Southside Magazine May 2013 by Hong Kong Living Ltd

May 2013

Scuba dive

at Ocean Park

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day How-to guide

New school for Stanley

Into the blue Junks & dreamboats

183

things to do

The really useful magazine MAY 2013

PRIZE PRESENTATION

PEOPLE

20 And the winners are... Meet the first Readers’ Choice Awards winners.

4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER

OUTDOORS

6 Happening in May It’s all go.

22 Ugly bug ball Hong Kong’s creepy-crawlies: too close for comfort? FEATURE

NEWS

24 Junk trippin’ Junks, dreamboats and other ways to get wet.

12 What’s going on? The latest from your backyard. LOCAL

EATING

16 Swim with the sharks Diving in Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium.

28 Let them eat cake Southside’s queens of the sponge.

5 MINUTES WITH

Family

18 Sampan lady Aberdeen’s “Mrs Victory” on life at sea.

32 Happy Mother’s Days Things mum will love.

Education 34 Spring forward Wan Chai’s latest learning centre. Plus a new school for Kowloon. Interiors 36 Renovation tips Five things to consider during a home makeover. Health & Beauty 36 Bikini ready Prepare to bare. Travel 44 Lalu hullabaloo Give it up for Taiwan’s chic lakeside hotel. PETS 46 Jet pets How to take dogs on a plane. Plus Sally Andersen has trouble with names.

Hikes 48 Rooster Mountain Crowing about Stage 3 of the MacLehose Trail. MARKETPLACE 50 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do. CLASSIFIEDS 54 Loads of random useful local stuff ULTIMATE GUIDE 56 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier. My Southside 58 Bienvenue! Anne-Christine Martin offers relocation tips – and not only in French.

“A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother.”

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people Snaps from Southside.

Christina Noble Children’s Foundation’s Ladies Long Lunch.

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say cheese

Cyberport Delaney's St Patrick's Day Guinness Event.

Photo credit: Gail Turner

Bebegarten Opening.

St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Ball at The Grand Hyatt.

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

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planner

happening in may May 5 CMF World Carnival

A multicultural family fun fair, with bouncy castles, blast tag, carnival games, arts and crafts and more, in aid of the Children’s Medical Foundation. Tickets $200 for children. Noon4pm, The Podium & Ocean View Court, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, www.cmf.org.hk.

May 6 Blur Live

Britpop's finest bash out stonkers for girls who like boys like their girls, etc. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $480-$880 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

May 4-5

Classic Yacht Rally

Aberdeen Boat Club celebrates beautiful and vintage craft with a race to Tai Tam Bay, overnight party, Sunday breakfast and return to the Middle Island clubhouse for prize giving. For details, visit www.abclubhk.com.

Until Jun 23 Le French May

Ooh la la! It’s the annual celebration of French arts, including opera, music, theatre and more. For details, visit www.frenchmay.com.

May 1 Labour Day Public holiday.

May 1 Barclays MoonTrekker

Registration opens for the overnight endurance hike on Lantau Peak on October 18 in aid of literacy charity Room to Read. Details at www.barclaysmoontrekker.com.

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May 7 Stanley Sampler

Pop-up monthly market featuring local retailers. 2pm-9pm, Saffron Bakery, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 2813 0270.

May 2-Jun 9 Rubber Duck

May 9-12 Time Regained

May 3 Andrea Bocelli... With Passione

May 9-12 Our Country’s Good

Your eyes don’t deceive you – that really is a sixstorey rubber duckie. Giant Florentijn Hofman Rubber Duck, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The opera star performs live. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Tickets $780$3,980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

May 4 Create Barking Art

Go wild at the SPCA Barking Lot Cafe’s first art day. For a $100 donation, children can create animal-themed artwork for display at the cafe and on the SPCA’s Facebook page. 1pm-5pm, 14 Stanley Main Street, www.spca.org.hk.

Exhibition of new Hong Kong watercolours by Lorette E. Roberts, author of Sketches of Stanley, including an artist-in-residence session on May 12. Floren Gallery, 52 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, 2559 8121.

Board the First Fleet from Britain to Australia with the talented young performers of Faust International Youth Theatre. McAulay Studio, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $150-$190 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

May 10 David Guetta live in Hong Kong The French DJ and producer gets the party started at AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580-$880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

planner May 12 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Spring for some flowers, maybe even a card. See p.32 for inspiration.

May 17 Buddhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday

May 22-29 Asia Week Hong Kong

A new showcase for Asian art with exhibitions, lectures, auctions and special events across Hong Kong. For details, visit www.asiaweekhk.com.

May 23-26 Art Basel Hong Kong

May 21 Raise the Roof for Refugees

Get into the spirit ahead of the main event at the pre-races over a 200m course off Stanley Main Beach, 9am-4pm. For details, contact 2813 0564, 2813 2586, stanleydragonboat@ymail. com or visit www.dragonboat.org.hk.

The annual fundraiser for refugee charity Vision First. 6.30pm-11pm, PURE Dining, 2/F Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central. Tickets $500 from info@visionfirstnow.org.

Ethereal ambient soundscapes from the Icelandic band. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $750 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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Seven-a-side football competition, featuring youth and masters teams from the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle United and more. Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley. Tickets $160-$300 (Friday free) from www. hksoccersevens.com.

May 25 Stanley Dragon Boat warm-up races

Public holiday.

May 21 Sigur Ros

May 24-26 HKFC International Soccer Sevens

The Hong Kong leg of the leading international contemporary art exhibition features museumquality works, plus talks and events across the city. HKCEC, Wan Chai. For details, visit www.artbasel.com.

May 28 German Buffet Night

An evening of Bavarian treats at Prompt Restaurant, Le Meridien Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2980 7417.

V Lions

BarBarians

BUY YoUr TiCKETs noW

1st June 2013 • Hong Kong STADIuM hkticketing.com

lionsrugby.hk in ParTnErsHiP WiTH

planner

Book now

Elmo’s Super Heroes take the stage. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $150-$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

May 23-26 Asia Contemporary Art Show

Exhibition showcasing young, emerging and recognised Asian artists at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong. Details at www.asiacontemporaryart.com.

Want tickets?

Jun 28-Jul 1 Sesame Street Live

We’re giving away VIP tickets to the Asia Contemporary Art Show to the first people to join our mailing list. To subscribe, please send an email with your full name and mailing address to free@southside.hk with the subject “Asia Contemporary Art Show”.

Jun 1 British & Irish Lions vs Barbarians

World-class rugby at Hong Kong Stadium. Tickets $750-$1,290, www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

AuG 13 The Smashing Pumpkins Live

The Smashing Pumpkins are in Hong Kong for one night only to promote their album, Oceania. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $580-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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

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the really useful newsletter

Residency has its privileges Southside Magazine has gone digital! The Southsider is a new weekly eNewsletter. Filled with exclusive deals, gifts and news about the area you live in. It’s a really useful resource you can trust.

SOME OF THIS MONTH’S GREAT OFFERS:

Want to receive exclusive weekly deals?

For listings

Phone: 2776 2772 | Email: digital@fastmedia.com.hk

news

Stan Cafe party

Stan Cafe is celebrating its first birthday with a party on May 9. Open to all, there will be a DJ and buffet of French goodies from 8pm-2am. As part of Le French May, the cafe will also be holding free cheese and wine tasting focusing on produce from Burgundy. To register for the tasting, or join the party, contact Manu Vallier at Stan Cafe, 5/F Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley, 2324 9008.

Jessville project gets green light

Development at Jessville (above), a Grade 3 historic building in Pok Fu Lam, has been given the green light. Owners have scaled back their plans and will now build a single residential tower on the site, while preserving the 1931 villa and converting it into four residential units. The Chief Executive in Council upheld an earlier decision to partially lift the Pok Fu Lam Moratorium to allow the preservation and development project to go ahead.

Expansion for three schools Plans have been announced for a new British international school in Kowloon and the expansion of two international schools on Hong Kong Island. The moves will provide an additional 1,150 primary and 210 secondary places by 2016, far short of the 4,203 additional internationalschool places estimated to be required. Nord Anglia Education is to open its first Hong Kong school for 660 children in years 1 to 8 in 2014 (see p.36). The Carmel School Association is to expand its secondary section, Elsa High School. And International Montessori

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Education Foundation is to open a new primary school in Stanley. All three will occupy vacated school premises. Carmel, which currently shares premises with Kellett School’s secondary section in Shau Kei Wan, will expand in August into the space vacated when Kellett moves into its new, purpose-built facility in Kowloon Bay. IMS Stanley will open for the 2013-14 academic year. It will be IMS’ fourth campus, joining the group’s existing schools in Tin Hau, South Horizons and Mid-Levels.

Hear them roar

The all-star British and Irish Lions rugby team will be playing in Hong Kong on June 1 before embarking on a six-week tour of Australia. They will be taking on the Barbarians Club, made up of the best players from Italy, South Africa and France. It will be the first time the Lions have played at the Hong Kong Stadium, and marks the 125th anniversary of the Lions tour, which happens every four years in Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. Gates open at 4pm, with kick off at 7.30pm. Tickets from $750 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. For details, visit www.lionsrugby.hk.

news

Southside schools get arty Pok Fu Lam schools are once again coming together to mount a joint youth art exhibition at Cyberport Arcade. Held for the second successive year, the Pok Fu Lam Art Exhibition will feature works by primary and secondary school students from Kennedy School, Kellett School, The ISF Academy, Caritas Wu Cheng Chung Secondary School and West Island School. Held from June 1 to 7, with an opening ceremony at 10.30am on June 1, the event celebrates the artistic talents of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students and provides an opportunity to showcase their artworks. Exhibition Gallery, Cyberport Arcade, Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

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Toys wanted Donate quality, barely used toys to new local community project, the Hong Kong Toy Library. Set up by mother of two Kate Choyce, the mobile toy library plans to provide goodquality toys and books for underprivileged children. Funded by the founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, Choyce Recruitment, the not-for-profit project relies on donations of toys in good condition, which can be rented out for a minimal amount to the children of low-income families in government housing estates. If you have any lightly used toys, games or books to donate, or can volunteer your time to the library, please email contact@choycehk.com or call 2546 2230. For details, visit the Hong Kong Toy Library Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ HongKongToyLibrary.

local

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk

gulp

Swim with the sharks Ocean Park opens its tanks to divers, writes Carolynne Dear.

Art Director Sammy Ko sammy@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Nobel Cho ads@fastmedia.com.hk

Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk

Digital Media Editor Karishma Sujan karishma@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Media Assistant Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Classifieds

Prudence Chik

prudence@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Kawai Wong Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Pete Spurrier David Diskin Laura Ma Lea Metcalfe Gregoire Olie

Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call!

Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside 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.

w w w. f a s t m e d i a . c o m . h k

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Dive with hammerhead sharks and Napoleon wrasse in the Grand Aquarium.

Get up close and personal with the sharks at Ocean Park this summer. Southside’s very own theme park has launched a dive programme in its recently completed 5.2 millionlitre Grand Aquarium. Say g’day to more than 450 species of fish, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks and Napoleon wrasse during a 30-minute dive. The three-hour programme also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of Ocean Park’s breeding and animal-care programme. Each programme is limited to six divers split into two groups. Much emphasis is placed on the environmental and educational aspects of diving. Instructors hope the programme will promote better understanding of the oceans and the importance of protecting them, reinforcing responsible diving practices and respect. “I left the water determined to dive responsibly and to eat sustainable seafood,” said one participant. The scuba programme runs

every Saturday from 2pm-5pm and includes all equipment. The programme costs $2,180 with park admission, or $1,900 for the dive alone. Holders of SmartFun Annual Pass pay $1,425. Participants must be at least 15 years old and hold Open Water certification. Hammerhead sharks Named for their distinctive head shapes, hammerhead sharks swim in schools by day and become solitary hunters by night. The positioning of their eyes at the tips of their “hammers” gives them 360-degree vision. Only the scalloped, great and smooth hammerheads are dangerous to humans – none of which are in the Ocean Park tank – with other species feeding on fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans and other sharks. Shark finning is putting the Hammerhead at risk of extinction. Napoleon wrasse Also known as humphead or Maori wrasse, these gentle giants are

Meet the babies Take the kids on Ocean Park’s Animal Nursery Tour to learn all about the breeding and care of penguins, giant pandas, sea jellies, tortoises and frogs. Animal keepers share their experience of nursing newborn animals and all proceeds support wildlife conservation in the region. At the Panda Caring Workshop, children can help weigh and measure a giant panda and test the safety of its toys. Tours are available until May 5 and cost $30. found mainly in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They live for up to 30 years and males can grow to two metres long, but they are slow breeders and numbers are declining. They are threatened by spearfishing, destructive and illegal fishing techniques, habitat degradation, and the marine aquarium trade. Some protection is now in place: Guangdong province, for example, requires permits for the sale of Napoleon wrasse.

five minutes with ...

Mrs Victory

The 70-something Aberdeen “Sampan Lady” tells Laura Ma about life at sea. My father was a hero and a fisherman. I fell into the sea when I was four and he saved me. Aberdeen harbour has changed. It is very narrow and rough now after countless reclamation projects.

I get my name from my husband, whose name translates as “Victory”, so everyone calls me “Mrs Victory”. I’ve spent most of my life afloat. I was born on a houseboat in Macau and the whole family – my parents and five siblings – migrated to Aberdeen when I was three years old. We squeezed into a tiny houseboat; it was extremely crowded and we had to share beds, but we were truly happy.

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We are almost extinct! Recent government restrictions on trawling in Hong Kong waters has led to a decline in the number of fishermen. There used to be a big community with lots and lots of fishermen and traders but people resettled onshore. Our children do not want to fish; they work in those skyscrapers with air-conditioning. I refuse to live with them because the sea is my home. A fire burned many houseboats off Ap Lei Chau about 30 years ago. Many people lost everything.

Luckily I was not affected but the community fell apart after that. A lot of my friends relocated onshore with a government grant. We worship the sea god, Dai Sin, who protects the water gypsies from being washed away by great waves and stormy weather. Look at the colourful flags and the beautifully crafted giant puppets — take a picture of them now!

awards

And the winners are...

Congratulations to the winners of the first Southside Magazine Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards.

Best children's shop: Bumps to Babes

Best massage & best salon: Sense of Touch

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Best cuppa: Classified Stanley

Professional Birthday Party Entertainment

The results of the first Southside Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards were revealed in our April issue. Congratulations to all our lucky winners and a big thank you to everyone who responded to the survey. If you missed last month’s issue you can find the winners at our website, www.southside.hk.

Children’s Entertainers Full Party Service:

Party Theming Entertainment Decorations Venue

Best restaurant: Lucy's

Best interior shop: Indigo Living, Horizon Plaza

Best workout: Flex Studio

ple

andf

riends.com

Best bar: Smugglers Inn

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 21

outdoors

Ugly bug ball Photographer Daniel Groshong snaps Hong Kong’s curious critters. By Hannah Grogan.

Pictures: Daniel Groshong, Hummingfish Foundation

Hong Kong-based photographer Daniel Groshong is bonkers about bugs. Moonlit nights find him creeping about in the undergrowth of the country park near his home with a torch looking for weird and wonderful critters to photograph. “The bug thing started with my children,” he says. “I wanted to get them out into nature as much as possible, so at least once a week, we would walk the trail near our house. I created games about who could find the most bugs to keep the kids engaged in what was around them and started to realize there were some very interesting bugs out there. We started taking a camera to photograph what we had seen and it became an amazing journey of discovery.” During the “bug season” – early spring to late summer – Groshong goes out two or three times a week. Finding insects, he says, is a matter of keeping your eyes open: “Every time you walk out the door you will see amazing bugs, if you pay attention.” With a growing picture library of Hong Kong’s creepy-crawlies, Groshong says his

next mission is to learn more about the species he has photographed, so he has recently made contact with insect experts. He has also published the shots on the website for the Hummingfish Foundation, a charity he founded in 2010 to develop sustainable eco-tourism and work with green entrepreneurs in places such as East Timor. It seems a fitting project for a photographer whose first job was working for Greenpeace. Groshong also has a long and impressive resume as a press photographer, covering everything from the O.J. Simpson trial to the war in Afghanistan. But for the boy from Oregon, a lifelong passion for photography started with a trip to the zoo. “My first memory of being excited about taking pictures came at six years old, when my family went to the San Diego Zoo for a holiday,” he says. “That day, my parents gave me my first camera – a plastic Kodak with six film cartridges. I shot all six films of the flamingos at the entrance.”

a bug’s life

How to shoot insects

• “Take your time – don't race up a mountain, missing all the small natural wonders in your path.” • “Walking at night with a torch is the best way to see bugs as they are well camouflaged and can be very hard to see during the day.” • “I use a Canon 5D Mk II with a 100mm macro lens and at least two hand-held Canon strobes to light the subject.”

“I often go out at night, which is (a) when bugs are most active and (b) it’s easier to find them.”

feature

Junk trippin’

Your guide to getting on the water.

Where to hire a junk

Island Junks A fleet of teak junks can accommodate up to 50 guests with a range of addon services, including Thai massage. 2877 5222, www.islandjunks.com.hk.

Mes Amis A fully catered 44ft party junk for up to 32 guests, with bottomless drinks and Western food served onboard. Speedboat available. 3170 7063, www.mesamis.com.hk. Pana Oceans Junks and cruisers for 33-58 people, with catering options available. 2815 8235, www.panaoceans.com.

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ashore. Cantonese seafood tends to be the order of the day. On Lamma’s famous strip at Sok Kwu Wan, the grandaddy of them all is Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (First Street, 2982 8100). Escape the crowd at Po Toi Island, off Stanley, where Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant (2849 7038) serves some of the finest blackpepper squid in Hong Kong on a big wooden deck. In Sai Kung, follow the yachties for steamed fish at Yau Ley (Sha Kiu Tsuen, High Island, 2791 1822). And for something different on Lantau, order heaping platters of South African barbecue at The Stoep (Lower Cheung Sha Beach, 2980 2699), which boasts that rarest of attributes: tables on the sand.

Hong Kong Yachting Charters 30- and 40-person junks equipped with iPod systems, as well as two sailing boats, the 40ft Circus (for 10 people, plus crew) and 60ft V1 (for 18 people, plus crew). And, yes, you will be expected to haul on a few ropes. 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com. Jaspas Party Junks These junks are a blast, with great barbecued food, bottomless Sea Breeze cocktails (plus beer, wine, soft drinks), pre-loaded iPods and that famous laid-back hospitality. Take your own towels. 2792 6001, www.jaspasjunk.com. Jubilee Jubilee rents junks and Western-style cruisers for day trips, fishing and squid trips. There’s a wide range of toys for hire, including banana boats and wakeboarding. 3555 5666, www.jubilee.hk.

Standard Boat This long-established company has a fleet of wooden junks, luxury motorboats, yachts and even ferries. 2570 1792, www.standardboat.hk. Vikings Charter A fleet of catered or non-catered junks, plus speedboats for banana boating, water-skiing and wakeboarding. 2576 8992, www.boatandboating.com

Photo by Graham Uden

Who doesn’t love a junk trip? The best way to beat the heat, the junk is a much-loved Hong Kong institution. Leaping from the top deck is a rite of passage – you probably have your own signature style. Plus, the finest beaches in the territory are right on our doorstep. Take a junk from Aberdeen or Stanley piers out to the beaches around Southside and islands such as Lamma, Lantau or Po Toi. Or be bold and venture out to Sai Kung, where you’ll find space to lay your towel on its beautiful country park beaches on even the busiest Sunday. Book a catered package, take your own food or drop anchor and head to a restaurant

let’s get wet

Po Toi Island Who: Foodies, hikers and peace-seekers. Why: Conveniently close to Stanley, Po Toi is a rugged island with a great restaurant, good walking and a small temple but not much in the way of a beach. Which is good, if you prefer to avoid the bucket-and-spade brigade.

Dolphin watching

Tai O, Lantau Who: Eco-tourists and heritage trailers. Why: Visit the Chinese pink dolphins in the waters off northwest Lantau. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch (2984 1414) offers private charters for $11,200, including boat hire and guides for up to 56 people, with a stop for lunch at one of a seafood restaurant in Tai O stilted village.

South Bay & Middle Bay Who: Beautiful people. Why: Southside’s smart set hang out at these pretty neighbouring beaches, drawn by their (relative) inaccessibility, the South Bay Lounge – and each other. With no cafe, Middle Bay is likely to be quieter. Good news on “sardine Sundays”, when Repulse Bay’s swimming rafts have standing-room only.

Sham Wan, Lamma Who: Seafood lovers, turtle-spotters. Why: A short hop from Aberdeen, the seafood restaurants of Sok Kwu Wan are a junk-trip favourite. Once you’ve eaten your fill, potter round to Sham Wan, a secluded cove with a white sand beach where green turtles lay eggs. Bluff Island, Sai Kung Who: Divers, snorkellers, sunbathers. Why: Accessible only by boat, Bluff has a pretty beach at Ung Kong Wan but the big attraction is the coral reef to the left of the bay protected by a conservation zone. A submerged jeep just offshore is said to have been cut adrift by smugglers. There are snakes and boar on the island, plus a hiking track to the summit.

South Bay and Chung Hom Kok

Chung Hom Kok Who: Bucket-and-spade brigade. Why: Calm, pretty and quiet, with a large playground for the kids, swimming raft, relatively large stretch of sand and clean water, this is a junk-tripping gem, yet attracts relatively few boats. Shhh! Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Who: Surfers and beach lovers. Why: This three-kilometre beach has golden sand and shallow waters, with a surf school and watersports centre on the beach. Keep an eye open for feral cows. However, it’s close to the Pearl River and the water tends to be murky. Decamp to The Stoep for lunch.

Photo by Graham Uden

Deep Water Bay & Repulse Bay Who: Watersports lovers and party people. Why: There’s a reason yacht clubs have clubhouses on Middle Island, between these two beaches: there’s good wind yet the water is relatively calm, making the area suitable for sailing, kite surfing and wakeboarding. Then there are the lovely beaches themselves and Lamma’s seafood restaurants nearby for lunch.

Photo by Graham Uden

Where to drop anchor

Bluff Island

Millionaires Bay, Sai Kung Who: Junk trippers and families. Why: Summer weekends draw swarms of junks, attracted by the white sand and clear waters of these two sheltered beaches. Big Millionaires has a warm lagoon and small stream that provides hours of fun for dam-builders. Little Millionaires tends to be the domain of privateboat owners and Jaspas parties.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

boating Dreamboats

Yours for a dinner, a day or overnight... Michelangelo Classier than your average junk, the 88ft Michelangelo is a vision in mahogany, teak and copper. Its list of clientele is pretty swank too, including the Crown Prince of Denmark and Richard Branson. It can accommodate up to 59 guests and an eighthour charter is $23,000. Reservations: Beatrice on 6621 1691, beatrice@ luxuryjunk.com.hk, www.luxuryjunk.com.hk.

D’Estree Bay Arriving in Hong Kong last month, D’Estree Bay is a glamorous 46ft sailing catamaran. Gleaming, beautiful and stable even in rough seas, this Schionning catamaran can carry 15 people, plus crew. It can be hired for day trips, dinner parties or overnight stays. Reservations: Hong Kong Yachting, www.hongkongyachting.com, 2526 0151. The Bounty The only tall ship in Hong Kong, The Bounty is a 138ft beauty that turns heads wherever she sails. Swan around in luxury with up to 60 other guests. The Bounty can be hired for day trips, lunches on deck or in the cabin (seats 15), with berths for 21 sleepyheads. It costs $41,000 for seven hours. Reservations: Saffron Cruises, www.saffron-cruises.com, 2857 1311. Mustang 2800 Cruiser Next time you have visitors who want to do a harbour tour, crank it up a notch by hiring this 28ft Mustang motorboat for up to seven people. Prices from $2,300 (one-hour harbour tour) to $5,700 (circumnavigating Hong Kong Island). Reservations: Intimate Charters, 9211 0929, www.intimate-charters.com

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eating Let them eat cake

Carolynne Dear meets Southside’s cake queen. and the New Territories (and, of course, Macau). The cakes arrive beautifully boxed and tied with ribbon. With Mother’s Day fast approaching on May 12, Williams has plenty of ideas for treating lucky mums. “We can make cakes with fresh flowers on top – peonies look stunning on top of a perfectly iced cake. And I have designed a ‘bubbles’ cake, inspired by the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne colours.” As for her own Mother’s Day, Williams is looking forward to her three children “surprising” her with a cup of tea in bed and a stack of marmalade toast. “We all tuck in while they show me all the wonderful crafts and cards they’ve made for me,” she says. Forget the toast, I’m leaving a Williams & Brown business card prominently placed on the coffee table and dropping hints about a Mother’s Day tea.

Williams & Brown’s Sarah Williams with a fresh-baked batch of cupcakes.

Lounging in a luxury apartment with sweeping views over Happy Valley while being feasting on cupcakes is not a bad way to make a living. And that’s why baking enthusiast Sarah Williams got into the cake business. “It was a love of cake, baking and generally showing off,” she says, whipping a batch of lemon muffins from the oven. Her online business, Williams & Brown (www.williamsandbrownhk.com), was launched in September with friend and fellow baking enthusiast Rachel Brown after “much encouragement from friends”. The final push came with the success of her gorgeous “noodles in a box” cupcakes, complete with tiny pink sugar shrimps, distributed at a handover anniversary party last year. All Williams & Brown cakes, biscuits and cupcakes are custom-made to clients’ specifications.

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“Most orders are made by email, but I’m certainly happy to meet with clients if they want to discuss details in person,” Williams says. “I’m also happy to receive pictures or photos of ideas.” Her toughest brief to date was a horse’s head cake for a pony-mad girl. The client emailed a photo of her daughter’s horse, which was aptly named Tricky. It required painstaking attention to detail, but Williams was pleased with the final result. “We have also been asked to deliver a 50th birthday cake for 40 to a five-star hotel in Macau,” Williams recalls. “It was an armchair cake, with a fondant icing birthday boy sitting in the chair drinking a glass of his favourite red wine. It was fun to make, but tricky – not to mention heavy – to transport.” Williams & Brown deliver all over Hong Kong, but charge a delivery fee for Kowloon

Williams & Brown is generously donating cupcakes for local charity Vision First’s annual fundraiser, Raise the Roof for Refugees, at PURE Dining, Central, May 21, 6.30pm-11pm. For details, visit www.visionfirstnow.org.

buns in the oven

Top tips for wannabe bakers

More cake companies

• Planning is key – think about your design and

The Rose Petal Cakery Launched last year by Repulse Bay mums Anouska Mutreja and Lisa Beattie. Memorable designs include James Bond, Angelina Ballerina, shopping bags, football shirts, myriad cartoon characters and an intricately detailed Minecraft cake covered with 1,000 tiny minecraft squares. “Ideally we need 10 days notice,” Mutreja says. “But we have been known to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the last minute.” Cakes can be baked for six to 80, with a minimum cupcake order of 24. Delivery is $100 on Southside; $200 for the rest of the Island. Mother’s Day cakes this year are focusing on Mutreja and Beattie’s own mothers’ favourites, chocolate and beetroot, or carrot cake.

research it well. • Use the best ingredients you can. • Ensure your cake is level before icing. • Keep all ingredients at room temperature and keep the air con cranked up while working with fondant and making decorations. • For a more elegant look, limit the number of colours you use and tone them down.

Speciality baking shops:

• Complete Deelite

2/F On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central, 3167 7022.

• I Love Cake 188 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, 2671 2644. • Pantry Magic 25 Lok Ku Road, Central, 2504 0688. • Twins Company 1/F 137 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. • Shanghai Street Yau Ma Tai MTR, Exit B2.

Partymate Cakes

Pok Fu Lam-based Japneet Chahal set up a cake business two years ago. Her stunning creations take six hours or more to create and she caters for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, bridal showers and more. Chahal needs one month’s notice for cakes and speciality cupcakes but just a week for popcakes. For cupcakes, there is a minimum order of one dozen for regular size and 18 for mini cakes. All cakes can be picked up from Pok Fu Lam, although Chahal does a “drive-in” delivery service if necessary. Contact: partymatecakes@gmail.com

Contact sales@rosepetalcakery.com

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sponsored column

Preparing for preschool Choosing the right preschool lies in knowing what you want and what is best for your child. It means being picky and asking a lot of questions because, after all, this is where your child will learn to love school and learning. Once you have decided on the best preschool, you’ll need to help your child adjust to this big change in his or her life. Preschool brings many benefits. Children learn to make friends, share, take turns and integrate with children from different backgrounds. At this age, children usually love the daily routine of preschool; they get excited about knowing the order of things in their day and they're usually thrilled at sharing this with their parents. It is often the first time they can share new information with you about what they do. Getting ready for the first day. Visit the preschool: Before starting school, take your child to visit the classroom and meet the

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teacher. Try to arrange a playdate with other new or current children at the preschool. Seeing a familiar face on the first day will help children feel more comfortable with the new environment. Choose a backpack: Help your child get excited about starting school by letting them pick out their own backpack and lunchbox. Pack a few of your child’s favourite things and some healthy treats for lunch. First day: Plan to stay at the preschool for 15 to 20 minutes on your child’s first day. Together, you can explore the classroom, meet other children and find an activity your child enjoys. Once they’re involved in the activity, it’s time for you to go. Is the preschool right for your child? It’s natural for children to resist going to preschool for the first few days, or maybe even for the first week or two. Be prepared

for your child to throw a tantrum at the end of the day when they see you. Ways of dealing with this situation include arriving at preschool earlier than normal one day and observing your child; look to see if he or she is engaging with story time, conversing with others or playing with other children. If so, you can feel assured the preschool is a good match. However, if your child is wandering around aimlessly or sitting in a corner looking sad and not being attended to, these are not good signs. Talk to your child’s teacher to try to find out what might be the problem. The teacher should be able to talk knowledgeably about your child and his or her interactions – you may need to give your child more time to settle in.

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

interiors

simply lovely

Five tips for a home makeover Interior designer Joseph Chang of JCAW Consultants reveals some tricks of the trade.

Joseph Chang’s interiors are simple and chic, with pops of drama.

Even the best designer cannot help if you insist on putting Doraemon cushions in a sophisticated living room.

What are the top five things to consider when renovating your home? Neutral shades are sophisticated and versatile enough to match many different elements; add spice to the scheme through soft furnishings, cushions, rugs or artworks that can be changed easily. Fabrics are always the core of a decorating scheme; curtains, blinds, upholsteries and linens. Storage is crucial to make sure everything has its rightful place. When space is limited, think twice before making impetuous purchases – you don’t need a popcorn machine at home.

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When you add a dramatic element, tone everything else down and don’t choose anything that will “fight” with the accent. Think out of the box. Symmetrical arrangements work best in perfectly proportioned rooms; in other spaces, balance and harmony are more important than rigid symmetry. What’s your interior design philosophy? Having the wrong accessories in a room is as disastrous as wearing worn-out shoes or crazy hair with haute couture. This is where the owner’s contribution is crucial: even the best designer cannot help if you insist on putting Doraemon cushions in a sophisticated living room. (It happens.) To me, a successful design is a cozy home layered with patience and love. But today people expect to create this instantly. It has never mattered to me that the projects I

design draw praise for the way they look; what matters is that they feel like home to those who live there. One of the best things a client can say to me is, “You have created something that feels as though I have been here all my life.” Can you reveal any tricks of the trade? I have fun with space planning, which is the most important fundamental of all successful design. This is reflected in our projects such as a 2,200 sq ft apartment for a customer who had lived in 4,000 sq ft – at the housewarming party, guests were amazed by the footage. Tell us a bit about your background. After graduating in the US, I worked for Anya Marin Design Inc and Michael & Marshall Design, starting as an apprentice and rising to creative officer before l left to start JCAW Consultants. I have been at it ever since.

health & beauty Bikini ready Prepare to bare. By Lea Metcalfe.

Hair

Get the sun-kissed look with highlights at Capelli by Sense of Touch (from $900 for a half head with an executive stylist). Or check out Wiz 2000 Hair Salon in Aberdeen where highlights are $600. Capelli: 1/F, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668. Wiz 2000: 1/F, 183 Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen, 2553 7113.

Bikini buys

Time for a new two-piece? Try Stanley Market for cheap and cheerful swimwear, H&M for bargain buys or Ozzie Cozzie for upscale international labels. H&M: 68-70 Queen’s Road Central, 2110 9546. Ozzie Cozzie: 503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2810 1356, www.ozziecozzieco.com.

Take it off

Bikinis require silky-smooth, hair-free limbs. Rid yourself of strays with professional waxing: bikini waxes from $400; half-leg wax from $250 at Sabai Day Spa, 12A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2104 0566.

Be inspired Weight Watchers fits around your life, not the other way around! And now with our new improved weight-loss plan, Weight Watchers 360˚, what better time to join. ®

Come and join Weight Watchers today! Meeting locations Repulse Bay/Happy Valley – Hong Kong Cricket Club Thursdays 10am Visit www.weightwatchers.com.hk or call 2813 0814 for meeting details and current schedules.

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itsy-bitsy teenie-weenie

Get your tan on

Cellulite treatment

If you’re looking scarily white (rather than pale and interesting), get some colour with a spray tan or tanningbed session. California Beach Club, 3/F Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, 2851 3357.

We hear the Cellu M6 massage treatment works wonders to firm and tone ($980, 60 minutes). Sense of Touch, 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668.

Nailing it

It’s peep-toe season, and that means it’s time for a pedicure. Pedicures from $330, manicures from $200, at Sabai Day Spa, 12A Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2104 0566.

Slip, slop, slap

Sun damage is no joke. Don’t forget to slip on a shirt, slop on some sunblock and slap on a hat.

Accessories

Too hot to trot? Slide on a pair of stylish Havaianas (Indigo, 32A Staunton Street, Central, 2147 3000) or sassy Roxy flip-flops (3/F, Sogo Department Store, Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2831 8439). For an alternative to the straw beach bag, check out the retro newspaper totes at G.O.D ($480, 1/F, Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2673 0071).

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

travel

zen-sational

Clockwise from left: Twilight at the Tea House; a lobby bonsai; a lakeview balcony; poolside.

The star of Sun Moon Lake

Hannah Grogan checks into the Lalu, Taiwan’s luxury lakeside retreat.

Once the official residence of Japan’s Crown Prince Hirohito and the summer retreat of President Chiang Kai-shek, Taiwan’s Lalu hotel manages to be both historic and utterly contemporary. For that it can thank a 2002 makeover by Australian architect Kerry Hill, who stripped the original structure to its bare beams and rebuilt it as a Zen luxury resort in glass, stone, timber and infinity edges. Its graphic lines and precise angles are softened by the beauty of its location on the shore of Sun Moon Lake, where it seems to float in the morning mist swirling across the waters. Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake, three hours’ drive from Taipei at the foot of the Central Mountains, is a haven of tranquillity reflecting picture-perfect surroundings and a cobalt sky. It’s a view best admired from the 25 sqm balcony of your suite at the Lalu – preferably while sprawling on the giant cushioned window seat. The wooden-decked, glass-walled balconies are the jewel in the crown of the 91 Lakeview Suites, but you don’t have to venture outside to revel in that view: you can enjoy it from the king-size bedroom, the comfortable lounge or while splashing in the bathtub. For pure indulgence, however, book the two-bedroom Courtyard Pool Villa. Large and

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beautifully appointed, with a deep Japanesestyle bath, open fireplace and stunning courtyard, it is private and romantic – the perfect place for some “us” time. The courtyard features a 12-metre pool, which is temperature-controlled for year-round use, and semi-open timber pool pavilion, where you can dry off in the summer breeze as the golden afternoon fades into night. Time for dinner. The hotel has several restaurants to choose from, including the Lakeview Chinese Restaurant, specialising in Shanghai and Hong Kong dishes made using recipes from Chiang Kai-shek. The Oriental

Brasseries offer a selection of Asian and Western dishes, as well as afternoon tea, in a more casual environment, while The Japanese Restaurant offers show-stopping teppanyaki and modern Japanese cuisine. Indulge in an alfresco treatment in the Lalu Spa, and make sure you stop for tea at the Lalu Tea House, which has the finest artisanal tea collection in the area. Take a seat next to the firelit infinity pool, order a pot of floral tea and watch the mist dance across Sun Moon Lake. For details, visit www.thelalu.com.

pets

Dogs on a plane Want to take your pet overseas? Laura Ma investigates the red tape.

How to name a dog

Fido, Rover or Gnasher? Sally Andersen plays the name game. When I turn up at the vet’s clinic with a new litter of up to eight puppies – and often with a second litter or a few additional orphans – the first thing I'm asked is: “Names?” And I’m stumped. I try to keep a list of names in my head, but as soon as I'm asked that simple question I can't remember any of them. Giving a puppy a name is one thing, but giving it the right name is something else. Often I know I’ll have to change the name that sprang to mind at the vet’s. Of course, I always hope that it won’t matter if I get it wrong because the puppy will be given a new name when it’s adopted. But a name can make a difference as to whether a puppy finds a home or not. I avoid jokey names such as Gnasher, Jaws, Itchy or Scratchy because, let's face it, who wants a puppy that sounds aggressive or as if it has a skin problem? Sometimes inspiration strikes, but at other times it totally deserts me – I’ve even used a number, waiting for that handle that will best suit the puppy. Whatever name I end up using, there's one easy rule to

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jet pets Health Travelling by air or ship is stressful for animals. On a plane, for example, pets must travel in the cargo hold where you will be unable to visit and comfort them. Some pets might not be fit enough for this, so consult your vet ahead of time. It is not recommended to ship animals less than eight weeks old in a planeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cargo hold. Transportation Not all airlines provide a happy travelling experience for your pet. Virgin Atlantic is among the most pet-friendly and will ship pets to many parts of the world in safe, temperature-controlled conditions. Its website has an excellent section detailing all you need to know about flying with animals at www.virgin-atlantic.com. Documents There is a lot of paperwork involved with travelling with pets. To enter the USA, for example, you need an Export Health Certificate and rabies innoculations. To travel to Britain, pets must be microchipped, have a pet passport, rabies vaccinations and tapeworm treatment. Consult the consulate of the destination country for the up-to-date legal requirements your pet needs to meet. Cost Taking a pet overseas is expensive, with different charges for each destination and carrier. As well as the cost of the airfare, shipping handlers and travel containers, expect to pay government fees, and charges for a health certificate and vaccinations. Get professional help Consider employing a pet-relocation service to deal with the paperwork and ensure your pet is transported safely. Pet Movers HK has more than 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of sending pets around the globe. Tiddles will be in safe hands. For details, please visit www.petmovershk.com.

remember when naming a new puppy: it should be two syllables and easy to say. When I ignore my own rules and give a longer name, it's invariably shortened: Safari became Fari, and Potato now answers to Tato. What amazes me is how dogs learn their names as if by "Potato" was one syllable too many for magic. A lot of dogs live with this dog, who now answers to "Tato". me, but somehow within a short time each puppy knows the sound of its own name. How a dog distinguishes that one sound from so many others, and responds to it, has always been a mystery to me. But then dogs are far cleverer than we think.

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

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2/8/13 12:14 PM

hikes

squawk walk

Something to crow about

Pete Spurrier follows the MacLehose Trail up Rooster Mountain. Stage three of the MacLehose Trail in Sai Kung West Country Park is far less walked than stages one and two, with their well-known beaches. But its uplands offer wonderful views across a vast expanse of the country park and the surrounding waters. To reach the starting point, take bus 299 from Sai Kung or Sha Tin (or 99 from Sai Kung or Wu Kai Sha) to Shui Long Wo on Sai Sha Road. The bus stops slightly north of where the MacLehose Trail crosses the road at the redroofed toilet block. Make sure you take stage MacLehose Trail - Stage 3 Three Fathoms Cove

iS Sa

kT am

PAK TAM AU

ha ad

Sai Kung West Country Park

KEI LING HA

This walk is quite long, and steep and uneven in places. Walking time: four hours.

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three of the trail heading east and not stage four heading west. Handily, there are drinks vending machines in a small picnic area and the route is well signposted. The walk starts in cool, sun-speckled forest but quickly starts to climb towards open hillside. Soon you’re able to look far south, to the islands of Port Shelter. Then, to the north, Tolo Harbour comes into view. Look for the narrow sandbar connecting islands in the middle of the bay. Directly below you is Three Fathoms Cove with its floating fish farms. The first summit is Kai Kung Shan (Rooster Mountain), overlooking Sai Kung town in the distance. Feral cattle live up here, but they run away if you approach. And if you don’t see the cows, you can’t miss the piles of organic fertiliser they leave behind. It’s easy to follow the trail; there are few turnings and the MacLehose is clearly signposted at the occasional fork. Skirt the hills of Lui Ta Shek and Wa Mei Shan (named for the hwamei, an indigenous songbird) to reach the Cheung Sheung plateau.

Across a stream among the overgrown fields of a long-abandoned Hakka settlement is a village store that opens at weekends to serve tea and dau fu fa, a sweet tofu dessert made with spring water. You may wonder what economics could have caused people to live up here, so far from any market; Sai Sha Road is relatively new and the villagers would have had to take a boat to Tai Po to sell their produce. It’s likely the original inhabitants grew tea, which likes these cooler altitudes. At this trail crossroads, follow the path for Pak Tam Au. It leads east over Ngam Tau Shan, rewarding hikers with views of picturesque Long Harbour and the open sea beyond. A steep, knee-shaking descent finally brings you to the road at Pak Tam Au. Cross over to find the bus stop, from where all buses will take you to Sai Kung town. Pete Spurrier is the author of The Leisurely Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong and The Serious Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong (FormAsia).

Professional Birthday Party Entertainment

marketplace

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Party Theming, Entertainment, Decorations, Venue

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

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

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Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

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marketplace

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marketplace

Our Practitioners

Osteopath Dr. Damien Mouellic

Osteopath Alessio Savona

Psychologist Dr. Robin Li-Liang,

B.sc. (Clin. Sc.), M.H.Sc. (Osteo), M.A.O.A., H.K.O.A.

B.sc., BOst., M.I.C.O., H.K.O.A.

Ph.D., M.A., Ed.M., A.P.A., H.K.P.S. US (New York Licensed Counseling Psychologist)

Your path to optimal health

Physiotherapist Mona Hussain

Acupuncturist Brendt Reynolds

B.A.(Psych.) M.S., D.P.T., Doctorate in Physiotherapy (USA), Certified in Spec. Ed. (USA), US Licensed and Trained, Hong Kong Registered

Bhsc., AACMA Member of the Australian & Chinese Medicine Association

OPEN HOURS

Mon/Wed/Fri Tue/Thur Sat Closed

09:00am – 06:00pm 09:00am – 07:00pm 09:00am – 04:00pm Sunday/Public Holidays

Doctor of Osteopathy Jennifer Kier

Naturopath/ Herbalist Jeanette Lilly Blanks

Massage Therapist Rachel Davies Dip. Sports Massage,CIBTAC

BHSc(Hons), MNIMH, MNHAA, MATMS

FIND US AT

G/F, 120 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong T: +852 2372 9700 E: info@stanleywellnesscentre.com

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classifieds LOCAL Property

SILVERSTRAND ~ 5 Bedrooms HK$98 K Ref~ CWB467 Full Sea View, High Ceilings, Huge Living Dining Room, Study. Convenient Location for Shops & Transport. 2 c/p, Good Management. Stroll to the Beach. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656 180K Deluxe Seaview Dream Home 2465(S) 3200(G) + 2000 big garden Top class designer deluxe 4 large beds 2 ensuites big eat-in kitchen extremely quiet Unique Home Limited (C-049605) 28800709 www.uniquehome.com.hk

Great Value Garden House HK$55 K Ref ~ SK468 5 mins to Sai Kung Town. 4 Bedrooms, Wooden Floors, Lawn Garden, Family Room, Fitted Kitchen, Helpers Q. Quiet Location with Mountain Views. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656 130K Stanley Garden Duplex 1836(S) 2200(G) +big garden & backyard Brand new deluxe interior modern kitchen marble bath 3 beds big master split level living dining Unique Home Limited (C-049605) 28800709 www.uniquehome.com.hk

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Overseas Property

Bangtao Beach Villa, Phuket for Rent Stunning six bedroom luxury villa by Bangtao beach (next to Banyan Tree Hotel) with large private swimming pool, chef, maid, executive minibus with driver, all transfers and full breakfasts. Cook will also prepare lunch and dinner, you pay food cost only. We have three large king size suites with full sea views and three big twin suites (one with disabled access). Beautifully furnished with large European style kitchen. www.salafa.net or call +852 6999 1500 Phuket - Modern Thai villa in secure compound with private pool (not overlooked). 3 ensuite double bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, tastefully furnished, wi-fi, TV, DVD. Short walk to unspoilt Bangtao beach and bars, restaurants. Daily maid service and airport transfers included. Contact British owners: madcat73@ hotmail.com +852 6184 8910

NEED A HOLIDAY? PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches. Reasonable rates! Website: www.phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com

Relax in the English countryside Fresh air, rolling countryside and five-star accommodation - enjoy it all at Cuckoo Lodge, a four-bedroom ecocottage in the South West of England. Enjoy walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding in this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Plus lots of cultural, shopping and dining opportunities in nearby Taunton, Exeter, Bristol or Bath. See www. millmeadow.co.uk for more information.

classifieds Overseas Property

Croatia. Stunning Istrian Stone Cottage for Sale Beautifully renovated and furnished with secluded private pool in quiet Istrian hamlet. 3 double beds, 2 bath, 2 large living areas, rustic kitchen. 2200 ftsq internal plus landscaped gardens. HK$ 3,000,000 for Croatian company or asset . More photos at www.novasol.com/p/cil540. Contact British owner Paul on 92646241 or paul@fastmail.es for more details.

Luxury villa for rent in Bali Breathtaking view, fully staffed, 5 mins from the best beaches. Perfect for a family holiday, or 2 families holidaying together. www.villabayubali.com. "Don't even consider a hotel in Bali. Top shelf!"

Charities The Samaritans’ Support Group for People Bereaved by Suicide An English-speaking support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, 8 pm, The Mariners’ Club, TST. Free & confidential. For further information, please tel 2896 0000 or check http://www. samaritans.org.hk DONATE OLD BABY CLOTHES Toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed by Pathfinders, a charity that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna (Chinese speaking): 5135 3015.

Tuition and Courses Tennis Performance Asia Limited Lessons/Training: Private, Groups – Adult, children, Ladies Coaching . Kowloon, NT, HK Island HK, Australian, USPTA Qualified Coaches Contact Senior Coach Todd Hooper – 97335197: todd@tennisperformanceasia.com www.tennisperformanceasia.com [TPA] Director – Ray Kelly Mandarin / Cantonese speaking nanny -available to play with your kids, read them stories and guide the kids to discover the daily life. Mandarin tutors -- available to tutor primary and secondary students, experience in helping Please visit CALL-A-TUTOR.COM, or call 2572 8989. Herman Lam Dance Studio Salsa, Swing, Latin, Argentina Tango and Ballroom. We design unique memorable wedding dances and we also rent out our dance studio. Detail, professional instruction, friendly, small classes, elegant space, come & you'll dance. 2320-3605 www.hermanlamdance.com LIVE BAND SCHOOL WANT TO PLAY IN A BAND? Calling all singers, guitarists, bass players and drummers. Join our Band Workshops in Causeway Bay. Ages from 11 to 19. Contact : info@livebandschool.com 67182585

School Choice International is the world’s leading school placement consultancy, helping thousands of family globally. There’s a perfect school for every child. We’ll guide you there. Please visit www.schoolchoiceintl.com HAPPY VALLEY DANCE CLASSES (ONE ON ONE), AGES 10 TO 80! Offering Tap and Ballet Barre classes for beginners Including TERMINOLOGY AND TECHNIQUE Telephone 25228930 PARKING AVAILABLE

Classified classifieds@southside.hk

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Health & Well Being SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER ! Friendly, Fun, Exercise Classes to suit all levels. Every morning 9.15am at the H.K. Cricket Club. Open to non members. Just come when you can, no pre registration required. Purchase coupon from reception, $120 per hour. Parking available. Call 9462 0352 for details

Services NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk RENOVATION Open Kitchen, Demolition rwyt9988@yahoo.com.hk A-1 Engineering Limited Office, Home, Shop, Hotel Tel: 9521 6939 Email: liricky288@rocketmail.com GOOD JOB Contracting & Design 6181 0005

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

Domestic Help WELLPOINT PERSONNEL & CONSULTANCY = a friendly on-line domestic helper agency based in Central, HK. Our data base contains pre-screened foreign workers from different countries in Asia. Employers can hire direct from our data base .For busy household, we can assist on the entire process from candidates screening, arranging interviews and documentation. With our thorough screening process, we are here to help you in finding the “just-right-fit” for your family. We offer efficient and professional service and replacement guarantee. Email evelyn@wellpointpersonnel.com.website: www.wellpointpersonnel.com . Tel: 2882 9129 / 9754 8435 / 6447 4774. Office hours (Monday- Sunday) 9:30am – 6:30 pm.

the ultimate guide to southside COMMUNITY & HEALTH

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

The American Club Hong Kong 2842 7400 | membership@americanclubhk.com www.americanclubhk.com Annerley – maternity and early childhood professionals www.annerley.com.hk Caritas-HK 2538 7777 / 2550 7620 Feeding HK 2205 6568 http://feedinghk.org Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | info@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk Homeopathy to Health 6908 3234 | www.homeopathytohealth.org Repulse Bay Family Practice info@veritas-medical.com Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022 1779 | www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com Lotus Parenting 5304 5255 | groups@lotusparenting.com www.lotusparenting.com Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com

Asian Artworks Gallery 2812 0850 Chunky Onion Productions Ltd. 3188 1874 | birthdays@chunkyonion.com www.chunkyonion.com Dymocks 2803 1623 Venture Photography 2885 6262 www.venturephotography.com/hk Hong Kong Artwalk www.hongkongartwalk.com ORA Events kiwi-ball@ora-events.hk | www.ora-events.hk My Little Paper, Daily 7/Daily 10 www.daily7-daily10.com Lions v Barbarians www.lionsrugby.hk

Craft Box 9014 3262 simone@craftbox.asia | www.craftbox.asia The Edge Learning Center 2783 7100 / 2972 2555 info@theedge.com.hk | www.theedge.com.hk Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk ITS 3188 3946 | jennifer.c@tuition.com.hk Montessori for Children 2813 9589 hongkong@montessori.edu.sg www.montessori.edu.sg Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com Orton-Gillingham Centre for Different Learners 2525 8998 eric@msl-orton.com | www.msl-orton.com.hk Rugbees Play & Learn 2117 3055 | www.rugbees.com Sunshine House Pre-schools Hong Kong 2358 3803 taitam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk | www.educate.com Bebegarten 3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com Island Dance 2987 1571 | dance@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk Kellet School admissions@kellettschool.com | www.kelletschool.com Kidville 2892 8893 | www.kidville.hk Imran Cricket Academy 2575 3400 / 9745 2700 imran@imranacademy.com www.imranacademy.com Quest Study Skills 2690 9117 | www.queststudyskills.com My Happy Sunflower 2511 2538 www.myhappysunflower.com Spring Learning Limited 3465 5000 | www.spring-learning.com.hk The International Montessori School 2861 0339 info@session@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk Chinese International School 2512 5961 summerprogram@cis.edu.hk http://summercis.edu.hk Kids Village Education Centre 2811 2204 www.kidsvillage.hk Panda Pottery 6439 2387 / 6041 9613 www.pandapottery.com Sunshine House International Pre school 2813 0713 www.sunshinehouse.com.hk Southside Kindergarten 2592 7527 | info@southside.edu.hk

REAL-ESTATE AND HOTELS

Jones Lang LaSalle

EVENTS Asia Contemporary Art Show www.asiacontemporaryart.com Premiere Perfomances of Hong Kong Ticketing Enquiries: 2734 9009 Telephone Booking: 2111 5999 Programme Enquiries: 9545 6851 www.pphk.org

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven 2299 1110 Circle K Convenience Stores (HK) Limited 2294 9164 City Lifestyle 2856 1817 (Stanley) / 2580 1314 (Aberdeen) Mannings 2553 3244 Market Place by Jasons 2812 0340 Taste 2813 9521 Wellcome 2813 9363

FASHION & BEAUTY Nuan Cashmere sales@nuancashmere.com | www.nuancashmere.com Sabai Day Spa — Stanley 2104 0566 | www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2517 0939 | ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk Philips Sonicare 2619 9663 www.philips.com.hk

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2846 5000 www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk The Telo’s Group LCC www.telosgroupllc.com Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 2956 1234 | http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com Le Meridien Cyberport Club Horizon 2155 0489 www.clubhorizon.com.hk Direct Property Group 2588 3588/ 9730 0952 info@directpropertygroup.com www.directpropertygroup.com Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788 One Island South 2118 2992 | cs@oneislandsouth.com The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 | arcade@cyberport.hk arcade.cyberport.hk Stanley Plaza www.stanleyplaza.com L’Hotel Island South 3968 8888 | info@lhotelislandsouth.com www.lhotelislandsouth.com

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk

directory OTHER SERVICES Aeroporto 2553 6310 | info@aeroportodesign.com www.aeroportodesign.com Clover Auto Service 2790 1810 Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Hampton, Winter and Glynn 2847 2300 www.hwg-law.com Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk Truly Care Pest Control Services 2458 8378 info@trulycare.com.hk | www.trulycare.com.hk SameButDifferent Silver 6626 5424 | samebutdifferent.silver@gmail.com www.samebutdifferent.co Shopping Hong Kong shoppinghongkong@gmail.com Wifi Guy Hong Kong 9385 8379 | wifiguy.hk@gmail.com Professional Wills 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com

Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods

Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com Colour Brown Coffee 2791 7128 | shop.colourbrown.com.hk Edible Arrangements 2295 1108 / 2385 0158 | www.EdibleArrangements.hk Golden Goose Gourmet 2732 0981| customerservice@goldengoosegourmet.com www.goldengoosegourmet.com Ginsberg & Chan Wine Merchants Asia 2504 2221 | hello@winemerchantsasia.com winemerchantsasia.com Secret Ingredient www.secretingredient.com.hk Stan Cafe 2324 9008 | www.stancafe.hk Trattoria Caffe’ Monteverdi 2559 0115 The Verandah at the Repulse Bay 2292 2822 | www.therepulsebay.com Williams & Brown williamsandbrownhk.com

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES Bouncy Kids 9228 5772 | cs@bouncykids.hk | www.bouncykids.hk Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Petit Bazaar 2544 2255 / 2528 0229 / 2407 1892 contact@petit-bazaar.com | www.petit-bazaar.com Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Weight Watcher

2813 0814 | kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Power Fit Studio 3621 0180 | www.powerfitstudio.com.hk Primal Strength 5305 6323 | enquiries@primalstrength.com.hk www.primalstrength.com.hk

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited 2553 4165 / 2553 0135 Bank Of Communications 2553 6281 / 2553 8282 Hang Seng Bank Ltd 2822 0228 Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited 2814 0845 The Bank of East Asia Limited 3609 1651/ 3609 1637/ 3609 1636 Kwiksure 3113 2112 | christian@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com

HOME Box Design

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

China Light & Power Emergency Services 2728 8333 China Light & Power Customer Info Line 2678 2678 Electrical Appliance Repair Hong Kong Mr Ho 9846 8082 St John Ambulance Assn & Brigade Dist Hq 2555 0119 Tung Wah Group Of Hospitals 2538 5867 Typhoon Emergency Centre 2773 2222 Water Fault Reports 2811 0788 Water Supplies Department 2824 5000

Chez Uno 2791 9662 / 2723-8990 | www.chezuno.com Eco Living 2792 7998 | askus@ecoliving.hk | www.ecoliving.hk Everything Under The Sun 2554 9088 | www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Lift Lifestyle International Ltd. 3907 0386 liftlifestyle@gmail.com | www.liftlifestyle.com Makaron Home Linen info@makaron-home.com | makaron-home.com Sinocham(HK) Enterprises Ltd 2558 8117 info@sinocham.com.hk | www.sinocham.com.hk Wofu Deco 2768 8428 info@wofudeco.com.hk | www.wofudeco.com.hk Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk Lea James 6145 4583 | www.leajamespurseorganizers.com

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL SERVICES

PETS & VETS

Crown Relocations 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong Elite Charters 5434 9955 info@elitecharters.hk | www.elitecharters.hk Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk Intimate Charters www.intimate-charters.com Lotus Tours Limited 2316 1308 | www.RCCL-HKG.com Scorpion RIBS 9199 3860 scorpionribshk@gmail.com www.scorpionribs.com

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 | trilby@animalemergency.com.hk Ferndale Kennels & Cattery 2792 4642 | www.ferndalekennels.com Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 | info@pacificpets.com.hk Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Vet2Pet 6999 1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com | www.vet2pet.com.hk

BOATING Explorer Motor Yachts (HK) Ltd 9261 0785 hk@explorermotoryachts.com www.explorermotoryachts.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

my southside

ooh la la!

Anne-Christine Martin

The French relocation expert offers a Gallic perspective of Southside. Best way to enjoy the outdoors? Jogging or hiking. The Tai Tam Reservoir Country Park offers so many opportunities. My favourite trails are Mount Butler or Violet Hill because they have both reservoir and city views. It is like a spiritual experience, especially during weekdays when you can experience silence and loneliness. What advice would you give newcomers to Hong Kong? Some people are disappointed by Hong Kong because it is not a perfect city; it is not totally rich, it is not totally poor; not a big place for cultural events; not a real country... But everything is concentrated in this small place. One minute you think you are in a Western country, and a few metres ahead you are in a totally different place. As in a classical Chinese garden, every new scene is unexpected. To appreciate it, you only need to be in the mood for being surprised. Tell us about your website, Bienvenue a Hong Kong. We help French-speaking people in the areas of tourism, setting up in Hong Kong and organising events. We show tourists Hong Kong’s fantastic “green” assets in the form of hiking or cycling, and for people moving here we organise a “discovery tour” of neighbourhoods, provide useful addresses and an appreciation of local life and culture. We work in partnership with French real-estate agents for a global service of “relocation French-style”. What do wish you had known before you moved here? I’ve been living in Southside for four and a half years. I didn’t know before I arrived just how much I would love this place. No one told me (or at least, I didn’t believe it) that Hong Kong was not just tall buildings like matchboxes. What do French expats find most difficult about Hong Kong? A lot of expats get frustrated with their own bad English-language skills. Picking up the phone for even simple tasks – installing internet, ordering curtains, registering children for activities – and trying to communicate with Chinese people whose English is not always great either can be a real source of anxiety... and annoyance.

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A lot of French people living in Hong Kong do not understand Chinese culture, which is so different from ours. One of my ambitions with Bienvenue a Hong Kong is to explain the roots of certain traditions to help people better understand and appreciate them. What are your favourite places on Southside? I jog with my dog along the promenade between Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. The colours are always changing. It looks like Brittany with the sailing boats waving their masts in the distance. It is very poetic. At weekends, my family often heads to Shek O for lunch and to sunbathe. It’s one of the most exotic places in Hong Kong – it’s like travelling, to the Dominican Republic.

Shek O Beach.

What’s your Southside secret spot? I often take clients to Ap Lei Chau, to the small streets where the market stands and around the temple. There is a very special atmosphere with loads of small shops, old businesses and also the marine stuff. What do you do in your spare time? I’m always looking for new places, discovering new areas or new restaurants. It is like a treasure hunt. I also read loads of books, especially histories of Hong Kong or nearby.

Waterfront promenade from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay.