HIKES | DINING | HOROSCOPE | CHINESE NEW YEAR
January 2022
hongkongliving.com
Kung hei fat choy Best things to do in town this Chinese New Year
Go green
Detox this January at these vegetarian restaurants
Gift to success Meet Justin Chung, founder and owner of Gift Something
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DIGESTIVE SUPPORT FOR DOGS AND CATS
LYPEX
®
• Contains key digestive enzymes • Supports pancreatic health • Safe and reliable To find out more speak to your vet.
LYPEX® 1 | hongkongliving.com
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The Veterinary Nutraceutical Company Ltd. P.O. Box 62495, Kwun Tong Post Office, Hong Kong. Email: enquiry.vnc@gmail.com
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CONTENT S — 0 1 / 2 2
17 COVER STORY
Justin Chung, Founder of Gift Something
2 EDITOR’S LETTER
13 FIVE MINUTES WITH
28 CNY Guide
4 CONTRIBUTORS
15 LOCAL
30 EDUCATION
Hello from the hot desk
Meet the team
6 PEOPLE
Out and about in Central
8 THE PLANNER
What’s on this January
10 NEWS
Lucie Petit, Founder of HK Model Camp
Central Harbourfront’s $12 billion makeover
21 DINING
The best vegetarian restaurants in town
24 OUTDOORS
Hong Kong best hikes to kick start the new year
What’s happening in our backyard
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger
Where to learn a new language
32 HOROSCOPE
Here’s what’s written in the stars for you this month
34 PETS
Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions
36 BACKPAGE
Meet the master of fine arts, Renate Boerner
10
6
24
21 8
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see” ~ The Polar Express
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EDITOR’S LETTER Happy New Year Hong Kong! While we may have had a quieter festive season than usual, it has given us the opportunity to prepare ourselves for a fresh year ahead. And what better way to prepare than to start investing for the future. This month Justin Chung, CEO of The Trunk Group graces our cover. As a successful entrepreneur Mr Chung is a suitable cover star to set the tone for 2022. He is inventive, innovative, loves a challenge and does not give up. He shares advice and business insights on page 17. Hong Kong’s endless makeover continues this year with the transformation of Central Harbourfront, which will see the area transform into an arts and tourism destination. Find out what to come in our local story (page 15). Since we will mostly be staying put for a little while in Hong Kong, there’s no better excuse to get out and explore some of its more traditional spots. This month we lay out the best hiking trails including Sunset Peak, Tate’s Cairn and Violet Hill. Read where to eat, shop and stay (page 26). 2022 will be the year that Hong Kong properly reconnects with the Greater Bay Area. The border is finally opening, and the city will become part of the most dynamic community on earth. Find out where to brush up on your Mandarin on page 30. Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Jason Lau, jason@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Janessa Chan, janessa@hongkongliving.com Jasmine Hung, jasmine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
Publisher Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Things we love Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
HIKES | DINING | HOROSCOPE | CHINESE NEW YEAR
hongkongliving.com talk@hongkongliving.com
Rollie
No renovations, no problem
Rollie is a new American-Japanese handroll sushi bar located at 32 Cochrane Street, offering fresh seafood and a selection of sushi rolls, udons, onigiris and more. Bookmark Rollie on your new restaurant to try list! rolliehk.com
Spruce up your house with stylish home decor pieces from Casa Luna. Their artisanally handcrafted range features everything from cushions to throws, making your humble abode more comfortable than ever. casalunadecor.com and candles from wicksnco.com
Covid-19 update
As Hong Kong Living goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but life under Covid-19 regulations means things tend to change, often from day-to-day. Please check with local businesses for operation hours and services available and remember, stay safe.
January 2022
hongkongliving.com
@hongkongliving
Kung hei fat choy
@hongkongliving852
Go green
Best things to do in town this Chinese New Year
Detox this January at these vegetarian restaurants
HONG KONG
Gift to success Meet Justin Chung, founder and owner of Gift Something
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Hong Kong Living Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
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2022 If the past year has taught us anything, it's that family has never been more important.
HONG KONG
FAMILY GUIDE 2022
As we head into the new year, the annual Hong Kong Living Family Guide is essential reading for home and living to finance, education, kids health, family insurance and Hong Kong’s most family-friendly things to do in 2022. If your business is aimed at engaging high-spending and influential parents, please contact us on talk@hongkongliving.com for advertising opportunities
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CONTRIBUTORS
Jill Carter Jill Carter is a professional photographer in the middle of completing her Masters in Counselling. In her column, Visible, she touches on what it’s like to feel unseen or overlooked when women turn a certain age, and the amazing stories that go unnoticed because of it.
Lucie Petit As founder of HK Model Camp, Lucie Petit guides aspiring models through the modelling process and helps them to become the best version of themselves. Read all about her modelling career in this month’s Five Minutes With interview.
Dr Pauline Taylore Dr Pauline Taylor is a senior vet at Pets Central. She graduated in Scotland and spent the past 10 years practicing in New Zealand before moving to Hong Kong with her four-legged family members. This month, she takes to her pets column to answer your questions.
Hubert Ho With extensive experience coaching students of all ages, Hubert Ho is involved primarily with leadership training, selfawareness development and college admissions consulting as well as youth programme design. Over the last few years, many of his students have gained admissions to top universities including Stanford, Yale and Cornell. He shares his advice on student profile in our education section. Hubert.Ho@kaplan.com
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With travel out of the question, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park is the place to be with plenty activities for the family. Head down to the city's iconic landmark on the Harbourfront for the brand new AIA Vitality Hub, Winter at the Wheel, and a journey to the past with an exciting AR App.
AIA Vitality Hub
In the face of the pandemic, what Hong Kong people needs is a balanced health and wellness lifestyle. This is why the AIA Vitality Hub has been created. AIA Vitality Hub, an augmentation of AIA Vitality Park, is a unique venue that makes traditional, modern and progressive health and wellness activities accessible to the Hong Kong community, with classes happening daily. Catering to all demographics, from children to the elderly and beginners to the experienced, the programme at AIA Vitality Hub is designed and taught by Hong Kong’s leading wellness and fitness industry professionals. You’ll find knowledge classes on topics like nutrition and sleep; and activities that support mindfulness like tai chi and yoga.
Throughout the year, AIA Vitality Hub will work closely with charities and organisations to support disadvantaged members of society, as well as generate both online and offline content educating the public on taking charge of fitness, wellness and a healthy lifestyle. A monthly programme of special wellness events and classes will be updated regularly throughout the year. View the schedule for January and sign up for your favourite classes at zicket.co/aia-vitality-hub-venue
Winter at the Wheel
Conceptualised by the team behind The Grounds, The Lawn Club and Summer at the Wheel, Winter at the Wheel is here for three months with changing themes and decorations across the different holidays, festivals and celebrations.
immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s most beautiful, European style ‘Luminarie’ Christmas light display. Shop for your loved ones (and yourself, of course) at the traditional Christmas Market filled with uniquely handcrafted, locally sourced lifestyle gifts, sweets and savoury bites, presented by Calioo. Test your finesse at the skill game booths – Hot Shot Basketball, Lobster Bot, Spill the Milk and more – for the chance to win among 300,000 plushie prizes. Reserve tickets in advance at zicket.co/winter-at-the-wheel-tickets-hon g-kong.
Historical AR App
Launched in November, the brand new Hong Kong Observation Wheel AP App offers historical perspectives on Hong Kong’s skyline. Visitors will experience visual immersions of Hong Kong from three viewpoints: Beyond the Beginning (1890-1920); City in Transition (1960-1980); and Present Day. The 1890s-1920s presents iconic landmarks such as the original Peak Tram, Lion Rock and the first-generation Star Ferry Pier. The 1960s-1980s showcases Hong Kong’s economic progress with squatter villages of Lion Rock, The Hilton International and Kai Tak Airport. The journey finishes in the present day, displaying an array of modern-day interpretations of the city’s classic landmarks and newer developments around the harbour.
This January, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland. For the perfect Insta-selfie,
The free mobile application, Hong Kong Observation Wheel AP App, is now available on IOS and Android in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
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PEOPLE
Hong Kong Living Christmas Charity Lunch
Stanley Plaza Wild West Adventure Christmas Market
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PEOPLE
OUT AND ABOUT IN CENTRAL
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PLANNER
JAN 28-29
Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race One of the world’s most popular trail running events. The course follows the Maclehose Trail and ends by descending Mount Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak. Choose from a distance of 56km or 103km. 8am. From $900. hk100-ultra.com
UNTIL JAN 28
JAN 1
In celebration of 10 Chancery Lane Gallery’s 20th anniversary, they’ve put together a group exhibition titled Love in the Dream. The exhibition will feature artwork from 44 different artists. Free. 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, Central. 10chancerylanegallery.com
Place your bets! Sha Tin Race Course. hkjc.com
Love in the Dream
New Year’s Horse Racing
JAN 1-2
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish Enjoy a magical live experience of classic and contemporary Disney animated feature films
including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen and Aladdin. Each story is told through vocalists, original Disney film footage and sweeping orchestral scores performed by HKSW Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Fung Ka Hing. 3-7.30pm. From $280. 3rd Floor, Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. qrstud.io/244qdsb
JAN 3-31
Coronet’s Amazing Museum The first museum in the world to feature diamond and jewellery, showcasing ten of Guinness World Record pieces. 11am-5pm. $200. Heng Ngai Jewelry Centre, 4 Hok Yuen Street East, Hung Hom. premier.hkticketing.com
JAN 16
Gammon China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Hong Kong’s oldest marathon and half
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WHAT’S ON
marathon will take place at Pak Tam Chung for its 41st. 8am. $450. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. avohk.org
JAN 20-23
Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits fair Enjoy a display of products including brandy, sake, champagne and more at this annual fair. There will also be a wide range of high-quality wine and spirits, wine production, wine education, logistics and services. $100. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. event.hktdc.com
JAN 21-FEB 20
Hong Kong KidsFest Enjoy five weeks of fun, creativity and entertainment with two great productions for young people including Tabby McTat and The Gruffalo. From $300. The Hong Kong Academy
for Performing Arts. kidsfest.com.hk
JAN 27-30
Go Festival HK 2022 Celebrate the Lunar New Year with GO! Hong Kong Carnival 2022 and shop for goods at over 300 vendors. The carnival will also include a 20,000 square-foot Travel and Fun section, where people can take a viral journey to Taiwan. 10.30am-7.30pm. Asia World Expo. asiaworld-expo.com
Public holiday dates for 2022 Jan 1
New Year’s Day
Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market
Feb 1-3
Chinese New Year
The popular Sunday Market will host its Chinese New Year market at Discovery Bay Main Plaza. Support the local vendors and discover an array of wonderful homemade goodies. Free. 11am6pm. Discovery Bay. handmadehongkong.com
Apr 5
Qingming Festival
Apr 15
Good Friday
Apr 16
Day following Good Friday
Apr 18
Easter Monday
May 2
Labour Day
May 9
Buddha’s Birthday
Jun 3
Dragon Boat Festival
Jul 1
HKSAR Establishment Day
Sept 12
The day following MidAutumn Festival
October 1
National Day
Dec 24
Christmas Eve
Dec 25
Christmas Day
Dec 26
Boxing Day
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve
JAN 30
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NEWS
HONGKONGERS REVEAL WHAT THEIR DATING PREFERENCES ARE
AIA VITALITY HUB OPENS AT CENTRAL HARBOURFRONT
If you’re looking to kick start your fitness journey this month, AIA’s new Vitality Hub will be offering a unique health and wellness venue built to engage the Hong Kong community through an array of fresh activities and events. The space will also host daily classes and activities hosted by wellness professionals that residents can take part in for free. The hub will also work closely with charities and organisations to support disadvantaged members of the community. Since the pandemic started at the beginning of 2020, more people than ever have signed up to dating apps as a way to find the potential “one”. But what really makes Hongkongers swipe right? Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel decided to look into the musthave qualities and deal-breakers for singles in the city. Appearances are everything when it comes to online dating so it’s no surprise that physical appearances appear at the top of the list. Men are drawn to smiles while women prefer tidy nails, and both love fresh breath and strong eyebrows. As a very work dominated city, occupation plays a key role in attracting the opposite
sex, with a quarter of Hong Kongers rejecting a potential date due to their occupation. So what are the sexiest jobs in town? Doctors, CEOs, bankers and lawyers take the top spots with women also preferring entrepreneurs, architects and engineers. Men on the other hand went for on-profit workers and women with more creative jobs. While many people go looking for a partner with a list of demands, the survey found that 97 percent of HongKongers in relationships are with someone who’s different from what they were searching for, so the most important thing to do is be yourself and have fun. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.
RESIDENTS TO PAY MORE FOR POWER FROM JANUARY According to environment minister Wong Kam-sing, international fuel prices have increased sharply, and cities have had to increase power tariffs. As Hong Kong moves away from the usage of coal, power bills are said to keep rising in the coming years. The city’s two power companies will raise rates by as much as seven percent beginning in January.
HONG KONG RANKED 46 BY EXPATS FOR CITY LIVEABILITY
Starb
Out of a total of 57 cities across the world including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Mexico City, Hong Kong has been ranked as the 46 most liveable city for expats based on the annual Expat Insider survey by InterNations. The reason for this low score has been divided into a number of categories including local cost of living, finance & housing, urban work life, quality of urban living and the safety & politics. However it’s not all bad news, Hong Kong received the best results in the Getting Settled Index with many expats stating that they find it easy to make friends and are happy with their social life.
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$11
Sch
$22
Free
NEWS
AQUA AND HUTONG GET A NEW LOOK
COMPANY LAUNCHES QUARANTINE GIFT BOXES With no sign of the three-week hotel quarantine lifting any time soon, one enterprising lady has come up with gift boxes to ease the pain. Adi Harel created BoxHit HK after she was asked by friends if she had any ideas what to give other friends who were in quarantine. Prices start from $500, with free delivery. instagram.com/boxhit_hk
The popular harbourview restaurants have moved after 18 years at their iconic One Peking Road location in Tsim Sha Tsui. The restaurants will remain on the darkside, located at the newly-built H Zentre, a few hundred metres away from the harbourfront. Working with award-winning London-based designer Robert Angell, the new locations
have a strong attention to detail and continue to offer stunning views across Victoria Harbour. The Aqua Restaurant Group will continue to keep their One Peking Road restaurant and bar space, replacing the iconic restaurants with a new Chinese Library and a yet-to-be announced Italian restaurant.
Happy Valley
Starborough ‘FE’, Sav Blanc
$118 Marlborough N.Z
MDLC Reserva, Rioja
$128 Rioja, Spain
Hong Kong’s best value wine store Orders Tel: 2433 9929 | www.winerack.com.hk
Poggio Le Volpi Roma
$145 Lazio, Italy
Patriarche Cremant Brut
$148 Burgundy, France
Penny’s Hill Specialized
$180 McLaren Vale, Australia
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eleven eleven
Schild Ben RSV Shiraz
$228 Barossa Valley Australia
Tabali Transversal
$258 Maipo/Limari Valley, Chile
Balfour 1503 Classic Cuvée
$268 Kent, England
Finca La Escuela Malbec
$305 Altamira, Argentina
Free home delivery on any mix of 6 Bottles for online orders | Shop: 7 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong hongkongliving.com | 11
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HK SHAKESPEARE REPERTORY PRESENTS
cover your gray hair in natural way
services & products
BeNature
Causeway Bay
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9709 8778 benature.com
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Lucie Petit
FIVE MINUTES WITH
Nicole Slater meets the Founder of HK Model Camp and role model at Inspiring Girls After originally moving to Hong Kong on a three month modeling contract, Lucie Petit fell in love with the city and has now been here for over eight years, “Hong Kong has a great mix of Western and Asian culture, allowing it to be an international business hub with a diverse network that can lead to a lot of opportunities.” While Petit spends most of her time as a full-time model, having worked with high end fashion brands including Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret, she also founded her own Hong Kong-based model camp guiding aspiring models through the modeling process and helping them become the best version of themselves. “I was a very shy kid growing up. Having to relocate and change schools many times often made me feel like an outsider, lowering my confidence and self-esteem. I chose to become the mentor who could have helped me accept myself and boost selfconfidence, to others.” Through online and in-person workshops, Petit’s sessions include honest discussions about the modeling industry, body positivity, self-acceptance and how posture can affect confidence. “From my experience in working with teens in Hong Kong, I know many are confused about their future and making the right decisions in life. They feel the pressure to conform, to be beautiful and “perfect” in a world where social media often portray distorted and unrealistic standards.” Petit believes that having a role model who understands the industry can help them overcome challenges and avoid mistakes. She herself was mentored by supermodel and successful entrepreneur Coco Rocha in New York and online last year. Alongside her model camp, she is also a role model for the femalefocus organisation, Inspiring Girls. While Petit’s calendar has been pretty full recently, last year came with many challenges, “the past year taught me the need to adapt in ways that I’d never
thought of before, including falling down and getting back up on a regular basis. Learning to know when to take a break and reassessing boundaries between yourself and those around you is extremely important and I’m grateful to have these skills now.” Over the next few months she hopes to continue to inspire and empower women across the city and internationally through her camp as well as supporting more people in the industry. “Creatives are often offered unpaid work. Through this network, I hope to turn this around by creating employment opportunities that reward creatives what they’re worth. One day, I would love to offer HKMC services in Europe which would also enable me to reconnect with my home country and visit my family more often in France.”
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Sleep better this New Year In collaboration with Okooko
provide excellent back support for individual needs. For example, a king-size mattress with one firmer and one softer side based on each partner’s preference. The best thing? Okooko is so certain of its proposition that its mattresses come with a 100-night trial.
Snuggle up with Okooko at Repulse Bay this winter. Throughout January, head over to The Pulse to experience its signature Heveya® Natural Organic Latex mattresses, pillows and luxurious Bamboo & French Linen bedding. Let Okooko’s sleep experts guide you to a more natural sleep in 2022. Is a healthier and a better sleep going to be your new year resolution? Okooko’s natural organic latex mattresses and all the other sustainable bedding products will help you feel rested and refreshed this new year. The brand has prepared numerous timelimited deals, including 50 percent off the second pillow you purchase and a complimentary goodie bag worth $500.
Location: Kiosk No.16 on Level 2, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay Duration: December 1, 2021
January 31, 2022
Special offers: • Buy a pillow, get the second one for 50 percent off
About Okooko Okooko is a one-stop bedding store that carries organic latex mattresses, adjustable bed bases and accessories – all made of natural and sustainable materials. The brand provides a customisable sleeping system whereby bed base, mattress and pillow work together to
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•
Upon purchase of$2,500, receive a complimentary goodie bag worth $500, consisting of a bamboo eye mask, pillow spray and a voucher that provides 10 percent off on
your next order *One complimentary goodie bag per customer *Offers are subject to availability and details may be changed without prior notice
21/12/2021 4:50 PM
LOCAL
Central Harbourfront’s $12 billion transformation Cheyelene Fontanilla on what’s in store for the new location
After almost a year of bidding and negotiations, the premier Central harbourfront location was awarded to Henderson Land Development, who paid a whopping $50.8 billion. The Hong Kong government first announced an open tender for the Central Harbourfront Site 3, which spans from Jardine House to the Central Ferry Piers, on December 18 last year. The site in question is around 47,967 square metres and currently includes the city’s General Post Office and the pedestrian bridge connecting IFC to the piers. As part of the deal, the Development Bureau required the area to become a new people-centric landmark for the city with an emphasis on sustainable and urban design considerations as well as integration with the surroundings. The proposal by Henderson Land states that
it plans to replace the General Post Office and temporary access to the Star Ferry pier with four low rise office buildings. Other construction plans include an architecturally iconic building, a public viewing deck extending from IFC mall with two multipurpose buildings attached and renovations to the outlying ferry piers.
Development Bureau has stated that the project must be completed by 2032. Shall we start the clock now?
The $12 billion project aims to enhance the connectivity between the hinterland and harbourfront in Central and create a vast amount of green and public spaces. A green roof-level platform will connect the iconic building to the two multipurpose buildings. Coined the “urban forest”, there will be jogging routes and an outdoor green space for public use. The site is just one of eight sites, spanning from Central to Wan Chai planned to be rejuvenated in the coming years. While a project of this magnitude will take much time and resources, the
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COVER STORY
Leaders of Tomorrow 2022 HONG KONG’S FUTURE STARS
“Behind every young child who believes in themself is a parent who believed first.” Announcing a chance to nominate your child into the Hong Kong Living Leaders of Tomorrow Awards 2022 for an unparalleled opportunity to show your child you believe in them and back their dreams.
Contact us:
E-mail: talk@hongkongliving.com
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COVER STORY
Gifting to success Charmaine Ng meets Justin Chung, founder and owner of Gift Something Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop gifting. At least, that’s what Justin Chung, founder of Gift Something, believes. Chung, who arrived in Hong Kong from Australia exactly a decade ago, was seeking new opportunities in Asia, where he could see growth was happening. He decided to break into ecommerce while it was still in its infancy. Thus, Gift Something was born. “A decade ago, ecommerce still hadn’t taken off in Hong Kong,” shares the entrepreneur. “Existing gifting brands were small mum and pop shops selling the same repetitive things. The product landscape was boring and lacked innovation.” Taking the opportunity, Chung founded the Hong Kong-based online retailer in 2011. Since then, Gift Something has established itself as a one-stop-shop for all gifting and celebratory occasions. It offers everything from children’s birthdays to wedding favours, as well as a vast collection of curated gifts and hampers, if you’re in a pinch.
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COVER STORY
“It was the idea of bringing sexy back to gifting. Hong Kong is a convenient city where you can pop down to the shops and get pretty much whatever you want. To stand out from the crowd, you need to do things no one has done, like offering same day free delivery, for example.”
Chung. “We have been unable to visit our sister businesses in Singapore and Malaysia and seek new suppliers overseas as quarantine drains too much resources. All plans have been put on ice until we can travel freely.”
As for why he decided to start a gifting business, Chung explains that gifting is embedded in Asian culture – beyond Christmas, there is Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and even Chinese Valentine’s Day in July.
just missing Boss Day, which is celebrated in Singapore.” 10 years into the business, he shares that there never has been a dull moment. For him, every day is different and as challenging as the other – this is especially true for the past two years. “Over the years of living in an international city, I discovered that apart from the usual holidays, Hong Kong also has two Valentine’s Days, Singles’ Day, Secretaries’ Day and more. We’re
“Business is good, but the strict quarantine rules in Hong Kong have affected everything from talent retention to resource management,” says
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COVER STORY However, it hasn’t been all bad. The entrepreneur has learned that running a decentralised dynamic business is possible in challenging times. And, he has mastered constant change and adapting to new environments in order to prosper. With these lessons in mind, Chung will continue working on Gift Something whilst branching out into new businesses over the next few years. In fact, he’s already started – he has recently launched Urban Plants, a plant servicing business, and Just Events, a new ecommerce platform that services events and event related services.
Website: giftsomething.com Instagram: @giftsomething Telephone: 2882 8888
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DINING
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Dining
DINING
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DINING
Need a detox, go veggie this January! Jasmine Hung rounds up the best vegetarian restaurants and menus in town VEDA The chic Central restaurant, which led the charge in Ovolo’s global ‘Year of the Veg’ initiative, continues to set the standard for conscious vegetarian dining. Their plant-forward menu evolves seasonally with minimally processed dishes that are rich in flavour, yet simplistic by nature. Diners can expect decent, dependable dishes including red lentil dahl, baked aloo gobi, vegetable stew and naan tartine. ovolohotels.com/ovolo/central/veda/
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DINING OVOCAFÉ OVOCAFÉ is a vegetarian place at old Wan Chai market dedicated to healthiness and eco-lifestyle by serving fresh green eats, not only to satisfy the needs of vegetarians, but also act as a positive influence to those unfamiliar with green diet. Their menu includes everything from veggie chicken satay kebabs with veggie shrimp crackers, Thai style stir-fried veggie beef to Impossible burger and pizza. ovocafe.com.hk
Miss Lee Taking on a new approach to Chinese vegetarian cuisine, Miss Lee uses all-natural ingredients which combine traditional and modern cooking techniques. The menu caters to a range of dietary preferences including vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and everything in between. Their signature dishes include golden cauliflower, sweet and sour mixed mushrooms, watercress gnocchi, mapo eggplant and bean curd, as well as fried wonton in caramelised black vinegar. misslee.hk
BEDU Located on quiet Gough Street, BEDU certainly has plenty to recommend it. Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, the restaurant offers a range of flavorful vegetarian dishes including sweet potato falafel, charred local cabbage, chilli roasted corn, eggplant carpaccio, harissa glazed peach, bedouin salad and golden rice pilaf. They have also recently opened sister brand, Little BEDU for easy and healthy take-away options. bedurestaurant.com
TREEHOUSE Through nourishing food and a mindful environment, TREEHOUSE is a gentle reminder that change starts with us. Their menu is completely unprocessed, serving only whole foods, free from preservatives, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, trans-fats,
soy-isolates, bleached flour and more. Dishes range from flatbreads, salad bowls, burgers, with options to create your own combination from approximately 60 choices of fillings. treehouse.eco
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BIG DAY OUT
Healthy hikes
Explore the city’s highest peaks and best nature trails this January
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BIG DAY OUT
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BIG DAY OUT
Tate’s Cairn
Hong Kong Trail The Hong Kong Trail took home the prize for Hike of the Year in our Hong Kong Living Awards 2021 and it’s not difficult to see why. The full route is 50 kilometers long and goes from Victoria Peak all the way to Big Wave Bay. Because of its immense length, the trail is broken up into 8 sections and has plenty of awe-inspiring viewpoints along the way including the Hong Kong skyline and Wong Nai Chung Reservoir.
Sunset Peak
Tate’s Cairn Often known as the tunnel running through Kowloon and New Territories, this summit stretches across Wong Tai Sin and Sha Tin. The Tate’s Cairn ridge reaches 583 metres above sea level, and following along the gentle trail, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by luscious greens and grassy plains. Set off in the afternoon for a breezy hike and catch a sunset against the iconic Hong Kong Island backdrop.
Kam Shan Country Park
Kam Shan Country Park Besides being famous for its cheeky residents, the Monkey Hill trail gives you access to the stunning views from Kowloon Reservoir. Kick off your hike at Golden Hill Road and look for the entrance to Kam Shan Country Park. From there,
you’ll walk through some concrete slopes with monkeys greeting you on both sides of the road. Pass the spectacular reservoir, unwind in nature via the Kam Shan Tree Walk and explore Hong Kong’s authentic species. Sunset Peak Hong Kong’s third highest peak and Lantau’s second highest mountain, Sunset Peak is known for its gorgeous sunset views overlooking the Lantau coastline. The sunsets here are so beautiful, they have even been featured on Cantopop singer Eason Chan’s album Taste the Atmosphere. Be sure to bring along a flashlight since descending from the peak after dark can be dangerous. If you are new to hiking, consider catching the sunrise instead.
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BIG DAY OUT Twin Peaks and Violet Hill Commonly referred to as the “Terrible Twins” due to its seemingly never-ending series of steps, we strongly advise doing this hike from Parkview to Stanley, rather than in the opposite direction. This is because when you’re halfway up the first peak, thinking you should have gone for brunch instead, the visions of Stanley’s restaurants, along with the gentle ocean breeze, will keep you going. The first peak is much harder than the second. You begin the hike with an ascent up Violet Hill - barely a warm up for what’s to come. Sharp Peak Located in Sai Kung, this is said to be one of the toughest trails in the city, not only because of the steep climb up and down, but also because it can take anywhere from six to eight hours to complete. You’ll probably need a good pair of gloves to tackle some parts of this hike because it requires a bit of climbing. Once you get to the top, you’ll have a wonderful view of the mountains and surprisingly clear-water beaches that surround Sharp Peak. Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak Standing at 603 metres above sea level, Kowloon Peak offers panoramic views of bustling Victoria Harbour from one direction and serene Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from the other. The hike starts with a steep incline up to the summit which takes around an hour. Once there you can follow the trail down to Suicide Cliff (called so because of its rocky feature which resembles a diving board). Here you’ll enjoy stunning views of Hong Kong island from above, far better than any rooftop bar.
Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak
Sharp Peak
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CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDE
KUNG HEI FAT CHOY! Nicole Slater rounds up 8 things to do around town this Chinese New Year
F
rom February 1-3 Hong Kong will be a sea of red and gold as it celebrates the biggest occasion on the Chinese calendar. Ring in the year of the Tiger with these fun and festive things to do.
1
Clean up
Homes are thoroughly cleaned in the run up to the festivities, as it is considered bad luck to clean your home during the week of Lunar New Year.
Sweep dust into the middle of the room and out the door to symbolise the sweeping away of bad luck. Going one step further, some homeowners paint door frames and windows in order to encourage good luck to enter.
Lion and dragon dances are performed just about everywhere during the Lunar New Year. Pop down to your local town centre where you’ll find performers dressed as lions and dragons parading around the town while blessing local businesses.
2
Visit a flower market
Brighten up your home with a bunch of flowers or a Mandarin tree - these are believed to bring good luck around this time. The famous Victoria Park Market is a popular choice, but if you want to stay away from the crowds visit Prince Edward Flower Market in Mong Kok.
3
Go veggie
Legend has it that going vegetarian for the first day of the Lunar New Year (February 1) enhances longevity and helps purify and cleanse the body. Visit one of the city’s many vegetarian restaurants or create your own homemade vegetarian feast.
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4
Take part in a Lion Dance
5
Make it rain with Lai See
‘Lai see’ is the traditional name for the lucky red envelopes given by married people to their single relatives, colleagues and those in the service industry during the 15 days preceding Lunar New Year (February 1-15). The envelopes should contain crisp banknotes and the amount is symbolic, do not give any amount that contains the number four as this number is associated with ‘death’ in Chinese culture.
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CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDE
of traditional and colourful festivities to accompany the racing. From 11am. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse Stand, Sha Tin. hkjc.com
8
Fight off bad luck at Man Mo Temple
How much to give?
$20 for an acquaintance you see regularly but don’t know well, such as a doorman. $50 for someone close to you such as friends’ children or your hairdresser. $100 as a generous gift to someone you care about. This is generally the minimum bosses give to employees. $500+ is not unheard of, but it is usually given with a good motive such as birthdays or weddings around this time.
6
Make a wish at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
A visit to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees during Lunar New Year is thought to bring good luck. Traditionally joss paper was tied to an orange and thrown into the tree in an attempt to secure it around a high branch to entice good luck. Free admission. Take bus 64K or 64P from Tai Po Market station and get off at Fang Ma Po.
It’s not all fireworks and feats; for those born during the Year of the Rat, Snake, Monkey and Dog, bad luck may be on the cards in 2022. In order to ward off the
negative vibes, pay a visit to Man Mo Temple on The Third Day of the Lunar New Year (February 3). It is customary to burn incense, candles and joss paper for protection and to encourage good fortune. If you are not sure what to do, the helpful staff at the temple will show you the ropes. Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.
7
Get lucky at Hong Kong Chinese New Year Race Day
On The Third Day of Lunar New Year, head to Sha Tin Racecourse for a spot of betting on the horses. Over 100,000 racing fans will gather to place bets and celebrate. Hong Kong Jockey Club will put on a host
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EDUCATION
Learn the lingo Pick up a new language this New Year
Mini Mandarins Children aged from eighteen Mand months get the best of both arin worlds at Mini Mandarins, which combines language learning with interactive play. With made-to-scale models of realworld places, children are immersed in everyday situations to develop fluency and practical vocabulary. minimandarins.com
Hong Kong Institute of Languages
Spanish World Language Centre
Spanis Based on Pottinger Street h in Central, Spanish World Language Centre provides kids, teens and adults with a wide variety of Spanish language courses, including group lessons and private classes. Classes are open to those aged three and above and can be taught in small groups, individually or online. spanishworldgroup.com
Dante Alighieri Italian Language Learning Centre
Italian
A registered Charitable Institution promoting Italian language studies and culture throughout the world. Its learning centre offers group, private and corporate classes for children and adults. Partnering with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and other Italian cultural associations, the centre frequently hosts Italian cultural activities. ladante.cc
Mu
ltiple True to its name, Hong Kong Institute of Languages teaches a wide range of languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese to children, teens, adults, schools and corporations, and has been doing so since 1985. The Institute has built a teaching model around small group classes and tailor-made private lessons. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels, including exam preparation. It also provides online learning as well as home or office tuition. hklanguages.com
Le club des cinq Founded in 2013, Le club des French cinq - French Learning Centre has created programmes according to the age and the level of each child. From discovering the French language to IGCSE or IB preparation, the aim of the school is to offer the best French classes for everyone. frenchlessons.hk
Dr. Sackmann’s Language Education Centre
Germa
n
Founded and run by renowned German linguist, Dr. Robin Sackmann, this centre provides a relaxed and fun environment for children and adults to learn German. Using multimedia techniques including German videos, radio programmes and magazine articles, students can learn everyday terminology and gain confidence in the langage. dslc.com.hk
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EDUCATION
Does your student profile matter? Hubert Ho on creating the perfect profile You may notice that Top 50 US Colleges and UK G5 Universities are now using a holistic admissions approach. That means the admissions team will not just look at the academic record but also the whole student profile. However, what is it exactly? A student profile consists of several components, academic, career, social, admissions and financial. The most difficult part to understand and build is the career and social components. A lot of students attend the information sessions and trust that they should build an allrounded profile. Remember, all-rounded students are the ones who don’t receive offers. Why? University applications are very similar to job applications. You need to figure out the common characteristics of your competitors. When you try to be all-rounded, they will see you as an ordinary person without uniqueness.
As Head of Admissions Consulting Services at Kaplan, Hubert Ho has over 10 years of experience in guiding youngsters to maximise their potential on top school admissions. Contact him via hubert.ho@kaplan.com
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HOROSCOPE
Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer reveals your fate as we head into January 2022 AQUARIUS You should spend some time apart and reconnect with your inner self before making any critical decisions, Aquarius. An old flame may come back into your life to heal all the wounds in your heart. Embrace whatever feelings surface instead of avoiding them. This healing process will bring significant transformations to your relationships for the rest of the year, so welcome it into your life.
TAURUS Your worst enemies are the ones in your head, Taurus. This month, a boost of courage will prompt you to venture into the depths of your psyche and face the demons that have been haunting you. It is time to prioritise your own desires and try new paths towards personal freedom. Build confidence in yourself and your ambitions and good things will follow.
LEO Your work and daily routine will undergo profound transformations, Leo. Far from being negative, this experience will renew your enthusiasm and purpose in your professional path. Stop wasting time on projects with unrealistic expectations and focus on what you are genuinely passionate about. Trust in your talents and the universe will accommodate your aspirations.
SCORPIO Mars prompts you to take action on your finances, Scorpio. Stop waiting for others to give you permission to move forwards. You have strong reasoning power and your mind is firmly rooted in reality, so use your compelling communication skills to bring profitable business deals to fruition. Your family will support you so don’t hesitate to ask them for help, if required.
PISCES Your professional goals are taking centre stage this month, Pisces. You tend to present a distracted and forgetful personality, but now you will be entirely focused on your tasks to move up the career ladder. It is an excellent time to take on more demanding assignments and demonstrate your talents to others. You will benefit from group activities, as your colleagues will give you the support you need to shine.
GEMINI You will experience great clarity this month. Communication will be strong and you’ll be in a great position to solve personal and professional issues. Your strong intuition will enable you to see the true motives behind people’s behaviour. Use this to your advantage when closing business deals, or venturing down unknown paths.
VIRGO This month will be characterised by optimal health. Productivity and emotional stability are the ideal ingredients to seize new job opportunities. Prioritise in advance and pay attention to your heart’s desires. Virgo, you have the mental, emotional, and physical stability to let go of your insecurities and try riskier paths. Take advantage of this opportunity.
SAGITTARIUS January calls you to focus on your ambitions and use all your willpower to take steps towards reaching new objectives. However, avoid tackling too many things simultaneously, as you will be more productive if you approach one goal at a time. You’ll have plenty of energy to put your plans into action. Schedule some time at the gym to ensure you are in optimum fitness.
thehealingkingdom.com
ARIES January offers a golden opportunity to evaluate your finances and organise professional life. It’s not the time to embark on new relationships or business projects, but to reevaluate your past decisions and discard those paths that no longer serve you. Be mindful when you speak, and don’t rush to conclusions, Aries. Keep a contemplative state of mind.
CANCER Criticism from your loved ones is not meant to make you feel bad but to help you evolve. You may feel frustrated and irritated on occasions, but don’t let that lead you to engage in impulsive behavior that you will later regret. Evaluate every situation calmly and channel your energy into productive pursuits.
LIBRA Demands at home may well become overwhelming this month. Don’t walk away from your responsibilities, Libra. Talk to your partner without blaming them for your discomfort. The cosmos encourages you to be more assertive in your communication and to find a balance between your emotional state and external circumstances.
CAPRICORN This month brings significant challenges to light, Capricorn. The cosmos invites you to look at your current circumstances with a mature and down-toearth approach to finally let go of those relationships that do not foster growth. The challenges you overcome during January will give you enough confidence to fully transform your life. The only limitations you may encounter are in your mind; never forget that.
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HOROSCOPE
2022: the astrological year of love After another year of being plagued by Covid-19, many clients of mine are asking if 2022 could bring us a little bit of change in life - maybe an easy trip to Southern Europe? A career change that can bring prosperity and success? Or a handsome knight in shining armour embracing us? As an astrologer reading for the past 10 years, I can be certain that there is something shifting already. A sense of gentleness and love coming with 2022. 2022 in numerology is reduced into the number 6 (2+0+2+2). This is the number associated with the heart and love, as well as sacrifice. Number 2 symbolises balance, relationships and being in front of a crossroad. The dominant “2’s” in this year are especially emphasised on all the political and environmental decisions on a higher level for the entire humanity, as well as our personal issues such as love and career. “2” needs us to learn how to look at life from different perspectives so that we can use a diplomatic and understanding approach to move forward.
Building and maintaining relationships are also a key for all of us. Meanwhile, “6” is a number that is associated with the concept of love and our heart chakra. For instance, in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the 6th sphere, named beauty, is the heart of the tree. It is also associated with Christ Consciousness, the idea of “sacrifice for love”. Anyone fortunate enough to have experienced romantic love knows that true love always needs a certain degree of vulnerability and sacrifice. Here we can see how the numbers “2” and “6” come together: Only by opening your heart and being vulnerable, will we be able to receive and give love. Thus this year, we are seeing the energetic focus for all of us: How to love, how to balance a relationship and how to sacrifice for the bigger good. This amazing theme is of course supported by Jupiter’s transit in Pisces. Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces, so it is a very fortunate position for Jupiter to be in. Pisces is the zodiac sign representing universal love, compassion and benevolence. This is a great year for relationship
building, falling in love, and surrendering ourselves to the cosmic flow. Especially if you are a Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, the water trinity will bring you lots of good news and happiness. Meanwhile, since Saturn is still transiting in Aquarius for the entire year, we do still have lots of clusters to clean out. Particularly for Taurus, Leo and Aquarius, what old habits and reminiscence are still holding you back? Remove them and make space for your next chapter. The year 2022 has the gravitational pull of love, attraction and kinship. Any opportunities involving the concept of love and relationships are wide open for you. So reassess your situation and achieve oneness with your true purpose through love, sacrifice and give up the old. In return, you will gain what you have always dreamed. I wish that all of you in 2022 would have many magical and indelible experiences in all aspects of life, with lots of beautiful new beginnings and fulfillment.
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PETS
Ask a vet…
Dr Pauline answers you questions about keeping pets warm this season Does a dog need a coat for winter? With another winter upon us, I am often asked, “do our dogs need a coat to keep warm?” Some folks like to suggest that because dogs have fur coats, they should not feel the cold, but I would like to point out that all dogs are not equal and for some breeds wintry weather can be a challenge. Dogs with thin body frames, or thin or short coats, or short legs with bellies nearer the cold ground can benefit from coats. These include most toy and small breeds such as poodles, whippets, Yorkshire terriers to name a few. Larger breeds with short coats like Great Danes can also feel the cold. In Hong Kong, our dogs do not encounter snow or ice, but the ground can still feel cold to them in winter and in the shade. Like all warm-blooded mammals, dogs can control their body temperature within a narrow range. If your dog feels cold, he may shiver and shake, try and find a spot to lie in the sun or curl up and snuggle up beside a warm body that could be you! Tolerating the colder months also varies with underlying medical problems, age, and body condition. While a French Bulldog may only require a sweater
at lower temperatures a thin Sydney Silkie or Chinese Crested require a thicker jacket/coat. In cold areas dogs can get frostbite but be aware dressing dogs in winter fashions can lead to them overheating too. Be careful the fabric does not cause irritation or a contact allergy. Fashion items must fit your dog properly or they can become a hazard if your mutt decides to chew it off, buttons and all! With the recent cold snap, what can I do to keep my cat warm? Normal healthy adult cats thermoregulate: this means they have the ability to maintain their temperature within certain boundaries between 37.7-39.1C (100-102.5F). Most mammals can do this. If cats feel cold they will move to a warmer spot. If that isn’t enough, their internal physiology kicks in; vasoconstriction helps to reduce heat loss via the skin, hairs will stand on end to trap air which further insulates and shivering helps to generate heat from muscle contractions. You can help by leaving a nice enclosed bed or box with blankets and window seats provide the opportunity to lie in the
sunshine. Be aware that kittens under four weeks have difficulty controlling their body temperature because their metabolic activity isn’t yet developed. As such, it is important to keep them in warmer environments.
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VISIBLE
Visible: I see you Renate Boerner Jill Carter meets the Master of Fine Arts At 57 years young, soft-spoken Renate Boerner is a picture of elegance as she shares difficult stories of her marriage, divorce and coping with the loss of her children’s father, who battled mental illness for many years. Originally from Vancouver, Renate moved to Hong Kong at 23 as a journalist. She married her husband in 2000 and had two daughters, now 18 and 16. He unfortunately began to suffer from clinical depression, which deepened over their 12-year marriage. “Mental illness is so cruel. He was one person when we met, then gradually became a very different person. In the end, it was like living with a ghost, you can see their shell, but it’s not the person you married. It’s a horrific disease,” she says. They sought professional help, together and apart, but the home environment became increasingly more difficult as his illness worsened. Renate recalls, “He was sometimes a very angry, scary person. I was constantly worried about what would set him off. I kept hoping he would get better, but he didn’t.” One day Renate arrived home and could feel seething anger. When she walked into the girls’ room, she could see her daughters (then ages 6 and 8) were terrified. He left and their eldest burst into tears. Renate walked down the stairs and said to him, “That’s enough; I’m not doing this anymore.” Renate had a wake-up call: “I wasn’t modeling the kind of behaviors I wanted my daughters to learn. They deserve to be treated appropriately and respectfully. We were taught the nuclear family should be this 1950s, whitepicket-fence kind of thing. It doesn’t always work like that. I had to ask myself, what is the impact of staying on the kids?” Describing the difficulty of divorce, she says, “As a mother, you spend so much time worrying about the kids. You need to be able to take care of them, so you may not have the space to think about what you want to be, what you want to do when you get through the tunnel. Sometimes you are in shock and pain, incredibly concerned about what the future will bring, and always your kids. My advice to others is that you will get to yourself; eventually it will be time for you.” Post-divorce, her ex-husband’s mental health continued to decline. Eventually, he returned to his home country of Australia and lost
the battle, taking his own life in 2019. Renate recalls, “the grieving process started a long time before his death. I kept hoping he would come back from the illness and have a relationship with his kids. That was another huge loss for all of us, the loss of dreams, of possibilities.” Renate sought various forms of therapy for the kids since the separation – play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy – and continued to utilise counseling for all of them to cope with his death. That support, along with her friends, colleagues and her beloved helper, gave Renate the tenacity to help the girls through their grief. “Now that my kids are older, they understand their father was unwell, and they appreciate how we came together. In going through that, you model strength and resilience – ‘this isn’t going to beat me, and I’m going to get back on my own two feet’.” Life as a single mother hasn’t been without challenges, but Renate was determined to make a safe, soothing, loving home for her and the girls. “You just get through it; you find a way. We moved to smaller and smaller places, and we made it work.” Renate laughs, “Most
importantly, I managed to keep our helper with us.” Renate used her creativity and moxy. In one flat, the girls’ bedroom was so small it just fit an L-shaped bunk. Renate divided her bigger bedroom with IKEA wardrobes and used them to a build a wall with her helper. “It wasn’t perfect, but it gave us the storage space we needed. I wanted our home to be a cozy place where we could relax. That was important.” Renate began working on her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing in 2019 and is now writing a novel as part of her thesis. “At first, I wondered, am I too old to do this? But I thought, my dad is 89, what am I going to do for the next 30 years?” And above all she aims to be a continuous source of inspiration and motivation for her daughters. What inspires her? “Survivors, the people who wake up and get out of bed every day – even when that seems impossible. They get through that day, and then they do it again. When you are lying in that bed it’s hard to imagine a brighter day, to imagine the weight will lift, but it will, it does. Trust that you are enough, for yourself and your children. Trust that you will see yourself.”
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