Expat Parent Magazine June 2015

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Hong Kong Edition www.expat-parent.com

HELLO, HARROW Sneak a peek at the elite British school

It’s Father’s Day Where to take dads for dinner

ZOUNDS! ZONGS!

Dragonboat dumplings galore

CUCKOO FOR CAKE

Meet the teenage Baking Maniac

Mum, I’m Bored Save your sanity with our summer camps guide

WIN!

A five-night detox retreat in Koh Samui

June 2015

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CONTENTS

Peekaboo!

8

What’s on

24

Dates for your diary.

12

News You read it here first.

16

Gifts for rad dads It’s Father’s Day on June 21 - pick him something nice.

Family matters 20

Cover by Kelvin Lau

Tiny treasures Meet the parents of preemies.

24

Really useful

Mum, I’m bored Banish the blahs with our summer camps guide.

60

We’re waving at you

Freshen up your deck with alfresco furniture.

School’s In 32

Cabana chameleon

64

Harrow International School

Money & me Joanna Hotung from Kids’ Gallery opens her wallet.

A peek behind the gates of this British import.

36

Regulars

Principal’s office We sit down with Harrow principal Mel Mrowiec.

4

Editor’s letter

Stuff to do

18

The Mummy

40

Yep, more school

66

Marketplace

Tutorial centres to keep up that learning over summer.

72

The Daddy

44

Crumbs We chat to a teenage baking entrepreneur.

46

16 Cover that dadbod

32

Big day out Chasing waterfalls in Tai Po.

50

Travel Hanoi in 48 hours.

60

Let’s eat 54

Zongs of praise A taste of traditional dragonboat dumplings.

56

Dinner a la dad Take Pops out for a Father’s Day feast.

Harrow, is it me you’re looking for?

Shop for outdoor furniture

54 Zing... zing a zong

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Edito

r’s p

ick

Editorial

editorial@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Adele Brunner Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer Contributing Editor Sarah Fung

I’ve lived in Hong Kong for 16 years and never visited Bride’s Pool. I’m inspired by this issue’s Big Day Out feature to go and experience some waterfall action.

Staff Writer Callum Wiggins Acting Digital Editor Annie Wong Contributor Shreena Patel Contributor Pauline Cheung

Design

design@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau Graphic Design Setareh Parvin

Sales & Marketing

ads@fastmedia.com.hk Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So

Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins

Sales Manager Oliver Simons

Sales & Marketing Executive Alastair Grigg

Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee

Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk

Office Security Cat the dog

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

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C

ompiling my latest in a long line of to-do lists and it is seemingly endless. This is partly because I still haven’t completed the tasks I ambitiously set myself in January and mostly because it’s June.

I used to think December was bad, but factor in the end of the school year, leaving and birthday parties for adults and children, presents for said parties, holiday preparations, and work to get done before going on holiday – on top of the usual activities, admin and commitments – and June is always atomically busy.

I’m not alone in this predicament. I’ve lost count of the number of friends with eye-wateringly busy schedules, who say they never have enough hours in the day to get on top of everything and who can’t believe the end of another school year is upon us.

And while we all seem to have more than enough on our plates, once school’s out for summer, the next big headache is finding things for our offspring to do. The team at Expat Parent has done the leg work to come up with a list of summer camps for kids sticking around in July and August. There’s more than enough activities here to keep your children gainfully occupied – and maybe free up some time for yourselves.

We’ve got some brilliant ideas for Father’s Day presents and we also feature a guide to buying outdoor furniture on the off chance that you’ll have the odd afternoon for lounging around alfresco. Plus, having passed our first birthday, we’ve taken early steps to redesigning the magazine’s content and layout, with a few new columns and a bit of a makeover.

Anyway, good luck with June, try to give yourself a wellearned break – and have a wonderful summer.

I’m loving the young wakeboarder on page 20. This is what a Hong Kong summer should be all about.

Contributors Simon Parry Carolynne Dear Deva Lee Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Fast Media Ltd LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

www.fastmedia .com . h k Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. 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. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Expatparenthk

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‘Youth Theatre at its very best!’

New Season

Now Taking Registrations!

Join us for our 17th Season from September 2015 with drama workshops for ages 3 to 18 at venues across Hong Kong & Kowloon New groups now available in Pok Fu Lam and Discovery Bay! Contact us at 2547 9114 or email info@FaustWorld.com

Summer Theatre & Creative Writing June 29th to August 28th in Sheung Wan & Kowloon

Summer Theatre

Week long drama workshops for ages 3 to 14 Learning about the wonderful world of theatre & developing drama skills

Creative Writing

Week long writing workshops for ages 6 to 13 Unlocking the creative potential of our young writers

“You have a wonderful programme that does a world of good for kids” - a Faust parent

Call 2547 9114 Email info@FaustWorld.com Visit www.FaustWorld.com 6 | expat-parent.com

FaustHongKong

5th Floor, Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan

PEEKABOO!

need this month. u yo f uf st d an s w ne s, te da l Essentia

Make a splash Summer’s well underway, which means you’ll be keeping your cool by taking the little ones to the pool or beach. Protect delicate skin from strong UV rays (and stay stylish) with cute swimsuits from French kids’ brand Elly La Fripouille. With full UV protection and soft, breathable fabric, your kids will be as comfortable on dry land as in the water. Prices range from $300 to $490.

Order online at www.elly-la-fripouille.com or check out the range at the Four Seasons Spa, Finance Street, Central.

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? n o s ’ t a h W

Public holida y alert

for June Our top picks

JUN 20 Dragon Boat Festival Races take place all over Hong Kong, including Stanley, Aberdeen, Cheung Chau, Sai Kung and Tai O, from 8am. Admire the paddlers, have a beer and learn something about Hong Kong culture. Details at Tourism Board’s Discover Hong Kong website, www.discoverhongkong.com.

snap!

Bend &

JUN 4 Tiananmen Square Anniversary Light a candle to commemorate the 1989 student movement. 8pm, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

JUN 5-7 The Wind in the Willows

JUN 4-7 Legally Blonde The Musical Face Productions brings the hilarious and fun-filled Broadway hit to Hong Kong. Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

Mole, Badger and Mr Toad come to life in a new production

by Britain’s Talking Scarlet theatre company. Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

Tickets $195-$435 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Don’t miss...

JUN 6 Summer Garage Sale

Shop for new and interesting items as well as pre-loved goodies at this popular secondhand sale. LG3 car park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.

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JUN 6-7 Italian Market

Celebrate Italian culture with food, wines, classic cars, music, dancing, fashion and more. The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam. Tickets free for Italian Chamber of Commerce members, $50 for non-members. 2521 8837, www.icc.org.hk.

JUN 7 Sai Kung Sunday Market

The monthly indoor farmers’ and craft market that champions all things local.

11am-5pm. Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, www.saikungmarkets.com.

Kid columnists

JUN 13-JUL 26 Disney’s Beauty and The Beast The tale as old as time comes to life on stage at the Venetian Theatre, The Venetian Macao.

Tickets $280-$788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

What are you getting daddy for Father’s Day? Violet, age 3 “I’m going to get him a big, big Elsa doll.

And I’m going to make him a card.”

Raymond, age 81/2 JUN 6 Cesar Millan Live – Love your Dogs Tour The international dog behaviour expert shares his techniques for establishing a balanced and happy relationship with dogs.

Macau, Cotai Arena, 7:30pm. Tickets $280-$880 from www.cotaiticketing.com, 6333 6660.

Don’t forget...

June 21 is Father’s Day

“I want to buy him a space robot, because my dad loves to talk about space and he always reads books about science. I’m going to make a Father’s Day card with a spaceman. And give him a big hug.”

Mia, age 4 “I want to buy Daddy a big toy – a robot with a remote control that can fly.”

Caleb, age 3

UNTIL JUN 21 The Sound of Music Sing along to this classic musical straight from the West End’s London Palladium theatre. Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Tickets $395-$3,488 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUN 14 David Guetta Listen Tour Hong Kong 2015 The superstar DJ and producer will be in Hong Kong for one night only. AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10.

Tickets $580-$880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

“I want to get him real aeroplanes and helicopters.”

UNTIL JUN 30 Le French May

Asia’s largest French arts festival lasts way longer than the month of May, with 120 events, including exhibitions, performances, film screenings and food festivals. 2111 5999, www.urbtix.hk.

Want to be a kid columnist?

Next month’s question: what are you going to do over the summer holidays? Email your answer to expat-parent.com editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

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w o n k o o B JUL 22 Blur Tour The legendary British rockers promote their newest album, The Magic Whip. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $480$1,080 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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Ditc h the

kids

AUG 23 Imagine Dragons Smoke & Mirrors Tour The Las Vegas rock band roars into Hong Kong. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau.

Tickets $480-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUL 15-21 Hong Kong Book Fair

AUG 15-16 Hi-5 House of Dreams

More than 300 cultural events promote reading – everything from adult fiction to children’s books. Details at www.hkbookfair.hktdc.com.

Join the Hi-5 gang for wild and wacky dream adventures. Shows at 11am, 2.30pm and 6pm.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $250-$688 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUL 23-26 Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure The animated film series is brought to life in a fun family musical. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau.

Tickets $380-$680 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

JUL 25 Life in Colour World’s Largest Paint Party 2015 Paint, dancing and EDM? It’s the coolest after-school disco in town. 5pm, AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $480-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

SEP 23 Robbie Williams Let Me Entertain You Tour Best-selling pop artist Robbie Williams returns.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $880-$1,480 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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NEWS Hong Kong schools raise money for Nepal After Nepal’s devastating earthquakes, local schools have rallied to raise much-needed funds for the stricken country.

Woodland Pre-schools went into overdrive to raise $241,028 in support of educational charity, First Steps Himalaya.

The group's deputy general manager, Michel Sealy, says: “This tragedy is just awful. We know the 22 villages where the schools are have suffered massive damage. I really believe in the work First Steps does in Nepal and I would like to call on other schools and organisations in Hong Kong to match our efforts to help First Steps Himalaya rebuild the classrooms and the shattered lives of these children and their families.”

Meanwhile, parents, staff and students at ICHK Hong Lok Yuen joined forces for a fundraising initiative that raised more than $100,000 in just one day. The money raised by the Tai Po school will also help teams on the ground in Nepal to rebuild schools.

June open days for EtonHouse Tai Po EtonHouse international kindergarten has announced dates for open days at its new Tai Po campus.

The new preschool is part of a Singaporean group that opened its first Hong Kong campus in Tai Tam last year. It is located on the picturesque waterfront of Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po, and opens in September.

Curious parents are invited to visit the school on June 13 and 27. Drop by between 9.30am and 4pm to explore the spacious classrooms, indoor play area (complete with treehouse), outdoor sandpit, art studio and sensory garden.

EtonHouse founder Mrs Ng Gim-choo says, “We are humbled by the positive response we have received from parents and hope to continue to strengthen EtonHouse in Hong Kong to ensure your children have a strong foundation in the early years and beyond.”

For details, visit www.etonhouse.com. hk or call 2353 5223.

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Lai Chi Kok amusement park may reopen in Central Rumours are flying that Lai Chi Kok family theme park is to reopen on the Central Harbourfront later this year, near the Observation Wheel. Once a favourite among Hongkongers, it struggled to compete against the new Ocean Park

and eventually closed in 1997. The amusement park was much-loved for its kitsch decor, old-school house of horrors, rollercoaster and ice rink, as well as (controversially) Tino the Asian elephant. Watch this space.

Louise Duncan leaves SKIP Principal of SKIP preschool, Louise Duncan, has announced that she is to step down from her role at the end of June. Principal of the Sai Kung preschool for eight years, Duncan plans to spend more time with her family and become more involved with charities such as Box of Hope. “I am going to miss the children, first and foremost, their families and my colleagues.

Leaving SKIP is a new page in my life and I would like to spend more time with my family in Hong Kong and in the UK,” she says.

wer ms ans u m g g Kon k, Hon We as

NEWS

What do your kids do when it's raining (and they're driving you mad)?

"Send them out in the rain to play. After all you’re only a kid for a short period of time."

Amy Rowe Coler "I live on Lamma so when my boys were little rain meant collecting buckets of snails and frogs!"

Jane Wilbor

Mayarya opens in TST Kowloon-side mummies rejoice. Bump-friendly boutique Mayarya has opened its third location in the Mira Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui. Fashion-forward mothersto-be need look no further than Mayarya’s curated selection of international brands and styles that accommodate growing bumps and breastfeeding mums. 1/F, Mira Mall, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

HK KIDZ opens in One Island South Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Hong Kong Institute of Languages has opened a new campus in One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang. Providing language classes for kids, including English, French, Mandarin and Cantonese classes among others, the HK KIDZ

centre provides young people with a state-of-the-art language-learning environment. Classes are available for learners of all ages and abilities throughout the year.

Details at www.hklanguages.com, 2877 6160.

Southside authors launch new books Two Southside residents are publishing their debut children’s books this month.

Paul Leese (left) releases Aliganda to the Rescue, which was inspired by stories he told his daughters. Join Aliganda, a witch like no other, on her adventures with black cat Cinders. The book is available from Swindon Books, Kelly & Walsh and branches of Bookazine.

And The Next-Time Kid Eats Noodles by Caroline Murphy will launch at Bookazine in Repulse Bay on June 6. For children aged three to six, the illustrated story teaches youngsters that it’s okay to fail as long as you try, try and try again.

"I drink wine. Or did you mean the kids? For the kids I pull out the mattress on the living room floor and let them attempt to do gymnastics. The wine helps me to cheer them on."

Jenifer Calvi Dubrowski "Wine definitely helps, and if you use it as part of a maths game, e.g. measuring and estimating, then that ticks that parenting box!"

Lj Ferrara "Our girls have singing lessons, so this is the perfect time for a mini concert at home."

Jenny Yen "Off to the pool – they will get wet anyway."

Anne Christina Ruby Juel "Strip the kids down, put them in the tub, and bring out the finger paint for 'messy paint art'. When they are finished, they get hosed down."

Megan Fatula-Chase "We get creative and look on Pinterest to see what we can make. My daughter made her own 'I’m bored' jar with lollipop sticks in it. On the sticks she wrote different things to do when you are bored."

Margot Looman "Have an indoor camp out in the living room with a tent made out of couch cushions, blankets and chairs. Complete it with movie and s’mores made in your oven or microwave."

Melanie Frazier Leung-Shea "No access to a garden so… picnic in the apartment. Open a big umbrella , lay out snacks on a mat and invite all the toys to the party."

Regan Tan "There is a lot of dancing and singing at our place when it’s raining. It drives me crazy but the little shows they put together are really fun, the older they get the better they seem to be."

Claudia Barattolo

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GIVEAWAYS

WIN!

The Palms Retreat Win a five-night stay and detox programme (worth US$1,375) at The Palms Retreat on Koh Samui, Thailand, and get a dose of healthy living. To celebrate its opening, the wellness resort is also offering a special 25 percent discount on accommodation throughout June, with a further 25 percent discount going to the second person if two people share a room. Prices start at US$249 a night, including a daily massage, soups, smoothies and fitness activities. (Note: the prize does not include airfares.)

Deadline: June 30

Innrstyl

Beauty Nest

Win a $1,000 cash coupon to spend on Innrstyl’s (www.innrstyl.com) clothes and accessories for men and women.

Fun, functional and fashionable, the brand is all about innovative, wearable designs that can be purchased at the click of a button.

Deadline: June 12

Up your glamour stakes at Beauty Nest (www.beautynest.com.hk), which offers blowdries, makeup services and nail and eyebrow treatments for girls about town. The Repulse Bay Arcade beauty bar is giving away a signature blowout treatment, with a choice of style, to 10 lucky readers (each worth $290).

Deadline: June 19

Jax Coco We’re giving away a 36-pack mixed-flavour box of Jax Coco Kidz coconut water.

It includes six-packs in all six flavours: original coconut, banana, chocolate, grape, calamansi and guyabano. Jax Coco Kidz (www.jaxcoco.com) is made with 100 percent pure coconut water with no artificial colours or flavourings. Each mixedflavour box of 36 retails at $318. Deadline: June 17

The Lobby at The Peninsula Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, dining in The Lobby at The Peninsula (hongkong.peninsula.com) is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. The hotel is giving away a set dinner for four (excluding wine) at The Lobby, valued at $1,606. Deadline: June 23 To enter, click the Giveaways tab on our website, www.expat-parent.com

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Registration No: 591840

Cherish the early years journey.

Be inspired.

Unit 301-305 Level 3, One Island South 2 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Our child-centered, emergent curriculum places children first. Every child is encouraged to develop their autonomy, build physical strength, confidence and social skills. Our great teachers inspire children from crawling in, to bounding out of our doors, ready for any formal or future schooling environment. It is in these critical early years when our children build a solid foundation for lifelong learning and plant the seeds to grow into any of the many possibilities their future may hold. Let all children have the best start possible at Bebegarten.

+852 3487 2255 www.bebegarten.com facebook.com/bebegarten

Education Centre

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STUFF Daily Reporter boxer shorts $130 from G.O.D, www.god.com.hk.

Chalford woven belt $310 from Jack Wills, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, www.jackwills.com.

Dad, you rock Bose QuietComfort 20/20i noise cancelling headphones $2,580 from Bose, Times Square, Causeway Bay, 2836 3181, www.bose.hk.

Show your old man how great he is with one of these awesome Father’s Day gifts.

I’m All That And Dim Sum T-shirt US$20 (plus US$12.95 shipping) by Bad Pickle Tees, www.badpickletees.com.

Electric wine opener $250 from Tang Tang Tang Tang, www.tangtangtangtang.com.

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Garmin swim watch $1,179 from Escapade Online, www.escapade.com.hk.

King prawn pocket square $294.50 from Louella OdiĂŠ, www.louellaodie.com.

Hong Kong flag cufflinks $330 from Tang Tang Tang Tang.

Pixie coffee machine $1,988 from Nespresso, www.nespresso.com/hk.

The Peninsula 70% Cuban chocolate cigar $215 from Give Gift Boutique, www.givegift.com.hk.

The Junk High Tide swimming trunks $1,400 from Mazu swimwear, www.mazuswimwear.com.

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COLUMN

Sarah Fung dresses like a mum.

W

hat do President Obama and mothers of small children have in common? No, it’s not a to-do list as long as your arm, and it’s not that they have to put up with irrational, red-faced people screaming, “I HATE YOU!” They’ve both perfected the art of utility dressing.

The POTUS is known for only wearing grey or dark blue suits in order to cut down on precious decision-making time, and mums are just the same.

The exact look differs for everyone, but just about all of us have landed on a zero-thought-required, functional parenting wardrobe that serves us well when looking after babies and young children.

The ideal ensemble, of course, would be something not dissimilar to a bird-watching outfit: cargo pants and a mesh vest, with multiple pockets for Cheerios and dummies, made in camouflage fabric so you can hide when your kid has a meltdown in a supermarket. But I’m pretty sure even the most practical among us couldn’t quite bring herself to go out in public dressed like that.

My own “mumdrobe” centres largely around Baby Pak Choi’s little face. Specifically the protection and ongoing comfort of said face.

Whenever I carry her she lies on my shirt, so I have to make sure nothing I wear is going to irritate her skin.

This means tops and T-shirts have to be made of breathable cotton, with no buttons, sequins, logos or embellishments. They also need to take being yanked and stretched without losing shape.

Jumpers have to be non-fluffy, and no hoodies please, on account of the zips. No sleeveless tops – if I’m wearing a baby carrier or a backpack

Yep, those “mum jeans” are starting to look appealing from where I’m standing

full of baby supplies, I need the fabric as a buffer. And if the colour doesn’t show up streaks of snot and biscuit crumbs, even better.

So far, so lame. But it gets worse. Shorts and trousers need to be sufficiently highwaisted and stretchy so I can bend over without exposing my rear-end to the world. They need to have pockets, and if not, I need to (oh, the shame) strap on my trusty bum bag so I have both hands free for baby maintenance.

Yep, those “mum jeans” are starting to look appealing from where I’m standing.

And to those stylish mums who say their kids don’t change the way they dress, I think you look fabulous… but sorry, I don’t buy it.

That long statement necklace? Surely at some point you’ve been nearly throttled by a toddler swinging off of it. And that chic summer gown? Ever walked downstairs in a maxi dress while holding a Maxi-Cosi? I tried it once and let’s just say I now wear roomy shorts and a bum bag for a reason.

Other fashionable items now off-limits to me: shiny lip gloss – I don’t need anything to add to the overall stickiness of my life right now. Jangly bracelets and statement rings? A disaster when trying to change a nappy. Designer sunglasses? Perfect, until your baby grabs them and snaps one of the arms off.

So what’s a mum to do? Well, taking a cue from President Obama, I’ve minimised my day-to-day wardrobe to include only cotton tees and stretchy bottoms in navy blue, grey and black. It’s liberating. I feel a bit like Steve Jobs in his black turtleneck and blue jeans, but instead of freeing up my time to invent the iPhone and change the course of handheld technology forever, I’m now free to defrost frozen cubes of pear puree and watch endless episodes of Baby Jake. Thanks, Obama, for the styling tips.

Writer and editor Sarah Fung is the first-time mum to a baby girl. She blogs about parenthood at babypakchoi.tumblr.com, twitter @sarahefung.

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MEET THE PARENTS

Small wonders Adele Brunner speaks to two families who have experienced very premature births.

Today Ashley and Andrea are happy and lively six-year-olds.

Olivia and Billy Chiu have twin six-year-old girls, Ashley and Andrea, who were born at 29 weeks.

When did you realise you might experience complications with your pregnancy?

I was told early on that I might have complications. I was expecting identical twins and there was a size difference between them, which pointed to something called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, where one twin receives more nutrients and blood flow from the shared placenta than the other. As the pregnancy progressed, I consulted a well-known private obstetrician, who told me the babies had died in the womb and I should have an operation to remove them as soon as possible. I was obviously very shocked and upset. I went back to my original doctor to ask about this operation and amazingly she told me the babies still had heartbeats. Their sizes and the amniotic fluid surrounding them weren’t ideal,

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however, and there was a high chance they would be born early.

What happened then?

She advised me to register and have ongoing prenatal checkups at the government-run Queen Mary Hospital rather than stick with the private system. Most private hospitals don’t

They looked normal, just very tiny, and I was thankful that they were alive. have the means to care for premature babies born at less than 34 weeks, especially if they have an extremely low birth weight. Queen Mary has a fantastic neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU). I was placed under the care of the high-risk team. I had twice weekly checkups and all the doctors were professors.

Tell us about your delivery.

At my final checkup, the doctors found there wasn’t enough amniotic fluid for the twins and they were struggling. I was given two steroid injections to try to accelerate their lung capacity and delivered the babies by Caesarean section at 29 weeks. Ashley, the younger twin, weighed 900g but her slightly older sister Andrea weighed only 500g. My husband wasn’t with me during the birth and I didn’t see my babies until the following day when they were in incubators in the NICU. I couldn’t see their faces due to all the ventilators, wires and tubes but I wasn’t that shocked. They looked normal, just very tiny, and I was thankful they were alive.

As a new parent, what did you do for them during those early days in the incubator?

I managed to express breast milk at home and I delivered it to the Queen Mary every day for seven-and-a-half months, which is how long Andrea stayed in the NICU. I felt it was the

MEET THE PARENTS only thing I could do for them so I didn’t give up. I also talked to them every day in the hope a familiar voice would soothe them and they would somehow know their mummy was with them. I also put an iPod of lullabies into each incubator, which the nursing team encouraged.

Did the twins experience any complications?

I was able to hold Ashley for the first time after one month and it was fantastic, although I still feel bad they missed out on being held from the day they were born. Around the same time, Andrea’s tummy started to bloat and blood was found in her stools. The doctor suspected a gut infection called Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC), which is common in preemies [premature babies] but can be fatal.

She had to have an operation, and although it was touch-and-go at one point, the procedure was successful. Her sugar levels were also much lower than Ashley’s, who came home after two-and-a-half months, so she ended up staying in hospital five months’ longer.

What are your memories from that time?

All I can remember from the first year is the constant feeding, made harder because they

both had reflux. I don’t consider myself as someone who overreacts to a situation, but we were constantly worried about their mental development – something we wouldn’t be able to tell until they were one or two years old.

How are the girls today?

The girls are now six years old and they are in primary one. They are still much smaller than their peers, but we treat them as normal children. We don’t label them or use their prematurity as an excuse to spoil them. We are certainly not over-protective parents and actually encourage them to be independent and try lots of different things. They’re quite adventurous. They enjoy skiing and swimming and love to eat.

Are there any resources out there for parents of preemies?

The doctors and nurses who cared for the twins have become friends and I’m now chairperson for Queen Mary’s Preemie Parents’ Support Group (PPSG). Anyone with a baby born less than 34 weeks at any hospital can join us. We meet once a month to share stories and offer support to parents who may be experiencing what a lot of us have been through.

Two tiny: the twins in the fraught first days.

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MEET THE PARENTS

After a tough start, George is now thriving.

Jennifer and Jeff Wilson are parents to George, who was born at 29 weeks and is now almost four, and Evelyn, six months.

How old was George when he was born and how much did he weigh?

George was born at the Queen Mary Hospital at 29 weeks, weighing 1.45kg. He stayed in the neo-natal intensive care unit for 52 days.

Was his premature birth a surprise?

I worried about many things during my pregnancy, but prematurity was not one of them as my family history pointed to big and overdue babies. I woke up that morning feeling something was “different”, but couldn’t explain it, so I went to work as usual. At around 10am, I started feeling some abdominal pain, which I chalked up to indigestion. A few hours later, I was lying on the floor in my office, thinking that might help the pain subside, until one of my colleagues came in and looked rather horrified.

When I called the doctor’s office, they didn’t think much of it and said to wait a few hours.

The pain continued to increase, though, so I went in. I was shocked when my doctor told me I had gone into labour and needed to go to the Queen Mary Hospital. My husband met me in the taxi queue and we headed to the hospital in silence, both terrified.

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Do you know what caused it?

No, it’s not clear. I had some bleeding during my first trimester that was untreated except for a bit of bed rest, and the doctor I saw for my second baby thinks it may have been a low-grade infection that destabilised the pregnancy.

How did you feel when you first saw George in the NICU hooked up to machines?

At first, I felt joyful, as I hadn’t seen him when I gave birth to him and about eight hours elapsed before I did. He was immediately taken by the team of neonatologists at birth so that they could evaluate him, put him onto the CPAP ventilator and various other machines.

The joy was pretty quickly followed by a potent combination of helplessness and fear. I just wanted to do something and felt so guilty that he wasn’t still where he was supposed to be – inside my womb. The guilt was not warranted, but it seems to be a common emotion among preemie mothers that we all have to process.

Did he suffer any complications?

He mostly had normal complications for a preemie, such as some brain bleeding at birth, then feeding, digestion and breathing issues such as apnoea. It wasn’t until later that we

realised he was a relatively healthy preemie.

The biggest complication was his need for a blood transfusion at about week three. That was a low point for me and I felt he might face a lifetime of challenges. Thankfully, the blood transfusion improved his overall condition and allowed him to start putting on weight more rapidly. We are extremely blessed that that was the low point.

Did you find it difficult to bond with George?

George was my first baby, so this was my first experience of motherhood and I made the best of it. I found ways to bond early on.

He was able to hold my finger when he was two or three days old and I was also able to touch his body gently in the incubator for a few minutes every day. Once he came home, he spent a great deal of time on me in a SleepyWrap. I never wanted to put him down.

How did you adapt to having a baby in intensive care? What helped you cope?

Several things helped us cope.

1. My parents flew in from the United States within a week of George being born. They were an incredible support to me.

2. Our friends, both local and in the US, checked on us regularly, took calls at odd hours and brought us food.

MEET THE PARENTS 3.

4.

5.

Creating a daily journal where I wrote to George about how he was doing.

Going to the PPSG support group at the hospital.

Kind doctors and nurses who understood how we were feeling and knew the right amount of information to offer.

How did you find the care at the Queen Mary Hospital?

Very professional. At first, I was upset that I could only visit from 3pm-8pm, but I grew to understand it was probably best for the parents and the children. Resting at home also allowed some space and perspective.

What was George’s first year like?

George was small for what felt like a long time but he then turned into a very chubby baby. He didn’t have any particular issues… he just needed to grow. He was very physically determined but none of those things came easy for him. That said, he always passed his physical therapy tests for his corrected age.

(Queen Mary does rigorous follow-ups with the doctors and specialists.)

What was your first year like?

We were overjoyed to have George home, but we worried a fair amount. Having him start life as a medical case definitely affected our parenting. We probably tend toward the protective anyway, but it was exacerbated by what happened in his early months. I’m still learning to let go a bit and having our second child has helped that process.

I worried about many things during my pregnancy, but prematurity was not one of them

Has he suffered any delays or problems as a result of being premature?

It felt like his developmental milestones during the first year took so long to happen, but looking back, he was spot on for his “corrected age”. Luckily, he has not had any

major health issues. His hips are a bit stiff, which makes his running less fluid than normal and causes him to be a bit clumsy, but an untrained eye wouldn’t notice. I know from reading and from other preemie parents that issues sometimes show up when they are school-age, but let’s see.

Any tips or advice for parents with a newborn preemie?

Ask for support from family and friends, as well as others who have been through it.

Call the PPSG at the Queen Mary, go to meetings and even get matched up with another parent who has been through it. It helps to communicate and hear success stories. Also, realise that a NICU journey is a series of “two steps forward, one step back”, so try not to get too discouraged with setbacks. And be wary of spending too much time on the internet. I decided early on to only read books and not forums – I think it was a good decision.

Contact the PPSG on preemies_hk@yahoo. com.hk or www.facebook.com/PPSGHK.

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FEATURE

We have sticky season covered, with camps and activities for busy kids.

By Callum Wiggins.

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Hang ten at Treasure Island (top row) and get Wet & Wild in Sai Kung with Blue Sky (bottom row).

For most international-school kids, the summer holidays start this month. And if you’re staying in Hong Kong, this can mean bored kids demanding you keep them entertained throughout the long (long, long) summer. To help you out, we’ve found some of the coolest camps and courses to keep children and teens happy.

Wetter is better There’s no better way to spend a hot Hong Kong summer than in the water.

Learn to swim Swimmers of all levels are catered for at Harry Wright’s summer swimming classes. Weekly camps will be held from June 29 to August 14 at locations including West Island School, Club Sienna in Discovery Bay, the SCAA and Aberdeen Marina Club. Sessions cost from $690 for three days. Details at 2575 6279, www.harrywright.com.hk.

Come sail away Week-long sailing camps run at Aberdeen Boat Club throughout June and July, with a choice of morning, afternoon or full-day sessions. Children must be aged seven or up and have “water confidence” to participate in Optimist dinghy courses. The course is open to members and non-members alike.

Book by June 19 for June courses, or July 3 for July courses. Details at 2552 8182, www.abclubhk.com.

Surf’s up With Surf Hong Kong, children can learn to ride the waves at Tai Long Sai Wan in Sai Kung Country Park, one of Hong Kong’s most stunning beaches and boasting the territory’s best breaks. Kids stay overnight at the beach on the threeday, two-night camps which run throughout the summer for children aged eight-17 years. Pick up and drop off in Sai Kung or Central.

From $2,700. Details at www.surfhongkong.com.

Island life Catch the waves on Lantau with Treasure Island Surf Camps, held at Pui O beach from June 22 to August 14. Beginners aged five to nine join the Grommets classes, which include surfing, beach games and ocean education. Surfers Intermediate is for nine- to 15-year-olds and is ideal for returning surfers to hone their skills. Alternatively, Adventure Camp combines kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and camping for one night under the stars. Surfers meet at Central pier in the mornings and drop off at the same point in the afternoons. Details at 2984 8711, www.treasureislandhk.com.

Water palaver Blue Sky Water Sports Club’s Wet & Wild camp is five days of soaking wet fun. Each day consists of a different water sport, such as stand-up paddling, dragon boat racing, snorkeling, kayaking and wakeboarding.

Activities run from 10am4pm in the beautiful waters around Sai Kung. For details, visit www.bluesky-sc.com or call 2719 9682.

Hebe jeebies Cool off at Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s popular week-long summer courses in July and August. Its adventure watersports weeks include sailing, raft building, mini Olympics, dragon boating and beach barbecues. Older kids and more serious sailors can take part in HKSF certificates, Optimist and racetraining courses. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2719 0926, www.hhyc.hk.

FEATURE Work up a sweat Put down the iPad, get off the couch and burn off some energy at sports camps.

School sports day ESF Educational Services runs summer multi-sport camps at campuses across Hong Kong, including the Australian International School, Renaissance College, Hong Kong Academy, Kowloon Junior School and South Island School.

Sports camps are open to ESF and non-ESF students alike. Specialist football clinics will held at King George V School and weeklong swimming clinics at Discovery College, Renaissance College, Sha Tin College and South Island School. Details at www.esf.org.hk or email sportscamps@esf.org.hk.

Pick your own adventure Kids can design their own summer camps at Kiddynastix. Pick and choose each week from five courses, including Zumba, arts and crafts, mini football, Cantonese and English gym.

Sessions are aimed at children aged one to 12 years old and run from June 29 to August 21.

Details at www.kiddynastix.com, 9741 2285.

Bee cool Using fun themes and lots of imagination and energy, RugBees will have little ones running around tackling each other in no time. From July 6 to August 15, kids can sign up for a minimum of six sessions at locations across Hong Kong. Get a group of five or more

friends together and RugBees will hold private sessions at convenient locations. Details at www.rugbees.hk, 2117 3055.

A sporting chance Kids aged three to 12 can develop their skills at Sports4Kids’ multisports camps with activities such as basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, gymnastics and volleyball. Locations include Hong Kong Parkview, Aberdeen Marina Club and Happy Valley. Details at www.sport4kids.com, 2773 1650.

The Eden project Environmental group Ark Eden is running Eco Adventure camps on Lantau Island every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from June 29 to August 14. Kids can go wild and get back to nature with activities including tree planting, organic farming, habitat exploration, composting, eco art and jungle trekking. From $650 including an organic vegetarian lunch.

Contact jasmine@arkedononlantau.com.

Left and top: future rugby stars learn their drills at RugBees. Above: ESF sports camps are open to all.

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FEATURE

Tried-and-tested responses to “Mum, I’m bored” “Awesome! Why don’t you go through your toys and choose some to throw out?”

“How about a game of Sleeping Lions?”

“Bet you can’t count this enormous jar of loose change.”

“Come here and help mummy fill out this tax return.”

“Here, have an iPad. “

Tread the boards at Faust International’s summer drama camps.

Class acts Boost kids’ confidence with a performingarts course.

Harder, better, Fauster Take to the stage with Faust International Youth Theatre’s summer drama and creative writing courses. At week-long drama workshops, kids aged three to 14 learn about the theatre and develop drama skills. Choose from either full- or half-day workshops from June 29 until August 28. Details at www.faustworld.com, 2547 9114.

Lights, camera, action The International Academy of Film and Television Hong Kong (IAFT) is running summer filmmaking and acting workshops for students aged 13 to 17 years. Whether they are keen to act in front of the camera or behind the scenes, the groups will work collaboratively over six days to produce a short film from an original script. Details at 5808 3445 or email admissions@iaft.com.

Sing out loud Little songbirds can twitter to their hearts’ content this summer with classes for kids of all ages and singing ability run by Katterwall.

Song Birds sessions run in the mornings and afternoons and are split into different age groups. Session themes include Disney music, Mary Poppins and Summer Fun. Everyone will take part in a mini-showcase at the end of each week for families and friends to watch.

Prices start from $1,400 for the three-day

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course. Musical Teens for children aged 10-18 will introduce composers who have influenced the world of musicals including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sondheim and Schwarz & Menken.

Prices start at $3,240 a week. Details at www.katterwall.com, 2575 3931.

Rock out Founded by award-winning musicians and professional educators, Miles International Academy’s Music Academy promotes early learning and development through an unusual performance-based curriculum. Now located at Miles International Academy at The Pulse in Repulse Bay, its 2015 Beachside Summer Camp runs from July 6 to August 14 and offers kids aged nine months to six years an educational summer by the beach. Classes start from $200 and include music & movement, musical instruments, drama and creative art.

Details at 3586 3070 or email info@milesinternational.com.hk.

Spoiled for choice Kids’ Gallery has more than 50 workshops and camps available this year, including arts and crafts, magic classes, soap making and graphic design as well as a comprehensive collection of performing arts courses including hip-hop, tap, ballet and musical theatre. Activities run throughout July and August. Details at www.kidsgallery.com, 2501 4842.

Clowning around The amazing Rumple & Friends will provide a

full roster of summer activities to keep little ones entertained. Activities include a circus school, drama and musical theatre classes, and a brand new puppetry course. All courses will have live performances at the end for kids to showcase their new skills. Courses start from $2,500. Contact info@rumpleandfriends. com to book your place.

Just peachy Starlit Voice’s summer workshop will be based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, James and the Giant Peach. Learn all about the theatre and how to put on a production with fully trained and experienced drama teachers and directors. The curtains will raise every Friday for young actors to give a short presentation to friends and family. Details at www.starlitvoice.com, 2108 2182.

So you think you can dance?

Red Shoe Dance Company’s Summer Dance 2015 programme runs from June 29 to July 3 and introduces students to a range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop and AcroDance.

Students will dance for two hours every day over five days. There are morning sessions for beginners and afternoon sessions for intermediate and advanced levels. Hip-hop specialists can bust a move at a five-day camp that includes breakdancing, popping and locking, house and jazz funk. Prices start from $2,500. For details, visit www.redshoedance.com.

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FEATURE Crafty kids Make something worthy of your fridge door at these creative camps.

So colourful Week-long theatre and art workshops for four- to 18-year-olds will run all summer at Colour My World. Artists can create visual masterpieces using painting, photography, drawing or sculpture while thespians can hone their skills at “Theatre in Practice” workshops.

Programmes run from June 15 to August 28, and cost from $1,500 a week. Details at www.colour-my-world.com, 2580 5028.

Pick Picasso Camps and workshops at Little Picasso vary from two days to two months and are suitable for anyone from the age of three up to teens.

Parents can tailor camp dates to suit the family’s schedule. This year’s theme will be nature and children will use a range of art techniques to create their own pieces which they can take home. Materials, smocks and refreshments are all provided. 21/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3521 1046, www.littlepicasso.hk.

Top and above right: little surrealists at Little Picasso. Above left: drum jam at Miles International.

English and Mandarin will spark interest in curious minds about the place in which they live. Science, music and arts will keep little ones engaged and learning from July 6-31. Redhill Plaza, Tai Tam, 2353 5223.

Hop to it at Woodland Pre-schools

Little distractions

Summer fun for kindie kids.

Anfield Creative Mandarin summer programmes at Anfield’s language centre teach through play, music, arts and crafts. Sessions are split into two groups running from June 26 to July 17 or July 20 to August 7. For details, visit www.anfield.edu.hk or call 2794 3668.

EtonHouse Nature-themed bilingual programmes in

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PlayTent There’s lots of crazy fun at PlayTent. Its two-hour morning and afternoon sessions include messy play, cooking, singing, dancing, and maths and literacy games.

Morning sessions will be held in English and afternoon sessions in Mandarin. For children aged three to seven years. 18 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2276 0488.

Safari Kid Travel around the world on a Safari Kid summer camp. Action-packed days feature activities such as football, music and movement, science, robotics, arts and crafts, Mandarin and much more.

For kids from six months to seven years.

The adventures run from July 6 to August 14. L101 Chi Fu Landmark, Pok Fu Lam, 2177 0001.

SKIP There will be lots of messy and water play, arts and crafts, circle time and singing and dancing at “Paint & Play” classes for preschoolers held every weekday morning from July 20 to August 14. Designed for children aged one to five, sessions cost $150 each and tickets need to be purchased in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult at each class.

159 Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7354, www.skip.edu.hk.

Woodland Pre-schools Woodlands Pre-schools across Hong Kong will be throwing open their doors for a summer fun programme. Starting from July 6, each week will have a different theme such as robots and toys, time travel and a journey through the Milky Way. Camps run for seven weeks for children aged six months to seven years. There is also a programme entirely in Mandarin.

Details at www.woodlandschools.com, 2559 4855.

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A rounded education includes academics, sport and the performing arts.

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OPEN DAY

Harrow International School One of Britain’s most renowned public schools, Harrow opened a Hong Kong campus in 2012. Adele Brunner takes a look behind the famous name

Steeped in four centuries of tradition, the original Harrow School in London, England, has been a household name virtually since its foundation under Elizabeth I. So when news broke that a purpose-built sister school would be opening in Hong Kong in September 2012, the territory buzzed with anticipation.

Fast-forward three years and while the dust around Harrow International Hong Kong has settled, it still retains an aura of being the new kid on the block.

“We are a new school but we have the feel of something far more established because we have a 400-year history to draw on,” explains headmaster Mel Mrowiec, who came directly from Harrow School in England, where he had been head of geography and the school’s first ever deputy headmaster.

“We’ve tried to build on the ‘Harrow-ness’ that underpins the school and balance those traditions and philosophy with the nature of Hong Kong and being an international entity.”

Situated on the Gold Coast, near Tuen Mun, the imposing, semicircular white stucco building is based on the architecture of the Royal Crescent in Bath, England, and is a contrast to the modern high-rises in the neighbourhood. All traditional-style vaulted

ceilings and columns on the outside and stateof-the art facilities within, Harrow Hong Kong is set in 3.6 hectares of grounds, including a full-sized Astroturf pitch, swimming pool and sports centre. The school currently has 1,030 pupils, ranging from fledgling K1s to mature year 13s on the cusp of flying the nest, but with more construction – and consequently more facilities – on the horizon, full capacity has yet to be decided.

The school aims to make sure students leave with the motivation and skills to become effective leaders Before the school opened, it was rumoured that the majority of students would come from the mainland. While Harrow embraces all nationalities, mainland Chinese children are only accepted if their parents have invested in Hong Kong and the school has capped the number of Hong Kong passport holders at 50 per cent of the student body.

The school is divided into the Lower School (early years K1 and K2 and pre-prep

years one to five) and Upper School, which includes the preparatory school (years six to eight), senior school (years nine to 11) and sixth form (years 12-13). It follows the British National Curriculum leading to external exams in the final years; IGCSEs in year 11 and A-Levels in year 13. However, Mrowiec believes Harrow’s style of teaching sets it apart from the rest.

Owing to its boarding-school ethos, the school day is long and even day pupils don’t finish until 5pm because extra-curricular activities are integrated into the timetable.

Students can take part their chosen sports for up to five hours a week, plus an extra hourlong session after school.

“This is a big site for Hong Kong, but it’s still not big enough for the very traditional games afternoon where everybody does sport, so we need to stagger it,” Mrowiec says.

“We believe the skills from doing sport, music, art, drama and so on complement and enhance what goes on in the classroom.”

Harrow, he continues, is not all about academics.

With the vision statement “leadership for a

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OPEN DAY better world”, the school aims to make sure students leave with the motivation and skills to become effective leaders, defined as making a positive difference to the lives of others.

He also wants to empower students with the skills, confidence and self-esteem to make informed decisions on their own.

Children get the intensity of the boarding experience but also have weekends for family time “Too many schools are focused solely on the achievement of high public examination results,” Mrowiec says. “Students can look well qualified on paper, but when you meet them in an interview you get turned off straight away because they haven’t got any personality. Ultimately, if you want to get into one of the elite universities, you have to convince a tutor sitting on the other side of the interview table that you’re interesting and engaging, that you can be inspiring. We genuinely inspire children to want to learn.”

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Another fascinating aspect of Harrow is its optional boarding, which starts in year six. Just over half of all students currently board and although there are some full boarders, who remain at school at weekends, most board weekly.

“Weekly boarding suits Hong Kong because families get the best of both worlds, particularly when both parents work full time,” Mrowiec says. “Children get the intensity of the boarding experience but also have weekends for family time.”

Like many other schools, every pupil is assigned to a house for competition and activities, but at Harrow this extends to living arrangements. There are four boys’ and three girls’ houses. Up to three younger pupils share a room while older children have the luxury of their own space, often with an ensuite bathroom. Children share with others in their year group, changing rooms and roommates every half term to promote communication and the experience of learning to get on with all kinds of characters.

While the school is co-ed, the accommodation is strictly single sex with each house presided over by a house master or

Boarding ain’t boring here!

OPEN DAY mistress, who has rooms off the recreation room, a comfy space with sofas, a pantry and A/V equipment.

Each boys’ house is twinned with a girls’ house and there are shared recreation rooms as well as mixed classes and activities. Day pupils each have a locker and everyone begins the day in their house for “call over” at which notices are read out. Lunch is the big meal of the day, with the whole house sitting down together, and emphasis is placed on manners and the art of conversation. Dinner often sees staggered groups owing to all the activities going on.

Head boy, Akshay Gaur, and head girl, Samantha Li – about to head off to university to study medicine and law respectively – are enthusiastic about the house system.

“Your house is like your family while you’re at school. It’s a pretty nice place to live and the food is a good standard, with lots of choice,” they say. “We get so wrapped up in school life, we sometimes forget about the real world.”

38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, 2824 9099, www.harrowschool.hk.

Facilities at Harrow include a pool and gym.

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PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

Mel Mrowiec Principal of Harrow International School extended project qualifications and because of the nature of our wider curricula, you’ve effectively got IB – just the Harrow version of it.

Any tips for de-stressing?

Personally, I like to keep very fit and active and I think that helps. You need an alternative focus and it has always been sport for me in all sorts of ways. Sport has always been a fundamental part of my life. I used to play a lot of football and cricket to a fairly high level. As I got older, my cricket turned to golf, and football turned to running. If I could play golf every day, I would be extremely happy.

Instead, I hit the gym pretty hard. I try to go every day if I can.

What has been the most memorable event of your career so far?

I would look upon it as an evolution rather than a particular event. I was Harrow’s [the original public school in North London] first ever deputy headmaster, which was important for me and for the school. The way the team here engaged with the challenge of setting up the school is probably at the top. Hong Kong is a very demanding environment. The expectations of this particular school were sky high even before it opened. To be able to pull all that off is pretty special.

What do you enjoy most about being principal?

I would say it is building relationships. That’s what the core of my role is. It’s about how you engage all the stakeholders, by which I mean the students and parents who “buy into” the school and its ethos. It’s all about that interaction.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given by a teacher?

Focus on one thing at a time. The very best teachers and students tend to be perfectionists but you have to find a way to

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manage that perfectionism. If you focus on one thing at a time, you will achieve what you have to do and won’t confuse lots of things in doing so. Many people who get “stressed” get that way because they’re trying to do too many things at once and they never actually focus on getting one thing done properly.

What quality do you most value in people?

It has got to be honesty and integrity and what I call constancy. I think it’s very difficult to live and work with people if you don’t know where you stand. These attributes all lead to the ability to inspire. When I meet people, I want to be inspired by what they do.

A-Levels or IB? I’ve never had a hang up about either one.

Some people seem to think that if you’re an IB school, it means you’re automatically a good school. We marginally favour A-Levels because of the ability to choose a number of subjects that you’re genuinely interested in.

It is our experience at Harrow that when you cut down to three or four specialist subjects that you’ve chosen because you’re good at them and enjoy them, you become more motivated. We do our own critical thinking and

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I’m quite sad because I decided early on I wanted to be a teacher. I was into languages for a long time but in my final years at school, I was inspired to do geography and that’s what I did at Oxford University. I did my PGCE teacher training course as a post-grad and worked in two big comprehensives in Britain before joining Harrow [UK].

Many people who get “stressed” get that way because they’re trying to do too many things at once What talent would you most like to have?

The ability to sing. It’s a standing joke in our family. I’ve got four daughters and they all think it’s hilarious that I can’t sing.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

This job is seven days a week – I work and live here full time – so I can’t say I really know Hong Kong. I think the diversity is great and I enjoy working with local people; they are the people I work closest with. I’m amazed at their dedication and their desire to do their jobs really well to make this an amazing school.

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sore s po n

d co l

umn

Teaching the whole child ITS Education Services explores how schools ensure holistic education is more than jargon.

The phrase “teaching the whole child” – along with “holistic approach” – has become overused in the education sector. One has to question what these terms mean. It goes without saying that schools should deliver a broad and engaging curriculum that encompasses the full spectrum of academic work, sport, art, music, drama and social skills.

We don’t need a special phrase.

Actions speak louder than words The concept starts with valuing primary-school education for its own sake, instead of merely as a stepping stone to senior school. Primary schools are responsible for the formative years of a child’s education. They lay the foundation for future academic success and ensure children acquire the knowledge and skills to develop a life-long love of learning.

It is also important to teach children essential social skills so they learn how to

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treat people with kindness, respect and consideration. It is important to help them develop good manners and the ability to behave properly in a variety of scenarios.

full programme of extracurricular activities to develop risk-taking, independence, courage and spirit of adventure, then your child is on the track of learning in a complete way.

Choosing a school Instead of latching on to pointless phrases, we should be focusing on what really works; a broad, integrated, balanced curriculum with equal emphasis on all subjects.

It is advisable to consider schools that prepare children for the 21st century with traits such as resilience, the ability to think laterally and independently, to question everything and seek answers. If a school follows a programme of summative assessment that doesn’t allow children the freedom to explore, take risks and make mistakes, how can you expect a teacher to shape a child into a well-rounded individual who is prepared for the challenges of life?

If you choose a school which includes a

Considerations Examine a school’s curriculum for inbuilt creativity. Does it support children in becoming confident and articulate? Does it allow an exam system to dictate teaching methods or does it have a broad and engaging curriculum that naturally prepares children for exams?

ITS Educational Services offers numerous services to families who are looking for entrance to international schools. These range from school advice, school assessment preparation, intensive English courses for entry into mainstream schools and consultancy support for entrance to universities. For details, email anne.m@itseducation.asia.

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AFTER SCHOOL

School’s (not) out If your little underachiever needs to play catch-up, try an academic summer camp. By Pauline Cheung

caption caption

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AFTER SCHOOL

Do some homework over the summer and be top of the class at the start of the new school year.

Berlitz

ESF Language and Learning

A budding linguist in the family? Berlitz Language Centre is running two-week summer camps in various languages from June 23 to August 21. The courses comprise 12 hours tuition and cost from $4,960. Enroll

by June 19 for a 20 per cent discount. 8/F Harcourt House, Gloucester Road, Central, 2157 2211, www.berlitz.com.hk.

Language and learning classes are held at various school campuses. As well as Mandarin and Spanish courses, ESF

Capstone Capstone mainly focuses on entrance for elite US and British universities, with intensive summer courses in Academic writing, competitive debate, early test preparation and writing, discussion and thinking.

Challenging and fun, the courses are designed to help students grow as thinkers and leaders.

5/F, 8 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, 2893 6060, www.capstoneprep.com

The Edge encourages active participation, rather than a “chalk and talk� approach

also runs a playgroup and K1 preparation sessions. Details at www.esf.org.hk.

IMS Summer Fun Program Courses explore different weekly themes such as Wonders of the World and Animal Kingdom while teaching Mandarin, English, mathematics and sports. Two-week courses run from June 29 to August 21 and children can enroll for half- or full-day sessions.

International Montessori School, 62 Tin Hau Temple Road, 2566 7196, www.ims.edu.hk.

ITS Educational Services Educational Services offers enrichment courses for kindergarten, primary- and secondary-school children that focus on writing, art, drama, science and cookery. It

Summer brings a series of courses by ITS, including one that explores Hong Kong during World War II with visits to Wong Nai Chong Gap Trail and the Museum of Coastal Defence. There are intensive writing courses for children in years three to six, plus courses

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AFTER SCHOOL

in creative writing, living in Hong Kong, learning English through football, and entrance exam preparation. ITS Tutorial School, 5/F, Cameron Plaza, 23-25A Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2116 3916, www.itseducation.asia.

PowerBrain Keep those neurons firing over summer with PowerBrain’s Brain Fitness boosters consisting of one-on-one exercises to increase attention and concentration, shortand long-term memory, decision-making and organisational skills to improve cognitive skills. 5/F, 192-194 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2302 0180, www.powerbrainrx.com.

The Edge The Edge offers tutoring and exam preparation for children in years 10-13, and encourages active participation from students rather than a “chalk and talk” approach. It runs SAT boot camps, English-language and Brush up on everything from A to Z at tuition centres across Hong Kong.

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AFTER SCHOOL academic-writing courses, and over summer it is offering intensive courses for test preparation, academic tutoring and language development at its centres in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. 2/F The Zoroastrian Centre, Leighton Road, Cauiseway Bay, 2972 2555; 2/F Kelly Commercial Centre, 570-572 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, 2783 7100, www.theedge.com.hk.

Sylvan Learning Center Fun, interactive summer STEM camps keep children’s minds engaged during the long, brain-sapping holidays through activities such as building robots or designing video games. Academic summer camps are also available, including maths camps with fun puzzles and brain teasers and creative-writing camps.

2/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 2873 0662, www.sylvanlearning.com.

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ME & MY HOBBY

It’s a cake walk Ankrish Gidwani, 18, is the Baking Maniac with his own custom-order cake company.

I started baking as soon as I could hold a mixer and would bake for my family every Friday after school. I was 12 when I got my first order for a Christmas party.

By age 13, Fridays weren’t enough. I was desperate to learn more about baking and pastries so I sent emails to five-star hotels across Hong Kong asking if I could intern with their pastry chefs. They all said no, but I decided to keep baking and blogging anyway.

Before I knew it orders were flooding in and Baking Maniac had turned from hobby into a business.

The hardest orders are usually the most rewarding. We just baked 1,400 cookies for Nespresso, but our toughest order so far would have to be an eight-tier cake we made for a Discovery Channel event. I hand-piped all the tiers myself with 32 different shades of frosting, but the hardest part was making sure it got to the event in one piece.

When it comes to balancing my social life, studies and baking, let’s just say I sleep very little. It’s normal for us to work until 4am and wake up for school at 6am. There have been lots of times when I’ve missed a party or a school event because of orders, and vice versa.

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Whether or not I should go to university was a subject of intense debate in my family. I didn’t want to go. I felt I could achieve much more by concentrating on Baking Maniac full time. In the end I decided to stay in Hong Kong and try to do both. I am currently studying for a BBA in Hotel Management at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

I was 12 when I got my first order for a Christmas party There is no secret to being a good baker.

You just need passion, a love of desserts and lots and lots of practice. When I look back at what I used to bake, I can’t believe how bad my first attempt at a tiered cake was. It looked like a dump.

Sometimes the best creations are accidental. I was once making cake pops but I hadn’t planned how to decorate them. Once I had dipped them in the chocolate, I only had a few seconds to decorate before they set. The only thing I could find was a Skittles packet, so I quickly put Skittles on top. That’s now our most popular cake pop.

A passion for baking runs in my family. I learned from my mum, who learned from hers.

Mum and I definitely have our “debates” in the kitchen, but we have a lot of fun together too.

Other people who inspire me are businessmen Bruce Rockowitz, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss.

Starting my business as a teenager helped me to keep up with the latest trends and be creative. I felt free to take risks without having to worry about the usual concerns when starting a new business. On the flip-side, I also had to give up a lot of things teenagers usually do. Still, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. I’ve loved every bit of it.

It will probably never happen, but I would love to bake for President Obama one day.

Check out more of Ankrish’s creations at wwwbakingmaniac.me.

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Stop off for a dip and a swim under the waterfalls.

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BIG DAY OUT

Bridal showers Deva Lee goes chasing waterfalls in Plover Cove Country Park, Tai Po.

Bride’s Pool Tucked in a ravine near the Plover Cove Reservoir, Bride’s Pool is one of the more picturesque yet accessible waterfalls in Hong Kong.

Legend has it the pool is named after a bride who crossed the stream in a sedan chair en route to her wedding. One of her servants slipped on the rocks, sending her tumbling to her death. Some say she still haunts the area and nearby Mirror Pool, making the falls a feature on lists of spooky places in Hong Kong. The pool also joins a long catalogue of waterfalls named after wives-to-be, presumably because a cascade of white water reminds onlookers of a white bridal veil.

The waterfall is about 15 metres high and the plunge pool at its base is two metres deep, which makes this a serene swimming spot. Braver hearts can climb the rocks and stand under the stream, earning a cold shower of fresh water.

You can barbecue at one of the multiple

sites above the falls, but picnicking gets you closer to the water. It also means you can keep cans cool by storing them in the stream – an old camping trick.

Braver hearts can climb the rocks and stand under the stream, earning a cold shower of fresh water The stream is home to tadpoles, spiders, frogs, fish, birds and dragonflies, and is in one of the best areas for spotting butterflies in Hong Kong. There are snakes, pangolins and porcupines in the park, though you’re unlikely to see them.

The walk to Bride’s Pool is easy enough for all ages, and takes about 15 minutes. Start from the Bride’s Pool Barbecue Site car park and cut left through the first barbecue area. Follow the trail down to the water and

then make your way up the ravine. Feet will get wet and rocks will be slippery after a downpour, so wear waterproofs. The Bride’s Pool Nature Trail takes you to the top of the waterfall, which provides a view, but is not a good lunch spot.

Follow the Wang Chung Stream Those wanting to see some of the other waterfalls in the area can make Bride’s Pool a pit-stop on a circular canyoning route along Wang Chung Stream, stopping to swim at the Dragon Ball Waterfall and various pot-holed pools along the way.

The Dragon Ball falls are 35 metres high, and among the most impressive in the area.

Swim in the pool below, or follow the stream to a wider, clearer swimming hole known as Dragon Ball Pool.

Inflatables are your best companion on this route, along with a backpack full of picnic supplies, which will get lighter as you go. You can bypass the larger cascades by following the marked route, rather than climbing the

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BIG DAY OUT falls. Although you don’t need serious gear, this route requires some clambering and bouldering, so prepare to carry all your kit on your back.

To take this route, start on the opposite side of the road from the barbecue site car park and walk downhill until you see the stream on your right. Follow the stream until it connects with Pin Seng Leng Nature Trail, which you can follow to Bride’s Pool or Tai Mei Tuk.

Bus it From Tai Po Market Station, take exit A3 to the light bus terminal. The new 20R bus route runs from the station to Wu Kau Tang via Bride’s Pool. Buses run once an hour, from 6.40am to 8.15pm.

On Sundays and public holidays, bus 275R runs from the station directly to the pool.

Alternatively, take minibus 20C to Tai Mei Tuk and a taxi to Bride’s Pool.

Hike it Various hikes start and end on Bride’s Pool Road. You can walk to the pool from Wu Kau

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BIG DAY OUT Tang Village, which is less than a kilometre away, or take the four-kilometre Pat Sing Leng trail from Tai Mei Tuk, which takes two to three hours.

Inflatables are your best companion on this route, along with a backpack full of picnic supplies Bike it

The route to Dragon Ball Falls: clambering required.

Rent a bicycle from Tai Mei Tuk and cycle about five kilometres to the falls – it’s uphill all the way, so you’ll have to decide if a swim at Bride’s Pool and whizzing back down afterwards is worth the effort.

Tai Mei Tuk is the last stop on the waterfront cycling route around Tolo Harbour from Sha Tin, the length of which is about 20 kilometres one-way. This may be a bit of a challenge in the sticky season, but it’s a great day out on cooler days.

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TRAVEL

Bespoke Hanoi Weekends in Hanoi just got way better.

Tom Hilditch samples the city’s new luxury travel service.

Stay in colonial splendour at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, where previous guests include Graham Greene and Joan Baez.

Hanoi has long been the place for handmade suits, silks and intricate craftworks. Now there is one more bespoke indulgence to add to the list: the travel package itself.

And to be honest, tourists to the Vietnamese capital need help. The city is stunning, but it can be maddening. Hanoi delivers delicious food, wonderful souvenirs and iconic photos, but it’s vast and confusing.

It was founded as a major city more than 1,000 years ago and it still isn’t finished.

Without supervision, things can go quickly wrong. One false turn and you are up the creek mumbling about “the horror”, like some tourist Colonel Kurtz.

New high-end bespoke travel company Journeys to the East makes visiting Hanoi a joy. It’s run by former Hong Kong resident, Nguyen Viet Loan Foster.

Loan (pronounced Low-Ann) is a polyglot, historian, mum and global networker. Years of living abroad have equipped her with an eye for exactly what discerning travellers want to experience on trips to Vietnam.

“Sometimes that can be the best seats at the opera, and sometimes it’s the best seat in a local pho stall with an incredible view,” she

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says. “Whatever the visitor wants we aim to offer the ultimate.”

Touchdown The flight from Hong Kong to Hanoi takes just 90 mins. Loan’s driver meets us promptly at Hanoi’s Nội Bài International Airport and takes us to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

And it really is a legend. Opened in 1901, this is where Somerset Maugham wrote The

We find ourselves under rattan ceiling fans sipping the best gin and tonic east of Suez Gentleman in the Parlour, Graham Greene wrote The Quiet American and Joan Baez taped her anti-war anthem, Where Are You Now, My Son? (the sounds of an air-raid warning are audible in the recording).

It’s totally colonial, except nothing creaks and everything works properly. White-gloved doormen welcome us and carry our bags, and

pretty soon we find ourselves under rattan ceiling fans sipping the best gin and tonic east of Suez.

Set on the banks of the Hoan Kien Lake, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is the perfect base for exploring the old town. We stroll around the lake. At a little cafe, we order Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) with extra condensed milk and sit on little blue plastic chairs to watch the sun go down over the lake.

After dark we are driven to a private dinner at Loan’s stunning home, a French colonial villa on the shores of the West Lake.

Renovated by Hong Kong architect Grover Dear, it featured on the cover of Architectural Digest. Its stunning interior harbours about 50 guests, including four ambassadors, the CEOs of 10 major corporations, Vietnam’s biggest lifestyle publisher, The Economist’s man in Vietnam, various luxury brand movers and shakers and an old communist with a fantastic combover.

The food is provided by a chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant that Loan has flown in for the week. And as the party includes a couple of wine merchants, the

TRAVEL wine is “Grand Cru Class A”. By 11pm, we are getting an insight into the life and business of Hanoi that no tourist ever sees. By midnight, one of the embassy reps is getting very indiscreet.

The house Loan has built is a gem.

The top storey is a bolted-on 19th-century Mandarin ancestral hall. It has now been earmarked as a heritage site, but when Loan bought it from the Communist party (for pennies) in the early 1990s it was due for demolition, and it was in a village 40 miles away. Loan hired craftsmen to take the house apart and move it stone by stone and plank by plank to its current site. It is now one of Hanoi’s most remarkable homes and the hub of Loan’s social and business network.

The evening ends in a blur, with the Australian embassy guy taking everyone to a nightclub where David Beckham once got mobbed.

Saturday morning Breakfast at the Metropole is pretty good.

We run into the Economist journalist and his fiancée and share breakfast at wrought-iron tables streetside. We chat, learn more about Hanoi and watch the world amble by.

Pull up a chair at a little cafe and watch the sunset over tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake.

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TRAVEL At 11am, Loan and her team arrive and we take cyclos to the French Quarter. It’s a beautiful way to travel. We scoop endless photos as we go.

Lunch At the iconic restaurant Cha Ca La Vong (14, Pho Cha Ca, Hoa Kiem 825 3929), we climb rickety stairs into a bright, noisy dining room and gather around a communal table set with little charcoal burners and icy Vietnamese beer. The restaurant is 100 years old and during that entire time it has served exactly one dish, also called cha ca la Vong. A skillet of fish and other components arrive and we assemble lunch out of turmeric, dill, shrimp paste and fish sauce. It’s awesome.

Mid-afternoon we wobble down Pho Hang Gai and on to Pho Hang Bong to shop. The streets are packed with tailors, embroidery stores and serious art galleries. You can get measured for a dress or suit and pick it up 24 hours later. Giddy with lunchtime beers and super-low prices we buy lots of stuff.

Saturday night Loan has another dinner. But I am hungover and the Metropole has me in its wood-

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panelled tractor beam. I stay in. “No problem, see you tomorrow,” Loan says.

Sunday Another lovely breakfast. Half the city seems to be exercising on the banks of Hoan Kiem lake. Grannies are waving swords and fans, while the younger generation bash shuttlecocks at each other or jog around the lake. We fill our Facebook feed with pictures.

Mid-morning The Michelin chef arrives. Loan has arranged for him to give us a cookery lesson. He takes us to a market to buy ingredients then back to the magical setting of Loan’s Mandarin ancestor hall for a lesson in how to roll the perfect Vietnamese spring roll, Hanoi-style.

Sunday lunch We gather in Loan’s family dining room to enjoy the fruits of our labour, plus some other dishes that our Michelin chef has knocked up. The Grand Cru Class A is still flowing. We meet more Hanoi movers and shakers, plus Loan’s teenage daughters (who attend a local international school) and learn all about Hanoi pop culture.

From top: Cha Ca La Vong’s only dish; Hanoi streetlife.

TRAVEL Sunday afternoon Time is running out. In a warm and fuzzy haze, we travel across town collecting our various purchases – a suit, a silk dress, ceramics and a bunch of new impulse buys – then it’s off to the airport.

By 11pm, we are getting an insight into Hanoi no tourist ever sees. By midnight, one of the embassy reps is getting very indiscreet

It’s always nice to return to Hong Kong, but as we shamble off the plane into the ordered warehouse of Chek Lap Kok, carrying our own cases and organising ourselves, I start to miss the chaos of Hanoi and safety of Loan Foster’s bespoke travel bubble.

Journeys to the East, 34 Tu Hoa Road, Tay ho District, Hanoi, +84 4 3719 7371, www.journeys-to-the-east.com.

Loan Foster’s bespoke travel company lets visitors enjoy the chaos from within a well-ordered bubble.

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What the heck is a zongzi?

A zongzi, or zong, is a glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in a bamboo leaf. They’re traditionally filled with pork belly and salted egg yolk in southern China, although in recent years restaurants have pushed the boat out with unusual flavours and sweet varieties. Zongs are eaten during Tuen Ng, or Dragonboat Festival, to commemorate the patriotic Chu Kingdom poet Qu Yuan, who threw himself into the sea in despair in protest at corrupt general Bai Qi’s seizure of the Chu capital, Yingdu. Qu’s followers threw zongs into the sea and beat the surface of the water with dragonboat paddles to drive fish away from the poet’s body. If you try a zong this year, make sure to heat it up first. Place the wrapped dumplings in a pan of bubbling water for a few minutes… or just chuck them in the microwave.

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FOOD

Zongs of praise It’s dragonboat season. Annie Wong unwraps the tastiest zongzi in town.

Fancy fusion What: Available at the Royal Plaza Cake Shop, this aromatic dumpling combines Asian and Western flavours. Think succulent Japanese Kurobuta pork flavoured with black truffle paste and three kinds of cheese. It’s big and rich, so you might want to share this one.

Price: $138 each (330g).

Where: Royal Plaza Hotel, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, 2928 8822, www.royalplaza.com.hk.

Sweet tooth?

What: Cantonese restaurant Yan Toh Heen has two sets of rice dumplings for those with a sweet tooth. The set has three flavours: Chinese dates, chestnuts and red beans; figs and lotus-seed paste; and hedgehog fungus (yes, really) with apple.

Price: $198.

Where: Yan Toh Heen, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313 2323, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com.

Seafood, eat food What: Popular chain Trusty Congee King is offering a set of two special-edition rice dumplings. One is loaded with dried scallops, salted ham, five-spiced pork belly and assorted mushrooms, and the other contains abalone. You might have to fight over that one.

Price: $189 for two.

Where: Trusty Congee King, 7 Heard Street, Wan Chai (plus branches), 2882 3268, www.tck.hk.

Sweet and savoury What: Can’t decide between sweet and savoury? Go for both with this set of two from Maxim’s Palace. One dumpling is filled with salted pork and the other with sweet bean paste.

Price: $80.

Where: Maxim’s Palace, Shun Tak Centre, 168 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan (plus branches), 2291 0098, www.maxims.com.hk.

Bean there What: Michelin-starred Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung has a delightfully sweet interpretation of the zongzi, with smooth, thick, red-bean paste filling wrapped in white glutinous rice.

Price: $40 each.

Where: Din Tai Fung, L1 New Town Plaza Phase One, Sha Tin, 2778 1236, www.dintaifung.com.hk.

Lotta lotus What: For something sweet but delicately flavoured, Lei Garden’s fragrant dumpling is wrapped in lotus leaves, rather than bamboo.

Each dumpling is filled with lotus seeds and lotus-seed paste for a more refined flavour.

Price: $68 each.

Where: Lei Garden, L3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central (and branches), 2295 0238, www.leigarden.hk.

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FOOD

Dads’ dinners Great places to take dad on Father’s Day. By Annie Wong.

Holy Crab

La Vache!

Get as messy as you like at Holy Crab, where diners dig into their crustaceans with bibs, mallets and dextrous fingers. Pick your own catch from the rockpools near the kitchen (crabs are priced at a daily market rate) then let the chefs cook it to Cajun perfection using a “Holy Trinity” of bell peppers, onion and celery. Crab not enough of a challenge? Try Maine lobsters, clams, or even the bottomless seafood bucket: a special weekend deal that lets you dig through unlimited portions of jumbo tiger prawns, Boston lobster and snow crab legs, served in a bucket for $418 a head.

We love the big tables and long benches, which are ideal for group gatherings and relaxed dining.

3/F, Cosmos Building, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2110 0100, www.holycrab.com.hk.

Located in bustling Central, La Vache does just one thing and it does it well: steak, frites and more frites. The Parisian-style steakhouse serves nothing but 10oz rib-eyes and fries – perfect for a fuss-free father. To whet the appetite (and as a token nod to health) there’s also a tossed green salad sprinkled with walnuts, all for a very reasonable $278 a head. They recommend the steaks are served medium rare, which gives the cut a nicely charred exterior and juicy red meat within.

48 Peel Street, Central, 2880 0248, www.lavache.com.hk.

Dan Ryan’s Dan Ryan’s is not messing around when it warns diners that it serves “American-size portions”: the servings are huge at this tried-

and-tested, 1940-style Chicago bar and grill.

The menu is known for American classics, such as the enormous rack of ribs and the Chicago chophouse barbecue burger with smoked bacon and Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Children can order Dan’s mini burger with lettuce, tomatoes and cheddar. Crayons, colouring placemats, games and balloons keep the kids amused.

G/F, Pacific Place, 99 Queensway, Central, 2845 4600, www.danryans.com.

Delaney’s It’s all about the craic at the Southside’s favourite Irish bar. Guinness on tap, an outdoor terrace and a warm atmosphere have made Delaney’s the go-to watering hole for Pok Fu Lam’s families. There’s an extensive menu with some classic dishes that dads will love, such

Opposite: tickle his ribs at Dan Ryan’s. Above: rib-eye at La Vache! Centre and right: Holy Crab’s signature lobster-tini, rockpools and buckets of crustacea.

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FOOD as the beer-battered fish and chips ($138), pork spare ribs (full rack $198, or half for $115) and stone-baked pizzas. Although Delaney’s doesn’t offer a dedicated children’s menu, there’s plenty for little ones, with various family-sized platters and starters to share.

The roast pork belly lollipops with spiced apple compote ($108) are a consistent crowd-pleaser.

The Spire at the Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2677 1126, www.delaneys.com.hk.

The Globe If dad’s a blokey bloke, he’ll be delighted with the tasty classic of pies, mash and gravy (washed down with a pint of beer, of course) at The Globe. Looking for a good deal? Go at lunchtime, when the pub is more familyfriendly and dad can feast on a two- ($140) or three-course ($165) lunch set of soup of the day, a choice of mains (think tandoori lamb or tagliatelle), plus dessert and coffee or tea.

Don’t forget to choose a quality pint from the extensive beer menu – the one at The Globe is the longest in town.

Garley Building, 45-53A Graham Street, 2543 1941, www.theglobe.com.hk.

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Food on a board, pies and banter at The Globe.

FOOD

OMG, Dad!

Our favourite cheesy dad jokes.

Why did the octopus beat the shark in a fight?

Because it was well armed.

What do you call a potato with glasses?

A spec-tater.

Why are trees so suspicious on a sunny day?

I dunno, they’re just shady.

It’s a sausage fest If dad’s always fancied himself as a bit of a chef, send him to The Butchers Club’s sausage-making class. He’ll get his hands dirty learning how to process and season the meat before stuffing it into sausage casings. He can also have the pleasure (or not) of eating what he’s made at the end of the session. The evening includes free-flowing beer and wine, and there’s even a prize for best sausage, a title likely to will bring out the competitive streak in every meat-eating father. $1,300 a head.

Contact 2884 0768, www.butchersclub.com.hk.

What do you call a fake noodle?

An impasta.

Where are average things built?

In the satis-factory.

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HOME

Top decks Adele Brunner finds outdoor furniture solutions.

Humidity aside, Hong Kong’s climate justifies investing in outdoor furniture for alfresco living no matter how large or small your outside space. On a balcony, rooftop or garden, a little TLC goes a long way.

Seating Craig Pallister, managing director of outdoor furniture specialist Everything Under The Sun (www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk), says modular sofas and armchairs are the most popular outdoor furniture in Hong Kong.

“Even if customers have limited space, they will pick a sofa ahead of a dining set.

Sofas allow for wider use when entertaining in groups or relaxing on your own. Right now, specific items in demand are the Gloster Grid modular sofa and the Diamond sofa by Danish brand Cane-line,” he says.

“The quality of the raw material is very important because Hong Kong has a very wet

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Outdoor furniture by Gloster Bell (top). Caneline’s On the Move table (right) and Diamond sofa (above) from Everything Under The Sun.

and humid climate, with some of the highest UV rates in the world. Furniture made from low-quality raw materials will not last long in our climate.”

Pallister advises thinking about where the furniture is going to be used when choosing.

The roof-top of a tall building, for example,

will be susceptible to strong winds so go for furniture made from heavy materials, such as teak or stainless steel, rather than aluminium or synthetic fibres which are lighter and likely to be blown around.

If you’re opting for synthetic rattan, retailer Grace Carrey of Blume Living (www.blumeliving.com) says it should be made of 100 per cent polyethylene (PE) with a high percentage of high density PE (HDPE). Furniture made with low-density PE will become brittle in the sunlight and is likely to split after a year.

“The rattan should have a nice finish and should not look ‘cheap’ or ‘plastic’,” Carrey says. “Weaving should be tight, well done and not messy especially at corners and joints.

Any staples should not be visible.”

Don’t be afraid to turn the furniture upside down to check the workmanship. Carrey says the furniture should be made of aluminium tubing, powder coated for protection, and

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HOME

Outdoor sofas like the Gloster Grid (above) are more popular than dining sets in Hong Kong. Top: Gloster Sway range. Right: Tuuci Vineyard lounge.

weight-bearing furniture such as sofas should have “support lines” running along and across the underside of the seating.

“Make sure these weight-bearing struts are made of wicker rather than metal tubing, which you will feel when you sit,” he says.

Good old Ikea (www.ikea.com.hk) comes up trumps with its inexpensive but stylish modular seating in natural and synthetic materials, such as the Arholma range in handwoven synthetic rattan. The Kungsholmen series has mix-and-match seating sections.

Trends this year include retro styles channelling the 1950s and 70s. Curved-back chairs with bucket seats are paired with sleek tables to contrast old and new. Get the look with Gloster brand’s Curve and Sway collections and Tribu’s vintage chair collection at Everything Under the Sun. “Materials are a key element of outdoor furniture manufacture,” says Pallister. “Current trends combine powder-coated aluminium or stainless-steel frames with teak, ceramic or sling fabric detailing. This season, we are also seeing light and dark contrasting colours.

Buffed teak is a great look against both light and dark frames.”

Cushions Cushions are crucial for comfort as well as decoration. Opt for plump cushions that feel light when picked up – lightweight filling dries more quickly. Outdoor fabrics should be faderesistant and UV-protected.

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“Buffed teak is a great look against both light and dark frames”

“Sunbrella is the leading outdoor cushion fabric brand and by far the best. But standard Sunbrella fabric is not waterproof and many potential customers do not know this,” Pallister says.

Popular this season are soft-touch materials that give outdoor cushions the feel of their indoor counterparts, but with the functionality required. These include the Diamond collection by Cane-line.

Dining From a casual barbecue to a formal dinner, there’s nothing like a spot of alfresco dining.

Teak is a top choice for dining tables and chairs thanks to its durability and elegance, but it often comes with a hefty price tag.

It also will need maintaining, particularly if you don’t want it to turn a weathered silvery grey, especially if the furniture sits in full sun.

Sealing or oiling the wood can help, although some experts believe this promotes mould and mildew. Alternatives to teak include shorea, eucalyptus and acacia woods.

For a small area, go for a compact,

multifunctional, contemporary side table.

Available at Everything Under the Sun, the Gloster Bells side table can be used as a seat or even an ice bucket, while Cane-line’s On the Move table converts into a serving tray.

Sunshades Everyone is more sun-savvy these days – there’s no upside to sunburn. Freestanding parasols are versatile and effective, able to be moved with the sun to shade a dining table or sofa. A more exposed space, such as a rooftop, might benefit from fixed shades.

“There are many different shapes, sizes and strength of parasol to suit all applications,” Pallister says. “Some are only designed for low-wind areas like a sheltered backyard and you wouldn’t use these in an area like the Peak. It is also important to ensure you use the correct weight and size of base. Fabrics like Sunbrella that combine UPF/SPF can help to limit the harmful effects of the sun.”

Accessories Once you’ve got your basics, personalise your outdoor area with plants, a sound system and lighting. Ikea even has hard-wearing outdoor rugs and weather-resistant Runnen decking squares ($199.90 for nine squares) that click together to instantly upgrade any outside area.

The store stocks lanterns in various colours and sizes, or keep it simple with clusters of tea lights which can transform an outdoor space on a summer’s evening.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Parenting (hair)styles New mum Sarah Fung goes in search of a low-maintenance hairdo that doesn’t skimp on chic.

With a rambunctious baby in the house, it’s no surprise that new mums find lttle time to relax, unwind and take care of themselves. So when an invitation came through to check out the new Capelli salon in Central, I jumped at it. Sick of tying up my straggly, splitend-riddled locks into a limp ponytail, I wanted something fresh, different and practical and if I could squeak in a facial and a manicure, well, so much the better.

The new Capelli salon is located in the former Sense of Touch day spa on Arbuthnot Road. The venue hasn’t changed; the aroma of lemongrass still hits you as you walk in, and there are cosy treatment rooms where you can get a massage, a half-hour mini facial or a wax before or after your hair cut. The small salon area comprises two chairs in the main spa area, plus a small private room adjacent to the hair wash area.

As someone who finds the brightness, busyness and chemical smell of salons rather unpleasant, this is a nice, relaxed ambiance for a new hairdo, and it feels like a treat rather than an ordeal.

After the facial, which included a simple but ultra

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relaxing deep clean and face massage, I had a consultation with Danny the stylist.

I pity hairdressers who have to work with mothers of babies — the list of demands is almost impossible to fulfil.

I wanted him to chop off the length for the summer, but it needed to still go into a ponytail as the baby is inclined towards grabbing tiny fistfuls of my hair at any opportunity.

I also needed my hairstyle to work with my natural waves, not against them. It had to be cut to

He understood that practicality is what I need in a cut right now grow out nicely so I don’t have to go back for four (OK, I’ll be honest, six) months. Oh, and if possible, I needed to be able to step straight out of the shower and go without blowdrying, but still look put-together. And if he could sweep up my leftover locks from the floor and spin them into pure gold, that’d be great too, thanks.

Danny talked me through the entire process, recommending long layers to avoid summer frizz.

Hair tips for mums Mojdeh Kazemi of Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre in Sai Kung shares her wisdom.

Hassle-free colour To keep your hair looking good without too much time in the salon, choose highlights or lowlights, a semi-permanent dye or a permanent dye that is close to your natural colour.

These techniques help prevent regrowth showing through too soon.

Convenience is king A perm is not a good idea if you have fine or coloured hair – you’ll spend more time fighting the frizz than enjoying the curls. The one-length cut is a classic and simple low maintenance style. Long layers are also easy, but keep layers no shorter than face-length so

He got the length just right — a long, 60s-style bob that can be messed up and styled with a quick blast of hairspray, but still scraped back into a ponytail when needed. He also identified — without me telling him — that my hair has a tendency to flick out in a way that makes me look like Pippi Longstocking, and he cut carefully so as to avoid that rather unflattering effect as much as possible. He understood that practicality is what I need in a cut right now, and didn’t try to talk me into bangs, ombre, or anything that’s a headache to maintain.

As someone with almost zero hair-salon loyalty, I’d definitely return to Capelli in four (OK, six) months for a fresh cut. And hopefully next visit I’ll have enough time to try the hair spa service.

Haircuts start at $550.

Capelli, LG/F, The Ovolo, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2869 0939, www.capelli.hk.

you can tuck your hair behind the ears. A layered bob allows the hair to define itself through natural curls, flips and waves.

Pony up The mother’s go-to hairdo.

Rules for ponytails: never tie a ponytail into wet hair or have it too tight. Never use rubberbands and always brush before tying your hair.

Swimming SOS If you’re swimming all summer, instead of applying shampoo every day, rinse your hair with water and apply conditioner to prevent the natural oils being stripped out and your hair becoming dry and lifeless. Try a spray-on product such as Revlon Equave Sun Protection leave-in conditioner before and after swimming to protect the hair from chlorine or seawater.

Before: long and frizzy with hard-to-manage waves.

After: sleek and short... plus a flattering Instagram filter.

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MONEY & ME

Joanna Hotung The Kids’ Gallery founder opens her wallet for Shreena Patel.

How much is in your wallet? $100. I gave nearly all my cash to my helper this morning to go to the supermarket.

What credit cards do you use?

HSBC Premier and Standard Chartered Platinum. I try not to have more than two.

Are you a spender or a saver?

Both. As a business owner I’m good at budgeting but I still have the occasional splurge, usually on a handbag.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?

My children’s private education, but it was worth it.

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MONEY & ME When were you poorest?

In 1985 as a university student in Beijing. It was the era of blue Mao suits, austerity and bicycles, so although I was poor there was nothing to spend money on anyway. Once I got used to hole-in-the-floor toilets, rats in the washroom and fat passed off as meat in the cafeteria, it turned out to be one of the best years of my life.

What was your best paid work?

As a teenager I worked as a summer shop assistant at Bossini from 10am to 8pm, six days a week. I can’t remember what I earned, but I definitely felt I’d earned it.

Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?

It’s important they earn it themselves. Highervalue items are for special occasions only: they either have to be patient or put in the hard work to earn it if they want it sooner.

Did you get pocket money when you were growing up?

I got a small amount for doing chores and spent it on stickers and stationery.

How much pocket money do you give your children?

My older daughter is now working in London and self-sufficient. My younger daughter is at university and has a part-time job so she is almost off the payroll as well.

What is the most important consideration when starting a business?

To ask yourself whether you really mean to start a business or if you’re just looking for an interesting hobby. To sustain a business, you must be prepared to sacrifice both money and time, including time with family. You also have to be able to live with risk.

What has been the key to your success?

In the beginning, it was being in the right place at the right time. Since then, it’s being flexible, responsive to market changes and stubborn enough to keep going when times get tough.

What was your best investment?

Buying our house in Clearwater Bay 14 years ago. Luckily I’ve avoided really bad investments, but my husband and I joke about all the great opportunities we’ve missed.

For example, we were invited to buy a full debenture in the Aberdeen Marina Club for $50,000 when it first opened. We thought nobody would ever bother to go to a club in Aberdeen...

To sustain a business, you must be prepared to sacrifice both money and time Do you invest in stocks?

Yes, but I’m very conservative so I don’t achieve high returns. Instead, I take risks through entrepreneurship. I’ve started five businesses: one failed, three have been successful, and one is soon to break even.

Do you play the Mark Six? The only time I played I spent $100 and won $4,000. I decided to quit while I was ahead.

For details, visit www.kidsgallery.com.

expat-parent.com | 67

marketplace

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Lights, Camera & Action!

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

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expat-parent.com | 69

marketplace

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

expat-parent.com | 71

COLUMN

Simon Parry deals with his looming mid-life crisis... by purchasing a sports car.

W

ork: it drags you kicking and screaming from the things in life you love and cherish most. I’ve been on a few overseas assignments lately and I must admit I get teary-eyed and emotional when I return home after a long stint away.

“I’ve missed you so very much, you know that? I thought about you every day,” I say the morning after my return as I drive my youngest daughter down the lane to catch her bus to school, my voice quavering slightly, my fingernails digging into the steering wheel and my eyes fixed firmly on the road in front of me.

“Aw, thanks Daddy. That’s so sweet. I’ve missed you lots and lots too,” she replies.

The grating, whiny teenage voice snaps me out my dream-like trance.

“Eh?” I say, swivelling my head with a scowl as I become suddenly conscious of her presence in the passenger seat. “I wasn’t talking to you, you annoying little squit. I was talking to the car.”

I pull up sharply at the bus stop, shove her out, throw her bag onto the kerb and roar off, laughing maniacally as Prefab Sprout blares out of the sound system – alone at last with the object of my deepest affection.

Pitiful as it may seem, at the age of 49 and three-quarters, I’ve succumbed to the latest in a long line of stereotypical mid-life crises by buying a massively impractical and age-inappropriate means of transport: a sports convertible.

After nearly two decades of choosing cars based on how many of my children and their friends I can fit on the back seat and how easy it is to wipe vomit and squished Skittles off the upholstery, I have bought a car that has barely enough room for a CD case and/or an

iPhone on each of its miniscule back seats.

For the first time since the late 1980s, I have a car that’s fun to drive and even wash once in a while. It only has two doors and can carry a maximum of 1.5 children at any one time, but that’s fine because I didn’t buy the car for their benefit. They’re big enough to catch the bus.

It’s well known, of course, that men of a certain age look ridiculous in sports cars. These machines are designed for attractive young people in the prime of life, but the irony is that few people in their early 20s can afford the vehicles that would mirror and complement their flawless beauty.

Instead, they are driven by the old, the fat, the bald, the bitter, the desperate, the demented, the disappointed and the unlovable.

Fortunately, with age and wilting libido come a dimming sense of self-awareness and a correspondingly increased capacity for selfdelusion. I find I can ride shamelessly ride through heavily populated urban areas with the roof down, sunglasses on, tapping my fingers to Dexy’s Midnight Runners, and believe the people staring at me are thinking, “Look at the cool bald dude”, rather than, “I bet he has trouble getting in and out of that”.

The person I thought might most object actually likes it. In fact, my wife likes it so much she keeps borrowing it for mysterious lone excursions.

I have to admit she looks far better in it than me (even if she takes corners like a girl).

I fancy a spin right now, as it happens, but my wife went out in the car a few hours ago muttering about dance classes with Mario and isn’t answering my calls. Maybe she can’t hear the phone with the hood down.

Or perhaps she’s planning a 50th birthday surprise for me. Either way, I suppose I’ll just have to get the bus again.

It’s well known, of course, that men of a certain age look ridiculous in sports cars

Simon Parry is a jaded, middle-aged journalist and father of four. He lives in Hong Kong.

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