Southside Magazine May 2014

Family | Food | Home | sport | Living

Nautical but nice Ways to float your boat

May 2014

Eat Le French

In Stanley

Big fish

Catching

We

mums

Mother’s Day guide

245

things to do

marlin from Aberdeen

The really useful magazine May 2014

PEOPLE

news

4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in May There’s plenty to do. letters 10 Have your say The latest from our readers.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

12 Enter the dragon-boat Stanley’s yat-yee coach, Alson Wong.

COUNTRY PARKS 13 Dining with the enemy Lunch with the Heung Yee Kuk.

14 What’s going on?

In your backyard. interview 16 Kim Stuart Catching big fish.

FEATURE 22 Let’s get wet Junk trippin’ and other watery activities.

EATING 28 Le French GourMay Where to go Gallic. Plus nibbles from the dining scene. home 34 Old-china hand A Peak duplex inspired by porcelain.

EDUCATION 38 School news Hot from the schoolyard.

FAMILY 42 Mother’s Day guide How to spoil your mum.

46 Rainy days and Mondays Things to do and places to go.

BIG DAY OUT 48 Hooked on High Island Sai Kung’s Sunday favourite.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 The nine-day diet Clean 9 review.

PETS

CREATURE FEATURE 55 Little egret This little birdie.

MARKETPLACE 57 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS 63 Loads of random useful local stuff.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 64 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

MY SOUTHSIDE 66 Lydia Carter Life for a fantasy author.

54 Weathering the storm When lightning strikes…

“All mothers are alike, regardless of cultural background, when it comes to illogical cleaning.”

Neal Shusterman

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese Readers’ Choice Awards

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 5

planner

happening in may May 2-4 Dunsinane Playwright David Greig’s sequel to Macbeth, presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Kwai Tsing Theatre. Tickets $200-$480 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

May 11, Jun 8 & 22

Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathons

Swimming and running races for adults and kids around Repulse Bay. Entry $155-$780 at www.revolution-asia.com.

May 2-Jun 28 Le French May Ooh la la! The annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre plus Le French GourMay. For details, visit www.frenchmay.com.

May 1 Labour Day Public holiday.

May 3-7 Cheung Chau Bun Festival Bun “mountains”, opera, lion dancing and on May 6 the best parade in Hong Kong, with small children apparently balanced on parasols and other flimsy items. Cheung Chau Island.

Until May 4 Shakespeare in The Port Hong Kong’s first outdoor Shakespeare festival, including The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, The Taming of the Shrew and children’s weekend workshops. Free for under-12s. Tickets $150$300 from www.ticketflap.com. Cyberport Podium, Pok Fu Lam.

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Until May 11 Ocean Park Animal Discovery Fest An exhibition of seahorses and their weird relatives plus behind-the-scenes tours. Adults $320, children $160. Ocean Park, Aberdeen, 3923 2323, www.oceanpark.com.hk.

May 6 Buddha’s Birthday Public holiday.

May 6-11 Ocean Film Festival Fishy films across Hong Kong. Tickets from $80 at www.oceanrecov.org.

planner May 9 French Party

May 17-18 10th Classic Yacht Rally

Stan Cafe invites the whole community to its birthday party, including DJ and a buffet of French delicacies. 8pm-2am, 5/F Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley, 2324 9008.

Beautiful vintage sailing boats race to Tai Tam Bay for an overnight party, Sunday breakfast and return to Aberdeen Boat Club’s Middle Island clubhouse for prize-giving. For details, visit www.abclubhk.com.

May 17-27 Asia Week Hong Kong

Love Mum. (For gift ideas, see p.42.)

May 11 Open-Air Craft Market May 10-11 Spanish Fair “La Feria” Spanish gourmet delicacies, language courses, flamenco dancing, language games for kids and much more. Noon-8pm. Ocean View Court & Sea View Terrace, The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam. Tickets $120-$200 from www. hkticketing.com, 3622 3072.

May 11 Murray House Marchés Traditional French food market featuring wine, cheese, cooking demos and more. 11am6pm, free entry. Murray House, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, www.frenchgourmay.com.

Handmade crafts, art and kids’ activities such as make-your-own terrarium. D’Deck, Discovery Bay, www.ddeck.com.hk, and www.handmadecrafts.com.

May 15-18 Asia Contemporary Art Show A hotel’s worth of modern art, including “My Fair Ladies” exhibition by Beijing’s Shi Jiangao.

Conrad Hong Kong, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, www.asiacontemporaryart.com.

May 15-17 Art Basel Hong Kong The giant international art fair comes to town. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, www. artbasel.com.

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

May 23-25 HKFC International Soccer Sevens See the soccer stars of tomorrow – and of yesterday – play for Kitchee, Chelsea, Manchester City and more. Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, www.hksoccersevens.com.

Tickets $160-$300 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333, and Tom Lee Music.

Picture: Mark Lehmkuhler

May 11 Mother’s Day

May 25 Stanley Dragon Boat warm-up races Get into the spirit at the 200m pre-races, 9am4pm. Stanley Main Beach, www.dragonboat. org.hk, 2813 0564 / 2813 2586.

MAY 31-JUL 1 Radiance Exhibition by Beijing-based artists Sebastien Mahon from France and Sarah Lai from Hong Kong. Part of Le French May, www.frenchmay. com, 3752 9965. The Pulse, Repulse Bay.

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planner

Book now Jun 7 & 14 Garage Sale

Jun 28-Jul 1 Sesame Street Live

Book a table for the twiceyearly sale of secondhand treasures.

9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.

Elmo’s Super Heroes take the stage.

Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $150$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Jun 25-28 Oh, What a Lovely War! Hong Kong Players and the Royal British Legion present the anti-war musical to mark the June 28 centenary of the outbreak of World War I. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets from $290 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

Aug 13 The Smashing Pumpkins Oceania Tour Alt rock live. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau.

Tickets $580-$780 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

Aug 12 Ellie Goulding She’s gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn... Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $540$640 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 24Oct 22 Mamma Mia! All your ABBA favourites plus a big fat Greek wedding. Tickets $395-$896 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

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

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Headline letters

have your say protective of nature outside his back door.

I will save the article for him.

Pat Kozyra

Visiting The Philosopher I enjoy your magazine very much and was so excited to see Mr Tong (Five Minutes With…, April 2014) whom my friends and I call “The Philosopher”. I always enjoy visiting him and chatting. He has shown us through his 100-year-old home, which is still intact. He has so many interesting stories and I always enjoy buying something from him. He is very

Four-point plan for Red Hill Four ways to improve the Southside.

1. How can we get the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to install a full air-quality monitoring station in Repulse Bay? People say the air quality is better on Southside, but is it really? Where is the data?

Why is the government reluctant – would the truth hurt the property market? Does the government put the interests of property developers above public health?

2. Why is the AFCD unwilling to construct stairway access from Tai Tam catchment down to the Stanley roundabout or beside the Manhattan? Then walking from Red Hill to Stanley would be more feasible.

3. It would be great for residents of Red Hill Peninsula for a sea-level path to be constructed from Tai Tam Tuk around the shore to Turtle Cove and Stanley Beach Road. There could be

access stairs at Red Hill, Pacific View, Turtle Cove Beach and other locations.

4. The Transport Department seems reluctant to have a CityBus service from Red Hill via Tai Tam Road, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen Tunnel to Central. Right now, many people walk from Stanley roundabout to the Manhattan, and individual complexes run private buses which add to air pollution. A public bus would reduce traffic and pollution.

I have written to the departments to no avail.

Ken Rohrs

Please email your letters to editor@southside.hk. We may edit for length.

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five minutes with...

join the crew

Enter the dragon boat Stanley’s dragon-boat races are all about community, says coach Alson Wong. By Cherrie Yu. the sport for 20 years. Now I’m the chairman.

Dragon-boating is about team spirit. Once during a T10, 30 years ago, I had to call many friends to rescue a dragon boat stranded at sea. But sometimes I see teams lacking members during training sessions.

I was born and raised in Stanley, went to school here, and now my kids are growing up in Stanley. We live near Murray House and the temple. It’s a great place. Our favourite spot is Stanley Main Beach.

My dad was chairman of the Stanley Dragon Boat Association. As a kid, I would help push the boats into the water. I loved being part of the event with my high-school friends and teachers.

I used to be a paddler and I have been teaching

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The dragon-boat championships are getting bigger and bigger. Since I was in school, the event has grown from 60-70 teams to more than 200. Preparation takes nine months and requires three full-time employees. We have more than 10 coaches to help with training.

We all grew up together; I’ve known one since primary school. It’s a true community event.

Dragon boats used to be made of wood, but we now have our first batch of 40 fibreglass boats, they are less heavy and can be stored in racks instead of on the shore.

Wooden boats let water in. It used to take a while for beginners to get used to constantly bailing out. They would ask, why is the boat sinking? We’d explain that bailing is part of dragon-boat racing. Of course, the new boats let in less water, but lots of splashing means they occasionally need to be bailed out.

Stanley’s races are organised by the association instead of the government, so there are fewer rules and more freedom. People are passionate about it and treat the equipment with care because we own it. It’s peoplefriendly and strengthens the community.

The Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Races 2014 take place on June 2; teams must register by May 5 at www. dragonboat.org.hk. Warm-up races take place on May 10 and short-course races on June 22, all at Stanley Main Beach.

Headline save our

country parks

news from the green front

Dining with the enemy Paul Zimmerman has dim sum with the Heung Yee Kuk.

Every year, green groups are invited to lunch with Heung Yee Kuk (HYK) representatives. This year I went along for the first time.

It was a friendly occasion. Many people knew each other. But for both sides the maxims “know thy enemy” and “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” seemed to apply.

The two groups have fundamental points of conflict, including the small-house policy, country-park enclaves and the use of agricultural land for open storage. The kuk seeks to maximize monetary land values;

green groups seek to conserve and enhance ecological land values.

During lunch, a microphone was passed around. Many people heralded the values of good communications and everyone thanked Uncle Fat – Legislative Councillor Lau Wong-fat, chairman of the kuk – for paying for lunch.

Kuk representatives expressed concerns over the environment and commented on their conservation efforts, including replacing genetically modified papayas and preventing illegal dumping on private land.

I smiled when it was claimed that Uncle Fat successfully resolved the closure of the public footpath at Tai Long Sai Wan. Not only did HYK operatives initiate the action during last year’s Trailwalker, but opening the path only after government representatives were helicoptered in to discuss concessions seemed like blatant extortion. The government should have demanded public access before flying in.

But why spoil lunch because Uncle Fat

had outfoxed the government yet again? Only public outrage over ecological destruction at the hands of indigenous villagers and rapacious developers can stop the kuk.

During my remarks, I identified an area of common concern: if the government can’t be convinced to stop the construction of small houses in or near protected areas – such as country-park enclaves – the Town Planning Board should demand the provision of public sewerage and drainage facilities.

The kuk liked that as it would enhance land values. Green groups hated it as a mitigation of environmental impact that could open the door to more development. But can we convince the government?

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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news

in your backyard

Cyberport traffic changes Drivers take note: Cyberport has altered parking arrangements at the Arcade. A strict no-parking policy is being enforced in the lay-bys in front of International and McDonald’s and outside the cinema. The areas can be used solely for dropoffs, goods delivery and emergency services.

In compensation, The Arcade is offering an additional 20 minutes’ free parking in its car park.

1,000 new moorings in Aberdeen?

The Southern District Council is recommending Aberdeen Harbour be expanded to provide up to 1,000 additional moorings for small boats.

Councillors agreed a plan to expand the typhoon shelter in the south of the harbour by adding a breakwater at the western entrance.

The council will present its recommendations to the government for approval.

It is also asking the Marine Department to speed up its review of marine berths and to meet boat owners to help resolve conflicts between fishing and pleasure vessels in the typhoon shelter.

Southern District Councillor Paul Zimmerman says, “It is time for the government to look seriously into the failure to provide adequate safe moorings, and into the economic benefits of growing marine-related industries by expanding Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.

“It is simple to create sheltered water in Hong Kong for boats: all we need to do is to move the breakwaters and enlarge Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter by 50 per cent to accommodate 1,000 small vessels.”

For more information about the mooring shortage, please visit www.moorings.hk.

Dinghies galore More than 150 dinghies plied Southside’s waters last month for the inaugural Aberdeen Asset Management Hong Kong Race Week.

A whopping 90 races were held across nine classes in just four days. Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Hong Kong Sailing Federation, activities were centred on the club’s revamped Middle Island facility. Next year’s event will be held in February.

Green streets Yoga at sea If you thought it was hard to balance on a SUP board, try striking a yoga pose. Popular SUP yoga classes are back at Stanley Main Beach run by instructors Dee Cheung and Nadine Bubner. The classes cost $500, including a board and lunch (veggie taco, anyone?), and can be booked by emailing SUPyogahongkong@gmail.com. Check out the Facebook page for more details.

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Hong Kong Flora, a new book by photographer Michael Wolf, launches this month. Wolf is renowned for bringing a fresh eye to Hong Kong, finding beauty in the city’s quirks from corner buildings to builders’ gloves, from public housing to the creative webbing on the backs of delivery trolleys.

In the new book, he focuses on the city’s plants: pot plants tucked between pipes, growing out of air conditioners, locked behind shutters or wilting in plastic bottles with the tops cut off. The book launches on May 17, and the artist is opening his amazing studio to visitors at 3pm on May 16. Unit 4, 5/F Block A, Kailey Industrial Building, 12 Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan.

news

Water World II gets thumbs up

Detailed designs released for Ocean Park’s new Water World park, due to open in 2017, have received the thumbs up from Southern District Council.

“We liked the design very much,” says District Councillor Fergus Fung. “We were concerned about the traffic impact. We also suggested building a pier nearby to boost

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water-related tourism, to have some kind of water route to get there and link the rest of the Southern District.”

As the next step, Ocean Park will make a planning application submission for the project to the Town Planning Board.

For details, call 3923 2323, www.oceanpark.com.hk.

Campaign targets Beach Road buses About 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for stronger measures against tour-bus drivers idling their engines on Beach Road in Repulse Bay, fouling up the beauty spot with diesel fumes.

Southern District Councillor Fergus Fung, who set up the petition, is calling for more signatures and says it will continue until the situation improves.

“I presented the signatures to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), and pressed them to step up their enforcement efforts,” he says.

“We also had support from other members of the council who raised concerns about the lack of proper patrolling.”

Fung is encouraging residents to voice their concerns in writing to the EPD. Letters should be addressed to: Anissa Wong Sean-yee JP, Director of Environmental Protection Dept, 15/F & 16/F East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar.

To sign the petition, email Fung at bays.area@gmail.com.

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local

tight lines

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz jonathan@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Executive Angela Tsui angela@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Adele Brunner Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Paul Zimmerman Steffi Yuen Nigel Griffiths Sophia Ho Jodee Fong Kelly Li Steffi Yuen Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong

Give us a call!

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

Kim Stuart hauls in a billfish caught in blue water about 18 miles south of Aberdeen.

Hannah Grogan swaps fishy tales with Aberdeen’s sport-fishing captain, Kim Stuart.

I’ve been living on a boat for 12 years. I have two boats; a houseboat and a sports boat, which I use for fishing.

The fishing season starts in spring when the northeast monsoon drops. During winter, you can can stand on a bank, chuck in a line and catch fish. To go offshore you need warm water.

I started fishing when I was 10.

My father took me on a fishing trip off the Kenyan coast. We hooked a marlin – the thing was huge and it came crashing out of the sea.

It was like, wow, it must have been about 300 pounds. I’ve been hooked ever since.

When I came to Hong Kong in 1983, I was told there were no fish.

There were trawlers, but no sport fishing.

It started with two guys. A collection of anglers who set up the Mandarin Sports Fishing Club to fish international competitions around the world. That was the only real fishing we did until two guys happened to go out on a junk

somewhere near Sai Kung. They decided to put out a line and out of the water came this marlin.

When I got my boat, it escalated by word of mouth that I was going out. We now have more than 600 people on the mailing list.

We leave from Aberdeen at 7.30am and motor for about an hour to the blue water. Water around Hong Kong is affected by the Pearl River and looks green.

You have to get into the blue.

Sometimes it can take miles to fade from green-blue, other times it’s a visible line.

We’re about 18 miles offshore by the time we start to fish. We’ll fish until about 4pm. The deckies help to gut and fillet the fish.

The best bit for me is when people come out and catch some fish and have a really good day; having them experience something they’ve never done before and teaching them how to go through it.

There are so many fish out there.

When we go out, we catch roughly

20 fish. Some are kept and some released. The policy on the boat is all billfish are released and some are tagged. We’re going to start tagging sharks soon too. We get whitetip sharks, blacktip sharks; we get bull sharks. I’ve seen tiger sharks; one was over 18 feet.

Since trawling was banned we will probably see a recovery in fish stocks and, inevitably, when you get more fish you get predators. I expect to see more sharks over the coming year. It’ll be an indication of how good the stocks are.

During the shark attacks in the 90s we were catching tuna very close inshore. We were seeing a lot of fish quite close in. People will become more aware. There are more junks and people in the water. Fish numbers are rising and you’ll get more sharks.

Kidusi can be chartered for $22,000 a day for 10 anglers, or individual anglers can book at $2,400 each. For details, visit www.hongkongfishings. com. Or email Stuart at hongkongfishing@gmail.com.

feature

Junk trips and beyond.

Carolynne Dear finds fun ways to get wet.

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wetter is better

From left: make some memories on a junk trip; the Aqualuna cruises the harbour; perfect your swan dive off the top deck with Hong Kong Yachting.

Junk tripping Island Junks Classic teak motor junks with, Nespresso coffee machines, tandem kayaks, snorkels, sailing dinghies, beanbags and boxes of toys make Island Junks a great option for families.

And with optional extras such as catering and free-flowing drinks packages, wakeboarding, banana-boating and on-board Thai massage, what’s not to like?

Island Junks can also arrange cruise packages to restaurants on Po Toi Island (south of Stanley) and Lamma Island. Boats typically sail from Aberdeen; other pickup and drop-off locations may incur extra charge. Details at 2877 5222, www.islandjunks.com.hk.

Jaspa’s Junks Experience Jaspa’s legendary hospitality at sea.

The fun begins the moment you climb aboard, with free-flowing Sea Breeze cocktails, beer and wine, a fully loaded iPod and an apparently endless series of canapes. Drop anchor – Millionaires’ Beach is a Jaspa’s favourite – swim, sunbathe, bob about on a noodle (staff will lob cold beers your way), somersault off the roof, or whizz around on a banana boat or wakeboard (at additional charge). Lunch is a laidback barbecue, with steak, fish, chicken and salads and a special kids’ menu for tiny tummies. Then cruise home with freshly made pizza and chocolate brownies. Just bring a towel. Jaspa’s Junks sail from Pak Sha Wan or Central. Details at 2792 6001, www.casteloconcepts.com.

Jubilee Choose from a fleet of 45 boats, including a teak sailing junk, top-of-the-range sleek white

cruisers, huge ferries and a host of classic junks, with options for fishing, sightseeing, water sports, squid fishing and mahjong. Most boats come with an audio system and karaoke machine as well as an option to hire a speedboat with a banana and wakeboarding equipment.

Details at 3555 5666, www.jubilee.com.hk.

The fun begins the moment you climb aboard, with free-flowing drinks and a fully loaded iPod Koh Thai Junks Spice up your next boat trip with yummy Thai snacks, curries and fruit platters on Koh Thai Junks. Known for its alfresco restaurants on Hong Kong Island, it also runs classic teak junks and sophisticated white cruisers. As well as beaches in Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay and Hong Kong Island, for a small surcharge its boats will sail further afield to beautiful Tai Long Wan or even Tai O, Lantau, for dolphinwatching. Boats sail from Central, Aberdeen, Tsim Sha Tsui and Stanley, with a $700 surcharge for pickup or dropoff in Sai Kung.

Details at 6014 8460, www.kohthai.com.hk.

Lazydays If you want to chill, Lazydays ticks all the boxes.

While the crew are happy to accommodate small sailors with on-deck paddling pools, water sports and a kid-friendly menu, these sleek junks will appeal more to grown ups. Packages include free-flowing champagne and the indulgent Spa

on the Sea (ladies’ day out, girls?). Party cruises and cruise and hike packages available. Details at 3488 1534, www.lazydays.com.hk.

Michelangelo This meticulously restored, 80ft luxury junk is all sleek mahogany and shiny brass, pandering to the most pernickety guests with sun decks, comfortable lounge, separate dining room, and reverse-cycle air conditioning to keep the temperature just right year round. Nine lucky guests can stay overnight in the cabins,12 can be seated for a formal dinner in the dining cabin or up to 59 can party all day. It offers evening charters around Hong Kong Island or day trips anywhere in the territory, including the long white beaches at Long Ke Wan and Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung. Details at 6621 1691, www.luxurysuperjunk.com.

Standardboat A wide range of junks and cruisers, plus sailing junks and large ferries, for hire day or night, as well as lots of yummy catering options (there is a delivery surcharge for food). Or arrange your own catering. Details at 2570 1792, www.standardboat.hk.

Vikings Charter With a fleet of sleek pleasure cruisers and wooden junks, Vikings Charter offers all the usual junk options plus a good-value special weekday package. For $5,000, it includes a motor cruiser for 30 guests, pick up at any pier in Victoria Harbour to go anywhere in Hong Kong waters with anchorage, and a speedboat with watersports. Details at 2814 9899, www.vikingscharters.com.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 23

feature Junk food Drop anchor for a seafood meal.

Yau Ley, High Island, Sai Kung Laidback Yau Ley, with its fish farms, and pretty back beach, is a gem. Order a seafood feast – steamed fish, clams in black bean sauce, curry crab – and try to relax as the kids jump off the pier. It will even organise a boat to pick you up in Sai Kung. Sha Kiu Tsui, High Island, 2791 1822.

Rainbow, Lamma Island Watch the world go by over a plate of baby lobster or black-pepper prawns at one of the largest restaurants on the Sok Kwu Wan seafood strip. It also runs its own ferries from Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Cyberport or Aberdeen. 24 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island. 2982 8100.

Ming Kee Seafood, Po Toi Island Half an hour from Stanley, this restaurant is famous for its big wooden deck and arguably the best black-pepper squid in the territory. It even has a freezer full of Haagen-Dazs for dessert. Take a postprandial perambulation along the beach to check out Po Toi’s famous rock carvings.

Po Toi can also be reached by ferry from Stanley. Book at weekends, 2849 7038.

Onboard caterers Gingers, 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk Shamrock Catering, 2547 8155, www.shamrock.com.hk Delicious, 2559 0144, www.delicious-hk.com Pomegranate Kitchen, 2580 0663, www.pomegranate.com Percy’s, www.percys.hk Chicken on the Run, www.chickenontherun.com

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Woo hoo! Hong Kong Yachting’s Jungle Jane has a slide, bathing platform and zorbing.

Party people Aqualuna The familiar red-sailed junk Aqualuna was built by an 80-year-old local craftsman using traditional boat-building methods. Its Chinese name, Cheung Po Tsai, is that of the infamous Cheung Chau pirate. As well as daily 45-minute harbour cruises, it can be hired for private parties of up to 80 guests. Walking the plank is optional. Details at 2116 8821, www.aqua.com.hk.

Jungle Jane This party boat is seriously good fun, with zorbing, a giant slide off the top deck, 24ft bathing platform and huge open deck with space for 45 guests. Part of the Hong Kong Yachting fleet, the Jungle Jane was once an Australian crayfish boat. Now it’s party central, with floating loungers, beanbags, state-of-the-art sound system and anything-goes attitude. Details at 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com.

Star Ferry One of the most iconic boats in Hong Kong, the Meridian Star is available for Victoria Harbour cruises with 290 of your nearest and dearest. A sound system and washrooms are provided but you’ll need to organize your own catering. From

$5,000 an hour, for a minimum of three hours.

Details at 2118 6120, www.starferry.com.hk.

The Bounty A stunning 42m replica tall ship from Australia, The Bounty can accommodate up to 60 guests for a full dinner or cocktail buffet. Permanently moored off hotel Auberge in Discovery Bay, The Bounty can pick up from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui for destinations anywhere in Hong Kong waters. Details from Hong Kong Resort Company on 2295 8288, enquiry@ aubergediscoverybay.com.

This party boat is seriously good fun The Huan This three-masted, 89-foot Chinese junk is available for parties of up to 59 guests.

Built in the 1970s for three Europeans who planned to sail to the Med but ran out of cash, it languished in an Aberdeen boatyard until volunteers transformed it into a training vessel for underprivileged children. In 2005, the Hong Kong Jockey Club poneyed up for a new boat for the kids and the original vessel was bought

by SpySea. It’s now available for private charter.

Details at 2861 2911, www.spysea.net.

feature Let’s get wet Wakeboarding Learn to wakeboard with Frankie at Tai Tam Wakeboarding Center. For $2,400 on weekends, he will take a maximum of six wannabe boarders into Tai Tam Bay for three hours. 3120 4102, www.wakeboard.com.hk.

Wakesurfection offers wakeboarding instruction from Aberdeen Public Pier for $1,000 an hour for up to five people. Details at 9402 2260, www.wakesurfection.com.

PowerSki JetBoards Looking like motorized surfboards, these bad boys have been spotted surfing an “endless wave” at 35mph off Hong Kong, although they are not yet officially available here. For details, visit www.powerski.com.

Kayaking, sailing and windsurfing Learn to kayak, sail or windsurf with a course at the government’s water sports centres at Stanley Main Beach (2813 9117, smbwsc@lscd.gov.uk) and St Stephen’s Beach (2813 5407, ssbwsc@ lcsd.gov.hk). Once certified, craft can be hired.

Explore the Geopark in a clear-bottomed kayak on Kayak + Hike’s amazing day trips.

Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) SUP looks easy, but balancing on the board and paddling works your core muscles. Aqua

Bound on Stanley Main Beach offers an hour of instruction and an hour-long tour: 8211 3876, www.aquabound.com.hk. The Hong Kong Stand Up Paddle Board Association (www. hksupba.com, 3502 1823) runs SUP lessons across Hong Kong. In Sai Kung, Blue Sky is launching one-day Eco Tours including two hours of SUP, speedboat to the Geopark and barbecue (2791 0806, www.bluesky-sc.com).

Day trips Also in Sai Kung, Kayak + Hike’s day trips start with a junk or speedboat ride to the Geopark to paddle clear-bottomed kayaks through an arch, snorkel a coral reef, take a hike and indulge in a seafood lunch. Details from Paul Etherington, 9300 5197, www.kayak-and-hike.com.

Surfing Big Wave Bay near Shek O offers the most accessible surfing in the territory. Ken at XGame (9472 0267, www.xgamehk.com) charges $800 for two hours of one-on-one surfing tuition.

Paddle boating Hire a paddle boat for a relaxing ride on the boating lake at Wong Nai Chung Gap Reservoir.

Open daily, 9am-7pm, until September. Tai Tam Reservoir Rd, Wong Nai Chung, 2555 0103.

Mandarin Class English Class Inline Skating Class Inline Skates We attach great importance to develop children`s

Independent Thinking and Teamwork Spirit. www.uuokok.com www.facebook.com/hkuuia Phone/Whatsapp: 91899591 Suites No.2- 5, 3rd Floor, Sino Plaza, 255- 257 Gloucester Road

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eating Bon appetit

Go Gallic for Le French GourMay food festival. By Sophia Ho.

Clockwise from left: World-class art at new French restaurant Bibo; rustic cuisine at Chez Patrick; look for French produce at the Murray House market on May 11.

Murray House Traditional French Market Murray House may be traditionally linked to Hong Kong’s British colonial past, but on May 11 it will have a distinctly French flavour. In association with Le French GourMay – the food festival that accompanies the annual Le French May arts event – it is hosting a oneday Traditional French Market featuring wine, cheese, charcuterie, fish, oysters and pastries from France. A highlight will be a cooking demonstration by Michelin-starred chef Christian Têtedoie from Lyon. Happy grazing. May 11, 11am-6pm, free entry. Murray House, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, www.frenchgourmay.com.

Le French GourMay it includes such classic dishes as andouillette, cervelles de canuts, pate de campagne au Beaujolais, frog’s legs in garlic butter, poached pear and Floating Islands with pralines. 5/F Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley, 2324 9008, www.stancafe.hk.

Stan Cafe With fantastic views of Stanley Bay, Stan Cafe invites guests to linger over delectable French delicacies in a colourful, stylish setting. A deli counter at the entrance is filled with French bread, cheese, ham and sausages, but it’s the menu that will really set mouths watering. For

Cococabana Jean-Paul Gauci’s seaside Mediterranean restaurant is the place to go for that South of France vibe, thanks to its stunning location right on Shek O Beach. The a la carte menu features plenty of French favourites, including salade nicoise, scallops St Jacques, foie gras,

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This seaside Mediterranean restaurant is the place to go for that South of France vibe

bouillabaisse, rib-eye steak with green pepper sauce and ratatouille. Desserts are equally classic: creme brulee, chocolate mousse, apple tart and chocolate fondant. The cheese platter is divine. Shek O Beach Building, Shek O Beach, 2812 1826, www.toptables.com.hk/coco.

Chez Patrick A passion for French food inspired chef Patrick Goubier to open Chez Patrick, the restaurant and deli chain that is embracing Le French GourMay with gusto – and plenty of delicious food. At the Stanley branch, diners can relax in the rustic bistro vibe and experience homemade country-style French dishes such as jambon persillé, coq au vin and cherry clafoutis.

Prix fixe menus start at $298 for three courses and a glass of Côtes du Rhône. G/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2683 5115, www.chezpatrick.hk.

Bistro Du Vin In the heart of K-Town’s restaurant land, Bistro

talking french

For an authentic taste of France in Stanley Plaza, try homemade delicacies at Stan Cafe (left) or bistro Chez Patrick (above).

Du Vin is modest yet quirky. It serves delicious French dishes, such as pate, duck confit, rabbit leg, salted brandade, pan-seared foie gras and coq au vin. Save room for desserts – fluffy souffles, baked madeleines with chocolate mousse, and irresistible chocolate fondants. Shop 1D, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2824 3010.

Bibo This new French restaurant is a feast for the eyes, thanks to world-class artwork by Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and the King of Kowloon, to name a few.

Executive chef Mutaro Balde has worked for Michelin-star darlings Alain Ducasse and Joel Robuchon, so expectations are high for his

modern interpretations of French cuisine.

Foie gras comes with grenadine-soaked rhubarb, scallops St Jacques with corn prepared three ways, and poached chicken is crisped in a charcoal oven and served with pommes boheme. Sounds good to us. 163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2956 3188, www.bibo.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene Farewell Coco Thai Long-standing Southside alfresco restaurant Coco Thai has closed after owner Jean-Paul Gauci lost a bid to renew the rental agreement for the prime location atop the LCSD building on Deep Water Bay Beach. Chef Treerawong Pratumwan will continue to work with Gauci and will be available to cater for private parties and even offer Thai cooking lessons. No word yet on what will open in its place. To book chef Treerawong, email cocobay@biznetvigator.com.

Mother’s Day special from Secret Ingredient.

Mum’s Secret Ingredient For Mother’s Day, pre-prepared meal-delivery company Secret Ingredient is offering a special three-course menu of pan-fried pink snapper fillets, chickpea, kale and pancetta fricassee, and heart-shaped cherry crumble pie from Tai Tai Pies Pies. Best of all, you can honestly say you cooked it yourself. $450 for two people; look for the “special treat” in the delivery. Pre-order by May 9 for delivery on May 10 or 11. www.secretingredient.com.hk.

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Pastry faces Good news for pastry fans: Sift has launched a new line of delectable French pastries. Created

by French chef Helene Dano, the new delicacies include yuzu-cream choux, pistachio mousse cake, raspberry mille-feuille and lemon meringue tart. We hear they taste as good as they look.

22/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2870 3887.

Tivo too Aqua Group’s Italian-style Wyndham Street bar-restaurant Tivo has opened a new branch in Kennedy Town. With both alfresco and indoor

Wagyu bao by Tivo Kennedy Town.

tables, it’s a bright and airy venue serving ontrend small plates and daily fresh produce.

Signature dishes include wagyu bao, slowroasted pork belly and chutoro-style fatty tuna belly with roe pizza. Manning the open kitchen is chef Dick Wong, who has been with Aqua Group from the get-go. Open daily, 8am-midnight. 33 Praya, Kennedy Town, 2543 1238.

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Stanley · Tin Hau · South Horizons · Mid-levels

food by fergus

review

We love Lucy’s The secret’s out. Fergus Fung reveals why Lucy’s gets Southside’s votes.

In last month’s Southside Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards 2014, Lucy’s was voted “bestkept secret”. My wife and I could not agree more. It is one of our favourite haunts. Opened

by Lucy Humbert in 1994, the 20-year-old restaurant is hidden in the middle of Stanley Market. Its yellow sponged walls and relaxed atmosphere are reminiscent of a provincial French bistro. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or casual family meal, the food at Lucy’s does not disappoint.

The small menu changes frequently, with daily specials listed on a blackboard. The food focuses on fresh ingredients and uses a lot of herbs. Dishes are mainly Mediterranean with a few Thai red and green curries.

One recent Sunday night, the centrepiece palm tree had been heavily trimmed so it no longer wafts in the air conditioning, but the ambience and staff were as welcoming as ever.

To start, we ordered the char-grilled squid with spiced sweetcorn, avocado and tomato

32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

salsa, and also the crab, avocado, pomelo and herb salad with lemongrass, ginger and lime-leaf dressing. Laid on a bed of colourful vegetables, the squid was delicious with a good charred flavour and not chewy at all; I just wished there was more. The salad had a beautiful herby flavour for which Lucy’s is known, and worked well with the crab and pomelo.

Our mains were hearty and satisfying: sinful slow-roasted pork belly with roast potatoes,

creamy cabbage, bacon and apple sauce, and enticing duck red curry from the daily specials.

Chomping through the crackling, the pork belly melted in the mouth. And the sauce was addictive. The duck had a delightful light curry sauce and a generous serving of vegetables.

We finished with one of the restaurant’s signature desserts, indulgent pecan pudding with toffee cream sauce. It paired perfectly with the 2009 Noble One, an Australian botrytis Semillon dessert wine that has been awarded hundreds of accolades.

Without doubt, Lucy’s is a gem.

64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.

Fergus Fung co-founded the WOM Hong Kong restaurant guide, available in online and print versions. He is also a wine consultant for Bonhams 1793 and a Southern District Councillor.

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living & home

read white and blue

Old china hand

Pictures: Hannah Grogan

A passion for blue and white porcelain sets the tone for this Peak duplex.

By Carolynne Dear.

A customised rug and geometric scatter cushions echo the collection of blue and white porcelain.

Iconic Chinese blue and white porcelain was the inspiration for this four-bedroom duplex apartment on the Peak.

“I have a thing about blue and white china,” admits interior adviser Elisha Rickward, who designed the elegant space. “I found many pieces in a ceramics shop in Kowloon City.

Others are from Bowerbird in Ap Lei Chau.”

Displays of blue and white porcelain vases, ginger jars and stacking pots accent the public spaces – sitting and dining rooms and foyer – against a neutral backdrop of natural wood and soft furnishings. There are paintings of blue and white porcelain on the walls, and blue and white also crops up in geometric scatter cushions, the sitting-room rug and even in two blue lacquered Chinese cupboards in the foyer. It’s a fresh take on a familiar theme.

Rickward describes her style as “East Coast America meets the Orient. I lean towards a classic Hamptons-influenced style – clean

34 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

I love working in Hong Kong... it’s so easy to get items custom-made lines and patterned fabrics – with a Chinese bias,” she says.

With this apartment, she had good bones to work with. As well as some of the best views in the city, it boasts soaring ceilings and rare period features, such as an open fireplace with a mantlepiece and wooden panelling below a dado rail.

Many items have been custom made or given a new lease of life by Rickward, who enjoys reworking tired furniture.

“It’s a great challenge and I hate discarding things. Such a waste,” she says. “I love working in Hong Kong because it’s so easy to get items custom made to suit your specifications.”

Interior design is in her blood, with her mother and sister both working in the industry in Australia.

“I started a design consultancy with my sister, advising on decluttering, and furniture selection and placement for Sydneysiders putting their homes on the market. Soon I was being recommended by friends and clients and I started advising on a wider basis,” she says.

There was a great deal of artwork scattered around the apartment left unhung, some of which she took to Shenzhen for reframing. She also had canvases made for the children’s bedrooms from magazine pictures and her own sketches.

“I love Dafen Artists’ Village for framing.

Some of the pieces were in heavy dark-wood frames, so I had them remounted to fit with the lighter theme of the apartment. One of the little boys is a skateboard enthusiast, so I had a colourful canvas made which spells out his

Little black book

Picked up in Kowloon Bay and Ap Lei Chau, displays of porcelain unify the design.

name in skateboards. The idea was inspired by a birthday card.”

The little girl’s room features a display of hanging paper lanterns sourced on Peel Street, while the rugs in the master suite and living area were designed by Rickward.

“The apartment is more than 4,000 sq ft with wooden and marble flooring, so I was

36 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

keen to break it up and give it some warmth. I went to Shenzhen and sketched my designs, chose the colours and they were made up into huge 100 per cent wool rugs,” she says.

“I was slightly worried about paying up front, but it all worked out and I was really pleased with both the quality and how my designs came out.”

Elisha Rickward, altadenadesign@gmail.com.

Soft furnishings and curtains, Laredo Interiors, 1A, 171 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2114 0666.

Rugs, O’Seka, Homeware Village, Shenzhen, +86 755 2224 6505.

Lampshades, Soong Arts Lampshades, G/F, 6 Square Street, Sheung Wan, 2573 5631.

Customised furniture – The Red Cabinet, 2/F One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2536 0123.

– Home Redesign, homeredesignhk@ yahoo.com, organises trips to Zhuhai outlets.

– Old Shanghai, 15/F, 1512, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St, Ap Lei Chau. 2517 3660.

Ceramics – Bowerbird, 2/F, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 2727.

– Yuet Tung China Works, 3/F, 15 Wang Hoi Road, Kowloon Bay, 2796 1125.

education

school news

IMS school opens in Stanley

Colour My World at Art Basel Let your kids channel their inner Picasso by getting creative at the Colour My World programme at Art Basel on May 15-18. Art Kids is a dedicated space for children aged five to 18 to create and collaborate in visual and performing-art activities; Kids Explore is a onehour tour around key artworks and installations at the event, led by art aficionados.

While the children are busy, parents can enjoy Art Basel’s diverse collection of art from established and newly emerging artists as well as discussions about timely topics such as the contemporary art scene. For more information, email info@colour-my-world.com or call 2580 5028. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Harbour Road Entrance, Wan Chai.

Hong Kong Academy kids go green

The International Montessori School (IMS) held its grand opening in Stanley last month, attended by more than 500 parents and students. They explored the spacious 50,000 sq ft campus and newly renovated facilities, including a children’s garden, dedicated Chinese-language rooms and various playgrounds. Principal Stephen Palmer

(top), who has more than 30 years’ experience, says there are still spaces available: the kindergarten and primary school has capacity for 700 children, aged from two to 12, and offers a dual-language (English and Mandarin) Montessori curriculum. For details, visit www.montessori.edu.hk or call 2156 9033.

Harbour School gets a boat Lucky students at The Harbour School in Kennedy Town will be learning marine science aboard a new floating “classroom”: the Black Dolphin sailing boat, which is docked in Aberdeen. Under the guidance of its captain and marine educator, children will help sail the US$40,000 boat, which offers handson learning opportunities in navigation and life science, physical science and cultural anthropology. Crewing the boat will also develop the children’s teamwork and leadership skills. The Harbour School is an international school with a strong focus on science and critical thinking and recently received academic accreditation from the US organisation ASC WASC. For more information, visit www.thsdock.net or call 2550 0879.

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Dear Southside Magazine We are Grade Five students at Hong Kong Academy focusing on the problem of invasive species. There are 74 invasive species in Hong Kong. We want to help with this issue, but we need assistance.

Invasive species are a huge problem.

Mikania Micrantha weed appears around Tai Tam Reservoir, enveloping and depriving native species of light and water, as well as weighing down their limbs. The seed of this plant has knots that give it the power to spread the seeds over a large area rapidly. This causes Mikania Micrantha to cover large areas.

If this plant were removed native species would flourish.

Mikania Micrantha is native to South Africa and should not grow in Hong Kong.

This weed has been in and around Hong Kong since 1884. The problem is not that the plant is here, it is that it is multiplying and ruining our beautiful home’s wildlife, especially plants. We want to conserve Hong Kong’s natural habitat, not let it be walked over by invasive species. We think that exterminating this plant, even if in small quantities, will make a change.

Please help us with this issue by signing our petition, “Stop growth of the Mikania weed in the Tai Tam Reservoir” at www.supporthk.org/i.php/View/411.

Thank you for your support. Take action now!

Carl, Ty, Guy Hong Kong Academy

sponsored column

Boarding in Britain How to choose a British boarding school.

In an increasingly global community, there are many options around the world for boarding schools, which offer facilities for students to live on campus during term time.

Britain continues to be a popular choice for families in Hong Kong, thanks to its reputation for educational excellence.

Types of schools In most areas of the country, students go to primary school from age five to 11 (school years one to six), moving to secondary school from age 11 to 18 (years seven to 13).

Full-time education is compulsory until age 17; this will be increased to age 18 in 2015.

Publicly funded schools are referred to as state schools. There are 37 state boarding schools, which offer free education and charge fees for boarding. Private and independent schools charge for both education and boarding; confusingly, this category also includes “public schools”, which are among the oldest, most exclusive and most expensive in the country.

40 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

More than 300 private schools in Britain offer boarding facilities, and most accept both boarders and day pupils, with the proportions varying considerably between schools. Many of the most famous British schools – such as Eton College, Harrow School, Rugby School and Winchester College – are senior schools for students aged 13 to 18 years old.

Entry to British schools Due to common examinations in years 11 and 13, most senior schools limit their entry to Year Seven (state sector), Year Nine (private sector) and Year 12 (both sectors).

The competition for places is fiercest for Year 12 entry for several reasons. Most British schools require students to sit entrance tests, typically in English and maths, and sometimes in science, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Relatively few schools require students from overseas to sit the Common Entrance (CE) examination, preferring to set their own tests, most of which are similar in content to CE. Schools may also use tests in other

subjects for streaming students into classes of similar levels of ability. Some schools allow students to take entrance tests when they apply for a place, others require tests to be taken at a particular time. Most schools allow tests to be taken in Hong Kong and tests typically take place from November to January of the academic year before entry.

Students who perform sufficiently well will be invited to interviews.

For more information about British boarding schools, call Edmund To at 2116 3916 or email info@itseducation.asia.

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

family For Mum, with love Sophia Ho finds perfect gifts for Mother’s Day on May 11.

Pink Neon Photographic collage on canvas by Belinda Bath. Price on application, belindabathimages@gmail.com, 6117 8854, www6.clikpic.com/belindabath.

Octopus stacking cups $460 for four from IMM Living, K11, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.imm-living.com.

Kung-fu silk scarf $1,280 from G.O.D, 1/F Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2673 0071, www.god.com.hk.

Hong Kong Toile Teapot

By Mariko Jesse for Faux. $880 from TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2870 1582, www.tree.com.hk.

42 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

DeLonghi coffee maker Model EC680. $1,998 from Sogo, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, www.delonghi.com.

xoxo Kiss Canvas Limited-edition print. From $1,200 for 30cm x 30cm. Blank Bespoke Art, 2239 4303, www. blankbespokeart.com.

Hong Kong Skyline Tote

By Louella Odie. $1,950 from Mirth, M/F, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road (entrance on Yip Kan Street), Wong Chuk Hang, www.louellaodie.com.

Dazzling blue earrings $300 from Polkadot Boutique, 2/F, 29 Hollywood Road, Central, 2521 0636, www.shoppolkadot.com.

Kimono teacup and saucer $120 from Indigo Living, 6/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2555 0540, www.indigo-living.com.

Bouquet and macarons Carnations, roses, calla lilies and skimmia plus four macarons. $670 (excluding delivery) from Flare Fiori, 11/F Sungib Industrial Centre, 53 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3698 1648.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

family

love mum

Make her day Where to spoil mum on Mother’s Day.

The Boathouse Mother’s Day on The Boathouse’s alfresco terrace brings the breeze in your hair, Stanley Bay glinting in the sunshine, and a special four-course family menu ($1,180 for four).

Tuck into a bucket of black mussels, king prawn jambalaya, caesar salad, finger-licking barbecue baby back ribs and more, followed by an indulgent dessert platter. (Yes, kids, it includes Death by Chocolate – share nicely.)

88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4467, www.cafedecogroup.com.

Lucy’s Mother’s Day Brunch at Lucy’s includes roast lamb with roast potatoes, carrots and minty peas, salmon fillet with smoked tomato and fennel orzo, and quinoa salad with grilled vegetables, feta, olives and pesto. Add a glass of Champagne, Prosecco or rosé and dessert of white chocolate and praline meringue with

44 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

(www.facebook.com/SenseofTouch.HK), and write three lovely sentences about your mother for a chance to win the spa package and a MiraCurl haircurler from BaBylissPro for free.

You’ll need to be quick, the competition closes May 6. 1/F Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

The Auberge Discovery Bay.

strawberries or chocolate, mascarpone and caramel roulade, and mummy will be very happy.

64 Stanley Market Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.

Sense of Touch Sense of Touch’s Queen of the Day package is two hours and 15 minutes of utter bliss that includes a revitalising facial and customised aromatherapy massage ($2,330). Enter the spa’s Facebook competition, Show Mum the Love

The Auberge Book a staycation on lovely Lantau at the Auberge Discovery Bay boutique hotel. In May, it is offering discounts of 10 per cent for two-night stays and 15 per cent for three-night stays. For Mother’s Day, it will be holding a seafood buffet ($398-$438). And all month, its Spa Botanica is offering a free 30-minute back massage to all mums booking a one-hour facial treatment.

From $1,097 for two nights in a Mountain View twin room. 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, 2295 8288, www.aubergediscoverybay.com.

family

they’re grrrrreat

Go wild Jodee Ho rounds up animal activities for kids. most tranquil locations. The Night Safari seeks out fireflies, roosting birds and even the occasional leopard cat. Starting at sunset, the four-hour tours take place every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from May to August. Reservations essential. Tickets $350 from WWF Hong Kong, www.wwf.org.hk, which runs the reserve.

Pink-dolphin spotting Hong Kong’s population of IndoPacific humpback dolphins lives in In the pink: dolphin-spotting off Lantau. one of the busiest shipping lanes off one of the most densely populated Mai Po Night Safari urban areas in the world. No wonder they’re This after-dark adventure lets older kids aged endangered. The pinkest wild dolphins on the 12 and above stalk Hong Kong’s nocturnal planet are surprisingly easy to spot, however, creatures through the wetlands of Mai Po with Hong Kong Dolphinwatch reporting Nature Reserve. Explore Hong Kong’s sightings on 96 per cent of its boat tours, and biodiversity at first hand in one of the territory’s offering free cruises to those who don’t see

the really useful newsletter

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the extraordinary mammals. Take a shuttle bus from Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung New Pier to board the 56-passenger boat for the four-hour tour, which runs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tickets $420 for adults, $210 for under-12s, free for under-threes, from www.hkdolphinwatch.com.

Noah’s Ark at Ma Wan Park Unlike the recent Noah movie, this amusement park is based on the kid-friendly version of the biblical story. It has 67 pairs of life-size exotic animal sculptures and a full-size Noah’s Ark, a 4-D theatre screening nature films, a Solar Tower with astronomical displays and activities and a Nature Garden. Other activities include obstacle and climbing courses and there’s even a hotel and youth hostel for those who’d like to make a weekend of it. Tickets $155 for adults, $125 for children and seniors.

33 Pak Yan Road, Ma Wan, 3411 8888, www.noahsark.com.hk.

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big day out

way out east

The almost-deserted village of Pak A.

Hooked on High Island Nigel Griffiths ambles through the Sai Kung weekend favourite.

A favourite Sunday destination for junk trippers and hikers, High Island or Leung Sheun Wan was once an island in Sai Kung East Country Park. In 1979, it was connected to the peninsula by two dams to form the High Island Reservoir.

About 400 villagers were displaced by the rising waters, but there are still four former fishing villages on the west coast: Pak A, Tung A, Sha Kiu Tau and Pak Lap. There are public piers at the first three villages, which can also be reached by an easy walk; reaching Pak Lap is more challenging. A good starting point is to alight at Pak A (near the now-closed Jaspas Beach Club), then follow the footpath past the houses and ruins, keeping an eye open for skinks, fungi, birds and butterflies. The path curves around the coast for a 20-minute walk to Tung A.

Tin Hau is the central deity, lions guard the entrance and the roof is made of ornate Shek Wan pottery. Beyond the door gods is a spirit screen (dong chung) that keeps ghosts and evil spirits out, a spacious lobby and an offering table with five brass pots for joss-sticks.

There are three statues of Tin Hau, including one used for parading on festive occasions and an unusual porcelain statue. The deity is accompanied by two female attendants dressed as maids and two demon servants – red-faced Thousand League Eyes and green-faced Favourable Wind Ears – which warn Tin Hau of impending bad weather at sea. The temple also houses two excellent model sailing ships, symbols of the Eight Immortals, a bell and drum and, outside, two dragon boats. Villagers often dry fish on the quayside beyond the forecourt.

Leung Sheun Wan Tin Hau Temple First constructed in 1741, and rebuilt four times subsequently, this is an interesting temple.

Sea Urchin Restaurant Just beyond the temple on the way to Sha Kiu is the Sea Urchin Restaurant, serving urchins

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An unusual porcelain Tin Hau statue.

big day out

Clockwise from top left: Tin Hau Temple; a bluebottle butterfly; a spiky delicacy; the Sea Urchin Restaurant.

Constructed in 1741, and rebuilt four times, it’s an interesting temple

farmed locally. The delicate shellfish features in various freshly prepared dishes, including steamed egg white with sea urchin, sea urchinfried rice and spring rolls. The restaurant is open on weekends and public holidays, 10am until late. It offers a free boat service to and from Sai Kung for groups of 10 or more who order the nine-course set meal ($288 or $328 each). For details, call 2791 2668 or 6681 6667.

Tung A The village of Tung A is at the end of the inlet: the walk takes you past bushes filled with butterflies, including bluebottles and tigers.

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Photo opportunities abound – landscape, seascape, wildlife (a 1/200th shutter speed is great for capturing butterflies’ flapping wings).

There’s a private ancestral worship hall for the Jiang clan and beautiful lilies grow further along the path, which climbs and then descends gently to the village of Sha Kiu. Sha Kiu This village has a public pier, a number of houses and Yau Ley seafood restaurant, a favourite with the boating fraternity. There’s also a small sandy beach and pagoda with views out to sea. Yau Ley can organise boat hire from Sai Kung for diners (for details, call 2791 1822).

Pak Lap With a beautiful long sandy beach, Pak Lap is popular with junk trippers and for water sports.

To get there, take the footpath to the left behind the Tin Hau Temple, or the footpath behind the Jiang clan worship hall. The path is clearly

marked – if steep in places – and there are superb views and wildlife.

Before you go Download the free mobile app MapsWithMe and its China map for a clearer idea of where the footpaths are. The app works offline, although most areas have network coverage.

Getting there There is no public ferry to High Island. From Sai Kung pier, hire a speed boat ($900 for up to 10 passengers) or sampan ($700 for up to 16). The trips take 30 or 60 minutes respectively and cost slightly less on weekdays. Book with Mr Lewey on 5604 2658, or haggle with the waterfront boat operators.

Boats will drop you at one point and collect you at another. Pak Lap does not have a pier, so you will have to wade. Alternatively, walk or take a cab along Sai Kung Man Yee Road; the path to Pak A is signposted down a set of steps beyond the West Dam.

health & beauty To diet for Adele Brunner tries the Clean 9, the detox and weightloss plan du jour.

Dieting trends come and go (cabbage soup diet, anyone?). The programme du jour is Clean 9, a detox and weight-management regime. Over nine days, it aims to rid your body of harmful chemicals, develop new dietary habits and shed weight by drawing on fat reserves.

Clean 9 is delivered to your door as a complete nine-day package: supplements such as bee pollen for energy enhancement, Garcinia Plus (a natural appetite suppressant), aloe vera gel, protein powder for total nutritional support, and instructions for what to take when. Sign up with either the British package or the more expensive Hong Kong version, which includes three extra detox supplements (Omega-3, Field of Greens and probiotics).

Day one Having drunk too much, eaten too much and slept too little yesterday, I need detoxing. I embrace the

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supplements and water as the start of a journey to a newer, cleaner me. Come lunchtime, however, I have ferocious munchies, which are only slightly allayed by a chocolate protein shake made with skimmed milk. As powdered shakes go, it’s very palatable and I feel full. I get through the afternoon on gallons of hot water and herbal tea, but with only aloe vera gel and supplements for dinner, I go to bed early.

Day two I wake up with a banging headache, craving food. I feel light-headed, dazed and confused, forgetting some things (keys, phone, people’s names) and losing others (my son’s rugby kit). After having only a shake and water during a barbecue lunch with friends, I am bad-tempered, snarly and starving. There is nothing good about day two except that it is the end of the most brutal part of the Clean 9.

a new regime

The hardest parts are refusing wine... and being in a room with biscuits Day three Starting the day with a shake for breakfast makes life instantly better. My energy levels are boosted by a second shake for lunch. The light-headedness goes.

I attempt to go for a run, but with dragging feet and zero energy, I cut my usual route in half. On the upside, I eat my first proper meal in three days: white-bean chilli with brown rice and a simple salad. Every mouthful is heaven. I am so full that I can’t eat my total allowance of 600 calories.

Day four I have lost 1.5kg. Most of that is probably water, but I’m encouraged. Today’s challenge is a school trip with 60 sevenyear-olds, travelling on every conceivable form of public transport in Hong Kong. I swap my lunchtime shake for a chicken salad from my evening’s allowance, but it takes all my willpower to resist stealing the children’s snacks. My head aches, I’m exhausted.

Days five to nine My energy returns on day five as

Clean 9 tips * Do the Clean 9 when you have a relatively free work and social calendar, and bags of willpower. * The aloe vera gel tastes better straight from the fridge.

Holding your nose when you drink it also helps.

my body gets used to the shakes and healthy eating. By delaying the lunchtime shake until 1.30pm, I can last til dinner with just a few raw carrots, almonds and rice crackers. I think about food more than usual, but I have few cravings.

What food I do eat tastes better and, amazingly, I don’t miss carbs or sugar.

As my goal was to detox rather than lose weight, I’m not as strict as I could be about weighing food and counting calories. The hardest parts are refusing wine while out with friends and being in a room with freshly baked biscuits. On the upside, my skin and eyes are clearer and I have lost 4kg. I feel pretty good.

A week later As I still have some supplements, aloe gel and shake powder, I continue taking them, choosing a shake for breakfast and even lunch on busy days. I can eat whatever I want, but I don’t go on a feeding frenzy. Sugar, coffee and pasta creep back into my diet, but far less regularly than before and I keep drinking more water.

A fortnight later I have regained 2kg and my love affair with the shakes has abated, but I am still eating more healthily than I did before the Clean 9.

Verdict Clean 9 is a good way to kickstart weight loss and get eating habits on a healthier track. But those who don’t need to lose weight might be better off with a less severe regime.

For details and Clean 9 detox packs (British version $1,400, Hong Kong version $2,060), email Monica Wong at monica.pswong@ gmail.com or Emma Linnitt at chibbles@netvigator.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

pets Weathering the storms

Dogs regard their owners as guardian angels – and not just during bad weather, says Sally Andersen.

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Their trust in my ability to keep them safe even from a lightning strike is touching Picture: Vivian Chan

I’ve just got back from my regular morning walk with the dogs during which we were caught in an unexpected thunderstorm and downpour. I enjoy a good thunder and lightning display from the comfort of home, but being out in an electrical storm is a different matter. I will never forget witnessing a direct strike that electrified the trees around me and sparks flying when I touched a trunk.

But while I wouldn’t choose to go walking during a thunderstorm, bad weather often moves in so fast that I don’t see it coming.

When this happens the dogs cluster round my legs as if I can somehow protect them from the thunder and lightning, and it takes twice as long to get home. I have to physically push the dogs from behind while urging them to “go, go!” (the command they understand means they must hurry up). This works for a few feet before they stop again, glued to my legs in a mass.

Their trust in my apparent ability to keep them safe even from a lightning strike is touching, but it is so for every dog and their humans. We are their everything, from provider of food to walking companion and ear

scratcher, while they offer undying loyalty and devotion. No matter how badly treated a dog is, it will stay and accept its treatment, such is their nature.

This morning, just after being reminded that my dogs view me as their saviour and guardian, I received a request to take in a young, very friendly and loving mongrel in need of a home because the couple whose dog it was were moving to a new place that didn’t allow pets.

If Hong Kong Dog Rescue wouldn’t take her, they said, they “may need to have her

scaredy cats?

creature feature Little egret aka Egretta garzetta

put down”. In my wildest dreams, or perhaps I should call them nightmares, I can’t imagine contemplating taking such action with a dog that has shown nothing but affection and loyalty.

To abuse the trust of an animal that would almost certainly die for you, but would much rather live, is a terrible thing to do. There are rare times when re-homing a pet is unavoidable, but moving house isn’t one of them. And it’s certainly not a reason to take a dog’s life. Getting a dog is a serious commitment, particularly if you expect to move not only between houses but between countries, so please think carefully before doing it.

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

Found in: New Territories’ wetlands, including Wetland Park, Mai Po, Yim Tso Ha and A Chau.

Little egrets, also known as yellow-footed egrets, are medium-sized white herons.

They are common in Hong Kong, where they are year-round residents. The birds’ range is expanding and they are a frequent sight in freshwater marshes and intertidal mudflats in many countries. They prefer open areas and shallow water where they wade, snapping at prey: fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans.

These wading birds can reach 65cm long, with a wingspan of 106cm. Adults typically have black legs and yellow feet, and juveniles have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet; chicks are covered in white down. They lay oval, blue-green eggs.

During breeding season (mid-March

to August), adults develop long plumes on their heads and necks and black bills. They gather in egretries in the northwest New Territories, sometimes shared with other species, including the great egret and blackcapped night heron. Tolerant of disturbance, little egrets often form colonies in bushes on the edges of villages or near main roads.

Generally solitary and silent, they make occasional alarm calls and in breeding colonies adults make croaking and bubbling calls.

There’s a Little Egret Restaurant at the Lake Egret park in Tai Po Kau – although the birds are apparently a bit thin on the ground.

Steffi Yuen

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

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

56 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Aberdeen - Aberdeen Marina Club - Brain Child - Colour My World - Elite PT Studio - Flex Studio - GCX - Golden Goose Gourmet - MUM - One Island South - Park N Shop - Sift Patisserie - South Island School - 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.

Deep Water Bay

Stanley

- Biva - The Boathouse - Beach Club - 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 - Ricacorp Properties Cyberport Shouson Hill - Saigon in Stanley Big Wave Bay Aberdeen - Smuggler’s Inn Bel-Air Deep Water Bay - Spiaggia - Stan Cafe - Stanley Cave Repulse Bay Red Hill Ap Lei Chau Wong Chuk Hang - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe - Stanley Veterinary Centre The Manhattan - Starbucks Shek O Chung Hom Kok - Taste Supermarket - Vern’s Beach Bar

One Island South

Stanley

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 - Escapade Sports - ITS Educational Services - Seasons Fitness - Starlit Art Space

Tai Tam / Shek O

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

- 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

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

marketplace

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

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

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FILMMAKING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

www.juniorsnappers.com juniorsnappershk@gmail.com, tel: 9849 0050

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

marketplace

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.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

a taste

Home

Delivering the ‘Taste of Home’ right to your door!

You name it and we’ll import it!

Ouma Rusks, Mrs Balls Chutney, Peppermint Crisp, Rooibos Tea, Pronutro, Nik Naks and More!

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 59

marketplace

Advertise

here

and reach

+ 45,000 upscale readers 2776 2772 or email us ads@southside.hk Please call

60 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

marketplace

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 61

marketplace

GET LISTED call 2776 2772 email marketing@fastmedia.com.hk

62 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

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

TUITION & COURSES

classifieds

GUITAR LESSONS FOR ADULT IN STANLEY CHORUS offers guitar lessons in Stanley - for individual and group. Beginner to advanced.

Monday,Thursday and Friday morning.

Please call Patrick 67182585 or info@chorus.hk

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

LOCAL PROPERTY v

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Stroll to Sai Kung Town $ 90K Ref~SK123 Beautifully Renovated Family Home in an Attractive Sought after Development. 4 Bedrooms (2 en-suites), Fabulous Kitchen, Spa style Bathrooms, Large Terrace, Shared Pool, Covered Carpark.

27193977 | C-027656 www.thepropertyshop.com.hk

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COLONIAL 4 BEDS HOUSE HK$138,000 2637(S) 3680(G) + Big Terrace & Backyard.

Real Bargain 4 Beds House + Family Area Big Balcony for Bedrooms Nice Bath Kitchen Quiet Green Big Pool.

UNIQUE HOME LIMITED 2880 0709 | C-049605 WWW.UNIQUEHOME.COM.HK e

Executive Residence $180K / 73M Ref~CWB266 Designer Décor Renovation, 4 Double Beds, Very Spacious Living, Dining & Family Rms, Fabulous Master Bedroom, High Ceilings, Lovely Mountain Views, Private Pool, Double Garage, Fantastic Club House, Resident’s Shuttle Bus. 27193977 | C-027656 www.thepropertyshop.com.hk

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Water’s Edge $58K Ref~SK028 Nicely Renovated Detached House.

Quiet hidden location,10 mins from Sai Kung Town. Spacious separate Living & Dining Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, Floor to Ceiling Windows, Magnificent Sea Views. Large Private Terrace, 2 Carparks.

27193977 | C-027656 www.thepropertyshop.com.hk

LOWRISE + COMM GARDEN HK$79,500 2093(S) 2713(G) + Big Balcony. Massive 4 Beds Renovated Bath Western Kitchen Open Green Huge Storage Real Kids Paradise Not To Missed.

UNIQUE HOME LIMITED 2880 0709 | C-049605 WWW.UNIQUEHOME.COM.HK

OVERSEAS PROPERTY e

Employment / Recruitment Swimming Coach, Part-Time Hourly Stanford Swim School is looking for enthusiastic part-time swimming coaches to deliver Learn-to-swim classes to children.

If you hold a valid swimming coach certificate and have related experience, please come and join us! Candidates with less experience will be considered as coaching assistants.

Please email your resume to cs@stanfordswim.com.hk. See you soon!

Motors BMW 5 Active Hybrid for Sale Private sale at 688,000 only.

March 2013, 6000Km – Navi – Telephone, ++ Brown exterior and Leather – excellent condition Call 2318 888 during office hours

VW Golf 1.4L GT for Sale Owner leaving HK, quick sale at $158,000 2011, 20,888km, original VW Telephone, Navigation, rear view cam, body grey, brown Leather seats. call 9090 5173

SERVICES

Hua Hin Thailand Superb 4b/r House Rent and Sale 1-min to the beach, Shared Pool, Garden Onsite Thai Cafe.

Owner: Sue 9754 5967 | www.watura.com

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

NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades.

Plumbing, electrical and handyman services.

Call Charles 90851886 info@nationalharbour.com.hk www.nationalharbour.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63

business directory Events Shoppinghongkong presents: Summer Collections bazaar Wednesday June 4th at The American Club.

28 Tai Tam Road. 10am-10pm.

9326 3093 | info@shoppinghongkong.net www.shoppinghongkong.net Tap Dogs May 20-25, HKAPA www.htticketing.com 31 288 288

Sports & Fitness Aquatic Education (HK) Ltd 3698 0336 enqiries@aquaticeducation.com.hk www.aquaticeducation.com.hk Escapade Online www.escapade.com.hk Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk

Home & Interiors

Travel & Relocation

JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com

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

Opus Design Ltd 97337328 www.opusdesign.com.hk

Store Friendly 8202 0811 | store-friendly.com.hk

Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | www.rimbarhyme.com Sai Kung Homes www.saikunghomes.hk info@saikunghomes.hk 2719 4000

Motoring & Boating Heliservices 2802 0200 | chp@heliservices.com.hk www.heliservices.com

Wofu Deco 2768 8428 | info@wofudeco.com.hk www.wofudeco.com.hk Xava Interiors 852 2858 9866 info@xavainteriors.hk www.xavainteriors.hk

Education

ITS Education Asia

2116 3916 | es@tuition.com.hk www.itseducationasia.com

Real-Estate Hong Kong Parkview

Health & Beauty A Mother’s Touch www.amotherstouch.com.hk Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com.au Flex Studio 2813 2212 info@flexhk.com www. flexhk.com Hong Kong Adventist Hospital 3651 8669/2835 0555 www.hkah.org.hk Hypoxi www.hypoxi.com.hk Pure Swiss Limited 852 2358 3998 admin@e-pureswiss.com www.e-pureswiss.com Sabai Day Spa - Stanley 2104 0566 | sabaidayspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com

Home & Interiors

2812 3888 www.hongkongparkview.com The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 | arcade@cyberport.hk www.arcade.cyberport.hk

Jones Lang LaSalle 2846 5000 / www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk Savills 2842 4411 | www.search.savils.asia/hk

5160 1828 | enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk

Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten

Food & Beverage

9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com

South Stream Seafoods

Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com The Australian Shop info@theaustralianshop.hk 5509 7993

Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

The Butcher’s Club 2552 8281 steve@butchersclub.com.hk www.butchersclub.com.hk

Habitat Property 2869 9069 | www.habitat-property.co

HK Caffe www.hkcaffe.com

Hidestyle 2790 3801 | www.hkhiderigs.com

Life Solutions 2778 3282 | www.lifesolutions.com.hk

Home Styling 9673 9443 | Email@thehomestylist.org www.thehomestylist.org

The South African Shop info@thesouthafricanshop.com 94570639

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Mentorhood Learning Center

The Southside Kindergarten

2592 7527 | info@southside.edu.hk www.southside.edu.hk

Sylvan Learning Center

2873 0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com Bebegarten 3487 2255 www.bebegarten.com Berlitz Languages Limited 852 2826 9223 info@berlitz.com.hk www.berlitz.com.hk Canadian International School 852 2525 7088 www.cdnis.edu.hk

handy Education

Community Services

Services and Professionals

English for Asia 2392 2746 | bianca@englishforasia.com www.englishforasia.com

Annerley – Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals www.annerley.com.hk

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

ESF Educational Services Sports Programme 2711 1280 | Sports@esf.org.hk www.esf.org.hk

SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk

Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk

Eton House International Pre-School 64821729 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk Golden Path Education 2164 4888 www.goldenpatheducation.com The International Montessori School 2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk

Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

Pets & Vets

Mandarin tutor 9078 6978 | shellywong7@yahoo.com.hk

Homevet

9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk

MONTESSORI FOR CHILDREN 2813 9589 | hongkong@montessori.edu.sg www.montessori.edu.sg Nord Anglia International School 3107 8158 www.nais.hk

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com

PowerBrain Rx 2302 0180 | www.powerbrainrx.com

Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop 2813 7979 | retail@stanleyvetcentre.com

Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 | info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com Tutortime www.tutortime.com.hk UUIA. 5185 0885, 9189 9591 | iuuokok@gmail.com www.uuokok.com

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

Children’s Toys & Supplies

Woodland Pre-Schools 2803 1885 | 2551 7177 www.woodlandschools.com

apple & pie

Shop 206, One Island South 6/F Sogo Causeway Bay 3103 0853 | www.appleandpie.com

Bumps to Babes

Financial Services

2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com

Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd 2815 5828 | hongkong@infinitysolutions.com Ord Minnett 2912 8989 | bpatterson@ords.com.hk www.ords.com.hk

Parties & Entertainment Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel 2980 7788

Professional Wills 2561 9031 www.profwills.com Regus 3507 6150 www.regus.hk Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Ltd. 2199 7774 www.sunkoshigurkha.com Village Holdings Insurance www.villageholdingsinsurance.com

Extracurricular Colour My World

2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com

Brain Child 2528 6862 jimchoy@netvigator.com www.mysolarbot.com Faust International Ltd 2547 9114 | info@FaustWorld.com www.faustworld.com Junior Snappers 9849 0050 juniorsnappershk@gmail.com www.juniorsnappers.com Stanford Swim School 2267 8866 www.stanfordswim.com.hk

Tech Appnificent Eclipse www.apnificent.com

Services and Professionals

Hotels & Private Clubs Le Meridien Cyberport Club Horizon 2155 0489 | www.clubhorizon.com.hk

L Squared 5499 0261 | homesolutions@L2q.hk www.L2q.hk

Get listed Onsite Computer and Internet Services Co 23976418 | www.microtechhk.com enquiry@microtechhk.com

call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 65

my southside

once upon a time…

Paperback writer Southside fantasy author Lydia Carter shares her lightbulb moments.

How does living on Southside influence you?

Whenever I feel stressed and bogged down with the day-to-day, I take a walk. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are a daily inspiration to me as a writer and illustrator.

I love driving across Tai Tam Reservoir for that Lord of The Rings moment

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a child of the world. I was born in the US but relocated to England with my family at the age of 12. Work brought me to Hong Kong 11 years ago, where I met and married my lovely Aussie husband, Anthony. Five years on, our beautiful son Joshua was born in Hong Kong.

What kind of books do you write?

I am a writer, illustrator and designer. My young-adult fantasy novel, Kingdom of Lost Children: The Book of Ren, has just been released and is now in the Stanley Beachside Bookstore, plus Dymocks and Page One stores throughout Hong Kong.

What local issues are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about issues involving children.

I was fortunate to be a volunteer caregiver at the Mother’s Choice Wee Care division last year. What you give, you get back a thousand-fold in smiles. Ten per cent of the proceeds of my book will be donated to Mother’s Choice.

Favourite local places?

I love driving across Tai Tam Reservoir for that Lord of The Rings moment. Big Wave Bay and South Beach are favourite places to take my son for a dip in the ocean. I also enjoy browsing the books at Beachside Bookstore. It has a wonderful section for kids.

Favourite Southside restaurant?

In Stanley Plaza, we always go back to Classified. The slow-cooked Moroccan lamb is my favourite.

photo competiton Submit your shot We love receiving beautiful pictures of Southside from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Southside, along with a brief description, to photo@ fastmedia.com.hk.

This month’s winner: Colette Llewellyn.

“A view from our balcony in Pok Fu Lam. It was a close shave for the container ship, which was only stopped by the shallow waters at the shore next to the Sandy Bay/Stanley Ho sports fields.”

66 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

What do you do in your spare time?

Whenever I can, I love to travel. I’m fascinated by different cultures and am particularly drawn to countries with an ancient past – they never fail to capture my imagination.

Best way to enjoy the outdoors?

Take a moment to savour nature. Listen to the birds, the breeze through the trees, feel the grass beneath your feet, the sand between your toes and the warmth of the sun on your face.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Funnily enough, the worst piece of advice has always been the best driver for me: nice people never win. I love proving that wrong on a daily basis.

Any last words of wisdom?

Whatever your goals are in life, never stop learning, never listen to negativity and never give up. I often think of Thomas Edison’s response to a critical reporter: “I haven’t failed, just found 10,000 ways it won’t work.” Despite the criticism, mistakes and years of hard work, Edison went on to create the lightbulb and the first power grid. Every time he failed was a learning experience. He refused to listen to negativity. He never gave up. And look at what he achieved. What an awesome way to live.

For details of Kingdom of Lost Children: The Book of Ren, please visit www.kingdomoflostchildren.com.

shoot for it

Nord Anglia International School is delighted to welcome its first students this September.

We still have limited places, so please give us a call on 3107 8158 or visit www.nais.hk for details.