Sai Kung Apr 2017

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April 2017

Looking beyond

Sai Kung Behind the scenes of our hiking guide

Inside Discovery College Easter camps for kids

Exploring Hoi An’s ancient roots

The really useful magazine April 2017

ON PATROL

PEOPLE

21 Police blotter Sai Kung Police updates.

4 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life.

THE PLANNER

VILLAGE FOCUS

8 Happening in April What’s on.

22 Ho Chung One of Sai Kung’s original villages.

NEWS

INTERVIEW 24 Tara Smyth The scout leader.

14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS

COVER STORY

16 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

18 Gary Fan Kwok Wai Sai Kung District Councillor.

28 The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide The best hikes of Sai Kung and the surrounding area.

FAMILY 34 Easter camps All the fun over Spring.

LOCAL 20 Face the music Plans for a dual carriageway.

EDUCATION 40 Discovery College Rebecca Simpson takes a tour.

SPORT 44 Rugby fever A how-to guide to the Sevens.

TRAVEL 46 Destination: Hoi An A trip to Vietnam’s ancient port town.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 Nailed it!

The Kung’s tip top manis and pedis.

HOROSCOPES 56 Signs from the stars Adam White predicts your future.

PETS 58 Ask Dr. Pauline “Can I feed my dog ice cream?”.

Plus Walkies.

GARDENING 61 Gardening in Hong Kong What to plant in April.

VINES IN SAI KUNG 64 Overcharged Stephen Vines weighs in.

ZIM-CITY 54 Paul Zimmerman explains…

Tax waiver cut for electric cars.

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contributors

Rebecca Simapdsreoa mn

yea rs a g o fo r ... a rrived in Asi a m e flyi ng t m u ch of he r ti en sp d n a le ro R P to a n d g etti ng pa id h two a rou n d th e re gion it w y prod u cts. N ow ta lk a bout bea ut ti ng ks from th ei r floa or w e sh s, er ht d a ug n d livin g a nt a u, writin g a fa mily ho m e in L ip to out a bout he r tr d in F . m a re d a n ew e on p40.

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a H on g K on g- bo a nd occa si on al so rn w rit er, edit or ot hs ay er. H e th ou ght a bo ut sett in g up a fo rt u ne-t ellin g st all on Te m ple St re et , b ut it’ s a to ug h m a rk et out th ere. Fo llo w hi m on Tw itt er a nd In st a gra m @ad a m aw hite a nd ch ec k out w hat he ha s to sa y a bo ut yo ur futu re th is m onth on p5 6.

Eric Hthoe UK, Eric

d ra is ed in … wa s born a n of n ew K on g in sea rch g on H to e d his m ca ette r u n d erst a n b to d n a s re u a dve nt ef stint in th e IT ri b a er ft A s.

C hi n es e root ia a s h e in ed Fa st M ed jo y kl ic qu e h nd world d in liste n in g a lie n io ss pa s hi co ve r dis co ve red ok this m onth’s to e H s. ie or st g te lli n L u k St rea m. sh ot in Sh eu n g

Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese Snaps from Sai Kung

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people Tala’s Hair & Beauty Centre Mix n’ Mingle

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say cheese Sai Kung Orchestra Rehearsal

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

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planner

APR 12-16

2017 UCI Track Cycling World Championships

After a successful round of competition last year, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup is back this year at the Tseung Kwan O Velodrome. Tickets start at $120 for adults, $50 for concessions. Hong Kong Velodrome, 105-107 Ho Pong Road, Tseung Kwan O. For more information, visit www.trackworldcup.hk

APR 1 April Fool’s Day Be prepared for practical jokes and mischievous pranks!

APR 1 Public pools open It’s warming up, so dig out your swimming stuff and head out to one of Hong Kong’s many public pools.

APR 1 Sonar 2017 Celebrating music, creativity and technology, Sonar debuts in Hong Kong and brings in a lineup of live acts and DJs including DJ Shadow, Gilles Peterson and Dave Clarke.

Tickets are $180-780. 11am-3pm, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin. Visit sonarhongkong. com for more information.

APR 1 HKIS World’s Fair The annual HKIS World’s Fair is back.

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Celebrating cultural diversity in Hong Kong with international food, shopping and entertainment. This year, to mark the school’s 50th anniversary, the fair will have a “vintage HKIS” theme, transporting visitors to the

Hong Kong of yesteryear. Families welcome and admission is free. On-site parking is not available but a complimentary bus runs to and from the event. 11am-3pm, HKIS High School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, www.hkis.edu.hk

APR 1-2

Borrelli Walsh Beach 5s After taking a break from the sand in 2016, the Beach 5s is back for two days of fun and games at Repulse Bay Beach. Making its debut this year - and joining the staple line up of men’s and women’s rugby, netball and dodgeball - is the Neymar Jr’s Five. This five-a-side tournament is inspired by street football and features one special rule: each time you score, the opposition loses a player. Aside from the sporting action, enjoy free family entertainment, a live DJ, food, drinks and shopping from an array of lifestyle brands. Free admission.

Matches take place from 9am-6pm on both days. www.beach5shk.com.

For tickets to the official after-party at the pulse Sunset Beach Club, visit beach5safterparty.pelago.events

APR 2 Sai Kung Markets

APR 5, 12, 19 & 26 Cantonese Slang Class

Browse through over 60 stalls of artisanal and food vendors at this well-established indoor market. Children can enjoy face painting and cuddles with adorable puppies, while you eat, browse and shop. 11am-5pm, Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung.

Learn Cantonese slang from Sai Kung resident, Kristy Lau. Holding informal Cantonese classes in Sai Kung, she will teach you a range of informal phrases for work, social situations and living in Hong Kong. Each class will teach a different subject. 10-11am, Steamers, $450 per person for four classes. Enrol at least one day before the class by calling Kristy 6377 5567.

APR 4 Ching Ming Festival Public holiday for the tomb-sweeping festival.

happening in April APR 6 Pop up shop A range of Sai Kung businesses showcasing their products including Gifts in a Tin, Not Only Olives, Ladies Who Lunch Dresses, Small Print and more. Coffee and prosecco will be served for all shoppers. 11am-4pm, Cena in Sai Kung Square. For more details, email Claire Brownless at 6100 0253.

Empowerment hike

APR 9

Join mountaineer and domestic worker Liza Avelino for a hike in Lantau, followed by a stretching and cool down session led by yoga wear brand A Day with Fé on Mui Wo’s Silvermine Bay Beach. Avelino is a graduate of Enrich, a charity that promotes the economic empowerment of migrant domestic workers by giving them the tools to save, budget and plan. She has completed two Trailblazers, trekked to the highest elevations in the world and now organises hikes with Clean Up Hong Kong Trails.

Tickets are $200 each and all proceeds go to Enrich. A Day with Fé is also generously donating their Mira Beau tops to the Empowerment Hike participants.

Register now while stocks last at www.enrichhk.org

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planner Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong Open House

APR 21-22

Meet the principal and team of a new international primary school at their information office in Central.

The programme will be linked to the English National Curriculum, suitable for students between 3 and 11. The school site will be purpose-built, offering function specific facilities tailored for young children. Visit www.shrewsbury.hk for more information.

APR 7 Kidz Night Out Held from 5.30-8.30pm, Kidz Night Out aims to provide an educational experience for children, where they can learn, build and play with LEGO. Pizza and drinks are included. $300 per child or $250 for current students.

Book your spot by calling 2791 0007. For more information visit bricks4kidz.com.hk/saikung

APR 7-9 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Rugby madness descends on Hong Kong for three days of tries, tackles and copious

amounts of beer. If you’re heading to the South Stand, don’t forget your fancy dress costume. Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po, www.hksevens.com

APR 14 Good Friday

One of the most colourful celebrations taking place in Tin Hau temples around Hong Kong, celebrating the birthday of the Goddess of the Sea with paper floral towers kung fu troupes and marching bands.

Public holiday (and the start of a four-day weekend!)

APR 17 Easter Monday Another public holiday.

2017 Bonaqua LIFEPROOF Action Sprint RUN

APR 19 Tin Hau Festival

APR 14

The Sprints are back although still with no river gullies due to the AFCD restrictions across Hong Kong. First in the series is the Repulse Bay run (two distances:14 km and 9 km), followed by runs at Discovery Bay (April 23) and Sai Kung (May 6).

Register online at www.actionasiaevents.com. 8am, Repulse Bay.

APR 22 Art clearance sale Buy original artwork from the Art House Asia in Clearwater Bay at reduced prices. 9am-8pm, 30 Siu Hang Hau, Clear Water Bay. Buyers welcome by appointment. Contact Helen on 5648 7474 for more information.

APR 23-MAY 28 The 6th Hong Kong Games The 6th Hong Kong Games will see teams competing in eight sports including athletics, basketball, futsal, swimming, tennis and more. Opening ceremony April 23. Visit www. hongkonggames.hk for more information.

APR 26 Conscious Couture – AWA Charity Fashion Show The American Women’s Association presents a fashion show focused on sustainable couture, from the manufacturing process to the materials used. The show is the culmination of a fundraising season which is expected to raise $1,000,000 to help local charities that benefit at risk women and children, the elderly, and the

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happening in April disabled. Each designer has selected one look to donate for the fundraising auction. Ready to wear items will be available for purchase after the show. 6.30-10pm, American Club Tai Tam. Tickets are $1,000 each from www.awa.org.hk

APR 27 The Great Chefs of Hong Kong

PFS Fearless Dragon Charity Run 2017 The race will take competitors around Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark for a 3km, 10km or a 15km race. The event supports the sport rehabilitation and social inclusion projects for people with a disability. Starting point is at Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden. Man Yee Road, Sai Kung. For more information, visit www.fearlessdragon2017.weebly.com

APR 30

This dining experience brings together top chefs from nearly 50 of Hong Kong’s favourite dining destinations. Tickets from $880 per person at www.heephong.org/greatchefs.

Proceeds go to Heep Hong Society Parents Resource Centres which supports special needs children, youth and their families. 6-9pm, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

APR 29 Kindergartens Festival 2017 Looking for a good education for your little one? Head to this annual mega kindergarten, organised by Education Post, South China Morning Post, to meet representatives from a range of kindergartens, both local and international education streams, as well as respected pre-nursery and playgroup institutions. Noon-4pm, J.W. Marriott Hong Kong. For more details and to register, visit en-hk.kindergartensfestival.com

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planner

BOOK NOW MAY 4-7 Geronimo Stilton, Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy Mouse adventurer Geronimo Stilton embarks

on his biggest adventure yet as he attempts to rescue the Queen of the Fairies. To succeed, he must walk through seven doors that transport him from kingdom to kingdom, bringing him face to face with witches, mermaids, dragons, pixies, gnomes, fairies and a giant. Tickets start from $295 from www. hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288. School bookings are available on May 4 and 5. For more information, email yvonne.mak@meiworldwide.com or call 3929 9453.

Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

MAY 6 Malvern Meet & Pre-school Meet

MAY 6 2017 Bonaqua LIFEPROOF Action Sprint RUN

MAY 13 & 14 HKAC Musical

The third leg in the series of the Action Sprint Run. The race will be 12km long and start at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung. Starting time at 8am. Entry fee is $320. Register online at www.actionasiaevents.com

Malvern College Hong Kong holds regular small group sessions for prospective parents to learn more about the school, expected to open in September, 2018. Teachers and senior management will be there to answer any questions you may have. The next one is from 9.30-11am (pre-school) 11.30am-1pm (primary and secondary), Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Bauhinia Room, 4/F, 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. Sign up at www.malverncollege.org.hk/infosession

The students of Hong Kong Adventist College will perform the award-winning CATS musical.

Be entranced by the adaptation from TS Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, packed with music and dance. Ticket prices vary.

For more information, call 2623 0216 or email newstart_hkac@yahoo.com

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

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news

The Other Hundred

The Other Hundred, a worldwide initiative looking to shine a light on the lives of people who are often forgotten, have released their third edition in their series of photobooks The Other Hundred Educators.

“The new book questions the conventional understanding of education and present the uncelebrated educators of our times”, says Mei Cheung, Head of Operations at Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT).

Led by their founder and CEO, Chandran Nair, the team at GIFT began the initiative almost six years ago from just one discussion, “We spoke about the endless rich lists we saw in the media: should we all be looking up to the lifestyle and success that are defined and gauged by wealth, power and influence? If these are ‘the 100’ who are the other 100?”, Cheung recalled. “We invite photographers

from all over the world to submit their stories; our international jury panel then selects the 100 stories that usually cover more than 95 countries. These winning stories are then published in the photobook.”.

Cheung herself has been a Sai Kung resident for 20 years, “Through ‘The Other Hundred’ series, we hope to ‘bring the world to Sai Kung’. We are fortunate that we have a vibrant community that, generally speaking, is intoxicated in its own bubble of happiness but I’m noticing more that there is an increasing discontent amongst Hong Kongers. I personally hope that with these stories of real people from real places we can inject a little positivity and inspiration. I’m definitely all for less doom and gloom and more of empowerment.”

The Other Hundred Educators is available now at Sai Kung book store Kidnapped.

Jaspas burgled Long-established family favourite restaurant, Jaspas, was burgled at the end of February.

The tip box was stolen and this went unnoticed till the day after. A man aged 31, not a member of staff, stole two bags of meat the following day. He had supposedly walked into the kitchen and came out with two bags of meat worth up to $1,000 hidden under his clothes.

There were undercover police in the restaurant and thus were able to catch the burglar in which he claimed he was going to eat the meat. It is believed that he might be the culprit behind the burglary of the tip box. If you have any information, contact Sai Kung Police.

New app launches to help parents book activities for kids KidHop, an online activity-booking app for parents, launches this month.

Similar in concept to the monthly fitness passes that many adults in Hong Kong now use (think Guavapass, ClassCruiser, KFit), KidHop provides access to multiple activities for young children for a monthly fee.

Like many parents, co-founder Zoe Fung

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wanted to expose her 3-year-old son to different experiences so that he could have fun and discover his passions. The problem was that most activities required long-term commitments with fixed schedules.

Enter KidHop, which partners with over 50 premium activity providers throughout Hong Kong Island to provide parents with no-

commitment single-class activities each week.

With a KidHop membership, parents can choose classes for their kids - from dance to art, sports and languages - and get access to admissions seminars, carnivals and other community events.

Choose from three plans, starting at $568 per month. For more information, visit www.kidhop.com

in your backyard

PFS Fearless Dragon Race On April 30, around 1,500 runners will be making their way into Sai Kung’s Geological Park for the PFS Fearless Dragon Charity Run 2017. The run has been running for the last five years but this is the first time for it to be held in Sai Kung.

The event is organised by HK Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society (HKNPIS), which provides services to support people with visual and hearing impairment, and all funds raised will go towards HKNPIS’s programmes on sport rehabilitation for people with disabilities, education and training, arts and culture, and technology application.

Although registration has now closed, spectators are more than welcome to cheer on the runners and enjoy the game booths set up on the day. The run will start at Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden at two different times: 8.30am for 15km and 9am for 3km and 10km.

Donations can be made via www.fringebacker.com/en/event/pfsfearless-dragon-charity-run-2017

Registration for Summer Garage Sale and Markets opens

Information sessions at Sai Kung Montessori Offering a bilingual Montessori learning environment, Sai Kung Montessori have started accepting applications for children aged 3 (or who will be 3 this December). Having recently opened their doors, there are currently two classes to choose from beginning August 14, with an option for early enrolment beginning April 18. Classes are $7,500 per month (for three and a half hours a day, five days a week).

Sai Kung Montessori does not hold child interviews and enrolment is processed on a first come first served basis.

Sai Kung Montessori will be offering information sessions for parents to learn more about their child-centred approach. There will be four information sessions held throughout April at the school’s location. RSVP by email info@saikungmontessori.com Information session dates: April 15 or 22: 10.30-11.30am April 24 and 28: 6-7pm Sai Kung Montessori is located at G/F, 787 SB Tan Cheung Village (Po Tung Road) Sai Kung, 5369 8587.

Registration for vendor tables at 2017’s Summer Garage Sale and Markets begin April 25. With many stalls selling new and secondhand books, toys and more, the Summer Garage Sale and Markets will be held early June at Hong kong University of Science and Technology in Clearwater Bay. The exact dates are yet to be announced. All funds for table hire will be donated to charity.

For more information or to reserve a table, contact Jean Hudson, gujean@ust.hk

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giveaways Geronimo Stilton Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy Best-selling Italian children’s book series Geronimo Stilton comes to life next month (May 4-7), as the talking mouse from Mouse Island sets off on a fantastical adventure to save the Queen of the Fairies.

To succeed, he has to walk through seven doors that transport him from kingdom to kingdom, bringing him face to face with witches, mermaids, dragons, pixies, gnomes, fairies and a giant!

What an adventure.

We have a family set of four tickets to give away.

Deadline: April 28

Faust

win at www.saikung.com Kowloon Vet Hospital

HKRU

Kowloon Vet Hospital is giving away the ultimate ‘Pamper Your Pet’ prize: you have the chance to win a $1,000 grooming gift voucher for your dog, cat or rabbit — lovingly performed by a registered Vet Nurse with international grooming qualifications. To keep your pet looking gorgeous you will also receive a $1,000 gift voucher for KVH’s online shop. kowloon-vet-hospital.com/shop/

See the fast and furious rugby action up close in one of Asia’s most popular sporting events: the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens! The tournament’s Hong Kong leg (April 7-9) is known for the excellent sporting talent it attracts (as well as the after-parties), and it’s a fantastic experience for both rugby novices and experts. We’ve got a pair of three-day tickets for one lucky winner.

Deadline: April 28

Deadline: April 5

The Butchers Club

Following Pinocchio in February and The Jungle Book last year, Faust International Youth Theatre brings us another wonderful stage production this April: King Lear. A tale about a king that becomes drunk with power, William Shakespeare’s play is especially poignant today. We have a family set of tickets (two adults and two children) to give away to their premiere on April 21.

The Butchers Club It’s time for another edition of The Butchers Club’s Southside Market Long Lunch on April 16 - an unforgettable day out for friends and families, this time with an Easter twist! Expect a lavish buffet, an Easter egg hunt, face painters, a kids’ cinema, and more. Tickets are $550 per adult and $250 per child over 4, but we have two pairs of adult tickets to give away (including the free-flow add on, worth an extra $250!)

Deadline: April 14

Deadline: April 14

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe

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five minutes with

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Contributing Editor Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Staff Writer Eric Ho eric@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Design Manager Cindy Suen cindy@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz anna@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Adam White Daniel Tsang Dr. Pauline Taylor Jennifer Steller Max Yip Paul Zimmerman Rebecca Simpson Robyn Or Sarah Tien Stephen Vines

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Photo by Eric Ho Location: Sheung Luk Stream

Gary Fan Kwok Wai Sai Kung District Councillor talks to Robyn Or about the developments of the Sai Kung district.

It’s my 18th year in serving in the Sai Kung district.

I came from an art and design background, when I was a kid, my mother encouraged me to take part in painting competitions. My art and English teacher also opened my eyes through continuous exposure and appreciation of modern Chinese art.

At 18, I was hired by Alan Chan Design Company as a visualiser and promoted to designer in just one year. I took part in projects like the King of Cantopop Leslie Cheung’s CD cover design, YSL’s brochure designs and photoshoots of Seibu in Japan.

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Multimedia was about to popularize when I studied at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Apple’s Mac computers and Adobe software were new to everyone.

My tears of frustration, sorrow and anger dropped the moment I saw how the unarmed students were killed by tanks in Tiananmen Square in the fight of political reform.

Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 changed my life.

The imagery is rooted in my mind and I ask myself how I was going to spend my life meaningfully. Then I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in political science at San Francisco State University.

I ask myself how I was going to spend my life meaningfully.

In 1996, when Bill Clinton was attempting for re-election, I knocked on the door of the office of the Democratic Party in San Francisco to be a volunteer helper.

It was my first taste of politics. I helped out with distributing promotional leaflets to households and meeting voters face to face on and the before the Election Day. I also designed posters for Clinton’s team to be distributed in the Chinese Community.

I came back to Hong Kong in the first week of 1997. I joined the Democratic Party as an assistant of Martin Lee Chu Ming, “Father of Democracy”. My work involved planning for LegCo election, district office work in North Point and promotional design. I first attempted to join District Election in Eastern New Territories in 1999.

In the past 20 years of my political journey, there are several unforgettable and influential political events including the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, July 1 protests in 2003 and Occupy Central in 2013.

I joined the Democratic Party as an assistant of Martin Lee Chu Ming, “Father of Democracy.

I am a part time lecturer in politics at Open University, focusing on distance learning for adult students. Teaching at school is a way to keep myself updated with the real society.

My daughter is turning 15. I let her think independently and critically towards the political issues in town. We attended the Candlelight Vigil for June 4 Massacre together. My daughter was one of the volunteers during Occupy Central in 2014.

Sai Kung is the backyard of Hong Kong and the second largest district in Hong Kong. It is an amazing place where people can get easy access to the Hong Kong Global Geopark, Clearwater Bay and hiking one of the hardest routes in Hong Kong, Sharp Peak.

Preserving natural beauty in the area is an urgent issue.

The problems facing Sai Kung are different according to the geographic characteristics. In rural Sai Kung, public facilities like Sai Kung Pier is in need of maintenance. Transportation could be enhanced for accommodating tourism on weekends. Better WiFi coverage and education reforms are also amongst the issues Sai Kung people request.

The population of Tseung Kwan O new town will soon become the 7th largest community, with the pressure of transportation connection and recreational facilities raised.

There are three major issues to be achieved, particularly in Tseung Kwan O, during this term of office - to reduce noise pollution from construction of new properties, facilitate the installation of new government complexes and the Tseung Kwan O Lam Tin Tunnel.

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local

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Face the music

Jennifer Steller looks into the plans to build a dual carriageway. www.saikung.com ads@fastmedia.com.hk @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay 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. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

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F

acing the daily morning rush is nothing new for Sai Kung residents but with the plans to build a dual carriageway imminent, traffic only seems to be getting worse. Friends of Sai Kung (FSK), a not-for-profit community organization, have stepped up the fight to combat against the plans.

Daily commuters are taking notice of the developing traffic around Marina Cove and the Ho Chung Bridge construction site.

“There are long lineups everyday.

Commuting to work can be frustrating even if it’s just going a short distance. Are these highway changes even necessary?”, questions Sai Kung resident Ross Gascoigne.

The traffic leaving Sai Kung Town has grown over the years as more people move into the vicinity.

“It feels as though the commute has become a bigger challenge, especially on Saturdays,” says Sarah Clarke, a member of

FSK. The plans to build a dual carriageway from the Ho Chung River to Pak Wai village are in its early stages and people are concerned about the damage caused as the construction progresses. “It’s a shame that the landscape is changing. It’s not good for the environment and we need to preserve it somehow.” says Clarke.

Dedicated to preserving Sai Kung’s unique environment, FSK are against the current construction phase at Ho Chung River, which involves dualling over the bridge, past Marina Cove and onto Pak Wai village.

The project has been ongoing for four and a half years now and has deeply scarred the surrounding environment. “The 1,100 trees that were cut for the dual carriageway plan marks only the beginning,” warns Guy Shirra, Vice Chairman of FSK. “Since 2007, FSK have requested to improve the traffic

flow using alternate options like creating an urban clearway with lay-bys for minibuses and buses, and turn-right lanes at all junctions, but all proposals have either been ignored or rejected. None of the Sai Kung residents have been fully informed of the $1.7 billion plans to urbanize the area.”

Despite the lack of communication, Shirra is not discouraged, “We must all speak up about our concerns and make our voices heard. FSK are urging the Highways Department to attain an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Department for Stage 1, Phase 3 and Stage 2 of the Hiram’s Highway’s ‘Improvement’ project.”

For more information, visit friendsofsaikung.org Have an opinion? Have your say by emailing us at editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

on patrol

Police blotter Senior Inspector Max Yip reports on the recent cases in Sai Kung.

· A paraglider lost control and crashed into a

tree on the Long Ke hillsides, leaving him with serious injuries to his left arm, neck and back.

The man’s friend, who was also paragliding at the time, saw the accident and called police for assistance. With the help of the Government Flying Services he was rescued and airlifted to hospital.

· T here were 21 traffic accidents last month.

The number is on the rise due to poor weather conditions.

· A 40 year old man was arrested after he was found carrying a small amount of cannabis.

He was identified as a possible drug carrier.

The case is still ongoing as results from the drug tests can take up to a month to return.

· A group of Vietnamese illegal immigrants

were arrested as they travelled in a taxi. They had entered Hong Kong on a boat and came SouthStream Ad_19x12_O.pdf 1 17/2/17

ashore via Pak Lap. The police also arrested a mainland traveller who was discovered to be the snakehead organising the smuggling.

Once crime checks have been completed, the illegal immigrants will be handed over to the immigration department.

· A theft occurred in Ho Chung New Village last

month. The offender wandered into the garden of a three-storey village house which had an alarm system and CCTV installed. Without entering the flat the culprit stole an umbrella and slipper before fleeing. After watching the CCTV footage, a neighbour identified the thief and was arrested the following day.

· O n February 20, a woman and her daughter

were robbed at knifepoint. The incident happened along MacLehose Trail Section 4 near Buffalo Pass around 3pm. The robber came from behind and stole their mobile phones and $400 cash before fleeing from the 10:47 am

scene. The robber was later identified as an illegal immigrant from mainland China and was eventually caught in Tuen Mun early March.

The man admitted to committing five cases of robbery including those at Eagles Nest.

He is currently reprimanded at the correctional services department whilst his trial goes on.

· The police are preparing to implement special

traffic regulations for the day of Ching Ming Festival and the subsequent weekends.

Man Kung Wo Road which leads to Kei Pik Shan will be blocked so that grave sweepers can walk up. Only shuttle buses organised the by the Sai Kung Rural Committee can pass through but villagers living in the affected area can apply for permits to drive along the road during the period.

For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630

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village focus

Ho Chung

Eric Ho visits one of Sai Kung’s original villages.

S

een by many but explored by few, Ho Chung rests beside the busy Hiram’s Highway. The 400 year old village was one of the three original villages to be established in Sai Kung, alongside Pak Kong and Sha Kok Mei. Settlers chose these villages due to the limited choice of flattish land - most of Sai Kung’s terrain was, and still is, mountainous.

A large river runs through the middle of Ho Chung, dividing the village into the old and the new. Peek into the river and you can find turtles resting on rocks as well as a healthy school of koi. Ho Chung is also a favourite with local bird watchers; the surrounding woodlands and open fields attract a variety of birds including the Little Egret and Chinese Goshawk.

As you enter the village, you will first pass by the numerous statues of chinese deities beneath the feng shui tree and the Che Kung Temple. The temple was built around 300 years ago, making it one of Hong Kong’s oldest.

It was originally erected in honour of a military commander called Che Kung who is now considered a god. Che Kung lived throughout the Southern Song Dynasty and was famous for suppressing uprisings and helping the last emperor of the Song dynasty, Zhao

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Bing, escape Kublai Khan and his Mongol army - eventually fleeing to Sai Kung.

The larger and more well known Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin was in fact built almost 200 years later. It was founded after Che Kung was invited over to Sha Tin from his Ho Chung residence to eradicate a plague.

Next door to the temple is a conspicuous abandoned ATV studio. Its weathered red, green and blue lick of paint makes it stand out from its natural surroundings. The TV studio was abandoned in 2007, after which it became the playground for urban explorers and a canvas for graffiti artists. More recently, the building was occupied by 10 activists who plotted to set off explosions during the 2015 Legislative Council debate. The group were arrested after a month of monitoring by the police.

If you continue up Ho Chung Road, following the river, you'll find an old stone path which leads up to the completely abandoned Tai No village. Hidden and crumbling away, the village has been overtaken by nature and only the Tsang ancestral hall now stands. If you want to explore a little more, venture a few metres deeper to find the old stone mills which were once used to press sugar cane.

Want to have your village featured?

Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 23

interview

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into the wild

The scout leader

Mum, adventurer and passionate hiker Tara Smyth arrived in Hong Kong on a one-way ticket in 1994.

She tells Carolynne Dear why she stayed.

I arrived in Hong Kong from the UK with a close friend and a backpack 23 years ago.

My friend and I had met at secretarial college in Oxford a few years earlier and we heard that English-speaking secretaries were well sought after in Hong Kong. I originally thought I’d give it six months to a year, audio-typing for some fancy pants lawyer. I remember getting to the end of the year and thinking, “That’s it, I’m never going back!”

When we first arrived we lived in a teeny-tiny 450 sq.ft. flat on the 19th floor of a high-rise in what is now SoHo. Back then, there were no bars or restaurants around those streets. Lan Kwai Fong was our nearest stomping ground.

I met my husband, Pete, in Lan Kwai Fong, 21 years ago - he was serving with the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers in the British Army. He was my officer and my gentleman.

We married in 2000 and went on to have Megan, now 13 and Anna, now 11. Our two girls are like chalk and cheese and they keep us on our toes as they enter teen-hood in this digital age. We also have our dog, Foxy Loxy, who is the most cuddled, kissed and highly revered member of the family.

When my husband and I had our first baby in 2003, we moved to Happy Valley as we were led to believe it was like living in a “village”.

I didn’t really enjoy our two years there, the high-rises and busy main road running through it did not feel desperately village-like.

Some things do drive me nuts here the unnecessary packaging in supermarkets, the plastic that washes up on our beaches, the pollution and the seeming lack of forethought when it comes to construction and development.

My most treasured Hong Kong memory is crossing the finishing line of Oxfam Trailwalker in 2011, having hiked 100km in the mountains, all in one go. My teammates and myself all had our husbands and children at the finish line waiting for us to come in.

That moment when our eight children spotted us and came running with their arms open wide, squealing with delight at the sight of us - it brings a tear to my eye every time I think about it.

My proudest Hong Kong moment was opening the 299th East Kowloon Scout Troop in Sai Kung. The town has had a Beaver Colony and a Cub Pack for many, many years but there has been no Scout Troop to my knowledge for some time, if ever.

Once my own kids had moved through Beavers and Cubs and had nowhere else to go, I decided it was high time they had a Scout Troop to move up to. With the help of some special Sai Kung ladies, I ticked boxes, signed papers, booked the hall, ordered the flag and the 299th EK Scout Troop was born. We are in our second year and every meeting, hike and camp that we do makes me proud. Of me. And of them.

I was secretly hankering after a house with a garden in leafy Sai Kung. When I was pregnant with our second baby we finally moved and have been in the same house with views of the bay below us for 12 years.

Where do I start describing how much I love Hong Kong? I love the serenity of the mountains, the beauty of the white-sand beaches, the craziness of the streets in Kowloon and the eclectic mix of bars and restaurants on every corner. I love the junk trips and the champagne brunches. And I love how safe it is for my children to grow up here.

Above all, I love, love, love hiking. It is my biggest passion and Hong Kong has miles and miles and miles of stunning trails, both on the map and off.

Tara Smyth with faithful hiking companion, Foxy Loxy.

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interview

My favourite thing to do in Hong Kong without a shadow of a doubt is hiking.

Hiking, hiking, hiking. Alone, with friends.

But always with Foxy Loxy. My favourite type of hiking is to leave the MacLehose and Wilson Trails behind and hit the “streamer” trails that can be found all over Hong Kong.

Some are easier than others. Some can be quite overgrown and you return scratched to pieces. They can lead you to the most magnificent places and you will hardly ever see another soul all day. Finding new streamer trails and not having a clue where they are going to take you, especially ones that are not even on the map, is a great adventure. I recce them before deciding if they are suitable for my Scouts or not. It is wise to go on a recce with a friend, but occasionally I venture out on my own and the adrenaline starts to buzz the deeper into the jungle I go.

As a family, when we’re not Scouting, we like to go camping. We do not use tents, we each have our own special camping

hammocks and all we need is a few trees and a stream nearby for cooking. We also love to go stream-trekking, where you literally find a stream, get in it and head up. We swim in the pools, jump off rocks and bathe under gushing waterfalls. Stream-trekking does not come without risk or danger and I do not recommend it to the uninitiated. Again, I recce them with my family on the weekends to see if they are suitable for our Scouts.

My Scout troop meets every two weeks at the Scout Centre in Pak Sha Wan. Our hall meetings have seen us get up to many things, from putting up tents blindfolded to learning how to tie a bowline around your waist with one arm - in case you are ever stuck down a well and you lost an arm on the way. We work towards activity badges that include anything from Backwoods Cooking and Camping to Photography and Meteorology. This term we are working on the Animal Care Badge and a local vet, as well as one of the dog rescue charities, will be coming to visit us.

Outside of the hall on the weekends we hike in the bush, camp in the jungle, cook in the wild, go stream trekking, swim in rock pool and hire bikes. In the future we plan to windsurf, kayak and rock climb.

The Scouts not only learn to ‘survive’ in the ‘wild’, but also learn to be caring and considerate citizens who are prepared for anything. Scouts promise to be courageous in all difficulties and they learn to overcome fears, take risks and manage situations that don’t always go as planned.

Last year we went to the Lake District in the UK for our very first Overseas Expedition.

I intend to organise an expedition every year and this Easter we’ll be going to Nepal for eight days. We will be paddling, canyoning, camping and of course, trekking. We intend to visit a friend of mine, Douglas Maclagan, who set up the Child Welfare Scheme (CWS) in 1997 after a life-changing experience on a trip to Nepal. The charity is registered in Hong Kong but Douglas now lives in Pokhara full-time and is their ‘man on the ground’.

CWS tirelessly provides protection, education, healthcare and opportunities to disadvantaged children and their families.

If you would like to sponsor the troop, donate on their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/299Scouts.

For more information or if you’re interested in joining the scouts contact dcstco@scout.org.hk

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WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 27

cover story

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hike to it

Behind the scenes of...

The Sai Kung &

A comprehensive guide to hiking in Sai Kung and the surrounding area. By Annie Wong.

Fa Shan along the Po Pin Chau hike.

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Photo by Eric Ho

Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide

cover story

A walk up Sharp Island’s hilltops.

I

t all started with one question, “Do you like hiking?”, and here we are, six months down the track. The first of its kind for the company, The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide is brought to you by the team behind Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine.

With the help of photographers, animal lovers, village chiefs and local experts, The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide has come to fruition and we’re extremely happy with the finished product.

Over the course of late 2016 and early 2017, hundreds of kilometres were walked and thousands of photos were taken to bring you the best routes in one comprehensive guide.

The guide encapsulates 12 of the best hikes in the Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay area for all levels - we’ve also included a few pushchair-friendly routes.

careful with the cows

Beautiful views on the way to Tai Long Wan.

The guide will take you across the whole stretch of Sai Kung - from Three Fathoms Cove, to Ma On Shan to High Junk Peak and the notorious Sharp Peak. We’ve also included some outdoor activities, local history and personal stories from Sai Kung boat dwellers and a World War II survivor.

Copies are limited. Preorder yours now by emailing marketing@fastmedia.com.hk

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BEHIND THE SCENES After several weeks of planning, research and dotting routes on a map, it was time to actually start hiking. With his camera strapped to his chest and his hiking boots on, our senior staff writer and Sai Kung resident, Eric Ho, set out on his first hike to Trio Beach.

He didn’t have much luck with the weather as the weeks and months went by, but it didn’t dampen his spirits - there were more routes and magnificent places to discover.

Little people, big responsibility Leaving home is difficult for everyone, but we give extra help to the youngest relocators.

Relocating is a big change for most people.

It can be difficult and stressful, but it should be exciting and rewarding for everyone.

Our experience and knowledge, built up from nearly fifty years as a worldwide relocations company, is shared by all our people in more than 200 locations.

We’ll always be there to help you get the most from your relocation.

Tel: +852 2636 8388 | hongkong@crownrelo.com

Go knowing

www.crownrelo.com/hongkong 7278750 CR HK Sai Kung Magazine.indd 1

25/02/2016 05:27:49 PM

cover story

Looking out to Po Pin Chau.

The sun setting over Ma On Shan.

Every sunny day was taken advantage of and spent in the wilderness of Hong Kong’s backyard.

Out on the trails, Eric equipped himself with a full set of camera equipment to ensure he was ready to capture every moment he stumbled upon. His supplies included two tripods, two cameras bodies, four lenses, five batteries and 10 memory cards. Carrying all this added weight alongside his typical hiking equipment made the hikes even harder but we hope the extra effort shows through his photos.

Eric found himself scrambling across hilly slopes, trekking through muddy patches and weaving through dense forests, but one thing was always evident - the sweeping views that each hike gave, time and time again.

With the help of expert hikers, we narrowed the hikes down to the best 12 - each one carefully selected, based on a range of factors, including distance,

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Hiking over High Junk Peak.

hike to it duration, the amount of climbing, the surface of terrain and, of course, the views.

Over the next few months, the team sifted through thousands of photos, uploaded the maps online for easy access, and converted Eric's hiking notes into easyto-follow text. It all started to come together until, finally, we had a book.

This guide will take you across some of Sai Kung’s most beautiful hills, beaches, rocky peninsulas and more.

Some are simple and are no longer than 5km, but there are others that span over 12km and require a certain level of physical fitness, such as the notorious Sharp Peak.

We’ve also included some of Sai Kung’s best camping spots (where, with the right conditions, you can admire the Milky Way), engaged a film producer about famous movies filmed in the area, and put together a guide to some of the wildlife you might encounter along the way.

This guide is a testament to the power of Sai Kung to charm residents and visitors with the beauty of its long white beaches, clear jade sea and mountainous terrain.

There’s no better way to experience the area than by tackling its spectacular hiking routes.

Happy trails!

try camping too!

The popular Tap Mun attracts many visitors.

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family

Easter camps

Fun-filled workshops for your little ones. Carolynne Dear finds out more.

Rumple & Friends Fun and frolics with Rumple & Friends there’s a signature Circus & Magic course in week one, after which kids get to take home their own magic kit. And in week two there’s a “play in a week” camp - a brand new course to encourage budding actors, puppeteers and adventurers to produce an awesome play in a week.

Dates: April 3-6 & 10-13; T: 9830 8287; E: info@rumpleandfriends.com; W: www.rumpleandfriends.com

Lego Education Lots of workshops to keep those pesky Danish bricks firmly out of your shagpile. Drop them off for a “playful” learning experience aimed at nurturing creativity. The workshops are packed with fun challenges and are sensibly divided by

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age group into 3 & 4s; 5 6s, 7-8s and 9-10s and if you enroll via Cityline you can enjoy a $100 discount.

Dates: April 11-22; T: 2804 6883; W: www.leas.com.hk

Hebe Haven Yacht Club

OUT ON THE WATER

Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s workshops include several water-based activities like sailing on various dinghies, day trips to Sai Kung’s outer islands, beach games and even a mini-Olympics.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 15.

Dates: 10am-5pm, April 3-7, 10-14, 17-21; T: 2719 9682; W: www.hhyc.org.hk

Hong Kong Academy Hong Kong Academy’s Spring workshops are an inquiry-based learning programme for children aged 3-6 and 7-15. There’s an app development, electronic music production, football or multi-sport programmes. Full day programmes include lunch on campus.

Dates: April 18-21; T: 2655 1205; E: extended.learning@hkacademy.edu.hk; W: www.hkacademy.edu.hk

busy bunnies Jumpstart Mandarin Jumpstart Mandarin's classes for children aged 2.5-4 years old and 5-7 years old will include Mandarin games, songs, stories, painting and cooking. Plus an Easter egg hunt. The Easter camps will be held at the Hang Hau centre.

Dates: 9am-12pm, April 3, 5-7, 10-13; T: 2719 8816; E: admin@jumpstartmandarin. com; W: www.jumpstartmandarin.com

Anastassia’s Art House

GET ARTY

An exciting offering of festive spring workshops for children aged from 3 to 5 years and from 6 years plus.

Students will get stuck into painting, drawing, collage, craft making and work in mixed-media.

Studios are located throughout Hong Kong including Sai Kung.

Dates: April 3-13; E: saikung@arthouse-hk. com; W: www.arthouse-hk.com

Elephant Community Press

Anglo Academy Camp

Creative workshops for kids aged 4 to 14 that will spark imaginations and guide students through the entire writing process, from brainstorming and drafting, to revising, editing and publishing their stories. All the action takes place on Pottinger Street in Central. And just for Easter, Elephant Press has launched King of Hong Kong, a fun workshop for kids aged 9-12 that combines board games and writing, in collaboration with Press Start Hong Kong.

Dates: April 5-8, 10-13 & 18-21; T: 3487 3153; E: info@elephantcommunitypress.com; W: www.elephantcommunitypress.com

Riding on the success of last summer, Harrow International School will again be hosting this residential camp. Suitable for kids aged seven to 13, the Monday to Friday camp offers an insight into a British boarding experience in Asia.

A dynamic programme that covers areas such as business and innovation, sports and arts.

Dates: April 10-14; T: 6549 5071; E: info@anglo-academy.com, W: www.anglo-academy.com

Ark Eden Ark Eden runs forest play and hands-on environmental outdoor camps over the holidays. The camp is located in a secluded valley in Mui Wo, South Lantau, and offers single-day and overnight camps. The camps are suitable for children aged 5 to 11 years with the aim of reconnecting to nature.

Dates: T: 9277 4025; E: jasmine@arkedenonlantau.com; W: www.arkedenonlantau.com

Treasure Island Kayaking, biking, hiking and gorging are the exciting activities on offer on South Lantau this Easter. Suitable for children aged 8-15, the Spring Adventure Camp is based on Pui O beach with supervised drop off and pick up at Central Ferry Pier. Included is one night overnight stay, a healthy lunch each day plus snacks.

Dates: 8.30am-4.30pm, April 3-7, 10-14; T: 2546 3543; E: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com; W: www.treasureislandhk.com/

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family

HK Kidz

MULTISPORTS

Faust

ESF Sports

For 18 years Faust International has brought the wonderful world of theatre and performing arts to Hong Kong’s young people. This Easter the theme is woodland adventures, exploring children’s classics such as The Gruffalo, Robin Hook and more. There will be fun holiday classes in both theatre and creative writing.

They run morning and afternoon and are suitable for ages 4 to 12 and take place at the Faust studio in Sheung Wan. Dates: 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4.30pm T: 2547 9114; E: info@faustworld.com; W: www.faustworld.com

Join ESF for its Sports Spring Camp over one or two weeks of multi-sports camp or a specialist sports clinic.

The multi-sports camp enables children to enjoy a range of sporting activities while the specialist clinics are a great way for kids to develop their swimming, football, tennis or gymnastic skills.

Dates: April 3-13; T: 2711 1280; E: sports@esf.org.hk; W: www.esf.org.hk/camps

HK Art Tutoring It’s great to create these holidays, with challenging art workshops looking at the natural artistic design cycle using a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and mixed-media in two and three-dimensional forms. Suitable for crafty kids aged 9 and up and hosted in the HK Art Tutoring studios in North Point.

Dates: 9.30-11am & 11.15am-12.45pm, April 3-7 & 10-13; T: 9722 8353; E: info@hkarttutoring.com; W: www.hkarttutoring.com

Hong Kong Ballet Hong Kong Ballet’s Easter Theatre Camp will be taking Fairy Fantasy as its theme (we can just imagine all those sparkly tutus) and is a fun three-day event whereby young balletomanes can learn all about theatrical ballet production.

There’ll be hands-on workshops and the chance to act and dance the roles of enchanted characters.

Dates: April 14-16; T: 2573 7398 E: education@hkballet.com; W: www.hkballet.com/ballet_camp

YWCA Choose from over 100 camps this spring at YWCA’s International Kids Club. Courses

Banana Art Club

ESF Language & Learning

The Easter camps are being run in Causeway Bay, Discovery College and Kennedy School and offer children aged 3 to 15 the chance to explore drawing, canvas painting, cartoons, manga, mixed media, crafts and clay making.

This is a one-stop art school that leaves all the clearing up for someone else to do.

Dates: 9.30am-12.30pm, April 5-8; T: 6020 5476; E: bananaartclub@gmail.com; W: www.banaaartclub.com

A chance for kindergarten and upper primary students to build confidence in speaking and writing English. Children will engage in role play and drama to unleash their creativity and imagination at a variety of locations across Hong Kong. A great opportunity to polish up their language skills.

Dates: April 10-13; T:2711 1280 ; E: language@esf.org.hk; W: www.esf.org.hk/camps

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HK Kidz is running a selection of fun and activity-packed camps in English, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. Each workshop is jam-packed with songs, drama, storytelling, role play and games. Programmes include language and arts, drama and music, science and discovery and language and cooking. Pick one, or mix and match. Available in Central, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Kung.

Dates: 1.5 hour, half-day or full-day, April 3-21; T: 2877 6160; E: infokidz@hklanguages.com; W: www.hkkidz.com

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family include Kids Can Cook for 3 to 6 year olds, science camps for 6 to 9 year olds, a trampoline and gymnastics day camp and a parent and kid climbing fun day. There will also be a four-day camp covering music, movement, props and costume making, culminating in an Easter Parade.

Dates: April 3-21 (varies according to camp); T: 3476 1340; E: clle@ywca.org.hk; W: clle.ywca.org.hk

Complete Deelite “Egg-citing” classes for budding bakers and aspiring cake decorators. Two hours of fun will all supplies provided for class use. Students also get to bring home their edible treats (packaging for transporting the masterpieces included). Suitable for children aged 8 years and up.

Dates: April 5-12; T: 3167 7022; E: classes@completedeelite.com; W: www.completedeelite.com

Brainchild Explore robotics, 3D printing, beginning programming and science in a fun and creative way. Camps include DIY Bluetooth Speaker, DIY Solar Night Light, Star Wars Make-a-thon, 3D Printing, Coding for Kids and Techie Junior.

Perfect for inquisitive kids aged from 5 and up (age dependent on specific camp).

Dates: April 3-21; T: 2528 6862; W: brainchildltd.com

Mindful Wing Chun Mindful Wing Chun is a martial arts practice which maximises the body’s power through relaxation and promotes self awareness.

These one-and-a-half hour classes at the Central-based studio pass on Wing Chun principles through game-based activities,

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with partner pad work, relays and meditation for older age groups.

Dates: 10-11.30am (3-5 yrs), 12-1.30pm (6-9 yrs); April 14, 15 & 17; T: 6620 7050; E: tom@mindfulwingchun.com.hk; W: www.mindfulwingchun.com.hk

First Code Academy Learn how to make your first game, mobile app or Minecraft mod with First Code Academy’s Easter camps. Coding courses are aimed at children from 5 to 18 years and the academy hopes to make technology creators out of kids at its Sheung Wan and Yau Ma Tei campuses.

Dates: From March 29; T: 2772 2108; E: hello@firstcodeacademy.com; W: www.firstcodeacademy.com

xxxx

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education

Arts movement

ESF’s Discovery College is going from strength to strength.

Rebecca Simpson finds out how.

D

iscovery College (DC) is a relatively new school, it was opened in 2008 and offers a through-school experience and IB curriculum in both primary and secondary sections.

DC is part of the Private Independent Schools (PIS) network, and is managed by ESF under the same conditions as Renaissance College. This is an important differentiator for parents because DC acts almost as a private school within the ESF network - the school does not receive government funding, nor does it have a defined catchment area. This means fees are more expensive than ESF and students come from the length and breadth of Hong Kong - from Repulse Bay and the Peak,

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to Sai Kung, Yuen Long and even Cheung Chau Island.

But while a few students are catching planes (almost), trains and automobiles to get here, the majority live locally. Discovery Bay’s car-free community means students walk, cycle or skateboard to and from school each day.

“It’s a very physical community,” says principal Mark Beach. “I stand at the front gate every morning and see it. DC kids are mad on sports, we have a close connection with organisations like the DB Pirates (local weekend sports club) which is very special.”

A close sense of community has been fostered since day one at the school, with cross-pollination of the senior and junior

school - through the physical structure of the building to inclusions in the school curriculum such as a buddy programme - senior students come to visit their “buddies” in junior school to read, share knowledge and create art. These experiences provide a link between primary and secondary and foster a big brother/sister relationship within the school community.

DC follows a philosophy of “positive education”, which is an approach that stems from the movement of positive psychology - the study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive, founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives and to cultivate what is best within themselves. Beach says

open day

The school promotes rigorous academic achievement.

The students are keen sports players.

the school works hard to ensure students feel valued and communication channels remain open even when students are struggling.

A close sense of community has been fostered since day one at the school.

“It’s important to give kids an understanding that they are valued and give them the tools to be able to cope with stress and change,” he says.

In recent years the school has driven a focus on “wellness”, with particular attention to kindness and gratitude, as well as resilience and grit.

“We’ve been focused on building on these, asking students ‘What do you do when the going gets tough?’” says Beach. The school is working towards a growth mindset with students and families, “an understanding that we learn through failure and changing childrens’ mindsets from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet”. Once they grasp this, when

things don’t work out, they merely become another learning experience.”

In terms of core subjects, DC claims to provide a rigorous academic curriculum, strongly supported by the arts. In a city that is famously academically-driven, DC’s focus on the arts as an area intrinsic to learning in all subjects is arguably a risky business.

But the proof is in the pudding and in 2016 it claimed two of the city’s perfect 45 IB scores, and this was only the school’s third graduating class. DC alumni have graduated to some of the world’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and UC Berkeley.

“We’re a school that promotes rigorous academic achievement but we also value the

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education arts as an area of focus that contributes to learning in all other subjects,” says Beach.

“There’s such strong research and connection between, for example, music and maths. A focus on arts has huge benefits for skills like articulation, it’s a powerful part of our school but no more important than other subjects.

It’s just that we get started at an early age and we maintain a focus for our students. We are one of the few ESF schools that provide specialised teachers for drama, music and art right from year one. Our primary students get all the advantages of a high school.”

Chinese learning starts in year one with multiple lessons a week and from year two students are experiencing daily lessons. For PIS schools Mandarin in compulsory. Most students take Chinese all the way through to Diploma level. To cater for students with varying levels of the language, DC’s Chinese programme is “pathwayed” from year one, which means students are learning at a pace that suits them personally.

As far as technology goes, Beach says the approach is that it should only be used if it enhances learning. “For us, the real strength is the ability for students to access information and manipulate it to further their understanding and knowledge. It’s also about being able to share their learnings - presenting

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Real strength is in the students’ ability to collaborate, says school principal Mark Beach.

and collaborating with others. If technology is being used properly, you shouldn’t even notice it, it shouldn’t be the focus of what you’re doing. It’s just there to support learning.”

The school works hard to support students with their post-school choices. A higher education office kicks in during year 10 and

School Report

Established: 2008 Class size: Teacher/Student ratio: Varies between 1:10 to 1:30 Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme Fees 2016/2017: $108,400-$146,600 per annum Non refundable capital levy: $6,290 Address: 38 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island Tel: 3969 1000

onwards, more so as they reach final years.

“We’ve developed some very close connections with universities,” explains Beach.

“We actually host a University Fair that over 130 universities attend from around the world and student from across Hong Kong are invited to attend.”

sponsored feature

Make leadership your future

By Danny Harrington, Founder and Director of ITS Education Asia Not so long ago, people stayed in one company for their entire working life but times have changed. U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics shows millennials stay in a job for an average of 4.4 years and many expect to change jobs every three years. This is due to the state of the employment situation in many developed economies, a change in the way companies engage employees, and partly due to younger people having the confidence to try different industries and job roles before settling into something long term.

A great uncertainty is that we can’t even conceive the type of jobs that may exist in the future. So what are young people to do when they have to begin thinking of the next educational or career step? Students feel they can’t afford to learn for the sake of learning in the modern competitive world and every stage of their education must be seen to have a long term purpose. A study by global firm PWC in 2011 showed 72% made a trade-off in what they wanted to do just to get employment and only 18% expected to stay in their position longterm. The same study found that a large majority

were “uncomfortable with rigid corporate structures” and expected “rapid progression, a varied and interesting career, and constant feedback”. How do we match what employers want and expect and what new entrants to the workplace can offer and demand?

Part of the answer perhaps lies in the way we educate during the transition from school to work. In most modern economies there is very little school-to-work direct transition anymore.

Education and/or training is the bridge between the two but part of the problem is finding the intersections to determine what kind of education will be useful and successful.

In the future, an importance will be placed on social skills and generating collective intelligence. To satisfy both sides – give employers confidence in new hires and make job seekers be equipped for the demands – school leavers could do a lot worse than learn how to lead, develop self-awareness, communication and collaboration skills and gain an understanding of group dynamics.

ITS Education Asia has teamed up with Tai Poutini Polytechnic [TPP] from New Zealand

to bring the Certificate of Experiential Learning [CEL] to Hong Kong. An adaptation of an outdoor education programme TPP uses a combination of outdoor and classroom learning to equip today’s youngsters for the future.

The programme lasts one academic year and results in both the TPP Certificate in Experiential Learning or equivalent to the first year of a degree. The CEL allows graduates to enter the adventure or ecotourism industry or follow a number of degree pathways. The programme aims to set you up for the next step, giving you space to find what you want to do while gaining a qualification. It can be treated as a structured gap year, a foundation year or the first year of your higher education.

ITS Education Asia 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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Photo by Jesús Gorriti via Wikimedia Commons

sport

Rugby roars into town

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is one of the biggest events on the sporting and social calendar. Here’s our guide to all the action.

N

ow in its 41st year, the Cathay Pacific/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens sporting spectacular will be running from April 7-9 at good old Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay. A total of 16 teams will be battling it out for the top spot, not to mention the women’s action on April 6-7, numerous youth teams joining in the fun on Friday and Saturday morning, and the Sevens Series Qualifier Tournament which runs concurrently at the stadium. Read on for the best of the action…

Who’s taking part?

In the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016/17:

In the stadium Short and sweet, all matches last seven minutes each way, with a two-minute interval.

Doors open 10am-9.15pm (Friday); 7am8pm (Saturday); and 7am-7.30pm (Sunday).

The World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series Qualifier will be held April 6-7 at So Kon Po, with the semis and final played at Hong Kong Stadium as part of the Hong Kong Sevens.

Arrive early to bag a seat, especially if you’re hitting the infamous South Stand for the day.

Kick-off concert by British pop band Madness.

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Argentina Australia Canada England Fiji France Japan Kenya New Zealand

Russia Samoa Scotland South Africa United States Wales (with a special invitation by World Rugby to South Korea to fill the 16th spot)

In the World Rugby Sevens Series Qualifier Tournament 2017 (plays concurrently with the Sevens competition): Uganda Namibia (Africa) Guyana Jamaica (Americas North) Hong Kong Sri Lanka (Asia)

Spain Germany (Europe) Papua New Guinea Tonga (Oceania) Chile Uruguay (Americas South)

Uganda is making its debut appearance in Hong Kong and will become the 60th international union to participate in the Hong Kong Sevens.

eye on the ball Kick-off concert The boot is firmly on the foot of British pop band Madness to get the Sevens party started, as they swing into town to headline the HKSSEVENS Kick-off Concert. Supported by bassist Bruce Foxton and guitarist/vocalist Russell Hastings of mod gods The Jam, Madness will get the party moving with a string of 80s hits. We’re certainly looking forward to a house of fun (gedit?!).

April 6, HSBC Sevens Village, Indian Recreation Club, 63 Caroline Hill Road, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. Tickets are $388 from www.ticketflap.com/hksevenskickoff2017.

Garden party Bringing Sevens to the city is HKSEVENS Central Party. Following a hugely successful launch last year, the event is back in Chater Garden, this time with a full week’s worth of activities.

Bring the family as Chater Garden is transformed into a mini Hong Kong Stadium with a purpose-built rugby pitch, where youngsters will be able to enjoy rugby clinics, games, competitions and merchandise booths. There will be autograph sessions with participating teams ahead of kick-off and rugby stars from past and present.

Keep on top of events in the stadium via giant screens broadcasting live match action.

There’ll be plenty of food and drinks courtesy of pop-up restaurants from Marriott International Hotels, Mercato, Chino and Good Barbecue.

Not only that, there will also be celebrity chef pop-ups and private dining opportunities.

From 6pm the party kicks on with live music performances and Q&A sessions with rugby professionals.

Stay on top of the action by visiting www. hksevens.com as more info is released.

HKSEVENS Central Party, April 4-9, 10am4pm & 6-9.30pm, Chater Garden, Central, entrance is free.

Walk of fans Lee Gardens shopping centre will be hosting a Hong Kong Sevens FanWalk, transforming the space into a “rugby-themed party wonderland”.

The event will include non-stop entertainment, live performances including can can dancers, breakdancers, Samoan dancers, music from African drums, juggling, unicycling, stilt-walking and balloon twisting. There will also be food and drink stalls highlighting the culture and heritage of various nation teams.

Surrounding streets will also be decorated and there will be live rugby action direct from the stadium on the big screen.

Kids will also have a chance to meet with rugby greats such as David Campese, Ben Gollings and Gareth Thomas.

FanWalk, April 7-9, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, East Point, Causeway Bay. Entrance is free, www.hksevens.com

Village affair Couldn’t get tickets? The HSBC Sevens Village opposite the stadium will be streaming matches live onto giant screens, plus there will be heaps of activities for kids, including rugby, golf and tennis zones, arts workshops and face painting.

Entrance is free. HSBC Sevens Village, Indian Recreation Centre, 63 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay.

Long lunch Calling all the lovely ladies in the territory Christina Noble Children’s Foundation will be hosting its annual Sevens long lunch.

Put on your glad rags and enjoy great food, company and champagne - not to mention a few “performances” from the rugby players themselves. Expect an afternoon of hilarity, fun and frolics, plus the opportunity to support

this great charity. The auction is stacked full of glittering prizes and there will be a live pledge to support a water tank project in Vietnam.

And let’s not forget the “official eye candy” on hand as your very own butlers… this is a long lunch to remember!

CNCF Ladies’ Long Lunch, April 7, 12.30-3.30pm, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Member Stand I, 3/F, Happy Valley Racecourse, tickets $1,800 from www.cncf.org.hk

Party on a bit more Get into the swing of the Sevens with the official Hong Kong Sevens Rugby After Party.

Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Union and the Lan Kwai Fong Association, it’s been extended this year to run a full seven days.

Enjoy booth games, official photo opportunities, beer and street food. The whole of LKF will be dressed up with artificial grass and a marching band.

Entrance is free. Hong Kong Sevens Official Rugby After Party, 9.30pm-late, April 3-9, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

Hong Kong 10s and after party Hosted by Hong Kong Football Club, this 16team tournament including former internationals and other top pro players runs in the lead up to the Sevens, whetting your appetite for the weekend ahead. The teams compete for the Bill Burgess Cup and the event includes an after party with live music and free-flow wine and beer on April 6 for teams, club members, spectators and the general public.

GFI HKFC 10s, April 5-6, Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, tickets $100/day from www.ticketflap.com

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travel

A picturesque view of the Thu Bon River

Hoi An

Shreena Patel uncovers historic Hoi An’s ancient roots.

H

oi An has enjoyed a resurgence in the last 15 years or so as a tourist hotspot, but an international reputation isn’t anything new for the town. In fact, the area was once one of the most important seaports in all of Southeast Asia.

From the second to 10th centuries AD, Hoi An (or Lam Ap Pho as it was known then) was the commercial capital of the Champa empire, a great maritime empire that controlled the coast of central Vietnam, from the northern border of Quang Binh Province to the southern border of Binh Thuan Province. The Champa empire comprised five kingdoms ruled by regional royal families. At its peak, the it also included parts of Cambodia and Laos.

The Cham people established a lucrative spice trade in Lam Ap Pho which brought great wealth to the city. Their vast trade network extended to China, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, as well as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Middle East and North Africa.

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The Champa empire prospered for many centuries but frequently came into conflict with its neighbours: the Dai Viet people to the north and the Khmer people of Cambodia to the south - even the Mongols invaded in the thirteenth century. In 1471, after centuries of fighting, the Champa capital Vijaya was captured by the Dai Viet. The defeat resulted in a mass Cham emigration to the south, particularly to Cambodia and Malaysia. Lam Ap Pho was reestablished as a Vietnamese trading town: Hai Pho (literally “seaside town”).

Over the next four centuries, ships came here from far and wide (China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, Britain, America) to buy the town’s famous high-grade silk, paper, ceramics, sugar, spices, sandalwood, tortoise shell and lacquer, amongst other things. Chinese and Japanese traders would arrive in the spring, driven by winds from the northeast. They would stay until the summer,

when southerly winds would blow them back home. Eventually, merchants began to leave full-time agents in the town, leading to the emergence of foreign colonies. In fact, Hoi An was the site of the first Chinese settlement in southern Vietnam. A Japanese settlement was also established at one end of town (via the now famous “Japanese Covered Bridge”), although the Japanese stopped travelling to the area after the enactment of Japan’s isolationist ‘Sakoku’ policy in around 1637.

Foreigners also brought with them new religions including Christianity, which permeated Vietnam via Hoi An. French Jesuit missionary Alexandre de Rhodes arrived in Hoi An in the 17th century and, according to his reports, converted over 6,000 Vietnamese before he was forced to leave over concerns about the spread of Catholicism. De Rhodes, along with other missionaries, is also credited with devising Quốc Ngữ - a Latin-based writing system for Vietnamese. This romanised system was later

Vietnam ventures

Japanese

covered b

ridge

mandated by French colonial authorities as the official written form of the Vietnamese language and is still used in Vietnam to this day.

Hoi An was almost completely destroyed during the Tay Son Rebellion in the late 18th century, which saw the Le Dynasty overthrown by members of the Nguyen family of Tay Son. However, the town was rebuilt and regained prominence as a port for foreign trade.

In the 19th century, worried by the growing influence of foreigners in the nation, the Nguyen lords implemented a closed trade policy. Hoi An stagnated and was eclipsed by other ports, in

r on the u o t t a o tb a sunsehu Bon River T particular Da Nang, whose deeper waters could better accommodate the bigger modern ships.

By the end of the century, the Thu Bon River, which linked Hoi An with the sea, had silted up was too shallow for commercial shipping.

It is this economic stagnation and disappearance from the world stage that allowed Hoi An to avoid the type of development experienced by other cities in Vietnam and preserve its early appearance. During the Vietnam War, it remained almost completely undamaged and in 1999, the town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, at the heart of Vietnam’s tourism revival, it once again welcomes people from far and wide.

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travel

ial

lon ench co r F l u f r colou s building

ro stree adside t mar ket Stay You can stay closer to the town or closer to the beach. I stayed at the Anantara, which is just a few minutes walk from the old town.

It’s a beautiful, colonial style hotel with a prime riverside location, clean, spacious rooms and helpful staff. The hotel’s restaurant Lanterns runs a weekly buffet barbecue night with fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

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The Anantara is built in a colonial style.

You can also dine under the stars at the Riverside Cafe or enjoy live music and drinks at O’Malleys Bar & Grill. Activities include free bike hire, cooking classes and sunset boat rides on the Perfume River (the latter two are chargeable). There’s also a big outdoor pool, a spa, and free morning yoga sessions.

Anantara Hoi An 1 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam Tel: +84 510 3914 555 Email: hoian@anantara.com www.hoi-an.anantara.com Room rates vary. Check the website for special offers.

Vietnam ventures

Do • Explore the old town, by foot or by bike.

You can buy a ticket to access the historic buildings or just take a stroll through the streets. The architecture of the city reflects its earlier mix of indigenous and foreign influences, from wooden Chinese shophouses to colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Go on a bike ride. Bike rental at the Anantara is free and the beaches are just a 20- to 30minute ride away.

• If you like diving and snorkelling, go on a boat trip to explore the coral and marine life off the nearby Cham Islands.

Colourful lanterns adorn the streets.

• Visit the Cham ruins at the nearby My Son Sanctuary. My Son was built by the Champa people during the fourth to seventh century as their religious capital and to worship the Hindu god Shiva.

• Do a cooking class - many of the Vietnamese restaurants in the old town offer cooking classes, as does the Anantara. Just ask!

• You’re also just a stone’s throw from China Beach and the Marble Mountains.

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travel

Shop You can get anything made in Hoi An – from custom-made suits to dresses and shoes, at a fraction of Hong Kong/western prices. Make sure you have at least a few days for proper fittings and go with a recommendation. Alternatively, Yaly Couture has a few outlets throughout the city - prices are higher but it’s a safer option. Top tip: if you already have a well-fitting pair of shoes or shirt, take it for the tailor to copy.

Lanterns also make great souvenirs. Hand-made with wax, wood and silk, they come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, are not too expensive and are easy to pack and assemble at home. I bought some from Pho Hoa, 01 Hoàng Văn Thụ.

Eat Ong Hai (Mr Hai) 6A Truong Minh Luong Street Located just a few minutes walk from the Anantara, Ong Hai’s menu comprises just two local dishes: Cao lầu and Mì Quảng. It’s not a glamorous place, but the food is good and prices are cheap.

Tiệm Bánh Mi Phương 2B Phan Chau Trinh street, near the crossroad of Phan Chau Trinh and Hoang Dieu.

The best banh mi in the world (according to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain) at jawdroppingly low prices. There are about 12 fillings to choose from and place is usually packed but also offers take away. Delicious and exceptional value for money.

Cafe Mrs Diep Central Market Tasty and cheap Vietnamese pancakes and spring rolls cooked and served by friendly staff. Basic surroundings but that’s all part of the experience.

stree

t food

stall

Top dishes Bánh mì A baguette sandwich packed with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté, beef, eggs and pork.

Cao Lầu Thick rice noodles in a light soup, topped with pork, pork-rind croutons and lots of herbs, bean sprouts and greens. Authentic Cao Lầu is prepared only with water drawn from ancient Cham wells hidden around Hoi An and Quang Nam Province. Noodles are pre-soaked in well water and lye made from wood ash brought from one of the eight Cham Islands around 10 miles outside of the city.

Mì Quảng Thin, flat rice noodles glazed with a mixture of peanut oil fried with onion and usually yellow broth. Traditionally, its main ingredients are shrimp and pork, with peanuts and rice crackers and perhaps a quail egg.

Essentials

eating Cao Lau Guang at Ongand Mi Hai 50 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Cathay Dragon flies direct to Da Nang airport in two hours. From there, it’s about 30 kilometres to Hoi An.

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health & beauty

Nailed it!

Sai Kung’s best manicures and pedicures. By Annie Wong.

Melo Spa Other than their signature facials and massages, Melo Spa located at Hyatt Regency Sha Tin has a few treatments to keep your nails polished and cared for. Although it comes with a higher price point, the spa offers impeccable service in a comfortable environment. The treatment menu includes the essential manicure ($420) melo deluxe manicure ($540), and file and polish renew ($240), as well as pedicure services. There are also manicure and pedicure treatments for children and men.

18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 7684.

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pamper yourself Sabai Day Spa Get your hands and tootsies looked after by the certified therapist team at Sabai Day Spa. For all round care, the spa’s French manicure is their most popular service which includes a hand and nail soak, file, polish as well as an arm massage. If your hands and feet need an extra oomph of care, opt for Sabai’s luxury spa manicure which starts with a hand scrub before nails are trimmed, shaped and polished, and finishes with either a paraffin mask or a full hand and arm massage. There’s also a pedicure option with this service.

Branches across Hong Kong including 2F/10D, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2259, www.sabaidayspa.com

Tala’s Hair & Beauty You don’t just have to visit Tala’s for a hair transformation. A favourite in Sai Kung known for their friendly service, Tala’s also offers services that tend to your hands and feet.

The traditional manicure starts at $160, with shellac manicure priced at $400. Try Tala’s exclusive pedicure ($320) which includes a foot massage to make you feel completely pampered. There are also shellac removal, revarnish, and individual nail services.

56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2335 1014, talashair.com

Sense of Touch Award-winning spa, Sense of Touch, will make you feel a million dollars with its range of manicure and pedicure services. If you’re strapped for time, try Sense of Touch’s Express Manicure ($140). The whole experience takes 20 minutes and will include a shape and polish.

For something more polished, try the shellac manicure ($400 for 60 mins), which uses soft

gel to achieve a glossy finish. There’s also something for men too, the pedicure ($330 for 50 mins) involves shaping, buffing, callus removal and a leg scrub.

Branches across Hong Kong including G/F, 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2278, www.senseoftouch.com.hk

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S

tupid. I have tried to think of another term for the decision to end the first registration tax waiver for electric private cars (EVs), but I can’t.

The waiver - now capped at $97,500 - was introduced in 1994 to promote the switch to clean engines, but few were built or bought.

In 2009, the Financial Secretary announced that he would get serious about the use of EVs by setting up a steering committee to work on new measures, extending the tax waiver and promoting battery charging facilities.

It took five years for this to make an impact.

Between 1999 and 2014, fewer than 100 EVs were registered each year. Then in 2014/15, 1,000 new EVs were registered, and some 5,000 more have been registered since.

These are mostly luxury cars. On the lower end there has been little growth, as a fully taxed regular or hybrid car like the Compact Prius is half the cost of a similarly sized tax-free electric vehicle. Not so at the top end, where a tax-free Tesla is about half the cost of a similar style and size limo.

Benz, BMW and Audi were hardest hit.

At the same time, the overall car market appeared to hit the skids. Whereas over 50,000 private cars were newly registered in 2015 – the highest growth in private vehicles ever recorded in Hong Kong – private car sales slowed dramatically to some 40,000 cars in 2016.

As a result, the share of sales for EVs rose to 10 per cent. Panic erupted and lobbying by the traditional brands went into overdrive.

Questions like, “Why is the public sponsoring toys for rich people?”, were raised in LegCo. The spin masters blamed congestion and the increase in our vehicle fleet on EVs, ignoring the fact that just 1.2 per cent of our car fleet is electric. Instead of telling the three losers to speed up development of their own EVs, the government gave in. Instead of raising taxes on all cars, the government took away the incentive for people to watch their battery status and mess around with cables.

Photo by Tksteven via Wikimedia Commons

Waiving goodbye

zim city

As a district councillor I have witnessed heated debates over how electricity in car parks will be improved and who pays. Now the financial incentive to negotiate with owner committees and suppliers over the installation of chargers has been killed.

Two factors cause roadside air pollution: congestion and engine technology. To reduce congestion we need to motivate people by improving public transport and by making car ownership and use more expensive. To motivate people to change the fuel or power they use, we need to subsidise new technology with tax waivers until the installed base has reached its tipping point – or at least 30 per cent of the total vehicle fleet.

With electrics now more expensive than regular vehicles, the government made it much more difficult to get there. Stupid.

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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Horoscopes

hong kong horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21 – Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 – Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21

Aquarius, you’re the water bearer. So let me tell you about one of the first times I hiked the Wilson Trail with a single small bottle of water… in skinny jeans. It wasn’t my smartest moment, and I soon regretted the choices I’d made. Don’t be as unprepared as I was, Aquarius. A little planning will get you much further down the trail.

What’s your favourite street food, Pisces? Personally, I’m partial to the egg puff. This delicacy is flipped halfway through cooking, so the batter coats the mould to become crisp on the outside, but with a soft hollow on the inside. Be like an egg puff, Pisces: If you give yourself space to grow, the results will be so much more impressive.

Some fortune tellers like to read tea leaves. Me, I just like a cup of tea. My favourite is Longjing “dragon well” tea, which hails from the West Lake area of Hangzhou, China. The most valuable Longjing tea consists of the very youngest shoots, hand-picked over just 10 days before the Qingming festival – round about now.

This tea is prized for its delicate aroma. What timesensitive aspect of your life is worth the effort, Aries?

Hong Kong’s tram network is more than just a cheap way to get around town. These trundling, stately beasts also offer a time for introspection and reflection in an otherwise churning world. Board your next tram with no agenda and no destination, Taurus. Hop on and let the tracks lead you through gentle streets to quiet endings. You’ll be glad you did.

LEO Jul 23 – Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 – Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 – Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24 – Nov 22

For many Hong Kong youth, love hotels are the price of doing business, as it were. With no space at home, they have to take their pleasures where they can find them. Leo, what joys are you delaying because you don’t have room for them? What do you want to do that demands a love hotel of one’s own?

Consider, if you will, the humble Lantau water buffalo.

This gentle giant makes its way from village to village, sprawling across the roads and blocking traffic. So what a row of cars and buses are honking at it? This is where it’s decided to lay its stately bulk. You could learn from the buffalo, Virgo: sometimes, being a little obstructive and sedentary is the right call.

There’s no two ways about it: Mong Kok is an exhausting place. It’s full of jostling crowds and screeching noise.

But that’s the glory of it too.

Ten minutes in Mong Kok is two hours anywhere else.

Take it in, revel in it… then go get a quiet foot massage to recover. To have just one would be too much. To have both is what it’s all about.

Scorpio, it’s time to exercise those latent creative powers.

When’s the last time you told a really good story? Here’s something to start you off: “Once upon a time, a beautiful Hong Kong princess lived in a big house on The Peak.

She had fine food, an army of helpers and two Toyota Alphards. She had everything her heart could desire… except for love.” Can you get to the happily ever after?

As transmitted to Adam White, writer, editor and occasional soothsayer.

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GEMINI May 22 – Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22 – Jul 22

Smog, smog and more smog. It’s the Hong Kong way. But now and then, the rain arrives and washes away all the particulates and we’re left with stunning views of our city. Be the rain in your life, Gemini – wash away the dirt and grime and you’ll be left with something far more beautiful than you remember.

For some, Cantopop all sounds the same: they dismiss it as ballad-heavy schmaltz. But did you know that writing Cantopop lyrics is one of the hardest jobs there is? See, the truly skilled Cantopop lyricist is able to arrange it so that the word tones match the tune, rising and falling alongside the notes. I’m not saying you have to love Cantopop, Cancer – but remember that even schmaltz takes mastery.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 – Jan 20

Ideally, you want your life to mirror a ferry ride to an outlying island: choppy at first, turning into smooth sailing with a wonderful, peaceful destination. In truth, the choppiness is never quite that short-lived and we spend plenty of time bobbing in the harbour, buffeted by waves.

But take heart by looking around you: everyone else is on the same ferry too, and we’re all just trying to get to Lamma.

Capricorn, were you meaning to write that email response for the last two months, but never got around to it? Do you think you’ve left it so long, you can’t possibly write back now? It’s OK. I give you permission to write back, with the following excuse: “Sorry I didn’t write back sooner. My Chinese New Year break went on for several months longer than expected.”

Woof!

pets Walkies with Clare Benson from Dogs, Inc, www.dogsinchk.com

Ask a vet...

Pets Central’s veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

D

Eating, grass & great walks by staff writers

rive to Pak Tam Chung and park at the barrier. Walk through the barrier and down the road past the bbq sites on the right. Go over the bridge and there’s a right turn into a path where the old dai pai dong was.

It’s the Pak Tam Chung nature trail and leads to the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum. Go down the footpath over the bridge. At the end of the bridge, follow the path to the right, although I often stop at the end of the bridge on the left to let the dogs swim underneath the bridge.

The river goes out to sea so the height of the water varies from a shallow paddle to a proper swim. Continue on the path and there’s a small stone, shingle beach on the right, you will need to jump down off the path to it.

Another great swimming place for the dogs, and if the tide is out, they love digging in the stony sand. Carry on down the pathway past the mangroves on the right and past an older house on the left, there are a couple of dogs who might bark but they’re fenced in.

The path continues and is mostly shady. A little further on there is a pier on the right - more swimming fun. At around this point you pass the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum which is on the left. After the museum there are some marshy grassy areas on either side of the path, the dogs love going crazy running in the muddy water but watch out for snakes. The path then forks, and if you take the right turn it winds round to the scout camp at the end, where the rail ends and you emerge out into an open area with pier and stunning views.

It is a great place for both dogs and people to swim. This would be an ideal place to stop for a snack and drink while the dogs run around. Then you just turn around and go back the way you came.

You could push a pushchair, although the path is narrow and winds around. Kids would love the adventures they can have on the way.

The whole walk from the Pak Tam Chung barrier in about 40 Pak Tam chung minutes in total. If you have kids with you or want to allow time for swimming, it’d take around an hour.

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Q: ” Can I feed my dog ice cream?”

A: To be safe don’t allow your dogs to eat ice cream. My dogs love licking ice cream cartons but it is not good for them.

Ice cream is usually made from cow’s milk which has a high fat and sugar (lactose) content. Many animals have lactose intolerance so eating ice cream can lead to issues with their digestive system. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea and, in some dogs, pancreatitis (a more serious metabolic condition).

The flavour of ice cream is also critical. Dogs have a very low threshold for chocolate which contains “theobromine” - a direct toxin for dogs that is similar in action to caffeine and can be fatal. So chocolate ice cream is a never! The same advice applies for cats though as cats cannot taste “sweet” they may be less likely to love your ice cream.

Other foods dogs shouldn’t eat include xylitol (found in candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods), avocado, alcohol, onions and garlic, raw eggs and bones, grapes, raisins, dairy products and marijuana.

It often also depends on the amount of a food eaten and chocolate is a very good example. There is a Chocolate Calculator available that vets can reference to check if a toxic dose of chocolate has been eaten.

Q: “My dog keeps jumping/humping on visitors who come to our house. What should I do?”

A: This is a common problem in male, female and neutered dogs. Jumping/humping is a normal behaviour and usually happens when dogs are happy and want people to interact with them. However, you may need to differentiate it from a sexual desire; sometimes it can even be a “possessive” act.

Train your dog not to jump/hump by using treats or praise as a reward for stopping the action. If they restart, ask your visitors to ignore the dog and even leave temporarily. They should not encourage your dog by laughing or thinking it’s alright and the dog is “so friendly and cute”. If they do you will have a very difficult time getting your dog to stop.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

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marketplace The Hong Kong gardening column

S

pring is finally upon us and the flowers are blooming. During April, Hong Kong enjoys lovely sunny days reaching 20 to 25°C, a very comfortable period in the year. However, the humidity is starting to rise in Hong Kong but it remains relatively low throughout April - perfect to roll up those sleeves and do a spot of gardening.

As the centrepiece to any great garden, it’s time to give your lawns the loving attention they deserve. All that’s required is a light dressing of manure. This will feed it all the nutrients it requires to keep it looking lush, thick and green.

Adiantums from spores sown last September will now be big enough for putting into three-inch pots. They thrive in moist situations which naturally lends itself to Hong Kong’s subtropical climate but keep out of direct sunlight or expect failure as the result. Adiantums also dislike wind and must be kept out of it as much as possible, but at the same time they still need plenty of fresh air. Find a spot for them on your window sill and keep the windows open to allow fresh air to flow in.

In April, Hong Kong gardeners can sow flower seeds from the following: Chinese Balsam, Ipomoea Quamoclit, Gynadropsis pentaphylla and the romantic Moonflower which blooms only during the night but furls again when the sun comes up.

You can expect a big crop of vegetables this month with plenty of options available. Seeds of the following may be sown: Mustard and Cress, Chinese Spinach, French Beans, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Long Beans and Brinjal. Plant out seedlings of Cucumber and Lettuce which were raised last month and keep the surface of the beds in good condition using the Dutch hoe. Plants cannot thrive with a hard, baked surface to the soil. Now you can sit back and watch your crops flourish.

By William James Tutcher F.L.S (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.

Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.

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Overcharged

stephen says...

Highrises, helicopter menace, and being short changed by, Stephen Vines.

I

t is only a matter of time before yet another highrise property development will be coming to the outskirts of Sai Kung town.

CNT, the owners of the paint factory standing near to the steadily rising Park Mediterranean housing complex, are applying to build an eight-floor luxury apartment complex with 178 units. Once development permission is granted, as it surely will be, it will join the Mediterranean development on the other side of the town and the big new hotel development behind it. In other words highrise buildings will increasingly surround the centre of Sai Kung town. Once this is achieved developers inside the relatively small area of the town will be able to argue that the need for low rise developments is falling because Sai Kung is increasingly establishing itself as a place amenable to, for now, moderately high rise buildings. Make no mistake: as night follows day, this is what will happen.

I’m pretty sure I’m not imagining this but the skies above the various country parks appear to have yet more helicopters buzzing around, especially at the weekends causing enormous noise pollution and wasting vast amounts of fuel. The purpose of this nuisance, so I am told, is to broadcast safety and other messages to country park users. This is quite daft enough but considering the racket kicked up by the helicopters themselves, it is quite impossible to even hear these loudspeakerbroadcast messages, rendering the whole exercise to be totally pointless and, of course, annoying.

Anyone who believes that this space is likely to be free of HKT and PCCW-bashing will need to wait until Sai Kung’s monopoly broadband supplier actually does something to fix its dismal service which I am reminded of everyday as the minimal bandwidth supplied to our area continues to cause aggravation.

Out of sheer devilry, I decided to browse through HKT’s latest annual report, which shows a healthy rise in profits from the previous year, some of which (but only a very little) comes from us suckers in Sai Kung.

Fascinating, as the financials undoubtedly are, I was more interested in the pages headed ‘reporting on social aspects’. Here you will

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find all manner of BS but I can’t help notice that HKT is committed to providing ‘reliable, quality services and products’ (but not in Sai Kung), plus it is targeting to ‘attain highest speed in (the) fixed broadband market’ (but not in Sai Kung) and then it states that ‘we also seek to continuously extend coverage in rural areas, and outlying islands of Hong Kong’ (but not in Sai Kung). The words in parenthesis do not, of course, actually appear in the annual report but I like the creativity of this document. I will peruse it more carefully the next time the broadband service goes down - that will be soon.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a new supermarket open in Sai Kung on the grounds that the two dominant chains need a bit more competition. The U Select supermarket is owned by the Chinese state controlled China Resources’ group under its Vanguard retailing arm, which is fast expanding in Hong Kong. The good news is that it has products, including from the British Tesco supermarket chain, that the other supermarkets do not have and some of its prices are below both PARKnSHOP and Wellcome.

The bad news, and it is pretty bad, is that on the three occasions I have shopped there I have been overcharged: twice by having the wrong goods rung up on the till and the third time when I was given the wrong amount of change. As the sums involved were relatively modest so it was easier to identify the problem. I have no reason to believe that some deliberately devious policy is in play here and suppose it comes down to staff error, however three out of three is not a great score on this front. It leaves me wondering whether to attempt a fourth visit.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur.

He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

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