Expat Parent July 2021

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FAMILY | DINING | HOME | EDUCATION

the really useful magazine hongkongliving.com

July 2021

Life’s a beach Sandy shores to take the tribe

The heat is on

Hong Kong’s best indoor play

Hong Kong Education Awards We celebrate the innovators

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CONTENTS — 0 7/ 2 1

16

COVER STORY Meet the education innovators

Hello from the hot desk

4 CONTRIBUTORS

Meet this month’s team

What’s on in July

33 HOROSCOPES

24 EDUCATION

36 BOOK CLUB

Can’t take the heat? Check out these indoor play areas

Alix Delahaye launches healthy cooking classes for kids

Your local news roundup. Plus school news

10 MUST HAVES

Sandy shores just a stone’s throw away

Guidepost Montessori International Kindergarten

8 NEWS

22 FOOD

6 PLANNER

28 BIG DAY OUT

2 EDITOR’S LETTER

20 FAMILY

Letao Wang reveals your fate for July

Bhakti Mathur discusses her new children’s book

26 PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

We catch up with Dr Jadis Blurton of The Harbour School

10

Summer essentials for little sunseekers

12

12 SCHOOL SNAPS

Photos from the classroom

15 MY BIG IDEA

Trixie from Defin8 Fitness

6

22 24 8

15

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. - Robert Orben

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editor’s Letter For the past six months, we have worked with teachers, consultants and education experts to put together a comprehensive awards program that recognises the people and institutions leading the way in Hong Kong’s extremely competitive education sector. The result is our very first Hong Kong Education Awards. This month’s cover is dedicated to some of the people who really stood out in their category, from Ampla Education which won Education Consultancy of the Year to Kids Connect which were recognised as Special Education School of the Year. Turn to page 16 to meet the winners and head to hongkongliving. com for a full list of the awards.

As a relatively new mum, I finally understand the hype around indoor play areas, particularly those that serve decent coffee. Stay cool with our round-up of air-conditioned play centres (page 20). And for glorious days when the sun shines, enjoy the fresh summer air at one of these family-friendly beaches (page 28).

We also take a tour of Guidepost

who’s in charge?

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater

Editor Gemma Shaw

Features Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla

Senior Writer Charmaine Ng

Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Senior Graphic Designer Vicky Lam

Graphic Designer Shirley Tin

Partnerships talk@hongkongliving.com

Montessori International Kindergarten Kennedy Town (page 24) and catch up with Dr Jadis Blurton, Head of School at The Harbour School (page 26).

It’s a long hot summer, and we’ve got you covered.

Director of Content Hilda Chan

Partnership Manager Elaine Li

Event Manager Pranali Gupta

Partnership Manager Debbie Ky

Publisher Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com

Editor’s picks

Founding Director Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Onesies for anti-violence

The Wee Bean has recently launched two new organic onesie designs - We Are All Human Beans and EqualiTea For All. The team hopes that the positive message on these onesies can promote cultural awareness and show respect for people of different races with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Community Fund. theweebean.com 2 | EXPAT PARENT

Harry’s Kitchen Baking Studio

Harry’s Kitchen Baking Studio is launching Hong Kong’s firstever STEAM x Baking classes for children aged three and above at K11 MUSEA. Classes require little to no baking experience and the studio is offering up to 20 percent discount on classes throughout July. harryskitchenhk.com

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent is published by Hong Kong Living 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. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Photo: Simon J Nicol Location: La Rambla by Catalunya

Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

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contributors Thank you to our contributors Simon J Nicol This month’s cover shoot comes courtesy of Hong Kong-based Australian photographer and filmmaker Simon J Nicol. His works include commercial, corporate and editorial projects across the luxury, lifestyle, arts, architecture, and design industries. simonjnicol.com

Alix Delahaye Happy mum-of-two, Alix is a freelance content creator for brands seeking advice in their visual communication on social media .

She also runs an Instagram page, @alix_momlife where she shares her passion for photography, and writes about motherhood, activities with kids and sustainable living.

Daniel Ma Bhakti Mathur Bhakti Mathur is author of much-loved children’s series Amma Tell Me and Amma Take Me. Ahead of the release of her seventeenth book she shares with us how she made the career shift from high-flying banker to acclaimed children’s author.

Oliver Corrin Originally from the Isle of Man in the UK, Oliver and his baby Sophia are our daddy daughter duo about town. Oliver is regional director for London-based interior design and branding studio CADA Design and is a fitness and food enthusiast.

Check out what they’re getting up to this month on page 7.

Want to write for Expat Parent? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | EXPAT PARENT

Five-year-old Daniel is a student at Guidepost Montessori International Kindergarten in Kennedy Town. Daniel and his mum Julia talk about their experience and why they love the school ethos on page 24.

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what’s on

JUL 3

Boundless Tempo Outdoor Yoga Enjoy a complimentary outdoor yoga session in Stanley upon spending over $500 at the plaza. 10.30-11.30am or 3-4pm. Free. G/F Amphitheatre, Stanley Plaza. linkhk.com

JUL 4

Kayak n Run

Enjoy a picturesque kayak along the coast of Tai Tam Bay followed by an on-foot race across Dragon’s Back. 8am. Family race $450, adult race $900. Tai Tam Tuk, Tai Tam Bay. actionasiaevents.com

JUL 3

Midsummer Race Participants compete in a race across Shing Mun Reservoir. 3pm. $220. Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, Lower Shing Mun Road, Kam Shan. xterace.com

THROUGHOUT JUL Bowling League

Tikitiki Bowling in Sai Kung will host a league every Tuesday throughout July. 6-10pm. $99 for two hours of bowling and free-flow drinks.

4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung. tikitiki.hk

JUL 3

4th of July Showcase

JUL 1-4

The Jockey Club Heritage Education Programme

Laugh the night away with eight of Hong Kong’s finest American comics. 8pm. $250.

The Hub, 1/F Fortune building, Wan Chai. thebackstagehk.com

An exhibition featuring over 500 artworks by master trainers and students. 10am-10pm.

Free. Art Space, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. ichplus.org.hk

UNTIL JUL 18

SummerFest 2021 This year’s installations include a Monetinspired art garden, a light/shadow maze, onstage performances, handicraft workshops, a lifestyle market and pet-friendly activities.

Times vary. Free. Central Harbourfront Event Space. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk

JUL 1

HKSAR Establishment Day Enjoy the public holiday.

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JUL 3-16

Retykle Pop-up Drop off your children’s unwanted clothes and shop for preloved and new designer children’s clothes, shoes and accessories at this twoweek pop-up. Free. 10am-7pm. 54 Yung Ping Road, Causeway Bay. retykle.com

book now JUL 8

Boozy Bliss Balls & Low Sugar Cocktail Class Shima Shimizu of Sesame Kitchen demonstrates how to make her popular boozy balls and cocktails. $680. 11am-1.30pm. FoodCraft, 16/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town. foodcraft.hk

JUL 9

Sustainable Australian Wines & Spirits Tasting

can join in the fun. Free. Freespace, Cultural District, West Kowloon, 18 Museum Drive, Tsim Sha Tsui. westkowloon.hk

JUL 11

Young Theatre Makers 2021 A bilingual learning programme for middle school students which focuses on analysis of scripts and group discussions. 2.30pm. $120. Sai Wan Ho Civic Center Theatre. aftec.hk

Sample cocktails made from food waste and a selection of sustainable wines. Members $200, non-members $250. 6.30-9pm. The Hive, 33-35 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan. thehivesheungwan.com.hk

JUL 14-20

Hong Kong Book Fair

JUL 9-18

Enjoy literary workshops and seminars at this annual book fair. 10am- 10pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. hkbookfair.hktdc.com

Jazz rhythms for kids A 90-minute workshop for kids to learn about jazz with local musicians. $225. 2pm and 4.30pm. The Room, Freespace, West Kowloon, 18 Museum Drive, Tsim Sha Tsui. westkowloon.hk

JUL 10-11

Hong Kong World Champs Those at the top of their game compete in activities including yoyo, kendama and jump rope. Families

JUL 11

Discovery Bay Sunday Market Head to DB for this popular monthly market. Free.

11am-6pm. Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay. handmadehongkong.com

JUL 27

Indoor Cinema: 101 Dalmatians The Hive Sai Kung projects the original release of 101 Dalmatians on a big screen. Free (with drink purchase). 7-9pm. The Hive Sai Kung, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road. thehivesaikung.com.hk

Dad about town New dad on the block, Oliver Corrin broaches the subject of ‘Dad bods’ Let’s hear it for the boys. If you’re not flat out at the office, or on a call to New York in the early hours, chances are that your wife is kicking you out of bed at 5am to deal with the kids. So who can blame us for sneaking in a few cheeky pints and a bag or two of pork scratchings at Pier 3 having just ‘missed’ the DB ferry.

The problem is that with every ferry missed and every pint consumed, that belt needs to be loosened ever so slightly.

That’s where ‘Dad Bod’ groups come in.

Whether you want to lose the beer belly, meet other dads, or just have a bit of ‘me time’, there are plenty of groups out there to provide support, guidance and refuge from our usual daddy duties.

In Discovery Bay, we have DB Dad Bods, members meet every week for a 45-minute MetCon (metabolic conditioning) session - a mixture of strength and conditioning exercises. It’s pretty grueling

but let’s be honest, if you’re not breaking a sweat, it’s probably not doing that much.

If time is tight, you can stay fit with an outdoor home workout. Grab a heavy dumbbell or kettlebell, some resistance bands and head down to the parking lot.

There are thousands of free workout guides on YouTube, my personal favourite to follow is JTM_Fit, a former drug addict and Type 1 diabetic who is a complete beast and most importantly, not annoying to listen to.

Now, I’m not saying stop the pints and salty treats, but I promise that doing a little bit of regular fitness does wonders for the mind, body and soul, meaning you can reveal in a guilt-free ‘missed’ ferry from time to time.

If interested, check out DB Dad Bods Facebook page, they’re a great bunch of guys who would be happy to put you through your paces and share a pint at the end.

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school news

Retykle pops up in Causeway Bay Asia’s first online trading platform for parents to buy and sell children’s clothes is popping up in Causeway Bay this month. From July 3-16, enjoy a premium in-store shopping experience as well as the option to drop-off your children’s outgrown clothes. Founded in 2014 by expat Sarah Garner, Retykle retails high-end, second hand children’s clothing from top brands including Jacadi, Bonpoint, Ralph Lauren, Seed and Moncler. Shoppers can enjoy up to 90 percent off original clothing prices with items ranging from new with tags to gently used condition. The pop up at 54 Yung Ping Road will be open daily from 10am-7pm. retykle.com

There’s an app for that To support the #EnoughPlastic 2021 campaign, Hong Kong-based NGO EcoDrive has created My Impact, a free, easy-to-use app that encourages users to track their plastic recycling efforts. The app offers a convenient opportunity to input each time users refuse, reuse and recycle.

In doing so, they can unlock milestone achievements, earn awards, add friends and compete. Available in English and Chinese, the My Impact app also updates users on the latest eco news, local beach-cleanups and new recycling initiatives. Follow #startsmallstartnow and download the app available on iOS and Android to get involved in the movement. ecodrivehk.com

To Harbour City and beyond To celebrate Pixar Animation Studios 35th anniversary, Harbour City is joining hands with Disney and Pixar to create Hong Kong’s first Pixar Fest this summer. Special scenes from twelve Pixar classics will be set up throughout the mall, including the giant Pixar Ball and Lamp in Ocean Terminal

Teenager raises funds for SKSFF When Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation (SKSFF) announced it had been struggling financially, 16-year-old Sai Kung Scout Luke volunteered to run the Hong Kong Trail in an effort to help raise funds. Along with his scout leaders, Jon Westerby and Amanda Pang, Luke trained everyday for a month to prepare for the run. The team hit a few hurdles along the way, including

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the run date being pushed back to allow for Jon to recuperate from an injury. On May 14, Luke and his team completed the trail from The Peak to Big Wave Bay in eight hours. Luke smashed his initial fundraising goal of $30,000, donating a grand total of $43,706 to the charity. To find out more about the charity or to make a donation visit saikungstrayfriends.com

Deck which are the same size as that in its headquarters in California. Harbour City also plans to unveil a series of interactive online and in-person activities. For more details follow #HarbourCity #PixarFestHK or visit harbourcity.com.hk

news

ESF hospitality partnership

Primary overall winner, 13-year-old Annabelle Lee, German Swiss International School

Young IMS reaps Geographer of gardening the Year Awards rewards Royal Geographical Society Hong Kong (RGSHK) is excited to announce the results of its Hong Kong Young Geographer of the Year Awards which was open to primary, secondary and tertiary students in Hong Kong. Over 320 students from 26 different local and international schools and several universities, participated by submitting more than 400 entries. The society announced winners in 16 different categories who will be awarded substantial financial prizes and RGSHK student benefits. Rupert McCowan, director of RGSHK said, “It was an astounding level of participation. We are particularly pleased to see a good representation across both international and local institutions. You can see there is a real desire for students to exercise their imagination and display their skills.” Students were required to submit a visual image accompanied by a brief written explanation that demonstrated their knowledge and application of geographic concepts. Smriti Safaya, RGSHK board member and competition director said seeing through the ‘eyes’ of young geographers has been “insightfully revealing as it highlights the issues that really matter to the youth of Hong Kong.”

A full list of winners and their visuals can be found on the website. The society will also announce the winner of its 2021 People’s Choice Award, which was voted for by members of the public and is an exciting exercise in community engagement. rgshk.org.hk

Elementary students at International Montessori School (IMS) are celebrating gardening success this month. Despite Covid-19 lockdowns, a stray cat sleeping on their plants, and numerous insect invasions, their garden is up and running at the school’s picturesque Stanley campus. Tigris CAS students persevered against the odds and now are reaping the rewards as they harvest their homegrown vegetables. The garden has sustainability at its core with recycled car tires forming plant beds and compost made from the school’s food waste. So far the students have harvested a range of herbs, tomatoes, and most recently, ginger. ims.edu.hk

English Schools Foundation (ESF) has announced a joint venture with the Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) in Lucerne, Switzerland which will enable ESF secondary school students to enrol in a BA Degree in Hospitality Management, Global Business Management and Culinary Arts programme upon successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme (IBDP) or the International Baccalaureate Career programme (IBCP). BTEC students can also apply by attaining 180 credits in the BTEC Extended Diploma programme. “These programmes in culinary arts and hospitality allow our students to align their interests and abilities with career opportunities in the future,” said Belinda Greer, CEO of ESF. “It provides them with a unique learning experience in the authentic environment of a full-scale teaching hotel and state-of-the-art culinary facilities.” Each placement comprises a six-month full time study period on campus followed by a six-month paid industry training in Switzerland or elsewhere. esf.edu.hk

Quarantine tuition programmes In light of the on-going pandemic, leading tuition company, British Tutors has launched a brand new quarantine tuition program for families who have decided to travel overseas this summer.

Carefully curated to support the breadth of curriculums represented in Hong Kong, British Tutors is running week-long programs of tuition, with online tutors working across time zones.

Packages include a ‘Back to School’ program which helps combat the ‘summer slip’ and gets students ready for the academic year ahead and an ‘Expanding Minds’ program which aims to help stimulate children’s minds while they quarantine by exploring fun topics outside of their usual classroom studies. britishtutors.com

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Active pink sunscreen

MUST HAVES

$129 from Cancer Council Australia cancercouncilshop.org.au

Mermaid beach ball $110 from Escapade Sports escapade.com.hk

Flamingo sunsuit $380 from Ozzie Cozzie Co. ozziecozzieco.com

Intex advanced swimming series $199 from ToysRus toysrus.com.hk

Make a splash Pool party essentials

Inflatable buoy $59 from Decathlon decathlon.com.hk

Beverage holder $49.90 from ToysRus toysrus.com.hk

Qu lantern $1,990 from Everything Under The Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk

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MUST HAVES Hydro body surfer

ECOrepel

$289 from Surfdome surfdome.com

$200 from Coconut Matter coconutmatter.com

Boys’ swimming boxer $54 from Decathlon decathlon.com.hk

Fast set inflatable pool $690 from Hong Kong Hot Tubs hkhottubs.com

Fitbit Ace 3 Minions $598 from Fitbit fitbit.com

Trunki extras dive sticks $99 from Baby Central babycentral.com.hk

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school photos The Harbour School Annual Renaissance Fair & Grade 2 International Fair

Upper Primary students create together during IMAGINE HKIS

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school photos HKA Grade 2 Landmark Practicing Mandarin with role play at Project Mini Mandarins

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me & my big idea

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me & my big idea

Work it, girl Trixie Velez, founder of Defin8 Fitness shares how she helps clients stay in shape

Defin8 Fitness is a small boutique fitness and pilates studio on Wellington Street, Central owned by Trixie Velez and her husband Leo Velez.

Five years ago, the pair set out to create a warm and inviting environment in which clients could achieve results within a desired timeframe. And that’s exactly what they did.

Fast forward to today and the range of classes has grown to include Defin8 Barre, Fatburn + Abs Blaze, Trx Circuit, Pilates Reformer, Zumba and one-on-one training. “Our studio operates over two floors and includes a fully-equipped pilates area and a team of wonderful trainers and staff,” says Velez.

As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, Velez

has a loyal following thanks to her ability to help clients achieve their fitness goals and her positive can-do approach. She is best known for delivering the six-week challenge program through which she helps clients identify their fitness goals, monitors their progress and is onhand throughout to offer physical and emotional support. “We’ve been offering this program since the company started and we have always seen incredible results,” she says.

No business operates without its challenges and there is no doubt that the past year, has been difficult for gyms and fitness studios in Hong Kong. “It certainly hasn’t been easy, but there are many others in the same situation as us and we’ve got to do our best and remain positive. When our studio had to close due to government restrictions, we made the most of the options available to us training outdoors and offering classes online. We even started our own YouTube channel to help those stuck indoors to stay fit. Looking back, this challenge has only helped us to better serve our clients in the long run,” she says.

“People come to us for all sorts of reasons.

Some have had previous injuries and need rehab, some are preparing for their wedding and we also have many pre- and postnatal clients, ” says Velez. “We don’t just focus on losing weight. We want to achieve results, yes, but we also want to help clients create a workout plan that suits their lifestyle so that they are able to enjoy fitness and commit long term.

Our aim is to create a plan that helps our clients get in shape, increase strength, prevent future injuries and become the overall best version of themselves that they can be,” she adds.

It’s an exciting time for the studio as they head into the summer season. “We have exciting plans brewing which we hope to announce shortly,” Velez says. To anyone looking to kickstart their fitness journey she says, “Just start. Starting is the hardest part and don’t be intimidated, fitness is for everyone.”

Defin8 Fitness offers packages, drop-in classes and tailored fitness programs.

For more information or to book visit defin8fitness.com

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cover story

The stars of education Charmaine Ng meets the winners of the 2021 Hong Kong Education Awards. Photography by Simon J Nicol

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cover story Education Consultancy of the Year Ampla Education With an experienced team comprised of Oxbridge, MIT and Yale graduates, Ampla Education offers tuition for a vast range of exams, including GCSEs, A-Levels, IB and Pre-U, as well as bespoke programmes for tests such as UKiset and SAT. It also has admissions preparation courses and comprehensive consulting services for those who are considering boarding schools and universities abroad.

Founder and director Julianna Yau started Ampla Education in 2016 to help students succeed in their pursuit of higher education. Yau, who is a graduate of the University of Cambridge, is delighted to receive the award for Education Consultancy of the Year - Judges Category in the first Hong Kong Education Awards.

“With all the challenges of the past two years, this recognition is a great motivation for our team,” she says.

“We hope to continue to make

education more accessible, promote gender equality and impact change through quality education on a larger scale.”

Ampla Education is one of the few private education consultancies that devote a significant portion of time and proceeds to sustainable development work. Its mentorship programme resulted in over 50 percent of STEM degree offers received by its female mentees, compared to a worldwide average of 25 percent female STEM graduates.

The consultancy also helped construct two schools in Cambodia before the pandemic and greatly reduced the drop-out rate from 20 to five percent.

“It is my dream to make quality education widely accessible and that every child is nurtured and encouraged to fulfil their potential,” says Yau.

Best Language Centre Mini Mandarins Since 2014, Mini Mandarins has revolutionised Mandarin learning with its unique and innovative curriculum.

Featuring a thematic real-life simulated “mini metro” classroom, children are fully immersed to develop their love in Chinese across the continuum of conversing, reading and creative writing. To date, founder Anita Shum has worked with over 5,000 students across Hong Kong, helping them develop their passion for learning Chinese in real-life settings.

“Throughout the years, I witnessed many friends around me refuse to learn Chinese, with the feeling that the traditional teaching method was too archaic. Fast forward to when I became a mum myself, I was surprised to see that rote learning and memorisation were still being used.

I set myself on a mission to redesign a positively engaging way to teach Mandarin,” says Shum.

This method has proved to be very successful with Mini Mandarins taking home the award for the Best Language Centre this year. “It is an honour to be chosen by the judges. This reassures us

that our curriculum is innovative, high quality and of professional standards.”

Like all schools in Hong Kong this past year, Shum had to move her lessons online. “Online learning loses a lot of the personal touch and interaction as there is only one voice in the lesson. If more than one person talks, it becomes very irritating, so children become timid during class and don’t speak.”

With this observation, the language centre created a private home curriculum, Mobi Mandarins, where its native speaking teachers would come to the children’s home to teach the unique curriculum.

“Mobi Mandarins has a standardised curriculum which follows student’s needs and progress, unlike traditional tutoring, which can lack structure and engagement.”

By introducing Mobi Mandarins to children across the globe, Shum hopes to create the new “ESL of Mandarin” and a positive image for Chinese language learning.

Above all, she wants to ensure the next generation will be competent with the language around the world.

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cover story Best School for the Arts Faust International Youth Theatre Faust runs drama, creative writing and musical theatre workshops for children aged three to 18 at venues across Hong Kong. In fun, lively sessions, the youth theatre introduces children to the world of theatre and creativity, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. It also organises productions at many Hong Kong theatres throughout the year.

Accepting the award for Best School for the Arts, director Matthew Gregory says: “The whole Faust team, from workshop leaders to registration staff, have worked so hard over the last eighteen months. This award is a wonderful recognition of their commitment to the young people we work with and their families, especially during this time. I would like to dedicate this award to everyone involved.”

Gregory found his passion for theatre and performance while attending secondary school in England and

Special Education School of the Year Kids Connect Established in Hong Kong in 2011, Kids Connect is a learning centre dedicated to children with special learning profiles. With a cosy and professional team, Kids Connect combines the scientific rigorousness with a personal touch of humanity in its tailor-made programme for each of its students.

“The old adage ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is a credo in my heart.

Indeed it often takes dedicated professionals and families to work collaboratively so that they can build a stimulating culture and an effective pedagogy that nurtures the neurological and character development of the child,” says Emily Kwan, clinical director at Kids Connect.

The tailor-made programme is personalised from its teaching format, materials, methods, activities and targets to best facilitate each child’s learning needs. Through its key core values: evidence-based practice,

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childhood experiences, and parents’ engagement, the programme aims for comprehensive development, with a particular emphasis on social, communication, attention and play skills.

In a typical session at Kids Connect, a child will have a rich combination of activities through different teaching formats from one on one, partner time and group learning. They will also have field trips and parties once a month, plus special events at festivals.

This personalised approach to learning was one of the many reasons why Kids Connect took home the award for the Special Education School of the Year.

“We are absolutely honoured and earnestly grateful for this award. It’s a wonderful testament of the exceptional quality and resilience of our team,” says Kwan.

Looking ahead, Kids Connect hopes to continue to inspire and support children with special learning profiles around Hong Kong.

went on to study English and Theatre Studies at University. He initially moved to Hong Kong for a year, but soon fell in love with the city, setting up Faust in 1999. “It’s fantastic to see these young people gaining confidence, trying new things, making friends, smiling and having fun,” he says.

During the pandemic, Faust had to open and close multiple times to keep up with the government regulations, meaning many classes and performances were put on hold.

Despite this, Gregory looks on the positive side.

“Like all organisations, we have had to adjust,” he says. “It’s good to constantly reinvent yourself in business, but to have to do it at such a rapid pace has been a significant challenge. The only way to overcome it has been through teamwork, kindness and trying our hardest to do the right thing.”

cover story

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family

Child’s play Gemma Shaw discovers the best indoor play centres for rainy days

Photo: Baumhaus

Legoland Discovery Centre

Hong Kong’s weather is, how shall we say this, changeable. So, it’s good to have a host of indoor play areas up your sleeve to escape the heat, rain, typhoon or haze. Here’s our pick of the best places to let off steam.

Baumhaus One for younger children, Baumhaus has two learning centres that are perfect for tiny tots. Sign up for music and drama classes, or simply drop in for a play – both the Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui branches feature large birch wood “tree houses” surrounded by plenty of soft play space and wooden toys to explore. Mums and dads will appreciate the on-site coffee shops, offering a range of healthy snacks and drinks. The Wan Chai branch opens daily from 9am and 6pm and the Tsim Sha Tsui branch from 9.30am to 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at $100 for the first child and $60 per subsequent sibling.

Note that Baumhaus is currently operating at 50 percent capacity with registered students given priority. baumhaus.com.hk

Donut Playhouse Also located in K11 Musea, Donut Playhouse is home to Hong Kong’s largest indoor slide, designed by world-renowned

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At a whopping 30,000 square feet, Legoland Discovery Centre opened in K11 Musea earlier this year and features 10 impressive themed areas designed to entertain and educate. The city-themed soft play area includes a fire academy where children can play at being a firefighter by braving the heights of the climbing wall or build with the giant Lego bricks. Other highlights include Miniland, an awe-inspiring display of Hong Kong’s most famous buildings and landmarks including scaled-down versions of Star Ferry Central Pier, Peak Tram, Tai O and Temple Street. Open from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and 11am to 9pm on weekends and public holidays. Day passes are priced from $240 and annual passes from $1,099.

Note that sessions are limited to three hours. legolanddiscoverycentre.com

Danish playground designers Monstrum.

The rooftop Peacock Playground features a stunning climbing frame leading to a sixmeter tubular slide. The Nature Discovery Park on the eighth floor is Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum showcasing urban farming, rare local species and an outdoor aquarium. Open to children aged three to 12 years old from 11am to 7pm daily. Entry is $220 per child for a 40-minute session on weekdays and a 60-minute session on weekends and public holidays. k11musea.com

Funzone A classic crowd-pleaser that’s a sure-fire hit with the toddler-to-tween demographic.

Funzone’s three convenient locations (Kennedy Town, Ma On Shan and North Point) mean that you’re never too far away from an air-conditioned soft play when the need arises. All three branches offer ample space for cooped-up kids to run, jump, clamber and slide to their hearts’ content. You’ll also find dedicated toddler zones, complimentary wi-fi and on-site cafés for convenient refuelling.

Opening times and admission prices vary.

From $100 per child. tickikids.com

FAMILY

Docodoco

Maggie & Rose Dreamt up by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor back in London in 2006, Maggie & Rose is a modern family private members’ club which offers a unique space for children to play, in surroundings that appeal to grown ups too.

Since its opening, Maggie & Rose has grown to include two Hong Kong locations – Repulse Bay and Causeway Bay. Kids are spoilt for choice with an outdoor play area, movie room, soft play and creative classes. Open from 9am to 6pm daily (Repulse Bay location is open until 7pm), the club is running special holiday memberships throughout the summer.

Check out the website for more details. hk.maggieandrose.com

“Noa and her little friends went to Docodoco at The Lohas in Tseung Kwan O last week. It’s an indoor digital playground dreamt up by Japanese Game Center Namco. There are specific areas for little ones aged from six to 24 months.

Highly recommended.” thelohasmall.com Aude Camus, mum to one-year-old Noa slack-line challenge make this indoor venue a great island-side option. The park requires you to sign a waiver before entering and operates strict safety rules. Walk-ins are welcome, however booking to guarantee your flight is recommended during the holidays.

Open daily from 9am to 9pm. $95 per hour for kids under six and $150 per hour for age six and over. ryzehongkong.com

The Big Things “We’re huge fans of this themed playground at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. I love that it’s been created using sustainable materials and is built to encourage child development through play. It’s suitable for ages two and above.” thebigthings.com Alix Delahaye, mum to two-year old Henry and seven-month-old Diane

EpicLand

Ryze Hong Kong If you’d rather no more monkeys jumping on the bed, then pack them off to a trampoline park to expend pent-up energy. Located in Quarry Bay, Ryze’s obstacle course and

If bigger means better in your household, then look no further than Epicland, located in Discovery Bay’s North Plaza. At 14,000 square feet, daredevils can test their nerves on the sky-high Air Trek obstacle course, while down below you’ll find a mini golf course, trampolines, laser tag, foam ballistics room, climbing wall, playground and dedicated toddler area – the list goes on. You can also take advantage of DB’s family-friendly restaurants and make a day of it. Open from 9.30am to 7.30pm, tickets from $148 per child on weekdays and $188 per child during weekends (includes admission of one adult). epiclandhk.com

Lee Garden Two “A friend recently introduced me to the cute and free-to-use indoor play areas for toddlers and kids at Lee Gardens Two. There are plenty of books to read and toys to play in cosy corner spaces.” leegardens.com.hk Gemma Shaw, mum to one-year-old Sophia

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food

Cooking with Alix Mum-of-two Alix Delahaye shares tips on creating little foodies, ahead of launching her cooking classes. By Gemma Shaw market for practical, healthy cooking classes for kids. “Since many Hong Kong parents work long hours they don’t have time to cook together with their children, let alone deal with the clean up afterwards,” she says. “I decided to offer classes that help children appreciate healthy ingredients and explore new foods in a fun and engaging environment. My business model is simple and so is the name, ‘Cooking with Alix’” she adds.

For ease and comfort, classes are held in the client’s home with all equipment and ingredients provided. ‘I’ll arrive 15 minutes before the session to set the table. When the children arrive, it’s time to put aprons on. My aim is to keep little ones engaged and responsible for the cooking process, whilst also ensuring they have a lot of fun.

If there is a baking break we’ll do a craft activity, read a story or play a game related to food. The classes are also great for introducing new vocabulary and instilling a curiosity towards new ingredients. I’m happy to cater to children of all ages and offer a choice of recipes that can be adapted to suit dietary needs including quiches, veggie cakes, madeleines, sablés and many more.” she adds.

Alix cooking with her son, Henry

After having her two children, French expat Alix Delahaye couldn’t imagine going back to her career in luxury retail. Her priorities had shifted and whilst she craved a workfocus, she wanted something that aligned

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with her new ‘mum’ life.

Having a two-year-old, Delahaye was familiar with the plethora of extracurricular activities on offer in Hong Kong. However, she noted that there was a gap-in-the-

food

Alix’s kid-friendly hummus Ingredients:

Delahaye’s son, Henry, started to help around the kitchen aged one. “I’d ask him to pass me ingredients - great for his vocabulary and fine motor skills.

At 18 months, he began helping with food prep, she adds. “Children should start participating in the cooking process as early as possible. I took mine into the kitchen as soon as they could stay in a bouncer. First they would observe mummy and after a few months, they’d play with a wooden spoon or chew on some raw ingredients. It really helped to get them familiar with the kitchen environment,” she adds.

When Delahaye arrived in Hong Kong three years ago, she drew comparison with her native culture with regards to how foods are introduced. “I remember a friend in Hong Kong being shocked when I gave Henry a piece of chocolate around ninemonths-old,” she says.

I realised that when it comes to introducing foods, French people can be a bit more ‘freestyle’, compared to other cultures. We give pieces of bread to our babies very early on and around the toddler stage, we aim for them to be eating exactly the same meals as us,” says Delahaye.

“This is partly because French people don’t like complications, we want little ones to start eating as much variety as possible early on so that everyone can eat the same thing,” she adds.

Henry is a big fan of veggie quiche.

Quiches are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into children’s diets. He also loves a good meat stew, something perfectly cooked that melts in the mouth.

Food is one of life’s pleasures and as a parent, I’m keen to introduce this pleasure to my children as soon as possible.

Cooking classes Classes will begin on July 19, scheduled classes will take place on weekdays while weekends are reserved for special bookings, such as birthday parties. Classes cost $280 per child with a minimum of three attendees.

Add $50 per child for purely organic ingredients. Book via Instagram @alix_momlife or WhatsApp 9314 1544.

• 1 can of chickpeas • Juice of a lemon • 2 tablespoons of tahini • 1/ 3 of a clove of garlic • 3 tablespoons of olive oil • A pinch of salt • Ground pepper • Cumin ( if your kids likes the taste) Instructions: •Open the can, peel the garlic and juice the lemon. Depending on your child’s age, you may prefer to do this step ahead of time.

•Put the chickpeas and the water from the can (super important for a nice and creamy hummus) into the blender. Add the tahini, lemon juice and peeled garlic.

•While blending, add the olive oil. Once the texture is perfectly creamy, taste and add salt and cumin, if desired. The trick is to blend for a really long time. Note, always supervise your child while using the blender.

•When it’s time to serve, dig a hole in the middle of your hummus and fill with olive oil.

Tips for making this recipe with kids: •Kids love to feel in control. Prepare everything in advance so they have the feeling that they’re able to do everything by themselves.

•Let them start the blender.

•Tasting is such a fun and educational process. When it’s time to adjust the seasoning, let them taste and then ask for feedback.

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education

Montessori leads the way A Hong Kong parent shares her experience of Guidepost Montessori International Kindergarten in Kennedy Town. By Gemma Shaw

Spelling and phonics using the alphabet letters

Spend time in the presence of any wellinformed parent of a preschooler and it won’t be long before you hear the word ‘Montessori’. Developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early twentieth century, the term refers to a teaching method that is rooted in selfdirected activity with hands-on learning at its core.

The technique places emphasis on the importance of fostering independence with the assumption that children are naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a structured environment. Classes follow a scientifically designed curriculum, tailored to individual interests and abilities with a focus on the whole child. While conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and exams are

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Guidepost Montessori

Playing games on campus

discouraged, the teaching methods are clearly effective with Montessori students ranking highly in terms of academic achievement, social and emotional development and overall happiness.

Guidepost is the world’s largest global Montessori network, with over 80 campuses across the US, Europe, and Asia. In Hong Kong, classes cater to children aged from six months to six years (playgroups, pre-nursery to kindergarten) parents can choose from two convenient Guidepost locations - Kennedy Town and Chai Wan. One Hong Kong parent who has chosen the Montessori path for her son is Julia Ma. After being impressed with the summer courses at Guidepost, Julia enrolled four-and-a-half year old Daniel, at the Children’s House Kindergarten in Kennedy Town almost a year ago.

“I was struck by how caring and nurturing the teachers were,” says Julia.

Education “During Covid, Guidepost remained open to serve its families under Emergency Day Care. The school became indispensable to many families in our neighborhood. Daniel was at an age where he was interested in everything around him and a faceto-face environment was crucial to his development,” she adds.

skills have blossomed,” she says. “In terms of his academic advancement, the Montessori maths materials have really stimulated Daniel’s interest and he has become confident in speaking English and Mandarin,” she adds.

I love Guidepost.

I want to come everyday! It’s not playing - but work.

- Daniel,five-year-old student Mixed age groups Back to school

The learning environment Over the past year, Julia has continued to be impressed by the school. “The facilities are excellent - classrooms are very spacious and beautifully set up with lots of interesting academic Montessori materials. In the Kennedy Town campus, there are two large indoor playground areas across two floors while the Chai Wan campus boasts a large rooftop playground area,” she says.

Teachers keep track of each child’s learning via a transparent classroom app and photos are shared with parents on a daily basis so they can see what their children have been working on. “We have exciting conversations about what Daniel has learnt when we’re all at home,” says Julia.

Collaboration is a core element of the Montessori environment and as such, Julia notes that Daniel has excelled socially and made great friends over the past year. “Daniel’s creativity, ability to think independently and problem solving

Learning about big numbers using golden beads

Montessori classrooms are divided into multi-age grouping, for example, from three to six years old. “At Guidepost, both younger and older students have the opportunity to implicitly develop a ‘growth mindset’,” explains Carol Wong, Director, Marketing and Admissions.

“Watching younger students progress from one material to the next teaches older students the value of practice and hard work. Conversely, younger students look up to their older classmates, and look forward to reaching their level of ability. Having this growth mindset—the attitude that progress and valuable skills and traits aren’t innate but come from learning, change and growth—is incredibly important for future success,” she adds. “Daniel is one of the oldest in the classroom and he has enjoyed teaching

Daniel with his parents

some of the younger students. This has given him a lot of confidence and really built up his self-esteem,” adds Julia.

What’s next?

After the summer break, Daniel will join a K-12 international school. His experience and learning at Guidepost has supported a smooth admissions process for him into a top international school in Hong Kong. Although the new adventure brings with it plenty of excitement, Daniel and his family will be sad to leave Guidepost. “For Daniel, Guidepost is like a second family. We are really going to miss them. Fortunately, we’re joining the school’s summer camp classes, so we’re not leaving yet,” adds Julia. guidepostmontessori.com

School report Established date: 2019 Age range of students: 6 months to 6 years Class size: 15 in Toddler (pre-nursery) Community and 24 in Children’s House Kindergarten Kennedy Town campus Address: 1-2 Floor 554-560 Queen’s Road West Sai Wan Admissions Tel: 3619 1136 Email: kennedytown@ guidepostmontessori.com guidepostmontessori.com/locations/ kennedy-town-hk

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Chai Wan campus Address: Kindergarten, Harmony Garden, 9 Siu Sai Wan Road, Siu Sai Wan Admissions Tel: 2866 8260 Email: chaiwan@guidepostmontessori. com guidepostmontessori.com/locations/ chai-wan-hk

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education Principal’s office Meet Dr Jadis Blurton, Head of School at The Harbour School done things like partnered with farmers in Peru to import fair trade coffee and with a charity in Kenya to design and create a school for a pediatric hospital there.

Technology pervades our curriculum, but we have a “Tools not Toys” programme that basically ensures that technology is used for a purpose (making a film, designing a building, creating an app) rather than just as a pastime or chore.

Can you tell us more about the school facilities at The Harbour School? What are some highlights and how do they enhance students’ learning?

Our Grove campus won the World Design Awards 2020 for interior design. It has a Marine Science Center complete with a touch-tank, a tree-house, a “river” (slide) down the hills in the library and much more.

The Grove is exciting and innovative, a place where kids feel encouraged to be the same.

What is a typical day like at the school?

Can you tell us about your career? What brought you to Hong Kong?

I am a Child Psychologist and also have a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education. My husband has a PhD in Science Education.

When he was hired at the University of Hong Kong, I was delighted to come to Hong Kong and started a private practice to work with families, children and schools.

What is the teaching philosophy at The Harbour School and how do you uphold these values?

At THS, we place a strong emphasis on experiential learning and we understand that each student and teacher has different strengths, interests and goals. We focus

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on unlocking the best for each person.

We know that learning should apply to the demands of the future, and that includes things like problem-solving, self-direction, communication, collaboration, resilience, kindness, flexibility and innovation.

Can you tell us about your Humanities and Social Sciences curriculums and technology programme?

Since we’re an experiential school, our Social Studies programme is tons of fun. In Primary School, we have re-enactments, debates and deep analysis of historical eras. At High School level, students participate in cross-curricular classes that include experts from two fields, informing both. We also have a strong social outreach component, so our students have

Like most schools, we have a timetable for our different classes at Primary level, and blocks of classes that may be traditional or cross-curricular in High School. Our difference is that teachers are encouraged to promote the values of the school (such as experiential learning, differentiated instruction, and futureconscious skills) in each class, which means that kids are engaged, active, collaborative and productive.

How has the school adapted in times of the global pandemic?

We learned from the pandemic that not only can we flexibly respond to a crisis, but also many skills that we can carry forward to the future. We have learned to have “Zoom” Talent Shows, online Sports Week and even iPad robots for distant students. I think our strength in responding to the pandemic was that we perceived it as a creative challenge and a workshop on resilience.

Education

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Big day Out

Beach life Our pick of the best off-the-beaten-track sandy spots to take the tribe New Territories Long Ke No self-respecting Hong Kong beach roundup would be complete without a nod to the infamous Sai Wan stretch of beaches in the New Territories. Long Ke is actually the bay before Sai Wan and despite the sailing time from Sai Kung (around one hour), it does get busy during holidays and weekends. But it’s totally worth the journey - think clear, turquoise waters and icing sugar sand. To add to the other-worldly bliss, if you wait until sunset, you may glimpse the wild cows amble their way down from the mountains for a twilight stroll. If you’re anchoring, the bay is shallow, all the more so on an ebbtide - worth bearing in mind if you have mini adventurers dive bombing the waters from the tops of boats. For non-junkers, access

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Long Ke by speed-boat from Sai Kung pier, by foot (it’s on Stage 2 of the Maclehose trail), or catch a green cab from Sai Kung and walk down to the beach.

part of a protected marine park and as such is a favourite with snorkelers.

Trio Beach Hoi Ha Catch the number six green minibus from Sai Kung and transport yourself to the serenity of Sai Kung Country Park. Hoi Ha is

A favourite with locals, Trio is accessed by sampan or a three kilometre, gently undulating walk through bushland (partly paved) from Hong Kong Yacht Club. Once on the beach, enjoy the gently lapping waters, a protected and life-guarded swimming area,

Big day Out

clue really is in the name). To access the beach, it’s an adventurous, off-road bush walk away from the main drag, but it’s also possible to swim in from a junk. The bay is a lovely, unspoilt location for a day on the water. If you’re walking, take a ferry from Aberdeen to Mo Tat Wan, climb up the steps behind the restaurant and away from the signs pointing to Sok Kwu Wan, and follow the coast round past Tung O and a couple of other bays. snacks from the small kiosk as well as BBQ pits (bags of charcoal are available from the kiosk). There is also a shaded children’s play area away from the sand. Sampans run regularly from Pak Sha Wan pier and cost $10/head. Dogs are also permitted on board, although not on the beach.

Hung Shing Yeh This beach offers easier access if you’re determined on a trip to Lamma but have

smaller children in tow. Hung Shing Yeh can be accessed by signposted, paved pathways from the ferry stop at Yung Shue Wan (catch a boat from Central). It has a netted swimming area, a life-guarded beach, changing rooms, showers and small shops and kiosks selling beach paraphernalia (a godsend if you’ve mislaid small people’s swimmers or towels), drinks and snacks. The Palm Tree Beachside Cafe, part of the Concerto Inn, does a tasty line in easy, holiday favourites, a good option from which to kick back with a beer while you oversee the kids splashing around down on the sands.

Lamma Island Turtle Beach Feel the serenity on this tiny beach hidden away on the southern side of Lamma. Not to be confused with the equally lovely Turtle Cove Beach on Redhill Peninsula, Turtle Beach is closed for half the year so the turtles have a chance to nest (yes, the Exploringlife via Wikimedia Commons

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Big day Out

Tommy Gun via Flickr

Hong Kong Island Chung Hom Kok A delight for young families (apart from the steep set of steps from the road to the beach - come prepared for a good workout), this beach has it all - a fun, treeshaded playground, including ping pong tables, BBQ pits, a cute kiosk serving life’s essentials (water, snacks, inflatables), and a life-guarded bay for easy swimming. As with all Island beaches, it gets busy on weekends, but can be remarkably quiet on weekdays. Catch a taxi from nearby Stanley and access the sands from the very end of Chung Hom Kok Road. The beach is westfacing, so as with St Stephen’s (mentioned below), sunset watching opportunities abound.

St Stephen’s Beach Less manic than Stanley Main Beach, St Stephen’s is a ten-minute drive from Stanley and occupies a tranquil west-facing corner of the peninsula. As well as lying on the sand and admiring the sunset (not to mention Lamma Island and Ocean Park’s Hair Raiser, which can also be glimpsed on the horizon), there is a government-run water-sports centre from which kayaks and

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windsurf boards can be procured (if you have the relevant licences).

Shek O The dramatic scenery, sheltered location and clean, fine golden sands make this a popular choice throughout the summer months. The beach overlooks a small island called Ng Fan Chau and the rocky cliffs offer excellent rock climbing opportunities.

Cococabana offers a terrace with delicious Mediterranean food, while Ben’s Back Beach Bar provides a casual atmosphere and very reasonably priced drinks. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Exit A2, then take bus 9 to Shek O Beach.

HONG KONG

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Big day Out

HKCEC July 14-22, 2021

Backspin is the latest entry in Peter de Krassel’s Custom Maid book series.

It deals with topics affecting you: Fake News, Climate Change and even housing equality. equalit Visit custommaidbooks.com to learn how you can take Peter’s Rent Subsidy Survey and participate in helping solve the world’s housing crisis.

Buy Custom Maid Spin and get Backspin free!

All book sale proceeds from July 13th - Dec 31 2021 will support PCAWF

Credit: Exploringlife via Wikimedia Commons

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horoscope

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horoscope

Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month AQUARIUS Don’t be surprised if you feel more anxious than usual. The planetary configuration will increase your impatience and nervous tension.

However, try not to let these feelings turn into aggressiveness towards other people. Respect yourself and others.

TAURUS Your sincerity and analytical skills will bring you good job opportunities. You will perform your tasks functionally and gain the trust of your colleagues. However, be careful of overanalyzing your feelings and being overly critical with other people.

LEO The planetary alignment will encourage you to become aware of your personal power. Your extroversion will be highlighted and people will admire your performance talents. Trust your heart and not the opinions of third parties, Leo. Separate yourself from others and set out on your own path.

SCORPIO Your professional life will seem demanding, Scorpio, but you will be happy to do your job.

You will be very productive and have a knack for solving problems. However, you may find it difficult to make quick decisions and delegate functions. Remember that control is an illusion, you need help from others to achieve your goals.

PISCES Don’t be tempted to think you have the ultimate truth, Pisces. During this time, your ideas may be very rigid, so try to become more flexible. Question the groups you are a part of and the truths you identify with. It is probably time for a change in your outlook on life.

GEMINI You are not usually competitive, Gemini.

However during this time you will feel the urge to defend your territory. Be careful, as this attitude may be disguising a hidden resentment towards people around you. So, try to regain confidence in your ideas and projects.

VIRGO You should pay attention to your personal life, Virgo. You have been very focused on your work and have been neglecting your own emotions. Try to do your best to rest and take care of yourself during this period.

Spending time with your loved ones will be more than welcome.

SAGITTARIUS This is not a propitious time for social relationships, Sagittarius. Your philosophy of life is dogmatic and overbearing, which causes other people to distance themselves from you.

Take time to reflect. This will help you change the way you project yourself into the future.

thehealingkingdom.com

ARIES The emotions you have stored up can bring you unfavourable consequences. Try to release negative feelings. It’s time to check your inner self and stop self-destructive behaviour. Being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness, Aries. Try to accept your feelings without judging yourself.

CANCER Your emotional intelligence and intuition will help you make proper decisions and inspire you to create beautiful works of art. Be careful with excessive attachment to the past, Cancer.

It is time to conquer your personal goals and focus on the future.

LIBRA You will need to put order in all aspects of your life, Libra. Take the time to repair the damage that has occurred in your relationships and clear up misunderstandings. After this period you will feel renewed to begin a new stage in your life.

CAPRICORN You have worked hard to achieve your goals, Capricorn and the time has come to reach the peak. A sense of freedom will take over your life, as it’s time to enjoy the rewards you’ve earned. Social activities and a reunion with old friends will bring much joy to your soul.

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marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

marketplace

GET LISTED! 2776 2772 talk@hongkongliving.com

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marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

marketplace

GET LISTED! 2776 2772 talk@hongkongliving.com

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book club

Amma tell me

Gemma Shaw chats with Bhakti Mathur about changing careers and her much-loved children’s series because I wanted to have control over the creative process and finances (I attribute that to the banker in me). Self-publishing is a lot of work but it’s an incredible learning experience, made all the more rewarding due to the warm reception that the books have received.

What’s your latest book about?

Amma Tell Me About the Avatars of Vishnu is the thirteenth book of the series. Vishnu is a Hindu God whose job is to preserve and restore the universe. This is the story of his first avatar, in which he takes the form of a fish and saves the world from a terrible deluge. The story is very similar to Noah’s Ark and highlights the similarities between different cultures.

What’s next?

I’m currently writing a book about the Taj Mahal for my Amma Take Me series. Having visited several times, I’m thrilled to be writing about this stunning monument that gets more beautiful every time I see it.

Books in the Amma Tell Me and Amma Take Me series are priced at $108 and available online at Amazon or from Bookazine stores. bhaktimathur.com

Why the switch from banking to writing?

I spent almost 20 years working in banking, I found my niche in wealth management as a private banker and held senior client-facing roles with ING, Bank of Singapore and J Safra Sarasin. I always wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. In 2010, I had a eureka moment. Holi, the Indian festival of colours, was just around the corner and I was on the hunt for a good book to explain the festival to my two-year-old son. I couldn’t find anything I liked and so decided to write the story myself. In 2017, having recently completed a Master’s in Creative Writing at HKU I decided to take the plunge into writing full time.

How’s it been going so far?

It’s been great. Over the past four years, I’ve published sixteen children’s books with the seventeenth due to be released this month.

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My books are distributed around the world and very popular in India. I also write features for the South China Morning Post and have contributed over 50 health and lifestyle articles over the last three years.

Can you tell us about your books?

I have two series. Amma Tell Me is a selfpublished picture book series designed to be read aloud with children aged three to eight years old. Amma Take me is a travelogue series for children aged eight to 12 years old, published

by Puffin India. ‘Amma’ means ‘mother’ in Indian and my books are based on Indian festivals, mythology and detail important places of worship and the related history.

How was the process of self-publishing?

I chose to self-publish the Amma Tell Me series

Join Bhakti for storytime and signing of her new book Amma Tell Me About the Avatars of Vishnu. Bookazine Prince’s Building. July 4, 10.30amnoon. Free. Reserve a spot at enquiries@bookazine.com.hk

book club

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