Southside Magazine January 2015

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

How now,Tin Hau? Inside Repulse Bay’s Temple

The juice on cleanses

183

January 2015

Cyberport's new gym Organic food

things to do

and where to get it

Snap happy Family photographers

GET A MOVE ON 15 fitness regimes to try

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The really useful magazine JANUARY 2015

Cover by: Cherrie Yu. Special thanks to May Nogoy for modeling. For yoga classes, contact her on may@soultrains.com, www.soultrains.com.

PEOPLE

NEWS FROM THE GREENS

4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 8 Happening in January What’s on in your neighborhood.

LETTERS

20 On the waterfront Business interests vs the people.

FEATURE 22 Fit for 2015 Ways to get a move on this year.

EATING

12 Have your say From our readers.

NEWS 14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

18 Gym Dandy Strive Fitness founder William Lo.

30 Healthy at home Shop for organic products, meat and groceries. Plus Nibbles from the dining scene.

EDUCATION 34 Happy birthday, FIS The French International School turns 50.

FAMILY

OUTDOORS 44 The deal on wheels How to get a motorcycle licence.

BIG DAY OUT 46 South of Stanley Venture out to Po Toi. HOME 52 New year, new home DIY fung shui tips.

TRAVEL 56 Thai me up A Bangkok weekend.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 60 The juice on cleanses Three days without food.

PETS 62 Pet groomers Wash and brush up.

HONG KONG CREATURES 63 Ricanid planthopper One weird bug.

MARKETPLACE 64 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 70 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 72 Repulse Bay Temple The inside story.

40 One for the album Hong Kong’s family photographers.

“HOPE SMILES FROM THE THRESHOLD OF THE YEAR TO COME, WHISPERING ‘IT WILL BE HAPPIER’...” ALFRED TENNYSON

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese

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people

say cheese Race with Pink Heels

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

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Sale

Up to 40% off our best-selling home furnishings Now’s the time to save on hundreds of beautiful select items in-store including living, dining and bedroom furniture, tabletop, dÊcor, bedding and more.

Live beautifully Horizon Plaza

Central

Mid-Levels

Cyberport

Repulse Bay

Shatin

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planner JAN 14-FEB 15 Kidsfest!

Eight favourite children’s stories and a bunch of dinosaurs live (except the dinos) on stage.

Shows include The Gruffalo, Hugless Douglas, Horrible Histories, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Princess and the Pea and Erth’s Dinosaurs.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAN 1 New Year’s Day Hello 2015!

UNTIL LATE FEB

AIA Great European Carnival

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

UNTIL JAN 4 Hong Kong Harbin Ice Festival

UNTIL JAN 4 1881 Enchanted Festive Forest

Ice sculptures, snowman building, cool games and even a 13m ice slide. Tai Tong, Yuen Long, 2337 9366. Tickets $60-$240 from www.ueticketing.com.

Catch the last few days of the enchanted forest, complete with elves and fairies. Free.

1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.1881heritage.com.

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

JAN 3 Southside Market Long Lunch Join the rooftop party, with communal tables, great food and live entertainment. Noon-5pm, The Butchers Club Deli, 16/F, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2884 0768, www.butchersclub.com.hk. Tickets $550 (free for under-eights) from www.ticketflap.com.

JAN 7 Bastille The Brit Award winners live in Hong Kong. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $680-720 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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happening happening in january in XXX JAN 14 Hong Kong Stories Real people + true stories = fun night. The Fringe Club, Wyndham Street, Central. Tickets $96-$120 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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

JAN 21 Michael Bublé JAN 11 The Clearwater Bay Chase

The mums’ favourite crooner is in town.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $811-$6,984 from en.ticketbis.com.hk.

Annual road-running races – 10km for adults or 1km for parents and kids – in aid of Breakthrough. 8.30am, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, 139 Tau Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, 2335 3752, www.cwbgolf.org/ cwbchase.

BOOK NOW FEB 5-8 Fantastic Mr Fox Faust International’s child performers present Roald Dahl’s tale of a crafty canine vs Boggis, Bunce & Bean. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220$270 from www. hkticketing.com.

FEB 1 Oxfam Walkathon Walk around the Peak to raise funds for the fight against poverty. Individuals and teams should register by January 9 at www.oxfam.org.hk.

JAN 11 Dogathon A 4.5km dog walk to raise funds for the SPCA. Plus dog-agility challenges, pooch-and-owner frisbee games, live music and food stalls.

8.30am-12.30am, Hong Kong Disneyland Coach Park, Lantau. Tickets $239-$539 or $1,499 for a family and four dogs from www.main.spca.org.hk.

JAN 25 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon It's the big one. Thousands of runners hit the streets in the marathon, half marathon and 10km races. 5.30am, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (near Hotel Mira). www.hkmarathon.com.

JAN 27 The 1975 Clockenflap 2013 faves return to Hong Kong for their first headline show. KITEC Rotunda 3, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $590 from www.ticketflap.com.

JAN 11 Discovery Bay Sunday Market Shop for original handmade crafts, creative gifts, vintage clothes and organic goods. 11am6pm, Discovery Bay Plaza, 3651 2345, www.ddeck.com.hk.

FEB 24 Cold Half Swim Hardy swimmers race from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island, followed by a warming beach party at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Register by February 7 at www.openwaterasia.com.

FEB 27-MAR 29 Hong Kong Arts Festival The city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

JAN 31 Lily Allen

MAR 5-15 Pride and Prejudice

Sheezus hits town.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau.

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

Jane Austen’s classic tale of the Bennet sisters’ hunt for husbands is brought to the stage by Ireland’s Gate Theatre. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.Tickets $180$500 from www.hk.artsfestival.org.

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planner MAR 10 Ed Sheeran Live in Hong Kong

MAR 17-22 Gandini Juggling – Smashed

Yay! The A Team live. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $680 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Unique juggling act with a smashing finish.

Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $140-$340 from www.hk.artsfestival.org.

MAR 15-17 Art Basel Hong Kong photo by HKRFU / HKSPA

The giant international art fair returns. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. Tickets $150-$850 from Jan 5 from www.artbasel.com.

MAR 18 One Direction On The Road Again There are still tickets available, 1D fans.

AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $998-$3,488 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

MAR 27-29 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Three days of beer, singing, dodgy dancing, fancy dress and, oh yes, world-class rugby.

Public ballot ticket applications close on Jan 31, draw on Feb 4. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, www.hksevens.com.

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

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Headline letters

from our readers

What’s going on with Marina Square?

The Marina Square fiasco in South Horizons [Southside, June 2014] seems to have died down since May, although you can still see the banners condemning the mall owner’s plan to turn it into a tourist retail outlet. But although Marina Square won’t be turned into an outlet mall, shops are still leaving in droves. The hair

salon I used is gone, so is the small boutique where I bought my favourite boots (a bargain!), and the butcher where I bought my lamb roll just closed. Why are the shops still closing if the retail-mall plan has been scrapped?

Confused South Horizons

Mexican standoff at Tai Tam Reservoir The fallout from Occupy Central is likely to go on for years, but on Southside it highlighted the need for traffic lights at the Tai Tam Reservoir dam.

With more drivers re-routing via Tai Tam to avoid the Occupy traffic snarl-ups, the dam proved a major bottleneck. Modern SUVs and extra-wide cars are not well-suited to the narrow road across the dam, causing gridlock when they meet a bus or van midway across.

Yet rather than wait for other large vehicles to cross, inconsiderate drivers – or, to be more generous, those with poor spatial awareness – charge across and then get stuck somewhere in the middle, with neither vehicle able to pass and irate commuters backing up behind them.

These Mexican standoffs increased in frequency during Occupy, often with traffic backed up for miles in either direction. We need traffic lights at the dam – but until that happens, a traffic cop will do. Bring it on!

Susan Mi Stanley

Please email your letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length.

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news

in your backyard

Green nod for FIS The French International School has once again proved its green credentials, reaching the finals of the Green Building Awards for the renovation of its Chai Wan campus.

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council, the awards recognise exceptional contributions in sustainability for building-related projects. The winner was Island East.

FIS got the nod for the measures taken during the FIS renovations, which included retaining the existing building to minimise construction waste, preserving existing trees and using green building materials. New eco-friendly features at the school include a rainwater recycling system as well as solarpowered water heaters.

FIS also won a gold award in 2011 from the Hong Kong Council for Sustainable Development. The awards reflect the school’s efforts to integrate sustainable living concepts into its curriculum, with elective ecology classes, school camps and even gardening on the school rooftop that aim to raise environmental awareness.

Rooftop yoga calendar Yoga King and holder of two Guinness World Records, Yogaraj C.P. takes yoga to new heights in his 2015 calendar, which was shot at the top of Ovolo Southside. The pictures show the Yoga King and his students striking difficult

yoga poses – including the one-legged warrior pose virabhadrasana – right on the edge of the hotel’s rooftop with a backdrop of Aberdeen and the Southside. Order a copy at www.pranayogam.com.

Spine-tingling stories Get the shivers with the latest anthology of short stories by the Hong Kong Writers’ Circle. Hong Kong Gothic will take readers on a journey into the city’s darkest corners where lusty vampires, vengeful ghosts and murderous lovers will delight fans of gothic tradition.

Twenty-two established and rising local and expatriate authors have contributed to this year’s edition. Look out for the book – the cover features the iconic Two IFC transformed into a gothic medieval tower – in branches of G.O.D and Dymocks and online at Amazon and Paddyfield.com.

The book is $150, with all money raised going to the Writers’ Circle for workshops and seminars for Hong Kong-based writers.

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promotion

Clockwise from top left: Sensory Zero, YGM, BYPAC, GCX and MUM.

One Island South One Island South has what you’re looking for, whether it’s the latest designer brands, fashion bargains or great coffee and food.

On the ground floor inside Lane Crawford, Sensory Zero is a showroom café serving gourmet coffee. Sip an expertly crafted brew – we’re loving the ginger latte, made

Treat yourself to the all-day breakfast at Sensory Zero.

Discover the fresh tastes of Italy with salads, pastas and pizzas with homemade caramelised ginger – and browse its range of roasting, brewing and coffee equipment. To ensure only the freshest ingredients are used, an internationally certified sensory team quality controls the café’s produce used in dishes such as the hearty allday breakfast. The signature orange ice tea is a must-try after an afternoon of shopping.

From fruit juices and smoothies to comfort food, there’s plenty to entice at vegetarian cafe MUM Veggie + Coffee + Sweet. Inspired by authentic recipes from mothers around the world, MUM’s food is prepared with love. On cold days, try the exquisite Veggie Dumplings in a warming broth.

It’s time to hit the shops. BYPAC is a spacious store with a huge array of knitwear for all seasons in comfortable, lightweight and sophisticated cashmere in bright and beautiful colours. With good discounts and plenty of special-price items, shoppers will be sure to find an exceptional cashmere piece for their wardrobe.

For more clothes at great prices, check out YGM. It stocks men’s and women’s clothes by renowned brands. Discover quintessential British style with the collection from Aquascutum, American luxury golf wear from Ashworth and effortless 21st-century Scandinavian cool in J. Lindeberg’s modernlifestyle clothing from Sweden.

End the afternoon at GCX, a restaurant, café and food shop. Discover the fresh tastes of Italy with salads, pastas and pizzas made with traditional Italian herbs and flavours. Or buy the country’s famous ingredients – cheese, salami, charcuterie, antipasti and the widest selection of olive oils in Hong Kong – to recreate Italian dishes at home. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two of Italian wine for casual nights in and special occasions.

This year One Island South promises an exclusive shopping experience – you won’t go home empty-handed.

One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. Parking available from Yip Fat Street. Spend $200 for two hours of free parking or $300 for three hours free.

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news

in your backyard

Helicopter flight for two

Dear little things FREE

Sai Kung Magazine is giving away a pair of tickets for a Heliservices Hong Kong flightseeing tour. The Victoria Harbour Experience starts with a briefing at the Peninsula’s Clipper Lounge before taking off from the hotel roof and circling Hong Kong Island on a 12-minute tour with stunning

Gym membership New Cyberport gym Strive Fitness is giving away a three-month membership. Worth $6,000, it includes unlimited access to its large group classes in the gym and on the turfed terrace where you can workout with a view.

To enter, like the Southside Magazine

BloemBaby is a new online boutique for ethically sourced, environmentally friendly and very cute baby clothes. Based in Hong Kong, it specialises in eco-friendly, organic and handmade baby wear produced by small businesses and mumtrepreneurs around the world, including the US, Australia and Europe.

Brands such as Koolabah, FableBaby and House of Jamie will be stocked in Hong Kong for the first time. Hampers and fresh floral arrangements will also be available. Check it out at www.bloembaby.com.

panoramic views of the city and beyond.

To enter, like the Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine Facebook Page (www.facebook. com/saikungmagazine), tag two of your friends in the comment section and send us a private message with your email, phone number and stating why you think you should win this prize.

FREE Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ SouthsideMagazineHK), tag two of your friends in the comment section and send us a private message with your email, phone number and stating why you think you should win this prize.

Non-stop to Manchester Travel to Britain’s regional airports just got a whole lot easier. Cathay Pacific has launched a new non-stop route between Hong Kong and Manchester on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route will be served by a Boeing 777-300R. It is the only non-stop flight between the two destinations.

Meanwhile, Cathay has also announced a codeshare operation with British operator Flybe, which will allow passengers to purchase single tickets to Hong Kong via Manchester from regional British airports served by the carrier: Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Inverness, the Isle of Man and Southampton.

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interview

functional fitness

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Adele Brunner adele@fastmedia.com.hk Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Setareh Parvin setareh@fastmedia.com.hk Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk Marketing & Communications Manager Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Andrea Balboa andrea@fastmedia.com.hk John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Viola Choi viola@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Hazel Parry Stephen Vines Paul Zimmerman Steffi Yuen Callum Wiggins Queenie Choi Lauren Parry Mei-li Rose Bacani Printer Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

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

Gym dandy Strive Fitness founder William Lo on his new Pok Fu Lam gym. By Callum Wiggins.

I’ve been in the fitness industry for about 10 years. Two years ago, the idea came to me that I could start my own gym. Southside has very few good training facilities.

would like to get in better shape, more professional athletes, and mums who want to become fitter – try picking up a child 50 times a day, that’s not easy!

We are not trying to reinvent the wheel at Strive Fitness. We put our own twist on tried-and-tested methods. People are bored of running on a treadmill for an hour or starving themselves to lose weight. We focus on functional fitness and athletic performance.

My best friend lost 10 pounds in three weeks before his wedding.

He asked me to help him get in shape before the big day. He looked so different after only a few weeks – it is amazing how quickly you start seeing results.

If you feel intimidated by gyms or that it’s not for people like you, my advice is to come and try it. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. I want Strive to be community-orientated and for people to feel really comfortable doing their workouts.

We will have three main types of client: the business executive who

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Growing up in Hong Kong, I wasn’t even aware these types of fitness programmes were available. I was told doing squats would make you short! When I went to study and play basketball in the United States, I realised the players were bigger, faster and a whole lot stronger. They were trained to be athletes from a young age.

When I came back from the US my mum was amazed at how I had changed. She couldn’t believe how my body had transformed. She asked me to start training her so she could lose some weight.

One of my proudest working moments was with a guy who plays for the Hong Kong national basketball team. He came to me after a severe injury and we were able to get him from postrehabilitation to playing for the Hong Kong national team. It’s amazing to work with people of that calibre and see the positive effect you can bring about.

Strive Fitness, level 4, The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2338 9622, www.strivefitnesshk.com.

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Headline news from

the greens

business vs the people

Whose harbour?

Paul Zimmerman on the government proposals for a harbourfront authority.

In 2004, Designing Hong Kong proposed setting up a separate organization to manage the harbourfronts as a way to overcome the obvious lack of attention to public enjoyment in decisions for the development and infrastructure of Victoria Harbour. A decade later, the

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government is holding a public consultation about a proposed harbourfront authority.

However, the finance branch appears to be meddling with what was a good idea.

The bean counters see it as an opportunity to reduce spending on public open spaces and to increase development. Currently, public spaces are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, supported with ample funding for operations and projects. But for the new authority, they propose a requirement for a “balanced portfolio of projects�. This would force the authority to not just focus on social objectives, but to pick waterfront sites based on commercial viability.

As well as dropping this requirement, the authority should have oversight over the harbour not just the waterfront land. And the public must have a strong voice in how waterfronts are planned and managed. Without these changes, why risk the unintended consequences of yet another authority? Why not simply create a

well-funded works office which can implement waterfront projects identified by District Councils and the existing Harbourfront Commission?

The changes to the Stanley waterfront have been a success without an authority. The waterfront in Pok Fu Lam is a popular dog park only because it is not managed (well). And the Sai Kung waterfront gains a lot from an illegal floating market and unauthorized outdoor seating. Whichever way we go forward, it is time for government to start spending money on world-class design and management of our 800km of waterfronts, not just Victoria Harbour.

Surely residents of the Southside and Sai Kung have the same aspirations for better design and management of their waterfronts.

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

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feature

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go for the burn

Fit for

2015 Fifteen ways to get buff this year.

1. Boxing on the beach Buff up with one-on-one muay thai sessions on the sand on Repulse Bay beach with the new Pure South fitness centre. The sessions burn off a whopping 1,000 calories an hour (running for an hour burns 500 calories), plus they’re fun.

Personal training sessions on the beach are also available. Indoors, Pure South has a fully equipped gym, yoga studios and a multitude of exercise and yoga classes. 1/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 8200 0908, www. pure-fitness.com.

Boxing on the beach with Pure South.

2. Exercise alfresco Make the most of Hong Kong’s least-sweaty months with outdoor training sessions on the astroturf terrace at Pok Fu Lam’s new gym, Strive Fitness. Based in Cyberport, it offers weight training and fitness facilities for all levels of fitness, with large and small group classes available. Afterwards, cool down with a smoothie at the juice bar in the reception.

Three-, six- and 12-month plans are available.

Level 4, The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2338 9622, www.strivefitnesshk.com.

3. Pilates plus Tone your muscles and see improvements in your strength, flexibility, coordination and balance with Pilates at Core+. Reformer+ classes are designed for beginners while Reformer+ Power classes will stretch and push intermediate or advanced clients to the max. The group fitness studio also offers yoga, Zumba, Barre+ and Circuit+ classes, plus children’s dance classes. 80 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2785 9266. www.coreplus.com.hk.

4. Sunday yoga Soul Trains’ yoga instructor May Nagoy holds group classes every Sunday, 4pm-5.30pm, at the Waterfront Park in Cyberport. Sessions are open to all, with no need to pre-register. “We get seasoned practitioners, curious yoga virgins and domestic helpers,” Nagoy says. “It is a ‘pay-as-you-wish’ class, so the ​group m ​ indset

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feature is ​appreciative and fun. Domestic helpers are encouraged to attend for free.” For details of private sessions, or to donate yoga clothes and mats to domestic helpers, email may@ soultrains.com.

5. Learn to climb Run by experienced climbers, Da Verm is one of the few indoor climbing gyms in Hong Kong and the only one on the island with two climbing walls. Routes change monthly to keep things interesting. Packages of four classes start at $1,100 for two, or there’s a one-hour teaser class for those who aren’t quite ready to commit. G/F, 419G Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 2803 0567, www.da-verm.com.

Kids can learn to climb with Rockstars. Twelveweek courses ($4,500), held at at Hong Kong International School, include two bouldering trips to Shek O. Contact Andy Cumming on 9484 3060, rockstarshk@hotmail.com.

6. Triathlon training One of the best-regarded triathlon training programmes on Hong Kong Island, 26 Coaching teaches the importance of strength and conditioning as well as improving technique and performance. It offers running, track athletics and aquathon training for adults and children from age six with qualified and insured coaches at various venues, including Southside.

Details at www.26coaching.com.

Muay thai sessions burn off a whopping 1,000 calories an hour.

7. SUP Yoga If you thought it was hard to balance on a stand-up paddle board, try striking a yoga pose on one. Popular SUP yoga classes are back at Stanley Main Beach run by instructors Dee Cheung and Nadine Bubner. The classes cost $500, including a board and lunch (veggie taco, anyone?), and can be booked by emailing SUPyogahongkong@gmail. com. For details, visit www.facebook.com/ SUPYOGAHONGKONG.

Photo by Mark Lehmkuhler

8. Sporty Kids Fit kids are happy kids. Children aged 18 months to 12 years can join in myriad fun activities at Sport4Kids, including dance, minirugby, mini-sports, basketball, mini-soccer, swimming, gymnastics and Gaelic football.

Venues include Cyberport, South Horizons, Stanley Sports Centre and Pok Fu Lam. Call 2773 1650 or visit www.sport4kids.hk.

Rockstars organises bouldering trips to Shek O for budding climbers..

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9. Endurance and adventure races Hong Kong’s endurance running and adventure

feature

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Strengthen your core with Pilates at Core Plus.

races cluster during the cooler months.

This month sees the Clearwater Bay Chase (January 11; www.cwbgolf.org/cwbchase) and the Hong Kong Marathon (January 25; www. hkmarathon.com). Check out Action Asia’s busy calendar of adventure races online at www.actionasiaevents.com and keep an eye on the June registration deadlines for autumn’s big events, Moontrekker (www. barclaysmoontrekker.com) and Trailwalker (www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk).

10. One for the girls Bikini Fit is a female-only regime that aims

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to get women toned, revitalised and ready to brave the beach. Its 13-week personalised programmes include monthly one-on-one meetings with a trainer, group fitness sessions in Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park and Sun Yat Sen Park (Sheung Wan), plus talks, workshops and private online Q&As. Each week, there are six exercise sessions (including fitness training, yoga, boxing and barbells) and two or three workshops ($795/week). Online registration available. 3/F, Hong Kong House, 17-19 Wellington Street, Central, 2799 9603, www.bikinifit.com.hk.

11. Pilates for skiers Prepare to schuss down the slopes with a special workshop on Pilates for Winter Sports at Flex Studio (January 17, 2.30pm4pm). Instructor Trixie Velez will focus on strengthening the legs, with special attention to the alignment of hips, knees and ankles, as well as helping to develop the balance required for skiing and snowboarding. Pilates, yoga (including aerial yoga), barre and classes for teenagers and children also available. 3/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2813 2212, www.flexhk.com.

12. Open-water races Join one of Open Water Asia’s endurance swimming races off Southside. On February 24, hardy swimmers take to the sea for the Cold Half Swim from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island, with options to wear a wetsuit or to take part as a two-man relay. Warm up afterwards with a barbecue at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Hot-weather events include the Clean Half, the Shek O Challenge and Repulse Bay water polo. Details at www.openwaterasia.com.

13. Bootcamp on the sand Get fit at bootcamp on the beach in Repulse Bay, with rigorous cardio endurance, strength, circuit, muscle and core training for men and women. Run by Elite Personal Training, it’s fun, results based and progressive, getting harder as you do. Teenagers and kids can get in on the action with the FITkids programme.

20/F, Regency Centre Phase 2, 41-43 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2552 9925, www. eliteptstudio.com.

Strive Fitness offers training for all levels.

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14. Dragon-boat racing Join the Tai Tam dragon-boat team Stormy

Bikini Fit aims to get women toned and ready to brave the beach Dragons, which welcomes interested paddlers of all abilities from first timers to international level in men’s, women’s and mixed-sex teams.

They train Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30pm9pm, and Saturdays 9am-11am. Contact team president Cheryl Fender on 9771 3242 or email stormydragons@yahoo.com.

15. Immersion Fitness The latest fitness craze to hit Hong Kong is exercising in front of a 270-degree, floor-toceiling cinema screen. Immersion Fitness will make its debut in the next few months when Pure Fitness Lan Kwai Fong opens. The first class will be The Trip, a 35-minute indoorcycling class set to incredible visuals such as flying objects and digitised competitors, with a pumping soundtrack. California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, www.pure-fitness.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

eating

Healthy at home

Anything But Salads makes its own snacks from superfoods.

Eat better in 2015 with organic produce, meat and groceries. By Mei-li Bacani.

Anything but Salads Founded in 2013, Anything But Salads takes its health food seriously, researching and making its own nutritious snacks and drinks from the finest imported superfoods. Bestsellers include walnut and hemp crackers, organic chai masala kombucha and organic chocolate in flavours such as lion’s mane vanilla and reishi. Frequent flyers should look for its airplane kits. Delivery available. G/F, 14 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, 6743 5000, 9523 7816, www.anythingbutsalads.com.

Good Life Nutrition Store Specialising in sports supplements, Good Life has recently moved into the health-food market with a range of natural and organic food, available in store and online. 2/F, Lin Fook House, 3 Jardine’s Crescent, Causeway Bay, 3427 9893; 1/F Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Road Central, 2388 5278, www.goodlifenutritionhouse.com.

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Health Essential Formerly known as Health Gate, this store stocks more than 2,000 items, including health foods, drinks, personal care, baby care, supplements and household goods. Its products are organic, natural and chemical free. Online ordering and delivery available (free for orders over $800).

8/F, Hung Tak Building, 106-108 Des Voeux Road Central, 2545 2286, 2545 2289, www.health-essential.net.

Homegrown Foods Organic Chinese and Western vegetables sourced from farms in the New Territories and China are delivered fresh to your door anywhere in Hong Kong. Order a weekly delivery or choose from the online selection. A small selection of fresh eggs, cheese, meat and snacks are also available. Free delivery on orders of more than $338. Details at 2671 2771, www.homegrownfoods.com.hk.

Healthy Delight This online health-food store has a decent selection of groceries divided into categories such as foods for cooking (pasta, oil, baking items), food for munching (snacks, cereals, yoghurts), gluten-free items and drinks. It also stocks baby and toddler products (diaper cake, anyone?), household and personal care products. Order at www.healthydelight.net.

Just Green Organic Convenience Store From its first store in Lamma, Just Green has expanded into the city with its eco-friendly range of organic, hypo-allergenic and glutenfree foods, plus drinks, wholefood supplements, home products and baby goods. All products are environmentally friendly and organic. Online orders available, but no delivery for chilled or frozen goods. 52 Graham Street, SoHo, 2801

it’s good for you

5611; 7 St Francis Street, Wan Chai, 2528 9969, www.justgreen.com.hk.

Little Giant Set up specifically for people with allergies, food intolerances and special dietary requirements, this online “allergy store” has a wide range of groceries with various combinations of wheatfree, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and soy-free ingredients. It also stocks anti-dustmite products.

Toys, books and household products are also available. Details at www.littlegiant.com.hk.

Meat Market An online food-delivery store specialising in topquality chilled and frozen meats at reasonable prices – no “previously frozen” labels here.

Organic meat products include beef from Australia, chicken and pork from the US. Also available are mixed bags of organic fruit and vegetables from Thailand or Tasmania, plus sustainable seafood and cheeses from Neal’s Yard in Britain and Classified are also available.

Details at www.meatmarket.hk.

Organic veg arrives by the boxload from Just Green and Homegrown Foods

Pacific Gourmet Specialising in good-quality meat and seafood, Pacific Gourmet’s range includes hormone-free chicken, organic grass-fed beef, kangaroo meat (renowned for its leanness), Australian oysters and Japanese scallops, plus organic butter and cheese. Available in-store at its three branches and online. 12/F Horizon Plaza, 12 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2137 9985, www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.

South Stream Seafoods This long-established food-delivery company has built a rep for the quality of its fish. As well as responsibly sourced fresh and frozen seafood, it also has organic fresh and frozen meat and vegetables, eggs, groceries, drinks and household products, and a gluten-free range. Free delivery for orders of more than $500. Order online at www.south-stream-seafoods.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

eating

Nibbles Love is in the air It’s all hearts and flowers at the Mandarin Oriental this Valentine’s Day. Do the night right with the Celebration Retreat package, which includes an upgrade, welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, chocolates, $500 credit at the Mandarin Spa or Mandarin Barber and late checkout at 2pm (from $5,050).

Or splash the cash on dinner at two-Michelinstarred Pierre, which has special Valentine’s menus for lunch (four courses for $1,488 a head, including a half bottle of champagne and a rose) and dinner. There are two dinner options on February 14: a five-course menu at 6pm (from $1,688) or eight courses from 8.30pm (from $2,388). Reservations at 2820 4202 (rooms) or 2522 0111 (restaurants). 5 Connaught Road Central, www.mandarinoriental.com.

Pierre is a romantic choice for Valentines. Opposite: Les Amis is a welcome addition at Cyberport.

Love and dragons Tai Tam dragon-boat team Stormy Dragons is holding a Valentine’s Ball on February 7.

There will be food, drink, lots of dancing and an auction in aid of Hong Kong Sea School, where the event will be held. 13-17 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley. Tickets are $1,000 or $880

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Free home delivery on any mix of 6 Bottles - Order online at: www.winerack.com.hk 32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

eating

Norcia in Umbria, which need to be cooked to reveal their pungent flavour, star on a special menu at Italian restaurant DiVino from January 6 to February 28. Dishes include seared ahi tuna with truffle and roasted baby carrots, potato gnocchi tossed with buffalo milk butter and black truffle and beef sirloin tagliata with truffle shaving and pecorino.

Reservations required. 73 Wyndham Street, Central, 2167 8883, www.divinogroup.com.

before January 6 from www.facebook.com/ stormydragons.

Out with the old, in with the new Southside’s food scene is shifting. Old favourite New York Fries has closed in Stanley Plaza. In Cyberport, however, new patisserie Les Amis is a welcome addition.

The bright, cheery cafe opened last month in a space opposite Delaney’s, offeriing cupcakes, croissants, cakes large and small, and coffee plus a few tables. 3/F The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, 2191 0391.

Black diamonds It’s truffle season. Black winter truffles from

The brunch we all need Bread Street Kitchen & Bar has launched a new brunch menu stacked with comfort-food favourites: full English breakfast ($228), eggs benedict ($128) and pan-roasted cauliflower with pine nuts, capers and golden raisins ($148). Add an extra $188 for two hours of free-flowing wine, bubbly and cocktails.

Kids get complimentary ice cream and a gift, and can also get creative with the toppings at the crepes bar. Saturdays from noon, Sundays from 11am. M/F, LKF Hotel, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, 2230 1800, www.diningconcepts.com.

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education

Primary-school pupils at play and work

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french lessons

French International School As the Lycée Français International Victor Segalen turns 50, Evie Burrows-Taylor visits the growing school.

Currently celebrating its 50th year, the history of Hong Kong’s French International School – or to use its official name, the Lycée Français International Victor Segalen (FIS) – reflects the pioneering spirit of the city’s expat communities. The school has expanded with Hong Kong’s growing French community from just 30 students in 1964 to 2,600 today.

It owes its existence in part to Lantau’s Shek Pik Reservoir, which was constructed from 1957-63 by engineers and technicians who mainly came from France. Having moved to Hong Kong with their families, the need became imperative for a French-speaking school. Classes were held in the French Consulate, then the Alliance Française, Béthanie in Pok Fu Lam and then Borrett Road, Central. A group of parents, including Dutch resistance fighter Suzanne Souloumic, who was married to a French master mariner,

and Alliance Francaise secretary Igny Houël, pushed to establish a French lycée.

Visiting the school today, there is no sign of its humble beginnings. It has four campuses, including three on Hong Kong Island (in Jardine’s Lookout, Happy Valley and Chai Wan) and a new premises in Hung Hom, which opened in September. The school is also considering the possibility of building a new campus to increase its annual intake.

The primary-school campus in Jardine’s Lookout has three canteens, an impressive hi-tech auditorium that seats up to 360 people and two motoricity rooms, used by the youngest pupils to improve their mobility skills.

On Blue Pool Road in Happy Valley, the secondary-school campus has a stunning view of the city from its terrace, used by pupils for studying during free periods and lunchtime.

By 2017, the school plans to expand the site,

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education

FIS is divided into three streams: French-speaking, international and bilingual.

The FIS academic team includes 200 teachers from 27 countries

Students check out a 50th-anniversary photo exhibition.

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adding classrooms and science labs, as well as a library and gymnasium.

While the school’s academic record is impressive, the lycée aims to provide a rounded education, encouraging students’ physical, creative and artistic growth through community activities, sports and the arts.

“We expect a high level of academic achievement, and this increases every year,” says the head of the international stream, Ian Clayton. “But we also want to make sure our students learn life skills, so they’re prepared for life after school.”

To that end, the FIS academic team includes 200 teachers from 27 countries, including France, Hong Kong, Britain, the

United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, China and Singapore. Over the past 50 years, students from 40 different nationalities have attended the school.

“We want staff who have some world experience, enabling them to teach a world view,” Clayton says. “It’s important for teachers to develop a good relationship with students, because this is the way children learn to love their subjects.”

Students are divided into three learning groups: international, French and bilingual.

Many students are trilingual by the time they leave the school. The first international school in Hong Kong to offer Cantonese-language classes, FIS has a history of promoting understanding between its students and the local community. From 1973 to 2004, Annie Au Yeung was at the helm, paving the way for the school’s Cantonese programme. Today, Chinese is a mandatory subject in senior primary school, with most students opting to

education

take Mandarin in secondary years.

Over the past 15 years, FIS has integrated sustainable living ideas into the curriculum, setting up programmes such as food recycling – donating surplus food to people in need – and using green school supplies. As a result, it received an “EcoSchool” certificate from the French Office of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe, and in 2011, the Hong Kong Government presented it with a Gold Award for sustainable development.

The combination of high learning standards, focus on languages and the encouragement of extracurricular pursuits has made FIS a popular choice for expat parents. Prospective

students are assessed before entry and there are waiting lists for both primary and secondary places. The school offers individual and corporate debentures, fully refundable when students graduate or leave the school. A corporate debenture confers priority admission for prospective students.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, the school has an exhibition of photographs, 50 Years of History and published a new book, Blackboard in the Fragrant Harbour, last month.

(Copies are available in the school bookshop for $280.)

165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, 2577 6217, www.fis.edu.hk.

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sponsored column

Handwriting: art or archaic?

ITS Educational Services explains why handwriting matters in the computer age.

We are in an age where the art of handwriting is being called into question.

With laptops, tablets and smartphones invading our social consciousness at every turn, schools have had the challenge of finding a delicate balance.

Most adults will recall that one of the first things they learned at school was how to write the alphabet, in lower-case and capitals, progressing to writing words, sentences, paragraphs and essays. Some schools included penmanship classes teaching children to make their writing pretty and readable. Today, keyboarding is in. It is common for students as young as 10 years old to type their homework and assignments.

Developing Literacy While computers are widely used in Hong Kong’s international schools, handwriting still plays an important role. Educators believe handwriting is important in helping students to read and in creative writing as well as

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improve fine motor skills. Not only do students learn letters better by committing them to memory through writing, but also it may benefit memory, learning ability, cognitive development and understanding.

Thus, the benefits of writing by hand extend beyond childhood. For adults, typing may be a fast alternative to longhand, but that very efficiency may diminish our ability to process new information.

Schools that follow the British national curriculum place a strong emphasis on handwriting during the primary school years. Although word-processing programs and assistive technologies are important communication tools, having legible, efficient handwriting is still an important skill for future education and employment.

In the essay sections of GCSE, A-Level, IB Diploma and SAT exams, examiners unable to read a student's writing can assign that portion "illegible".

However, this does not mean schools

neglect or downplay the importance of keyboard skills. Both handwriting and keyboards have their place in the modern curriculum and just as students perfect their handwriting, they also learn keyboard skills.

For now, though, schools can safely agree on the need for teaching neat and efficient handwriting. The physical act of writing to be replaced wholly by typing on digital devices is still a way off. After all, if a child does not know how to write, a child will not know how to read, and life is going to be quite challenging because there are letters everywhere.

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

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Get yours at saikung.com/shop WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

family

One for the album Have a family portrait taken by these kid-friendly photographers.

By Mei-li Bacani.

Cheeky Monkey Photography This photography company shoots mainly on location using natural light and specialises in newborns, children and families. Customisation, photo editing, holiday cards, wall art and albums available. A signature session is $4,800 including a complete set of low-resolution images on a CD and a 8in x 8in hardcover coffee-table album. Details at 9031 0366, www.cheekymonkey.com.hk.

Jill Carter Photography Specialising in baby, maternity, family and wedding photos, Carter and her team shoot on location or at their studio using high-quality

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Putting a toy or lollipop on top of the camera gets a child’s attention Canon digital equipment. After the shoot, 80 photos will be sent to you by mail on a CD or via Dropbox, with prints extra. A 90-minute family shoot package is $4,500, including materials and travel expenses. Flat D12, Rodrigues Court, 350 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 9193 0766, www. jillcarterphotography.com.

snap happy Tips for photographing kids Father and photography enthusiast Ganie Baltazar explains how to get that shot.

The hardest thing is getting my daughter to look at the camera. Putting a toy or lollipop on top of the camera gets her attention.

Take photos at your subject’s eye level so kneel down if you have to.

Always take high-resolution shots.

Invest in a high-capacity memory card for your camera — the bigger the file size the higher the quality.

Don’t rely on one shot. Take multiple shots and choose the best one.

In low light, use the flash but don’t get too close to your subject or the photo will be over-exposed and blurry — plus you might end up with a scared and crying toddler. Look up the range of your camera’s flash in the instruction booklet.

Never shoot towards the sun especially at high noon. Always have the sun behind you when taking a picture.

Clockwise from far left: on location with Cheeky Monkey; Rosa and Daniel capture a magic moment; two shots by Teresa Tam-Morris at Moments; on the beach with Jill Carter.

Moments Teresa Tam-Morris is a long-established family photographer with a knack for capturing lively, engaging photographs either in her comfortable Kennedy Town studio or on location. She will come to the maternity suite to take those first pictures of a newborn, your home or favourite park or beach for more natural, reportagestyle photography. Reprints and enlargements available. Packages start at $1,600 for a studio session or $2,500 on location (check the website for special offers). Details at 9330 4565, www.momentsgallery.com.

Radhika Rao Photography Radhika Rao has photographed more than 2,000 families in the past 12 years, producing

reliably lovely images in the studio, or more natural moments at your home or on location.

She also offers commercial photography.

PO Box 44178, Shau Kei Wan, 9216 0972, radhika@radhikarao.com, www.radhikarao.com.

Use the rule of thirds when it comes to composition. Think of the picture as a 3x3 grid. Identify the focus of the shot, your child’s toothy smile perhaps, and have the subject a little off-centre of the grid for a balanced and more interesting photo.

Avoid busy backgrounds, such as a car zooming by or a pole sprouting out of your subject’s head.

Drab and light-coloured backgrounds are no good, they affect the colour and sharpness of the picture.

Rosa and Daniel This couple has been in the photography business for more than 10 years, offering family, wedding, pregnancy and corporate shots.

Family packages start at $5,000 and they can customise your photos into albums and wall enlargements. Sessions are held at the studio. Room 801, 12 Lyndhurst Terrace, Union Commercial Building, Central, 2294 0481, www.rosaanddaniel.com.

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family

Venture Photography This British photography studio revolutionised family photography, with bright, energetic studio-based shoots that captured families having fun. Choose from four photography styles: signature portraits against a plain white backdrop, digital effects, black and white and statement. There are also several different framing options. Check the website for special offers. 1/F, Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central, 2885 6262; Suite 608-9, World Commerce Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2377 2888, venturephotography.com.hk.

A sandy shoot by Zzzoom Photography.

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Zzzoom Photography Repulse Bay-based Tara Jenkins and her partner Imi Bond shoot bumps, babies, weddings and families at studio sessions or on location. As mums themselves, they are especially good with children, encouraging fun photo sessions, props included. A one-hour session, including editing and 150 highresolution photos on a CD is $4,600 on location or $4,800 in the studio. Canvases, frames, cards, prints and photo-books are available.

Details at 9090 3045 or 9104 6496, www.zzzoomphotography.com.

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www.bumpstobabes.com

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WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

outdoors How to get a motorbike licence Martin Chappell’s journey from pedestrian to (probationary) biker.

Had enough of traffic jams, gas-guzzlers and looking for a parking space? I had.

A move to the outer reaches of Sai Kung was my motivation to climb on to something more exciting than the gym’s Kettler – and, to be honest, the “gym” was in the spareroom. I wasn’t getting out much.

A trip to Thailand convinced me that the answer was a motorcycle. It ticked all the right boxes: cheap, jam-resistant, easy to park and my passport to Sai Kung’s backwaters. Even better, the Kwun Tong Driving School, just around the corner from my office, turned out to be cheaper than the Hong Kong School of Motoring with spaces available.

In Hong Kong, the motorcycle test is divided into three parts (A, B and C), followed by a year of driving with “P” (probationary) plates. I was delighted to learn my UK driver’s licence exempted me from the written part (A) of the test; I simply filled out a form and handed over $1,000 to get my Hong Kong car driving licence.

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(For more details on converting a foreign driving licence, call 2804 2647.)

So I breezed straight to Part B – basic motorcycle control. This requires drivers to navigate a course of cones and perform an emergency stop. To prepare, you are mandated to take 12 hours of instruction. As my Cantonese is limited, I had an English-speaking instructor all to myself.

Despite plenty of previous experience on scooters (I subsidised a year of university with an evening job delivering pizzas by scooter), I was nervous on the day of the test. But it was a piece of cake. (Check out the course on YouTube, search for ktds.)

A week later I picked up my motorcycle learners licence, which on closer inspection only allowed me to ride alone on the streets from 9.30am to 4.30pm and 7.30pm to midnight.

Time for Part C: on-street training. After an hour of chat, we were on real bikes on real roads.

Surprisingly, the Transport Department publishes

easy rider

A motorcycle ticked all the right boxes: cheap, jam resistant and easy to park its three test routes, randomly drawing one on the day, all of which use the same site for the dreaded “figure of eight” on a slope. However, that’s off limits for practise, thanks to one of the city’s seemingly random “no learners” signs.

We followed the instructor to learn road positions and the routes, then we were allowed out to practise on our own on the school’s bikes; the package included so many free hours, after which they could be hired for $250 an hour. It didn’t take long to memorise the three routes and learn to anticipate traffic hotspots. Back to the office for a bacon sandwich and a few questions.

Question one, could I get my own bike? The answer was yes, as long as I could get insurance.

I did the maths: I was spending about $3,000 a month on taxis and buses (okay, mainly taxis). The insurance would be slightly more than double the

normal cost at $4,000 for the two-three months before my test – but what price freedom?

I plumped for a Suzuki GN250, using it for my daily commute and to practise figures of eight on a convenient slope every night – sorry, residents of Razor Hill. I also rode it for my test, which added to my confidence on the day. So, I passed.

I am now 10 months into my P plate, which means I shouldn’t go faster than 70km/h or get caught doing anything naughty – or it’s another six months of probation plates. If you re-offend, you must re-sit the test.

My bike has really opened up Hong Kong for me. I have been to places I never knew existed. I drive down leafy lanes filled with the scent of mowed grass, nip out for a swim on summer mornings, or pop home to feed the cats. I feel more awake these days – no more catching yawns and old ladies’ elbows on the MTR for me.

Kwun Tong Driving School, Kwun Tong Vehicular Ferry Pier, Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, 2411 1906.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

big day out

on the radar

Po Toi, south of Stanley

All’s quiet on the Po Toi front.

Nigel Griffiths explores Po Toi’s coast, trails and black-pepper squid.

A half-hour boat ride from Stanley, little Po Toi island is easily overlooked when planning a day out. Once it’s on your radar, however, you’ll find much to draw you back. A world away from the metropolis, this serene island offers coastal paths, rough trails over granite hills, lovely views and the relaxed Ming Kee Restaurant, with some of the freshest seafood and arguably the best black-pepper squid in Hong Kong.

Thirty years ago, Po Toi was home to about a thousand people, most of whom lived around the main cove. Drawn by the booming city, all but a handful have since left. There are a few ruined buildings, particularly among the trees near the pier, and others have long since vanished beneath shrubs and climbers.

Ferries and junks arrive at the Po Toi Public Pier, where cactus blooms on the rocks. From there, turn left to the main village or turn right for a one-hour stroll to the southern headland.

Turning right will bring you to another junction,

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Papaya, jackfruit trees and lush vegetation smother former homes with a signpost: to avoid the hill trails, keep straight on and follow the coastal path, returning the same way.

For a longer adventure, head for the store run by Mr and Mrs Ng – who collect and sell seaweed (Porphyra suboriclata), which is reportedly good for a range of ailments – at a junction near the pier. Turn right at the seaweed store onto a trail and at the next junction, marked by a wooden signpost, take the concrete steps uphill towards the ridge. At first, the trail is sheltered by dense, young woodland, which soon gives way to scrub and grass overlooking the cove. On the right, a side trail leads to Old Mo’s House, or the Ghost House,

a ruin occupied by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The concrete steps end and the trail appears to fizzle out, but keep climbing over the bare rock and you’ll find more steps to a trail junction on top of the ridge. Look east across the rolling granite hills of the interior, carpeted with low, swarthy vegetation including crape myrtle, which blooms purple in summer adding splashes of colour between the boulders.

From here, you have a choice of routes.

Experienced hikers can head left along the Rugged Trail, a rough track that strikes out along the ridge, 150m above sea level, passing through the scrub and across bare rock then angling down to the temple. An easier concrete trail heads right towards Po Toi’s southern headland. After passing a pavilion with spectacular views over the sea and islands to the south, the concrete trail abruptly tumbles off the ridge, and onto the headland.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 47

big day out

Ferries run from Aberdeen and Stanley.

Register now!

All levels welcome Infant aquatics

Head Coach Dick Orbell Former Olympic and Commonwealth Athlete

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

48 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

A path along the spine of the headland leads to a squat, automatic lighthouse, then turns down to the west. In winter, the walk to the lighthouse is scenic and comfortable in the cool breeze, but in summer the same journey would be arduous. The lighthouse is a disappointment, resembling a cold war-era pill box rather than the slender white structures of the empire. There’s a trail to the tip of the headland, where the granite is stripped bare and cut with deep fissures, dotted with small

big day out

Some of the island’s treasures.

pools. The rocks are said to resemble a tortoise and a monk, but to my mind one needs a good imagination to make the association.

From the tip of the headland, a trail winds along the coast to Nam Tan Wan bay. It passes sculptured Palm Rock, skirts a tiny beach, then crosses a small footbridge. There are steps down to a rock carving, which may be old but is far from spectacular.

The path runs through small fields with a smattering of vegetables, then across the patio

of a farmhouse. Papaya, jackfruit trees and lush vegetation smother former homes on the way back to the ferry pier. Keep walking: there’s a footbridge across a stream, with a tranquil pool on the right, a few placards demonstrating against plans to build a columbarium on the island and finally you reach the heart of the village and seafood restaurants, overlooking a beach.

Ming Kee is open daily and busy at weekends, so it’s advisable to book (11.30am10pm, 2849 7038). The seafood is fresh and the

excellent set meals are good value, although prices rise considerably if you order a la carte, and there’s a good selection of wines and beers. This is a great place to relax and watch boats come and go as children paddle and play on the beach.

Beyond the restaurants, the path continues to the Tin Hau temple on a cliff. It’s an interesting temple, with a bell dated 1835 and a lovely view from the courtyard, where tired hikers can rest in the breeze and watch marine police patrols of the sea border.

Sea eagles circle, their white bellies catching the light. Beside the footpaths, big old banyan trees attract migrant birds such as warblers and flycatchers, and the blue glassy tiger butterfly can be seen in abundance. Po Toi is one of only four islands in the world with recorded sightings of Romer’s Tree Frog (Luscinia calliope), but it must have been hiding at the time of my visit.

Tsui Wah Ferries (2272 2022) operates services to Po Toi from Aberdeen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and from Stanley Blake Pier on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays ($40 return). Basic accommodation is available through Ming Kee (Kwan Jay, 2849 7038).

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living & home

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diy fung shui

Follow the sheep Banish the clutter and update with soft colour for the home-lovin’ Year of the Sheep. By Rebecca Simpson.

In the Chinese calendar, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep – the wood sheep, to be precise. An artist of the Chinese zodiac, the sheep thrives in a beautiful home environment, which means bringing harmony to the family living space is more important than ever this year.

For some, this is a cue to call in a fung shui master to rearrange your home and optimise your luck, wealth and health. It’s a pricey business, however, but there are a few do-ityourself ways to create space and harmony in your home.

Feng shui expert Rodika Tchi from www. knowfengshui.com says, “To live in a good feng shui house is to be surrounded by a healthy and vibrant quality of chi, or energy. A good feng shui house will feel good, look good and attract all the good to you.”

These three practical changes should begin to promote a more harmonious energy flow in your home.

Long-term storage with StuffGenie.

Declutter “If your house is full of clutter – no matter if it’s hidden or in plain view – you have to take care of your clutter first,” Tchi says.

For many of us, that might seem to be a monumental task. But interior designer Monique McLintock has a useful tip.

“Nobody ever has to time to spend days decluttering so my advice is to spend just 15 minutes a day on one area. If you try to do everything at once then you only get overwhelmed,” she says.

In space-poor Hong Kong, however, there are plenty of storage solutions for organising

your possessions thanks to a subculture of beautiful, functional furniture distinct to the territory. The key is to buy clever, says TREE’s managing director Kate Babington.

“Great design isn’t about having lots of things, it’s about surrounding yourself with things that you love. Buy less and buy smart,” she says. “Pick one-of-a-kind pieces that are built to last. A flexible storage solution is an essential way of creating space, which is why we developed the Out of the Box collection.

Available in either rustic eco-teak or fun and fabulous mosaic recycled boat wood, this

collection of seven boxes in different shapes and sizes gives you the flexibility to design your own storage solution.”

StuffGenie is a new Hong Kong service that does just that – takes care of your clutter. The revolutionary service offers personal storage on a box-by-box basis.

Using the StuffGenie app, clients can have stored boxes delivered to their door with merely 24 hours’ notice. It’s a notable solution for seasonal items such as ski gear, wake boards and bulky winter items. “We know how tight space can be in Hong Kong. We want to

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

living & home

Update your décor with accessories in this year’s colour, such as these bottles from TREE or latte bedding from Sleep Naked.

give people the freedom to manage their own space — to have their stuff where they want, and when they want it,” explains Miles Davison, co-founder of StuffGenie.

Once clutter is cleared and you turn the page to a new year, look local to stylishly organise your home life. Here in our urban jungle, utility and design have been intimate for generations, producing a subculture of

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beautiful, functional furniture that is distinct to Hong Kong.

Update with something new Soft furnishings can give your home an instant face-lift. New cushions, a rug or bedlinen have the power to change the tone of a room in an instant without costing the earth. The easiest transition into this season’s looks is with colour.

“This is the year for soft colours such as pale custard, burgundy, soft mint green, dusty rose and neutral tone camel,” McLintock says.

Add sleek character to a bedroom with Sleep Naked’s sumptuous Latte luxury bed set for a subtle touch of colour, honouring this season’s trend.

Recycled, reused and reloved vintage pieces will also get their time to shine in 2015.

living & home “Vintage is also a big trend for the new year.

Find some lovely family pieces tucked away in your grandmother’s cabinet or in your dad’s old study. This year is all about mixing old with new to give a unique and personal look,” says McLintock.

The trend for eco-friendly pieces shows no sign of abating in the Year of the Sheep.

“Eco-design is a big trend for 2015 and for us this means working as much as possible with natural materials and fabrics,” Babington says. “Even a small wooden piece can have a big impact on a living space, bringing you closer to nature and adding natural beauty to the home.”

Front door facelift Jan Cisek of Feng Shui London recommends changing something at the front door to help refresh energy. The front door is a place of transition, the gateway between the world and your family. Try a new doormat, an ornament to hang on the door, or a new shoe rack. If you’re looking to make a statement.

“Add something colourful to the front door.

Don’t be afraid to paint your door China blue, ruby red or violet,” McLintock says. “You can always paint it back next year.”

Make a statement with your front door in the Year of the Sheep — you can always change it next year.

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travel

Bright lights, big city: after dark at Soi Cowboy, near Sukhumvit.

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thai me up

Sunset over the rooftop bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok.

Weekend in Bangkok Bangkok-born Hannah Grogan has the lowdown on the Thai capital.

Twenty direct flights a day from Hong Kong to Bangkok are testament to our love affair with Thailand’s capital. Right now, timid tourists are being kept at bay by martial law, but the city is calm and luxury hotels are offering rooms at bargain rates. Even better, the weather is at its coolest and least humid.

What to do Shop for bargains at the markets. Sukhumvit has rows of streetside stalls, but the mother of them all is the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturdays and Sundays, 6am-6pm). This giant market attracts more than 200,000 people a day with 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand, from clothes to pets to fresh food. Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, www. chatuchak.org.

Visit palaces and temples. There are more than 400 temples in Bangkok, ranging from the grand and beautiful Grand Palace to little-known street wats. There’s even a temple to David Beckham (yes, really). Top of most

There are more than 400 temples — there’s even one to David Beckham itineraries are the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow), Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and the riverside Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun).

Drink cocktails in the sky. Sirocco Skybar is Bangkok’s most famous rooftop bar, thanks to its appearance in The Hangover II, but we prefer the rooftop bar at The Banyan Tree. We recommend visiting after a pamper session at the hotel’s famous spa (I’m a fan). 21/100 South Sathorn Road, www.banyantree.com.

Go to a mall. One of the biggest malls in Asia, Siam Paragon, is a great place on a wet day, with upmarket shops, an aquarium, IMAX theatre and even a bowling alley. Rama 1 Road, www.siamparagon.co.th.

Visit a tailor. There’s a tailor on nearly every street corner, but I can vouch for Jackie’s on Sukhumvit (Soi 9; www.jackiestailor.com), which has been making bespoke clothes for my family for two decades. They know their stuff.

Eat well and often. Snack on street food, dive into curries in the market, or munch fresh fruit on sticks. For authentic Thai, try the famed Cabbages and Condoms (www.pda.or.th/ restaurant), which serves delicious food in a peaceful garden setting with a strong familyplanning message. A family favourite is Bei Otto (www.beiotto.com) for hearty German food that is among the finest in Asia. For something different, eat in Little Arabia (near Jackie’s Tailor).

Where to stay Bangkok’s hotel industry is fiercely competitive, with five-star resorts at three-star prices. We recommend reserving through Booking.com and taking advantage of its free cancellation option to shop around for a last-minute bargain.

In Sukhumvit, the Rembrandt Hotel

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 57

Clockwise from left: a monument to the king; the sexy riverfront pool at the Shangri-La; tuk tuks; curries at Chatuchak Market; Bei Otto.

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(www.rembrandtbkk.com) is comfortable, decently priced and centrally located with serviced apartments next door (www. rembrandttowers.com). The Shangri La (www. shangri-la.com) offers five-star relaxation on the river with a decked-out pool and great dining.

What to expect While Thailand is still under martial law, which was imposed in May, curfews have been lifted. The Hong Kong Government, however, recommends visitors monitor the situation and exercise caution around crowds. Unlike the curfew, the traffic has not gone away. Getting around by road takes time – use the BTS train service. Tuk tuks (auto rickshaws) are fun, if dangerous, for short trips, but spring for a cab from the airport. Be prepared to pay tollways.

It’s a good idea to break some bigger notes at the airport.

Before you go Tourist visa exemptions apply for 48 nationalities including Hong Kong nationals (www.mfa.go.th). And check the calendar – elections and Buddhist holy days are often celebrated with bar closures and no-alcohol days, which can put a dampener on plans for a wild weekend.

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health & beauty The juice on cleanses Can man live on juice alone? Callum Wiggins tries a three-day cleanse.

It’s January and I feel rubbish. I’ve eaten too much, drunk too much, done no exercise for weeks and slept far too little. Frankly, it’s a miracle I’ve made it to 2015 at all. To kickstart a change in my life, I get onboard with a health trend: a Genie Juicery three-day cleanse.

It’s fashionable and convenient, involving little more than 24 bottles of pressed fruits, vegetables, assorted seeds and super berries in three days. My stomach growls at the prospect.

Day two

Day one I wake up feeling unusually hungry, but I ignore the pangs and go to work where my first Genie Juicery bottle awaits. Smooth Operator is packed with bananas, avocado, spinach, apple, vanilla and chia seeds. It tastes delicious and it’s a substantial breakfast. I take small gulps as advised and soon feel full.

With eight juices to drink today, I decide not to hang around and tuck into Beaches, an intensely sweet blend of pineapple, strawberry, mint and acai. The taste is pleasant but a whole bottle is hard to finish. Am I looking forward to the green concoctions already?

By early afternoon I am beginning to feel hungry. Green Queen and Four-leaf Clover (mainly celery, spinach and apple) make me feel like a child forced to eat my greens. And I used to be vegetarian. As my colleagues tuck into lunch, I’m finding it difficult to accept that’s it for the afternoon.

A few hours later, I feel my energy and concentration levels dropping. Even an earlier-than-scheduled Buggs Bunny (carrots and cinnamon) fails to raise my spirits or fill my stomach. My body is rebelling against the lack of food: I have a dull headache, hunger pangs and feel lethargic. Ironically, after consuming only liquids all day, I finish the day with a persistent dry mouth and sore throat.

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It is recommended to undertake a juice cleanse over a quiet few days. I’ve opted for the middle of a working week, but today I have a meeting in Central and an afternoon in Sai Kung and find myself hauling a cooler full of juices. I make the mistake of gulping my first few juices to make the load lighter. A mistake. By the afternoon, the waterworks are in overdrive but at least I now know where all the public toilets are in Sai Kung.

Meeting friends for dim sum is another mistake. My beetroot-based Life Blood is a feeble replacement for baskets of steaming dumplings. I sulk in the corner with my juice.

Char siu bao never looked so good.

liquid lunches

Day three The final day is the easiest. I drink my morning smoothie and one of my favourite juices, Garden Gnome (apple, pear, lime and ginger).

My body is starting to adapt. The hunger pangs have abated and my energy level is high all day. I’m a bit bored of drinking the same juice flavours for the third day but my mind stays focused on work and I rarely think about food. Thankfully, I have avoided the worst of the possible side-effects (spots, dry skin, pungent urine and frequent bowel movements), although whether I feel “cleansed” is also open for debate.

A juice cleanse is not for everyone. Not eating for three days is a test that some may find too difficult or impractical, with few tangible physical results.

It’s a psychological start to a change of diet, exercise and general well-being, but it is only a start. For most of us, the hard work begins after the cleanse. As for me, I will be sticking to more a traditional adage: everything in moderation, including moderation.

Genie Juicery Level 1: Beginner three-day cleanse from $1,700.

2/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, www.geniejuicery.com.

Deliveries can be made daily, 6pm-9pm.

Three-day Juice Cleanses Pressed Juices The cleanse programme starts from $1,500. Orders can be made online at www.pressedjuices.hk and deliveries to Hong Kong Island start from $25 per order.

Shop 81A, Hollywood Road, Central; 4B Hoi Tai Street, Quarry Bay. Punch Detox The juice that packs a punch. The cleanse starts at $1,680 including free delivery.

Order online at www.punchdetox.com.

Unit 1086, Fullagar Industrial Building, 234 Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen.

Be-Juiced Cleanse starts at $1,580. Delivery is included but excludes some areas in the New Territories. Order online at www.bejuiced-hk.com, 3693 4550.

Nood Food This popular brand is commonly stocked at Pure gyms around town. The Classic cleanse is $1,700 and can be ordered online at www.allnood.com. Home delivery is only available to addresses on Hong Kong Island.

Mr Green Juice A six-juices cleanse is priced at $1,584.

Deliveries can be made to all addresses in Hong Kong. Order online at www.mrgreenjuice.com. Unit 302, 1 Glenealy Street, Central, 6695 9680.

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pets Battles of the sexes Gal pals fall out in the canine world too, writes Sally Andersen.

As much as they love their human families, dogs really appreciate the special friendships with other animals. After all, do you really want to lick deep inside your dog’s ears, or chase madly round the park, house or garden until collapsing in an exhausted heap? Some things can only be shared with another animal, and although dogs usually prefer their own kind they can also be quite happy with a cat or, judging from many Facebook videos, a bird or even an elephant.

However, even in a litter of very young puppies there is often a stronger one who bullies the weaker, or a naughty one that’s always starting fights. Although these characteristics would seem to indicate thug puppies that grow into aggressive adults, that’s not the case and the behaviour moderates as the weeks pass. I have often been very worried about such infants and their inclination to push their siblings around, but in every case they have turned out fine.

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As dogs mature, sisterly love can develop into bitter rivalry I hear so many times that it’s a shame to separate littermates, but again that’s not always the case. If you’d like a pair of dogs, it’s often better to have two puppies from different litters, especially if they are females. As they mature, sisterly love can develop into bitter rivalry and there’s not much you can do about it. The reasons for fights are usually impossible to determine from a human’s point of view, but suddenly the dogs will be at each others’ throats when you thought they were quietly napping.

This can also happen with mother and daughter, or even unrelated females. I have two female dogs, Minky and Sparkle, who grew up

man’s best frenemies

hong kong creatures Red-billed blue magpie aka Urocissa erythroryncha

together and were very close. They played, ate and slept together, and I often wrote about their antics in my blog. But over time it all changed and now they are more like enemies than friends.

I’m generalising and there are always exceptions to every rule, but if you want to start out with two puppies, it’s best to get one male and one female – or two males as second choice. Boy dogs tend not to harbour grudges like the girls do, and even if they have the odd argument it’s all soon forgotten and they can be friends again. But once two females have started fighting, they will never forgive or forget.

That’s why they’re called bitches.

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

Where to find them in Hong Kong: widely distributed.

The red-billed blue magpie, or common blue magpie, has a black breast, neck and head with blue spots on the crown, and a strong, sharp-edged orange-red bill from which it gets its name. It is about the same size as the European magpie, but with a longer tail.

Common from the western Himalayas to Vietnam and eastern China, these intelligent birds are often seen in small parties on the edges of woodland foraging for food.

They are omnivores with a varied diet of invertebrates, fruit and seeds. In summer, they mainly feed on worms and insects while in winter they eat fruit, berries and grain.

In spring, “parliaments” of magpies gather to resolve social standing and territorial conflicts ahead of the April-July

breeding season. They build huge nests of branches and twigs in trees and large shrubs, often taking several weeks to complete, and lay a clutch of three to five eggs.

The magpies’ average life expectancy is three years, but the oldest recorded was more than 21 years old. Magpies like to hoard food in their territory or home range, placing the surplus in small holes that they dig in the ground and cover with grass or leaves.

Magpies also steal eggs and chicks from the nests of other birds.

Steffi Yuen

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marketplace

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Tel: 9618 2475 smillie.cynthia@gmail.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

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marketplace

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

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

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

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marketplace

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marketplace

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marketplace

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

marketplace

distribution

where to find us

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

Pok Fu Lam

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

Cyberport

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

Larvotto

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

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

Ap Lei Chau

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

Aberdeen

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

The Peak

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

Manhattan Tower

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

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

Stanley

- Biva Deep Water Bay - The Boathouse - O Thai Restaurant and Beach Bar - Cafe Groucho’s - Hong Kong Country Club - Chez Patrick - Park N Shop - Cheers Real Estate Limited - Victoria Recreation Club - The Chocolate Room - Classified - Core Fitness - Lucy’s on the Front - Mayarya - Mijas - Pacific Pets - Pickled Pelican Pok Fu Lam - Paisono’s Pizzeria Chi Fu The Peak Parkview - Pizza Club Tai Tam - Pizza Express Cyberport Shouson Hill - Print House Big Wave Bay Aberdeen - Ricacorp Properties Bel-Air Deep Water Bay - Saigon in Stanley - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia Repulse Bay Red Hill Ap Lei Chau Wong Chuk Hang - Stan Cafe - Stanley Cave The Manhattan - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe Shek O Chung Hom Kok - Stanley Veterinary Centre - Starbucks One Island - Taste Supermarket - Vern’s Beach Bar Stanley South Located in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located in the lobby.

Sheung Wan & Central

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

Tai Tam / Shek O

Repulse Bay

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

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

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

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69

business directory Beauty & Spas Pure Swiss Limited 2358 3998 admin@e-pureswiss.com www.e-pureswiss.com

Children’s toys & accessories

Woodland Pre-Schools 2559 4855 www.woodlandschools.com

Education Bricks 4 Kids 2791 0007 info@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk

Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Store) 2555 6318 (Stanley Plaza Store) www.bumpstobabes.com

First Code Academy 2772 2108 | hello@firstcodeacademy.com www.firstcodeacademy.com

Ditto Ditto 3678 9881 hello@dittoditto.net www.dittoditto.net

International Tutors 2824 8824 tuition@international-tutors.com www.international-tutors.com

Toysclub 2167 8474 toysclub@hotmail.com www.itoysclub.com

community & charity Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

Early Childhood Miles International Academy 3586 3070 info@milesinternational.com.hk www.milesinternational.com.hk Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

ITS Education Asia 2116 3916 | es@itseducation.asia www.itseducation.asia Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk www.sylvanlearning.com UUIA. 5185 0885 / 9189 9591 iuuokok@gmail.com www.uuokok.com

Events

Parkview International Pre-School 2812 6023 pipsinfo@pips.edu.hk www.pips.edu.hk

Hong Kong Arts Festival Society 2824 3555 afgen@hkaf.org www.hkaf.org

Southside Kindergarten 2592 7527 info@southside.edu.hk www.southside.edu.hk

Junior Snappers Ltd 9849 0050 juniorsnappershk@gmail.com www.juniorsnappers.com

Extracurricular

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The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement 2388 2979 info@hkafa.com.hk www.hkafa.com.hk The Studio/Print House 5332 2429 hughie@thestudio.hk www.thestudio.hk

Food & Beverage COOEE! 2758 6998 cooee@cooeefoods.com www.cooeefoods.com The South African Shop 9457 0639 info@thesouthafricanshop.com www.thesouthafricanshop.com Winerack - Hong Kong 2433 9929 enquiry@winerack.com.hk www.winerack.com.hk/store/en

Health & Wellness Bio-Therapeutic Ltd. 2314 2772 sales@bio.com.hk www.bio.com.hk Jamu Massage 6247 9479 info@jamumassage.hk jamumassage.hk

Home & Interiors Caballo Living Co., Ltd. 2363 1925 sales@caballoliving.com www.caballoliving.com Eco Living 2792 7998 | askus@ecoliving.hk www.ecoliving.hk Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com

handy

Life Solutions 2778 3282 www.lifesolutions.com.hk NoEndDesign 6643 9702 mail@noenddesign.com www.noenddesign.com OI LING ANTIQUES 2815 9422 antiques@oilingantiques.com oilingantiques.com/home/main/eng Opus Design Ltd 9733 7328 www.opusdesign.com.hk Pantry Magic 2504 0688 | info@pantry-magic.com www.pantry-magic.com Rimba Rhyme 2544 4011 | enquire@rimbarhyme.com rimbarhyme.com Works of Wonder sandra@wowdesign.hk www.facebook.com/worksofwonder Xava Interiors 2858 9866 info@xavainteriors.hk www.xavainteriors.hk

International Schools Canadian International School of Hong Kong 2525 7088 | schoolinfo@cdnis.edu.hk www.cdnis.edu.hk The International Montessori School 2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk

Parties & Entertainment Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Pets & Vets Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | smillie.cynthia@gmail.com www.petbehaviourhk.com

Homevet 9860 5522 pets@homevet.com.hk www.facebook.com/Homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk Pets Central North Point 2811 8907 northpoint@pets-central.com www.pets-central.com Pets Central Mobile Vet Clinic 6223 0903 www.pets-central.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813 2030 | info@stanleyvetcentre.com stanleyvetcentre.com 2813 7979 retail@stanleyvetcentre.com

Professional Services

Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk www.boxx.hk Waterpipeplus 9668 5865 (Southside Hotline) 3580 1888 (Service Hotline) HKI07@waterpipeplus.hk www.waterpipeplus.com

Real-Estate Genesis 6688 8262 Habitat Property 2869 9069 | www.habitat-property.com Hong Kong Parkview 2812 3945www.hongkongparkview.com One Island South www.oneislandsouth.com.hk

Andersen Auto Ltd. 9092 4849 | www.andersenauto.com.hk

Savills www.savills.com.hk

Annerley www.annerley.com.hk

The Arcade, Cyberport 3166 3111 arcade@cyberport.hk www.arcade.cyberport.hk

Ayesha Oriental Carpets 2623 0499 Carpet Washing - Mr Iqbal 9018 0897 | iqbalhk@me.com Dr. Fix It All Limited 2525 0055 | sales@drfixitall.hk www.elitemovers.hk Heliservices 2802 0200 | chp@heliservices.com.hk www.heliservices.com HK Macs 9348 6884 info@hkmacs.com www.hkmacs.com Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd 2815 5828 | hongkong@infinitysolutions.com Moments 9330 4565 service@momentsgallery.com www.momentsgallery.com

Sports & Fitness Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club 3149 7171 info@hkstingrays.com www.hkstingrays.com Pure South – The Pulse 8200 0908 www.pure-yoga.com www.pure-fitness.com Tinytots Coaching & Brazilian Football Academy 3488 7724 info@tinytots.com.hk / info@bfa.hk www.tinytots.com.hk / www.bfa.hk

travel VIP Travel Limited 2522 9888 info@viptravelhk.com www.viptravelhk.com

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 71

southside secrets

how now, tin hau?

Statues big and small at the Repulse Bay temple.

Temple by the beach Through the members-only door of Repulse Bay’s Longevity Temple with manager Chan Zi-hing.

I have looked after the temple for more than 30 years. It’s a Tin Hau temple that was first built in 1956 by the Hong Kong LifeSaving Society.

As well as the temple, we have a private room for the members of the society with old photos of conferences. Queen Elizabeth once sat in this chair – it was 1978 and the temple was the venue for the first Asian-Pacific lifesaving conference, attended by the Queen and Governor Sir Murray MacLehose.

This place is also known as the Longevity Temple. There is a concrete sign by the water explaining the name – with the shallow water in the bay, it was named Tsin Shui Wan, which translates as “shallow water”, but the pronunciation also means living a thousand years, and hence the name longevity.

Longevity is a common word during birthdays and Lunar New Year for blessing someone with a long life. As you walk around the temple, you

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The huge Tin Hau figure is nearly two stories tall and was built in 10 days will see the Longevity Bridge and other statues offering this blessing.

With so many tours visiting the temple, many tour guides have their own ways of introducing this place. You see tourists lining up near the entrance, rubbing a figure with cash because some guides introduce it as the god that brings in money if you rub it with cash. Another version is it is a fertility god and rubbing money on it brings a higher chance of falling pregnant. We have a banyan tree outside the temple, one guide even introduced it as a wishing tree.

I worked in military construction in China for two years from 1974. We’d arrive at a destination

before the soldiers to fix the bridges, smooth the roads, build stairways and such. When I came to Hong Kong, I worked odd jobs before settling on something I enjoyed doing.

I worked on the construction of this temple.

I really enjoyed putting together the sacred figures piece by piece – the huge Tin Hau figure is nearly two stories tall and was built in 10 days by my master. Anyone can erect a statue here if they have the money, it’s like a sponsor for the temple.

I swim in Repulse Bay every morning. It’s 16 degrees today, but I still swam. It is an enjoyment working here – it’s beautiful. I live with my family in Wan Chai and get a day off during the week.

Although we have donation boxes around the temple, there is never enough money for renewal or maintenance. The money doesn’t go directly to us – if we need money there is a long procedure and waiting time.