Southside Magazine March 2012

Off the wall Original art for apartment living

Organic eats

March 2012

Expat Hong Kong Is the party over?

The best in home delivery

Pollution solutions for a greener Southside

163

things to do

March 2012

the planner 4 What’s on in March Sevens, spas and shamrocks.

LETTERS 8 Sentiments from the Southside Face time over Facebook and where have all the chemists gone?

News 10 Southside scoop A second Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam? Ovolo opens in Wong Chuk Hang, and innovative websites.

LADIES WHO LAUNCH

48 Wild Asia From tigers in India to gazelles in Mongolia.

Feature 20 Green Issues Beach clean-ups, incinerators, ecochic and Ocean Park for the dolphins.

EDUCATION 40 Happening at Kellett School principal tells all.

Gardening 50 Reap what you sow Summer flowers and vegetables.

Hikes 26 Trip back in time Jackie Peers sails into Sai Kung’s past.

Family 42 Globe-trotting HK kids are spoiled for choice!

Marketplace 51 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

Eating 32 Eat your greens Organic sustenance and cafe culture on the waterfront.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 44 Southside Indulgences Sabai Day Spa expands to Stanley and Flex’s new nail bar.

Classifieds 54 Local property holiday lets And loads of other random stuff, plus our distrubition list

Property 34 Colour me beautiful An unconventional oasis with a spark of colour.

Pets 46 Dog Breath A breath of fresh air for your pooch.

BACK PAGE 58 My Southside Author Sarah Brennan’s favourite places.

Interview 12 Sophie Connell A 10-year-old actress and her Local 13 Is Hong Kong worth it?

Relentless financial strains, school places and the Hong Kong expat.

A guy thing 16 Film festivals and critiques

Travel

LIVING 38 Cover those white walls Personalised art that won’t break the bank.

18 Sophie von Burg Suzanne van der Erf interviews the founder of Walk2Health

43 Affording education in Hong Kong Jonathan Menzies offers tips.

"No Matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow"

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

planner

happening in march

Mar 23-25

Hong Kong Sevens

Tone up the muscles (right arm, dancing feet), tune up the vocal chords and get ready to party – the world’s largest rugby sevens competition is here. Sold out, so start networking if you need tickets. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. Details at www.hksevens.com.

Mar 1 Purple Cake Day

Help Woodland Pre-schools raise $160,000 to open a centre for disadvantaged children in Nepal. See www.woodlandschools.com for more information.

Mar 1-8 Hong Kong Arts Festival

Last chance to see this year’s world-class performances and events. Highlights include Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, “A Magic Flute” and Music About China VI. Details at www. hk.artsfestival.org.

Mar 1-12 Fashion Visionaries

Retrospective of 50 years of the Hong Kong fashion industry. Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, 2180 8188, www. heritagemuseum.gov.hk.

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Mar 1-15 Accrochage art exhibition Works by seven artists. Tue-Sat, noon-7pm.

FEAST Projects, 3/F Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2553 9522.

Mar 3-4 Cyberport Weekend Markets

Fun for all the family, with free admission, lots of shopping and an outdoor cinema. Add dinner and drinks for $130-$190. The Podium, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 3128 8288.

Mar 1-28 Effective Parenting Courses

Mar 4 Ocean Park Walk for Children

Walkathon organised by the charity Plan in aid of impoverished children in China, Cambodia and Kenya. Ocean Park, Aberdeen, 7am-10am, 3583 3100.

Mar 8 Roxette Live in Hong Kong Listen to your heart. Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $480-$880 from www.hkticketing. com, 2989 9239.

Become the best parent you can at these courses every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Tuesdays: 10.30am-12.30pm, YWCA, 3/F 1 MacDonnell Road, Central, 3476 1340. Wednesdays: 9am-1pm, American Club, 28 Tai Tam Road, 2842 7400. Saturdays: 9am-1pm, Matilda Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0111.

march Mar 5-18 Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival

Local and international children’s book authors, including Eoin Colfer and Mem Fox, feature in Hong Kong’s first literary festival for the under-14s, with meet-the-author events, workshops and more. For details, visit www.youngreadersfestival.org.hk or call 2877 9770.

Mar 8, 12 Seesaw party

Mums meet to swap nearly new kids’ clothing.

Entry $20. 10am-noon. March 8: The Belcher’s, Pok Fu Lam. March 12: The Parisian, Stanley.

Details v at info@seesawseesaw.com.

Mar 10 West Island School Fair

The ESF secondary school celebrates its 20th anniversary with a fab fair. All welcome. Free entry.

11am-5pm, 250 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2816 7222, www.wis.edu.hk.

Mar 10 St Patrick’s Ball

With funds going to the Irish Cancer Society. 7pm3am, Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong, www.stpatrickshk. com.

Mar 12 Sabai Day Spa Stanley Opening

Come for cocktails and a sneak peak at Southside’s newest day spa. 5pm-7pm, 12A Stanley Main Street. RSVP at sabaidspa@ sabaidayspa.com, 2791 2259.

Mar 14 Duran Duran – All You Need is Love Rewind to the 80s. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau.

Tickets $500-$1,088 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

A blooming marvellous display of fragrant and exotic plants. Entry $7$14. 9am-9pm, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, 2601 8260.

Mar 17 St Patrick’s Day

The original reason to go green, begorrah.

Mar 18 Il Divo & Orchestra In Concert

Simon Cowell’s operatic boy band. Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $380-$1,280 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 18 Mothering Sunday

The Christian celebration of motherhood – and Mother’s Day in Britain.

Mar 21-Apr 5 Hong Kong International Film Festival

Showing more than 330 movies from international blockbusters to avant-garde indies.

Full programme and tickets at www.hkiff.org.hk.

Apr 2 Olivia Newton-John Live in Hong Kong

I got chills... the Neutron Bomb is coming to Grand Hall, Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $488-$1,288 from www.hkticketing.com, 2629 6240.

The “Zombie” band is back with a new album and a tour to prove it. Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $580-$980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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A fun meander around the finest galleries in town, checking out the wine, finger food, each other... and the art. 5pm-midnight. Tickets $450 (students $150) from www.hongkongartwalk.com, 9758 0048.

Mar 16-25 Hong Kong Flower Show

Book now

Apr 8 The Cranberries

Mar 14 ArtWalk

May 2 Lady Gaga – Born This Way Ball

Lady Gaga live, horns and all. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

Tickets $480-$1,580 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 21-22 GFI HKFC Tens Tournament Hong Kong rugby’s holy week kicks off with a two-day, 10-a-side international competition at the Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley.

From 10am. Free entry on Mar 21, tickets $100 from john@laxtonmarketing.com.

Mar 23 Ladies’ Long Lunch

Warm up for the Hong Kong Sevens at this threecourse lunch in aid of Christina Noble Children's Foundation. Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley. Sold out, but book now for next year at 2832 2186 or hongkong@cncf.org.

Mar 25 Chief Executive Elections Hong Kong stages its “democratic” (s)election.

Our money is on Beijing’s man.

Mar 27 American Club Spring Sale Bazaar Snap up some bargains from your favourite vendors ahead of the Summer Bazaar in May. 10am-6pm, American Club, 28 Tai Tam Road, 2842 7400, www.americanclubhk.com.

Members and guests only.

Mar 30-Apr 1 Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians

A 60-minute romp through the icky past of ancient Egypt – pyramids, pharoahs, mummies and all. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $195-$395 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

letters

have your say

Love is in the air The Date Night Southside piece in your last issue really came in handy when I was looking for gift ideas for my wife.

I ended up booking her in for a spa day while I was at work and met her afterwards in Pacific Place for nibbles and a movie. Afterwards we went on to Ozone for a few cocktails and to take in the stunning views of the city. Thanks for the tips. They kept me in the good books!

B Kelly, Red Hill

Vanishing act Where have all the chemists gone? It is almost impossible to have a prescription made up in Southside these days. Bizarrely, there is no longer a dispensing chemist in Repulse Bay – home to at least two medical practices, as well as couple of dentists – there is nothing in Cyberport Arcade, Wah Fu has a chemist but it is non-dispensing (about as useful as a bicycle with no wheels), and I think there is only one left in Stanley (one disappeared over Christmas).

What’s going on? Does Mannings et al have something against us poor Southsiders, or is it assumed that with all the fresh air down here we are in rude health?

E Houston, South Bay Facebook – Friend or Foe? I really enjoyed the article on preferring face time to Facebook. This new compulsion to write every movement and thought online and to share practically every detail of your personal life has become a menace to society. My daughter barely goes outside anymore, throwing her bag on the hallway floor and running to the computer as soon as she is home from school to check what the friends she has quite literally just left are saying on Facebook.

It also makes me uncomfortable knowing she is putting all these photographs and bits of personal information out into cyberspace for the world to access. I would be far more comfortable knowing she was at a friend’s house rather than interacting online.

J O’Connell, The Peak

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

8 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

news Pok Fu Lam reclamation Pok Fu Lam could be looking at a second Cyberport if government proposals to reclaim land adjacent to Sandy Bay go ahead.

A 30-hectare site – more than twice the size of Bel-Air – has been proposed in the East Lamma Channel beyond Stanley Ho Playing Fields and adjacent to Kennedy and West Island schools.

The site is one of 25 throughout Hong Kong earmarked for reclamation by the government to enhance land supply, although it has not been officially revealed what the reclaimed land will be used for.

However, high-rise housing to support Hong Kong’s rising population is believed to be the most likely outcome.

“Aside from the ecological and environmental impact, traffic congestion would be a major concern for residents both in Pok Fu Lam and neighbouring Kennedy Town if the project were to go ahead,” said Pok Fu Lam’s councillor, Paul Zimmerman.

At present, Sandy Bay Road and Victoria Road would not be able to cope with a significantly increased traffic load. So far, the government has not carried out any traffic impact assessment.

The current Outline Zoning Plan provides for open recreational space along the Sandy Bay coastline, which is why schools, hospitals and elderly care homes have been established in the area.

FindDoc.com The proposed reclamation site

by Sandy Bay

Local resident Venetia Leonard, who is mounting a campaign to oppose the proposals, says residents should be concerned.

“This proposal will effectively destroy one of the last peaceful areas on the Island.

The construction works will impact the many surrounding schools, including Kennedy, West Island and Kellett, as well as the Hong Kong university campuses and the Stanley Ho sports centre – a rare provider of open space and exercise on an otherwise congested island.

The pollution caused by the construction work and increased traffic congestion will affect the many young children that live in the area.”

The consultation deadline is March 31, after which the number of proposed sites will be narrowed to ten. If you wish to voice your concerns, please email landsupply@cedd. gov.hk by March 31. For further information, email Paul Zimmerman’s office at info@ paulzimmerman.hk.

A new mobile app and website, FindDoc.com helps people in Hong Kong to find appropriate health-care. The brainchild of neurosurgeon Dr Michael Lim, technologist Ivan Ng and southsider Kevin Yeung, the app allows users to view real-time schedules and online appointment bookings, along with the credentials, specialities and qualifications of more than 10,000 doctors.

Health-care providers can be found by entering location, insurance plan or the speciality required.

Once a doctor is selected, users select an open time slot and complete a three-step booking process. FindDoc even sends reminders.

Queen Mary under fire

Support this book

The Hospital Authority is calling for funds to redevelop two key hospitals, including the Queen Mary in Pok Fu Lam, that have come under fire for poor conditions. Operating theatres in the old wings of Queen Mary have been criticized as being worse than those in Third World countries, and there have been repeated complaints from doctors. The Queen Mary is more than 70 years old. But Chief Executive Donald Tsang stressed factors other than money were involved. He said an old building like Queen Mary needed to be preserved rather than renovated.

Want to help end Asia’s illegal trade in endangered animals and own a collectors’ edition wildlife photograph?

Award-winning photographer Patrick Brown’s new book, Trading to Extinction, has taken 10 years to complete. The landmark work collects his investigative photography from China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and India and is by far the most complete photographic record of one of the region’s most secret industries. The book is a way to raise awareness about the endangered species of our world. Those wishing to support the project the book can visit the website www. emphas.is.

10 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

in the know

Ovolo hotel for Wong Chuk Hang Hotel group Ovolo is planning to open a 162room property in burgeoning Wong Chuk Hang. Due to open early next year, the hotel will comprise serviced apartments available for monthly lets and rooms for overnight bookings. The group is primarily targeting business people, as well as the recreational market.

The property will also feature a 24-hour gym, apple tv and wi-fi to all rooms.

“The property is very close to Ocean Park,” said Ovolo’s business development and marketing manager, Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala. “And with the MTR arriving and new office blocks, such as One Island South, going up, we will be well placed to pick up on both the business and tourist markets.”

Repulse Bay revs up A new Ferrari and Maserati showroom has opened in Repulse Bay in the one-time petrol station opposite The Repulse Bay. It is the second Southside location for the dealership, Italian Motors and Auto Italia, which also has a showroom in Ap Lei Chau. The group has represented Ferrari and Maserati in Hong Kong and Macau for the last 29 years. The event was also used to unveil the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider. Ferrari & Maserati Showroom, 60 Repulse Bay Rd, Repulse Bay, 2808 0978, www.autoitalia. com.hk, www.italianmotors.com.hk.

Nursery Furniture & Accessories

Everything you need at...

Pushchairs

Toys

Children’s Furniture

Baby & Toddler Food

Baby & Children’s Clothing & Swimwear

Highchairs

Car Seats

Maternity Wear

Grapevine A Repulse Bay car parking space has fetched $2.47 million at private auction last month that attracted bids from six parties. The space is one of 39 in the 24-home Royal Garden and was the first to change hands in more than five years. The auctioneer did not disclose the size, but for a 135-square-foot standard parking spot that works out at $18,296 a square foot. Apartments at Royal Garden cost $33,582/sqft.

The Canadian International school glammed up last month with a 20s themed ball to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The school has grown from an original 81 students working out of rented offices in Causeway Bay to more than 1,800 students from 41 nationalities at its Aberdeen campus today.

The school welcomed the Canadian Cotton Club band as staff, parents and guests partied into the small hours.

The American Club Tai Tam is holding a Spring Sale Bazaar on March 27, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, homeware, toys, jewellery, wine and more. Open 10am-6pm at the Vista Ballroom. Register for the Summer Collections Bazaar on May 23 and get a 15 per cent discount. Members and guests only. To book a table at either event, contact shoppinghongkong@ gmail.com, 9326 3093, www.shoppinghongkong.net.

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central. T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. T: 2552 5000

Visit our online catalogue www.bumpstobabes.com

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 11 B2B 12_03 MAR SS.indd 1

14/02/2012 5:56 PM

interview Publisher & Executive Editor Tom Hilditch Tom@southside.hk Editorial Jane Steer Jane@southside.hk Angel Lam angel@southside.hk Carolynne Dear carolynne@southside.hk Cat Kiely cat@southside.hk Art Direction Sammy Ko design@southside.hk Accounts Clara Chan accounts@southside.hk Advertising Heung Sai ads@southside.hk Ping Choi ping@southside.hk Marketing, Circulation & Distribution Sebastian Leitner sebastian@southside.hk Contributors Graham Uden Adele Rosi Dr Carmel Taylor MVB Jackie Peers Iain Lafferty David Diskin Kenward Ng Jane Ram Eric Luk Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media P.O. Box 33093 Sheung Wan Post Office Southside 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 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.

12 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

dancing queen

Sophie Connell

From treading the boards as Annie to starring in TV commercials, 10-year-old Kennedy School student and budding actress Sophie Connell shares the secrets of her success. Photo courtesy of Dannielle Hartnett.

How did you start performing?

I started dancing when I was two and a half. I went on stage for the first time when I was three and was addicted. I study jazz ballet, lyrical ballet and classical ballet at Red Shoe Dance School I got my first big break last summer when I auditioned for a summer production of the Broadway musical Annie at the Dramatic English Theatre in Hong Kong and won the lead role. That has been the highlight of my life so far. It took six months of rehearsals, up to three times a week, but I loved every minute.

Since then I have performed in a number of shows, most recently “Wind in the Willows” with Faust at Christmas. I also did a local TV show called “The Little Matchstick Girl”, TV commercials and voice-over work for a film. That was really cool.

I've been fortunate to win a scholarship with Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation's “triple threat” (singing, dancing, acting) squad. I am the youngest member.

What do you enjoy about performing?

I love being on stage and never get nervous, just really excited. A lot of time goes in to making a great stage show so you have to REALLY want to be there. I wish I could do it every day!

What do you enjoy most about the area?

Most of my friends live in Bel-Air or Pok Fu Lam and it's great having lots of freedom to run from house to house.

What don’t you like about Southside?

It can be really sad when a friend leaves, but it also has made me strong and always open to making new friends. There are too many rules. In the park there are signs for no scooters, or running on the grass, or playing with balls. Sometimes I think they would prefer us to sit and look at the grass.

What’s your favourite day out?

Visiting Lamma Island. We catch the ferry and hike to the beach. We also do family hikes over Violet Hill to the yacht club – I run a fair bit of it to keep up with my mum.

Where’s your favourite place to eat on Southside?

Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant for Sunday brunch. It’s very cool eating on a boat. I also love doing girls’ lunches or dinners with Mummy.

Is there anything you would change about Southside?

I'd love there to be more cool shops and cafes at Cyberport. Zara and Accessorize are my favourites.

What activities do you enjoy?

I LOVE to wakeboard. I can even do some jumps and tricks now like my dad. Often we do junk boat trips in the summer and pull the wakeboard boat and banana boat behind us. I also love hanging out with friends, and playing hockey.

And what does the future hold?

One day, when I finish university, I would love to move to New York and work on Broadway. In the meantime I'm really excited to go to Harrow International School in September.

What’s Your Style? spring collection

Designed for lovers of whimsy and fun, the chinoiserie style collection captures the essence of the Orient and infuses it with romance.

For Chinoiserie chic in your home look for hand detailing, intricate patterns and elaborate textures or add a touch of Asian-inspired exotica by focusing on a bold and beautiful statement piece to create a look that is elegant, fanciful and chic.

Hand Carved Magnolia Wood Box $1,090 / $1,590

Is Chinoiserie your style?

Classic Nickel Plated Steel Lantern $2,190 (Each)

Green Ceramic Lattice Stool $1,290

Red Enamel Frame 3x3" $639 (Each)

Hand Carved Side Table With Koi Fish Design $4,490

Emperor's Chair $5,490

Palm Leaf Embroidered Cushion Cover $489

INTERIOR AND FURN ISHING SOLUTION S: HONG KONG • CHI NA • M ACAU • U AE • I ND I A Indigo Living : Horizon Plaza . Central . Cyberport . Repulse Bay . Shatin . www.indigo-living.com

local

paradise costs

Expat Hong Kong: is the party over?

With soaring rents, scarce international-school places and shrinking financial packages, Carolynne Dear asks is this the end of the road for expats?

It may come as no surprise to many Southside parents, but international-school places are now considered to be in severe shortage across Hong Kong, with foreign chambers of commerce warning the situation is at crisis level.

Anecdotal evidence describes schools as being at capacity, with students as young as three facing interviews just to get onto waiting lists to enter the system.

Hong Kong International School, with campuses in Repulse Bay and Tai Tam, says this year it has received its largest number of school applications since the school opened in 1963, up 10 per cent on last year. The school is operating at full capacity.

“This is a very significant issue,” the school’s communications manager, Jon Walsh, says. “I would describe our waiting list as substantial, the main pressure point being entry level for primary.”

The situation is not going down well with parents. “It’s absolutely ridiculous!” said one Repulse Bay mother, who wished to remain anonymous. “My daughter is on a waiting list just for an interview for a pre-school. If she’s accepted there, she will be on the priority list to get an interview for an ESF primary school. It’s hugely stressful. If she isn’t offered a place, we will be looking to leave Hong Kong. Housing and schooling, they’re life’s basic requirements.”

Having failed to secure school places in Hong Kong, another family is planning to move part of the family to Phuket so the children can attend the British International School.

According to the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong Government has been in dialogue with chambers of commerce, international schools and concerned parties.

“We note that some consider difficulties in securing international-school places may discourage overseas investors from coming to Hong Kong,” it said.

Meanwhile, the global financial crisis is finally making its mark on Southside’s expat community. Housing allowances are being hit and many financial institutions are reviewing expat packages in the face of falling profits and global redundancies.

Rents in Hong Kong soared last year, with many people being forced to move following increases of 40 per cent to 50 per cent. One man

14 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

High-rise rents are pricing many expats out of the Southside market. who lives in government-owned accommodation in Pok Fu Lam, and who wishes to remain anonymous, says expats from Repulse Bay have been “flocking” into his complex, which had previously been regarded as “cheaper”.

“The rents are soaring here as a result,” he said. “These older-style buildings have no facilities and are a bit shabby chic, but they are also spacious and a lot cheaper than slicker units in expat-heavy areas like Repulse Bay.” One Bel-Air family reported being gazumped on a rental apartment in Pok Fu Lam the day before they were due to move in: “We had signed all of the paperwork bar one final document. We turned up as requested on the day before to complete, and were told the landlord had had a better offer. We were gutted.”

However, real-estate agents are reporting a softening in the rental market since the beginning of this year. Midland Realty has seen a slight drop in rental prices over the past three months. “Last year, a 1,600 sqft, three-bedroom apartment in Bel-Air was fetching about $60,000 a month. Now we’d be expecting to get $55,000,” said realtor Jessica Chan.

However, she reported a low vacancy rate in desirable areas such as Repulse Bay, thanks to interest from wealthy mainlanders, who are expected to account for a quarter of all money

spent on buying flats in Hong Kong this year.

So, is this the beginning of the end for expats in Hong Kong? Will they be moving to Singapore where rents are cheaper, or to Shanghai, where school places are more readily available?

“That’s highly unlikely,” commented a seasoned banking professional. “Hong Kong is the hub for Asia in terms of equities and derivatives trading. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is one of the largest in the world – this is where you need to be if you’re trading as all of the big global clients are here. And because of Hong Kong’s colonial history, the legal system is still relatively simple. It’s an easy location to transact in, as opposed to grappling with Chinese rules on the mainland.

“Banks will continue to employ expats, despite the relocation and living expenses, simply because global clients trading in Asia would rather speak with traders who know and have networked the European and US markets.”

Hong Kong remains hugely attractive to other industries, too. For airline staff, benefits such as housing and schooling allowances, along with profit-sharing schemes, make it too good a destination to pass up.

So despite the current pains, expats will continue to be attracted to Hong Kong. But you might have to school your children overseas.

What’s Your Style? spring collection

Designed for lovers of ulitmate luxury, our Luxe collection comprises a range of timeless pieces.

Pair decadent and premium fabrics, delicate designs and high quality finishes such as leather, high gloss lacquer and hand cut crystal to create a stunning luxe feel in any home.

Black Parisian Partition With Hand Painted Finish $23,950 (Large)

Keep colours subdued and warm and let the furniture speak for itself.

Is Luxe your style?

Recycle Spanish Glass Oversized Floor Standing Vase 60cm $1,190

Nickel Trophy $2,490

Velvet Cushion With Hand Stitched Beads Cover $729 / $779

Handmade Crystal Faceted Vase $16,250 (Small)

Paisley Wingback Armchair $18,350

Paisley Ottoman $8,290

Brown Brush Shell Nesting Tables $11,050

INTERIOR AND FURN ISHING SOLUTION S: HONG KONG • CHI NA • M ACAU • U AE • I ND I A Indigo Living : Horizon Plaza . Central . Cyberport . Repulse Bay . Shatin . www.indigo-living.com

a guy thing

buff

Film studies “In the beginning was the word.” So opens “The Name of The Rose”, the convoluted and virtually unreadable first novel by Italian author and renowned dilettante, Umberto Eco. The screen adaptation, on the other hand, is a masterful piece of work that counters the popular notion that the book is almost always better than the film. Such a claim will be fully debated this month at the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival and the inaugural Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival. Competition between cinema and literature has always been fierce but let’s hope the clash of events will not lead to a full-blown fistfight between delegates.

Movies often misrepresent their literary sources. For instance, Sherlock Holmes’ catchphrase, “Elementary, my dear Watson”, was written by a screenwriter and not by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Even director Danny Boyle’s faithful adaptation of “Trainspotting” changed the original context when it was released in the US with accent-free dialogue.

But what best epitomises the coercive influence of film over literature is the hijacking of perfectly good book jackets by gaudy movie stills and the vulgar sales pitch “Now a major motion picture”.

For a recent example, look no further than “The Help”.

March sees the Hong Kong release of “The Iron Lady”, a film that sets out to distort not fiction but fact. Recounting the life of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher through a series of flashbacks, the narrative style lurches from Shakespearean tragedy to “Rocky V”, while the acting, despite several awards, is uninspiring.

Predictably the film fails to properly assess the Thatcher years or chart the consequences of her economic polices. Instead the personal dramas

16 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

of her life are played out against an essentially Thatcherite take on history. Portrayed as the underdog hero of the Falklands War, Sylvester Stallone in drag might have been a more convincing choice of American actor than Meryl Streep in the title role.

The most important film release so far this year may be a 40-second U-tube clip starring four urinating US Marines and three Afghan fighters with non-speaking parts. As an inevitable consequence of war, this sort of incident probably happened at Agincourt, definitely occurred during World War I and was comprehensively documented during Vietnam.

It is indicative of the power of the moving image that this footage is now a significant part of the growing body of evidence calling for a political solution to the latest Afghan conflict.

Violent oppression continues unabated in Syria without the inconvenience of CNN

cameras, Arab League observers or the UN. By controlling the flow of images, even a regime as brutal and unapologetic as the Ba’ath Party can remain in power and continue to commit war crimes with only the occasional Security Council veto from their two remaining allies.

But is time ultimately running out for President Bashar al-Assad? The slightly goofylooking former ophthalmologist took over the reigns of the Syrian state from his father as if it were the family pub. Maybe the producers of “The Iron Lady” can help him out with his current image problem. So look out for a late entry in this month’s film festival, where the Syrian president is depicted not as a secondgeneration despot but as a hereditary wizard struggling to rid his country of evil provocateurs.

“Ally Assad and the Philosopher’s Stone” now a major motion picture, although you may prefer the book. Iain Lafferty

What’s Your Style? spring collection

The Retro Revival collection is designed with the chic vintage connoisseur in mind and pays tribute to the classic 1950’s work by visionary designers including Jacobsen, Eames and Wegner.

Inspired by clean lines, natural shapes and simplicity, the versatile collection suits a myriad of interiors. To create this style at home, select retro pieces and pair them with bold coloured or patterned accessories, rugs or wall art.

Saarinen Style Dining Arm Chair $3,890

Is Retro Revival your style?

Chinese Apothecary Cabinets $12.950

Black Shanghai Coffee Table $7,390

Red Wooden Ball Wall Clock $939 Wire Table Lamp $1,490

1960’s Retro Styled Leather sofa $19,450 Replica of Classic 1950’s Featherston Arm chair $8,490

Replica of Classic 1950’s Footstool $3,390

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ladies who launch

walk it off

Sophie von Burg

The co-founder of physiotherapy business Walk2Health treats clients by taking them hiking.

Suzanne van der Erf catches up with her on the Wilson Trail.

I really enjoy being outside and Walk2Health enables me to carry out my profession, physiotherapy, away from the regular treatment table.

We founded the business in October 2010. My business partner, Sian Gurney, focuses on cognitive and emotional issues and I help people who experience joint pain while hiking.

We work on improving their technique.

Dragon’s Back. It depends on the client. A tip on hiking well? Make sure your knees don’t fall across your midline while descending steps, keep them straight ahead.

My husband grew up in Stanley. His family has had a business here for three generations. After I studied physiotherapy in the UK, we got married in England and for George it was quite natural to join the family business in Hong Kong.

Most of my clients have back, hip, knee, or ankle pain during hiking. I determine if someone is a suitable candidate and then we go for about four hikes, always to different places. We start the walk with a rather extensive assessment to check for any joint restriction or instability and concurrent muscle imbalances, then I observe their walk and give advice on how to make it more efficient.

Back then Hong Kong was still under British rule, so for me it was easy to find work here as a physio.

We lived in Stanley Market in a tiny apartment.

Smugglers was our regular hangout. I vividly remember my birthday there in 1999. We had a typhoon 10 coming and the locals came to the Smugglers Inn, since it was the only place open.

All of a sudden, a wave came over the seawall and flooding into the bar.

For work I usually hike in Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam or Tai Tam country parks, Black’s Link or the

Stanley has changed a lot since then. It’s more family friendly now, with the renovated plaza, the

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Butterfly park and a new restaurants. We really enjoy Classified after rugby on Sundays.

The flower stall in Stanley market is special to us. We’ve bought our flowers and Christmas decorations there for years.

We spend New Year’s Eve at Lucy’s. For good Thai and Vietnamese food, I’d recommend Saigon in the Murray House Building. And Smugglers has a special place in our hearts.

I enjoy hiking. On weekends we sometimes go to Wan Chai or Admiralty, have lunch there and then hike back to Stanley. My four-year-old walks as well.

It clears my head. Every time I go up the Twins and descend into Stanley, I think: I’m so lucky to live here.

If you would like to be interviewed in this space about starting a business or charity, please email editor@southside.hk.

A burning issue With a mega incinerator on the horizon, Carolynne Dear looks at local initiatives for a greener Hong Kong. Â

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Photo: Eric Luk / www.ericluk.com

Sitting pretty on Shek O beach. Government workers clean the island's most popular beaches up to 16 times a day to keep them rubbish free.

visitors' green dream guide

Photo: Eric Luk / www.ericluk.com

Hong Kong International School enjoys stunning views of Tai Tam Bay. "We try and think about the environmental impact in everything we do," says the school's communications manager.

School with a view Hong Kong International School is planning to make its new Repulse Bay primary campus a car-free area.

“It has a lot to do with safety,” says the school’s communication manager, Jon Walsh.

“And there are important air-quality issues.

We want to respect our neighbours and their right to a quieter, less polluted, traffic-free environment. Ninety-five per cent of our students live in Southside, so there is no reason why this shouldn’t be achievable.”

The campus is to be razed and a brand new building constructed. In the interim, primary students will move to temporary school buildings in Chai Wan. The new building will aim to cut the school’s carbon footprint, and noise pollution during the construction process will be constantly monitored and dust kept to a minimum. At the middle and high school campus in Tai Tam, green solutions are already the order of the day. Its newest building boasts double glazing, LED lighting, and movement sensors that switch off lights and turn off taps.

“It cost 10 per cent more to build, but over the longer term it will pay dividends,” Walsh says.

Recycling bins have also been installed campus-wide, and it is experimenting with wind and solar power. The initiatives stem from the HKIS Sustainability Committee, a group of students and teachers who discuss ways the school can improve its green credentials. The committee also started the “Have you lost your bottle?” campaign, installing water stations across both campuses, along with reusable aluminium bottles, and the schools are now plastic-bottle free. As the students fill up, the water stations digitally display how many plastic water bottles would have been used.

Pure shores Hong Kong’s beaches are among the dirtiest in the world, according to environmental group EcoVision Asia.

“People don’t realise the severity of the problem as many of the most popular beaches – Repulse Bay, Deepwater Bay, South Bay – are cleaned up to 16 times a day by government workers. But we have hundreds of other stunning

beaches that are literally hidden under tides of trash,” EcoVision’s Lisa Christensen says.

Now in its 12th year, the Hong Kong Coastal Cleanup has involved more than 60,000 volunteers and this year’s event will expand to include country parks and the city.

Last year participation in the beach cleanup campaign rose nearly 40 per cent on the previous year, and almost 50 tonnes of trash – including 29,000 plastic bags and 23,000 plastic bottles – was collected from more than 170km of coastline. Research shows most of the rubbish is generated on land.

“The issue of marine debris is a vast one, and can seem daunting,” Christensen says.

“Plastic pollution is the most dangerous for marine wildlife and plagues our ecosystems all over the world. It harms wildlife and food supplies and poisons the ocean.

“Local communities are pivotal in changing attitudes towards environmental protection.

We’d also like to see a change in government policy towards waste management, littering and pollution, with stronger marine debris policies.”

EcoVision’s Hong Kong Clean-up runs from September 15 to November 15. To get involved, visit www.HKcoastalcleanup.org.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

visitors' green dream guide

Eco-chic Jazz up your day with a Bez and Oho bag made from recycled rice sacks. These bright, colourful totes are hand-stitched by rehabilitated members of the community, and no two are the same. Founder Annalise Ryle says the biggest sellers are “blue button� bags, made from recycled rice and coffee bags and assorted odds and ends. Other products include clutches, wallets, passport holders and hand-crafted jewellery. Her innovative waterproof rice-bag paddle covers are making quite a splash with boaties around Stanley, too, with 30 per cent of sales going to the Ocean Recovery Alliance

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visitors' green dream guide

that works to raise awareness of plastic pollution in the seas.

Check them out at www. bezandoho.com. Available at Asian Artworks Gallery, The Repulse Bay Arcade, and Wicka Designs, 1/F, BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen.

Eco chic furnishing company TREE (see picture far left) sprouted in Southside seven years ago. Founder and designer Nicole Wakley wanted to produce ethical, environmentally conscious furniture made with wood from responsibly managed sources. As well as the feel-good factor, it also means a better quality product, she says: “Reclaimed wood has a quality and a grain that can only come from mature trees.”

Other eco activities include regular donations to charities, participation in community events

such as EcoVision’s beach clean-ups and tree planting sponsorships. Seven years on, Wakley feels company ethics remain true to her original vision. “Profits with principles,” she says. “We’ve stuck to what we believe in.”

TREE has branches in Cyberport Arcade and Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau.

Southside outdoor furniture specialist Wicka Designs has all sorts of environmental products from mirrors framed with recycled Indonesian railway bridges to a new collection using recycled shopping bags woven into outdoor flooring.

“We are trying to source more and more eco-friendly products,” says owner Donna Shepherd, who advises customers to steer clear of furniture made from non-sanitized (read: toxic) plastics extruded into synthetic rattans.

Shepherd encourages suppliers to consider more natural approaches and she stocks an environmentally friendly teak guard and cleaner.

“The key is to buy quality, sustainable products,” she says. “That way you are less likely to have to keep replacing furniture.”

Wicka Designs, 1/F, BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen.

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Dannielle Photo: Hartnett

visitors' green dream guide

Southsiders Hamish and Will watch feral cows on Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau.

“We’ll stick with South Bay if the incinerator goes ahead,” says the boys’ dad, Liam.

Lantau fumes Love your view? Well if you can see picturesque Cheung Chau and Lantau from your window, chances are you could soon find yourself looking out at a giant industrial chimney, too.

With stunning beaches, clear waters, beachloving feral cows and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder southern Lantau is a popular day-trip for Southsiders. It’s so lovely that the Hong Kong Government has zoned it as an area of conservation and recreation. So why is the very same government planning to build a whopping

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“mega incinerator” in this pristine area?

It’s a question that vexes Louise Preston, chairman of the Living Islands Movement, which works to protect the local area from “ill-thought through development". The group was set up eight years ago to fight government plans to build a super-prison near Mui Wo, and is now leading the charge against this new threat.

“A giant incinerator of the type proposed will affect everyone who lives in or visits Hong Kong,” she says. “A 150 metre chimney will release dioxins into the air that are known to be carcinogenic. These dioxins will not just

disappear – they will enter Hong Kong’s water supply, the food chain via the fish that we eat, and, of course, contribute to Hong Kong’s air pollution.”

Described by scientific experts as “an environmental outrage”, the giant incinerator will cover 30 hectares and is planned to be built on reclaimed land adjacent to the currently unspoiled island of Shek Kwu Chau, immediately behind Cheung Chau as viewed from Pok Fu Lam. Construction work will take approximately six years and will be potentially devastating to local marine life. Of particular concern are the white-bellied sea eagle and the finless porpoise, which is close to extinction. As well as the significant environmental damage to an area of outstanding natural beauty, the incinerator will increase Hong Kong’s air pollution – pumping out huge quantities of toxic dioxins, heavy metals and fine particulates. The effects on human health could include cancer, respiratory problems, heart disease and increased allergies.

“The Hong Kong Government remains totally lacking in its duty of care to the respirable health of its citizens and visitors,” says James Middleton of local pressure group Clear the Air. “If Hong Kong followed World Health Organization standards, the incinerator project would be incapable of passing an independent Environmental Impact Assessment report given that the (air pollution) levels are excessive before construction even begins.”

Protesters argue there are better, less expensive and cleaner options. According to scientist and Cheung Chau resident Dr Martin Williams, these include plasma arc technology, which uses extreme temperatures to break down molecules from the rubbish into, for example, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and water.

These products can be used to create electricity or combined to create jet fuel, something Cathay Pacific has already expressed an interest in.

“The more I’ve looked into the incinerator proposal, the crazier it becomes,” Dr Williams says. “Of course, Hong Kong also needs far more recycling – then there would be less waste in the first place.”

Hong Kong’s record for recycling is one of the worst in the developed world with current landfill sites expected to reach capacity in the next few years.

“The incinerator does nothing to address Hong Kong’s appalling waste issues long term,” Preston says. “If Hong Kong were to adopt smaller district incinerators using cleaner technology, the land requirement for each facility would be less, they would be in operation much more quickly and would cost the taxpayer less.”

visitors' green dream guide Unfortunately, things are not looking good.

The Advisory Council for the Environment approved the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed incinerator on December 30, and in January the Town Planning Board approved the rezoning necessary to build the incinerator.

The final step is for the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee to approve the budget request of about $13 billion to reclaim the artificial island and build the incinerator. This meeting is likely to take place in April.

If you would like to join the campaign against the incinerator, Preston would love to hear from you. Contact her via the website www.livingislands.org.hk, where you can view a three-minute video on the incinerator, sign an e-petition and download sample letters of objection to members of the Finance Committee. And join the protest march on Sunday, March 18, 3.30pm, Pier 6, Central.

Council cleans up Air quality in Southside should improve with the introduction of anti-idling legislation for car engines.

Beach Road in Repulse Bay has been of particular concern with large numbers of illegally parked tourist coaches idling their engines while passengers visit the beach suburb.

“We have been lobbying the Transport Department, the Police and the Tourism Commission to improve the air quality on Beach Road,” commented Fergus Fung, district councillor for The Bays area. “The recent legislation should alleviate this. Pollution aside, it also causes inconveniences and dangerous situations for pedestrians. I will continue to address this issue at District Council meetings to come up with a long-term solution.”

In other green initiatives, the council has planted more than 50 new trees in the past year on Repulse Bay Beach, and Fung holds regular recycling drives, collecting used goods from residents to benefit the Salvation Army, as well as beach clean-up days and more recycling bins.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

visitors' green dream guide

Photo: Grant Abel and Doug Woodring

About 2,500 pink dolphins are thought to live in the Pearl River Delta.

Think pink Ocean Park has launched a Chinese white dolphin DNA bank as part of efforts to save Hong Kong’s iconic but endangered “pink” dolphins.

The bank will enable scientists to analyze and understand the genetic diversity of dolphin populations and their adaptability to urbanization, and ultimately to develop conservation strategies.

The dolphin, affectionately known as the pink dolphin owing to its distinctive colouring, lives

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in and around the Pearl River Estuary and off northern Lantau. There are estimated to be just 2,500 dolphins locally, with an alarming decrease in the numbers of young sighted in recent years.

The bank is administered by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK), which is committed to protecting Asian wildlife, particularly the Chinese white dolphin and the Giant Panda. Over the past seven years, it has allocated more than HK$20 million to 200 conservation projects across Asia.

Locally, it promotes awareness through dolphin-viewing boat trips for local secondary school students and an annual drawing competition in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.

If you come across a stranded or dead dolphin, contact the Cetacean Stranding Report hotline, on 1823, reporting the date, time and location of the animal, as well as its condition.

hikes

Stop for a beer and noodles at Tommy Li’s in Sham Chung.

Trip back in time

Jackie Peers takes a leisurely boat ride into Sai Kung’s past.

The eastern shores of the New Territories provide some of the most peaceful spots in Hong Kong, and yet are only a short MTR trip away. Take the KCR from Hung Hom to University, and like Dorothy and Toto be prepared to encounter a different world.

The head of Tolo Harbour is now dominated by apartment blocks so high they threaten to dwarf mighty Ma On Shan itself. But a short ferry ride from Ma Liu Shui pier, near Sha Tin, are the remains of lovely coastal settlements, where not too long ago village life revolved around the rhythms of nature rather than the whirr of lifts and the rumble of traffic below.

This month’s walk takes you on a circuit from one bucolic village to another, through lovely regenerating forest including a grove of large ferns that gave me a sudden pang for my native New Zealand. Kids and visitors will enjoy this one – not too arduous, great contrasts and who doesn’t enjoy a ferry ride? The Tolo Harbour ferries are great old-fashioned boats, servicing such charming and remote locations that they seem to take you back in time as well as across the water.

The Ma Liu Shui pier is 15 minutes’ walk from the Chinese University, following the signs (see the ferry timetable at www.tramway.com.hk).

Disembark at the ferry’s second stop, Lai Chi Chong, and go for a short wander along the coastline, which is one of Hong Kong’s Geopark sites.

Once a volcanic lake, the volcaniclastic sedimentary rock (formed from particulates spewed during a volcanic eruption 150 million years ago) has undergone a variety of geological processes that the Geopark website

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describes in some detail. But most of us will be satisfied with taking in the huge variety of colours and shapes of the exposed rock along the shore. It’s spectacular.

Head towards the village, and you will see rice terraces as clearly defined as any in Hong Kong. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot, with a herd of cattle munching contentedly in the meadow, and not much else going on except perhaps for an egret flapping into motion. If your happy hound is with you, carry a big stick to wave round energetically to deter an overenthusiastic welcome from the locals. There’s a large camping spot that looks rather appealing, and you may or may not be able to get a drink from one of the houses, depending on whether anyone can be roused.

Climb the paved track, and you’ll come to a fork in the path. Both options are appealing. Left takes you to the pretty village of Pak Sha O, where a former Hakka village has been converted into a hamlet set amid colourful gardens for a handful of permanent residents and weekenders enjoying a huge contrast to their Island lifestyle. But we’re turning right, for a gentle 45-minute stroll to Sham Chung village.

The Sham Chung wetland was a victim of eco-vandalism by the Sun Hung Kai property group, whose intentions still remain murky. But let’s focus on the positives. It’s a lovely, peaceful spot, enjoyed by weekend cyclists and hikers but undisturbed by anyone during the week, except perhaps a solitary angler.

The houses are like a museum of a vanished past; the first group you

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Top: The Sham Chung waterway is just one of the highlights of this historic hike. Bottom: Catch a ferry to Lai Chi Chong to begin the hike.

come to are rapidly crumbling and succumbing to encroaching vegetation.

But pop your head through some of the doorways and it’s uncanny to see plates on the tables and pictures on the walls, as if the former inhabitants were rounded up and removed without prior warning. On the other side of the C valley the houses are sturdier and you might be lucky enough to come across Tommy Li, who returns to his childhood village to serve delicious pan-fried M noodles and cold Tsingtao beers after a career in restaurants in both Britain Y and the US. It’s fascinating to hear him talk of the village during his childhood.

From Sham Chung it’s another 30 minutes on a paved walkway to the CM modern village of Yung Shue O, and a further 45-minute walk along the MY access road to Sai Sha Road, where you can catch a bus or minibus to Sai CY Kung. This final stretch is easier on a bike, which is why many weekend CMY visitors choose that option.

However you get there, a visit to these villages provides a valuable K glimpse into times past, and a wonderful respite from the pressures of city living.

Jackie Peers is a director of Walk Hong Kong, a unique company that reveals Hong Kong to visitors.

She also runs photography courses in the Sai Kung area. Details at www.walkhongkong.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

eating

Eat your greens

If you’re hungering for organic food, order online and have it delivered to your door, says Angel Lam. Kinoa 9409 5190, www.kinoa-shop.com, sales@kinoa-shop.com.

Kinoa’s organic products are certified free of genetically modified organisms (GMO), chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and irradiation. It sells a wide range of goodies, including food, products tailored for babies, children and pregnant women. It stocks a range of groceries including rice, pasta, oils, jams, snacks and cookies, and baking supplies. Most products are imported from Europe.

Tip: Kinoa delivers all over Hong Kong, with a $20 discount on orders of more than $500.

Aussie Organics www.aussieorganics.com, hongkong@aussieorganics.com, 2293 2265 Aussie Organics flies in top-quality organic produce from Australia every Friday, and delivers directly from the airport to your door. Its fruit and veg is grown on farms throughout Australia that are certified to meet international standards for organic food. After harvesting, the produce is packed in a facility in Brisbane, and arrives on your doorstep within 24 hours – with a 100 per cent freshness guarantee. The website is easy to use, with a selection

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of packages or tailored packs. It also delivers organic groceries, including baby products, kids’ snacks, baking supplies, coffee and tea, herbs, oils and pastas. Look for the GF symbol for gluten-free products.

Tip: Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality and the lowest price.

Homegrown Foods 54B Tai Lung Tsuen, Sheung Shui, www.homegrownfoods.com.hk, enquiries@homegrownfoods.com.hk, 2671 2771 Homegrown Foods specialises in locally grown, seasonal, sustainable produce from farms in Hong Kong and southern China, which is delivered in weekly or bi-weekly baskets to consumers as well as restaurants in Hong Kong, such as Posto Pubblico in Sheung Wan. Homegrown Foods works closely with family farms to produce fruit and veg that avoids chemicals and harmful toxins. Their goods are delivered in pre-bundled baskets designed to last around three days, or you can customise your own deliveries. Each basket contains more than five varieties of seasonal vegetables, with regular boxes tailored for two to three people ($338) and large ones for four to six people ($528).

basket cases Tip: New customers receive a free box of Ai-Funan handmade soap when ordering a regular-sized vegetable basket for 12 to 24 weeks.

New Zealand Focus G/F & 1/F Island Building, 439-445 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2151 3395, www.newzealandfocus.com.

New Zealand Focus offers a broad range of natural products including wines, honey, organic food and beverages, natural skincare and health products.

There's also a chilled food cabinet stuffed with New Zealand lamb, and shelves stocked with everything from sunscreen to royal jelly. And don’t miss the wine of the month, currently Fallen Angel Riesling 2007 ($168) and Nga Waka Martinborough Pinot ($296).

Tip: Read food labels carefully. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories.

Greendotdot 68 Electric Road, Tin Hau, 3181 4488, www.greendotdot.com Greendotdot is a good source of organic groceries, including Asian products such as Chinese soups and holiday foods, such as moon cakes. As well as the groceries, it sells a range of frozen organic meats, including chicken, pork, Iberian ham, sausage and sustainable seafood – even crocodile – and Reddotdot organic wines. And look for the range of low-sodium products, including salt and soy sauce. Vegetarians looking for protein sources should try the wide range of more than 14 different beans and pulses. Shop online, or look for the label in Wellcome, ParknShop, City'super and elsewhere.

Tip: Become a Greendotdot online member for free and get a 10 per cent discount on all items and gifts.

Organic Express Unlimited Unit 2B, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2873 0720, www.organicexpressunlimited.com Organic Express provides a reliable, safe and healthy alternative to commercial supermarket chains by flying fresh, certified organic produce direct from farms in Malaysia to your home. All organic products are grown just 3.5 hours away in Malaysia by certified organic farmers, and are delivered to your homes twice weekly. The farmers also deliver to Singapore, known for its stringent quality control. Have a box filled with seasonal veggies delivered to you regularly by joining the “Veggie Box Scheme”. You will also find a sample of greens to try with every purchase.

Tip: Fill in the response slip on the Organic Express website to get a twoweek trial with a 12 per cent discount on all organic produce.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

eating

Nibbles

Started in 2009 by Canadian conservation group Shark Truth, Happy Hearts Love Sharks is a competition that takes a carrot rather than a stick approach to saving sharks by reducing demand for shark-fin soup at Chinese weddings. The contest encourages couples to remove the soup from their menus in exchange for a chance to win an eco-honeymoon in Fiji, a photography studio session at Venture Hong Kong or a couple’s spa treatment. There is also a monthly prize winner. Chinese weddings are a major market for more than 73 million sharks’ fins that are traded every year, with one shark dying

for every banquet table. To be eligible, couples must be planning a Chinese wedding banquet for more than 50 guests before December 31. Entries close April 30. To enter, visit happyheartslovesharks.org/hk.

Cafe Deco Group’s Peak Cafe Bar in SoHo celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of promotions in March and April, including sangria at $280 for a carafe, chocolate martinis for $60 and happy hour prices on all draught beers. During the week, look for themed promotions such as Tandoori Mondays, Pizza Tuesdays and Sweet Wednesdays, with special rates on certain dishes. That should keep you busy until SoHo’s traditional thirsty Thursdays and freaky Fridays. 9-13 Shelley Street, Central, 2140 6877, peakcafebar@cafedecogroup.com, www.cafedecogroup.com.

Luxury Organics.

Designed for turbo-charged lifestyles, the calorie-dense, organic bars provide a burst of energy for endurance races, gym sessions or walking the dog. Natural and unprocessed, the bars contain five types of berries, including protein-loaded Incan berries, plus slow-dried nuts and seeds and are suitable for people with lactose and gluten intolerances and for diabetics. The company’s co-founders Dr Stephen and James Costello claim the bars “maximize muscle regeneration and growth without toxifying the body”. Available at Market Place by Jason, Taste Stanley Plaza, Oliver’s and ThreeSixty.

Get your motor running with the new Activated Berry Bar from Stephen James

Wellness exams & vaccinations Diagnostic testing & imaging Dental & surgical procedures Health certificate for pet travel New pet products!

32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Café culture

Lucy’s on the Front owner Lucy Humbert offers insider tips on making the most of her Stanley waterfront cafe.

Best thing on sale?

Our made-to-order sandwiches use top-quality ingredients and homemade dressings, pesto, chutney and mayonnaise, etc. Our breads are baked daily and we make our own focaccia with rosemary.

Carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting is our bestselling cake. Also popular are chocolate-chip cookies, meringues and spice-roasted nuts.

Bestselling lunches?

The honey-roast ham sandwich – we cook the ham ourselves, glazed with English mustard, sugar and honey. Customers order it with gruyere or avocado, rocket and tomato.

Best times to visit?

We only have outdoor seating so come during dry weather, hopefully on a clear day with blue skies and no pollution. It’s a very relaxing spot where people can sit with a cup of coffee and the newspaper or a magazine and watch the world go by.

Best seat in the house?

All the seats are good as they face the sea. People love to eat and drink in the fresh air as it’s such a rare thing in Hong Kong.

Other good things?

Our friendly, longserving staff – we opened in March 2007 and Senni has been there since the beginning. Then there’s the Lavazza coffee and a big selection of teas, soft drinks and juices.

And our cakes and biscuits are all homemade with no preservatives or additives – try the latest addition to our cake selection, Rocky Road, made with dark chocolate and marshmallows.

Shop 1, Stanley Waterfront Market, Stanley, 2813 7055.

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property

Red Hill blues

Bursts of vivid colour and state-of-the-art technology ensure this 2,100 sqft apartment is not just another neutral box, writes Cat Kiely.

Neutral colour schemes are not everyone’s cup of splosh. While white walls, pale floors and stone-coloured furniture plays well in subtropical Hong Kong, the owners of this 2,100 sqft Red Hill apartment wanted to enliven the space with bursts from the paintbox. Or in their own words, “an unconventional oasis with a spark of colour”.

Enter Clifton Leung of Clifton Leung Design Workshop, who came up with a scheme that

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uses blocks of strong blues and greens to add drama to an otherwise open, minimalist look. A striking blue panel in the living room wall turns out to be a sliding door between public and private spaces that opens to reveal the bedroom areas. The blue is echoed in a section of the otherwise neutral sofa and in the multicoloured rug. Vivid lime-green, branch-pattern dining chairs provide a visual balance at the other end

of the open-plan space. Geometric shapes and spiky patterns feature throughout the room, from the rug to the wall clock, lending a masculine edge to the otherwise playful colour scheme.

The result is bright, lively and luminescent, with natural light pouring in through a wall of windows and a small balcony that allows fresh sea air to breeze through the apartment.

That airiness doesn’t make it into the

colour me beautiful

macho audio-visual room, however, which is kitted out with a 3-D installation, black sound absorbers designed to look like wall art and acoustic diffusers fitted with blue lighting on the ceiling. It’s a dark and cosy retreat with heavy sable curtains keeping the sunlight at bay and allowing the state-of-the-art equipment to rule the room.

It’s a relief to find the palatial master suite

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property

is an altogether softer domain – a calm, earthy haven after a long day’s work with a sizeable walk-in closet and dressing room (complete with cascading chandelier). The en-suite bathroom is designed to be practical, with plenty of storage in rustic, green drawers.

There’s a sexier vibe in the guest bathroom

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thanks to generous use of custom-designed Bisazza mosaic tiles from Italy.

The children’s room is another light and airy space with room to both sleep and play. It features a blue and white colour scheme and plenty of storage, with remarkable views of the sea and mountains from the electric piano.

promotion

Cyberport’s new direction

The Arcade has a new focus on homeware and furniture stores.

This month, we visit Okooko and Indigo Kids.

Okooko Most of us spend up to a third of our lives asleep, so it makes sense to be careful about where you snooze. If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff neck, back pains, feeling like you’ve had no sleep or with what seems to be a construction site inside your top three inches then you’ll understand the importance of a comfortable night’s sleep.

That’s where Cyberport bedroom specialist Okooko comes in. The New Zealand company is on a mission to help its clients wake up feeling well-rested and healthy by creating their “very own personalised bedroom experience”, says Hong Kong general manager Rochelle Le Pine. At Okooko, this means beautiful, ergonomic beds produced in all-natural materials that look good and feel even better.

“With so much high energy in Hong Kong there is not much emphasis on sleep and its benefits,” Rochelle says, adding that Cyberport was chosen because its green environment and emphasis on a healthy, family lifestyle was a good fit with Okooko’s eco-friendly ethos.

Okooko beds marry naturally harvested, sustainable New Zealand wood such as tawa and rimu with hi-tech entertainment systems and

more than 20 years of research into sleep patterns by the likes of sleep expert Dr Matthew Brick of Orthosports North Harbour at New Zealand’s Millennium Institute.

His findings were used in the development of the Bodyfit bed system, with mattresses and bases made of all-natural materials including wool, organic cotton and bamboo. Each bed is designed to suit different body types, with flexible slats and two mattress types (Energise and Active) each with three different levels of comfort; clients are invited to try out the beds to find the perfect match. In the Active mattresses, each spring is encased in a fibre pocket and acts independently of the others, moulding perfectly to your body without affecting your partner. The Energise range reduces pressure points on the body, providing gentle orthopaedic support, and the hypoallergenic natural latex used in its construction makes it particularly suited to allergy sufferers.

The beds are crafted by David Trubridge, a renowned New Zealand furniture designer, in a range of elegant, contemporary designs, some of which incorporate headboards, bedside tables and even built-in iPod docks and speakers. You won’t want to get up.

Okooko is open daily, Shop 306, Level 3, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2989 9345, enquiries@okooko. com, www.okooko.com Indigo Kids Give your children a stylish start in life with the fun but functional furniture, bedding and home accessory ranges at the new Indigo Kids store in Cyberport. Designed to appeal to the pint-sized people in your life, the ranges are capable of growing up with your kids, with both toddler and teen appeal thanks to classic lines in bold colours or warm wood. For Indigo Kids, the key to a more grown-up look is in the detail.

Indigo Kids aims to provide safe and comfortable furniture that is also natural yet at the same time to go beyond just being safe and also provide functionality and flexibility.

Children’s bedroom furniture includes a range from Noah Kids in playful red, pretty pink or neutral white, with sweet star-shaped cutouts. A particular favourite is the sleigh bed, which is just made for dreaming. The range also includes practical captain’s cabins, bunk beds and practical sleepover solutions such as trundle beds and under-bed storage. Chunky, bright and child-

sized, it has been carefully designed with curved corners to prevent bumps and with no little spaces to trap inquisitive fingers.

Slightly more grown up, the Salisbury Kids furniture range is in warm natural ash and ash veneer – both multifunctional, long-lasting and natural – and happily makes the transition to the teen years and beyond.

Accessories come in red, blue and pink, including easy-tomatch striped rugs and lamps, and bedding. Or try the Asian-inspired fish and globe design, or pink paisley fit for a princess.

Although the furniture is designed with safety in mind, Indigo Kids goes one step further, offering advice from an in-house specialist who can help arrange your child’s room for maximum comfort and well-being.

With space also being another important factor in furniture, the Cyberport store aims to provide practicality as well as durability and safety in our collections.

Drop by Indigo Kids in Cyberport next time for a consultation or for advice from their friendly staff. Your kids will thank you for it.

Indigo Kids is open daily, 10am8pm, Shop 317, Level 3, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2989 6557, cl@ indigo-living.com, www.indigoliving.com Parking Shoppers who spend $100 or more at The Arcade are entitled to two hours free parking; spend $200 or more for three hours free parking.

Drivers of electric vehicles who recharge at Cyberport can get three hours free parking.

Special Offers The Cyberport Privilege Card offers exclusive discounts.

Apply at the Customer Service Counter in The Arcade or online at offer.cyberport.hk For enquiries please call 3166 3111.

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living Your kind of art

Been staring at a blank wall? These three Hong Kong artists can create a piece just for you.

Personalised photo montages by Belinda Bath.

I started in November 2010. I had spent a lot of time taking photos of Hong Kong and I started putting them together in different ways. A friend asked me to design one for her, then another lady and it took off from there.

I studied fashion design and illustration, worked for Country Road in display and visual merchandising and worked as a freelance photographic stylist for 15 years.

I offer montages in a range of colour palettes that can be printed on canvas or as framed prints. I also offer a bespoke service for more personalised artwork. I can tailor the pieces to fit your space.

Hong Kong is such a visual city. I love photographing the little things – thongs in the markets, ribbons in Sham Shui Po, chillies in the wet market. I am constantly taking new photos and regularly redesign and update my pieces.

The bespoke and personalised pieces are popular – people love the idea that no one else will have the same artwork. Everyone's image and memories of Hong Kong are different.

My pieces start from about $3,800, with the personalised images from about $6,000. Take a look at www6.clikpic.com/belindabath or email bath@ netvigator.com.

Tinja Wright, Blank Bespoke Art I graduated from Central St Martin’s School of Art in London and worked in the media for 15 years at Vogue, Elle, The Telegraph and the South China Morning Post, and started Blank in 2009.

Staring at a big empty wall inspired BLANK. I spent years traipsing around galleries looking for something big and bold to unify my living space, but it always seemed to cost the earth. So I sketched what I wanted (a polka-dot chandelier on a square Union Jack), commissioned a designer and sourced a company specialising in giclée printing – a technique used by galleries to reproduce art.

I had lots of requests to create more, which convinced me a market exists for customised art at affordable prices. I launched BLANK in 2009 with an interactive website where customers can create their own canvases to match their interiors.

Dramatic icons in one print are superimposed on a background of another print — called print-on-print. The icons include the dark and

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macabre (Stag Beetle, Heart, Skull), the lighthearted (Vargas Girl, Double Happiness), and the retro (Buckaroo, Space Hopper, Pac-Man).

Each has a limited edition of 100, with new prints and icons every year.

After selecting an icon, customers can experiment with print-on-print options and colours. There is a bespoke service to create icons and prints to order.

Popular prints include the Silhouette Portrait, contemporary versions of classical hand-cut Victorian silhouettes created by the Blank team and superimposed on our signature prints. Favourite Things, inspired by The Sound of Music, lists a client’s favourite people, places, values, books, films and so on.

We should collect art and create rooms to complement it. However, occasionally people simply want a canvas to go with their sofa.

We don’t claim to be creating art, but we’d like to think we’re elevating graphic art to a more artistic level.

To create your own bespoke canvas, visit www.blankbespokeart.com.

Southside Ad3.pdf 18/2/2012 9:41:36

off the wall

Hong Kong Murals by fine artist Gail Deayton Since having my daughters, Annabella, 3, and Eloisa, 2, I've painted their walls with lots of animals, characters and most recently a princess castle.

Pretty soon I was being asked to do commissions. As people tend to move home regularly, I wanted to create a product that they could take with them. I C spent months experimenting and I can now paint a mural on canvas that can M be attached to the wall so that it's still flat, but can be easily removed, stored, and put up again.

Y CM I studied fine art with sculpture, and have taught all over the world. I exhibited regularly until the madness of motherhood, a full-time job and building a MY business. That will change in June when I go full-time with Hong Kong Murals.

CY

Customers find me via Facebook, my website, or word of mouth. They CMY usually have an idea and we work together. All murals are very personal and K can be any size you want, whether it’s a canvas mural or painted onto a wall.

I painted a Chinese dragon from an embroidery that a client’s godmother gave her. The embroidery is only a few inches long but the mural ended up being 6ft x 3ft. I liked the Hobbit mural I recently did for a neighbour.

Each mural is unique, but I charge from $3,000 for a height chart. Take a look for yourself at www.hong kongmural.com

Southside scenes

Amanda Mullins commissioned a canvas from Belinda Bath for her husband’s 40th birthday, working together to produce an eye-catching canvas of Hong Kong that is significant to the couple.

“I wanted images of Bel-Air, where we live, and our former apartment block in Happy Valley,” Mullins says. “We’ve also included the China Bank tower, Colin’s favourite building, and aspects of IFC, where he works.”

“I love it,” says Mullins. “Colin was delighted. Belinda spent a long time talking with me, photographing and then sitting with me as she put the piece together. Her attention to detail is incredible. She spent ages in the rain one afternoon at Cyberport waterfront park, waiting to line up a container ship centrally between two benches so the picture was just right.”

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

education Kellett grows up

Principal Ann McDonald explains how Kellett will maintain its small-school values while expanding into full secondary education.

international education, rich in the arts and delivered in a small-school setting. The growing shortage of secondary places prompted the board in 2007 to establish Kellett Secondary Section, which is currently at a transition campus shared with Elsa High School (Carmel School Association) in Shau Kei Wan. Converted from a disused school in an impressive 144 days, the bright, modern premises boasts purpose-built facilities that are generously staffed and resourced. Learning is backed by enthusiastic and committed teachers, and robust pastoral care. Based on the National Curriculum for England, the broad and challenging curriculum embraces 21st-century learning with a one-to-one laptop programme, creativity, sport and the arts. In addition, participation in the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia and East Asia's (FOBISSEA) sporting and music events offers students international competition and collaboration.

What are the educational philosophies and core values at Kellett School?

A good school focuses on each student's personal academic progress and attainment while simultaneously providing the guidance and opportunity to support students in building a well-rounded personal profile.

We aim for our students to have a love of learning and confidence for life. We achieve this by ensuring our students achieve personal academic excellence, are confident, articulate and have a wide range of transferable skills, and understand their responsibilities as members of the global community. This is underpinned by our community's commitment in providing students with a stimulating and supportive learning environment, a broad curriculum and valuable extra-curricular experiences while offering opportunity and giving responsibility.

Why is it important to encourage confidence?

Our students live in a rapidly changing world. Research suggests they will enter a world where they may have two or three different careers.

Confidence for life is future building. It is developing a pool of skills, knowledge, attitudes and resilience on which our students can readily draw in new or challenging situations. Confidence for life is about preparing our students for their futures as responsible, compassionate young men and women.

Tell us about the history of Kellett School.

Kellett School was founded more than 30 years ago as a not-for-profit association by like-minded parents seeking a high-quality, British-style

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Tell us about the staff.

Kellett seeks to attract the highest calibre of teachers in their given fields from Hong Kong, the region and internationally. Each is required to have a comprehensive understanding of the British curriculum, IT experience and to be committed to excellence. The school invests in the professional development of its teachers which is reflected in our retention. Kellett teachers share a wealth of experience in high-achieving independent and state schools, bringing the best qualities of both systems.

Any plans for future developments?

Currently all our plans are focused on the development of a world-class through-train education for students aged four to 18 years. In secondary, years 7 and 8 follow a fast-moving and inter-related curriculum, followed in year 9 by an expansive three-year curriculum that prepares students for GCSE and IGCSE examinations. There are currently places available in years 7 to 10 and we are accepting applications for year 11 which will commence in August 2012. The secondary students will transfer to a new campus in Kowloon Bay in September 2013, with the eldest cohort commencing A Level studies. By 2014 Kellett School will have completed its year-on-year roll-out and will be a through-train school.

Tell us about the Kowloon Bay campus.

Kellett is expanding year on year to offer more than 900 additional places in primary and secondary. It is building a new state-of-the-art facility on a 9,500 sqm site granted by the government. The new campus will operate in addition to the existing Pok Fu Lam primary school. Together they will

expansion plans

Retirement Planning continue to offer a distinctly British education, leading to GCSE/IGCSE and A Levels.

Located 10 minutes from Kowloon Bay MTR, close to MegaBox, the generous site provides for substantial arts and sports facilities as well as supporting a world-class academic curriculum. Designed by award-winning architect Joel Chan of P&T Architects and Engineers, the innovative campus will have a Sky Pitch with a large artificial turf multi-sport area and running track, a six-lane indoor swimming pool and significant indoor sport and performance spaces. It will also have a stateof-the-art auditorium, art and drama studios, music rooms, as well as modern science labs, Design and Technology workshops and extensive libraries.

Giving the building a sense of space are large, multi-functional, sky-lit indoor atrium spaces for both the primary and secondary sections, with outdoor gardens, including a science area and adventure playground, offering a variety of environments for learning and play.

With two forms in each year group, the primary section will offer up to 300 new student places. It will be a discrete and secure learning environment designed to promote a sense of community. The secondary section will have a four-form entry, guaranteeing all Kellett primary students a place. At capacity, it will offer up to 600 places. The secondary section will have four houses providing an academic and pastoral framework, and student year-group "hubs" will allow a sense of progression through the school.

What sets Kellett apart from other schools?

Kellett shares the qualities of all good schools: high-achieving, wellrounded, articulate students with a passion for learning. What sets Kellett apart is its distinct record of high-quality British education and its unique ownership by parents.

Kellett School

The British International School in Hong Kong Founded: 1976 Pupils: Aged 4-14 years Primary places: 500 Secondary places: 150 (years 7-10) Primary campus: 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam Secondary campus: 460 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan Website: www.kellettschool.com PTA contact: Alex Dickson-Leach Teacher-pupil ratio: About 1:13 Note: Kellett is growing year on year so that by 2014 it will offer education from reception to year 13 for children aged four to 18 years.

Pension Transfers (QROPS) Education Fees Funding Family Protection Retirement Planning Medical Insurance Pension Transfers (QROPS) Estate Duty Planning Education Fees Funding TrustsProtection & Wills Family General Medical Insurance Business Protection Estate Duty Planning Trusts & Wills We offer personalised appointments to Generalone-on-one Insurance discuss you and your family’s financial wellbeing Business and protection needs. Protection Most of our advisors at Carey, Suen & Associates We offer personalised one-on-one appointments to have lived in Discovery Bay for many years and discuss you and your family’s financial wellbeing take professional responsibility for our DB clients’ and protection needs. financial wellbeing.

To arrange an appointment with one of our DB Most of our advisors at Carey, Suen & Associates based senior advisors please contact us on have lived in Discovery Bay for many years and 2388-2331 or visit www.careysuen.com take professional responsibility for our DB clients’ financial wellbeing.

To arrange an appointment with one of our DB Carey, Suen and Associates based senior advisors please contact us on 2388-2331 or visit www.careysuen.com Suite 1201-2 General Commercial Building, 156-164 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2388 2331 Fax: (+852) 2328 2663 www.careysuen.com Member of the Professional Insurance Brokers Association PIBA-0324

Carey, Suen and Associates

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

family

xxxx

Trip advisors

When it comes to travelling, Hong Kong children have been there, done that, discovers Carolynne Dear.

Standing around waiting for a particularly late school bus the other morning, I inadvertently tuned into my nine-year-old daughter’s conversation with her friends.

Now, I’m not usually an eavesdropper, particularly as nine-year-old girls’ conversations don’t tend to hold much appeal. Unless you’re interested in the latest addition to Moshi Monsters, last night’s episode of Nickelodeon’s Victorious or why Tom Bentley was sent to the principal’s office during maths last week, it’s really not worth the effort.

However, this time a few chance comments did grab my attention. She and three of her bus chums were discussing rollercoasters. It turned out one of the group had recently visited Ocean Park to try the new Hair Raiser.

“It was totally awesome!” (Dr Allan Zeman, I hope you’re reading this.) “Even better than Luna Park!”

Now, Luna Park is in Sydney but given that the girl in question was Australian that was a pretty fair comparison.

“Really?” enquired her friend. “I love Luna Park, we always go. But I think the rides on Gold Coast are even better.”

Again, she was referring to the Australian rather than Hong Kong’s Gold Coast. So far so normal, but then the conversation went slightly off the rails.

“I really love Disneyland – no, not the Hong Kong one. That’s so lame.

You know, the one in Paris. That’s cool.”

“I went on this awesome ride last summer,” enthused the fourth member of the group. “I dunno where it was. It might have been in the Philippines?”

“Oh yeah,” pipes up number one. “Borocay. That’s pretty cool.”

“Oh my God!” adds number three, really getting into the subject now. “I went on this, like, AMAZING rollercoaster, I think in somewhere like Panama.

Anyway, it had, like, nine loops and you were standing up.” (Gasps of awe from the rest of the group.)

Somewhere like Panama? I think it might have been the Philippines? I never cease to be amazed by the conversational gambits of the expat child.

So far we’ve covered the relative merits of theme parks on at least four different continents and no one appears the slightest bit fazed.

But this isn’t the first time the globe-trotting antics of the expat youth have left me speechless. I was waiting for a table in a restaurant with my sevenyear-old and a couple of her friends last summer and they were discussing junk trips, as you do when you’re seven.

“A few weeks ago,” said one, “we were diving off the boat and snorkelling.

It was so cool, there were fish everywhere.”

Keen to repeat this wonderful-sounding experience with my own family, I asked whether the girl in question could remember whereabouts her junk had been anchored.

“Somewhere near Sai Kung?” I hazarded. “In the New Territories?”

“No, it wasn’t there,” she said, wrinkling her brow in concentration as she tried to remember. Then her face brightened. “I know! It was a place called

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the Maldives! You have to go there in the ‘plane.”

“Oh, right,” I smiled lamely. Of course, silly me! The Maldives.

At seven years of age, my closest brush with “abroad” was crossing the Severn Bridge into south Wales to stay in a leaky caravan on a windy cliff.

And that was considered exotic. My best friend never got any further than Bournemouth, on the damp English south coast – 15 consecutive summers in a bed & breakfast on the esplanade sharing a room with her nan. I don’t think we’d even heard of the Maldives, let alone snorkelled there.

Mind you, when I was 13 my mum did up the ante and decided we’d venture further afield. I remember her having a very serious conversation with me about “the heat” and how it wouldn’t be anything like I’d been used to. After a comment like that you’d be expecting nothing less than a trip to Equatorial Africa.

I was bitterly disappointed to find that the west coast of France, although a lot less rainy, was only slightly warmer than England and I came home wholly disappointed. Which maybe goes a long way to explain why I’m here in expat-land, traipsing my family from exotic location to exotic location. But it was the end of the bus stop conversation that really shocked me.

“This summer I’m going to the coolest place,” enthused my Australiaborn, Asia-raised, extremely well-travelled daughter.

Really? My ears pricked up, this was news to me. Where could she possibly think she’s off to? After all, what could be cooler than rollercoasters in Panama or snorkelling in the Maldives?

“Sometimes it snows, you can go camping and pick, like, berries and stuff off the bushes and eat them and you can go horse-riding in massive fields.”

And where is this magical place? Why, Britain, of course. Maybe there’s something to be said for Welsh caravanning holidays after all. Club Med Asia, eat your heart out.

for smalls

Take the long view

Another brick in the wall

Cramped city living and educational pressures could be having a detrimental effect on the eyesight of young children.

According to research by the Chinese government, almost 41 per cent of China’s primary-school children need glasses, a rise of nearly 10 per cent since the last study in 2005. And insufficient outdoor play appears to be one of the major culprits behind the increase.

Too much homework and time spent in front of screens means children spend far more time than previous generations focused on nearby items in unnatural lighting, which strains the eyes.

According to experts, there is a strong link between shortsightedness and greater levels of urbanisation and education. And a

Families in Hong Kong face a universal truth: parents want the best possible education for their children and the best doesn’t come cheap.

An expat family arriving in Hong Kong with a grade 6 (11- to 12-year-old) child looking for a place in Hong Kong International School face mandatory fees of $210,900 for the academic year, plus a one-off “reservation” fee of $96,500. The English Schools Foundation charges $63,000 a year for primary and $95,100-$97,100 a year for secondary education, plus a one-off, refundable capital levy of $25,000 a child. And then there are additional costs for transport, uniforms, lunches, extra-curricular activities...

And, for most parents this is only half the battle. They are also facing rising university fees and the growing costs of living abroad for international students. For international students applying to British universities there is no cap on tuition fees.

According to figures from the British Council, UK university fees for international students typically range from £7,000 to £25,000 a year, depending on the course chosen. Combined with a suggested cost of living of £800 a month (£1,000 in London), an international student taking a five-year clinical degree with fees of £25,000 a year could pay £165,000.

The most sensible, flexible and effective solution is to start a bespoke savings plan for each child. That way, parents can ensure their children have the best opportunity to devote themselves to their studies without long-term financial burdens and enjoy a successful, debt-free start to their career.

Jonathan Menzies is a senior advisor at Carey, Suen & Associates, 2388 2331, www.careysuen.com.

Turn off the TV, close the homework, shoo your children outside... and improve their eyesight.

separate study looking at Chinese children in Singapore and Sydney found 30 per cent of six-year-olds in Singapore were short-sighted, but only three per cent in Sydney. The major difference between the two groups was that children in Sydney spent 13 hours outdoors each week, and children in Singapore spent three hours.

Parents are advised to encourage their children to spend more time outside, rather than studying or watching TV. Even on a grey day, the light levels are much higher outdoors than inside.

Medical experts warn that the earlier you become short-sighted, the higher the degree of shortsightedness you will suffer. Poor eyesight as a child could even lead to visual loss in late middle and old age.

With international school and university fees rising, Jonathan Menzies suggests ways to save for your children’s education.

How to be a better parent Wish your kids were more considerate and worked harder to make the most of their abilities? Enter the “Effective Parenting Course: Training in conscious and effective parenting” for mums and dads of younger children and teens.

It’s based on work by psychologist Dr Thomas Gordon, Nobelnominated educational child psychologist Dr Louise Porter and conflictresolution specialist Dr Marshall Rosenberg. The course aims to teach parents how to reduce fights, tantrums and lying in their children without resorting to punishment, and to create a flourishing family atmosphere.

Parents develop step-by-step skills in learning to listen to their children, solve problems, express their own needs and develop ways to overcome chronic behavioural difficulties in their offspring. The course explains why children and teenagers lose control of their emotions and how to listen when they are upset.

The courses started last month and run throughout March, but you can join any one class for $300, payable on the day. There are three locations. Tuesdays: 10.30am-12.30pm, YWCA, 3/F 1 MacDonnell Road, Central, 3476 1340. Wednesdays: 9am-1pm, American Club, 28 Tai Tam Road, 2842 7400. Saturdays: 9am-1pm, Matilda Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0111.

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health & beauty Shop and spa

The new Sabai Day Spa offers top-quality pampering right in the middle of Stanley Market, says Cat Kiely.

Sabai Day Spa is opening this month in the middle of Stanley Market, catering to the area’s well-heeled locals as well as footsore tourists.

Run by entrepreneur and therapist Linda Chuen, it is a sister to Sabai Day Spa in Sai Kung, which opened in 2005 and quickly acquired a loyal fan base for its authentic Thai massages, friendly service and long-lasting mani-pedis.

Chuen will be bringing her tried-and-tested formula to the 800 sqft boutique premises in Stanley, which will have a soothing, Thaistyle decor that aims to be welcoming and not intimidating. An outdoor terrace serving tea and coffee will be the perfect place to relax as your pedicure dries. There are two rooms for body treatments and six stations for nails. As an oasis in the middle of the market mayhem, we’re already smitten.

Catering to her location and its high concentration of tourists and shoppers, Chuen says the new location will offer a variety of quick therapies, including back and foot massages,

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spa-aah!

Beauty Spots manicures and pedicures, in addition to a full menu of full-body massages, facials, waxing, gel nails and other treatments using top-quality products such as Elemis and OPI. Even better, Chuen is offering 50 per cent discounts for trial treatments.

“I wanted to create a place that had more of a boutique feel with a personal touch; I want the customers to feel cared for," she says.

As well as Chuen, who is originally from Thailand, the new spa will have a team of carefully selected therapists with experience in some of Asia’s most prestigious five-star resort spas.

“It gives me great pleasure to make people feel good about themselves, and one of my main goals was to find a team of staff who felt the same way and had the same objectives when dealing

with clients,” Chuen says.

“They are always smiling and create a happy aura for people coming into the spa. This is so important in Hong Kong as people come to spas as a way to escape the hustle and bustle and to relax. My staff really care about the clientele having an enjoyable experience."

While most customers are women in their mid-20s and up, Chuen says the Sai Kung branch is seeing increasing numbers of teenagers and anticipates a similar trend in Stanley. She has developed a 30-minute Teen Facial formulated for sensitive young skin and designed to combat teenage breakouts.

“Because we are a boutique spa, we offer a more personal experience,” Chuen says. “We listen to what the client wants.”

Flex Nail Bar Flex has opened a nail bar in its Wong Chuk Hang exercise studio, with top nail technician Cindy, previously from The Retreat, offering up signature, luxury treatments. Wind down after a workout with any of the many treatments available including manicures, pedicures, gel nails, nail art, foot massage and even kids’ mani-pedis. Available Mon-Sat, from 9am.

Bookings essential. 1/F Regency Centre (Phase II), 43 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Aberdeen, 2813 2212, flexhk.com.

Sabai Day Spa opens on March 12 with a cocktail party from 5pm-7pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the spa in advance. 12A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2104 0566, www.sabaidayspa.com.

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pets Dog breath

Dr Carmel Taylor gets to the root cause of doggie halitosis.

“We couldn’t even tempt Baby with filet mignon,” Mr Tam lamented, prizing open the reluctant Yorkie’s mouth. “And he has this smell – in here.”

The dog’s breath was overpowering, like something had crawled inside its mouth and died. As I gently lifted his gum, the pint-sized pooch struggled and growled.

“Baby, Baby, Baby... NO!” Mr Tam admonished.

The dentition was less Justin Bieber and more Austin Powers (yeah, Baby).

“Mr Tam, Baby has advanced periodontal disease,” I said, pointing out the rotting, tartar-encrusted chompers clinging to the inflamed gum. “He urgently needs a dental, under general anaesthetic so we can remove the rotten teeth, and clean and polish the rest. It really should have been done a long time ago.”

“Well, vets are always telling me to have dentals, but I thought his teeth looked okay, so I just gave him harder food to crunch, help to clean them.”

“Mr Tam, that’s like you telling your dentist that your teeth don’t need descaling because you eat cookies everyday. And you brush your teeth regularly! It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of pets have dental problems by the age of three. That’s why we recommend regular descaling and polishing. If we remove all the calculus in the early stages, we can prevent irreversible periodontal disease, which can also cause damage to internal organs, as bacteria from the gums

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can spread through the bloodstream.”

“But he’s so old – I’m worried about the anaesthetic.”

“We recommend blood tests beforehand to check his internal organs are okay, I/V fluids and we will be carefully monitoring the anaesthetic.”

He looked unsure. “I need to discuss this with Mrs Tam – he is her baby too.”

“Of course,” I said. “But please don’t delay; this is a painful and serious condition.”

Later that day, Mr Tam was on the phone: “Doctor, I know what we can do! A friend told me about ‘anaesthesia free dentals’. What do you think?”

“I don’t think Baby would sit still for this – it’s not exactly… comfortable,” I advised. “And it can be more dangerous without an endotracheal tube in his throat – all the harmful bacteria could slide down into his lungs and cause pneumonia. Dogs can’t rinse and spit like humans…”

“You are just after my money! It would only take a few minutes to pull out the loose teeth with one of those… plier things!” he shouted, slamming down the phone.

So I was a little surprised to find the dentally challenged Yorkie waiting for me a few days later with a consent form signed for a full dental. Two hours later Baby had baby

nothing but the tooth

breath again, and by the time Mrs Tam arrived to collect him at the end of the day, he was tucking into a bowl of kibble.

“Sorry my husband couldn’t come,” she said, smiling. “He has a doctor’s appointment to re-dress the bite wounds.”

Guess pliers weren’t the right solution…

Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD is a veterinary dermatologist and consults at many different clinics around the territory. For appointments please call 9251 9588 or visit www.cutaneous.com.hk

Pet personals

Need a pet? These sweethearts are looking to shack up. For details, call Kirsten at 9490 2061 or email kirstenszoo@gmail.com Bjork

Blitzen

Kayla

A husky with heart.

Health-checked and ready to go to her forever home.

Twelve weeks old, mild-mannered and vaccinated, this little fella is ready to go home.

Pretty little Kayla is a playful puppy. She's a great, pint-sized addition to any family.

Lucy

Parker

Shaylee

She's SO cute and smart as a button too.

Fantastic with people and other animals and toilet trained too!

Super friendly and the perfect size for apartment living.

Desexed and vaccinated, all he needs now is a loving home.

This poor little fouryear-old had her bark surgically removed.

She’s a loving poodle looking for a lifetime companion.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

travel

Go wild

Not all safaris are based in Africa. Here’s where to watch animals in Asia.

Rhinos and tigers and bears, oh my!

You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. Welcome to Kaziranga National Park in northeastern India, a Unesco World Heritage site with the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos and highest concentration of tigers. Stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas through the spectacularly beautiful Brahmaputra Valley, it’s open to visitors from November 1 to April 30, when the park

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closes for the wet season. Lucky visitors may glimpse the famously elusive tigers and leopards, but most get to see rhinos, wild elephant, Asian buffalo, swamp deer, and a twitcher’s fantasy of birdlife. Even better, you can ditch the usual jeep and take an elephant-back safari, swaying quietly through the metres-high elephant grass to get up close to the short-sighted rhinos for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to stay: Nature Hunt Eco Camp is set in simple thatched cottages

on stilts in a small tea plantation within the park (naturehunttours.com).

Mantas in the Maldives Every July and August, manta rays gather in their thousands to feed on the plankton in Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Often joined by whale sharks, these massive rays take part in “chain feeding” frenzies in the constricted bay for an hour or two until all the plankton has been eaten. Amazing photographs of the behaviour by National Geographic helped to attract so many divers and snorkellers that measures are now being taken to restrict visitor numbers. Smart operators such as Maldives Scuba Tours (www. scubascuba.com), which runs liveaboard diving

animal magic Here be dragons If there are dragons – living, breathing, terrifying ones – it must be Komodo. A finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, this desolate but beautiful Indonesian island and its neighbour, Rinca, are home to the world’s largest lizard. The Komodo monitor can grow up to three metres long and weigh up to 100kg. Fast, ferocious and poisonous, Komodo dragons are famously ill-tempered and attacks on people are not unknown, so keep your eyes peeled.

Thanks to its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Komodo National Park also has amazingly diverse marine life, including sharks, manta rays, turtles and 14 species of whales, dolphins and dugongs.

Where to stay: To get there, catch a ferry from Bima in Sumbawa or Labuan Bajo in Flores or go on a private boat. Travel in style on the gaffrigged schooner Silolona, which makes regular “sojourns” to Komodo (www.silolona.com); for a budget option, local company Perama gets decent reviews for its simple fan-cooled cabins (www.perama.com).

Mongolian migration The steppes of Mongolia see a migration on an African scale, when more than a million Mongolian gazelle, or dzeren, travel across the largest intact grassland on the planet. Prettier than the average gnu, the pinkish-brown gazelles have a heart-shaped patch of white fur on the rump. They can reach speeds of 65km/h and leap 6.5 metres in a single bound. Like the people of Mongolia, the gazelles are nomads, travelling about 7,000 miles a year as they forage across the eastern steppes, with part of the population migrating into China in March-April and back into Mongolia in August-October. In JuneJuly, the females congregate in herds of up to 40,000 to calve, finding safety in numbers against predators such as wolves and golden eagles.

Where to stay: Visit Mongolia (www. visitmongolia.com) offers eight-night, nine-day safaris to the beautiful Dornod region to witness the migration. Available from June to October, visitors travel in jeeps across the steppes via Buir Lake, Mongolia’s largest, camping in tents and staying in traditional gers.

Clockwise from above: Baros, the Maldives' first Eco Dive resort; a deadly Komodo dragon; dzeren in Mongolia; one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park.

boats in the area, have hunted down other sites that also attract large numbers of mantas but far fewer human visitors, giving both animals and people more room to manoeuvre. Make this just one stop on your trip: the coral island chain has thousands of amazing, untouched diving and snorkelling sites, many of which also attract mantas, large pelagics and a rainbow of smaller reef creatures.

Where to stay: Combine your liveaboard trip with a few days at five-star Baros island (www. baros.com). At the country’s first designated Eco Dive resort, guests can help survey local reefs, learn to dive, or snorkel the house reef metres from their luxury villa, some of which are built on stilts over the reef.

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gardening

planting Feeling season fruity

Running to seed

Jane Ram sows a new crop of flowers and summer vegetables.

A reader in Repulse Bay enquired about easy seeds for her son to try growing something edible on the balcony. I suggested nasturtiums and rocket as the most likely to succeed, but that was in early February and by now time is running out for soft-leaved “winter” growers. Spinach, lettuce and other leafy greens should do fine, although they will “bolt” fast if the temperature stays much above 25 degrees C for long.

I’ve been looking out for seeds of French beans, okra and cherry tomatoes, all of which should start cropping in containers by early May if I can get them to germinate in early March. My thoughts are already turning to summer vegetables and I plan to try Basella, often called Ceylon or Malabar spinach (libato). It

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will climb several metres on wire netting or canes, but it can be kept as a low, bushy plant by systematic harvesting. Lightly steamed or stirfried, it’s a good summer substitute for regular spinach and the raw young leaves make a delicious addition to salad.

Chillies need a temperature of about 28 deg C before they will germinate, so I’ll wait at least another month before trying the varieties I ordered from specialist growers Simpsonsseeds.co.uk.

Like many small seed companies, it is not licensed to send seeds outside the EU, so I had them forwarded by a friend in Britain.

For easy summer colour at ground level, forget impatiens (rain turns it to mush) and instead try French marigolds (tagetes) and zinnias of all sizes, balsam – I like the small ones rather than the tall ones – salvia and celosia. Sow them in batches every couple of weeks so that you have a succession of flowers. Dead head faithfully and you should have a good show right through the hot weather. The balsam should selfseed and keep going throughout the summer.

In Hong Kong, it is fairly easy to find seeds from China,

Taiwan, Malaysia and other parts of the world, but I find Yates from Australia to be the most reliable.

When you buy packet seeds, look at the expiry date and select from the back of the shelf or bundle as it will be less likely to have baked to oblivion in the sun.

On Hong Kong Island the best-stocked seed shop is probably Wong Yuen Shing at 11 Connaught Road West. Brighten and other shops in Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, have some seeds, and Ma Chun Hing at 9 Tsun Fu Street, Sheung Shui, is worth a visit, especially if you are keen to try organic seeds.

Saturday gardening workshops are held every month in Fanling.

The focus will be on ferns on March 3, an expert shares the secrets of success with flowering gingers on April 14, and on May 5 he welcomes the group to the wonderful world of hoyas. To join, email Jane Ram at the address below.

March garden tasks 1. Cuttings of most shrubs and woody plants will take fairly readily this season if you can protect them from spring thunderstorms. Inspect the bases of all your pots for roots poking out in search of more space. If they are, divide the plants or move them into more spacious pots with as much fresh potting mixture as possible.

2. Check for grubs in lily roots.

3. Indoor and outdoor plants are probably still growing relatively slowly, but a half-strength dose of slowrelease fertiliser will give them a good push into the new season.

Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for over 30 years and is still learning. Send your gardening queries to: janetaipeng@gmail.com

marketplace

Your guide to shops and services Carpet Cleaning Phoenix Carpet Care 2328-2287 phoenixcarpet@netvigator.com Computers HKMacs - Apple Macintosh Consultant info@hkmacs hkmacs.com

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk

Dining Nam Fong Chinese Restaurant (Chinese) 2980 7410 namfong.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Prompt (international Buffet) 2980 7417 prompt.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Restaurant & Bar Umami (Japanese) 2980 7406 www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Diving and marine services Mandarin Divers Marine Services 2554-7110 info@mandarin-divers.com www.mandarin-divers.com Estate Agents Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty info@hksothebysrealty.com www.hksothebysrealty.com Jones Lang LaSalle / International Property Lilian Cheung 3759-0917 / 9426-4599 lilian.cheung@ap.jll.com Phuket villa rental info@phuketvilla4rent.com www.phuketvilla4rent.com Events and Marketing Entertaining Asia 2815-7919 info@entertainingasia.com www.entertainingasia.com Gardens & LANDSCAPE Leisure Turf and Landscape Limited 2579-0323 / 9487-4710 LTL@netvigator.com www.leisureturf.asia Hair & Beauty Sabai Day Spa- Stanley 2104 0566 www.sabaidayspa.com ‎

Health & Fitness Cambridge Weight Plan 2525-7165 info@cambridgeweightplan.hk www.cambridgeweightplan.hk Carl Mesham, Tennis & Hiking 9354-0044 bluemesh@hotmail.com Crouching Tiger Tennis crouchingtigertennis@yahoo.com Elite Personal Training 2552-9925 www.bootcamp.com.hk Healthy Minds (Hypnotherapy) 6271-7633 Pete@healthymindshk.com www.healthymindshk.com

ads@southside.hk

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Integrated Medicine Institute 2523-7121 reception@imi.com.hk www.imi.com.hk White Lotus Centre 2851-9684 info@whitelotuscentre.com www.whitelotuscentre.com Weight Watchers 2813-0814 tpaulsen@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Home Furnishings Attic Lifestyle 2580-8552 info@attic-lifestyle.com www.attic-lifestyle.com Indigo Living and Indigo Kids 2552-3500 www.indigo-living.com Wicka Designs Limited 2422-0885 enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com HOME MONITORING Easy Monitoring 3590-2820 info@easymon.org www.easymon.org Insurance Kwiksure Insurance 3113-1331 sophie.parkington@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com Interior Design COMODO Interior & Furniture Design Co. Ltd. 2808-0991 info@comododesign.com www.comododesign.com Enoch Deco 2503-2626 office@enochdeco.com www.enochdeco.com.hk Studio Annetta 9849-1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com THE XSS LIMITED 2739-8893 enquiry@thexss.com www.thexss.com Movers AGS Four Winds international movers 2885 9666 www.agsfourwinds.com enquiries-hong-kong@agsfourwinds.com Crown Worldwide (HK) Limited 2636-8388 hongkong@ crownrelo.com www.crownworldwide.com Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566-4799 www.expertmover.hk Mums and Babies Bumps to Babes 2552-5000 www.bumpstobabes.com sales@bumpstobabes.com Cosmo Beebies 2905-1188 cosmo-beebies@byinvest.com www.cosmobeebies.com Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022-1779 www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com Pets and Vets Ferndale Kennels & Cattery 2792-4642 www.ferndalekennels.com Pets Central North Point Hospital 2811-8907 info@pets-central.com

ads@southside.hk

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EasyMon

www.easymon.org

A new level of security and control with easy monitoring See the status of your home on the go and receive sms/email alerts for any alarm.

209�211 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon T: 3590 2820

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classified Local Property

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Short Term Lease considered. www. thepropertyshop.com.hk

SERVICEs

WATER’S EDGE SOLE AGENT $75K / 32M Unique Waterfront 4 Bedroom Family Home. Stunning location. Extremely rare on the market. Large terrace leading to infinity pool. Great for entertaing. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

Overseas Property Luxury Beach Villa in Cebu Island Philippines for rent.(Fully Staffed) 4 double rooms all with bath. 3 direct flights per day from HK. We have a Private chef, New 50ft sailing yacht, 2speedboats, Hobie Cat and more... www.cebubeach.net or contact owner 9162-5321

NEED A HOLIDAY?PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches.

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PHOENIX CARPET CARE LTD for 20 years Hong Kong’s premier cleaner of carpets & upholstery.

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

Entertainment and Events Services Bespoke, all inclusive consultancy providing customised entertainment services and event solutions.

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Asian Slate Specialising in roofing/ waterproofing, residential home renovations and landscaping.

Chimney cleaning service available.

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Indo Handyman · Installation of TV, Pictures, Mirrors · Supply & install curtain track, blinds · Assemble of furniture & repair · Install light fitting & chandeliers, Fans · Install additional socket · Supply & install of floor tiles ·Painting & Wall Patch-up All Sort of Handyman Work Excellent Workmanship Lowest Rate Tel.: 25781865 sales@indohandyman.hk Expert-Transport & Relocations *MOVER* HANDYMAN*STORAGE * Local & International Relocation, * Packing Materials Supplies * Cargo Collection, Disposal * Storage - Humid Control (Short or Long Term), * All sort of Handyman Works All-In-One Professional Quality Service Call 25664799, www.expertmover.hk Brandaid Graphic Design and Print Management Whatever your Creative, we can achieve it. Simply email us your requirements, we'll perfect your design and arrange printing if needed.

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Need Storage?

From a box to whole House Low Cost Storage Humid Control Start from as low as HK$300per month Collect & Delivery Call Today : 2578 1865 www.expertmover.hk

Home Deliveries Award winning wines from Australia and New Zealand, highest quality, lowest prices directly from the winery to your door! Visit us at www.winestore.com.hk or email justin@winestore.com.hk.

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random but interesting tuition & courses QUALIFIED NATIVE ENGLISH PRIVATE TEACHER/TUTOR Australian Primary/Pre-school teacher (Bachelor of Education) with over 10 years experience in British and Australian schools.

I am offering private or small group tutoring. I can focus on all areas of Language and Literacy - phonics; reading; spelling; grammar; writing; oral language; problem solving; homework support + more.

I also offer 'Baby/Toddler educational sessions' to facilitate all areas of development. These can be 1:1 or with small group of friends/play groups.

For more details please call: Elisha 60561234 or email: mcdonaldelisha@ yahoo.com.au DANCE IS MAGIC Ballet Barre Class! Beginner/Elementary Beginner Beginner Tap Dance!

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No need to go to Central....

Cambridge Weight Plan has experienced consultants on the Southside and in Pokfulam. Wehelp you create an easy-to-manage flexible weight loss plan and provide motivation and support every step of the way. Call our friendly local consultants today! Paula 92760911 and Laila 98209592 info@cambridgeweightplan.hk www.cambridgeweightplan.hk

Domestic Help Are u looking for Driver, Gardener?

ADONIS CANEDO, 33 years old, working in Hongkong for 2 years. Pls contact 51339984.

Part Time Helper available. I am a happy and helpful domestic helper with 8 years broad experience. I have a pleasant demeanor and get along well with babies, children and parents alike. I am available for several times a week or every day part time. Sarah 6715 3093, lady_g2010@yahoo.com

RESURRECTION CHURCH COMMUNITY CHOIR. Enjoy singing?Classical,contemporary or jazz? This is the community choir for you!!!. Every Wednesday in Resurrection Church. Pak Sha Wan 7.30 pm – 9pm. Be trained by an expert voice coach and concert pianist. Interested, drop us a line RXchoir@gmail.com

2896 0000 The Samaritans 24 hour Multilingual Suicide Prevention Hotline. Problems? Depressed?

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Bereaved by Suicide? We facilitate an English speaking monthly support group. Please call 2896 0000 or email: jo@samaritans.org.hk DONATE CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS, toys and electrical appliances in good condition Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline: 2716 8778. Donation hotline: 2716 8862. Website: www.christian-action. org.hk Blog: http://siewmei.cahk.org Email: ca@christian-action.org.hk

Vet2Pet 6999-1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk Stanley Pet Station 2813-7979 retail@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvetcentre.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813-2030 info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Photography Sofia K Studio 6051-5738 info@sofiakstudio.com www.sofiakstudio.com Venture Photography 2885-6262 central@venturephotography.com.hk venturephotography.com.hk Pre-Schools The Southside Kindergarten 2592-7527 info@southside.edu.hk www. southside.edu.hk Sunshine House Pre-schools Hong Kong 2813 0713 taitam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Woodland Pre-Schools 2559-4855 enquiry@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com Private Clubs Aberdeen Marina Club 2555-8321 member@aberdeenmarinaclub.com www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com Crown Wine Cellars 2580-6287 ichan@crownwinecellars.com www.crownwinecellars.com

Fast Media Ltd. is the publisher of two lifestyle magazines: Sai Kung Magazine and Southside Magazine. We currently searching for...

DEPUTY EDlTOR

Fast Media Limited is looking for a talented deputy editor to help organize and develop two successful lifestyle magazines. This is a full-time job with good pay and packages. Fluent English, great writing and smart presentation are essential.

This is a dream job. But if you are not organized please do not apply.

Interested parties, please send cover letter, CV and at least two stories you have written to: tom@saikung.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Think you’ve got a knack for writing? Then sign up right away. Our editorial internship is a fantastic opportunity for you to get involved in the editorial process of both our exciting magazines. You’ll be able to work hand-in-hand with our editors, get a grasp of the Hong Kong media industry and get an addition to your portfolio of professional work.

Interested parties, please send cover letter, CV and at least two stories you have written to: tom@saikung.com

WEB DESIGN lNTERN

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for classifieds booking

Hong Kong Country Club 2552-4165 info@countryclub.hk www.hongkongcountryclub.com shopping mall The Arcade, Cyberport 3166-3111 arcade@cyberport.hk arcade.cyberport.hk Toys Hong Kong Toy Club 8216-3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com Tuition Craft Box 9014-3262 simone@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk Travel Beach Villa Rental in Cebu 9162-5321 www.cebubeach.net simpson@towermark.com Phuket Villa For Rent www.phuketvilla4rent.com info@phuketvilla4rent.com Villa Jamalu 9184 6005 info@villajamalu.com www.villajamalu.com waterproofing Asian Slate 6075-6694 www.asianslate.com wgdavies@netvigator.com Wealth Management/Financial advise Carey, Suen & Associates – Wealth Management/Financial Services 2388 2331 info@careysuen.com www.careysuen.com Worship Watermark Community Church 2857-6160 info@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

To list your business in our new directory, or to guarantee a listing every month, please email ads@southside.hk

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distribution Southside & The Peak Distribution List

Pok Fu Lam

- Kellet School - Kennedy School - Stanley Ho Sports Centre - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School - Woodland Tree House

Cyberport

- Bagiou Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Bobo Klolo Crystal - Bobo Klolo Gems & Arts - Cyberport Arcade - GoGym - International (Park N Shop) - Kosmo Plus Wellness Cafe - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Oh Sushi & Tappas - Om World - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Thaima-V - Tutti Bar & Restaurant

Aberdeen

- Aberdeen Marina Club - Burnt Orange - Canadian International School - Electric Sekki - Flex - Hong Kong Country Club - Mirth - Leader Golf Training Centre - Ovolo, Shek Pai Wan - Park N Shop - Singapore International School - Sure Steps - Top Deck - Wicka Designs - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

Ap Lei Chau

- Bumps to Babes - Everything Under The Sun - Homestyle - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Limestone Wine & Spirits - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Shambala Cafe - Tree - Zense

Deep Water Bay

- Coco Thai - Crown Wine Cellars - Hong Kong Country Club

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Repulse Bay

- Bauhinia Beach Club - HS Modern Art - Ice Cream Gallery - Indigo - Sense of Touch - Southside Kindergarten - OT & P - Repulse Bay Family Practice Ltd - South Bay Beach Club - Spices - Spring Wedding - The Club - The Lily - The Retreat - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School Repulse Bay

Stanley

- Boathouse - Cafe De Paris - Chez Patrick - Classifieds - Haagen Dazs - Lucy’s - Mijas - Pickled Pelican - Pizza Express - Rocksalt - Saigon in Stanley - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe - Stanley Pet Centre - Starbucks - Taste Supermarket - Watson’s Wine - Wildfire

Tai Tam / Shek O

- American Club - Beach Front Kiosk - Ben’s Garden - Black Sheep - Happy Garden Restaurant - Hong Kong Parkview Resort & Spa - Hong Kong Parkview Suites - Lulu Shop - Shek O Chinese & Thai Restaurant - Shining Stone Restaurant - Sunshine House Tai Tam - The Manhattan - Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

The Peak

- Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - German Swiss International School - Haagen-Dazs - Oliver’s Super Sandwiches - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Lookout - The Peak School - Villa Verde - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

where to find us

Joining the Southside community

Southside & The Peak Magazine is growing its distribution faster than ever and can now be found in these prime locations. Please give a warm welcome to:

The Manhattan This luxurious residential complex is located in beautiful Tai Tam, with a country park in its backyard and looking out over glorious ocean views. Southside & The Peak Magazine is conveniently displayed in the Clubhouse Reading Room, where residents and visitors can pick up a copy at any time.

Pacific View Perched on the edge of Tai Tam Bay, Pacific View makes the most of its magnificent location with floor-toceiling windows that are filled with sea and sky. After swimming, or playing squash or tennis, residents can relax over the latest edition of Southside & The Peak Magazine in the clubhouse.

Hong Kong Parkview This complex of luxury serviced suites and apartments is an oasis of indulgence and tranquillity on the edge of Tai Tam Country Park.

Southside & The Peak Magazine graces the coffee tables of every suite and clubhouse, including one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive fitness centres.

Villa Verde This sought-after complex of colonial-style apartments, with their characteristically high ceilings and generous proportions, has an enviable location near the German Swiss International School on The Peak. Residents can pick up a copy of Southside & The Peak Magazine in the lobby of each apartment block.

Want to have a copy?

Bel-Air

Le Meridien Cyberport

If you would like Southside & The Peak Magazine delivered directly to your door or clubhouse, ask your building management to contact vip@southside.hk.

We can deliver as many or as few copies as you require. Free of charge, of course.

Join our mailing list Have a your free monthly copy delivered directly to your mailbox if you live in Southside or on The Peak.

It’s easy, subscribe here: www.southside.hk/subscribe The Repulse Bay

Cyberport Arcade

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back page

My Southside

Children’s author and Southside resident Sarah Brennan writes the best-selling series “Chinese Calendar Tales”, including the new “Pin Yin Panda”. She’ll be at this month’s inaugural Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival.

Tell us about your relationship with Southside.

I live in Pok Fu Lam, which is the only place I’ve lived with my family in Hong Kong, apart from a few short months in Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, when we arrived almost 14 years ago. The thing I first noticed about Pok Fu Lam was the open, sunny feeling, and all the trees. It felt like a real neighbourhood. We’ve moved home since then, but we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the locality. It’s handy to just about anywhere in Hong Kong, including the outlying islands and Kowloon.

What is your favourite thing to do in the area?

I love walking our cocker spaniel, Bobby,

especially at Sandy Bay where he has a good run along the waterfront. The seafront is always fascinating, full of boats – dinghies, fishing boats, ferries, massive container ships – and it never fails to remind me of the novels of Joseph Conrad about sailors and exotic lands. It’s wonderful to sit on the seawall and gaze at the passing scene when I have a spare moment, which is far too rare.

What is your favourite hike?

From the Pok Fu Lam Riding School to the Peak – I love the transition from the old workers’ cottages and the reservoir, up through the leafy green forest, where it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop (except when people are playing their radios), to the majestic old banyan trees and the busy Peak. I’ve seen so many magical things on these walks: kites fishing in the reservoir, fish jumping, brilliant butterflies, a magical old man playing a blade of green grass like a flute, even a spider spinning a web from start to finish on a tree right beside me – that was amazing.

Can you recommend a restaurant in Southside?

Well, if it was up to my dog it would have to be the Peak Café – because it has special tables outside where you can sit with your pooch and they serve snacks for dogs.

The human food is pretty good too. If it was up to me, I’d add the waterfront restaurants at Stanley – a perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon after visiting the market.

Local service you

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cannot live without?

The cinema at Cyberport. My husband and I are movie buffs, especially of European films, and they show quite a few there, with extremely comfortable seating thrown in.

If there was one thing you could change about the area, what would it be?

I was really sad to see the old village at Telegraph Bay demolished when Cyberport was built. I think the old villages are a treasure that should be listed, not torn down whenever a big developer feels like it. I hate the fact that such wonderful, long-standing communities are broken up, and their residents sent off to live away from their old neighbours in high-rise buildings. The villages are a part of Hong Kong’s fascinating history. It would be great if they were protected, and if someone could record their histories, as well as the stories of their elderly inhabitants, some of whom must have extraordinary tales to tell.

What local issues are you passionate about?

I’m a greenie at heart, so the issues I care about most are the conservation of old houses (many in Pok Fu Lam date back to colonial times), the development of the waterfront into usable green parkland with bicycle paths, recycling, and the protection of trees. And the proposed developments on Lamma Island, many of which will spoil its unique character and add little to the quality of life.

Please tell us about your latest project?

No prizes for guessing what book I’ve now got cooking in my head. Naturally, it’s about next year’s Chinese zodiac animal. Sssss... `

The first Hong Kong International Young Readers’ Festival runs from March 5-18. Aimed at children up to the age of 14, it will feature author talks, workshops and a mentoring programme for aspiring writers.

Sarah Brennan will be story-telling on Sunday, March 11 at The Commercial Press, Olympian City, Kowloon. For details visit www.youngreadersfestival. org.hk and www.sarah-brennan.com.