Southside Magazine December 2014

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

including...

Eat turkey in Stanley Throw a New Year’s party (when they finally get here)

Stuff stockings

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The really useful magazine DECEMBER 2014

Cover by: Hannah Grogan & Cherrie Yu with Callum Wiggins assisting.

Special thanks to “Uncle” Po Po Lau (po27873487@gmail.com) for modeling and to Partyland for the costume (B/F, 51 Wellington Street, Central, 9141 7999, www.partylandcentral.com).

PEOPLE

NEWS FROM THE GREENS

2 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in December Christmas events.

NEWS 12 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

LOCAL 16 Santa speaks The truth about Christmas Eve in Hong Kong.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

18 Mug game Loveramics’ Veronica is all over pottery.

20 Eco-farming and fake farming The fake farmers wrecking Hong Kong’s biodiversity.

FEATURE 22 Giving back Share the love by helping a charity.

EATING 28 Festive feasts Christmas and NYE feasts. Plus Nibbles from the dining scene.

EDUCATION 34 Kowloon’s new school Inside Nord Anglia International School.

BOOKS 40 Good books for kids Christmas recommendations.

CHRISTMAS MADE EASY 42 Carols, trees and turkeys Who, what, where and how much.

OUTDOORS 48 Finding Nemo Learning to dive in Hong Kong.

BIG DAY OUT 52 Zoo hoo A trip to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden.

HOME 58 Happy New Years How to throw a New Year’s Eve party.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PETS 66 Doggy distress Signs to look for.

HONG KONG CREATURES 67 East Asian porcupine A spiky nocturnal critter.

MARKETPLACE 68 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 74 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier. #SOUTHSIDEMAG 76 Reader snaps Your photos here.

64 Running commentary Take gait analysis in your stride.

“IT IS NOT IN DOING WHAT YOU LIKE, BUT IN LIKING WHAT YOU DO THAT IS THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS” - J.M. BARRIE

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people

say cheese

Snaps from Southside

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people CNCF - EDITUS

say cheese Hot tub cinema at The Pulse

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

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planner

DEC 6

St Stephen’s Chapel Christmas Fete

Santa’s chopper lands at noon at this annual church fete on the lawn, with entertainment, games, stalls and refreshments. Entry $20, children free. No parking. 11am-4.30pm, St Stephen’s College, Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley, www.ststephen.org.hk.

UNTIL LATE FEB AIA Great European Carnival

DEC 1, 15 Conrad Fair

It’s back! The waterfront carnival returns, with three-hectares of fun, including bumper cars, a ferris wheel, street entertainers and a “European tour”. Central Harbourfront. Tickets $125 (children aged three-11, $90) from www.ticketflap.com.

A one-stop pressie palace. Shop for hampers, fashion, jewellery, toys, skincare and so much more. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty, 2521 3838, www.prestigefairs.hk.

UNTIL JAN 4 Disney’s Sparkling Christmas Oh look, it’s snowing on Main Street. And don’t miss the new night parade at 7.30pm. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

DEC 1-31 Winter Wonderland at Discoveryland The indoor playground gets a Christmas makeover. Visit Santa’s grotto from December 21-27; $80 including a photo with Santa, a gift and goodies. G/F, 31 North Plaza, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, 2441 0098, www.discoverylandhk.com.

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happening in december DEC 3-21 Christmas pop-up at Lot 5 Pop-up shop loaded with boutique brands selling accessories, fashion, gifts, artisan food and leather goods, plus Christmas goodie bags.

Free entry. Noon-8pm every Wednesday to Sunday. 1/F, 5 Staunton Street, Central, 2815 6121, www.lot5.hk.

DEC 6 Italian Women’s Association Il Mercatino Bazaar Go hungry and load up on delicious authentic Italian food and plenty of bargains at the annual fundraiser in aid of the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital. Entry $20; bring your own bag. 10am-5pm, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam.

DEC 6 EtonHouse Open Day Children get creative with a range of materials to discover, construct, problem solve and transform. Registration required. 10am-noon.

1/F, Redhill Plaza, 3 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, 2353 5223, enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk, www.etonhouse.com.hk.

DEC 6 French International School Christmas Fair The annual Marché de Noel includes a Christmas Wonderland of games, student and professional entertainers, festive food and stalls. 10am-5pm, 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, 2577 6217.

DEC 5-7 & 11-14 Puss in Boots Pantomime Slap that thigh, it’s panto time with the Hong Kong Players (oh yes, it is). Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets $250-$330 from Urbtix, www.urbtix.hk.

DEC 7 Southside Market Long Lunch Great food and entertainment with a Christmassy flavour. Noon-5pm, The Butchers Club Deli Rooftop, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768, www.butchersclub.com. hk. Tickets are $550 (free for under-eights) from www.ticketflap.com.

DEC 5-7 Hong Kong International Boat Show Cruise the superyachts, sailing boats, ribs and dinghies – and dream of life at sea. Club Marina Cove, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung, www.clubmarinacove.com.

DEC 7 Diamond Sedan Competition Organised by Diamond Cabs (which provides a taxi service for wheelchair users), cheer on the teams as they race with wheelchair users through Stanley to promote barrier-free tourism. 1pm, Stanley Plaza and Stanley Main Street, www.diamondcab.com.hk.

DEC 6, JAN 17 Winter Garage Sale Rummage for pre-loved goodies. Tables still available for Jan 17. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay, gujean@ust.hk.

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planner DEC 7, 14, 21, 28 Island East Markets

DEC 13 Family Disco Christmas Party

DEC 24, 25 Christmas Night Market

Local organic food and other goodies, with live music and kids activities. Dogs welcome.

10am-5pm. Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.

Enjoy musical performances by teachers, a disco dance jam and activities and games for the whole family. Free entry, 3.30-5pm, Miles International Academy,The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, register at www. milesinternational.com.hk.

Gluhwine, canapes and Alpine-style Christmas shopping at The Peninsula forecourt on Christmas Eve (for restaurant patrons) and on the Sun Terrace on Christmas Day (hotel guests only). Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6772.

DEC 17-29 Pulse 3-D Light Show

DEC 7 Hong Kong Corporate Sevens Suits play sevens. The hospitality village has food, beer and a Kids’ Zone ($100 entry) with a bouncy castle, facepainting, games and a Sports4Kids rugby clinic. Free. 9am-6.45pm.

So Kon Po Recreation Ground, 55 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, www.corporate7s.com.hk.

DEC 24-JAN 1 We Wa! Winter Safari

The Clock Tower and Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui will become giant screens for a spectacular light show four times nightly at 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm and 10pm.

Fun and games at Cyberport, including obstacle races, a seven-foot high panda slide, rocking panda bed, magic performances and balloon twisters. 11am-7pm, Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

DEC 19-21, 24-28 The Nutcracker

DEC 24 Christmas Eve

Hong Kong Ballet performs the classic tale of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King, which it has presented every Christmas for more than 15 years. Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets from $140 at Urbtix, 2734 9009, www.urbtix.hk.

One more sleep…

DEC 7, 14 Classics for Kids Christmas Concert The SAR Philharmonic Orchestra’s 13th annual interactive concert introduces children to classical music and lets them try the instruments.

2.15pm and 5pm, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $250 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

DEC 10 Shoppinghongkong Holiday Shopping Annual fair with unusual local and international stalls selling jewellery, accessories, clothing, wine, cupcakes and more. 10am-6pm. The American Club Tai Tam, 28 Tai Tam Road, Stanley, www.shoppinghongkong.net.

DEC 12-13 Xmas @ Night Market Warm food, hot drinks, cool gifts and plenty of holiday cheer. Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun noon-5pm. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, www.pmqnightmarkets.org.

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DEC 25 Christmas Day ...He’s been! Presents! Tree! Turkey!

DEC 21-JAN 4 Phantom of the Opera The man in the mask returns in Andrew LloydWebber’s renowned musical. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $292-$1,195 from www. lunchbox-productions.com, 8203 0299.

DEC 31 Kee’s Pop-up Party Toast 2015 on the central pier waterfront with fireworks, a grand gala dinner, acrobatics performances, DJ and plenty to drink. Organised by Kee Club, dinner is $2,600 from info@ keeclub.com. After-party tickets are $500 from www.keepopup. eventbrite.hk. Level P, Central Pier 7, Star Ferry, Central, www.keeclub.com, 2810 9000.

DEC 26 Boxing Day Public holiday (to play with new toys).

DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Happy New Year! Don’t miss the midnight harbour fireworks.

planner

BOOK NOW

FEB 5-8 Fantastic Mr Fox

JAN 14-FEB 15 Kidsfest!

Faust International’s kid performers present Roald Dahl’s tale of the crafty canine vs Boggis, Bunce & Bean. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$270 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Stage productions of The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Horrible Histories and more. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Details and tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

JAN 31 Lily Allen Live

FEB 27-MAR 29 Hong Kong Arts Festival

Sheezus hits town. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

Tickets $788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

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

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news

in your backyard

Christmas tree crisis

Winter camps for kids Active children can stay busy over the holidays at ESF Educational Services’ winter sports camps in schools across Hong Kong, including South Island School, Discovery Bay and Australian International School.

Camps are suitable for children from age two to 11, with different classes covering a range of fun activities. As well as multisports camps, there are specialist soccer, basketball, gymnastics and tennis clinics. All classes are supervised by qualified coaches with first-aid training. Camps are available on December 2931 and January 2-3. More detailed schedules and enrollment forms can be found online at www.esf.org.hk.

Hong Kong’s fresh Christmas trees are (almost) all at sea, with many shipments running weeks late and others cancelled completely owing to industrial action in United States ports.

Most local nurseries order noble and Douglas firs from the US for the festive season – 22,000 arrived last year – but a six-month dispute between longshoremen in Seattle’s Port of Tacoma and the Pacific Maritime Association has thrown shipping schedules into chaos.

According to US reports, the port is operating 40 to 60 per cent slower than usual, putting many ships weeks behind schedule.

As a result, nursery owners across Hong Kong are warning customers that Christmas trees will be arriving weeks later than usual.

“I’m luckier than many because my trees

have been loaded and the ship is already on its way,” said Chuck Fung of Yue Sun Garden, a Sai Kung nursery that opens specially for the Christmas season.

“Other nurseries have had to cancel because their trees won’t be here in time for Christmas. I still don’t know exactly when the ship will arrive because the shipping company keeps changing its route.”

Another company was sourcing trees from other Hong Kong nurseries for its customers after being told its trees may not arrive until the middle of December.

Meanwhile, most nursery owners are taking orders for trees as usual and advising customers to phone in December for more information about arrival dates.

BookBugz opens New online children’s bookstore BookBugz offers parents a new way to find books for their little ones. With titles selected by a qualified primary teacher, it offers classic children’s books as well as new titles at the British recommended retail price. Search by age, theme or author, with delivery in Hong Kong for $15 or free with orders of more than $500. For details, visit www.bookbugz.com.hk.

Colour My Christmas Aberdeen-based children’s visual and performing arts studio Colour My World is running creative drop-in Christmas workshops for kids aged four to 14.

From November 25 to December 6, children can wow family and friends with handmade ceramic ornaments, hand-stitched trinkets or copper Christmas tree decorations embossed with sequins and charms. Four different workshops are available during the Christmas

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holidays (Mon-Wed, Dec 22-24 or 29-31). “Giant Gingerbread Man” involves building a whopping 3-D sculpture. Two painting workshops are available: “A Feast for the Eyes” painting in acrylic on canvas and “Sugar Coated” for the over-10s using oil on canvas. And “Winter’s Tales” is a drama workshop for two age groups, four to six and six to 10. Aberdeen Marina Tower, Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028, www.colour-my-world.com.

promotion

Clockwise from top left: Grange Interior, Apple & Pie, Lane Crawford.

Christmas Shopping at One Island South This Christmas, make One Island South your one-stop shopping destination.

Start at the Lane Crawford home store on the ground floor. Hong Kong’s homegrown luxury department store offers a rich history, iconic international brands and a seductive shopping experience. At One Island South, where Lane Crawford also has its head office, the 5,100 square foot showroom boasts carefully curated showrooms displaying a wide range of furniture, lighting and homeware. With a wall of windows and industrial-chic vibe, the store offers the finest contemporary home furnishings in sophisticated surroundings with which the Lane Crawford brand has become synonymous.

The space is frequently used for in-store designer exhibitions and shows.

Before little feet get too tired, head upstairs to Apple & Pie on the second floor. The go-to store for stylish children’s shoes was established by parents who grew tired of not being able to find the right shoes for their kids in Hong Kong. It stocks contemporary European brands that are

there are party shoes and play shoes and hanging-out-athome shoes comfortable, hard-wearing and look great, including Bisgaard, Clarys, Ricosta and Ubik. As well as sensible school shoes, there are are party shoes and play shoes and hanging-out-at-home shoes that children will love as much as their mums do.

Knowledgeable, experienced staff help to put parents and children at their ease to make this a stress-free shopping experience while ensuring little feet are looked after with properly fitted shoes.

Upstairs on the third floor, Grange Interiors is all about quirky, inventive and individual home interiors. This is the place for wallpaper, tableware,

Apple & Pie bling bling shoes

Lane Crawford ornaments

soft furnishings and lighting from an extensive selection of European designers. The store supports traditional craftsmen, which is good news in a world where independent and small family businesses are increasingly being pushed out of the market. Grange Interiors focuses on expertly made handcrafted products sourced for their quality including French glassware, linen and specialist furniture. For simple decoration and gift ideas for Christmas, Grange Interiors is sure to have something that appeals to every taste.

One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang.

Parking available from Yip Fat Street. Spend $200 for two hours of free parking or $300 for three hours free.

news

in your backyard

The Harbour School wins global award Bumps to Babes hatches a Stanley store

Congratulations to The Harbour School Hong Kong in Kennedy Town for winning second place in a worldwide School of the Year 2014 competition.

Run by 21st Century Learning International, the award celebrates schools and teachers that excel in using technology to support student learning and attracted entries from more than 15 countries. The overall winner was Shekou International School in China.

Judges were impressed with the way THS integrates technology into lessons and provides

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every student with laptop access. From creating musical compositions to learning how to code and create apps and games, technology is a part of the daily lives and lessons of the students. “We are very honoured to have won second place in this very prestigious international competition, and very proud of the students, teachers and parents who have made it possible,� Principal Dr Jadis Blurton said.

For details about THS, visit www.ths.edu.hk.

Bumps to Babes is opening a new store in Stanley Plaza. Stocking leading brands from around the world, Bumps to Babes is the goto store for strollers, clothes, toys, furniture, food and other paraphernalia for babies and small children. Winning legions of fans among Hong Kong parents, its knowledgeable and well-trained staff are on hand to offer expert advice and guidance on all products. Open daily 10am-7pm. 2/F Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, www.bumpstobabes.com.

local

ho ho ho

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Adele Brunner adele@fastmedia.com.hk Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Setareh Parvin setareh@fastmedia.com.hk Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk Marketing & Communications Manager Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Andrea Balboa andrea@fastmedia.com.hk John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk

Where to meet Santa

Viola Choi viola@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Paul Zimmerman Steffi Yuen Callum Wiggins Queenie Choi Lauren Parry Mei-li Rose Bacani Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media; Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Santa on Southside Santa Claus talks to Cherrie Yu about Christmas Eve in Hong Kong.

Is it cold enough for you in Hong Kong?

The reindeers and I don’t mind if it’s hot or cold… Christmas is Christmas, whatever the weather.

We do enjoy snow, though.

How do you deliver presents with no chimneys to climb down in Hong Kong?

Don’t worry, I always find a way.

Sometimes friendly security guards open rooftop doors for me, sometimes I use magic…

Do Hong Kong’s bright lights make it hard to hide your sleigh?

Oh no, it’s very beautiful. Rudolph is excited to see himself in lights on the buildings.

What is your favourite snack?

I have a very sweet tooth. On Christmas Eve, I eat different sweets all around the world – chocolates, cookies, mince pies

and, in Hong Kong, sometimes children leave cha siu bao and egg tarts. They’re all yummy! The reindeers like carrots.

How do you keep track of children who have moved from another country?

Write to let me know – I love getting letters. Hongkong Post makes sure that letters sent to “Santa Claus” with a stamp and a return address by Dec 21 will get to me in time for a reply. And my helpers around the world mean I always know where to deliver gifts.

What qualities are needed to be a great Santa?

A kind heart, a cheery smile – and a head for heights.

To organise a visit from Santa Claus, email his helper, “Uncle” Lau Po-po at po27873487@gmail.com.

Dec 5-25 Pacific Place, Admiralty Santa will be in his grotto. Dec 5-9, 12.30pm-3pm, 4.30pm8pm. Dec 11-25, 11.30am3pm, 4.30pm-9pm. Tickets $80 on Dec 5-13, $110 Dec 14-25, including a souvenir photo and gift. All proceeds go to Operation Santa Claus.

Dec 6-26 Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong Meet the big man at Twinkle Santa’s Carriage, December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-26. Tickets $80, including photo. All proceeds to Charles K. Kao Foundation.

Dec 6 St Stephen’s Chapel Christmas Fete Santa arrives by helicopter at noon. 11am-4.30pm. Entrance $20 adults, children free. St Stephen’s College, Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley.

DEC 21-27 Discoveryland Visit Santa in the Discoveryland Winter Wonderland. $80 including a photo, gift and goodies. G/F, 31 North Plaza, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, 2441 0098, www.discoverylandhk.com.

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five minutes with...

potted history

Mug game Paint your own pottery with Veronica Yam from Loveramics.

Callum Wiggins finds out more.

Veronica enjoys a quiet moment at the creative table where all the mugs are painted.

When I was 16 years old I moved to Vancouver to study art. I was there for five years studying things like pottery and ceramics. I couldn’t get into the school that I wanted, so I came back to Hong Kong when I was 21 to work for my cousin at Dragon-I.

Loveramics is not just a retail store. You can paint the ceramics and then collect them a few days later after it has been fired in the kiln. It takes me about an hour to paint a bowl – my painting skills suck as I used to skip drawing classes.

My mum was not happy that I took art, she said I wouldn’t make money.

Anyone can come and join in. At the moment the maximum number is 16 people, but maybe later on we will get more tables. We would like to do birthday parties, bridal showers... any kind of parties really.

It feels like a holiday every day when I work here. I love to go to the beach during lunch or after work. Even the cleaners, the old ladies, use their lunch break to go for a swim.

I love affogato (ice cream floating in espresso) and I hope we can serve it soon when we start offering coffee. People are also free to

Shop 206-207B, Level 2, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2994 1289. www.loveramics.com.

The owners of Loveramics are family friends and I was always asking them to take me to their factory. When he opened this store he asked if I would like to work for him and I said yes. I didn’t want to work in a nightclub any longer…

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bring their own food and drink along to the workshop.

I’m hoping to introduce some ceramic animals or simple designs that are easier for kids to paint. We have a factory in China with all sorts of stuff to choose from.

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Headline save our

country parks

news from the green front

Farming, eco-farming and fake farming Eco vandals posing as farmers are wrecking Hong Kong’s biodiversity, writes Paul Zimmerman.

In the northern New Territories, agricultural tenants have long worked the land despite the meagre income. Over the past decade they have been joined by young people running eco-farms and selling their produce at farmers’ markets. Often, the land they are farming is designated for new-town development and the farmers make objections as they wish to maintain their lifestyle and because they are offered little compensation.

One of the best-known farmers is former weatherman Lam Chiu-ying. He is overseeing an agriculture-led revitalisation project at Lai Chi Wo, an enclave surrounded by Plover Cove Country Park, which he hopes to turn back into a working village.

However, more often than not, so-called eco-farms are a disguise for the willful destruction of biodiversity as landowners seek to radically reduce the ecological value of their idle land – a “destroy first, build later” attitude

now rampant throughout Hong Kong.

The incentive is clear. When the government assesses the value of land for conservation, it considers the local ecology, presence of rare species and woodland maturity. If it is found to be of high ecological value, the land may be

zoned for conservation. If it is found to be low, land is more likely to be zoned for development.

And it is about to get worse. The Planning Department confirmed last month that it has

Register now!

All levels welcome Infant aquatics

Head Coach Dick Orbell Former Olympic and Commonwealth Athlete

AUSTSWIM certified coaches For more information please go to: http://www.cdnis.edu.hk

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no enforcement powers over the removal of vegetation, even Sites of Special Scientific Interest – the most rigorous zoning short of declaring the area a country park. The excuse provided by the Department of Justice: where landowners have removed vegetation but have not proceeded to cultivate or build on the land, “unauthorised development” cannot be proved.

These same people informed me a massive concrete mountain blocking vehicle access on land zoned as “road” in Ho Chung village is also not “unauthorised development”.

Please take pictures, mark the location and report abuse of land via tellme@1823.gov.hk and copy info@designinghongkong.com.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

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Offer valid in all Paisano’s restaurants. Paisanos reserve the right of the final decision in the event of any disputes.

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Picture: Denis Pontak

feature

My Little Princess donates profits from its handmade fairy dresses to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

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Thegift giving

it’s for charity

Give back this Christmas by supporting local charities.

Angels for Orphans Supporting orphaned children in Cambodia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, Angels for Orphans is offering a range of Christmas cards, gifts, angel tree decorations, bookmarks, keychains and silver angel necklaces. Look for them at two upcoming Christmas fairs: Dec 5, 5pm-8pm, King George V School, 2 Tin Kwong Road Ho Man Tin. And Dec 21, noon-3pm, Union Church, 22A Kennedy Road, Central. Details at www.angelsfororphans.co.uk.

Feeding Hong Kong Back for the third year, the Festive Food Drive has bigger ambitions than ever. Feeding Hong Kong is looking for donations of money and food – rice, noodles, canned goods – to fill 1,500 Santa sacks and 20 Christmas hampers.

All food items must be non-perishable with an expiry date of Jan 2015 or later and donated

by December 18. Volunteer drivers are also welcomed in their own vehicles, or help out at the Christmas Bread Run on December 11. Pret a Manger will donate $1 to the charity for every Christmas product. For details, please visit www.feedinghk.org.

HKSPC Help an underprivileged child with every Christmas card you send this year by purchasing boxes of cards from the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children. Choose from more than 40 designs, including traditional Christmas and Chinese New Year scenes as

well as drawings by the children themselves.

Each box contains 10 cards and costs $30. For a catalogue, email to fr@hkspc.org or visit www.hkspc.org.

KELY Support Group Not every family is happy at Christmas.

KELY Support Group, which runs youth drug and alcohol prevention and intervention programmes, noticed an increase in youth drug use last Christmas. Help support its year-round programmes: $100 pays for drug-free training for two people and $1,000 will provide early risk

Feeding Hong Kong filling bellies this Christmas.

identification and prevention for six youths. To donate or volunteer, please visit www.kely.org.

My Little Princess My Little Princess sells lovely bespoke fairy and princess costumes in aid of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. On December 13, it is running a pop-up event at BoConcept store, donating 100 per cent of profits to raise $100,000 for HKCF. There will also be face painting, a free Christmas photo booth, coffee, cupcakes and plenty of festive gifts in store. 10am-4pm, BoConcept, 73 Wyndham Street, Central, 2668 0027.

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feature

Operation Santa Claus Run every year by the South China Morning Post and Radio Television Hong Kong to raise money for a host of good causes around Hong Kong. Join in by going to a community event from quizzes to cookie sales, purchase an OSC Santa hat at Pacific Place or a Candy Gram gift pack from Sino Group Hotels including Island Pacific Hotel, The Pottinger and City Garden Hotel. For details and donations, visit www.osc.scmp.com or call 2680 8159.

Society for the Relief of Disabled Children Established in 1953 to provide medical, surgical, rehabilitation and educational services to disabled children in Hong Kong, the SRDC is selling Christmas cards to raise funds. Cards can be ordered online or bought from its charity booth, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. 1/F Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, www.srdc.org.hk.

Windy City and Children’s Cancer Foundation Indulge in a good cause this Christmas at Windy City restaurants Dan Ryan’s, Lucques Tavern and Amaroni. From December 21 to 26, for every meal purchased from the Christmas menu at branches of Dan Ryans and Lucques Tavern, $40 will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation. And for every Christmas menu order at Amaroni from December 20 to January 1, $80 will be donated to this worthwhile cause. For locations, please visit www.windy-city.com.hk.

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Picture: Hannah Grogan

Tang Tang Tang Tang Christmas drive to help children in need Lifestyle store Tang Tang Tang Tang and Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation are pairing up for an in-store event on December 6. Get a head start on your Christmas gift shopping and feel good that 10 per cent of all sales will go directly to BEYOND, a hospital fund for children in need. 66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2525 2112

Riding for the Disabled is looking for volunteers.

feature

Pictures: Kat Kuok & Semirah Darwin

feature

Dogs are for life not just for Christmas: a pet from Hong Kong Dog Rescue will make someone’s decade. Below: shop at Tang Tang Tang Tang for children in need.

The Hub Hong Kong The Hub charity strives to help children living in poverty in Hong Kong. Located in Sham Shui Po, it provides a welcoming and fun environment for children to play, receive help with learning, make friends or even receive a hot meal when needed. For details and donations, please visit www.thehubhk.org.

CNCF Programmes Buy a bike and make a difference in Vietnam, where bicycles are an essential means of transporting children to school. Now in its 10th year, the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Bicycle Support Programme has been instrumental in saving parents time, allowing them to work longer and earn more, and preventing children dropping out of school.

For $900, you can buy a good-quality bike and helmet. More than 100 children are waiting for a bike. In Mongolia, CNCF’s Child Sponsorship Programme provides essential school uniform, shoes, bags and stationery for underprivileged children. Donate $500 and outfit a child living in CNCF care for a year. For details, visit www.cncf.org.hk.

Hong Kong Cancer Fund Rainbow Club Join HKCF’s Circle of Friends as a monthly donor to help children with a family member touched by cancer. The charity believes no one should be left alone to deal with this illness, so it formed the Rainbow Club, a free service for children aged five to 15 that provides art therapists, social workers and counsellors to help them face their fears and express their emotions during this difficult time. For details and donations, visit www.cancer-fund.org or call 3667 6332.

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Room to Read Hong Kong’s bankers hit the football pitch at Hong Kong International School last month and raised $25,000 for Room to Read, an international literacy charity. Brokers and sales traders on the Sell Side scored a thumping sixone victory over the hedge-fund managers and asset managers on the Buy Side. The money will go towards building a four-room school in Laos. For details and donations, visit www.roomtoread.org.

Riding for the Disabled Association This non-profit organisation teaches disabled children and adults to ride horses, helping to instill self-confidence and improve concentration and self-discipline in a fun, healthy manner. It needs qualified volunteers on a regular basis to help during riding lessons, including walking

alongside the horse to protect the rider, leading the horses and to instruct lessons. Donations of cash or equipment, such as saddles and helmets, are also welcome. 75 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2875 7711, simon@rda.org.hk, www.rda.org.hk.

Hong Kong Dog Rescue Founded by Southside Magazine columnist Sally Andersen, Hong Kong Dog Rescue rehabilitates and homes abandoned dogs, and promotes responsible pet ownership and positive, rewardbased training. It has several centres across Hong Kong and volunteers are always needed to play with the puppies, walk and socialise the dogs and keep the kennels clean. Adopt a dog, sponsor a dog on a monthly basis or make a cash donation. 21 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3480 0061, www.hongkongdogrescue.com.

eating

eat, drink and be merry

The Pickled Pelican’s takeaway gammon ham and (top) Christmas pudding; pud at The Boathouse.

Festive feasts

Cherrie Yu finds out what’s on the menu for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Pickled Pelican For a cosy Southside Christmas, choose the Pickled Pelican where you can eat alfresco or upstairs overlooking Stanley Bay. Available from 5pm on December 24 and 25 is a special menu of roasted turkey with chestnut ravioli, mushroom phyllo, and star anise sherry demi-glace ($248), plus Christmas pudding with baby meringue, ginger custard and vanilla ice cream ($68).

Christmas party packages are $300 per person or take away a pre-cooked turkey ($1,080) or ham ($1,380), with a free bottle of wine. Order 15 days in advance. 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4313, www.cafedecogroup.com.

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The Boathouse A Stanley icon, The Boathouse is a top spot for a festive feast. It is offering a twist on traditional turkey for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On the menu is roasted turkey breast and leg roulade with brie cheese chestnut croquette and apple goose foie gras sauce ($268), followed by Christmas pudding with confit orange supreme, brandy custard and vanilla ice cream ($78). Available from 5pm, early-bird diners spending $1,000 and departing by 7.45pm will receive a free bottle of wine. 88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4467, www.cafedecogroup.com.

Le Meridien Cyberport Take the kids to Prompt for all-you-can-eat Christmas and New Year’s feasts, with visits from Santa Claus and kids entertainment. The Christmas Eve dinner buffet has two sittings, starting at 6pm ($698 for adults, $349 for children), with a glass of wine and visit from Santa. On December 25-26, brunch includes a magic show and bouncy castle ($568, children $284) and Santa will pop into the dinner buffet.

The New Year’s Eve dinner buffet is $758 (children $379) and New Year’s Day brunch is $568 (children $284). Cyberport 1, 100 Cyberport Road, www.cyberport.hk, 2980 7417.

L’Hotel Island South Celebrate Christmas and New Year with an international buffet of more than 60 dishes at LIS Café. Available on December 24-26, 31 and January 1, it includes fresh seafood (think Alaskan queen crab legs and jade whelks), plus surf and turf and traditional dishes such as turkey with cranberry sauce, gammon ham, gingerbread and almond stollen. Prices start at

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

eating Christmas dishes at Cafe Deco marry traditional flavours with modern presentation.

sphere and, of course, Christmas pudding.

As a special treat on Christmas Eve, start the evening with gluhwein, canapes and lastminute gift shopping at the glowing Christmas Market on the hotel forecourt, which will be open to hotel guests and restaurant patrons only. Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, hongkong. peninsula.com, 2696 6772.

$358 for adults and $198 for children. Diners who pay before December 7 receive a 25 per cent discount. And on New Year’s Eve, ring in 2015 at Bar LIS, which is holding a countdown party with free-flowing house or sparkling wine, beer or soft-drinks for $128 from 11pm-1am.

55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, www. lhotelislandsouth.com, 3968 8888.

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The Lobby Dine in grand style in The Peninsula’s festive gold-and-cream Lobby on Christmas Eve ($1,288), Christmas Day ($1,688) and New Year’s Eve ($3,388). The set dinner menus feature luxury ingredients such as balsamico caviar, foie gras, maple-smoked toro, slowcooked turkey, beef fillet, veal loin, chocolate

Cafe Deco Christmas Day in Hong Kong is typically a sunny affair, with cheerful blue skies and a busy, twinkling harbour. See it in all its glory with brunch on The Peak and one of the finest views in the city. From 11am-3pm, Cafe Deco’s biblical brunch on Christmas Day ($688) and Boxing Day ($588) will include a play area, children’s entertainers and appearances by Father Christmas. On December 25-25, it is offering a festive five-course menu ($728). And on New Year’s Eve is the Decades Dance Party ($1,650, or $1,350 for early-bird reservations before December 11), with a seven-course meal, dancing to a live band, and unlimited sparkling, red and white wines and cocktails.

The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2849 5111, www.cafedecogroup.com.

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eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene

Mexican cantina for Cyberport Ay caramba!

Break out the maracas, a new Mexican restaurant is coming to Cyberport. El Charro is part of the Delaney’s group, which has an Irish pub in the same complex. The Mexican cantina, whose name means The Cowboy in Spanish, is due to open this month at Shop 208, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2793 2522, www.elcharro.hk.

DIY gingerbread classes Learn to make your own gingerbread house at The Mixing Bowl’s cookie decorating workshops on December 14, 16, 19 and 21. Parents and children can work together during the two-anda-half-hour class, baking gingerbread and designing and decorating a gingerbread house to take home. The class is $550 per child. Classes on Christmas cupcakes, mince pies and Cath Kidston gingerbread are also available. 5 Hing Shing Street, Central, www.themixingbowlhk.com.

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Kong. Available online and at upmarket distributors (Page One, The Butchers Club, The Meatery), it includes Salt of the Earth pink salt flavoured with ingredients such as chilli, kelp and basil, Mount Zero olives and Summer Snow one-variety apple juices (Fuji Apple Juice, Granny Smith Apple Juice).

There are also organic grains and pulses, teas and preserves. For details, visit www.cooeefoods.com.

Turkey takeout Let the Island Shangri-La do the work this year by ordering takeaway roasted Vermont turkey (4kg $738, 6kg $1,068), honey-glazed ham ($250/kg), stuffing ($60/100g), and sides of Brussels sprouts or mixed vegetables ($220).

And check out its range of gourmet hampers, $1,588-$5,888. Delivery available. Order at 2820 8551, islandgourmet.isl@shangri-la.com.

New place in the plaza Taking over the former Quick and Fresh premises on the ground floor of Stanley Plaza is a new modern Chinese restaurant, Pinot Duck. The focus will be Chinese dishes such as Peking duck and wine pairing. It is due to open on December 22.

Within Cooee New company Cooee Foods is importing a range of Australian organic products to Hong

Dawn of a new restaurant Healthy-eating restaurant The Awakening recently opened in Sai Ying Pun offering nutritious dishes made without refined sugar or gluten. The menu changes according to what’s in season and focuses on premium ingredients such as Himalayan salt, grassfed beef, nut oils, cage-free eggs and clarified butter. Must-try items include quinoa pasta with chicken, courgettes and punchy pomodoro sauce ($118) and grass-fed 14oz ribeye on Himalayan pink salt, with crispy carrot and spinach salad ($238). G/F, 1-6 Ying Wa Terrace, Sai Ying Pun, 2858 0005, www. theawakeninghk.com.

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education Kowloon’s new school Nord Anglia International School has big plans, says head of school Brian Cooklin.

Team Nord: the first whole-school assembly.

Why did Nord Anglia open a school in Hong Kong?

The company has existed for more than 25 years – at the moment there are 31 schools across 18 countries. The new Hong Kong school will be a flagship for the company.

The Hong Kong Government made a policy decision to deal with the shortage of international-school places, which they calculated at being about 4,500. In 2012, three sites opened up, attracting 36 bids.

We got a former Catholic boys’ school that had been empty for a few years, so it was an opportunity to refurbish it. The motivation for the government is an economic one, to encourage companies to invest and to send their workforce to Hong Kong. Through the Chambers of Commerce – British, American, Australian etc – a number of companies had

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[indicated] families with young children were finding it difficult to get places in a school.

What curriculum is on offer?

We offer the English National Curriculum, which will lead to International GCSE exams in years 10 and 11, then the International Baccalaureate in the final two years. We tailor [the curriculum] so, for example, we have Mandarin daily for all children up to year five, and after that the children have Mandarin three times a week and we introduce Spanish. This means English, Spanish and Mandarin are taught in school – the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Tell us about your sister schools.

[The first schools] opened in Europe and soon moved into China. We opened two schools in Beijing and two in Shanghai, which

are over 10 years old. Last year, the group doubled in size when the company took over World Class Learning, which had schools in America, Guangzhou and the Middle East that immediately came into the Nord Anglia family.

Since then we have added schools in Singapore and in Cambodia so it’s growing all the time.

What year groups attend the Hong Kong campus?

We have years one to seven at the moment, but next year we will add year eight and after that year nine. The building is only licensed to year nine by the Education Bureau, [but] we are currently bidding for another site so that we can go up to year 13. We are phasing the introduction of years eight and nine to give us time to prepare [a new campus].

making spaces What about the staff?

We’ve got a wonderfully enthusiastic, committed and ambitious body of staff.

Some staff have been working in Hong Kong for a number of years, and about a quarter of the staff have come from other Nord Anglia schools – they already know about highperformance learning and the way Nord Anglia schools operate. Most of the rest of the staff are from Britain.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, there is a small one – we don’t believe in having a long list as I think it’s unfair to charge the parents when there’s no prospect of a place. We still have places in certain classes.

Where in Hong Kong do students live?

We have a large number of students coming from Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, but [they] travel from all over Hong Kong.

Circle time in the playground.

Nord Anglia International School, Hong Kong, 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, Kowloon, 3958 1488, www.nordangliaeducation.com.

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sponsored column

Choosing a playgroup ITS Educational Services outlines questions to consider before joining a playgroup.

In Hong Kong, the array of playgroup choices can be overwhelming, with classes in music, art, gymnastics, swimming and more for little ones who have barely learned to walk. Yet, like preschools, many playgroups have waiting lists.

When it comes to joining a playgroup with a baby or toddler, there are certain points to consider. Will the baby benefit from social interaction at such a young age? How do you find a playgroup you and your child will like? What should you look for? The answers are as varied as the people looking for a playgroup to join. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start picking your playgroup...

Do I want the kids to be about the same age or various ages? If you have an infant or a crawling baby, you may want to join a playgroup exclusively for infants – it can be difficult to protect a baby from running toddlers and preschoolers. But if your child

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is walking, he or she will pick up new skills by watching older children.

Do I want several kids in the group or just a few? Consider your child’s personality. Does she or he thrive in stimulating environments or find noise and activity overwhelming? Is your child active or quiet?

Do I want a discussion group for parents as well as a playgroup? If you are seeking support and parenting information as well as playmates for your child, look for a group that does not focus exclusively on children’s activities such as a social playgroup, where the children play while parents talk.

What day and time are best for my child to play? Consider your weekly schedule as well as your child’s daily schedule. Children who have an afternoon nap need to join a morning playgroup.

Am I looking for something in particular?

Consider any other concerns: perhaps you are looking for diversity or exclusivity, such as

groups for new mums or working mums.

All of these types of playgroups are available in Hong Kong, so parents are spoiled for choice. Take a trial lesson; you won’t know what your baby will enjoy until he or she is immersed in the setting. Trying a playgroup session with an idea of what you are looking for let’s you decide more quickly what group would suit you best.

Organised activities and classes are by no means necessary – you won’t be stunting your baby’s intellectual or physical growth by opting out – but they can be fun.

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

education

Christmas books for kids Ursula Huber of Dymocks recommends good reads for children.

Young children The Nights Before Christmas

By Tony Ross Twenty-four classic tales to read at bedtime before Christmas, including extracts from books such as A Christmas Carol, festive poems and fairy tales, all beautifully bound in a special hardcover edition.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas

By Abie Longstaff & Lauren Beard It’s Christmas Eve and someone has stolen all the presents. Can Kittie Lacey, the Fairytale Hairdresser, come to Santa’s aid? Also look for the Fairytale Hairdresser Playbox, which includes the original picture book, hair accessories and a large playmat.

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Yikes, Santa-Claws!

By Pamela Butchart & Sam Lloyd The dinosaur babies are all tucked up in bed on Christmas Eve, waiting for the big day to dawn. But something is making a lot of noise outside... It’s SantaClaws!

Hong Kong ABC

By Diana Wu-David, illustrated

by Margaret Jung Celebrate the delights of Hong Kong, with 26 aspects of culture and everyday life, and learn the ABC’s.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

By Mo Willems Wonderful illustrations and lots of humour make this pigeon one of our favourites. This Mo Willems tale is fun for parents and children alike. What does the pigeon want this time?

Age 5-8 The Pony Mad Princess; Princess Ellie’s Christmas

By Diana Kimpton & Lizzie Finlay Princess Ellie orders a special Christmas present for her best friend Kate, but when it arrives on Christmas Eve she discovers there has been a terrible mix-up. Now what can Ellie get for Kate?

Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas

by Kes Gray Daisy and Gabby are superexcited when they are given roles in the school nativity play.

However, when they decide to “improve” the baby Jesus doll to make it less boring, trouble is bound to follow.

education

Horrid Henry’s Tricky Tricks

By Francesca Simon & Tony Ross A compilation of 10 stories featuring Horrid Henry, who is up to his usual tricks and on his very baddest behaviour.

Paddington

by Michael Bond With Paddington due to open in Hong Kong cinemas on Christmas Day, look for books about the marmalade-loving, duffel-coat-wearing bear from Peru. There’s a movie tie-in sticker book and storybooks, plus collections for different age groups, including eight picture books presented in a smart suitcase.

Age 9-12 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul

By Jeff Kinney Released just in time for Christmas, the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a must-have for fans

and followers of Gregory. Life continues and new adventures are just a page away. Now with two bag tags inside.

Awful Auntie

By David Walliams David Walliams’ books are classics in the making. Awful Auntie is another masterpiece to add to your collection. See what secret weapon Stella has up her sleeve while she tries to save Saxby Hall from Aunt Alberta and her giant owl.

Older children Heroes of Olympus: Blood of Olympus

By Rick Riordan The fifth and final book in the Percy Jackson series is sure to be one of this season’s bestsellers.

What will become of Jason and the crew of the Argo II on their final quest?

Wonder

By R.J. Palacio The touching story of a disfigured boy, August Pullman, who just wants to be normal. The latest edition features an extra chapter from his chief tormentor, Julian.

Treasure Island

By Robert Louis Stevenson A wonderfully illustrated, unabridged edition of the classic story of pirates and buried treasure that follows young Jim Hawkins as he sets sail for an adventure on the high seas with Long John Silver and the crew of the Hispaniola.

Santa shops at

LeapBand™

pink or green

$339.90

If I Stay

By Gale Forman After a terrible car accident, Mia must decide whether to hold onto life, with its bitterness, loss and love. Now a major motion picture.

Princess Palace

$999

Powertools Work Bench

Red Bus Sorter

Balance Bike Micro G

$475

$650

$350

$1,499

Raleigh Bikes & Trikes 18mths - 10yrs

Avalanche Fruit Salad

Cash Register with Accessories

Shanghai Warrior

$189

$499

$550

Speaking Keyboard & Wooden Guitar

from

from

$1,299

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 Stanley Plaza Store 2/F Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley T: 2555 6318

www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

christmas products All I want for Christmas...

Things we’d like to find under the tree.

By Carolynne Dear.

Santa’s Magic Key Designed by Sai Kung mum Emma Perrin for Hong Kong homes without chimneys.

From $80 at santasmagickey@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/santasmagickeyhk.

Artist Christmas cards Prints of original paintings by Yvonne Costello. $150 for five cards, free delivery in Hong Kong, from www.pangello.com.

Recycled Santas Santa, Rudolph and angel tree decorations made from recycled paper in aid of disadvantaged communities in Vietnam and Cambodia. From $55. TREE, 28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.tree.com.hk.

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Corkers $58 from Homeless, 29 Gough Street, Sheung Want, www.homeless.hk.

852-inspired charms These Star Ferry, tram, taxi and dim sum charms are crafted in sterling silver and enamelled by hand. $220 each from Cool Charm & Collected, www.coolcharmandcollected.com.

stuff for stockings Taxi iPhone cases For iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and 6, $300. Also look for Star Ferry, taxi and minibus cushions and prints. By Sugar Snap Prints, www.sugarsnapprints.com.

Sparkly hair accessories Handmade by the Hong Kong mums at My Chic Bunny. From $39. Available from Apple & Pie, 2/F One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang; and Organic Baby, Repulse Bay Shopping Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road; www. mychicbunny.com.

Bose SoundLink Colour Bluetooth speakers Party on with Bose’s latest palm-sized speakers in a rainbow of colours, which connect to smartphones, tablets and any Bluetoothenabled devices. $1,188, www.bose.com.hk.

Party panda Silk dress with crystals, $2,400. Mayarya, 1/F Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley.

Mahjong print The latest canvas from artist Louise Hill, who lived in Hong Kong before moving to Singapore. Mirth Home, Mezzanine, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, www.louise-hill-design.com.

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xmas made easy

A Southside Christmas Trees, turkeys, Santa... we have it covered. By Carolynne Dear.

Join in on the festivities in The Peninsula Lobby.

Christmas trees Despite a shipping crisis holding up deliveries, the trees should be here before Santa.

P&F Garden Noble firs ($1,138-$1,548), Douglas firs ($878$1,178), wreaths and poinsettias are all available from this popular nursery. Trees are delivered with stands. 50 Shui Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Cyberport, 2812 0948.

Sophie’s Christmas Trees Choose your own Fraser, Douglas or noble fir at the shop or order online. Trees range from 4ft5ft to a whopping 9ft-10ft ($580-$2,665). 42E Ma On Shan Tsuen, New Territories, www.sophieshk.com.

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Anglo Chinese Florist Order noble and Douglas firs (from $960) at this convenient florist on Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2921 2986.

Marketplace by Jason’s Douglas, Nordman and noble firs from $998, including stands. Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay.

Stanley Flower Shop A range of Christmas trees from 2 ft-9 feet ($540-$2,400), plus poinsettias and Christmas wreaths. Pop by for an order form or choose a tree on the corner of Stanley Market Road, Stanley.

IKEA European firs at competitive prices ($599-$699).

With trees coming from Scandinavia rather than the US, deliveries should not be affected by the port dispute. Order at www.ikea.com.hk.

Chun Hing Garden Choose your own trees (5ft-6ft $1,100, 7ft-8ft $1,800; prices include stands) wreaths and centrepieces at this Happy Valley nursery.

Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, www.chunhinggarden.com.

Online Order a tree (4ft-5ft $999, 6ft-7ft $1,199) from the comfort of your computer desk and have it delivered to your home anywhere in Hong Kong at www.xmastreeonline.hk. Wreaths and stands are also available.

xmas made easy

Turkeys & trimmings Where to buy your bird (and your Brussels sprouts).

The Butcher’s Club Order Christmas online, from ready-to-cook turkeys with stuffing and gravy to Christmas barbecue hampers with sausages, prime filets, burgers, prawns, Christmas cake and condiments. Details at www.butchersclub.com.hk South Stream Seafoods Online retailer South Stream Seafoods has frozen organic turkeys (12lb-18lb), frozen organic smoked hams, Christmas puddings and a range of hampers, as well as frozen and fresh seafood from Australia, New Zealand and the US. Order at www.south-stream-seafoods.com.

Secret Ingredient For Christmas, step-by-step meal-delivery company Secret Ingredient is offering roasted Australian lamb leg with homemade sauces, roasted vegetables, side salad, and mini chocolate cakes, which arrives chopped, prepped and ready for the oven. Orders are $580 for four people or $1,050 for eight and should be made 24 hours in advance at 2108 4000, www.secretingredient.com.hk.

Pacific Gourmet Whole frozen turkeys (up to 7kg), smoked hams with bone in or out and lots of seafood, including Australian oysters ($270/dozen) and whole king prawns (from $175/packet) available in-store or online. 12/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2137 9985. www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.

The Verandah Festive goodies include oysters, honey-glazed ham with Madeira sauce, oven-roasted turkeys, chocolate or vanilla yule logs and Christmas puddings with brandy custard. The restaurant is fully booked for Christmas Day, but takeouts are available by emailing verandah@therepulsebay.com.

Classified Treat yourself or someone you love to a hamper. There are four different hampers to choose from, containing goodies such as mince pies, gingerbread, pate, truffles (savoury and chocolate), jams, cheeses, wines and port.

From $650, call in at Classified, G/F, Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley, 2563 3454.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

xmas made easy

Carols & Services Join the chorus (fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la) at these carol concerts and church services.

Dec 2 Light Up a Life Christmas Concert Tree lighting ceremony in St John’s Cathedral with carols by the Welsh Male Voice Choir, the Island School Choir and other performers, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the garden. 7.30pm-9pm. Tickets $200 in aid of hospice care from St John’s Cathedral Bookshop, 4-8 Garden Road, Central.

Dec 4 Children Sing For Hope Carols by candlelight plus Santa’s grotto and stalls, 6pm-8pm, Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0355.

Dec 13, 20 Carols at Cyberport Sing along with the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir. 3pm, Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

Above: Children Sing For Hope. Opposite page: A Cambridge Christmas.

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xmas made easy

Dec 14 Carols by Candlelight And Christmas Lessons. 6pm, St Stephen’s Chapel, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley.

Dec 14 Carols at Bethanie Chapel Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. 6.30pm, Bethanie Chapel, 139 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam. Dec 18 A Cambridge Christmas Carols with the Cambridge Gonville and Caius College Choir, 8pm, Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai, www. christineconcerts.com.

Dec 21-23 Festive Season Afternoon Tea Tea at the Peninsula hotel with carols by the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir (December 21), Hong Kong Treble Choir Elite Group (December 22) and Heep Yunn School Choir (December 23). Lobby, The Peninsula Hong

Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6772.

Dec 24 Christingle Service Take children to the lovely Christingle Service for carols by candlelight, plus oranges and sweets for the little ones. St John’s Cathedral, 4.45pm, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, www. stjohnscathedral.org.hk.

Dec 24 Midnight Mass And the blessing of the crib. 11pm, St John’s Cathedral, 4.45pm, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk.

DEC 24 CDMF Carol Singing Festival Hong Kong Metropolitan Pop Orchestra performs carols with a twist – think pop and tango. Join in with the singing (and dancing) in aid of the Child Development Matching Fund.

5.30pm-7.30pm, Stanley Plaza, www.cdmf.org.hk.

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outdoors Finding Nemo Joanna Tuft learns to dive in Hong Kong.

Fun fact: only five per cent of the world’s oceans have been explored, which means we know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the sea. (So let’s not rule out mermaids just yet.) Part of the appeal of learning to dive is entering an alien world, just off the familiar shores of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. Splash! Dive Centre in Sai Kung teaches the PADI Open Water dive course to rank amateurs like me. Friendly, helpful staff guided me through a 30-hour course over two weekends, combining skills learned in a swimming pool with open-water experience.

That’s the fun bit, but there’s also a fair amount of theory to digest, ranging from basic physics to learning to read dive tables. Splash! has excellent safety standards and ensures all participating divers complete rigorous safety training, providing each learner with a textbook and an instructional DVD with awful 90s music

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scuba libre

Part of the appeal of learning to dive is entering an alien world just off familiar shores and worse puns.

With the procrastinating abilities that only youth (or the IB diploma) can harness, I started reading the textbook the night before I started my course. I do not recommend this.

Choosing a “fast-track” course, I completed all five confined-water dives in one day rather than the recommended two, starting early one Saturday at the swimming pool in Li Po Chun United World College. Dive groups are all small: I was in a group of four. We started by completing knowledge reviews in the textbook, where my last-minute revision paid off, then we learned how to assemble our equipment.

On land, there is nothing more

cumbersome than scuba gear. In the water it’s fine; there is a pleasant sense of weightlessness and the equipment allows you to breathe. But for this to work, it must be set up carefully. It’s not always smooth sailing.

There’s something soul-destroying about having a group of people watch you vainly try to pull a wetsuit over your thighs then having to be helped by the instructor.

In the pool we had to complete various skills such as practicing descents and equalising the pressure in our ears, mastering neutral buoyancy (floating mid-water), as well as safety skills such as breathing from a buddy’s alternate air source and practicing emergency ascents – all skills learned with the hope that you will never to have to use them.

Having completed the pool skills, next day we took a boat to Pak Lap in Sai Kung Country Park for our first open-water dive. It was a large boat with more than 20 other divers, which made for a busy atmosphere. It was a pleasant

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outdoors day out, with beautiful weather and new people.

A drawback to diving in Hong Kong is the poor visibility: even on a good day, you can rarely see further than 10 metres. This is a pity, because there is plenty to see underwater, including groupers, clownfish, shrimps, crabs and many different types of coral.

Having grown up watching Finding Nemo, I desperately wanted to see a clownfish. But I had no such luck during the day’s two dives and could not add “clownfish” to the log book completed after each dive.

My final dives took place the following weekend at Lobster Bay. As well as completing skills, we started learning how to navigate underwater with a compass and took a final written exam (more last-minute revision – it does work). There was plenty to see at Lobster Bay, including the underwater wreckage of a car, evidence of the bay’s one-time popularity with smugglers. We also saw lots of fish, corals, large starfish, larger sea urchins and, to top it all, clownfish. Yay! The PADI Open Water dive course is $4,250, including manuals, log books, all equipment rental and processing of your PADI certification card. Splash! Dive Centre, Unit 5, 1/F Ko Fu House, Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 4495, www.splashhk.com.

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big day out

fort knocks

Go to the zoo tomorrow Talk to the animals at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

By Queenie Choi.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a breath of fresh air. Rambling down a steep slope in the middle of Central, this peaceful historic park is a green lung in the heart of the city, where kids can run and play in the shade of the trees.

It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, established in 1864 and containing

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more than 1,000 species of plants on 5.6 hectares of valuable real estate. When the Fountain Terrace opened, it had views over Government House and the harbour, but today the outlook is restricted by huge, mature trees and skyscrapers.

An array of colourful flowers wave hello at the entrance, beckoning visitors up past a

statue of King George VI and onto the park’s well-maintained paths. Follow the signposts to the main attractions, including about 70 reptiles, 70 mammals and 400 birds.

The Reptile House is home to a few gracious old tortoises and a collection of snakes, while the mammal area has habitats for two-toed sloths, orangutans (two babies were

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big day out born here in 2011), ring-tailed lemurs and a host of tiny monkeys, including lion-headed tamarins and pygmy marmosets. In the aviaries, the blue crane, wood duck and macaw seem more curious than intimidated by the people peering at them.

Flamingos stalk the pond and there’s a greenhouse with frequent displays (look for the orchids). The park is split into various gardens focusing on certain varieties, including azaleas, bamboo, bauhinia, camellias, magnolias and palms. With different flowers blooming at different times of the year – camellias in winter, azaleas and magnolias in spring, bauhinia in autumn – there’s always something beautiful to see.

It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, established in 1864

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big day out

This peaceful park is a green lung in the city where children can run and play

An education centre contains learning resources included mounted butterflies, animal skeletons and moulted reptile skins. There’s a children’s playground for little ones and a pavilion that outlines how the garden has grown over the years. Seeing everything can take hours, but when you’ve had enough head downhill to the Fountain Terrace where there’s a kiosk selling drinks and snacks and several seats where you can rest your weary feet.

Garden open daily 6am-7pm, Fountain Terrace 5am-10pm and exhibitions 9am4.30pm. Albany Road, Central, 2530 0154.

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party on

Make merry How to throw a New Year’s Eve party. By Adele Brunner.

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happy new year!

Anyone even thinking about throwing a New Year’s Eve party deserves a gold star. Built up to be one the most momentous nights of the year but notoriously anti-climactic, December 31 can strike fear into the hearts of all but the most confident hosts.

Planning is key. Give yourself as much lead time as possible to book caterers and get invitations out early via websites or email (try Paperless Post or Evite). Set an RSVP deadline and call anyone who hasn’t replied on time to secure numbers. People can be hesitant to commit to New Year’s Eve, but if you’re pulling out the stops the last thing you’ll want is to have half your guests not show up.

While it’s never too early to start planning, start the party later than normal. Former event planner Chincia Harvey recommends a 9pm9.30pm start, anticipating most guests will arrive by 10pm.

“Hong Kong is a busy city – busy work life, busy lifestyle. On big celebration dates, such as New Year’s Eve, people rarely arrange one meeting in the evening,” she says. “Starting your party a little later may stop the ‘early birds’ using your party as the first destination before moving on.”

This will also ensure revelries are still in full swing at midnight. Once the party is started, the secrets to success include food, drink, decorations and music, according to event planner Lauren Roberts, founder of bespoke party planner Sweet Soirées.

Food When it comes to F&B, Roberts believes having too much is better than not enough. She calculates eight to 12 canapés, depending on size, and one bottle of wine per person.

“A low supply or mediocre selection of food and drink can make guests feel unsatisfied and lead to them leaving early, which is not a good sign. Some people will have more and some less, but it usually evens out and if you have a bit extra left over at the end of the event, then you know your guests were well taken care of,” she says.

Harvey’s rule of thumb is 2.5 glasses per hour per person, but use your common sense according to your friends’ typical consumption.

She also suggests feeding guests for the first Your midnight countdown may not be as impressive as the harbour’s, but make it memorable.

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party on A candlelit table setting by Sweet Soirees.

two hours to ensure they make it to midnight.

Caterers make life much easier – try Gingers, Jaspas, Delicious, Relish Kitchen and Shamrock – but good supermarkets such as Fusion, Marks & Spencer and City’Super also stock frozen canapés and other yummy treats at this time of year. Alternatively arm yourself

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with a spreadsheet and organise a potluck supper with your guests contributing a dish each. Most people have Christmas leftovers.

Drinks Wine merchants such as Essential Fine Wines offer sale or return, refunding the cost of any

unopened bottles. It also loans free glasses to hosts purchasing its wines (delivery charge $250). Boutique Wines offers a similar service, plus free delivery on orders over $1,000 and boasts the largest range of champagne in Hong Kong. However, Roberts feels it is perfectly acceptable to ask all your guests to bring a bottle of champagne.

“Most guests are happy to bring a bottle, so why not ask them to bring something extra special for a special occasion? What’s a New Year’s Eve without a good supply of champagne?” she says.

Wilfred Catering rents glasses, tableware, equipment such as chafing dishes and even tables without requiring you to book its catering services (minimum charges apply). For small parties, consider buying inexpensive glassware from Ikea.

If you don’t want to spend your entire evening pouring drinks, get your guests to help themselves to drinks from a table or bar.

Supply laminated printouts of Champagne cocktail recipes (available on websites such

party on

as Martha Stewart, BBC Food and Allrecipes), bottles of bubbles and relevant ingredients, and invite your guests to get mixing. Failing that, most neighbourhood teenagers would jump at the chance to earn a bit of pocket money by serving drinks. And don’t forget to supply lots of ice.

“Ice can be difficult to get in this city,” Harvey warns. “Have a plan of how much you’re going to buy and who will pick it up. I’ve been to many parties where the host is struggling to find extra bags in supermarkets.”

Decorations It doesn’t cost a fortune to make your home look special for New Year’s Eve. Most of us put up decorations at Christmas, but deck your halls with extra fairy lights, tea candles and a glitter ball to set the party mood.

“My decoration trends for Christmas 2014 are big, metallics, gold and silver,” says stylist and interior designer Anji Connell. “Less is more: use a few outsized items to make an impact. And take care with lighting. Your main party room should be not too light or too dark; candles and lamps rather than overhead

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My decoration trends for Christmas 2014 are big, metallics, gold and silver lighting set the mood. Arrange a smoking area and make it known. Also, designate somewhere out of sight for coats and bags – it pains me to see a beautifully decorated room piled up with bags and coats.”

If you’re feeling creative, there are lots of ideas on Buzzfeed (www.buzzfeed.com/ peggy/51-diy-ways-to-throw-the-best-newyears-party-eve) from large cardboard numbers of the year wrapped in tinsel to spray painting wine glass stems in gold or silver.

Themes are a good idea, especially if you’re entertaining people from different friendship groups. It is a great ice breaker, Harvey says, to get people mingling and can help with decoration ideas.

Roberts agrees. “I love party themes, whether it is an all-out movie, place or genre

theme or a simple colour theme. The best themes are creative but not too complicated.

Sparkle and Famous People of the Year work well for a New Year’s Eve party.”

Other party considerations include safeguarding your home. Caroline Basham, who offers a bespoke personal assistance service for families and individuals, says water features such as swimming pools are the biggest health and safety risk, with fire caused by candles coming a close second. (Invest in accessible fire extinguishers.)

“Use plastic cups if allowing guests onto a balcony and put out ample ashtrays so cigarettes aren’t thrown onto floors below. If you’re allowing glassware on balconies, make sure you have insurance. And create a spillage kit for red wine including salt, soda water and a bucket or towel to put over the stained area so guests avoid it,” she says.

Music Music can make or break a party, Roberts says. “A great way to make sure people dance is to hire a DJ,” she says. “They will take care of everything for you and make sure the tunes

party on music-loving friend to compile a playlist, for example.

• Do as much as possible before the day of the party. Hours fly by when you’re setting up. Give yourself an extra day to sort everything out.

• Do keep a list of taxi numbers ready for the end of the night.

you want keep playing. If this is a bit too much, Spotify is a dream. Browse its endless party playlists or create your own.”

When you send out invitations, ask your guests to list their top three party tunes and make a compilation of their choices.

Happy New Year!

Naturally, a December 31 party is all about ringing in the New Year.

“I love a well-prepared countdown,” Roberts says. “Place a big clock where everyone can see it and make sure everyone has champagne and a handful of confetti ready to throw when the clock strikes 12.”

Another idea is to number 10 balloons and pop one a second leading to midnight.Most of all, don’t forget to have fun.

“Don’t be a stressed-out host,” Harvey says. “You don’t want to ruin the mood of the party with your own negative energy. The best way to ensure your guests relax and have fun is to lead by example.”

So stop worrying about whether everyone is enjoying themselves, pour yourself a drink and let the good times roll.

Do’s and don’ts Tips from party experts Lauren Roberts and Chincia Harvey.

• Do make sure you have enough alcohol but that it is not flowing too freely too early.

There’s nothing worse than having guests pass out before midnight.

• Don’t forget about your neighbours. Let them know you are having a party and keep them in mind after 1am.

• Do get friendly with Excel. It’s a great way to track numbers, list decoration items and stay on top of your budget.

• Don’t forget to charge your camera/phone so you can take lots of photos of your great party.

• Do delegate, delegate, delegate. Ask a

Little Black Book Anji Connell: www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com.

Boutique Wines: 2872 4234, www.boutiquewines.com.hk.

Caroline Basham: www.caroline-b.com.hk.

Delicious: 2559 0144, www.delicious-hk.com.

Essential Fine Wines: 3679 3200, www.efw.com.hk.

Gingers: 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk.

Relish Kitchen: 3481 1924, www.relish-kitchen.com.

Shamrock: 2547 8155, www.shamrock.com.hk.

Sweet Soirées: 2818 5870, www.sweetsoireeshk.com.

Wilfred Catering: 2870 0535, www.catering.com.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

health & beauty In your stride Sore ankles? Dodgy knees? Get your gait analysed, suggests Carolynne Dear.

It’s December and Hong Kong’s social season is in full swing. As well as dancing the blissfully cool nights away, I’ve been exercising outdoors, pounding the pavements trying to knock a couple of minutes off last year’s personal best.

But it’s taking its toll. With joint pains starting to creep up on me, and a half marathon, 10km race and 26km trail run on the horizon, I do the sensible thing and seek professional help.

Joint Dynamics is one of the only places in Hong Kong that offers gait analysis, the scientific examination of a runner’s stride that aims to stop joint pain and injury. With sore ankles a continual problem, I expected to be told my dancing days were over and to put away my high heels and dig out my credit card for fancy running shoes with extra support. I was wrong, thank goodness.

Running specialist and exercise physiologist Jess Phillips put me through my paces, starting with stretching exercises to measure how

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If the body has been working incorrectly, something will snap supple my body was. Then I moved to the treadmill, where she analysed and videoed my running style. Five minutes and a couple of sheets of data later, she announced my problems were emanating from a stiff left hip that wasn’t taking its share of the strain.

“It is really easy to put right,” Phillips explained. “I’ll show you a few simple exercises to open up the hip and that should loosen it enough to prevent any subsequent problems.”

Left unchecked, she said I could have ended up with unexplained shoulder or back pain.

“We don’t look for a sticking-plaster solution,” Phillips said. “It’s essential to work out the source of the problem, which is often in

running commentary

a different place to where you feel it. If the body has been working incorrectly over a period of time, eventually something will snap.”

Instep supports or more cushioning might have helped me in the short term, but it wouldn’t have got to the root of the problem.

In terms of kit, there was no up-sell. “If your trainers are comfortable and you enjoy running in them, then they’re the right ones for you,” Phillips said simply.

As well as personal analysis, the centre also runs drop in classes on Wednesday evenings to help with running technique.

So I’m back on track for my half marathon.

Even better, I don’t have to kiss goodbye to Joe Bananas’ dancefloor just yet either.

Joint Dynamics offers specialist classes, physiotherapy, osteo and massage services.

6/F, 122 Queens Road Central, 2762 0528, admin@jointdynamics.com.hk.

Get your kit on • Choose shoes that are comfortable to run in, light-weight and as neutral as possible.

Buy trainers half a size larger than your normal to allow for swelling in the heat and humidity.

• Trail shoes are different to running shoes and need good grip.

• Socks should be padded adequately to prevent blisters and should be moisture reducing. Compression socks should only be used for marathons.

• T-shirts should be moisture reducing, and not made of cotton, which gets damp then cold.

• For hill running, a lightweight pack with space blanket, whistle, head torch and also hiking poles are useful.

• Take your phone, HKID card, cash or an

Octopus card to buy water. For a 20km+ run you will need at least two litres of water.

• Eat a banana or peanut butter on toast 3040 minutes before you run. Coffee is also useful to delay the onset of fatigue.

• Snacks such as Jelly Babies or salted nuts every 40 minutes will stop you hitting a low.

• Drink to thirst and don’t over-hydrate. There will be plenty of opportunity to rehydrate after the run.

• On long runs of four hours or more, Ibuprofen or paracetamol can be useful. While drugs are generally not recommended as they disguise pain, which can cause more problems, a couple of tablets might get you to the end of the race.

• Good running apps include Runkeeper and Strava.

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pets Stress and the modern dog

Christmas can be stressful for sensitive doggy souls, writes Sally Andersen.

As we all know, stress in our daily lives can affect our physical health and emotional wellbeing. But did you know that stress also affects animals?

There are some obvious reasons for a dog to display signs of stress, with loss of family at the top of the list. Dogs that have been abandoned by their owners, or even moved to another loving home, can take a long time to overcome the trauma. Losing a four-legged friend can be emotionally devastating for a dog. It’s true that if one dies, the other may quickly follow. You could say they die of a broken heart, which indicates how deeply a dog can experience feelings such as sadness and grief.

However, many other things can cause anxiety in a dog – some of which may appear minor to us humans. Dogs feel secure having a routine and the more rigid the schedule the better. They like to get up, go for walks and

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Some dogs are more sensitive to modern life than others eat at set times. Many people swear their dog can read the clock because they know exactly when they are due for whatever it is.

Any change in their daily routine can upset them. The result could be diarrhoea, lack of appetite or disinterest in doing things they normally enjoy. I was contacted recently by someone who had adopted a dog from Hong Kong Dog Rescue some time before and, until this point, hadn’t noticed any behaviour issues or problems. Now the dog was acting very strangely and out of character – but only at night. The reason? The couple had bought a new bed and the dog just didn’t like it.

signs of the times

hong kong creatures East Asian Porcupine aka Hystrix brachyura

Some dogs are more sensitive to modern life than others, just as people vary in their ability to cope with noise, pollution and the rat race in general. There are confident characters who seem to take everything in their stride and don’t care whatever the day brings, while others are much more prone to stress-related health and behaviour problems, with some cases being extreme and even needing medication to help them cope.

At Christmas and New Year, visitors, parties and all the noise that goes along with the usual celebrations can be very stressful for many dogs. Please bear that in mind if you have a sensitive soul at home.

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

Also called the Malayan porcupine, the East Asian porcupine is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, growing up to 83cm long and possibly weighing up to 25kg. It is among the most common large mammals in Hong Kong, living mainly in forests and cultivated areas across the territory (except Lantau Island).

Found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and southern China, porcupines are nocturnal, which makes it relatively difficult to observe in the wild.

The porcupine is famously covered in spines: the front half of its body is coated in dark-brown spines 3cm-5cm long, while the rear half has much longer quills that are banded black and white. These sharp, hollow spines can grow to 23cm. When threatened, the porcupine rattles the thick quills on its short tail and raises its spines and charges backwards into its attacker.

Able to swim and gnaw, porcupines

are rodents and feed mainly on fruit, nuts, roots, tubers and bark, but they will also eat carrion and insects. They live in small family groups of three or four in large burrows or hollow trees. Two or three family groups may live together in a social colony. They have few natural enemies, although large cats have been known to attack porcupines and in some areas they are hunted by people for bush meat. Their quills are sometimes used as decoration. Porcupines can live for 27 years in the wild. Steffi Yuen

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marketplace

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Fun, Hands-on Filmmaking & Photography Workshop for kids 7yrs to 16yrs.

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STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

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

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

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Tel: 9618 2475 smillie.cynthia@gmail.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com To advertise, email: marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

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Have A Watermark Christmas!

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To advertise, email: marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

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marketplace

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To advertise, email: marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

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distribution

where to find us

Southside Magazine continues to extend its reach in our community, here is the latest in distribution news.

Pok Fu Lam

- Kellett School - Kennedy School - Mount Davis - Safari Kid - The Merton - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School

Cyberport

- Baguio Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Cyberport Arcade - Delaney’s - Indigo Kids - Indigo Living - International (Park N Shop) - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Thaima-V

Larvotto

Due to popular demand, we’ve increased distribution to Larvotto by 30%. This marine-themed luxury residential complex offers unmatched waterfront views and is only 5 minutes from upscale shopping at Horizon Plaza.

Southside Magazine can be found at the Larvotto clubhouse and on the coffee tables of many of its residents.

Ap Lei Chau

- Bumps to Babes - Chapin House - Everything Under The Sun - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Little Picasso Studio - Mothercare - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Rimba Rhyme - Shambala Cafe - Toof Contemporary - TREE

Aberdeen

- Aberdeen Marina Club - Brain Child - Colour My World - Elite PT Studio - Flex Studio - GCX - Golden Goose Gourmet - MUM - One Island South - Ovolo Southside - Park N Shop - Sift Patisserie - South Island School - The Mirth - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

The Peak

- Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - Glenealy School - Haagen-Dazs - International (Park N Shop) - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Peak Lookout Café - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

Manhattan Tower

This exclusive residential building, tucked away in a lush country park setting, houses some of the most stunning apartments on the Southside.

All 40 units are 2,400 square feet with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, teak floors and best of all, large balconies to soak up the breathtaking views of Deep Water Bay and the South China Sea. Southside Magazine is now conveniently placed in the Manhattan Tower reception.

Stanley

- Biva Deep Water Bay - The Boathouse - O Thai Restaurant and Beach Bar - Cafe Groucho’s - Hong Kong Country Club - Chez Patrick - Park N Shop - Cheers Real Estate Limited - Victoria Recreation Club - The Chocolate Room - Classified - Lucy’s on the Front - Mayarya - Mijas - Pacific Pets - Pickled Pelican - Paisono’s Pizzeria Pok Fu Lam - Pizza Club Chi Fu The Peak Parkview - Pizza Express Tai Tam - Print House Cyberport Shouson Hill - Ricacorp Properties Big Wave Bay Aberdeen - Saigon in Stanley Bel-Air Deep Water Bay - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia - Stan Cafe Repulse Bay Red Hill Ap Lei Chau Wong Chuk Hang - Stanley Cave - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe The Manhattan - Stanley Veterinary Centre Shek O Chung Hom Kok - Starbucks - Taste Supermarket One Island - Vern’s Beach Bar

South

Located in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located in the lobby.

Sheung Wan & Central

- Epic MMA - Escapade Sports - ITS Educational Services - Seasons Fitness - Sense of Touch - Starlit Art Space - Wynd Co-Working Space

Stanley

Tai Tam / Shek O

Repulse Bay

- Anastassia’s Art House - Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons - Dymocks - HS Modern Art - Indigo - Manhattan Tower - Miles International School - Sense of Touch - Spices - The Club - The Lily - The Somerset - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School

To advertise, email: marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

- American Club - Black Sheep - Ben’s Back Beach Bar - Cococabana - Craigengower Cricket Club - Eton House International Pre-School - Fusion (Park'N Shop) - Happy Garden Restaurant - Hong Kong Cricket Club - Hong Kong International School - Hong Kong Parkview - Lulu Shop - The Manhattan - Ming’s Cafe - Pacific View Residential Clubhouse - PIPS Kindergarten - Redhill Clubhouse - Shining Stone Restaurant - Soma Spa - Sunshine House Tai Tam - Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 73

business directory Children’s toys & accessories Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Store) 2555 6318 (Stanley Plaza Store) www.bumpstobabes.com Ditto Ditto 3678 9881 | hello@dittoditto.net | www.dittoditto.net The Pink Smith 8193 0466 | info@thepinksmith.com.hk www.thepinksmith.com.hk Toysclub 21678474 | toysclub@hotmail.com www.itoysclub.com

Early Childhood Bebegarten 3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com Miles International Academy 3586 3070 | info@milesinternational.com.hk www.milesinternational.com.hk

Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com Woodland Pre-Schools 2559 4855 | www.woodlandschools.com

Community & Charity Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

Educational Services BYKT Enterprises HK Ltd. 6884 2885 | besthongkongtutors@gmail.com www.bykthk.com / juniorcsi.com First Code Academy 2772 2108 | hello@firstcodeacademy.com www.firstcodeacademy.com

Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 | info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 | info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com The Spanish Way 3958 2823 / 5971 0959 info@thespanishwayhk.com www.thespanishwayhk.com Trinity International Language Centre 2114 2812 | enquiry@trinitylanguage.com www.trinitylanguage.com UUIA. 5185 0885 / 9189 9591 | iuuokok@gmail.com www.uuokok.com

Events & Entertainment Hong Kong Arts Festival Society 2824 3555 | afgen@hkaf.org | www.hkaf.org Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Extracurricular Bricks 4 Kids 2791 0007 | info@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk ESF Sports 2711 1280 | sports@esf.org.hk | www.esf.org.hk Junior Snappers Ltd 9849 0050 juniorsnappershk@gmail.com www.juniorsnappers.com The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement 2388 2979 | info@hkafa.com.hk www.hkafa.com.hk

Fashion & Accessories Feine Cashmere 2617 6610 | info@feinecashmere.com www.feinecashmere.com

Food & Beverage ITS Education Asia 2116 3916 | es@itseducation.asia www.itseducation.asia

COOEE! 2758 6998 | cooee@cooeefoods.com www.cooeefoods.com

PowerBrain RX 2302 0180 | contact@powerbrainrx.com www.powerbrainrx.com

Food Factory 2580 6654 | contact@foodfactory.com.hk www.foodfactory.com.hk

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Invisible Kitchen 6227 5730 | office@invisiblekitchen.com www.invisiblekitchen.com M&C Asia mnc-asia.com O Thai Restaurant 2164 8007 | www.beachbarhk.com OliveTreeHK www.olivetreehk.com Pacific Coffee www.pacificcoffee.com Paisano’s www.paisanos.com.hk QUEMO 2836 0699 | quemo@elite-concepts.com South Stream Seafoods www.south-stream-seafoods.com The South African Shop 9457 0639 | info@thesouthafricanshop.com www.thesouthafricanshop.com Valdivia Wines humresadm@gmail.com Winerack - Hong Kong 2433 9929 | enquiry@winerack.com.hk www.winerack.com.hk Wooloo Mooloo www.wooloo-mooloo.com/hk

Health & Wellness Annerley 2983 1558 | info@annerley.com.hk www.annerley.com.hk Bio-Therapeutic Ltd. 2314 2772 | sales@bio.com.hk www.bio.com.hk James Chan Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner 98769925 | chankwojames@gmail.com Pure Swiss Limited 2323 2093 | admin@e-pureswiss.com www.e-pureswiss.com Teeter Hang Ups 3575 9332 | www.inversion.com.hk

handy Home & Interiors Bose Limited 2123 9000 | support_hk@bose.com www.bose.hk/en Box Design 2573 3323 | www.boxdesign.com.hk Caballo Living Co., Ltd. 2363 1925 | sales@caballoliving.com www.caballoliving.com Eco Living 2792 7998 | askus@ecoliving.hk www.ecoliving.hk

Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | enquire@rimbarhyme.com rimbarhyme.com Works of Wonder sandra@wowdesign.hk | facebook.com/worksofwonder

Dr. Fix It All Limited 2525 0055 | sales@drfixitall.hk www.elitemovers.hk

Xava Interiors 2858 9866 | info@xavainteriors.hk www.xavainteriors.hk

Expert-Transport & Relocations 2566 4799 | contact@expertmover.hk www.expertmover.hk

Hotels & Private Clubs Ovolo Group Limited 2165 1000 | www.ovolohotels.com

International Schools Canadian International School of Hong Kong 2525 7088 | schoolinfo@cdnis.edu.hk www.cdnis.edu.hk

Eurobrands Asia Limited www.eurobrands.hk Everything Under the Sun 2554 9088 | info@everythingunderthesun.com.hk www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Fink-The Art of Living 25290039 info@fink-shop.com | www.fink.com Hidestyle 2790 3801 | www.hkhiderugs.com JC Vision 2524 9988 | jcvision@biznetvigator.com Life’s A Breeze Ltd 2572 4000 | info@lifesabreezehk.com www.lifesabreezehk.com Life Solutions 2778 3282 | www.lifesolutions.com.hk Modulnova Hong Kong Ltd 3741 2095 | info@modulnova.hk www.modulnova.hk

Modulnova HK Ltd. 3741 2095 | info@modulnova.hk www.modulnova.hk

The International Montessori School 2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk Yew Chung International School 2336 3028 | admissions@ycef.com www.ycis-hk.com

Pets & Vets Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | smillie.cynthia@gmail.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Homevet 9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk

Heliservices 2802 0200 | chp@heliservices.com.hk www.heliservices.com Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd 2815 5828 | hongkong@infinitysolutions.com Moments 9330 4565 | service@momentsgallery.com www.momentsgallery.com Waterpipeplus 9668 5865 (Southside Hotline) 3580 1888 (Service Hotline) HKI07@waterpipeplus.hk www.waterpipeplus.com

Real-Estate Genesis 6688 8262 Habitat Property 2869 9069 | www.habitat-property.com

Hong Kong Canine 9411 7975 | hkcanine@gmail.com hongkongcanine.com

Hong Kong Parkview 2812 3945 | www.hongkongparkview.com

Pacific Pets 2813 7979 | retail@stanleyvetcentre.com

One Island South www.oneislandsouth.com.hk

Pets Central North Point 2811 8907 | northpoint@pets-central.com www.pets-central.com

Opus Design Ltd 9733 7328 | www.opusdesign.com.hk

Pets Central Mobile Vet Clinic 6223 0903 | www.pets-central.com

Pantry Magic 2504 0688 | info@pantry-magic.com www.pantry-magic.com

Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com stanleyvetcentre.com

Pluvial Plus info@pluvialplus.com facebook.com/pluvial.plus

Caregiver 2287 5031 | caregiver-@hotmail.com

Professional Services Ayesha Oriental Carpets 2623 0499

The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 arcade@cyberport.hk www.arcade.cyberport.hk The Pulse 2815 8888 thepulse.com.hk

Sports & Fitness Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk

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Picture of the month

“Lost in love” – Daniel Norris

“Bliss when the sound of waves BOOM and CLAP on the rocks here” – LittleFish

“Testing out the rods after the new rocks were brought in” – Cheryl Yuen “Bus views are awesome” – Kelvin Yeung

Be featured

See your own photos in Southside Magazine. Send us your best snaps from around town for a chance to have your pictures appear in this space. Each month we’ll be posting a selection of our favourite photographs. To get involved, simply upload images to Instagram or Facebook (#SouthsideMag) or email us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk.

Keep up to date on what we’re doing throughout the month by following our staff adventures on Instagram @SouthsideMag. 76 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK