The List #215, June 1 2014

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Issue 215 1 June 2014

EVERY TWO WEEKS

T h e M a g a z i n e T h at K n o w s

50 ideas to get you through a rainy day

CONTENTS

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06

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05 Editor’s Letter

What’s In

Quirk up your home with one-off pieces from La La Curio.

06 Guestlist

Here Be Dragons

16 Feature

The Tuen Ng Festival is upon us, so get to the water, stat!

08 Wishlist

Trendwatch

There’s a new accessories store on Peel Street.

Plus: is McDonald’s chic a thing?

Lookbook

We take a peek at Cassandra Postema’s favorite things.

Beauty and Wellness

We check out some healthy juices, and go gaga over the resurrected nail polish classics from Bobbi Brown.

Commercial Appeal

Escape the rain and humidity by spending a day exploring these cool commercial buildings, which are stacked with awesome places to play, shop and eat.

50 Baby Pak choi

Pregnancy Paranoia

Our knocked-up columnist falls prey to pregnancy danger myths.

KNOW & TEL

Quirky Museums p.22

Co-working Spaces p.28

Indoor Sports p.32

Crafting Workshops p.36

Indoor Playrooms p.40

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Th e M aga z i n e That K n ow s

HK Magazine media

Publisher and General Manager | Greg Crandall

The List Magazine Media Ltd. Part of HK Magazine Media Group

Editorial

302 Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road,

Managing Editor | Sarah Fung

Editor-in-Chief | Zach Hines

Hong Kong

Senior Consulting Editor | Kate Springer

Tel: 852-2850-5065 Fax: 852-2543-4964 E-mail: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

Staff Writers | Andrea Lo, Evelyn Lok

Associate Editor | Charlotte Mulliner Contributor | Chloe Tong

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Editorial

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Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising contents in our magazine. The contents in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company.

Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.

editor’s letter

Rain Rain Go Away After all the miserable weather we had in May, we at The List decided that there was no time like the present to throw together an issue dedicated to having fun indoors.

Naturally, I’m betting that the weather is going to be absolutely glorious the day this issue hits the stands!

Whether it’s too hot, too humid or there’s a typhoon a’brewing, sometimes we all need to retreat inside, which is why we’ve rounded up some places (with aircon!) where you can while away an afternoon. From Quirky Museums (p.22) to Crafting Workshops (p.36),

you’ll find something to keep you occupied.

If your feet are getting itchy, work up a sweat at these Indoor Sport venues (p.32), or if you have little ones, tire out the terrors with our listing of Indoor Playrooms (p.40).

Still feeling the urge to shop, eat or spa?

Venture into one of the city’s commercial buildings (p.16) and spend an afternoon exploring them floor-by-floor.

Or you know, do just as I do, and stay home, eat an entire box of cookies and watch movies. Up to you!

Get in Touch I’d love to hear from you! E-mail me: sarah.fung@hkmagmedia.com Find me on Twitter: @sarahefung

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Flagship Designer Showroom: 1/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau. 2877 3295 www.tequilakola.com

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Make a Date Our picks for the month

Dragon Boat Carnival

June 6-8

June 21

During the Tuen Ng festival—perhaps better known as Dragon Boat Festival—the city decamps to the sea to watch teams from all over the world paddle their sleek dragon boats across Victoria Harbour. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival can trace its beginnings back to 1976, when a group of fishermen participated in a dragon boat race, propelling the traditional Chinese activity into the international sport it is today.

On this boat tour, explore Sai Kung’s waters, visit abandoned Yim Tin Tsai island, see the caves on Jin Island, then head to Sharp Island to check out “elephant nose rock” and the area’s geopark.

Dragon Boat Carnival

All day Fri-Sun, Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui East.

From June 20

Chinese Opera Festival

Hong Kong’s Chinese Opera Festival returns for its fifth year, opened by the enigmatic virtuoso star of Chinese traditional theater, Pei Yanling. She’s bringing a cast from the Peking Opera Research Centre of Hebei to perform excerpts from some of the classics of Beijing and Kunqu opera. A guided performance will accompany the opening act—”Exploring the Art of Chinese Traditional Theatre,” a display of Yanling’s raw talents without any stage makeup or flashy costumes.

Various events and venues; visit www.cof.gov.hk for details.

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Sai Kung Boat Tour

9:45am at Sai Kung Public Pier; tour starts at 10am and ends at 1pm. Visit www.hikingtours. hk/saikungtour for more info.

Guestlist

Through Summer

Summer Menu at Tapeo

Tapas resto Tapeo is gearing up for the summer with some all-new dishes. Try mussels with chorizo, or seared scallops with candied pork and lemon aioli, alongside old favorites such as paella. Remember to wash it all down with a big glass of sangria. ¡Bienvenido, verano!

Spotted!

Women of Hope May 10

Tapeo Central: 15-19 Hollywood Rd., Central, 3171-1989.

Tapeo Sai Wan Ho: Shop GA01-03, G/F, Site A, Lei King Wan, 55 Tai Hong St., Sai Wan Ho, 2513-0199.

Through Aug 19

ArtAlive @Park 2014

A public art project organized by the LCSD and Hulu Culture, ArtAlive@Park opened late last month, aiming to showcase young, up-and-coming artistic talents in our public parks. The three-month event is a collaboration between professors and artists from local design schools. Expect performing arts groups, guided tours, carnivals and more.

9am-11pm. The New Central Harbourfront, Central. Call Hulu Culture, 2780-2283 for more info, or visit www.facebook.com/ ArtAlivePark.

Last month, The List collaborated with the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation for our “Women of Hope” issue, celebrating inspirational women in Hong Kong. We held two events on May 10 at Kee Club to honor the women nominated by readers: a fundraising luncheon to benefit the Adventist’s cancer fund, followed by a cocktail party in the evening. Congratulations to all the amazing women in the issue! If you missed it, find it online here: www.issuu.com/thelistmagazine.

Want to see your event featured here?

Send invitations to thelist@hkmagmedia.com

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A dose of Hong Kong style

wishlist

Fashion Forecast This fortnight’s style digest

Fun Feet Fresh kicks with white rims just scream summer.

Hot

Trendwatch

Shoes, $500 from Squarestreet

The Midi Homey Ideas

Summer Living What better time to open an inspiringly colorful home store than the start of summer? Indigo Living’s new showroom on Caine Road is deceptively large for such a small shop front, with big furniture and lifestyle items for sale as well as a kids’ section. The summer range is fun and fresh: think citrus- and mint-colored ceramics, bright blue sofas and fuchsia bar cabinets. Stuck for ideas? Speak to one of the in-house design consultants, or even schedule a home visit.

G/F, 63-69 Caine Rd., Mid-Levels, 2317-0368, www.indigo-living.com

Patterned, pleated or plain, the floaty midi skirt is classically elegant.

Skirt, $2,990 from Alice + Olivia

Big Frames If you’ve got the right face shape, you won’t look like a bug!

Sunglasses, $69.90 from H&M

Skorts You love ‘em, but we’d rather you left them at the school gates.

Hot Opening

Moschino/ McDonald’s Wear it, eat it? Confusing!

There’s a lot of personality on display in Fabriano, the new two-story shop and event space in SoHo. It’s the brainchild of Hong Kong’s very own handbag designer and lifestyle blogger Grace Chan, who wants to give a platform to local and emerging artists and designers. She has scouted out all of the brands and handpicked the original items herself: everything from fun socks to silk scarves, jewelry and, of course, handbags. We hear that new brands will be added every month—huzzah!

G/F, 67A Peel St., Central, 2736-8737, www.facebook.com/fabrianoshop

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NOT

Fab Idea

Lookbook

wishlist

The Peace Bracelet by Emi & Eve This is the first item I ever designed with an artist in Cambodia who recycles bomb shrapnel waste. We now work closely with him on all our accessory designs. I wear it every day—it’s a great talking point and matches everything.

Une Olive en Provence Night Cream I only use natural cosmetic products and love the properties of olive oil. And of course the adorable packaging doesn’t hurt!

Cassandra Postema Cassandra Postema is a fashion designer and the founder of Emi & Eve, a socially conscious local handbag and jewelry company that works with Cambodia craftsmen to recycle war remnants into accessories. She talks to The List about her favorite things. www.emiandeve.com

Vietnamese Lacquer Box I bought this box in a market in Saigon. I had to have this one, because it was the only one I have ever seen with a painting on the lid. I was drawn to these birds and the color combination.

Bamboo Bedsheets Bamboo cultivation does not require pesticides or irrigation so it’s much kinder to the environment than cotton. It’s also sheer luxury to sleep on silky bamboo sheets, I recommend it! You can get them at Bamboa (www.bamboa.asia).

Multi-Colored Pens Replica Vintage Prada Sandals I bought these in 2002 in the Pedder Building. Well not these, exactly, since I wore the originals out over the years and then had to have them copied. They carry over easily from day to evening and are great with jeans.

I have one of these in my bag at all times to take notes or draw a quick design idea on the go. It includes four color pens and a retractable pencil as well. Genius.

Tord Boontje Garland Lamp I like everything this designer produces and I love beautiful lamps. It throws lovely shadows and inspires me every day at my desk.

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Fight the Frizz

A healthier way to gorgeous, glossy locks

Colouring, straightening and styling… our hair takes a lot of punishment in our quest to look good, with more treatments available than ever before. But what if Hong Kong’s climate is ruining our ‘do? And do some salon ‘treatments’ cause more harm than good? We sit down with Aline Jahns, Asia Director of Brazilian hair care brand Ybera Professional, for her take on keeping your locks looking good... whatever the weather!

Humidity and your hair Let’s talk about frizz! Humid climates such as Hong Kong can wreak havoc on your hair, particularly if it’s not in tip-top shape to begin with. If the hair’s cuticles are damaged, moisture from the air easily penetrates the hair’s shaft, causing that tell-tale ‘halo’ of frizz. So it’s no surprise that semi-permanent smoothing treatments have become so popular, with many women swearing by a quarterly ‘Brazilian’ treatment to keep their hair looking great.

The damaging truth about treatments Unfortunately, many of these treatments cause more harm than good, actually exacerbating the problem of frizz, and with serious health implications for client and stylist alike. Why? One word: formaldehyde.

This toxic chemical is present in the vast majority of smoothing treatments and has some nasty side effects. As well as smelling awful and making eyes sting, formaldehyde actually damages, rather than repairs, your hair, coating it in an impenetrable film that temporarily smooths the hair, but also prevents it from absorbing nutrients from your scalp’s natural oils or hair products. Over time, this dries and damages the hair, causing a vicious cycle of frizz that requires more treatment. Even products claiming to be formaldehydefree contain chemicals such as methylene glycol that release formaldehyde gas when heated, meaning that your stylist often inhales this cancer-causing toxin several times each

Advertorial

day. Brazil completely banned formaldehyde back in 2004, but other countries, including Hong Kong, are still catching up.

New Brazilian expertise As the home of the original straightening treatments, it’s no surprise to learn that Brazil is leading the way when it comes to formaldehyde-free alternatives.

Ybera Professional is now Brazil’s leading hair smoothing brand, and has been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs to treat hair without harsh chemicals. This trendsetting brand is committed to innovation, releasing a new product yearly, and winning multiple industry awards for their gentle yet effective product range.

Safe and effective smoothing options There are two salon treatments available: ‘Fashion Candy’ is a quick and easy treatment for those with mild damage or gentle waves that need taming, while ‘Discovery’ is an intensely repairing treatment that produces stunning results while being gentle enough to use on pregnant women and even children! It eschews the chemical fog in favour of a mild apple scent, and is safe enough to apply with bare hands, keeping clients and hair stylists happy and healthy.

What about day-to-day styling?

Using a hairdryer or flat iron without applying thermal protection can dramatically dehydrate the hair. A good quality leave-in conditioner, followed by a gloss can prevent against loss of moisture.

Expert advice Ybera Professional Director Aline Jahns shares some top tips for looking after our locks at home.

What can we do to actively improve the condition of our hair at home?

To improve the condition of your hair, follow a good daily care routine: • If you have normal hair, wash every two days; dry hair can be washed two-three times per week maximum. For those with an oily scalp but dry ends, a purifying shampoo once a month can often help a lot. (Do note that purifying shampoo is not the same as deepcleaning shampoo, whose strong formula can make hair really dry).

• Use a pH-balanced shampoo that will clean your hair while moisturising it.

• Apply shampoo only to the scalp - the product that is rinsed through the length is sufficient to clean your hair without drying it.

• Use a good conditioner and weekly mask designed for your hair type. Ask your stylist for recommendations, and always follow the instructions on the bottle.

• Protect the ends of your hair pre-shampoo with a small quantity of Ybera Professional’s ‘Mirra Oil’. Smooth down the length of the hair to close the cuticles before washing.

To find an Ybera Professional salon, or for more expert Haircare advice visit: www.ybera.com.hk or email info@ybera.com.hk YBERA HONG KONG

YBERA_ASIA

Beauty & Wellness

wishlist

Your guide to looking fit and fabulous

Ahh, Spa

Coming up Roses Women have been using rose in their beauty routines for centuries, and with its nourishing, cleansing and aromatherapy properties, it’s a no-brainer choice for back-to-basics skincare. The List recently tried Sense of Touch’s new 90-minute Rose Infinity Facial ($1,380) at the fivestory flagship spa in LKF. The treatment uses products from Aromatherapy Associates’ Rose Infinity line, which all smell wonderful—the eye cream in particular, which is made of rose and frankincense oils. The facial is just as good as the products, with two face masks and a relaxing head and shoulder massage. The results were noticeable immediately, revealing hydrated, glowing skin with a visible lift to troubled areas.

52 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2526-6918, www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Hot Eat Well Product

Tried & Tested

So Polished

I Dream of Genie

Whether you’re obsessed with red digits or you’re rocking neutrals, Bobbi Brown’s nail polish collection has something to suit your every whim.

Just in time for summer, the brand has launched Bobbi Nails, a collection of its10 all-time most popular nail varnishes—many of which had been discontinued.

Favorites include Cherry Tomato, Navy, Bordeaux and Bittersweet ($130 each). Known for their rich pigments and staying power, these resurrected hues are a great accessory for your summer wardrobe.

After bingeing on ramen and tempura in Japan for two weeks, our very own Kate Springer took a shot at Genie Concept’s three-day Beginner detox ($1,700), a line of cold-pressed juices meant to cleanse the body of pesky toxins and pump it full of nutrient-rich raw fruits and veggies. Each day starts with a Smooth Operator—a delicious smoothie of banana, avocado, spinach and apple. You get six juices a day, with the standouts being the refreshing and nutritious Four Leaf Clover green juice, and Sweet Dreams, a nutty and ever-so-sweet way to finish the day. Kate’s verdict?

“Even after the first day, I noticed a difference—I woke up more alert and energetic but tuckered out earlier than usual. After three days? I was down two pounds, fresh-faced and ready for the weekend.“

Available at Bobbi Brown counters citywide, including 1/F, The Landmark, 5 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2132-0188, www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

9 Leung I Fong, Sai Ying Pun, 2803-0369, www. thegenieconcept.com

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What’s In La La Curio

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1. Curio blowfish display

$3,800 2. Gilded coral table lamp

$1,880 3. Cloisonne tile trays 5

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$2,560

4. Natural rocks table lamps

$6,990 each 5. Cloisonne tile boxes

$2,350 each 6. Embroidered peacock cushion

$2,800

wishlist

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7. Gold leaf curio jar

$190-750 8. Coral bowl

$1,350 9. Chrome ant

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$450 10. Checkered red and gold leaf cabinet

$15,580 8

11. The Chinoiserie armchair

$14,000

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32-33 Sau Wa Fong, Wan Chai, 2528-5007, www.lalacurio.com 15

Chow Down It’s not the swankiest place in Hong Kong, but there is no denying that Chungking Mansions (36–44 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui) is a hotbed of international cuisine. Constructed in 1961, the 17-story block was initially intended as a luxury residential spot for wealthy locals. Later, during the Vietnam War, the neighborhood became a sort of red light district, and now it’s a central trade hub for Southeastern Asians and Africans in Hong Kong. Make it past the watch and bag hawkers, and you’ll be rewarded with an endless array of authentic Indian, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Malaysian food—all under one roof.

If you’re an Indian food lover, the 25-year-old Delhi Club (Block C, Room 3, 3/F) cooks up delicious Indian curries and naan breads. For authentic Turkish kebabs, there’s Happy Camels (Shop 47, G/F) which is a cozy small place with free Wi-Fi all day. For something with a more eastern flair, try out relatively well-known Malaysian chain Syed Bukhara (G/F, Shop 15-16) which serves a mix of Malaysian-Indian fusion dishes.

If this is not enough to lure you in, you can even do a bargain hunt on the ground floor. Take your pick from cheap phone cards (everywhere), to Indian saris from the likes of the Nepal Fancy Emporium (Shop 50A, G/F).

Have a kebab at Happy Camels

Delhi Club

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With summer comes regular downpours, typhoons and that dreaded humidity—take cover in the great indoors with a few buildings worth getting lost in. Kate Springer and Chloe Tong find something for everyone.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Como at Island Beverley

Como at Island Beverley

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What better way to make the most of a rainy day than to revamp your wardrobe? For local designs and fresh looks from Korea and Japan—all at reasonable prices—check out Island Beverley (1 Great George St.) in Causeway Bay. On the first floor, we recommend a browse through Ing Design’s latest looks, which feature lots of classy striped numbers, work-friendly dresses and ladylike lace accents (around $600 per piece). On the second floor, look for Cork & Candy, which is stocked with affordable lingerie in all kinds of colors—panties are about $39, and bras (up to size 42) cost about $100.

On the same floor, Como is a great option for boho chic dresses, colorful bags, cute jean shorts and airy knits for summer. One of our favorite shops is October 1, which is bumping with jazz music and features racks of locally designed skirts and dresses, plus some imported vintagelooking shoes and bags from Japan. The whole building is chock-full of up-and-coming designers, plus some beauty products splashed here and there. Whether you’re looking for a new bag or a whole new wardrobe, Island Beverley is definitely an easy way to pass an afternoon—that is, if you can push past the Causeway Bay crowds.

Tequila Kola

Indigo Living

Update Your Flat Sick of that Ikea sofa? Spend a day outfitting your apartment with a trip to the massive Horizon Plaza (2 Lee Wing St., Ap Lei Chau). Tucked away in the southern district of Ap Lei Chau, Horizon Plaza houses 28 floors of furniture and retail outlets— one of the newest being Nook (11/F), which stocks a range of deluxe designs that are sourced from around the world, including Scandinavia and Australia. If going green is more your thing, check out Tree on the 28th floor, where you’ll find a wide range of eco-friendly wooden furniture for adults and kids alike, plus a café for chilling out.

There’s a quirky offering on the 26th floor, where Le Carpet Studio can create custom rugs. There are also adorable baby cots and beds for tykes from New Zealand-based Nature’s Way at Okooko next door.

Tree

Stop and grab a cupcake at Sift on the 22nd floor, before heading down to the 20th level, where you’ll find chic boutique looks at OVO Studio, as well as Asian-inspired setups at Oriental Home. The kid stuff continues on the 18th floor, but we’d suggest you head down to Indigo Living (6/F). We love the brand’s breezy summer collection, which mixes lots of bright colors with classic and contemporary designs. And don’t leave without checking out the latest finds at Tequila Kola’s warehouse on the first floor, where you can snag great bargains on this brand’s beautiful statement pieces—think designer tables, cabinets, chairs, lamps, accents and even super-comfy air mattresses.

On the map, Horizon Plaza looks a bit far away, but it is easily reached by taking the M590 bus from Central to South Horizons, then changing to the Plaza’s shuttle bus that runs at frequent intervals.

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Treat Yourself When it’s gross out, you’re probably tempted to just lounge around your flat—but why not take your relaxation up a notch with a facial, haircut, blowout, makeup session, body massage and a foot massage all in one go? You can do it all in one building: Century Square (1-13 D’Aguilar St., Central).

It’s a pampering paradise. Start on the top floors with a little rub down at one of the established spas: you have your choice of the ubiquitous Happy Foot (19/F), the quiet and contemporary Zhen Foot Spa (18/F), traditional Gao’s Foot Massage (15/F), futuristic Kiwi Spa (14/F) and the always-packed Joy Ocean Town Foot Reflexology (12/F).

Good luck choosing!

Just a few floors down, you’ll find Salon Nova (10/F), a hair and nail salon that specializes in bold nail designs and dramatic hairdos. If you just need a good wash, stop into

Storming Through SoHo The Mid-Levels Escalator is not just an easy way to climb a mountain—it also makes for great shelter from the rain so you can snack and shop to your heart’s content, even if the weather’s not so hot. Kate Springer spends a stormy day wandering from IFC to Robinson Road in search of new finds and old favorites.

Kick off your rainy day with a trip to the brand-new J.Crew in IFC Mall (Shop 1026-1028, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., 2628-5611) and stock up on bright, summery favorites that will be perfect… if the sun ever comes out again.

From IFC, make your way to the Mid-Levels Escalator, and pop off on Hollywood Road, where you can check out Polkadot Boutique’s (2/F, 29 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2521-0636) latest collection, which features looks from Muse, Greylin and local designer Chicameo.

For a little taste of Hong Kong, stop into Fu Lu Shou (7/F, 31 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2336-8812), a funky new bar-slash-resto that specializes in “China Town” comfort food and cocktails with a Hong Kong twist. You enter through an old-school elevator and arrive to find a cool outside space, a massive mural and creative concoctions. The door code changes every Tuesday, so be sure to call ahead.

If all those tasty cocktails have you craving a heartier meal, Chicken on the Run (Shop A, LG/F, 1 Prince’s Terrace, Mid-Levels, 2537-8285) might just hit the spot.

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Bellesa Blowdry Bar

brand new Bellesa Blowdry Bar (7/F), where you can enjoy a blowout for $380, and makeup for $850 (though there’s a discount if you have both at the same time). Bring a book, and be prepared to emerge brand new!

This little rotisserie outpost serves up delicious, crispy chickens and a huge variety of sides and salads—plus a selection of snacks from Australia.

If the rain has you all tuckered out, book yourself a massage or a mani-pedi at Iyara’s Mid-levels location (5 Prince’s Terrace, Mid-Levels, 2545-8638), which opened last April. This cozy spot is smaller and quieter than the Cochrane Street branch, but the range of services still runs the gamut from waxing to body wraps, facials to nails.

After a few hours of pampering, you’re probably read for another bite to eat. Take the escalator up a few more levels till you reach Mosque Street, where you’ll see Sea Salt (23 Mosque St., Mid-Levels, 2790-7211) on your left. This recently opened spot specializes in gourmet fish and chips, so look for fried cod, grilled barramundi, or beer-battered red snapper. For sides? Try the extra crispy fries and popcorn shrimp—or balance things out with a fresh salad.

Just remember to bring an umbrella for the walk back down!

Fu Lu Shou

22-27 Quirky Museums

Know & Tel Instant Index

28-31 Co-working Spaces 32-35 Indoor Sports 36-39 Crafting Workshops 40-43 Indoor Playrooms

CONTACT US: On the following pages you’ll find a huge array of practical information. We cover more than 200 topics a year. Tell us what you need to know!

Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

Spring Learning

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Quirky Museums A yearnin’ for learnin’

Heritage of Mei Ho House Museum This small museum gives a very big insight into life in the Shek Kip Mei public housing estate in Sham Shui Po from the 1950s through 70s. Mei Ho House was built by the government to house more than 50,000 refugees displaced by a shantytown fire in 1953.

It’s now a hostel as well as a museum, with a mix of donated exhibits and firsthand anecdotes from former residents.

Mei Ho House, Block 41, Shek Kip Mei Estate, Sham Shui Po, 3728-3500, www.meihohouse.hk

Hong Kong Space Museum

Art Museum, Chinese University of HK Part of the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Art Museum exhibits more than 12,000 artifacts from ancient and premodern China. Through academic lectures, symposia and exhibitions, the Art Museum fosters research on Chinese art and provides the opportunity for students, teachers and the public to gain first-hand experience of Chinese culture through art and archaeology.

Institute of Chinese Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, 2609-7416, www. cuhk.edu.hk/ics/amm

Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery Step aboard the fireboat Alexander Grantham, which went into service in 1953 as the flagship of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department’s team on the water. Before it was decommissioned in 2002, it responded to fire alarms and conducted rescue operations in Hong Kong’s waters and along the shoreline.

The refitted boat now contains unique firefighting artifacts and information

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about the city’s marine rescue work, plus you can explore the various decks and rooms. Admission is free.

Quarry Bay Park, Tai Hong St., Quarry Bay, 2367-7821, www.lcsd.gov.hk

Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware

Former Mei Ho House

Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum

A historical treasure that dates back to the 1840s, Flagstaff House was later converted into a museum that houses some of Hong Kong’s most prized teaware collections—the core collection was donated by the late Dr. K.S. Lo, a famous businessman with a penchant for pottery. Formerly the home of the commander-in-chief of the British forces in Hong Kong, Flagstaff House is the city’s oldest surviving colonial building.

A visit to the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum in Stanley affords an intriguing glimpse of prison life over the past 160 years. The museum showcases the evolution of the Hong Kong penal system from one that focused on punishment as a deterrent to the present system, which promotes the rehabilitation of prisoners. The museum features a mock gallows, two imitation cells and a stylized guard tower on the top of the building.

Free admission.

Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, 2869-0690, www.hk.art.museum

45 Tung Tau Wan Rd., Stanley, 2147-3199, www.csd.gov.hk

Hobby and Toy Museum

Flagstaff House

Definitely not just for the kids, the Hong Kong International Hobby and Toy Museum is devoted to studying, restoring and preserving iconic memorabilia for all to enjoy. Explore its glass cabinet displays of toy cars, action figures, cartoon characters, science fiction collectibles, model rockets and much, much more. The

Know & Tel

museum also houses a robot section with a large exhibit of Japanese Gundam robots on display.

330 Shanghai St., Yau Ma Tei, 6358-8646, www.hktoymuseum.org

Hong Kong Film Archive The Film Archive is dedicated to the preservation of Hong Kong’s movie heritage. It collects and conserves films and related materials, provides facilities accessible to the public, conducts activities to promote Hong Kong’s film culture, and facilitates research into the history of local cinema. Inside the archive building, which opened in 2001, you’ll find a cinema, an exhibition hall and a resource center, all equipped with the latest technology to resurrect the glamorous films of the past. The archive regularly screens old movies, so check its website for upcoming programs.

1/F, 50 Lei King Rd., Sai Wan Ho, 2739-2139, www.filmarchive.gov.hk

natural and cultural history, including toy-making. The “Bruce Lee: Kung Fu Art Life” exhibition will run until 2018, displaying more than 600 items of Bruce Lee memorabilia collected from around the world.

1 Man Lam Rd., Sha Tin, 2180-8188, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Hong Kong Maritime Museum A non-profit educational institution, the museum has semi-permanent and special exhibitions, and holds educational events. The exhibitions give a comprehensive account of Hong Kong’s growth into a major world port, and the contributions made by China and the West to the development of ships, maritime exploration, trade, and naval warfare.

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

Hong Kong Heritage Museum The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is devoted to preserving the city’s historical, art and cultural heritage.

That may sound quite dry, but its exhibitions are anything but! Find permanent exhibits on the New Territories and Cantonese opera, plus a Children’s Discovery Gallery of

Eight galleries and a showcase cinema tell the success story of horseracing in Hong Kong, from the 1840s to today’s hi-tech racecourses and phenomenal gambling turnover.

Learn about famous trainers and jockeys, what makes a champion horse, and how the Sha Tin Racecourse was built on reclaimed land.

2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 2966-8065, www.hkjc.com

Central Ferry Pier No. 8, Man Kwong St., Central, 3713-2500, www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

Hong Kong Film Archive

Hong Kong Racing Museum

Set in a 19th-century British fort with spectacular views of the Lei Yue Mun channel, the Museum of Coastal Defense’s batteries and camouflaged cannons have all been meticulously restored and made accessible to the public. The historic redoubt has been given a tented canopy, and the museum houses artifacts and costumes from Hong Kong’s military past. Just north is a gentle trail leading to the sea, giving a sense of how the British patrolled for pirates and other enemies of the colony.

175 Tung Hei Rd., Shau Kei Wan, 2569-1500, www.hk.coastaldefence.museum

Hong Kong Railway Museum This small, picturesque museum is dedicated to the history of Hong Kong’s railway system. It’s situated in the former Tai Po Market station, a charming 1913 building with a traditional tiled roof now declared a historical monument. The permanent exhibition includes photographs, old coaches, samples of track and a full-sized model of an electric train compartment.

Tai Po Market, 13 Shung Tak St., Tai Po, 2653-3455, www.hk.heritage.museum

Hong Kong Science Museum This museum makes for a great family day out, thanks to about 500 permanent exhibits that explore all aspects of science and technology, including robotics, virtual reality and transportation. Best of all, about 70 percent of the exhibits are interactive, meaning you can play with them. A popular feature is the 20-meter-high energy machine, which is the largest

Hong Kong Science Museum

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multimedia educational zone and copies of relics, such as bullets, T-shirts and flyers. You’ll also find a reconstruction of Beijing’s infamous square and Chang An Boulevard. Opening hours vary on public holidays, as well as on June 4 itself.

5/F, Foo Hoo Centre, 3 Austin Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2459-6489, www.64museum.org Hong Kong Railway Museum

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

of its kind in the world! The museum also frequently runs interesting special exhibitions and hosts topical lectures.

2 Science Museum Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732-3232, www.hk.science.museum

Hong Kong Space Museum With its unique egg-dome structure, the 8,000-square-meter museum is one of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks.

Known locally as the “pineapple bun” given its resemblance to the popular pastry—it’s hard to miss! Explore the final frontier and learn all about astronomy and space technology with its regular exhibits, plus watch out for oneoff carnivals, lab sessions, competitions and lectures. The large planetarium also features daily Omnimax screenings and Sky shows.

10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721-0226, www.hk.space.museum

June 4 Memorial Museum This 800-square-foot space, discreetly hidden away in a commercial building, holds a series of exhibits on the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, in commemoration of the event’s 25th anniversary. There’s a “Corridor of History” photo and text exhibit, a

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Law Uk Folk Museum Law Uk, which means “Law’s House” after its original owner, is an 18th-century, Qing-dynasty Hakka village house, complete with furnishings and artifacts. As the sole remaining architectural example of its kind in Chai Wan, it was declared a historical monument in 1989.

A small adjacent gallery holds cultural exhibitions. Admission is free.

14 Kut Shing St., Chai Wan, 2896-7006, www.lcsd.gov.hk

Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum Housing a 2,000-year-old tomb, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum is one of the city’s most fascinating monuments.

The site of a four-chambered Han tomb discovered in 1955, the gallery features 58 items that were excavated during the construction of the Lei Cheng Uk Resettlement Area. Research into the calligraphy and content of the inscriptions on tomb bricks has led historians to believe the tomb was built in the Eastern Han dynasty, sometime between 25 and 220 AD. The tomb was declared an official monument in 1988.

41 Tonkin St., Sham Shui Po, 2386-2863, www.lcsd.gov.hk

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Located in an elegant brick building, this museum charts the development of medicine in the city. A former research center, the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Science was the first to focus on both Western and traditional Chinese approaches to healthcare. Along with a display of herbs and remedies, you’ll find antique apothecary equipment to

gawp at, as well as a fascinating account of the history of the Bubonic Plague in Hong Kong.

2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels, 2549-5123, www.hkmms.org.hk

Police Museum Hidden just near The Peak in the former Wan Chai Gap Police Station, the Police Museum is a thematic exhibition gallery that showcases a wide range of police archival items. The 570-square-meter space presents a broad spectrum of artifacts categorized into four galleries: the Orientation Gallery; the Triad Societies and Narcotics Gallery; Hong Kong Police: Then and Now; and the Thematic Exhibition Gallery, which changes every six months or so. The Triad Societies and Narcotics Gallery is perhaps the most worthwhile, with a stunning reconstructed setup of an old heroin manufacturing laboratory, and other seized weapons, ceremonial robes and ritual apparatus that were once used by the notorious gangsters.

27 Coombe Rd., The Peak, 2849-7019, www.police.gov.hk

Sam Tung Uk Museum Declared a historical monument in 1981, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Hong Kong’s past. Sam Tung Uk, or “three rows of dwelling,” is a restored 200-year-old walled village. The 2,000-square-meter museum includes an ancestral hall, two rows of side houses, an exhibition hall and a lecture hall.

It houses displays of period furniture, handicrafts and agricultural equipment from the Hakka people.

2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan, 2411-2001, www.hk.heritage.museum

Museum of Medical Sciences

Rainy Day Hues Don’t let that damp weather get you down. Here’s how to stay stylish, even on the wettest of Hong Kong summer days.

4 2 5 1. Trench, $399 Bershka 2. Waterproof smartphone case, $78 The Joy Factory

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3. Rain boots, $1,220 Le Chameau Paris @ Net-A-Porter

6 4. Umbrella hanging hooks, $375 each NORMANN @ Homeless 5. Bag, $550 Ted Baker 6. Compact umbrella, $280 Tang Tang Tang Tang

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7. Light raincoat, $2,480 Aigle 8

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8. Waterproof mascara, $215 Eyeko @ Net-A-Porter

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9. Waterproof gel eyeliner, $210 each Bobbi Brown 10. Anti-frizz cream, $320 Fekkai @ Joyce 11. Rain boots, $1,080 Hunter @ Sogo

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12. Color changing umbrella, $198 Suck UK @ Homeless

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Co-working Spaces Never work alone again

Dim Sum Labs Dim Sum Labs has been the birthplace of various quirky inventions of late. It’s run as a “hackerspace,” offering a workspace for those working in the IT and computing fields, as well as science and digital and electronic art. Resources available include electronics parts, networking gear, a RepRap 3D printer, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine as well as a soldering kit. Dim Sum Labs also offers regular workshops for members, including CNC milling and beginner’s programming.

Associate memberships are $150 per month; full memberships, $500 per month; and an annual membership will set you back $5,000.

4/F, 100 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, www.dimsumlabs.com The Crafties

Hong Kong Commons permanent work space, you can get a dedicated desk—under Hong Kong Commons—for $2,500 per month.

For locations see Hong Kong Commons (right), 3563-9201, boot.hk

Cocoon

Cocoon

BootHK BootHK is a co-working space for professionals to meet, work or socialize.

It places a strong emphasis on startup ventures and the entrepreneur community. The organization has two branches: one in Sheung Wan and the other in Cheung Sha Wan. In the spirit of working collaboratively, the former shares a space with Hong Kong Commons, another co-working space.

BootHK hosts regular meetings, with discussions and lectures on various business and entrepreneurial-related topics, as well as networking events.

The daily rate is $100, and seating is first-come, first-served. For $500, users can have a workspace for 12 business days; for $1,000, you can get a month’s unlimited access; and finally, for a more

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Cocoon is an incubator-type space that prioritizes eco-friendliness and social responsibility. “Cocoonians” —early stage entrepreneurs—can find mentorship and resources from Entrepreneurs in Residence: hired, experienced industry experts. Keeping in mind the eco- and socially-conscious theme, the 14,000 square feet of open space looks more like a mini-golf range than an office. In addition to a library, lockers, conference rooms, huge worktables, and a photography studio, it has—wait for it—foosball and ping pong tables. Beer pong, anyone? Pitch Nights are held once a month, in which members pitch ideas and network with investors… and maybe play some foosball afterwards. Nothing like some networking through the medium of tiny skewered people kicking tiny plastic balls. You can get a six-day-a week membership for $2,000 a month.

3/F, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Rd., Causeway Bay, 3158-2999, www.hkcocoon.org

Hong Kong Commons is open to entrepeneurs, start-up ventures and professionals who are seeking affordable workspaces. Members can rent a desk or suite for a reasonable amount. Occupying three floors at its Sheung Wan location, Hong Kong Commons also has a second branch in Lai Chi Kok. Both spaces are equipped with working areas, office suites and conference rooms, as well as a secretary service. If you’re looking to start a website, it provides free consultations, and if you decide to go further with the project, there are designers, programmers, SEO specialists and the like to help. Dedicated workspaces start at $1,600 per month, and suites start at $5,500.

Two locations: 25/F, Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 3563-9201; Suite 901, Kwong Loong Tai Building, 1016-1018 Tai Nan West St., Cheung Sha Wan, 3563-9215, hkcommons.com

Innovation Lab An 8,000-square-foot co-working space in Kennedy Town, Innovation Lab boasts seven private offices, as well as sizeable communal and meeting spaces. There are several memberships available: for $2,000 a month, you can use the space one day per week with a maximum of

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too. All three options include the use of machinery, tools and amenities, as well as coffee and snacks.

1/F, Sing Kui Commercial Building, 27 Des Voeux Rd. West, Sheung Wan, 3461-1368, www.thecrafties.hk

The Good Lab The Good Lab

25 hours per month; for $3,000, there is no maximum time limit; for $4,000, you get your own desk and work station; and for an office membership, which is available upon request, you’ll have your own 100-120-square-foot office. All memberships include the use of facilities and amenities, high speed internet and daily cleaning.

8/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Rd., Kennedy Town, 2542-1035, www.innovationlab.hk

The Crafties Offering a working space for freelancers, designers and startup companies, The Crafties caters to the art and design industries. It also hosts frequent workshops and classes on crafts such as knitting and floral arrangement.

On the first Thursday of every month, there are free 30-minute classes on the craft of crotcheting. Classes are an introduction to techniques such as chain stitching, single and double crotchets and more. Hourly rates are $80; daily rates are $200; and if you pay a monthly fee of $800, you’ll get storage space,

The Good Lab welcomes change-makers from all backgrounds to participate in a community that brings about positive social impact and change. Members can make use of high speed Wi-Fi, storage cubbies and lockers, printing, screens and projectors; and use the address for business correspondence. The Good Lab encourages shared hot-desks, but will provide fixed desks if needed. A day pass is $180, and other memberships range from $300-$2,900 per month per person.

Two locations: 1/F, The Sparkle, 500 Tung Chau St., Cheung Sha Wan; 5/F, Le Prabelle Hotel, 372 Portland St., Mong Kok, 3996-1933, www.goodlab.hk

The Hive The Hive comes from British interior design firm Alexander Waterworth, whose past projects include luxury hotels in Miami and private clubs in London. Since establishing its original location in Wan Chai, it has branched out to open two more locations in Sai Kung and Kennedy Town. At its Wan Chai location, the open, breezy workspace takes over three floors and is equipped with kitchens, lounges, sun terraces, meeting rooms and a business concierge, with facilities for workshops,

courses and shows. There are daily rates ($300), part-time rates ($2,800 per month) and flexible monthly dedicated office or workstation memberships (from $6,000 per month) for those after longer-term spaces.

Three locations: 21/F, The Phoenix Building, 23 Luard Rd., Wan Chai, 3568-6343; 5 Tai Mong Tsai Rd., Sai Kung, 2780-5844; 6/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Rd., Kennedy Town, 2448-9830, www.thehive.com.hk

The Loft Located a few steps away from shopping mall Plaza Hollywood, The Loft has showrooms and studios, and even boasts an outdoor terrace and BBQ area. There are business concierge and corporate services available, but if you’re simply looking for a workspace, there are hot desks as well as dedicated workstations available. A day pass is $180; a parttime membership entitles you to 10 days a month. More expensive memberships afford 24-hour access and various other perks, including the use of printing, photocopying, faxing and scanning, priority passes to events hosted by The Loft, as well as personal lockers. The Loft currently has a special offer in place: $1,900 for a hot desk membership, $2,900 for a workstation membership and $9,000 and up for an office membership.

12 Ng Fong St., San Po Kong, 3905-1000, www.theloft.com.hk

Wynd Situated on Wyndham Street, Wynd offers a space for freelance professionals who work from home, or business travelers looking for a temporary working space. Equipped with two meeting rooms, it also has a terrace that overlooks the former Central Magistracy and the Central Police Station. A day pass is $280; a part-time desk offering 10 full-days’ access or 20 half-days’ access is $2,800; a full-time desk is $4,200; and a fixed, dedicated desk is $6,200 per month.

The Crafties

43-55 Wyndham St., Central, 3462-2777, www.wynd.hk

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One-Click Wonders Stuck at home with a credit card burning a hole in your pocket? Go on a shopping binge at these online stores—all of which are either based in or ship to Hong Kong.

ASOS A firm favorite with its reasonable prices, UK-based ASOS offers a staggering selection of runway-inspired pieces and wear-it-for-a-season fun fashion pieces. As well as its own brand, it stocks all kinds of high street labels, many of which aren’t available in Hong Kong. www.asos.com

Glamourpods Established by three friends, Glamourpods aims to bring accessories sourced from

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around the world to Hong Kong. Think edgy statement pieces you can’t find elsewhere, such as chunky cuffs, porcelain bird pendants and chic boxy clutches.

Look, as well as international labels such as Aldo, Mango, Onitsuka Tiger and American Apparel, to name just a few.

www.glamourpods.com

ZaoZao

Net-a-Porter Fancy dropping some serious cash on some designer gear? Net-a-Porter stocks posh frocks and extravagant accessories aplenty, with delivery to Hong Kong within two working days. www.net-a-porter.com

Zalora Fashion shopping site Zalora’s business model has basically mitigated every complaint faced by Asia-based online shoppers: there’s free delivery on orders of $150 or more, you can pay cash on delivery, and free returns are offered within 15 days of purchase. Shoppingwise, you can find UK brands such as River Island, Dorothy Perkins and New

www.zalora.com.hk

ZaoZao offers shopping with a twist—shoppers pre-order items by local designers, and once they gather enough orders, they get to work producing them.

This way, you can support local talents and they take on minimal financial risk. We love the cork and canvas shopping totes and the rainbow crystal quartz bracelet. www.shopzaozao.com

Zalora

Indoor Sports Work up a sweat

Centre is not just open to HKU students or alumni; although if you know one, you can pay a guest fee to enter on a oneoff basis. Community Members can pay $5,000 per year (about $416 per month) to access the huge range of sports facilities, which include table tennis, squash courts, billiard tables, dance studios, a golf putting green, a softball pitching machine, a swimming pool and a fitness room—booking is not required for the last two facilities, though you’ll need to call ahead for the rest.

111-113 Pok Fu Lam Rd., Pok Fu Lam, 2817-4046, www.ihp.hku.hk/facilities

Golf Hideaway Hong Kong Dodgeball League

Da Verm

Bubble Soccer There’s a new sport in town: Bubble Soccer. It’s as fun as it sounds, with players donning a zorb-like bubble suit to bounce into each other, roll around on the courts, and most of all, have a good laugh. You’ll need at least 10 players and, ideally, an indoor court to get a feel for this bubbly sport. Prices differ according to the venue and the package you choose, but you can expect to pay around $3,000 for an hour-long game.

The price includes 10 bubbles, two goals, a ball and an amazing referee who’ll take photos of you all looking silly—a good rainy-day party idea. Make a booking at least two weeks in advance.

game site. Founded by an avid group of war game fans, this place has two zones—one designed to look like a green house, and one that’s a mockup of a warehouse. Junior players (ages 8 and up) shoot harmless sponge pellets. It’s $170 per person for a four-hour session from Monday to Thursday. The center is open until a red-eyed 4:30am.

Call ahead to make a booking.

5/F, Heng Seng Industrial Building, 185-187 Wai Yip St., Kwun Tong, 6971-8810, www.cqb-plaza.com

Da Verm The only gym on Hong Kong Island with two climbing walls, Da Verm offers a top roping and bouldering section for avid climbers wanting to enhance their skills. With routes changing on a monthly basis, the gym presents physical and mental challenges to new and experienced climbers alike. There’s a family package available for $600; otherwise, the all-day pass for adults is $150, or $100 for children aged 5 to 11.

As its name suggests, Golf Hideaway is a great hangout spot where you can play on high-tech golf simulators. With 60 world-class golf courses from Scotland to Hawaii, you don’t have to pack your clubs for a golf weekend away. It costs $450 per hour for two to four players per golf simulator. The fee also includes access to a pool table, board games, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi. Scores are presented on the leader board so the loser can pay for drinks!

Unit C & D, 5/F, Tung Chong Building, 657-659 King’s Rd., Quarry Bay, 2561-2005, www.golfhideaway.com

Hong Kong Dodgeball League There’s no better way to relieve stress than by hurling balls at people.

The Hong Kong Dodgeball League organizes games four nights a week.

To participate, you can either join an existing team, or get at least 12 players together and form your own. The more the merrier—there’s a team of 50!

The fall season starts in September but before then, there are free tryout sessions for new players once a week.

Now, all you need is a funny team name and you’re ready to go.

6036-6596, www.bubblesoccer.hk

Unit 1, G/F, 419G Queen’s Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2803-0567, www.da-verm.com

Matches held in various locations around the Central and Western area, www.hkdodgeball.com

CQB Plaza

Flora Ho Sports Centre

Impact Force CQB

Burn off some pent-up energy at CQB Plaza, a 20,000-square-foot indoor war

Located at Hong Kong University’s Pok Fu Lam campus, the Flora Ho Sports

Impact Force CQB is HK’s largest indoor airsoft arena. Participants are given BB

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Know & Tel

LCSD Indoor Sports Facilities

Impact Force

guns (there are low-impact versions for kids) and you have to use skill, strategy and war game tactics to take out the opposing team. There are creative battlefields, such as the Lost City, where you’ll find yourself duking it out among Egyptian relics. You can become a warrior for $240 per head.

Call ahead to book a spot.

8/F, Blocks B, C, & D, Chung Hing Industrial Mansions, 25-27 Tai Yau St., San Po Kong, 6687-7422, www.impactforcecqb.com

iSoccer If the summer heat makes playing outside unbearable, head to iSoccer for a friendly game of footie. Founded by a group of Post-80s soccer fanatics, iSoccer is an indoor court that aims to foster five-a-side football culture in Hong Kong. The place is covered with artificial turf and is equipped with aircon and showers so you can leave sweat-free. Court hire is $500 per hour, and $900 for two hours on weekdays.

Room 1101, 45 Hoi Yuen Rd., Yau Lee Centre, Kwun Tong, 2116-2761, www.hkisoccer.com

Just Climb Located in East Kowloon, Just Climb is an indoor climbing and bouldering gym, with climbing walls suitable for every ability. You can even practice overhangs and really test your strength.

If you’re a newbie climber interested in building your endurance, classes with an instructor are available. A day pass at Just Climb costs $138 for adults, while bouldering courses for kids start at $120 per hour.

Room D, G/F, Prince Industrial Building, 706 Prince Edward Rd. East, San Po Kong, 3561-7868, www.justclimb.hk

Ryze

The government has indoor sports centers all over the city where, for a small fee, you can play squash, practice your swing at an indoor golfing range, have a round of table tennis, run around on the multi-sports court, use the gym, or even play a game of snooker. Log onto the LCSD website to find a sports center near you, and check out what kind of facilities it offers. To give you an idea of price, the indoor golf driving range at the Island East Sports Centre is just $20 per hour, with discounts for students and the elderly.

Centers citywide, 2414-5555, www.lcsd.gov.hk

Paintball Headquarters If you love to get your hands dirty, check out Paintball Headquarters, an indoor paintballing facility. Have a go at Capture the Flag—the first team to take the rival group’s flag wins. It’s $280 for adults and $250 for kids, who must be at least 8 years old and 130 centimeters tall.

Price includes rental gear and paintballs.

Be sure to call ahead to book.

Ryze is a soon-to-open trampoline park, where you can leap and bounce to your hearts’ content in 18,000 square feet of space. Picture jumping into soft foam blocks, slam-dunking basketballs and all kinds of other high-flying wobbly fun. The best part? An hour of jumping burns up to 1,000 calories!

3/F, 321 Java Rd., North Point, 8191-6817, www.ryze.info

Slope Infinity Get ready for a summer of skiing and snowboarding in snowless Hong Kong. Slope Infinity has the world’s largest revolving carpet training deck, so you can practice before you hit the slopes of Niseko this winter.

Slope Infinity trainers say that a onehour session on the training deck is equivalent to multiple hours of training on a mountain—minus the cold and the crowds. A one-hour lesson on the solo deck is $825.

1/F, 148 Electric Rd., North Point, 2107-4567, www.slope8.com

Unit 2-3, G/F, Po Lung Center, 11 Wang Chiu Rd., Kowloon Bay, 3106-0220, www.paintballhq.com.hk

Play With the motto “Love Life, Love Sports,” Play is a premier sports center offering year-round indoor sports facilities. It has indoor skiing and snowboarding, as well as baseball and softball batting cages—perfect for sporty kids’ parties.

If you’re prepping for a ski trip, a ski and snowboard private lesson is $1,200.

1-2/F, KRAS Asia Industrial Building, 79 Hung To Rd., Kwun Tong, 2342-9830 (baseball/softball), 2797-9323 (ski/snowboard), www.321play.com.hk

Ryze

Slope Infinity

South China Athletic Association (SCAA) Forget membership waiting lists; the SCAA offers on-the-spot memberships for just $120 per year, or $20 per year for kids. Note that additional (albeit minimal) fees exist for its many facilities, such as bowling, billiards and table tennis. It also has an indoor pool, fitness center, karate dojo, dance rooms and outdoor facilities, such as a grass pitch and tennis courts. At off-peak hours, you can go bowling for just $24 per hour.

88 Caroline Hill Rd., Causeway Bay, 2577-6932, www.scaa.org.hk

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Oh, the Humidity!

Every Hongkonger needs a summer survival kit to get them through the sweatiest, rainiest season of them all. If you don’t have these essentials, go pick them up before you find yourself in a seriously sticky situation.

A Good Dehumidifier If your walls are sweating and your bath towels aren’t drying, it’s time to invest in a decent dehumidifier.

We love the sleek Hitachi RD-90XR, which

has a 9-liter capacity to really get the humidity out of your home. $1,680 from Ecox, 194-197 Tong Mi Rd., Prince Edward, 2396-0166, www.ecox.com.hk

A Pair of Crocs Zero points for style, but they’re non-slip and it’s better than ruining your best suede pumps. Just hope that you don’t bump into anyone you know at the supermarket! $398 from Crocs, G/F, Lansing House, 47 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2810-0469, www.crocs.com.hk.

A DVD Box Set When it’s really howling outside, just batten down the hatches and tuck into a DVD box set. We love “Orange is the New Black,” about a young,

WASP-y woman who has to abandon her privileged life and her fiancé to do time for a drug trafficking offense she committed in her early 20s. Through her, we learn the stories of the various inmates she lives with in a minimum security women’s prison—with a few raunchy scenes thrown in for good measure. $525 from HMV, 3/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2739-0268, www.hmv.com.hk

In all major bookstores now! Or order yours at: www.historicalhkhikes.com

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Know & Tel

Essential Eats A typhoon day wouldn’t be a typhoon day without emergency rations. Check out Food Happy, a snack box delivery company that sends you a tailor-made package of tasty treats every week. There are four types of boxes to choose from: Asian, Western, health-conscious (yawn) and Classic, which offers a little bit of everything. You can even specify if you prefer cookies, chocolate, nuts, dried meat, savory snacks and more. Each box costs around $60. www.foodhappy.com

Kong’s mean streets, check out Blunt Umbrella. This brolly has round-edge spokes, meaning that you’re not going to snag or stab your fellow pedestrians. This design has the added advantage of being extra durable, as well as easier to open and close. There are collapsible, standard-sized and golf umbrellas available, with prices starting at $500. Buy online, or at Gurus, 67 Sing Woo Rd., Happy Valley, 2891-0138, www.gurus.hk; www.bluntumbrellas. com.hk

A Waterproof Rug

A Stylish Umbrella If you don’t want to jab people’s eyes out as you try and navigate Hong

Soggy bottoms are a thing of the past with this cute waterproof picnic blanket. Chuck it on the

ground and you’ll be comfortable on even the dampest grass. As an added bonus, you can also hold it over your head as you’re running from the next downpour. $500 from Cath Kidston, Shop 8, G/F, Empire Court, 2-4 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 2808-0792

The Hong Kong Observatory App So you can be reliably informed when it’s already raining.

Free from the app store.

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Crafting Workshops Make something with your day

The Coffee Academics

Ah Moon Leather Workshop Ah Moon is a leather retailer and workshop that offers short courses and sessions in DIY leather. It provides a range of materials that you can choose between, from cow hide to crocodile to soft lamb leather. A two-hour trial class costs just $250, and is a good choice to just get a taste of leathermaking. Looking for a truly personalized gift? If you have a certain type of leather accessory in mind, you can also sign up for a private workshop, which starts from $650 for a minimum of three hours. For larger pieces or fancier materials—such as a lamb leather bag, for instance—expect to pay $980 for five hours.

Shop 302, 3/F, Kamming HOuse, 49-51 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2510-0031, www.ahmoon.com

Ah Moon accessories

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Ever True Create your own personalized sterling silver accessories at Ever True studios. It provides one-off lessons or multi-session courses, depending on whether you want to make a simple name tag pendant or more elaborate jewelry designs. An anniversary coming up? It also provides one-session classes for you to make a matching set of rings or metal cufflinks for you and your loved one.

7/F, 705, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley St., Central, 3489-6418, www.ever-true.com

Fungus Workshop Want to dress up your style with some unique leather accessories? Head to Fungus Workshop, a creative studio that specializes in leatherwork. It offers a range of workshops where students get to design and create their own leather products by hand. Items range from small coin purses and unique phone cases to full-sized satchels.

Courses range from $420 to $1,680, depending on the number of sessions and the complexity of the item you are trying to craft. How’s that for a personal touch?

G/F, 4 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, 2779-9003, www.fungusworkshop.net

Hatton Studios This jewelry studio takes its name from Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewelry quarter. Whether you’re a jewelry professional or not, if you’ve always wanted another skill up your sleeve, why not try out its beginner class?

Instructors will teach you the basics of making beautiful metal accessories, from saw piercing and soldering to filing and finishing. At the end of four 2.5-hour sessions (from $2,750), you’ll have one-of-a-kind bling to take home.

You can also drop in for a single session to make a cute alphabet pendant and to check out what else the workshop offers.

Hatton will provide all the materials and tools; just bring your creative self to its Sheung Wan studio—be sure to call in advance for the full address, as the staff keep their location hidden for security purposes.

Queen’s Rd. West, Sheung Wan, 9180-9158 www.hattonstudios.com

Hong Kong Clay Craft Academy With professionally qualified instructors from Japan, Clay Craft Academy aims to provide high-quality pottery courses that are suitable for all different levels.

After only a few hours, you’ll be able to bring home your personalized glazed porcelain or clay accessory. The academy also takes orders for custom-made crafts for weddings, gifts or simply to add something special to your home.

If you’re more into accessories, ask about the jewelry classes that teach participants how to make bracelets, rings or beaded necklaces.

1/F, Shop 101, K11, 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2838-0086, www.hkclaycraft.com

Random Art Workshop Get the creative juices flowing with your friends at Random Art Workshop (RAW).

This artistic hub offers workshops on just about everything you can think of to get your right brain going. The studio provides an array of photography, videography, life drawing and painting workshops, as well as scrapbooking, card-making and jewelry

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RWB 330

Random Art Workshop

making classes. It also provides parent-child friendly workshops. Be sure to email in advance to book a slot.

20/F, Studio 6, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok St., Ap Lei Chau, www.randomartworkshop.com

Oscary Wine & Art Get creative with your artsy family and friends by spending the afternoon painting in the open air (or indoors) at Oscary Wine & Art. For $150-200, they’ll provide everything you need to slave over that masterpiece you were born to paint: a canvas or tote bag, brushes, acrylic paints, and great ambiance for inspiration. Oscary also provides an Eco painting option, where you can decorate your own potted desktop plant—a perfect gift for the nine-five worker bee (see photo below). As the workshop’s name suggests, you’ll be able to crack open a bottle of wine (BYO) and paint to your heart’s content well into the evening. Be sure to book ahead of time to reserve a spot, as the workshops at Oscary are quite popular.

1/F, Room D, Au’s Building, 15-19 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2964-9111, www.facebook.com/Oscary.wine.and.art

Red White Blue 330 is a Hong Kong brand focusing on locally made products and was established in collaboration with renowned Hong Kong designer Stanley Wong (anothermountainman). It takes the signature red, white, and blue artwork of the ubiquitous tri-colored travelling bag found in Hong Kong as a motif.

Apart from selling quirky designer accessories, stationery and bags, RWB also offers workshops in Cantonese for you to create environmentally friendly products, from all-natural shampoo to egg-tart shaped soaps and mosquito repellent—an essential for muggy Hong Kong summers. Purchase and reserve your spot through the website or directly from the shop.

192 Prince Edward Rd. West, Mong Kok, 2392-5330, www.rwb330.hk

Teapot HK Unleash your creativity by making stylish and functional items at Teapot HK. It hosts regular DIY porcelain craft courses where you can make personalized plates, teacups, tumblers, and even little tiered platters for you to host your own sophisticated high-teas at home. In the trial class, you’ll learn to affix cute assorted designs onto blank porcelain accessories, after which they’ll be glazed and fired up, ready for you to take home in two to three weeks. It also regularly brings in expert instructors from Japan, who hold classes in English and Japanese for you to learn ins and outs of the craft. Other than porcelain crafts, it also provides (kid-friendly!) courses for you to hand-sew plushies and fabric accessories.

6/F, Unit B, Capri Building, 130 Austin Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2887-3887 www.teapothk.com

The Coffee Academics

Oscary Wine & Art

A much beloved coffee shop for serious caffeine addicts, The Coffee Academics lends its expertise in sourcing top quality beans and adds a personal touch to each step of the coffee journey, from roasting to brewing to cupping. At its

The Coffee Academics

multi-storied flagship store, it also offers myriad lifestyle and master courses, such as dessert decorating and latte art—join in with the fun and creative activities, either with friends or on your own. It also offers professional barista qualifications for the coffee connoisseur looking to amp up their skills. Register online or at the shop; classes can take place either at their Causeway Bay flagship or at its Wan Chai branch (35-45 Johnston Road).

38 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay, 2156-0313, www.the-coffeeacademics.com

Sealing Stone Chops have traditionally been the way to sign documents in Chinese culture since antiquity, and Sealing Stone has revamped that tradition with its personalized portrait stamps (literally your face) and name stamps.

It provides a string of DIY classes, teaching you to make your own stamps in various styles and using various materials, from wood to stainless steel.

It also offers other DIY workshops for etching techniques, crystal resin accessories, wire twisted name tags and more. From June onwards, classes will be held by appointment only, so be sure to call and book in advance.

11/F, Room 32, Sing Win Industrial Building, 15-17 Shing Yip St., Kwun Tong, 3990-9589, sealingstone.com.hk

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Take Three:

Boardgame Cafes Sweet & Fun Cafe If the rain and humidity is what brings out your competitive side, why not try out a new board game to pass the time? Sweet & Fun Cafe’s true purpose lies not in its beverages or snacks, but in the sheer number of rare board games made available to its patrons.

Owned by board game lovers, the owners of Sweet Fun have collected lesser-known and lesser-played games from across the globe, many which are now out of production.

Try “Zooloretto,” “Dixit,” or “Mall of Horror”—and no, that’s not just an afteroon wandering around iSquare.

18/F, Hanway Commercial Centre, 36 Dundas St., Mong Kok, 3482-3992 www.sweetfuncafe.com

Jolly Thinkers

Dual Pulsed Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser

Jolly Thinkers is a hardcore board game lover’s heaven. Not only does it sell an array of games—from cards to snakes and ladders and everything in between, it also provides a space to teach newbies to play the games it stocks, while serving up a selection of refreshing beverages. Pay to play by the hour, but it’s a steal at $63 for the first two hours (inclusive of a $30 drink), and thereafter, it’s only $6 for every 30 minutes. Jolly Thinkers also has a space in Prince Edward (14/F, Capricorn Centre, 155 Sai Yeung Choi St. North, 6433-7345).

11/F, Bayfield Building, 99 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2527-2882 www.jollythinkers.com

Quando Cafe This Tsim Sha Tsui cafe has seen local celebrities join its roster of patrons, and it’s not hard to see why: its cozy interior comes with booths filled with big fluffy throw pillows that make it feel more like a friend’s apartment,

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not a local cafe. The softly-lit terrace also makes for a comfortable and romantic spot. It offers a variety of floral and fruit teas, coffees, milkshakes and simple snacks, and there’s a huge stock of classic board games and cards at your disposal, which means you can stay there for as long as a game of Monopoly takes.

It’s open until late: the cafe closes at 1am on Mondays to Thursdays, and 2am Fridays and Saturdays. In short, a great place to catch up with a few close friends without worrying about hogging the table for too long.

Room B, 4/F, Granville Mansion, 41C-D Granville Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui 9258-4000/9108-3785

Fill in the Blank Creative space and lounge Fill in the Blank is frequented by creative types, from freelancers and aspiring authors who are fed up with writing in their apartments to members of a tech startup who can’t afford permanent office space. Even if you’re looking for a birthday party venue, or a place to hold your book club, you’ll find your needs met here. It also provides board games, a PlayStation and a foosball table for your leisurely use—and it’s only $100 per person for you to stay for up to six hours. Just be sure to call ahead to C let them know you’re coming, in case they’re booked for a private event.

M 18/F, Unit C, E-Tat Industrial Building, 4 Heung Yip Rd., Aberdeen, 2891-7792, www.fillintheblank.hk

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Indoor Playrooms Go tire ‘em out

ball pools, ride-on cars and more.

All you have to do is sign up for the newsletter to find out where the next event will be held. Please note that pre-registration is essential and walk-ins are not permitted. www. hongkongtoyclub.com/kids-club to sign up for the newsletter and to find out where the next event will be held.

8216-3870, www.hongkongtoyclub.com

Kids Carnival

Wise Kids

Spring Learning

7 x Smarter The playroom at 7 x Smarter is $100 per hour, or $50 per half-hour, which includes entry for one adult and one child under the age of 6. Multi-session packages are also available. However, if you enroll in one of the many classes on offer here, you can get free entry into the playroom for three months. Whether you want your kid to develop skills in language, music, handeye coordination or art, there are plenty of courses here. And for parents who hate cluttering their homes with unwanted toys?

It also offers a toy rental service.

2/F, 100 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, 6012-1800, www.7xsmarter.com

Fun Zone With two locations—in Kennedy Town and Ma On Shan—Fun Zone is a great option for kids and parents living

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on Hong Kong Island or in the New Territories. The Kennedy Town branch has more than 10,000 square feet of space, while the Ma On Shan branch is 5,000-square-foot—both have brightly colored ball pits, adventure tunnels, slides and other distractions. The equipment all follows North American or European standards to give parents peace of mind. There’s also a dedicated area for kiddies aged 3 or younger.

Entry fee includes admittance for one adult and one child, and starts at $100 on weekdays if your kid is 1-2 years old, going up to $160 for kids from 3-12 on weekends, public holidays and summer holidays. Monthly passes are also available. Additionally, Fun Zone runs kiddies’ yoga classes, dance, mini rugby and other scheduled activities in partnership with outside vendors.

Both venues can be hired for birthday parties. Oh, and there’s Wi-Fi and a café for the grown-ups!

This jungle-themed indoor playroom in Tsuen Wan has slides, trampolines, a ball pit, playhouses, a maze and ride-on cars, all to help your anklebiters blow off some steam for a couple of hours. The playroom is open until 9pm on weekdays and 9:30pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

The admission fee is $80 on weekdays and $100 on weekends, with prices dropping to $50 and $70, respectively, after 5pm. A monthly weekday pass is a very reasonable $380. There are two separate function rooms that can accommodate birthday parties of 30 to 60 people, so feel free to invite the whole year group. Parking is available at Tsuen Wan Plaza.

Shop 512-516, 5/F, Tsuen Wan Plaza, 4-30 Tai Pa St., Tsuen Wan, 2417-4466, www.kidscarnival.com.hk

LCSD Playrooms The government has 31 indoor playrooms free of charge, located in multi-purpose complexes all over the city. Available for children up to 9 years old whose height does not exceed 142 centimeters, each room has a different theme—from circus, farmyard and deep ocean to jungle, castle and dinosaur.

1/F, The Westwood, 8 Belcher’s St., Kennedy Town, 2258-9558, www.funzone.com.hk

Hong Kong Toy Club Here’s a fun concept: Hong Kong Toy Club has a roving “Kids Club”—pop-up playrooms held at locations all over Hong Kong. Think bouncy castles,

Fun Zone

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Children under the age of 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit th website, below, for addresses, opening hours and phone numbers for all the playrooms. www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_fac_playroom.php

Playhouse With six branches located across Hong Kong, Playhouse is one of the biggest indoor playground networks in town. Its largest branch is the Play House E-Cube Club in Megabox. It’s 10,000 square feet of indoor fun, divided into 10 play zones, including an assiduously sterilized ball pool, a long slide, ride-on cars, a soft toddlers’ playground… and a waiting area with Wi-Fi, magazines and newspapers for parents. A full-day pass is $120 for one adult and one child, or $85 after 6pm during the week, going up to $150 on weekends. Parties and monthly passes are available. Visit the website for information on the other branches, located in Whampoa Garden, Yau Tong, Tsuen Wan, North Point and Yuen Long.

Playhouse, 12, Megabox, 38 Wang Chiu Rd., Kowloon Bay 2151-9761, www.playhouse.com.hk

Rolly Pollies Though pricier than the other options listed here, Rolly Pollies has facilities designed for kids with energy to spare.

Suitable for children from 6 months to 6 years, the playroom has preschool-sized

parallel and uneven bars, a foam pit, a jungle gym, a tumble track trampoline, a climbing wall, zip line, rope swing and more. It also runs creative music and arts classes for right-brained children. Open gym sessions take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons; check the schedule online for exact times. Otherwise, you can join the age-appropriate classes.

Open gym sessions are $200 for 45 minutes, while group classes are $1,920 for a package of six.

1515-19, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 3568-5292, www.rollypollies.com.hk

Spring Learning With tasteful Scandinavian interiors, Spring Learning is all about educating and inspiring children and adults alike with tons of activity zones. There’s a kitchen for kids’ cooking classes, a café with books, baby swings and small toys— and even a tree house!—to entertain the little ones. Plus, there’s also a mini gym, multisensory activity rooms and an indoor sports hall. There are many classes on offer to help develop your child’s skills, including sport, cooking, neurophysiological development and sensory integration, as well as Putonghua, dance and music. Please note that you have to be a member to enjoy the facilities.

3/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 3465-5000, www.spring-learning.com.hk

The Jazzy Gym

The Jazzy Gym This play center has a variety of programs for babies and children up to 4 years old. Classes are divided into Crawlers, Walkers, Runners, Jumpers and Climbers to help children develop their coordination and motor skills.

It also runs “open gym” sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, where you can drop in and use the facilities; check the website for a full schedule. The space can also be rented out for birthday parties.

15/F, Room 1528-1530, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2947-8088, www.thejazzygym.com

Wise Kids Playroom Educational toy specialist Wise Kids has a playroom in its vast Cyberport store that’s suitable for children between 3 months and 8 years olds. It has several zones, including a building site, an art studio, a dress-up area, a multi-sensory room and a language play area. There’s also a smaller area for children aged up to 30 months.

Check the website for the monthly schedule; sessions are $120-$140 per kid, depending on what time you go.

Birthday parties are also available.

Shop 201, 2/F, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Rd., 2989-6298, www.wisekidstoys.com

Spring Learning

Wise Kids

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Rainy Day Reads Pick up one of these great books and you’ll never want to go back outside again.

Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure

By Si King and Dave Myers In this spinoff cookbook from their recent TV series, Brit boys Si King and Dave Myers, aka the Hairy Bikers, descend on Hong Kong on their way through Asia to learn the secrets of “wok chi”. Their journey onwards to Japan, Thailand and Korea results in fresh, authentic and speedy recipes to help you cook up a storm.

The Son JANE PACKER LONDON & TOMAS DE BRUYNE at The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement

• cert. / Dip. courses • short courses / International Classes in English available • Intensive Class / Private Tuition /Group Classes • Team Building Workshops, Corporate Training & Consultancy Services

Hotline: 2882 1832 www.hkafa.com.hk Hong Kong Branch : 15/F, Hennessy Plaza, 164-166 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, HK Kowloon Branch : 8/F, Lokville Commercial Building, 25-27 Lock Road, TST, Kln

Follow The List on Facebook www.facebook.com/ TheList.HongKong As thanks for being loyal readers, we’ll keep you in the know: follow us to find out about the best shops, events and activities.

View exclusive discounts and win free tickets to concerts and movies, plus get the chance to be on the invite list to our own happenin’ events. Love it, list it!

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By Jo Nesbo This Norwegian thriller set in Oslo isn’t part of the popular Harry Hole cop series but is just as dark, as it tells the tale of jailbreak Sonny Lofthus.

Follow the journey of the charismatic, put-upon model prisoner (yes, really) and those who are hunting him, as Sonny uncovers the truth about his father’s death and sets about taking revenge on those who lied to him.

The Goldfinch

By Donna Tartt Recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize this year, The Goldfinch is Tartt’s first novel in 11 years. Protagonist Theo Decker is just 13 years old when he miraculously survives an art gallery accident in New York that kills his mother. The reader meets a tormented Theo 14 years on as he relives the heart-rending day

Know & Tel

and subsequent events that propel him across a continent and into the dangerous underworld of art.

The Silkworm

By Robert Galbraith This second in the Cormoran Strike series by JK Rowling (the worst-kept literary secret) will be released on June 14. Private detective and war veteran Strike investigates the murder of a novelist who had just finished a manuscript of poison-pen portraits. This “compulsively readable crime novel” (say publishers Hachette) becomes a race against time to find the killer.

And The Mountains Echoed

By Khaled Hosseini From the bestselling author of “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns” comes this tale of the bond between 10-yearold Abdullah and his sister Pari, who he’ll do anything for. When their father sets out across the desert to Kabul to find work, the young boy is determined not to be separated from her—no matter what the long and fateful journey brings.

Cabin Fever

By Mandy Smith These bonking mad memoirs of air hostess Mandy Smith are causing a stir both on and off the plane. After 12 years as one of Richard Branson’s sexy flight attendants, Smith has sky-high anecdotes of projectile vomit, celebrity tantrums and steamy love affairs. Buckle your seatbelts for some risqué entertainment that makes a mockery of the “Virgin” name.

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MARKET Place Business / Classes

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Aerial Acrobatics classes in Sheung Wan & Sai Kung!

See our new aerial acrobatics studio in Sai Kung & Sheung Wan. Adult and children’s classes.

No prior experience needed.

Just bring your desire to improve your fitness while having fun! www.jungleparadisestudio.com/ www.poleparadisestudio.com

Learn to sail and have fun on our 45 foot yacht!

Hong Kong’s most experienced sailing school – accredited to run Crew and Skipper courses with Hong Kong Sailing Federation.

5-day courses including lunch, HK$5,500. English and Chinese instruction, Gift Certificates for Christmas etc. Visit our website www.yachtingventures.com.

Mandarin / Cantonese-nannies —play, read stories, songs, toys, fun games and guide your kids to discover the daily life.

Mandarin tutors— for kindergarten, primary and secondary students, experience tutoring students from GSIS, HKIS, CDNIS, KGV, Kellett, ISF, CIS... . Can help prepare IGCSE, IB, AL...Please visit www.call-a-tutor.com or call 2572-8989

Business / Classes

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Hypnotherapy & Counseling For making positive permanent changes naturally & gently.

Habits, Emotional Upsets, Stress, Insomnia, Self Confidence, ETC. Healthymindshk.com 6271-7633

Brenka Ltd . Tutors Highly qualified and specialized in English, maths, sciences, essay writing, Mandarin and more. Will come to your home or office. Call April 9078-6155 or brenkaltd@gmail. com

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health & Beauty FLEX STUDIO

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A boutique haven for elite fitness conditioning, Flex offers complete training in Pilates, yoga, Xtend Barre® a rigorous ballet barre workout, TRX® and Zumba© Fitness. Private Pilates and yoga sessions are available, led by HK’s most experienced instructors.

Classes offered in Aberdeen and Central.

Tel: 2813-2212 www.flexhk.com info@flexhk.com

www.colour mebeautiful.hk www.savvystyle.com

The Yoga Room (Yoga & Pilates) We are a boutique Yoga Studio in Sheung Wan offering classes in Hot Yoga, Hatha, Meditation, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Candlelight Yin, Yin Yang, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga, Yoga for kids, Pre-natal Pilates. We also offer yoga private classes at your home, office & our studios. Come and try our 1 free class now!

Tel: 2544-8398. info@yogaroomhk.com www.yogaroomhk.com

HOME YOGA & THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Yoga (beginner to advanced) & therapeutic massage in your own home.

Email: homeyoga4u@gmail.com Tel: 6628-7266

Tennis Performance Asia Ltd. Private, Groups, Ladies Coaching.

Kowloon, NT, HK Island. Phone Todd Hooper 9733-5197. www.tennisperformanceasia.com / todd@tennisperformanceasia.com [TPA Director, Ray Kelly]

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EXPAT-PAINTER & DECORATOR Expat: House painting, Plumbing, Electrical, Ceiling fan & Light, Air conditioning Installation & Handyman Home Appliances and Services Reasonable price Call: 9238-0384 Email: painting92380384@gmail.com

Expat Hairstylist Expat Hairstylist from Toronto Canada with 25+yrs experience...

6th yr in Central, HK. Please go to my website: www.hairexpat.com Email or text at charleslau5@ gmail.com or 9575-3496. I’ll be delighted to hear from you.

Tennis Instructor private / group for children age 4.5 up and adults.

Mini tennis for children and adult who want to keep fit with tennis.

Language: English, Cantonese, German, Mandarin. Call: 9026-1290 / 5328-8113. rubytennis@gmail.com

TENNIS COACH. MOTIVATOR. FITNESS TRAINER U.S. Certified Professional. Stroke production and match play. All ages & levels.

Call Larry 9013-8344 / www.acematchpoint.com

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flagship store & head office 28/f horizon plaza | ap lei chau | t. 2870.1582 / 83 | hours. 10.30 to 7.00 other stores : soho | cyberport | sai kung www.tree.com.hk

For advertising rates and further information on Box Ads. Call 2534-9552.

HOUSE PAINTING! UK Tradesman. Fast, tidy & reliable. Call: 2815-7929, www.cdihk.com

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ELITE MOVERS & HANDYMAN Packing, Moving, Storage, Handyman, Single-Item move, Disposal Service, All kinds of electrical work, hanging curtains, shelves & TV mounting.

T: 8209-1793 M: 9811-2053 www.emdhk.com

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Mail to: The List - Classified Rm 301, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Rd, HK Deadline for ad/payment: one week prior to publication date or FAX this form with the details of your credit card to: 2543-4088. For enquiries, Transfer deposit to DBS account: 016-478- 781-306-215 and fax back the deposit Slip. please call 2534-9552. Email: advertising@hkmagmedia.com Signature

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ETC

Collect teenager and young ladies clothes We Pay $1 per item, go to collect from your place, good condition and clean cotton tee, ladies shoes, handbags, summer children clothes, bedding, costume jewelleries. We sell to local young people who cannot afford to pay at normal prices.

Ms Lee 2586-1128, goodjobsper@hotmail.com (small commercial Thrift shop)

For rates and more information on Text Ads for TheList Market Place, call 2534-9552.

HEALING courses & sessions All levels of Reiki, Karuna Reiki and other courses taught to highest international standards since 1997. Private or group tuition. Healing sessions and Tarot readings also available.

Please call 9501-0478 or visit www.healingfire.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER / GAIL ARLIDGE DESIGN A personalized interior design and renovation service. Soft furnishing and window treatment service for a total refurbishment of a room or an apartment.

Call Gail on 9026-4617 for a consultation or email gail@gailarlidge.com or visit www.gailarlidge.com.

Editorial Internship TheList needs you!

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Gain an insight into Hong Kong’s media industry and develop and impressive portfolio.

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Please send your CV and covering letter to editorial@hkmagmedia.com 49

Baby Pak Choi

A pregnancy column with Sarah Fung

Pregnancy Paranoia Pregnancy is one of those times in your life when you’re at your most psychologically vulnerable.

I’m a journalist, and like many in my field, I consider myself a bit of a skeptic. My first instinct is to doubt any spurious study doing the rounds on Facebook, and I make sure to get the facts behind the latest fashionable health scare before jumping on the bandwagon. But I too have fallen prey to Pregnancy Paranoia.

This phenomenon, which I have just made up, is when otherwise smart women will start to secondguess their own instincts when it comes to the safety of their babies.

It’s totally understandable, but in the act of erring on the side of caution, we accidentally allow halftruths and bad science to become widely accepted as fact. The antivaccination movement is an extreme manifestation of this.

Ooh, I don’t know about this. My stomach feels a bit funny,” I told my friend Vic, visions of being driven back to Hong Kong over the border in a St. John’s ambulance dancing in my head.

My own moment of madness was, thankfully, a little less extreme. Early on in my pregnancy, I headed up to Shenzhen to meet friends for an afternoon of Peking duck and foot massages. As I hit Fanling Station, I casually googled, “is foot reflexology safe for pregnant women.”

Big mistake.

Yep, just before my 3G signal cut out, I was reading on parenting forums about how there’s a spot on your ankle that will trigger labor if you press it, and how pregnant women are prone to blood clots, and so if you massage your legs, a blood clot will dislodge and travel up into your brain and kill you.

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After a lovely lunch at Laurel restaurant (home of the RMB168 Peking duck), we headed to the spa. So not only did I just read that foot massage will cause me to go into premature labor and die, but now I’m heading into one of Shenzhen’s less salubrious wellness establishments. My rational brain is going, “don’t be ridiculous, of course this is fine,” while my pregnant brain is screaming, “but what if! What if!”

It took me a full hour—an entire leg—to properly relax. As the reflexologist worked on my foot, I started feeling weird sensations in my abdomen.

“Ooh, I don’t know about this. My stomach feels a bit funny,” I told my friend Vic, visions of being driven back to Hong Kong over the border in a St. John’s ambulance dancing in my head.

She gave me an even look. “Sarah.

You just had five Peking duck pancakes. Do you think that might be why your stomach is feeling a little weird?”

Oh yeah.

And with that, I managed to finally relax and actually enjoy my foot massage. I’m fine, the baby is fine, and I’m just about back to my normal, skeptical self.

With that said, I’m informing all future masseuses of my “condition”—just in case they want to avoid that spot on my ankle.

Follow Sarah’s journey through pregnancy and parenthood at babypakchoi.tumblr.com.

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