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The really useful magazine June 2016
PEOPLE
GIVEAWAYS
4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER
FIVE MINUTES WITH...
10 Happening in June What’s on OUTDOORS 16 The dragon’s back Your guide to the Dragon Boat Festival. FAMILY 20 Top of the pops Gift ideas for Father’s Day. NEWS 22 What’s going on? In your backyard. LETTERS 26 Have your say
28 Free stuff Fab things to win.
30 Pauline Yam The actress-turned-Aberdeen District Councillor. LOCAL 32 WAY to go Southside’s community development project. NEWS FROM THE GREENS 33 Octopussy Tunnel toll payments aren’t getting any easier. FEATURE 34 Fun in the sun Your guide to Summer camps for kids.
EDUCATION 42 German Swiss International School Behind the scenes. ARTS & CULTURE 48 Behind the scenes at Christie’s We visit the auction house. EATING 52 All that and dim sum The best places to go for yum cha. Plus nibbles. BIG DAY OUT 58 Free-wheelin’ Biking through Hong Kong’s wetlands.
YOGA YODA 70 Awkward moments … and other embarrassing stories from a yoga teacher. PETS 72 A hot matter How to prevent heat stroke in your pet. HONG KONG CREATURES 72 The blue-spotted emperor dragonfly Hong Kong’s regal dragonfly. SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 80 Chasing waterfalls Waterfall bay in Pok Fu Lam.
TRAVEL 60 24 hours in Macau Where to go and what to do.
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“SUN IS SHINING, THE WEATHER IS SWEET, MAKE YOU WANT TO MOVE YOUR DANCING FEET” - BOB MARLEY
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contributors
Robyn Or
Rebecca Simpson
Kristy Wong
Robyn is a story collector who believes she can notice the uniqueness of every single person on earth. Robyn has worked as a reporter, a flight attendant, a copywriter and now makes a living as a freelance photographer and writer. She does whatever makes her happy. Read her interview with Southside’s actress-turnedpolitician on page 30.
Rebecca arrived in Asia years ago for a dream PR role and delighted in spending much of her time flying around the region and getting paid to talk about beauty products. Now with two daughters, she works from their floating family home in Lantau, writing and living a new dream. Find out about her trip to German Swiss International School on page 42.
While completing her internship at Southside Magazine, Kristy is also currently a law major at the University of Hong Kong. Kristy is a keen traveller and in her free time, she likes to wander around the city, exploring beyond the hustle and bustle. She finds out about the Southern District’s Way Project on page 32.
Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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people Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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people HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens 2016
Photography by Steps Photography Team
Very Aberdeen
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people RosĂŠ Revolution, Hullett House
SPCA Stanley Plaza Dog Carnival
Summer Dragon Boat Fun Day, Aberdeen
Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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planner
JUN 25-26
IRIS: Your Escape with ManulifeMOVE
One of the largest wellness events in Hong Kong, head here for free yoga classes by the best yoga teachers in town and a plethora of healthy snacks and products. 9am-9pm, New Central Harbourfront. 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. Free entry upon registration at www.irishkg.com
JUN 1-6 12 Stories: Where is Now After All? This exhibition features the work of 12 international artists who have been working together at Colour My World studio in Aberdeen. Expect visual art, illustration, storytelling and performance art. 7pm-9pm (June 1); 10am-9pm (June 2-5); 10am-5pm (June 6). Hong Kong Visual Art Centre, 7A Kennedy Road, Central, www.facebook.com/12storieswhereisnowafterall
JUN 2 American School Hong Kong A parent information session for the new school on the block, set to open in September. 1pm2pm, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central, ashk.com.
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JUN 3 Summer Lifestyle & Gift Fair Shop ‘til you drop before the kids break up. Browse gifts, stationery, homewares, fashion, baby gear, food and drink - all under one roof. Free entry. The Conrad Hotel, Grand Ballroom, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.
JUN 4 Summer Sparkles Get your summer shop on at this glamorous event, with lucky draws, free entrance gifts and vendors from around the world. 11am-8pm, The Mira Hotel, TST, kowloonbazaar.com
JUN 4 WWF’s Coastal Watch Beach Clean-up At Beaufort Island. A complimentary lunch will
be provided by Aberdeen Boat Club on the boat to all volunteers. Meet at 11:30am at Mainclub Pontoon for a 12pm departure. All participants must be at least 14 years old. Register with Regienne at 2552 8182 or email booking@abclubhk.com
JUN 5 Tapas by the Beach Last month’s Spanish Feast on Shek O beach was postponed to June. Fill up on drinks, desserts and free flow tapas. Think paella, cold cuts, croquetas, albóndigas, tortillas… Plus, learn to cook a few Spanish dishes and practice the language. 1pm-9pm. Tickets $368 or $184 for children under eight; free admission for children aged five and under. www.ticketflap.com/tapasbythebeach
happening in June
Charity yoga on the beach at Repulse Bay.
JUN 5 Charity Yoga on the Beach
JUN 9 Hanuman Carnival Family Fun Day
Enjoy the sound of waves and get your feet sandy with The Yoga Room on World Environment Day. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Repulse Bay, donation of $100. www.yogaroomhk.com
Showcasing Hindu culture and customs through a variety of interactive games, live entertainment, vegetarian food stalls and a yoga festival. 12pm7pm, Central Harbourfront (entrance near HK Observation Wheel, near Star Ferry)
JUN 7-19 Faust Festival The annual celebration of live theatre returns for a 17th triumphant season. Two weeks of a variety of shows all performed by Faust’s budding young actors. Y Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan. Tickets $125 from URBTIX, www.urbtix.com, 2111 5999
JUN 9 Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship Don’t miss one of the most competitive and exciting dragon boat races this year! 8am to 5pm, Stanley Main Beach. Find out more on page 16.
JUN 9, 11 & 12 Link’s Stanley Plaza Summer Jam Kick off the summer at this threeday music festival. This year’s theme “Retro Music Wave” features a series of live performances and dances, a beerdrinking contest and a dress-up competition. Hear local bands delivering energetic renditions of golden hits. Day one is themed ‘Dancing Queen’; day two, ‘Movie Music Marathon’; day three will revolve around classics from the 1960s to 1980s.
Jammin’ at Stanley Plaza.
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planner JUN 10-12 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Carnival Three days of festivities and racing. This event takes place on Victoria Harbour, with spectator viewing at TST East Promenade, hkdba.org.hk
JUN 11-12 Wellness 360 Fair
JUN 16 We Are Here
Health food and drinks, stalls, plus activities for kids. 10.30am-6pm, the pulse, Atrium, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay.
This independent multi-media project from local artist Katherine Sparrow and filmmaker Polly McGovern is the culmination of six months spent working with Hong Kong’s refugees. $200/person in aid of the refugee community. 7pm-9.30pm, The Hive, 6/F, Unit 1, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, www.facebook.com/weareherehongkong
JUN 14 Summer Bling & Bubbly Billed as the jewellery party of the century, shop ethnic and contemporary jewellery and enjoy complimentary canapes and bubbles. 12pm7pm, The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, shoppinghongkong@gmail.com
JUN 19 Father’s Day Don’t forget the main man in your life, good old dad. See page 20 for gift ideas.
JUN 25 Day of the Seafarer JUN 11 Smile HK’s first birthday party Smile HK events promote openness and expressionism. This rooftop festival features live art, DJs and fresh food cooked on the barbecue by Butchers Club chefs. 2pm-10pm, 16/F Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen. Early bird tickets are $100 from www.ticketflap.com/smilehongkonghk
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We love dads.
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planner
BOOK NOW DEC 8-JAN 1 Wicked
JUL 22-AUG 7 Shrek the Musical
The spellbinding musical is set to take the stage at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts this December. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two girls - the popular Glinda and the misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba - and their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the infamous ‘Wicked Witch of the West’. Tickets from $445 at hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Everyone’s favourite ogre from a faraway land comes to Macau. This live adaptation features over a dozen fairytale misfits including donkey and a not-so-handsome prince. The Venetian Theatre, The Venetian Macau. Tickets from $180 from Cotai Ticketing, www.cotaiticketing.com, 6333 6660.
NOV 25-27 Clockenflap The annual music festival will change location to Central this year, after five years at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The line-up includes Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós, reggae Kiwi band Fat Freddy’s Drop and Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist José González. Tickets from $790 from www.clockenflap.com. Concessions available.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.
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dragon boating
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the dragon’s back
Paddles up After months of hard work and sore muscles, teams all over Hong Kong will be hitting the water on June 9. Carolynne Dear splashes over to find out what it’s all about.
T
his month’s national holiday, also known as Tuen Ng, will see spectators flocking to beaches and waterways all over the territory to cheer on local teams as they power their way along a 200-odd metre race course. The Big Daddy of Hong Kong’s dragon boat events, Stanley, welcomes a massive 30,000 plus spectators each year, to watch over 250 local and international teams battle it out at Stanley Main Beach. This year the event runs from 8am-5pm, but arrive early to beat the crowds. Even the sea is junked out with water-based spectators enjoying the day. The dragon boats race a 250m short course into the beach. Categories include Men Class A and B, Mixed, Ladies and a brand new event for this year based on cumulative points for teams in all three categories. Until June 11, Stanley Dragon Boat Association is holding an exhibition at Stanley Community Hall showcasing the history of the sport, with photos dating back to the 1950s.
Tai O This unique dragon boat event is organised by three local fishermen associations and includes a water parade with colourfully decorated sampans pulled by dragon boats. The racing takes place in the middle of the traditional stilt houses. This year the event starts from 8am at Tai O Waterfront. More info at tai-o.hk
Cheryl Fender, captain of top local team BGC Stormy Dragons, explains how to “do” Stanley. “It’s a manic day with so many people paddling - a junk is the best way to view the event. Failing that, get down to Main Beach early. If you’re hoping to stay for lunch, definitely book ahead. “We started training in January as our racing season starts in March. We have a women’s team and a mixed team competing at Stanley we’re hoping for silverware, but you never know! Look out for us in bright red shirts and black shorts. “We’ll be relaxing with a beer on Main St afterwards, but not too much as we’re competing the following day and also the following weekend at the Dragon Boat Carnival on Victoria Harbour. “Personally, this is a special event for me as, after 20 years, I am leaving Hong Kong this summer - a few of the girls are trying to organise a reunion for my last ever paddle in Stanley.”
Aberdeen A wonder to watch as local fisherman race huge 50-man boats through Aberdeen harbour. There is a carnival atmosphere all along Aberdeen Promenade from where the racing can be viewed free-of-charge, or from a spectator stand (contact the Dragon Boat Race Committee on 8107 3488 for tickets). The event starts from 8am until around 6pm. Check out the Aberdeen Dragon Boat Facebook page for more info.
Discovery Bay Head here for the racing at Tai Pak Beach, plus stage shows and cheerleading by Hong Kong Disneyland. Discovery Bay Plaza is also hosting a carnival with loads of family entertainment. Racing starts from 8am until 6pm. The carnival runs from 10.30am until 6pm. See ddeck.hk for more info.
Jayne Russell Photography
Other Destinations
Dragon Boat Festival in Stanley - do you dare?
HOW TO DO STANLEY
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Photo by www.MikaylaPhotography.com
dragon boating
Sai Kung Blazing Paddles Ladies team celebrates victory.
Sai Kung Busy, but not as mad as Stanley, the Sai Kung dragon boats race into the waterfront on the Inner Port Shelter. The event starts from 8am and finishes at around 2pm, followed by a festival in Sai Square, which is located just behind the waterfront. More information can be found at www.skdragonboat.org
Watch out for top local team BGC Stormy Dragons.
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History Lesson These days dragon boat racing is a major international sport, but it has been practised as a ceremonial and religious tradition for over 2,000 years. Tuen Ng falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually May or June. At this time, the sun and the dragon are considered to be at their most potent. Venerating the dragon is meant to avert misfortune and calamity and encourage rainfall, which in ancient times was vital for rice farmers in southern China. One legend to arise out of the myths surrounding Tuen Ng is that of Qu Yuan. A Chinese court official, Qu was so fed-up with government corruption he waded into the local river holding a rock, preparing to kill himself in protest. On hearing of this, local villagers jumped into their fishing boats to try and save him, beating drums and splashing the water to keep the evil spirits from him, while scattering rice to encourage the fish not to eat him. Today, sticky rice wrapped in leaves is still scattered on the water in commemoration of Qu Yuan.
Can’t get enough? June 10-12 - Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, Central Harbourfront. Three days of festivities and racing. This event is held on Victoria Harbour, with spectator viewing at TST East Promenade. hkdba.org.hk June 19 - Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races, a short and sweet 200m course on Stanley Main Beach. The day runs from 8am5pm. dragonboat.org.hk September 18 - The 14th Sai Kung Summer Vigor, a full-day of mini dragon boat races as local teams battle it out at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Pier, Sai Kung. Racing runs from 8am-4pm. dragonboat-hk.org
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family
Great gifts for dad on Father’s Day.
‘Duo Complice’ plaited leather small bracelet $2,790 from Christofle
‘Emperor’ handpainted mug and lid $228 from G.O.D
Fitbit Blaze $1,598 from Fitbit, www.fitbit.com
Qing Dynasty mens trunks $1,400 from Mazu Swimwear ($2,000 for a father & son bundle), www.mazuswimwear.com
Flip flops $228 from G.O.D, Shop 105, 1/F Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2673 0071, god.com.hk
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Lumen 170 waistband for runners $950 from ESCAPADE Sports, Shop 110, Level 1, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2395 2778, www.escapade.com.hk
Black Cedarwood & Juniper cologne by Jo Malone $580 (30ml); $1,160 (100ml) from Shop 137, Pacific Place Mall, 2918 4865, www.jomalone.com.hk
Selection of cards by kikki.K From $45 each, www.kikki-k.com
Stanley stretched canvas by Belinda Bath From $4,500, belindabathimages.com
Nespresso Maestria Rosso $4,688 from Nespresso, www.nespresso.com/hk
‘I Love Dad’ socks giftbox $310 for a box of three pairs from Happy Socks, www.happysocks.com/hk
‘Graphik’ set of two Old Fashioned glasses $1,780 from Christofle, Shop 117, Prince’s Building, Central, 2869 7311
Weber Original Kettle charcoal grill (18.5”) $1,780 from Christofle, Shop 117, $2,020 from Alberobello, G/F, 134 Connaught Road, Central, www.alberobello.com.hk
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news
in your backyard
CLEAN THE OCEANS To celebrate World Oceans Day this month, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is banning the sale of plastic straws, drink bottles and bags at its harbour-side Clubhouse. The Club’s rear commodore sailing, Anthony Day, said: “It’s impossible to sail far without being struck by the amount of plastic that finds its way into our waters and onto our beaches. I am grateful to membership and management for taking up this “plastic free” challenge.” World Oceans Day is on June 8, worldoceansday.org.
HELPFUL HAND FOR CHOOSING HEALTHCARE
AMMA, TELL ME MORE
An English-language health guide has been launched this month, providing quality-of-care information about Hong Kong’s hospitals. The independent online guide has been set up by The Zubin Foundation, a social policy think-tank and registered charity founded by parents Shalini Mahtani and Ravi Gidumal in memory of their son, Zubin, who died in 2009 aged just three. The platform covers all of Hong Kong’s 41 public and 11 private hospitals. It uses patient feedback to rate hospitals for their quality of care. It is hoped the guide will enable users to make better informed decisions about their health-care. “As patients, we know so little about
Hong Kong-based author, Bhakti Mathur, has launched her latest children’s story in the Amma tell me series. Introducing major Hindu festivals and figures, the latest story features Durga Puja, a gentle and loving mother and daughter and yet a ferocious and fearful Goddess of war. “Durga is a fascinating multi-faceted Goddess”, says Mathur. “I hope my little readers enjoy celebrating Durga’s adventures”. The book is available now at Bookazine stores priced at $108. Find out more at www.bhaktimathur.com
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hospital treatment. We rely almost entirely on what a doctor may suggest… but patients have to be engaged too to ensure the best possible outcome,” said Mahtani. Patients can fill out a survey online to rate the performance of the hospital, answering specific questions that have been devised in conjunction with The Harvard Global Health Institute and the University of Hong Kong. “Experience in the US and elsewhere shows that patient experience surveys can provide important insights about the quality of care in hospitals,” said Professor Ashish Jha of the Institute. The platform can be found at hospitaladvisor.org.hk
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news
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR NEW BRIT SCHOOL CHARITY COOKBOOK
The foundations have been laid for Malvern College, the latest British to arrive in Hong Kong. Originally founded in Worcestershire, UK, in 1865, the school ranks within the top 5% of UK schools nationally. Malvern’s Hong Kong-based independent, co-educational day school aims to eventually provide 960 spaces for primary and secondary students in the Territory. It will use the International Baccalaureate as its backbone curriculum, along with a broad co-curriculum focusing on sport, drama and the arts. The school will be placing special emphasis on Chinese, developing a tailored Mandarin
curriculum in conjunction with Beijing Normal University. There will be further exchange opportunities for students with Malvern’s sister schools in Qingdao and Chengdu. Malvern also aims to be the first school in Hong Kong to introduce the Forest School curriculum, where students are encouraged to interact and learn from nature. The school will be located adjacent to Hong Kong Science Park in Tai Po, New Territories, and hopes to open its doors to students in September 2018. The admissions process begins this coming September. For more details, see malverncollege.org.hk
The Children of the Mekong delegation in Hong Kong has launched its latest cookbook for charity. Featuring over 150 recipes shared by chefs and the expat community, the book will be on sale at the French International School Fair at Jardine’s Lookout on June 4 and at the French bookstore Parenthèses in Central. The bilingual French- and English-language book is priced at $200. Children of the Mekong, established in 1958 by French doctor Réné Péchard, raises funds to help children in South East Asia access quality education by offering individual or community sponsoring and building schools.
“Flavours Around the World”
thePatsy SummerCAMP
Cooking and Baking workshops from June 13 up to September 2, 2016 ~ with Morning and Afternoon CAMPS each day! Explore the world of culinary in week-long classes or single class, where budding chefs will learn different cooking and baking techniques! 100% hands on cooking / baking experience in a fun and kitchen-safe environment!
Cost per class from $680 per student. 10% off for students enrolled to 10 classes and more, and extra 5% for siblings enrolled together. Class details: http://eshop.thepatsy.com.hk info@thepatsy.com.hk www.thepatsy.com.hk 2503 3198 7A Po Chai Industrial Building, 28 Wong Chuk Hang Road (entrance via Heung Yip Road), Hong Kong
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thepatsycreativeculinary
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letters
have your say
Goodbyes “Turtle Beach on Lamma island is one of our favourite spots in Hong Kong and a great place to kick off junk season. With blue skies and lush green mountains, it was a perfect day as we said goodbye to our dearest friends Peggy and Ulli. Hong Kong will miss you and your families.� - Liana Sadhwani, Pok Fu Lam
Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #southsidemag on social media!
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free stuff
win at www.southside.hk
Amalfitana
Escapade Sports
The pulse’s latest addition, Amalfitana, is an artisan pizza bar inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Opened just last month, Italian-born Chef Michel Degli Agosti serves up classic pizzas with creative toppings, fresh salads and plenty more Italian favourites. We’re giving away $500 worth of vouchers to two lucky readers. www.facebook.com/amalfitanahk
Escapade Sports aims to help athletes reach their full potential - and that includes doing preventing pesky mosquito bites! Escapade stocks Parakito, an all-natural mosquito repellent available in wristband or clip form. Each repellent contains essential oils that mozzies hate and lasts for up to 15 days. We have five bracelets and clips to give away. www.parakito.com Deadline: June 28
Deadline: June 30
Treasure Island Group Celebrating its 20th year of adventure camps and surf schools, outdoor education and adventure specialist Treasure Island is giving one lucky youngster a summer camp to remember on beautiful Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. Choose between a week-long Grommets Beginner Surf Camp (for ages five to nine) or Adventure Camp (for ages nine to 18). www.treasureislandhk.com
Hong Kong Ballet
Vita Coco
The Hong Kong Ballet is performing their season finale ‘Serenade and More’ on June 18. Watch some of Asia’s finest dancers as they take the autdience through a mixed bill of four acts including Balanchine’s ‘Seranade’ and Fei Bo’s ‘Over There’. We have two pairs of tickets worth $680 each to give away. www.hkballet.com
Coconuts for coconut water? Now available in Hong Kong, Vita Coco has been one of the leading coconut water brands around the world. Coconut water is a perfect thirst quencher for the hot summer months while also packed with electrolytes and potassium. We’re giving away five cases of Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water (12x330ml bottles) plus a BPA-free Purist bottle. www.vitacoco.com
Deadline: June 7
Deadline: June 29
Deadline: June 24
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe
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five minutes with... Editorial Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk
model citizen
PAULINE YAM The actress-turned-Aberdeen District Councillor speaks to Robyn Or about the transition from celebrity to politician.
Contributing Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk
Design
Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Sergio Marcal sergio@fastmedia.com.hk
Digital
Digital Marketing Manager Charmaine Mirandilla charmaine@fastmedia.com.hk
Thanks to
Amanda Sheppard Belinda Bamford Carolynne Dear Kate Springer Kristy Wong Dr Anders Kulhavy Paul Zimmerman Rebecca Simpson Robyn Or Steffi Yuen Victor Chau
Publisher
Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
Published by
Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Photo by: Faust
When I was 15 years old I packed my bags and took a flight by myself to the U.S. to start a new high school. I wasn’t a typical good student under the Hong Kong education system - I asked too many questions. I became more independent after living in the U.S. but the longer I stayed there, the more I knew that Hong Kong is where I belong. Just before my last semester at Harvard University, when everyone was starting to plan for their career after graduation, I surprised myself - and others - by taking half a year off from school to register for the Miss Hong Kong Pageant 1997. I thought it would be a great way to explore the entertainment industry. The Miss Hong Kong Pageant was tough and very tiring. The whole process taught me how to deal with pressure and stress. It
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has made me a stronger person today. I flew back to the U.S. to finish my degree right after the competition. Acting allows me to live another kind of life without ever losing myself, but it has always been just a part-time job and hobby for me. Over the years I have acted in TV dramas, films and plays as well as appearing on radio and talk shows. My favourite role to play was as a flirtatious woman in Law 2002. The role was a challenge as I am actually a candid and straighttalking person. When I was 26, my father passed away. He instilled in me a drive to be independent and brave. I had to take over his role in the family business immediately - managing the factory and handling all the legal and financial matters. It was a tough time and it took me a few years to come to grips with his passing.
During the recent district council elections I was lucky to be recognised by a lot of local people thanks to my time as an actress. I never imagined at the start of my acting career that it would come to benefit me in such a way. There are always disputes in society and it is hard to please everyone, but I truly believe that the only way to make a place better is to work hand in hand with its citizens. I enjoy meeting people as part of my day-to-day job, although there are sometimes people whose only aim is to argue. The main priorities in Aberdeen are transportation, traffic congestion and cleanliness. Aberdeen is an old district and its original traffic planning cannot cope with current capacity. An MTR connection will help to the area’s transportation problems. I really hope that I can improve the lives of Aberdeen’s residents during my time in office.
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WAY TO GO The WAY Project in Southside is almost at an end, but what is it? Kristy Wong reports.
T
he WAY Project (which stands for We Are with You) is a $10 million project which aims to improve community development in the Southern District by promoting social integration and inclusion. Led by professors and students from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), it is hoped the project - now in its penultimate year - will lead to greater social mobility. The Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation donated the funds for the project to HKU in 2013. It was launched in the Southern District due to the large disparity in the area between low- and high-income families. It is estimated that, upon completion of the project, 80 different initiatives will have been implemented to the benefit of at least 16,000 Southside residents. “The target beneficiaries are the grassroots families of the Southern district,” says Leonie Ki, Director of the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation. “Students have used their acquired expertise to design community service activities with the needs of these families in mind.
For example, tutors and students from the Department of Architecture have developed Joy to Live - a home improvement project for subdivided flat residents - whereas those from the School of Nursing are providing
The target beneficiaries are the grassroots families of the Southern District.
training to care-givers of the elderly.” On the cultural side of things, the Fisheries and Fishing Communities in Aberdeen initiative seeks to collect, preserve and share fishermen’s stories via oral histories, a mobile living museum and cultural tours. “Among the core initiatives, this may be the most remarkable, as it involves extensive participation of fishermen, HKU students and the general public,” says Dr. Albert Ko, Head of the Student Development Programme at HKU.
Recognising the cultural significance of the fishing communities in and around Aberdeen, Ki is keen to ensure that future generations do not forget the area’s past. “The fishing communities in Aberdeen and the surrounding area remain some of the Southside’s most valuable cultural treasures. Fisheries used to be a flourishing industry in Aberdeen, but along with economic development came their fall. Their unique history and culture is slowly vanishing.” To date, the Stories of Aberdeen Fishing Folks exhibition has attracted around 7,200 visitors and over 900 participants have joined the cultural tours. In March this year, over 3,000 visitors in Stanley participated in Living On the Water - an event which shared the lives and experiences of Hong Kong’s water communities. Activities will be extended to other districts in the coming year. “Among all the activities, the drama shown in the Water Community Mobile Living Museum in Stanley impressed me most,” says Ki. “It was about a young man, abandoned by his fishermen parents when he was small, returning to Hong Kong from the United States in search for his lost family. Through this drama, people can understand more about Tanka (boat people) culture, the fall of fisheries and the bitterness of the Tanka people’s life. I was deeply inspired by their spirit and perseverance in times of challenge.” A Southside resident herself, Ki is pleased the project started here. “I have rediscovered this district, including the fishing culture and grassroots families’ living environment. I am glad to see different people taking part in community services and helping those in need. I also hope to see more publications on the history of Hong Kong’s fishing communities to pass these collective memories on to younger generations.” The project in the Southern District ends next August. For more information, visit wp.cedars.hku.hk/web/way
news from the greens
OCTOPUSSY The gloves are off on tunnel tolls. By Zimmerman, Paul Zimmerman.
O
K, I admit, as a motorbike rider I have a vested interest in paying for tunnels with my Octopus. Taking off my gloves, fiddling around to find money without dropping whatever else is in my pockets, putting back the change, closing up, putting my gloves back on...the process is even slower when it’s wet and cold. I’m fully aware of the traffic I’m holding up. In the absence of Autotoll for bikes, I’m in favour of a quick swipe of my octopus card, stuck under my glove on top of my right hand. Close to 2,000 people supported our campaign last month to have Octopus as a tunnel payment option. But despite LegCo having approved the Government’s request for $45 million for electronic stop ’n’ go payment, there has been little progress. Autotoll surely worked hard to stop the move. It rightly expects that fewer drivers will want to pay its fixed monthly charges. Legislators are focused on Octopus’ near monopoly and want the Government to give all electronic payment systems a chance. It appears that this has landed us all once again in the famous black hole of government decision making: trying to balance interests. After 14 years of experience in public policy, whenever a bureaucrat murmurs “balance” my alarm bells go off. It is a grand excuse for delays, inaction, or quietly pandering to the more powerful. Picture common sense and tough decisions neatly hidden among stacks of paper in a brown folder, held together by dark green string with metal tips. Back to Octopus. The decision is simple. Providing a quality service to customers is about making their lives easy. Octopus is a common electronic payment system and more popular than cash for many types of transactions. To balance interests, the Government can publish the software protocol for payment transactions, install USB ports and power plugs at the toll booths, and welcome whoever wants to install a card reader. And Autotoll? It will have another chance. Ultimately, Hong Kong needs one mandatory drive-through payment system for both Electronic Road Pricing and tunnel tolls, covering all vehicles. And the sooner the better to improve traffic management, reduce congestion, reduce air pollution and remove the very Paul Zimmerman is the CEO unhealthy job of a toll of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the booth operator. co-convenor of Save Our Country Hong Kong — Parks alliance. let’s fix it.
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There’s heaps on offer this holiday to keep the kids on their toes — and from under your feet, says Carolynne Dear.
The great outdoors Treasure Island Surf’s up on Lantau this summer, with weeklong camps for grommets (five to nine years) and intermediates (nine-12 years), including an overnight camp on the beach for the older age group. Meet at Central ferry pier 6 at 8am, returning at 4.40pm. treasureislandhk.com Hebe Haven Yacht Club Go wild with the club’s week-long Adventure Watersports programme. Try your hand at sailing and kayaking, plus beach games, mini-olympics and oodles of fun on the sea biscuit. The programme is aimed at seven-14 year olds and runs from June 27 to August 19. Further Optimist and Hong Kong Sailing Federation courses are also available. hhyc.org.hk Aberdeen Boat Club The club’s ever-popular Summer Youth Sailing Programme is on again this summer, open to all children aged seven and up throughout June and July. Optimist, Pico and Hong Kong Sailing Federation courses are all available. abclubhk.com
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Ark Eden These one-day wild and woolly eco camps on Lantau are designed to help children reconnect with nature. Experiences include Walking With Waterfalls, Bush Craft & Survival and A Day on the Farm. Suitable for five- to 11-year-olds. Drop-off and pick-up from Central ferry pier 6, or Mui Wo ferry pier. Arkedenonlantau.com
Sport Flex Studio Keep your kids moving this summer with Flex Studio’s summer camps. Try the popular Pilates or Flying Pilates camps, or a high energy dance camp run by Spotlight Studio. Children’s yoga is also available. Weekly camps run from July 4-22 and are suitable for ages seven and up. Locations in Central and Aberdeen’s One Island South. Register by June 6 to receive 10 percent off. www.flexhk. com/cms/flexkids ESF Sports From multi-sport, to football, to specialist swimming, gymnastics and tennis clinics, ESF summer camps will have them bouncing up and down throughout July and August. Half-day and full-day options are available
for children aged two years and up. Camp locations include AISHK in Kowloon Tong; Discovery College on Lantau; Kowloon Junior School in Kowloon; Renaissance College in Ma On Shan; South Island School in Aberdeen; and HK Academy in Sai Kung. esf.org.hk Sport4Kids Get stuck in with camps covering gymnastics, arts and crafts, football, rugby and basketball. There are also loads of competitions and camp games. Open to all high-energy kids aged 18 months through to 15 years. sport4kids.com Hong Kong Parkview The Tai Tam-based club has tons to offer throughout June and August, from hour-long mini-sports lessons for littlies (18 months to three years) to tennis, basketball, football, hockey and rock climbing for older children (ages four-10). Four- to 12-year-olds can also check out the full-day arts and gymnastics camps. Plus, there’s an early-bird ten percent discount if you sign up before June 11 for July classes, or July 11 for August classes. Email bookings only - spa@ hongkongparkview.com
A little bit of everything Hong Kong International School The Tai Tam school’s varied summer programme is split into two, three-week blocks (20 June -July 8 and July 11 -July 29) with a half-day or full-day option. It’s open to all Hong Kong primary- and secondary-aged children. Camps include Basketball, Dance & Music, Art, Math & Science, Reading, Mandarin. The Summer Exploration camp is packed with fun activities. hkis.edu.hk
Strike a pose at Flex Studio.
Asia Pacific Soccer School Jumpers for goalposts? Not likely with this professional outfit. This year the school is running two-and-a-half hour sessions for players aged five years and up in a variety of venues, including Stanley Ho, King’s Park, Kowloon Cricket Club and HK Academy Sai Kung. Each week is themed: Euro Superstars, Street Soccer and Summer Fun, to name a few. There are also Kinder Kicks classes for under fives. kinderkicks.hk (five years and under); apsoccer.hk (five years and up). South Horizons Clubhouse The Ap Lei Chau club is running minibasketball classes for littlies aged one-anda-half- to three-and-a-half years old. There’s also multi-sport for three to seven year olds; basketball for three- to 11-year-olds; and mini rugby for six- to seven-year-olds. Classes run from July 11 to August 19. Telephone bookings only - 2518 1393 Hong Kong International Tennis Academy Serving up aces over July and August, HKITA’s mini and junior tennis camps are aimed at three- to 12-year-olds. Locations on Hong Kong Island include Causeway Bay and
the Hong Kong Tennis Centre in Happy Valley. hkita.com Brazilian Football Academy Future football stars can hone their skills and add a touch of Brazilian flair to their game with the Brazilian Football Academy. Running six days a week from July 2 until August 20 at Stanley Ho Sports Centre in Pok Fu Lam, training sessions include skills and flicks, magic passing and Brazilian samba games. Saturday is tournament day and full of friendly football matches. bfa.hk Tinytots Soccer Summer soccer programmes for one- to four-year-olds at the Stanley Ho Sports Centre in Pok Fu Lam. Little ones can learn skills of the beautiful game in a safe and structured - but above all, fun - way. Classes start from July 2 and run until the end of August. tinytots.com.hk
International Christian School ICS aims to bring out the hero in everyone this summer with a programme that celebrates important hero characteristics through drama, arts and crafts, music, science, sports and much more. The first session takes place from July 4-15 and the second session from July 18-29 at the ICS Shek Mun campus and Kindergarten campus in Ma On Shan. Suitable for children aged three and up. Ics.edu.hk The International Montessori School Half-day or full-day sessions at IMS’s Summer Fun Programme reinforce learning throughout the year. Suitable for children aged three to nine. Themed two-week sessions are available from June 27 to August 19. Choose from Insects & Creepy Crawlies, Microclimates Around the World, The Amazing Human Body and The Plant Kingdom. Locations in Stanley and South Horizons. www.ims.edu.hk.
Toby, 11, sailed with Hebe Haven Yacht Club
“The Adventure camp was awesome! We did sailing, kayaking and beach games and learnt loads of cool sailing knots.”
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feature Art Loop Five-day camps use art to explore classical artists (think Leonardo da Vinci) and more contemporary artists (such as Antony Gormley). Students will experience two- and three-dimensional techniques and study the history of the period at the studio’s new One Island South location. artloop.hk
Performing arts
Messy play at Colour My World.
Art, crafts & baking Colour My World The Aberdeen-based art studio is running pre-summer camps in art and drama from June 13-30, and full summer camps from July 4 to August 31. Open to budding Picassos and wannabe Hollywood stars aged three to 15. colour-my-world.com Bricks4Kidz Learn, build and play with Lego. Favourite camp themes include Galaxy Far Away, Jurassic Brick Land, Minecraft, Ninjas and Superheroes. A special Brick Olympics will also be held to coincide with this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio. Older children can work with computers to produce stop motion animations, program and design their own robots. Those signed up for a fullweek camp get to make their own Lego minifigure to take home at the end of the week. bricks4kidz.com
Faust International Hong Kong’s theatre and performing arts specialists are hosting Creative Writing (ages six to 13) and Summer Theatre camps (ages three to 14) throughout July and August. The week-long workshops help children to develop their written language skills, while the drama workshops focus on a different theme each week to encourage confidence and improve performance skills. faustworld.com.hk Rumple & Friends The Big Top Academy Summer Camp promises to fire little imaginations in its brand new Sheung Wan venue. Every week, children are guided by professional performers to use drama, puppetry, circus and musical theatre to explore a different theme - space, magic and circus, mythical beasts, superheroes... Weeklong courses run from June 27 until August 26 for ages three and up. rumpleandfriends.com
Hong Kong Art Tutoring Summer courses in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture run by Gail Deayton who has nearly 20 years experience of teaching in international schools. Courses run from June 13 until August 19 at the North Point studio. All materials are included with a maximum number of 10 students per class.
The Big Top Summer Academy Summer Camp with Rumple & Friends.
Little Picasso It’s All About The Masters at the studio’s brand new Wong Chuk Hang-based workshop this summer. Your little artist will use sculpture, oils, claywork, watercolour and acrylics to find out more about top artists such as Kandinsky, Chagall, Kahlo and others. Sign up for two days, a week or a whole summer. Classes run from July 4 to August 26. littlepicasso.hk
Starlit Voice Let their creativity explode at venues across Hong Kong. Weeklong courses include Play In A Week, Dramatic Storytelling and Improvisation, for ages four to seven and eight to 12. Locations include Canadian International School in Aberdeen, Kellett School in Kowloon Bay, Red Shoe Dance studio in Central, West Kowloon and South Horizons. starlitvoice.com
Patsy Summer Camp Culinary delights await at Wong Chuk Hang’s Patsy cooking school. There are morning and afternoon camps from June 13 through to September 2. Mini Mary Berrys will conjure up Japanese, Asian and Western cuisines (depending on the week you pick), or just good old fashioned baking. Courses are tailored for children aged seven and up. No previous experience is necessary. eshop.thepatsy.com.hk
Red Shoe Dance Company The Variety Dance camp features ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, street and AcroDance. Children dance for two hours a day over four days, with beginners in the morning and more advanced toe tappers in the afternoon. Camps run June 27-30 and July 4-7 at the studio’s Wong Chuk Hang venue. redshoedance.com
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p .
feature Twinkle Dance Company Ballet and jazz all summer long with weekly classes and flexible drop-in classes at locations in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai and North Point, plus, two-week intensive classes at the school’s brand new facility in Aberdeen’s One Island South. All summer dancers aged six and above are invited on a backstage tour of the Hong Kong Ballet Company on August 28. This year, the dance company is also hosting four complementary workshops for children with special needs (aged three to 10) at its studio in Central (July 7, 14, 21 and 28). twinkledance.com
Auntie Tam’s Education Centre This brand new facility in One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang, opens its doors from July 4 with a range of camps, including Book Club (ages five-10); Touch Typing (ages seven-10); Our Amazing World (ages seven-10) and Sewing (ages five-10). Camps run for up to two hours per day over a five-day period. auntietamscentre.com
Junior Snappers This five day summer camp sees young filmmakers create a short film, from story concept to shooting and editing. Two separate morning and afternoon sessions run for students aged eight-12 and 13-16, respectively. Camps are held at the Sheung Wan studio. juniorsnappers.com IAFT IAFT is running both filmmaking and acting workshops for children who love to be in front of the camera or enjoy making it happen from behind the scenes. All students will work collaboratively to make a short film from original scripts. admissions@iaft.hk Bome Dance Bome Dance is run by a team of professional British dancers. This summer children over six can learn Latin and Ballroom dancing in small group classes at the Lockhart Road studio. bomedance@gmail.com
Academic ESF Language & Learning Morning camps encompass a wide range of activities including drama, science, writing and coding. Children can keep up their language skills too with English, Spanish and Mandarin lessons. Stay the whole day and take part in multi-sports and art camps in the afternoon. Programmes are flexible and can be booked on a weekly basis over the whole summer holidays. esf.org.hk
Overseas Taiwan Fun Camp, Yunlin, Taiwan Get them back to nature in rural Yunlin and improve their Mandarin. Three, week-long courses between July 4 and 22 are open to students aged six-12 with prior exposure to Mandarin. Children will enjoy themed classes (dance and sport in week one, technology in week two and journalism in week three), plus Chinese classes and fun field trips. taiwancamp.com iCAMP, Thailand Asia’s first “American style” overnight camp takes place in the mountainous environment of Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Offering sports, dance, music, arts and crafts and horse riding, the three week camps leave little time for idle hands. Aimed eightto 16-year-olds, July 16 - August 6. icampthailand.com
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feature British Tutors Innovative and educational programmes led by UK-based tutors. Highlights include Shaking Up Shakespeare in which children decode the bard and link Elizabethan life with modern day Hong Kong (Hamlet living on the Peak, anyone, or Prospero on Lamma?). Hot Off The Press is for takes budding journos from creating a scoop to producing their own newspaper. britishtutors.com Sylvan Learning Center Give them a headstart for the next school year with three weekly workshops covering writing, times tables, and Mandarin. Workshops last two hours each and are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sylvan Learning Centers are located in Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Wan Chai. sylvan.edu.hk Jumpstart Mandarin Improve their Mandarin in fun classes cooking, role play, arts and crafts, song and dance and more. Two, three-hour sessions take place every day from July 4 to August 12. Classes are held in the centre’s two New Territories locations: Hang Hau and Sai Kung. jumpstartmandarin.com Tutor Time This multi-location education centre has fun, hands-on workshops exploring
science, technology, engineering and maths. Aimed at children aged two to six years, the imaginative camps include Ramps & Pathways, Grow it! Eat it! Cook it!, and Technology Transformers. Camps are open July 25 to August 19. Locations include Tai Tam. tutortime.com.hk HK Kidz Little linguists will love these fun, activitypacked camps. Learn English, French, German, Spanish or Mandarin through song, storytelling, drama and role-play. The Culture Enrichment Programme includes specialist courses in arts, drama, cooking and science & discovery taught in all of the afore-mentioned languages. Aimed at children aged one-and-a-half to 12 years old and held at campuses in Central, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Kung. Ten percent off enrollments before June 15. hkkidz.com Power Brain Budding superheroes can work on their amazing powers of concentration, speed and memory with one-on-one training at Power Brain’s summer classes. A new location in Central adds to three existing locations in Jordan, Aberdeen and Fotan. powerbrainrx.com GAIA Language Camps at three different levels help children boost their foreign language
Matilda, 8, perfected her Mandarin with Jumpstart
“I went with a friend and we talked in Mandarin all morning while we did cooking, music and singing. I had heaps of fun.”
skills. The Spanish/English Bilingual camp (ages three to six) uses songs and stories to help with fluency in a fun and interactive way. Courses for older children look to boost fluency in a natural setting in English, Spanish, Chinese and German. Test taking skills and exam preparation are also available. Camps run between July 4-22 and August 1-19 with two- or three-days-per-week options. gaialanguage.com Baker and Bloom Courses in reading, writing and the humanities with wide-ranging themes including Star Wars, dinosaurs, US culture and history and philosophy for teens. bakerandbloom.com Canadian International School Running from June 13 until August 5, CDNIS’s summer programmes cater for students with a range of different interests. Choose from IB Programmes, Kindergarten fun classes, swim school and a Cambridge Summer Programme with academic staff from the University of Cambridge leading the sessions. cdnis.edu.hk Kaplan Improving essay writing skills and developing critical thinking and debating are some of the key areas covered by Kaplan’s summer programmes. Six classes run for three hours per day over two weeks. Suitable for children from 12 years old. hkenglish@kaplan.com
Learning languages can be fun at Southside Mandarin
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Southside Mandarin Give your kids a complete Chinese cultural experience with Southside Mandarin’s Summer Camp. Children will be fully immersed in a Mandarin environment while
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learning Chinese reading, writing, pinyin and grammar. Other fun activities include Mandarin Art, Chinese Music, Wushu, Chinese Dance and Drama. Suitable for children aged three to 12. Camp runs from June 14 to August 31. www.southsidemandarin.com
Southside Kindergarten The pre-school is running an eight-week summer programme, beginning June 27, with week-long, morning-only sessions. It caters for bubs aged two-years-and-eight-months to six years old. The programme is an extension of the fun academic programme that the school runs during term time. southside.edu.hk
Growhouse Journey into the vibrant world of critical reading and thinking this summer with Growhouse. The Intensive Literacy Enrichment Programme covers fiction, nonfiction and film and runs from June through to August for ages five-16. Courses take place in a relaxing and sunny environment, surrounded by a carefully crafted selection of books that enhance critical thinking. Locations in Central and The Repulse Bay Arcade. www.growhouse-lgt.com
Safari Kid Travel the world without setting foot on a plane, with Safari Kid’s six-week camp. The fun begins on July 4, with a different country as its theme each week. Activities include art, drama, music, sports, science and cooking classes. The camp is open to littlies aged two to six years, with an accompanied playgroup for bubs aged 12-24 months. Each session lasts three hours, with options for full day, morning- or afternoon-only. Children must enroll for a minimum of two weeks. safarikid.com.hk
Littlies PEKiP Even the teeniest tiniest tots are catered for at PEKiP (the Prague Parent-Infant Program). Each group session includes baby massage, games and sensory integration for babies aged six months to walking. Simple exercises prompt muscle development to encourage crawling and exploration. Classes are led by therapists specially qualified in infant massage and rhythmic movement. The PEKiP studio is located in Aberdeen and boasts heaps of specialist equipment and games. pekip.com.hk Garden House Pre-school The Clearwater Bay Waldorf preschool invites littlies aged two to seven for play-based learning through painting, singing, waterplay, puppetry, baking and craft. Healthy snacks prepared with help from the children are also included. July 11 to August 24. gardenhouse.edu.hk
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Woodland Pre-schools Woodland Pre-schools across Hong Kong are inviting youngsters to get active this summer with the Motion Sports & Games Programme and Summer Soccer Camp. The Summer Phonics Camp uses songs and games to help with language acquisition. Courses run from July 4 to August 12. Branches in Repulse Bay, Pok Fu Lam, The Peak, Tai Tam, Happy Valley and Kennedy Town. woodlandschools.com Hong Kong Basketball Academy Shoot hoops at the HKBA summer camp which aims to improve a player’s all-round basketball skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting and rebounding. Camps run from June 20 to August 13 at locations in Stanley, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Ying Pun. Hkbaallday.com Parkview International Pre-School Little explorers can embark on exciting adventures through stories, art, science and cooking. Both PIPS and non-PIPS students aged one to six are welcome. www.pips.edu.hk/hkx
New this year Maggie & Rose You don’t have to be a club member to get involved at this brand new kids club at the pulse. Big Kids Camps run from July 4 to August 26 and explore themes including Space Cadets, Alfresco Adventures and Eco Warriors. Camps are aimed at children aged four to eight years and take place indoors, on the garden rooftop and out on Repulse Bay Beach. Rates for non-members start at $750 per camp, which includes a three-hour activity session plus either lunch or dinner. Book before June 10 for the early bird rate. maggieandrose.com.hk Ocean Park Ocean Park is collaborating with Blooming Buds Kindergarten to launch a brand new Summer Science Workshop for children under eight. Little scientists can get up close and personal with a number of the park’s sea creatures - including sharks and jellyfish - and learn all about forces with roller coasters. Workshops lasts two and a half hours (at a cost of $600) and run throughout July and August. Ocean Park’s popular Summer School also features a number of new programmes this year for four- to 11-year-olds, starting at $1,788. oceanpark.com Kellett School New on the summer camps block is British International School Kellett, with a jampacked programme of activities. It’s open to all Hong Kong kids aged four to 18. Camps take place at the school’s Kowloon Bay campus, complete with running track, football pitch, swimming pool and sports hall. There’s something for everyone, including performing arts, cooking, fencing, football, BMX biking, gymnastics, coding and robotics. kellettschool.com.
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education
PEAK PERFECTION
Students scavenging for rubbish found on Lantau beach to “upscale” into a beach sculpture.
This summer, the German Swiss International School unveils its new Peak campus. Rebecca Simpson takes a look.
T
he German Swiss school has enjoyed a long and successful history in Hong Kong. This summer sees yet another milestone with the grand opening of its extensive, newly refurbished upper primary campus. Established in 1969 by German and Swiss families looking for a bi-lingual German/Swiss education for their offspring, the school first opened in a residential house at 1 Barker Road on the Peak. It grew and in 1975 opened its first “proper” school building on Guildford Road. In 2007 the government awarded the school a second campus on Pok Fu Lam Road, which in 2010 became the permanent home to the kindergarten. But for the last eight years, upper primary (six-10 year olds) has been operating out of temporary accommodation in Wan Chai, while the Peak buildings are refurbished. Next term sees the grand unveiling of this project, with new library facilities, a dedicated art and music department just for upper primary students, and new classrooms. The new Peak campus also houses a large, modern, multi-purpose area that can be
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Applicants are not just assessed on academics — a wider portfolio of skills is essential these days.
reconfigured depending on the needs of different student and school events. The school prides itself on a fierce academic reputation. But according to school principal Annette Brandt-Dammann, “We are academic as everyone knows, but we also provide a holistic experience. We have a great approach to every single student. We have a good ratio and take time to give each child perspective, not just direction for academic development.” This strong sense of identity, coupled with the school’s creative and sporting excellence, is a powerful combination. The school fosters a strong sense of pride and belonging - a lifelong experience for many as the school hosts a
The school boasts a robust academic reputation.
Children playing at the dedicated kindergarten campus in Pok Fu Lam.
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education strong alumni program and enjoys great success attracting support from ex-students. GSIS in Hong Kong is unique among Germany’s international schools. It offers two streams of education – one reflects the German curriculum and is taught in German language. The other - the International stream - is taught in English and is based on the British curriculum, extended and adapted to suit GSIS students. International stream students sit their IGCSE examinations in Year 11 before starting the IB Diploma Programme in their senior years. The split of students between the two streams is roughly one third in the German stream and two thirds in the International stream. There are around 30 nationalities within the student body and around 20 nationalities on the staff-role. GSIS educates pupils from the age of two years and eight months, through to those in their mid-twenties at the school’s business college in Sai Ying Pun. While the playground language is English, German is a prevalent language in both streams. In the International stream, German is a compulsory language subject from year two (around seven years old). Children are also offered a third language option - of Mandarin or French - on top of German. In the German stream, students are offered a choice of English, Mandarin, French and Latin to study.
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The school also fosters strong links with the wider community. “Parts of our social and charitable activities are student-led, parts are supported by teachers,” explains GSIS Communications and Relationships Manager, Petra Loho. “The student council also picks one or two charities at the beginning of the school year to support.”
Get your foot in the door According to the school’s principal, “We only look at the child, it doesn’t matter their background or wealth. This is not of interest, every child has the same chance.” While the applicant’s family’s financial situation is not taken into account while being assessed, interested parents must note the cost to be assessed for this selective school is a non-refundable $4,300. Each potential applicant is accessed not just on academic merit, but on their wider portfolio, such as communication and social skills. “As we know, the Ivy League schools are no longer just looking at applicants’ academic results. You have to have something to add on to the academics. Worldwide, and especially here in Asia, there are many academic achievers but that doesn’t make them the type of people who should be in leadership positions after University and beyond,” says Brandt-Dammann.
sneak peak
School Report
German Swiss International School
Principal Brandt-Dammann leads an art class.
“This year we’ve worked a lot for Crossroads here in Hong Kong. On an international level, we led some initiatives for children in Syria. As part of the IB program, the students have to do work beyond the classroom. Students also travel outside of Hong Kong to complete community service work. This has included teaching music to students in Cambodia, working with orphans from Katja House in Nepal and helping build a school in Thailand,” says Loho. According to year 10 student George Newick, who helped on the Thai school building project, this was an unforgettable experience.
A load of old rubbish - fashion with an environmental edge.
“There was a great sense of teamwork as we ferried the buckets of cement along our conveyor belt of students. The gratification in seeing the building assembled from the materials we had raised money for was immense.” This year has also seen some 2016 impressive ‘upcycling’ initiatives. Earlier this year, students set out with Hong Kong based German artist, Liina Klauss, to create an upcycle communal art project. Klauss met them on a Lantau beach where they collected trash and colour-sorted their trash findings, using the rubbish to create a beautiful sculpture on the beach.
Established: 1969 Number of students: ca 1,300 Curriculum: The German stream follows the German curriculum. It prepares students for the German International Abitur examinations, a highly regarded bilingual qualification recognised by universities around the world. The International stream is based on the British curriculum, extended and adapted to suit GSIS students. Students are prepared for the IGCSE examinations in Year 11 before commencing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the senior years Fees 2015/2016: $133,400 (Kindergarten) to $170,900 (Secondary) p.a. Non-refundable capital levy: None (there is a $4,300 non-refundable assessment fee) Address: 11 Guildford Road The Peak, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2849 6216
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sponsored column
COSTS OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Choosing an international school in Hong Kong is not a decision to be taken lightly: most annual tuition fees are in the region of $101,000-160,000. And that’s not all. You might have to hand over an application fee of up to $3,000, plus assessment fees, entry fees, capital fees, extra-curricular activities, exam fees, debentures… and that’s all before your child has made it to Year 7. Without doubt there are considerable benefits to an international school education. If you think it’s right for your child, the next step is choosing which one. To help you decide, here’s what it costs to kick off a child’s primary school education (Year 1) at a few of Hong Kong’s private schools. No priority was given in selecting these schools for this article and fees published are based on a mainstream programme.
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English Schools Foundation Application fee: $1,000 Deposit: $10,000 Annual fee: $101,100 Capital levy: $38,000 Total: $151,100 Hong Kong International School Application fee: $1,500 Annual fee: $160,100 Entry fee: $15,000 Capital levy: $15,000 Total: $191,600 Nord Anglia International School Application fee: $1,500 Assessment fee: $1,500 Annual fee: $138,390 Entry fee: $80,000 Total: $221,390
As you can see, your initial annual investment could vary wildly depending on the school. A private international school education is expensive (local schools are not an option unless your child can speak Cantonese), but the facilities are top notch, teaching staff are highly qualified, and your child will benefit from their multicultural schooling experience for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, students are accepted by some of the world’s most reputable universities and exam scores are the best among private schools around the world. ITS Education Asia 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@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.
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arts & culture
going once, going twice
BEHIND THE SCENES AT... CHRISTIE’S Amanda Sheppard goes behind the doors of the world-famous auction house.
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hristie’s may have recorded sales of US$7.4 billion in art and collectibles last year, but its beginnings were more modest. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, the auction house first operated out of a converted print warehouse in London’s Pall Mall. Christie started off with relatively modest sales of mixed goods - one of his sales is said to have included two chamber pots and two pillowcases - however he was extremely well connected and quickly became the go-to auctioneer for London and European society. The company took advantage of the sale of property following the French Revolution and even handled the sale of property of Pope Paul IV in 1772. Christie’s is now represented in 32 countries. Last year, it sold the world’s most expensive piece of art at auction (Picasso’s
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Les femmes d’Alger fetched US$179.4 million in New York). Highlights at its annual Spring Auctions last month - which marked 30 years in Asia - included a painting by acclaimed Chinese artist Zhang Daqian, with an estimated value of $15-20 million. Entering the Hong Kong office, the calm, airy space and pristine white walls are what you’d expect, but don’t be deceived. Much work goes on here to ensure that once the auctioneer steps onto the rostrum, everything runs like clockwork. Everybody here has a passion for the business, from those in consignment to the auctioneers. Francois Curiel - the current Chairman for Asia-Pacific - joined in 1969 as an intern and is himself a collector of auctioneer’s gavels. The Tibetan Thangka image is one of the most expensive lots ever sold in Christie’s in Asia and was sold for $348,440,000 in November 2014.
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arts & culture In today’s internet age, however, gavels aren’t always necessary. Paul Dickinson, Senior VicePresident and Chief Operating Officer Asia of Christie’s, tells us more. You joined Christie’s after ten years with Virgin Atlantic. What drew you to the auction world? Quite a few people thought it was a strange step, but while the products, services and audience are different, many of the challenges are similar, for example, how to deal with the digital revolution. I think when I joined Christie’s, it was a reflection of their desire to shake things up. Are the challenges faced by Christie’s in Asia unique? In Asia, buyers are very rapidly developing their collecting taste. Asia also brings with it a different pace: the scale of our auctions here tend to be much bigger than anywhere else in the world. This year we are celebrating 250 years in business. Some of our clients in Europe and America are families we’ve known throughout those years, whereas here we’re meeting new clients. Take us through the auction cycle… Before we think about anything else, people must have an appetite to sell. There is a running
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Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Asia of Christie’s, Paul Dickinson.
arts & culture joke among commentators that the main reasons are the three Ds: death, debt and divorce. Once we have verified quality, condition and provenance, we’ll catalogue and write a condition report, available to anybody thinking of bidding. Then our job is to make sure that as many buyers are aware of the sale as possible. Our reputation depends on authenticity; an object’s provenance must be indestructible. There may some paintings we have sold five or six times over the last 250 years which are easy to trace. The sale of newer objects presents a bigger problem, as there can be a temptation to forge contemporary art. Our job is to ensure we never bring that to market. What are some popular misconceptions? People are often scared that they might accidentally put their hand up and win the lot, but that doesn’t happen. Our auctioneers are very good at telling who is actually bidding and who’s just waving at their friends! Others think that Christie’s is a bit of a private club, but that’s completely untrue. An auction is a public event, you can turn up and leave when you like, and you can sit and watch. Some people think we only sell very expensive things because of the publicity our star lots gain - the big diamonds, the record busting paintings. But we have many lots starting
at lower prices; buying a case or a bottle of the best quality wine is possible for a few hundred or thousand US dollars. Have you ever bought anything at auction? I have bid for quite a few objects but have only been successful in winning two. In both cases they were British oil paintings from our Old Masters sales and I bought them because I thought they were beautiful and exceptionally good value for money. Has technology changed the process dramatically? There are two types of digital participation – the first is on our website through Christie’s Live. All of our auctions are available through this service from anywhere in the world in real time. The other type is an online auction – an entirely digital experience. Our very first was Elizabeth Taylor’s estate. There was so much property to sell that we couldn’t sell it all in a traditional auction, so we simultaneously ran online auctions with traditional ones in New York. We were dipping our toes in the water and were amazed at how willingly people participated in an auction without an auctioneer! From 2014 to 2015, the number of people buying digitally increased by 12%, and overall spending by 34%.
Are market tastes changing? 30 years ago, our clients here were buying mostly traditional Chinese ceramics, furniture and paintings. Since then, new trends have developed - especially in the last 10 years including the emergence of Asian buyers in the wine market and the growth of the Asian contemporary art category: a whole portfolio of living artists who have built up a strong following and are commanding a strong price at auction. More recently, we’ve seen a lot of interest in South East Asian art and Western categories. Our Asian buyers of impressionist and modern art are key players on the auction stage, buying masterpieces in what is ostensibly a European collecting category. Do you think when James Christie founded Christie’s in 1776 he could have imagined how successful it would become? Despite James Christie’s early success, he could not possibly have imagined that one day his company would sell US$7.4bn worth of property in a single year – which is what we achieved in 2015. I also think he would have been amazed at the scale of our sales here in Hong Kong where we expect to sell more than 3,000 objects in six days and to welcome more than 30,000 people to take part.
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eating
yummm cha
ALL THAT AND DIM SUM Our top eight restaurants for yum cha. By Kate Springer. Chau Kee $ A little hole-in-the-wall in Sai Ying Pun, Chau Kee has gained a reputation as a cheap and cheerful dim sum joint specialising in oozy custard French toast, crispy prawn toast and plump siu mai. It’s a deal too, with most dishes coming in at $22 a pop. Shop H1, G/F, Tung Lee Mansion, Water Street, Sai Ying Pun, 2559 2389. Dim Sum Square $ Though you usually have to brave a line, Dim Sum Square promises great value for those willing to wait it out. This down-to-earth restaurant offers up homemade char siu bao, har gow, Cantonese sponge cake and all the staple baskets at prices of no more than $30 per dish. Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, 2851 8088.
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dim sum trolleys or even the views of Victoria Harbour. Get there well before opening to avoid the mile-long lines waiting to taste the Canton kitchen’s delicious dim sum. 2/F, Low Block, City Hall, Central, 2521 1303, www.maximschinese.com.hk
Maxim’s Palace City Hall $$ The luxurious Maxim’s Palace City Hall draws a crowd of tourists and loyal locals alike. Hongkongers have been coming here for years - it could be the glamorous old-world banquet setting, the free-flow dumplings, the charming
Lung King Heen $$$$$ One of Hong Kong’s ‘dine before you die’ restaurants, Lung King Heen has been crowned with all kinds of awards over the years. The swish Chinese restaurant holds court in the Four Lung King Heen Seasons Hotel and operates at world-class standards. Expect delicate dim sum, silver settings, harbour views and a price tag to match. 4/F, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8888, www.fourseasons.com
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eating
Fook Lam Moon $$$$ Fook Lam Moon has long been one of the most celebrated Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. The Wan Chai mainstay is known for its constant stream of high rollers and government officials walking through the doors. Join the VIP for dim sum in a sophisticated setting or visit in the evening for an authentic Cantonese dinner. 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2866 0663, fooklammoon-grp.com Din Tai Fung $$ Okay, okay — Din Tai Fung might actually hail from Taiwan, but this popular dim sum restaurant is hard to beat. The xiao long bao here are nothing short of a life-changing experience, particularly if you visit the Causeway Bay location to see how they’re made in the open kitchen. Of course, as with any Din Tai Fung establishment, prepare to queue. Luckily, the hyper efficient system moves tables right along. 68 Yee Wo St, Causeway Bay, 3160 8998, www.dintaifung.com.hk Above & Beyond $$$ The signature dim sum restaurant at Hotel Icon, Above and Beyond is a double-whammy: great food and fantastic views. Using fresh ingredients and timeless techniques, the Above & Beyond chefs at Above and Beyond offer savory pork dumplings with halibut and mushroom, crispy taro cakes and smoked duck breast buns. 28/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3400 1318, www.hotel-icon.com
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Fook Lam Moon
Best place for... Char siu bao — Tim Ho Tim Ho Wan Wan, L1 ifc mall, Central, 2332 3078 Har gow — Dim Sum Square, Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, 2851 8088 Xiao long bao — Din Tai Fung, 68 Yee Wo St, Causeway Bay, 3160 8998 Pan-fried rice flour rolls — T’ang Court, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2132 7898 French toast — Man Wah Restaurant, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd Central, 2825 4003 Scallion pancakes — Crystal Jade, L2 ifc mall, 8 Finance St, 2295 3811
Ling Heung Tea House $ Far from the most sophisticated restaurant in town, Lin Heung Tea House is a chaotic Cantonese experience. The sharing tables and dim sum trolleys might look shabby but they certainly know how to keep the crowds coming. Don’t expect much Lin Heung Tea House help if you can’t speak the lingo, however usually a little pointing and smiling will suffice. A must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into old Hong Kong and a taste of classic Cantonese cooking without all the bells and whistles. G-1/F, Tsang Chiu Ho Building, 160 Wellington Street, Central, 2544 4556.
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nibbles unique flavours to the masses. Popular flavours so far include salted caramel ice cream with a pinch of maca and chocolate with Chinese five spice. The dairy- and gluten-free ice cream is all churned and frozen in Hong Kong. Look out for new flavours each month. www.wildmylk.com
Catch of the day The Pawn’s new weekday special ‘Fish Deck’ serves up chef Tom Aikens’ signature fish and chips in the Botanical bar. The lunch set includes a fillet of cod fried in beer batter, chunky chips, tartar sauce and ketchup. Find a seat on the spacious terrace for a view over bustling Wan Chai. Priced at $128, available Monday to Friday from 12pm-5pm. The Pawn, 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Flavour of the month Artisan ice cream maker Laura Perez has launched her new online business just in time for summer. Inspired by traditional flavours from her childhood in Puerto Rico and invigorated to lead a healthier lifestyle after the birth of her third child last year, Perez wants to take her
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Meen & Rice delivered to your door A bowl of steaming noodles or cha siu rice from Meen & Rice no longer requires a trip to the pulse. Starting this month, Deliveroo is now taking orders for the Cantonese style comfort food restaurant on its online platform. www.meenandrice.com Summer at the Bay Perennial Southside favourite, The Verandah, has launched its Summer Classic Afternoon Tea set, available throughout the summer until August 31. Served from Wednesday to Sunday including public holidays, diners can save $100 by booking a table online. $208 per person, book via verandah@therepulsebay.com. Celebrating your birthday over the summer? The birthday boy or girl can enjoy a complimentary meal when booking a table for four or more people upon ordering the summer
set lunch or dinner. The Verandah, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2292 2822. Wine on the beach Forgotten to pack your bottle of wine in your beach bag? Worry not. BottlesXO’s one-hour wine delivery service delivers wines straight to Southside’s beaches including Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Repulse Bay, South Bay and Deep Water Bay. Customers can come in from the surf and order a selection of reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines with just a few taps on the mobile app. A full beach package is also available and comes ready with corkscrews, reusable cups and a cooler. Delivery is available by the bottle or case from 12pm-12am, daily. www.bottlesxo.com
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big day out
FREE-WHEELIN’ YUEN LONG
Photo by Wing1990hk
Exploring Hong Kong’s wetlands by bicycle.
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t’s a sunny day – make the most of it by going cycling. From Tseung Kwan O Seafront to the paths around Tolo Harbour, cycle tracks are surprisingly plentiful in the New Territories. One of our favourite routes is the Yuen Long-to-Nam Sang Wai circuit.
in the villages and mangroves of the Nam Sang Wai wetlands. End the day with a drink and maybe a bite to eat at a stilted cafe on the bank of the Kam Tin River in Yuen Long before taking a boat trip across the river back to your starting point.
What is it? In the heart of the New Territories, Yuen Long is a flat area with expansive tracks through the wetlands that are perfect for riding a bike. Away from the town centre lies a rural area that feels worlds away from the city and attracts explorers and bikers alike. The 20km circuit is easy going, offering plenty of scope for taking
Where is it? Begin your trip in Yuen Long, where those who don’t have their own bicycles can rent one for the day from one of the many shops outside the Yuen Long MTR station. (Tandems are also available, but tend to sell out quickly.) Follow signs to the cycle tracks, then head north along the river to the Nam Sang Wai wetlands.
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What’s near by? Make a longer day of it, by visiting the Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. The 61-hectare park hosts regular learning workshops and guided activities which are open to the public. Check the website for upcoming programmes. Tickets $30, ($15 for children). Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm; closed Tuesdays. Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, 3152 2666, www.wetlandpark.gov.hk
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big day out The route passes through scenes of old Hong Kong, including the ancestral halls, temples and stalls of old villages such as historic Kam Tin, with its ancient walls. When to go? Now, while the sun is out but the humidity is not yet at its peak. There is no better time to get outdoors. On blue-sky weekends you are unlikely to be alone, of course, and with motorists, cyclists and keen adventurers all sharing the road, things can get hairy. Much of the route is designated cycle track, but in some stretches cyclists rejoin the main road. Why go? There’s something for the whole family. The 20km trail is long enough for bike junkies, but there are plenty of shortcuts for less enthusiastic cyclists, and families can take a break while the kids run free in open grassy areas. Pack a picnic and plenty of water for a great day out. Bicycle rental: bicycles are $45 a day (10am-7pm) on weekends, $30 Mon-Fri. Tin Fung Bicycle Company, Shop B, G/F, Lee Kwan Building, 37 On Lok Road, Yuen Long, 2442 3808, www.yl.hk/ad/3808. MTR: Yuen Long Station, Exit B.
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big day out
Photo by momo
Other cycle tracks in the New Territories Black Diamond Trail For more experienced cyclists. The mountain bike trail stretches across 3.8km in Tai Lam Country Park and passes Fire Lookout and links up to the MacLehose Trail. The course was designed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Tseung Kwan O Seafront A 1.5km cycle route connects Tseung Kwan
O town centre with the seafront, with green areas along the route to enjoy the harbour views. Tiu Keng Leng MTR station Exit A2, or Tseung Kwan O MTR station Exit A2. Tai Po, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park The family-friendly route covers the Science Park through Tai Po to Plover Cove with sea and mountain views and a tuck shop for refuelling. Take the no. 27 minibus from MTR Sha Tin station on Pai Tau Street. Parking available.
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travel
day trip
24 H URS IN MACAU This former Portuguese colony has a reputation as a gambling haven (and the easiest way to leave and re-enter Hong Kong when activating a new visa), but what else is there to do? Shreena Patel finds out. 5pm - Take the ferry The Cotai Water Jet operates two routes (from Sheung Wan and Hong Kong Airport) straight into Taipa, just a stone’s throw away from most of Macau’s big casinos and hotels. The journey takes an hour. Prices start at $165 (one way). The extra $105 for a First Class ticket is worth it - not for the snack box, but for the extra legroom, peace and quiet. Free and frequent shuttles operate from the ferry pier to most hotels and casinos, but be warned - if the ferry didn’t make you seasick, the bus journey might (mine was like a bucking bronco on wheels). You can also catch a cab. www.cotaiwaterjet.com
6.30pm - Go for dinner Macau has some great cuisine on offer. Head to Casa de Tapas for Spanish bites (the croquettes, paella and suckling pork are particularly good, as are the slightly less Spanish Bloody Marys). Located over three floors in one of Taipa’s heritage buildings, it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. There is a beautifully tiled bar downstairs and a small
outside seating area which looks out onto the square. Alternatively, just opposite, Michelinrecommended Antonio’s serves up Portuguese delights, including a signature lobster cocktail and Portuguese duck rice. Casa de Tapas, Rua dos Clerigos No.9, Taipa, +853 2857 6626 Antonio’s, Rua dos Clerigos No.7, Taipa, +853 2899 9998 / 2857 6573
Spanish bites at Casa de Tapas.
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travel 8pm - Catch a show Madonna, Lady Gaga and Bon Jovi have all performed in Macau so check out www.ticketflap. com in advance to see who’s on. Alternatively, the show The House of Dancing Water runs regularly at City of Dreams Macau and comes highly recommended. The story begins on the coast of Coloane and involves a fisherman, a beautiful princess and an evil queen. It all unfolds over a custom-built pool containing 3.7 million gallons of water in a special 270-degree viewing theatre. Somewhere along the way there is even a human chandelier. Tickets start from $580 for adults and $408 for children. www.thehouseofdancingwater.com
11pm - Roll the dice While gambling revenues may have dipped in recent years, Macau remains the world’s largest gaming market. The Portuguese legalised gambling here in 1844 when the region was under colonial rule. To this day, it is the only part of China where casinos are allowed. Try your luck at roulette, blackjack or the most popular of them all: baccarat. Minimum bets tend to be high compared to Las Vegas so you might have to call it quits after one round, but who knows….
Midnight - Hit the sack (or the hotel bar) Fall asleep in the comfort of your hotel room or go for a nightcap. Head to the Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge for its famous gin collection, plus signature cocktails, DJs and live entertainment.
9am - Rest and relax If you’ve had a big night, spend the morning relaxing at your hotel. Set within the top floors of the Galaxy Macau, the Ritz-Carlton has only been in town a year but has already established itself as the most luxurious hotel in the city. 236 suites, each fitted with lashings of marble, a jacuzzi and a shower the size of a Hong Kong apartment - not to mention, heated toilet seats. The hotel connects to an outdoor waterpark which features ‘skytop rapids’ (not as rapid as you might expect), three water slides and a wave pool. Whatever you do, be sure to check out the hotel spa, ESPA. This dark oasis houses a heated vitality pool with starlit floors, inbuilt jacuzzi and swinging sofas. There’s also a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and experience shower, which blasts you from all sides with fragranced water. Club level access includes use of the club lounge, five food-and-drink presentations per day and a limousine drop-off service. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/macau
12:30pm - Take a leap of faith Plummet towards the ground at speeds of up to 200km/h on the world’s highest bungy jump at Macau Tower. Those who dare jump off a platform 233 metres high and experience a four-tofive second freefall before stretching the 50-metre bungy cord to nearly four times its unloaded length and rebounding at around 30 meters above the ground. Make sure it’s not too soon after breakfast. $3,288 per person. Book in advance at www.ajhackett.com/macau
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travel 2pm - Lunch Lunch at your hotel (the RitzCarlton Cafe has the look and feel of a French brasserie, with regular live music and a resident caricaturist), or feast on local delights. The best egg tarts in Macau are said to be found at Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane. If you’re a fan of mango mochis, head to Cheung Chau Mochi Dessert in Taipa. The owners really did learn the recipe in Cheung Chau and you can get a variety of flavours, not just mango. Gelatina Mok Yi Kei next door is famous for its durian ice cream, and Hong Kongers are known to queue up outside Tai Lei Loi Kei for a ‘choapa bao’ (pork chop bun). Lord Stow’s Bakery, 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Cheung Chau Mochi Dessert, Rua de Horta e Sousa No.4, Taipa Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, at the corner of Rua do Cunha and Rua de Horta e Sousa, Taipa Tai Lei Loi Kei, R ua Correria da Silva No. 35
3pm - Explore Taipa Village Originally a fishing hamlet, Taipa Village stands in quiet contrast to the glitz of the Cotai casino area with pastel-hued villas, narrow cobblestoned streets, colonial churches and Chinese temples.
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(Clockwise from left): Rua do Cunha; a mango mochi; ai Lei Loi Kei; Gelatina Mok Yi Kei.
Visit the museum - formerly the Municipal Council of the Islands - to see relics from past archaeological excavations and an impressive array of swords (mounted along the staircase). The nearby Pak Tai temple is 160 years old, making it the oldest temple in the village. Pak Tai - literally the Northern Emperor - is
believed to have the divine power to withstand floods and fire. To celebrate the Feast of Pak Tai, on the third day of the third month of the Lunar Calendar each year, a Chinese opera performance is held in a bamboo-shed in front of the temple. You can also rent bikes nearby. Walk up to the hilltop Taipa Municipal
travel Garden which houses a statue of the Portuguese poet Camoes, whom the area is named after. This quiet garden sits alongside the Carmo Church - a popular spot for wedding photos - and the Taipa Houses Museum. These five distinctive green Portuguese-style houses were formerly the residences of civil servants. They look out onto what remains of the once large mangrove swamp, now surrounded by hotels and casinos. If you’ve got time, catch a cab from the Rua do Cunha taxi-stand in Taipa Village and head across the bridge to Macau Peninsula to visit St. Paul’s ruins (what remains of St. Paul’s College and the Church of Mater Dei, both destroyed by fire in 1835) and Senado Square - a beautiful old town square paved with traditional Portuguese mosaic. Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, Rua Correia da Silva Pak Tai Temple, Largo Camoes Carmo Church and Taipa Municipal Garden, Avenida de Carlos da Maia, Largo do Carmo Taipa Houses Museum, Avenida da Praia www.taipavillagemacau.com
5pm - Head home Once on board the ferry, sit back and relax for the short ride home. Top tip: book your return journey in advance. Arriving at the ferry terminal and having to wait two hours because all the seats are sold out is no fun at all.
(Clockwise from left): St. Paul’s ruins; a street in Taipa; painting a temple door; the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History; Pak Tai temple.
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yoga yoda
AWKWARD MOMENTS ...and other embarrassing stories in the life of a yoga teacher. By Victor Chau.
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aving taught yoga for over 4,000 hours, I’ve had my fair share of weird moments. Often my students think I’ve not picked up on their faux pas, but from my vantage point, I see everything. Here are my top five:
5 The sleeping beauty It is nice to relax in savasana (corpse pose) at the end of a yoga class, but some students find it hard to stay present. Most often in an evening class, a hard working executive will fall sound asleep, snoring thunderously. This may be accompanied by drooling and - on occasion - mumbling. Sometimes, the culprit wakes him or herself up with a snort and tries to play it cool like nothing happened - but we all heard you.
4 Letting it rip Yoga pants have been the subject of much debate in recent years, but one thing is certain: when pushed to their absolute limit they will rip. A student in my class once had the back of her pants split wide open in malasana (yoga squat). Worse, she didn’t realise so the awkward job of letting her know fell to the gentleman behind her. Valiantly, she continued the class (after moving her mat to the back of the room).
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3 Fight club Cat pose is good for stretching the spine but cat fights are bad for the zen in the class. I once stood between two angry female students who were arguing over one of them taking a photo during the class. Soft hissing soon turned into hitting and hair pulling. I had to keep my cool - in a hot yoga room - and ask the troublemakers to leave.
2 Dropping the ball(s) While ladies tend to wear tighter yoga apparel, gentlemen often prefer to wear something loose. Unfortunately, in certain poses - such as seated wide straddle - this can result in men revealing more of themselves than they may have intended, especially if their shorts are without proper underwear support...
1 Gone with the wind Yoga promotes an intestinal movement called peristalsis. Poses that involve twists and turns can aid digestion, so it is only natural that you might have to answer nature’s call after or during a class. Sometimes though, the wind will precede. If I hear a soft slip of sound - or a louder release - I ignore it (never apologise, this only draws attention). The worst ones are usually silent and harder to locate, but - like a ripple in a pond - slowly spread to affect the whole room.
What to look out for in June: Jun 5 Charity Yoga on the Beach Enjoy the sound of waves and get your feet sandy with The Yoga Room on World Environment Day. 5:30-6:30pm, Repulse Bay, donation of $100. www.yogaroomhk.com Jun 18–19 Weekend Mentorship Workshop Led by me. If you’re a new yoga teacher looking to learn about adjustment skills and the business of yoga, look no further. 12:3opm-6:30pm (both days) at Epic Yoga 3/F Man Hing Building, 79-83 Queen’s Road Central, events.epicmma.com Jun 25-26 IRIS: Your Escape with ManulifeMOVE One of the largest wellness events in Hong Kong, free yoga classes are led by the best yoga teachers in town and there’s a plethora of healthy snacks and products to sample. Central Harbourfront. Register at www.irishkg.com
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marketplace
pets
warming signs
HOT DOGS How to prevent heat stroke in your pet. By Pets Central’s Dr. Anders Kulhavy. As the weather starts to warm up in Hong Kong, here are some tips to keep your pet safe when the mercury rises. Heat stroke occurs when body temperature rises to a dangerous level for a prolonged period of time. The consequences of this can be deadly if not addressed quickly. Most heat-related illnesses occur at the beginning of the summer season, simply because pets have not yet acclimated to the heat. Dogs do not sweat like humans. Only the nose has the ability to excrete moisture. Instead, dogs primarily get rid of heat by panting.
When taking your pet out to the park or the beach, try to do so earlier in the day (before 11am) and make sure you have plenty of water available. Keep in mind that if you are hot or thirsty then your pet will be as well, especially with a fur coat on. Symptoms of overheating include panting and lethargy. If things progress, other warning signs may develop, including vomiting and diarrhea. When left untreated they will eventually collapse and develop
shock. If you are concerned your pet is overheating, take the following actions: • Place him or her in the shade or an airconditioned area. • Wet the entire body down with water and place a fan (or manually fan air) over them to dissipate the heat. Do not place your pet in ice as this prevents blood flow to the skin where it can release heat. • Provide ample drinking water. • If your pet collapses or has vomiting or diarrhea take him or her to a vet immediately, as heatstroke can be life threatening within an hour or two. If you have a thermometer handy you can measure your pet’s body temperature by placing it in the rectum. Normal temperature can range up to 39.5 degrees celsius in dogs. Temperatures above 40 degrees are cause for concern and should prompt cooling measures as above. Above 40.5 degrees needs immediate attention. If the situation doesn’t improve, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
hong kong creatures
we live here too
THE BLUE-SPOT TED EMPEROR DRAGONFLY The blue-spotted emperor is bright blue and green in colour. It is one of the largest dragonflies: adults can grow up to three inches long. Its sharp bright eyes and body give it the appearance of royalty, hence its regal name. The males have a green thorax with black stripes on a bright blue abdomen, while the females have green thorax and abdomen. However, in warm weather the females will turn from green to blue. Adults feed on bugs such as butterflies, four spotted chasers, and tadpoles. These dragonflies can live in a variety of aquatic habitats, from large ponds to dykes, as long as there is a plentiful supply of vegetation in the water. The females place
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photo by Quarti
aka Anax nigrofasciatus nigrofasciatus. By Steffi Yuen.
the larvae inside the leaves of pondweed to protect the offspring from fish and other
pond life. The larvae stay underwater until adulthood. The males are very territorial: each will protect his pond from other males. Territories can be as large as 50 meters on a section of slow running water. Blue-spotted emperors are common and can be found in Guangdong and Guangxi in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. In other places - like Bhutan, India, Nepal and Thailand - the subspecies Anax nigrofasciatus nigrolineatus is found instead. Where to find them in Hong Kong: Shing Mun Country Park, Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Ma On Shan, Sham Tseng, Luk Keng, and Wu Kau Tang.
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southside secrets
photo by Jaylie Wong
shhhhh
(Clockwise from left): the waterfall; the view from Waterfall Bay; the retired statues.
CHASING WATERFALLS Shreena Patel takes a trip to Pok Fu Lam’s Waterfall Bay.
N
estled in a park along the coast of Wah Fu Estate, Waterfall Bay is no Niagara Falls, but it is of historic importance. The spot was marked on Admiralty survey charts as far back as the late 1740s and became well-known among British and European sailors in the nineteenth century as a source of freshwater. In fact, Hong Kong’s reputation as one of the few places on the coast of China with an abundant supply of potable water is what first attracted British attention. The story goes that when visiting sailors asked the name of the area, local fishermen replied, “Heung Gong” - literally, “fragrant harbour” - in reference to nearby Aberdeen Harbour which exported incense. The British pronounced this “Hong Kong” and the name was eventually used to refer to the entire island. The first images of the waterfall appeared in 1816, the year of Lord Amherst’s (failed) diplomatic mission to China aboard the Alceste. He used the bay as the rendezvous point for his ships. Sailing with the mission, British surgeon and naturalist Clarke Abel wrote of
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Hong Kong Island in his account of the trip, Narrative of a Journey in the Interior of China, and of a Voyage to and from that Country in the Years 1816 and 1817, “As seen from the ship, this island was chiefly remarkable for its high conical mountains, rising in the centre, and for a beautiful cascade which rolled over a fine blue rock into the sea. I took advantage of the first watering boat to visit the shore, and made one of these mountains and the waterfall the principal objects of my visit.” Much of the landscape has changed since Abel’s visit: most noticeably, a Bel-Air apartment block now towers above the falls. The intensity of the waterfall is also greatly reduced: after British colonisation of Hong Kong, many of the streams that once led to the waterfall were diverted to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir - the first key water storage facility in the colony. Next to the waterfalls are the ruins of a pillbox and a Lyon searchlight dating back to World War II, when the area was used as a bunker by British troops to defend the colony from the Japanese.
For something more surreal, head further along the coast, to the other end of the park. Here lie hundreds of porcelain figurines of (mostly) Chinese deities, stuck onto the rocks and looking out towards the sea. Many consider it unlucky to discard a statue of a god; instead, they bring it here for a seaside retirement of sorts. Retired locals also gather here at weekends to play cards and Chinese chess.
How to get there Head to Wah Fu via taxi or bus (from Central, take the 40, 40M, 30X or the 4; from Repulse Bay, take the 73). Once there, head northwest along Wah Fu Road, then left onto Waterfall Bay Road. The park is just down the road, to your right. Follow the signs to the waterfall, located at the northernmost part of the park.