend my time playing football on the street. That changed when someone gave me this book. I was hooked.

Dahl has such a dark and vivid imagination and such an incredible way of painting stories with words that it is quite impossible for small boys to resist. It’s a good thing he had written plenty of other books, so I learned pretty quickly my enjoyment of one book wasn’t a freak occurrence.”

Cockatoos by Quentin Blake Theadora Whittington, author of The Mermaid & The Pink Dolphin and Sand Turtle “It’s not easy to pick my favourite children’s story, there are several contenders. One that my two children, Robin and Francis, really enjoyed was Cockatoos by Quentin Blake. Professor Dupont is beautifully portrayed – an eccentric owner of pet cockatoos, who is distraught when he finds his cockatoos are missing. The story is wonderfully rhythmic to read aloud. The pictures add character to the words. It is lively, witty and totally nutty.”

Whittington’s new book The Dragon’s Back, published by Blacksmith Books, is out now.

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sponsored column

Interview season ITS Educational Services offers tips to prepare for primary school interviews.

Interview season is approaching for children who will start primary school in the 2014-15 academic year. While a school may breezily describe them as “a chance to get to know the child better”, interviews tend to send parents (not children) into a spin. Here are some tips to prepare for the big day.

Prepare your child.

Make sure your child knows some basic information about school, such as about the playground or music room. Tell them the visit is going to be fun and a chance to play with other children. Tell your child what to expect and to follow rules for polite behaviour – remind him or her to say thank you at the end of the interview. Shy children may need practice looking the teacher in the eye.

Don’t stress yourself – or your child.

Admissions staff and teachers are far too familiar with children on the brink of tears because their parents have given them too much advice. Give your child a big hug before the interview and remind yourself that you are looking for the right school, not one

you have to campaign to convince that your child is right for.

Avoid preciousness and over-coaching.

Teachers are wary of children who have been professionally coached for the interview. Your child should be natural and not feign interests or talents, such as an interest in reading if he/ she does not know how to read. Instead, a child should be prepared to speak politely about what he/she likes to do – whether it’s football or playing with Lego.

Your child should be natural and not feign interests or talents Some questions your child may be asked What is your name and when is your birthday?

The teacher is evaluating how well a child can use complete sentences, so your child should be able to say their full name and know their

birthday. “My name is Holly Ryan and my birthday is on July 17th.”

Tell me about your family.

Your child should be able to name the people in their family. They may be asked to draw a picture of their family.

What do you do at the weekends?

Your child should not fabricate activities but speak naturally about what he or she likes to do.

Tell me about your school.

Your child should be able to talk about their teacher and classmates and what he or she likes most about school Tell me about a holiday you went on with your family.

Your child should be able to talk about what you did on holiday.

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, 3188 3940 or www.itseducationasisa.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

big day out

long way up

A helicopter’s view of Two IFC. Below: the route for the new $999 Christmas trip.

For the birds Hannah Grogan goes flightseeing by helicopter over Hong Kong.

What: You, Hong Kong and a helicopter – and a pilot, of course. Heliservices has been running the only sightseeing helicopter tours of Hong Kong since 1978, offering views of the city unlike anything you’ve seen before.

This Christmas, it’s introducing a new service that allows guests to book individual seats for a 12-minute round-the-island tour rather than charter the entire Twin Squirrel helicopter, which makes that dream trip more affordable.

Heliservices really knows its stuff. As well as flightseeing tours, it provides aerial filming (remember those amazing shots of Batman jumping off Two IFC in The Dark Knight?), banner towing, VIP charters, aerial surveying, lifting and construction work. One specialist piece of kit is a water jet for cleaning the ceramic insulators on power lines, which requires precision flying (water, electricity, helicopter – ouch!).

Where: Take off from the roof of The Peninsula hotel. The new seat-only Victoria Harbour

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Experience goes around Hong Kong Island; hire the whole helicopter and you can choose from a variety of routes including Lantau, Kowloon, the New Territories, Sai Kung and the Geopark.

Any experience that involves The Pen is, of course, one to remember. Take the private elevator to the gorgeous, aviation-themed China Clipper Lounge (it’s all very James Bond).

After a safety briefing – we recommend a glass of champagne while you’re watching the video – head up to the rooftop helipad, where your chopper awaits. Strap yourself in, slip on the earphones so you can speak to each other and the pilot, then prepare for the stomachclenching swoop off the 30th floor. After that, it’s a pure joy ride.

When: Now! As an introductory offer, Heliservices is offering seats on the new Victoria Harbour Experience for $999 from December 16 to January 5 (usual price $1,200). Flights are available daily from 11am5pm, subject to the weather. We recommend

Kowloon Kai Tak

The Peninsula

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong Island

Ocean Park

the last flight of the day at “golden hour”, when the sun is starting to set turning the sky beautiful shades of pink and yellow, and Hong Kong’s towers seem to glow.

big day out

long way up mean photographers will be glued to their viewfinders (those post-flight snaps are sure to be a hit on Instagram).

Vouchers for the new seat-only trip make a great gift idea for people who have everything, a hard-to-beat date, and an affordable option to impress the in-laws when they’re in town and you’ve already run through all the city’s mustsees. Why not see all the sights again, but this time from above?

For reservations and details, visit www.heliservices.com.hk.

Giveaway

Win a free flight!

As a special Christmas treat for our readers, we are giving away one pair of tickets for a Heliservices 12-minute Victoria Harbour Experience.

To enter, please email free@fastmedia. com.hk with the subject line “Hong Kong

by Helicopter”.

Make like Santa and take to the skies this Christmas.

Why: Contrary to popular belief, flightseeing tours aren’t just for tourists with deep pockets.

Hong Kong residents will get a thrill out of seeing the city from a new perspective – after

all, we know exactly what we’re looking at. Besides, it’s fun trying to spot your favourite places from the air. Hong Kong’s dramatic cityscape, mountains and coastline

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family

paint and play

Art for everyone Adele Rosi explores Southside’s creative classes. year-olds. Older budding artists can improve their drawing skills, learn to sew, enjoy some sculpture culture or let loose their inner Annie Leibovitz by learning the basics of digital photography. Performing-arts classes include acting, presentation, performance skills, speech, communication and debating. A special winter holiday camp will run from December 24-January 2 for children aged four to 14 years.

Rm 108 Aberdeen Marina Tower 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028, Info@colour-myworld.com, www.colour-my-world.com.

Craft Hour Asia Children aged six to 11 can pick up fabulous lifelong skills at classes in knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, clay crafting, beading, paper crafts and decorative painting. Term-long courses comprise 10 to 12 lessons, each with a new and often seasonal project. Adults can get crafty too with courses of four weekly lessons such as knitting basics and dressmaking; crochet and scrapbooking classes are in the pipeline. Fees include materials. The Repulse Bay Clubhouse, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, www.crafthourasia.com.

Children let their imaginations run free at Anastassia’s Art House.

Anastassia’s Art House If you think you have a budding artist in the family, Anastassia’s Art House might be just what you’re after. Hong Kong’s only Russian art academy offers a wealth of classes for children aged three to 16. These range from the Art Discovery class introducing young children to the joys of painting, printing, paper collage and modeling projects to Art Appreciation for 12- to 16-year-olds. Kids of all ages can mess around with clay in the ceramics and pottery course and hip teens can design a comic book. The “Park Your Kid” Sunday programme at Stanley Plaza will keep your children happy under the supervision of professional art teachers for as long as you like. A food and drinks package is available. 2/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2104 3303; G/F, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2812 6465; www.arthouse-hk.com.

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BZ Art Studio This intimate little studio has no more than six students a class so each gets the support they need. A painting and drawing class has termly themes offering children a chance to learn, explore and understand different techniques and media. The teen class, for children aged 11 and up, takes an indepth look at oil painting and drawing skills, and can be useful for those preparing for GCSE and IB art courses. 18 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 5411 1881, hello@bzartstudio.com, www. bzartstudio.com.

Colour My World Colour My World offers a spectrum of fine art and performing-arts programmes for children from age three. Puddle Jump combines drama, music and mixed media art for three- to four-

The Kidchen Calling all wannabe cooks! The Kidchen offers private lessons for a minimum of 10 kids aged four to 10, plus parties and summer camps.

Dishes such as muffins, pizzas, spring rolls and dim sum are prepared from scratch using healthy ingredients and special kid-sized equipment. Children also receive chef’s hats and aprons so they look the part. 1/F Sum Way Mansion, 1 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, 9522 3003, the.kidchen@bykitlin.com www.bykitlin.com.

Kids’ Gallery A pioneer in art classes for children in Hong Kong, Kids’ Gallery was founded in 1996 and runs a range of visual art and performingarts classes at venues across the territory, including Residence Bel-Air in Pok Fu Lam. Children aged two to four explore drawing, painting, modelling, sculpting and printing through projects that encourage creativity and original ideas. Fine arts classes for children aged six to nine offer technique and skillsbased projects such as drawing and painting, carving and casting, woodwork, metalwork and construction, plus art history. Speech and

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family drama, musical theatre and singing lessons are also available. 2501 4842, infoHK@kidsgallery. com, www.kidsgallery.com.

Little Picasso Paint the town red (or green or blue or pink…) with Lindy Moran and her team of artists at a warehouse-style studio in Ap Lei Chau. A high teacher-student ratio ensures children get the individual attention they need. The studio also has an extensive range of art, fashion and design books for reading during break times.

Complimentary tea, coffee and water are offered and there is a car park. The studio runs holiday art camps and arty parties for threeyear-olds to teens on Fridays and Saturdays, including customised thank-you cards tied to tote bags to help transport masterpieces home. 21/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3521 1046, contact@ littlepicasso.hk, www.littlepicasso.hk.

Playtent Stanley Among the many classes offered by Playtent Stanley is Messy Play, which encourages toddlers aged one to four to muck about with paint without worrying about clothes or furniture. Other textures, scents and flavours engage a child’s senses while they learn to

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create, imagine, explore and socialise. Fledgling cooks (aged two to seven) can join the Little Chefs course, which introduces children to the art of cooking, sieving, stirring and mixing. Best of all, you get to eat what you make. M/F, 18 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2276 0488, info@playtent.com.hk.

My Happy Sunflower Children can decorate ceramic mugs, plates and picture frames using washable, non-toxic paint. Or paint and imprint your baby’s tiny hand- and footprints on your own ceramic masterpiece. My Little Sunflower will glaze and fire the pieces and have them ready for collection in days. Parties for eight to 15 can be organised for children aged four and up.

The company also makes silver jewellery and cufflinks featuring your children’s fingerprints or miniaturised handprints. 2/F, 171 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 2511 2538, reginia@myhappysunflower.com, www.myhappysunflower.com.

Starlit Art Space This gallery and art centre aims to bridge the gap between academia and visual art for students aged three to 18. Courses for young children include painting, drawing,

ceramics and decorative art. Older artists can choose from a wider range of courses, including graphic design, sketching, Chinese art and calligraphy. Students will build up a portfolio and publically present and discuss their work. Exam support and preparation is also available. The centre also runs adult workshops. 10/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3 Arbuthnot Road, Central, info@starlit.hk. www.starlit.hk.

Craft for grown-ups Crafties Crafties offers a friendly and accessible co-working space with support and facilities. Rent a desk, work on a project, collaborate with like-minded crafters or market your wares. Or take one of the many workshops to explore your creative side. The first Thursday of the month is Crochet Thursday, teaching the basics at a free 30-minute evening class. 1/F Sing Kui Commercial Building, 27 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, 3461 1368, info@thecrafties.hk, www.thecrafties.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

travel

Chris Beale (above, centre) catches a sailfish in Malaysia and (right) a giant Mekong catfish in Thailand.

It was this big...

Chris Beale takes on Asia’s big fish.

Romping in Rompin When it comes to sport fishing, sailfish are top of the food chain. Majestic and beautiful, they are the fastest fish in the sea, clocked at 60mph, and travel thousands of miles like underwater albatrosses. They’re typically associated with exotic, faraway destinations such as the Bahamas, the Seychelles and Mauritius, but we had word the fishing in Rompin, Malaysia, was just as good if not better. We had to check out the truth of this fisherman’s tale.

With our guide, Dominic, we headed out to the sailfish grounds, stopping only to catch some bait fish, which we suspended beneath balloons. After an hour, we had our first bite.

Line screamed off the reel at lightning pace and an acrobatic fight began as the sailfish leaped clear off the water time after time. After 15 minutes, we had our first fish. Weighing 90 pounds, its flanks shimmered like burnished gold, with flashes of iridescent blue and black stripes. And, of course, that fearsome bill and amazing dorsal fin, which opens up to four feet square. It was the first of 20 fish, all 80lb-

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100lb, we caught over the next two days, then released to fight another day.

On our last day, we went for the fisherman’s Holy Grail: catching a sailfish on a fly rod.

This requires precision angling and dextrous teamwork. We set two “teaser” rods trailing large and colourful lures 50 feet behind the boat.

These lures have no hooks; the idea is to attract a sailfish to repeatedly attack a lure, thinking it is a wounded fish, then draw it and the fish to within 20 feet of the boat. With split-second timing, one fisherman swiftly reels in the lure as the angler casts the fly and replaces the lure with a smaller version and a hook. The fish’s attention switches to the new lure... it’s hooked.

Seeing a 100-pound fish surge towards the fly, take it, and turn headlong into the depths is awesome. What follows is half an hour of mayhem. The fish tears off like a submarine, alternating between incredible leaps and equally spectacular dives. As fly gear is so light, the boat must follow the fish, often for several miles, and the power of the fish reverberates through the rod. I was extremely relieved when

the guides got the fish on board. It was the only one we managed to catch with a fly – but what a Hemingway moment.

The cats of Bungsamran I was a fanatical angler when I lived in Britain 20 years ago. My biggest fish was an 11lb carp.

So when I heard about monster freshwater catfish in Thailand, I Googled. Nothing prepared me for what I found on Bungsamran Lake’s website: giant Mekong catfish running to more than 200lbs of pure muscle, with shoulders like Russian weightlifters and tails the size of industrial paddles. Three days later, I pulled up in a taxi.

Bungsamran is a well-tended complex with a tackle shop, bar and restaurant (with cold beer and a delivery service), and a lake ringed on two sides by lodges. The gear was something else: a stiff 6ft boat rod, a monster reel, a float the size of a zucchini and a mashed-up-bread bait ball the size of a melon, which hits the water like a nuclear explosion.

You fish at half depth for catfish. They have mouths the size of buckets and surge up from

gone fishin’

below, engulfing the bait ball with a violence that often drags the rods of the unwary into the lake.

At 19lbs, my first fish was big by British standards, but my guide was dismissive: “Smallest fish in lake.” They got bigger. I caught a series of fish at about 30lbs, one or two at 50lbs and then a huge specimen at 105lbs. These are the hardest fighting of freshwater fish. When a fish is a hooked the guides sit down and light a cigarette knowing it will be at least 20 minutes until it is netted.

I caught 13 giant Mekong catfish on my first visit, and returned two more times to the lake. On one memorable day, I hooked a real brute. It took line no matter how much pressure I applied – it felt as if I’d hooked a crocodile with a couple of sacks of cement strapped to its back. It took 90 minutes, three guides and three nets to land the 180lb catfish. In the twilight, it looked like a cross between a large pig and a torpedo.

7pm. At 6.55pm on day one, my rod was yanked off the rests, the electric bite alarm screeched and something took off at great speed in the dark. After an exciting half-hour fight, the guides landed a beautifully marked 220lb fish. I found myself trembling as we took the trophy shot and gently returned this exceptional creature to its watery home.

But the angling gods had more in mind for me. At 7am next morning, something even bigger and more powerful snaffled my fish-head bait. The rod was bent at a distressing angle, and sweat was pouring off me as a large unseen force did it’s best to drag me into the lake. About 35 minutes later, my stomach lurched as a massive arapaima swirled on the surface. It was a staggering 280lbs, and six and a half feet of pure muscle with scales the size of my hand, each edged with a beautiful crimson hue. It was truly the fish of a lifetime.

Arapaima in Krabi Gillhams Fishery in Krabi is breathtaking, with limestone karst mountains, eagles overhead and a lake in groomed grounds. Its waters are home to the astonishing arapaima, the oldest fully scaled freshwater fish on the planet that can grow up to 500lbs.

Gillhams is open from 7am to

Contacts Dominic Pereira, +65 9027 6972, fishzonesportfishing@ yahoo.com.sg.

Bungsamran Fishing Park, +66 2734 9272, info@bungsamran. com Gillhams Fishing Resort, +66 28 6164 4554, info@ gillhamsfishingresorts.com.

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health & beauty

LOSE UP TO 10lbs IN 9 DAYS!

Pamper parties Gather the girls and hit the spa. By Cherrie Yu. Sparties Pampering is more fun with a group of friends at a spa party – and yes, there’s wine. At the divine Sense of Touch Repulse Bay, get the sparty started with bottles of bubbly and canapes (order through Sense of Touch or bring your own) in the private garden and pagoda before being beautified by top therapists. Sparties are available for a minimum of four guests spending at least $3,500 on treatments; Sense of Touch provides a free bottle of white wine for every six guests. Choose from a menu of treatments, including revitalizing facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. We recommend the Asia Spa Awards’ treatment of the year, Opium ($1,590 for 90 minutes).

1/F The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668.

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Mani-pedi Yes, you do have time to get your nails done. Designed specifically for girls on the go, Sabai Day Spa offers 25-minute express manicures at its Stanley salon. Alternatively, take a few friends and catch up during the relaxing and indulgent 90-minute treatment. Gel nails are also available. 12A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2104 0566.

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Flawless serves free-flowing bubbly with its group packages of basic mani-pedi ($580 a head) or mini facial plus a manicure or pedicure ($700). Fruit water or Mighty Leaf organic teas are also available for those who prefer not to drink while they’re being buffed.

Packages are available for groups of at least five people. Booking recommended. 4/F Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central. 2869 5868.

And specialist nail salon Feel Good Factor lays on wine, herbal tea and magazines ahead of its private mani-pedi parties. Available on Fridays and Saturdays, when the salon has more staff, it offers groups a manicure and pedicure set at its regular price ($540). 2/F Winsome House, 73 Wyndham Street, Central, 2530 0610.

Hair Bars The latest thing in the US has made it to Hong Kong. Hair bars don’t offer cutting or colouring, but will wash, blow-out and style your hair in everything from a fancy updo to snaky curls.

Airplay Bar is a stylish salon with a lounge available for private parties. It offers makeup services and blow-out options named after cocktails: Long Island Iced Tea extra hair volume, anyone? 7/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, 2641 9888.

Alternatively, the two-storey Amika Hairdo Bar is available for private parties with complimentary champagne for a minimum of 15 ($280 a head, including blow-out and styling). Catch up while being styled up. UG/F, 8 Elgin Street, Central, 2291 0070.

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WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

pets

adopt, don’t buy

Pet-shop blues There are lots of things about people that never cease to amaze me, like how anyone could enjoy jumping off a cliff wearing only a onesie with wings and a small parachute or paying to be terrified by a horror movie. Closer to home, and all too common, I don’t understand how anyone can buy a puppy from a pet shop when only someone living in a cave can have failed to read about the way Hong Kong breeders treat the poor dogs that are forced to produce these puppies.

Just last month, yet another “home” was raided after a foul smell had been reported from an apartment. Inside more than 100 dogs and cats were crammed into rusted cages where they were living in their own filth. Many of them will have spent years, often their whole miserable lives, living like that.

The day after the animals were rescued, the informant told me it had taken him almost two years to make the call because he was afraid of what would happen to the dogs and cats

Picture: Kat

Sally Andersen tells a doggy horror story.

that were seized. The answer to that is they will be kept at SPCA and government animal management centres until the case has been heard and then (hopefully) released for re-homing.

Last December, I wrote about getting a puppy for Christmas. I said that, as long as it was a properly thought out decision and with a commitment for the dog’s life, I didn’t have any problem with it. Still, the thought of people choosing a puppy from a pet-shop window fills

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me with sorrow, because I know that behind every adorable pup lies a tale of greed and suffering.

For every puppy bought, a mother dog is forced to have yet another litter. I have seen too many of these wretched females thrown away at the end of their usefulness not to feel anger on their behalf.

So please – once again and until it ends – adopt, don’t buy. Even if you have a specific breed in mind and won’t consider anything else, as long as you’re willing to wait there’s a high chance the right dog or puppy will come along.

In any case, I’ve lost count of the number of “must haves” who have ended up taking home a completely different breed after falling in love. After all, isn’t that what owning a dog is all about?

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

pets Hotels for dogs Going away for Christmas? Olivia Lai finds holiday homes for pets.

Dog Seasons Spa and Hotel This luxurious hotel provides top-notch doggy accommodation in Happy Valley, with 24 sq ft individual rooms equipped with a webcam and 24-hour supervision. There are several private playtimes everyday during the boarding period plus optional services such as teeth brushing.

Book your dog in for a spa treatment including massages and aromatherapy. Rooms are $500 a day or $700 for two dogs sharing. For details, visit www.dogseasons.com.

Ferndale Kennels & Cattery Located in Sai Kung Country Park, Ferndale is owned and managed by experienced veterinary nurse Stacy Tucker. It has a large secure compound for dogs with a separate cattery, so dogs can run around freely and group play times can arranged (after assessment). During boarding, pets are exercised daily and have their own comfortable space. It’s a popular

organizations. They will come to your home anywhere on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon to look after your dog or cat, playing with them and providing daily walks. Photos of your pets are emailed to owners daily for extra peace of mind. Pet sitting starts at $175 a day, with boarding from $350 a day – there’s a 20 per cent discount for new clients. For more, visit www.furrenzpetsitters.com

Stacy Tucker at Ferndale Kennels.

facility during holiday periods so book early. For details, visit www.ferndalekennels.com.

Furrenz Pet Sitters Furrenz Pet Sitters are certified pet first aiders and accredited members of global pet-sitting

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2/8/13 12:14 PM

Royal Pets Hong Kong The pet sitters at Royal Pets come to your home anywhere on Hong Kong Island to care for your dog or cat while you’re away. Services include personalized care, dog walking and maintaining your pet’s regular schedules. It also offers boarding at $250 a day. For details, visit www.royal-pets-hk.com.

Pet World Resort Dogs staying at Pet World have their own

check in

creature feature Rhesus macaque aka Macaca mulatta

private rooms, daily walks and even cuddle time with pet sitters. They can also socialise with other dogs in the large grassy playground and owners will be emailed daily photos. Boarding rates depend on the size and age of your dog.

Pet World is located in Yuen Long, but offers pick up and delivery services. For details, visit www.petworldresort.com.

There are an estimated 2,000 rhesus and longtailed macaques in Hong Kong, mainly around “Monkey Hill” – Kam Shan and Lion Rock country parks – where they have become a popular attraction. But they can also be found in Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau, Ma On Shan and Sai Kung country parks. They are native to Asia, with a range from Afghanistan to North Thailand and China.

Rhesus macaques are greyish- to golden brown, with a red tinge to their hindquarters, pink faces and rumps and a relatively short tail.

They eat mainly roots, fruit, seeds and bark, plus insects and small animals, and often store food in cheek pouches for later consumption.

They are good climbers and swimmers. Infants can swim from a few days old and adults can swim half a mile between islands.

They live in active, noisy troops of up to 200 animals and spend most of their time on the ground. The groups are mixed sex with a matrilineal hierarchy, although males are

dominant to females. Males are peripheral to the group and are replaced every few years.

Macaques have close relationships with humans throughout their range, often coming to rely on people and towns for food.

The Hong Kong population has boomed to unsustainable levels and in 2008 the AFCD introduced a neutering programme to bring it under control. It is illegal in Hong Kong to feed wild monkeys.

Steffi Yuen.

distribution

where to find us

Southside magazine continues to extend its reach in our community, here is the latest in distribution news.

Pok Fu Lam - Kellett School - Kennedy School - Mount Davis - Safari Kid - The Merton - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School

Cyberport - Baguio Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Cyberport Arcade - Delaney’s - Indigo Kids - Indigo Living - International (Park N Shop) - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Thaima-V

Larvotto Due to popular demand, we’ve increased distribution to Larvotto by 30%. This marine-themed luxury residential complex offers unmatched waterfront views and is only 5 minutes from upscale shopping at Horizon Plaza.

Southside Magazine can be found at the Larvotto clubhouse on the coffee tables of many of its residents.

Ap Lei Chau - Bumps to Babes - Chapin House - Everything Under The Sun - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Little Picasso Studio - Mothercare - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Rimba Rhyme - Shambala Cafe - Toof Contemporary - Tree

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Aberdeen - Aberdeen Marina Club - Elite PT Studio - Flex Studio - GCX - Golden Goose Gourmet - GP Deva - Hong Kong Country Club - MUM - One Island South - Park N Shop - Wicka Designs - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

The Peak - Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - Haagen-Dazs - International (Park N Shop) - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Peak Lookout Café - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

Manhattan Tower

Stanley

- Boathouse This exclusive residential building, - Cafe Groucho’s Deep Water Bay tucked away in a lush country park - Chez Patrick - Beach Club setting, houses some of the most - Cheers Real Estate Limited - Coco Thai stunning apartments on the Southside.

- The Chocolate Room - Hong Kong Country Club All 40 units are 2,400 square feet with - Classified - Park N Shop fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, teak - Haagen Dazs floors and best of all, large balconies - Lucy’s on the Front to soak up the breathtaking views of - Mijas Deep Water Bay and the South China - Pacific Pets Sea. Southside Magazine is now - Pickled Pelican conveniently placed at the Manhattan - Paisono’s Pizzeria Tower reception.

- Pizza Club - Pizza Express Pok Fu Lam - Ricacorp Properties - Saigon in Stanley Chi Fu The Peak Parkview - Smuggler’s Inn Tai Tam Cyberport - Spiaggia Shouson Hill - Stan Cafe Big Wave Bay Aberdeen Bel-Air - Stanley Cave Deep Water Bay - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe - Stanley Veterinary Centre Repulse Bay - Starbucks Red Hill Ap Lei Chau Wong Chuk Hang - Taste Supermarket The Manhattan - Vern’s Beach Bar - Wildfire Shek O Chung Hom Kok

One Island South Located in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located at the lobby.

Sheung Wan & Central - ITS Educational Services - Seasons Fitness - Starlit Art Space

Stanley

Tai Tam / Shek O

Repulse Bay - Anastassia’s Art House - Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons - HS Modern Art - Indigo - Manhattan Tower - Sense of Touch - OT & P - Spices - The Club - The Lily - The Somerset - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School Repulse Bay

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

marketplace Annerley_southside_magazine_print_ouline.pdf

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10/2

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

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WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

marketplace Professional Birthday Party Entertainment

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

marketplace

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

marketplace

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marketplace

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marketplace

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

marketplace

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classifieds Overseas Property

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classifieds TUITION Mandarin / Cantonese speaking nanny -- can play with your kids, read them stories and guide them to discover the daily life.

Mandarin tutors -- for kindergarten, primary and secondary students, (teach them pinyin, vocab, oral, writing skills....) also experience in helping students to prepare IGCSE, IB, AL...

Please visit www.call-a-tutor.com or call 2572 8989.

Richiewise Sophia Learning IB/ AP/ GCSE/ IGCSE/ GCE/ DSE/ SAT/ ACT/ GED/ TOEFL/University level Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Finance, Economics Please email richiewisesophia@gmail.com OR call 64374148 for details.

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.

SERVICES NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades.

Plumbing, electrical and handyman services.

Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk.

COMPUTER SERVICES HK – ONSITE TROUBLESHOOT & SETUP, WINDOWS & APPLE DEVICES, IPAD. IPHONE, APPLE TV, DATA RECOVERY, DATA TRANSFER, INSTALLATION OF NETWORK, WIRELESS, WIFI EXTENDERS. INTERNET, EMAIL, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE PROBLEMS. EMAIL CHRISK@NETVIGATOR.COM OR CALL CHRISTOPHER KRISHNAN 9147 0230.

Want to place an ad?

If you would like to place an ad in our magazine please contact us at: marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 67

the ultimate guide to southside Events New Bazaar in Town!

Dec 4, 12pm-8pm The Fringe Club 2 Lower Albert Rd Central www.shoppinghongkong.net, shoppinghongkong@gmail. com | 9326 3093 Last Bazaar of the Season!

Dec 16, 10am-6pm The American Club Tai Tam www.shoppinghongkong.net, shoppinghongkong@gmail. com | 9326 3093 Cyberport Christmas Funland 2013 Dec 12 - Jan 1 www.funland.cyberport.hk Kidsfest Hong Kong 2014 The Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts | From Jan 15th 2014 3128 8288 | www.hkticketing.com Hong Kong Chamber Music Festival Jan 15-23 2014 31 288 288 | www.pphk.org

Hotels & Private Clubs Le Meridien Cyberport Club Horizon 2155 0489 | www.clubhorizon.com.hk Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788

Sports & Fitness

Real-Estate Hong Kong Parkview 2812 3888

Weight Watchers

www.hongkongparkview.com

2813 0814 kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk The Clean 9 Detox 9211 3322 | monica.pswong@gmail.com www.foreverlivinghk.weebly.com

2573 3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk Modulnova Hong Kong Ltd 3741 2095 | info@modulnova.hk www.modulnova.hk

Modulnova Hong Kong Ltd

3741 2095 | info@modulnova.hk www.modulnova.hk Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 | www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com

JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com

Alex Greg - Specialist Handmade Jewellery 3543 1791 | www.alexgreg.co

Life Solutions 2778 3282 | www.lifesolutions.com.hk

Apple & Pie 3103 0853 | www.appleandpie.com

Mothercare 2627 0035 | www.mothercare.com.hk

Eden and Zoe www.edenandzoe.com

National Harbour Renovations 90851886 | charles@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk Pantry Magic 2504 0688 | info@pantry-magic.com www.pantry-magic.com/hongkong Philips Sonicare 2619 9663 | www.philips.com.hk

Beauty

Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | www.rimbarhyme.com

Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com.au

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

Hair by THD 2973 0512 | www.thd.com.hk

Travel & Relocation

Hokgins Laser & Skin Centre 2892 8781 | hokginslsc@gmail.com www.hokgins.com.hk Sabai Day Spa — Stanley 2104 0566 | www.sabaidayspa.com

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One Island South 2118 2900 | cs@oneislandsouth.com Red Hill Plaza 6688 8232 | www.hshd.com.hk

Box Design

Fashion & Accessories

Sense Jewellery 2889 2428 | info@sensejewellery.com

Kam House 6486 0425 | kam.house@gmail.com

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

Home & Interiors

Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk

Palavi - Specialist Jewellery www.palavi.net

Habitat Property 2869 9069 | www.habitat-property.co

Casa Travella Ltd lindatravella@hotmail.co.uk www.casatravella.com Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.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

Castello del Vino - Wine 2866 0587/77 info@castellodelvino.com.hk Pacific Coffee 2290 6039 | coffeesolutions@pacificcoffee.com http://www.pacificcoffee.com/ Coco Thai 2812 1826 | cocobay@biznetvigator.com Golden Goose Gourmet 2732 0981 customerservice@goldengoosegourmet.com www.goldengoosegourmet.com Jett Foods 24287832 | www.jettfoods.com Jireh International Health Ltd. 2838 8902 | www.jirehhealthhk.com Pacific Coffee 2290 6039 | coffeesolutions@pacificcoffee.com http://www.pacificcoffee.com/ Secret Ingredient www.secretingredient.com.hk The South African Shop www.thesouthafricanshop.com Trattoria Cafe Monteverdi 2559 0115 | restaurant@monteverdi.com Wine n Things www.winenthingshk.com Wine HK www.winehkasia.com

directory Education

Education Colour My World

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

ITS Education Asia

2116 3916 es@tuition.com.hk www.itseducationasia.com

The International Montessori School 2861 0339 info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk

Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com

Union of Languages 3426 2303 | info@uol-hk.com www.uol-hk.com

Daily 7/ Daily 10 2543 8262 |customerservice@kidsdailies.com www.daily7-daily10.com

Woodland Pre-Schools 2803 1885 | 2551 7177 www.woodlandschools.com

Petit Bazaar 2544 2255 / 2528 0229 / 2407 1892 contact@petit-bazaar.com www.petit-bazaar.com

Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

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

Mentorhood Learning Center

5160 1828 | enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 | info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com

Community & Health

Daily 7/ Daily 10 2543 8262 |customerservice@kidsdailies.com www.daily7-daily10.com

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

Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com Sqooll - Activity packs for kids www.sqooll.com

Body Awakening www.bodyawakening.net The Clean 9 Detox 9211 3322 | monica.pswong@gmail.com www.foreverlivinghk.weebly.com James Chan - Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medical Practitioner 98769925 | chankwojames@gmail.com Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk Spa de Farida 2649 6833 | stanley.farida@gmail.com

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

Bebegarten 3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com Bricks 4 Kids 8102 2433 | info@bricks4kidz.hk English for Asia 2392 2746 | bianca@englishforasia.com www.englishforasia.com Les Club Des Cinq 2575 4555 | contact@clubdes5.hk www.clubdes5.hk Little Dalton Kindergarten Nursery School 2792 2566 | www.littledalton.com

Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk

Multimedia ABA Productions 2547 7150 | www.aba-productions.com Dadi Precious Photography 6920 6689 | info@dadiprecious.com http://www.dadiprecious.com

Eton House International Pre-School 64821729 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk

Gail Turner Photography 5662 3630 www.cloonaveel.com www.hongkongdogs.hk

Faust International Youth Theatre 2547 9114 | info@faustworld.com www.faustworld.com

Parties & Entertainment

Golden Path Education 2164 4888 | www.goldenpatheducation.com Safari Kid 2177 0001 | info@safarikid.com.hk www.safarikid.com.hk Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 www.southsidemandarin.com

Children’s Toys & Supplies

BLANK - art and paintings www.blankbespokeart.com The Cat Street Gallery 2291 0006 | www.thecatstreetgallery.com Pete Kelly - Musician 9477 0669 | www.petekelly.com.au

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

Pets & Vets Homevet 9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 www.animalemergency.com.hk Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 | retail@stanleyvetcentre.com

Professional Services HARVEY LAW GROUP 2116 1333 | contact@harveylawcorporation.com Citibank 2962 8042 | www.citibank.com Kingston Bespoke Tailor www.kingstonbespoke.com Professional Wills 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk Wifi Guy Hong Kong 9385 8379 | wifiguy.hk@gmail.com

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69

my southside

story time

Theadora Whittington The Stanley-based illustrator and author tells Carolynne Dear about The Dragon’s Back and other tales.

Why did you base your tale on the Dragon’s Back?

It’s been a favourite hike since we came to Hong Kong nine years ago. I love the views. It’s often windy up there and I like that, especially in the hotter months.

Tell us a bit about your new book...

The Dragon’s Back is a picture book about a boy, Luke, who is hiking the Dragon’s Back trail with his family when they find their way blocked by fire. The dragon is hurt and Luke is worried about him. Firefighters come to help, but the dragon is sad. So Luke learns how to care for his friend, to help him recover. It’s a story about hope and regeneration.

I’m a children’s book artist and writer, and also create other collagraphs and collages.

Before training as an illustrator and graphic artist, I practised as a barrister and studied theology, lived and worked in Beijing and travelled round China. My background affects the way I think and work.

What inspires you?

As an expat, Hong Kong strikes me in different ways to a native of the city. Consciously and unconsciously you compare what you see around you with what you’ve seen before you arrived.

I enjoy being outdoors and I like to know about my surroundings.

I’ve become interested in the plight of Hong Kong’s native creatures, particularly marine animals.

Certain conflicts – between man and his natural environment, and between people – excite me and inspire me artistically.

I’m fascinated by traditional festivals and their meanings. I have a strong interest in comparative religion. I also love the quirky, idiosyncratic things about Hong Kong; people pushing their dressed-up dogs in wheely shopping baskets in Tai Tam Country Park.

Why do you live on Southside?

I like the vibrancy. I like to see people enjoying themselves. There’s a special energy and pulse, and yet there is space – all the activity is set alongside the beautiful hills and the sea.

photo competiton Submit your shot Here at the Southside Magazine office, we love receiving beautiful pictures of Southside from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Southside, along with a brief description, to photo@fastmedia.com.hk.

This month’s winner: Fiona Cummings.

“Gorgeous end to another gorgeous day in Hong Kong – taken from the sky garden at Larvotto, Ap Lei Chau.”

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What do you enjoy in your spare time?

Hike, play the flute, engage in activities at St. Stephen’s Chapel, sing, go to exhibitions and artistic activities with artist friends, yoga. I love to be with friends and family. I love to travel. I’m really not a beach holiday type – I like travel to stimulate. I really enjoy reading, but don’t have nearly enough time for it.

How will you be spending Christmas?

There are lots of activities at St Stephen’s Chapel, where my husband, Will, is the priest-incharge. My sons will be over from Britain, where they are studying. On Christmas Day, after the morning service we will have a traditional family time, maybe with a few friends round for a very large evening meal.

How can readers obtain a copy of your book?

I’ll be signing books after the morning service at St Stephen’s Chapel on December 1, at St Stephen’s Fete on December 7, and after the Cecilian Singers’ Christmas concert at St John’s Cathedral on December 11. My stories are in bookshops or can be ordered from my publishers (Blacksmith Books for The Dragon’s Back, MCCM Creations for the others).

Future projects?

I’d like to exhibit my pictures of Hong Kong and I’ve ideas for more pictures based on things I’ve experienced here, in China and other places.

I’ve many ideas for stories and I want to spend lots of time experimenting.

shoot for it