Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine September 2012

FINDING INDIVIDUAL PAtHWAYS

to SUCCESS How does differentiation happen in a Grade 7 classroom?

What does an interdisciplinary lesson look like for a 10-year-old?

Can Grade 2 students learn to take responsible action?

How do 16-year-olds view intentional diversity?

What makes a 3-year-old programme successful?

HKA faculty work hard to answer these questions. HKA students, in the process, gain knowledge everyday; and they discover how they learn best.

Sai Kung Campus August 2013 | www.hkacademy.edu.hk | Admissions 2655-1200

Small School, Big Ideas

The really useful magazine SEPTEMBER 2012

THE PLANNER 4 Happening in September

LETTERS 9 Have your say

NEWS 10 What’s going on?

How now feral cow? New community clinic, 24-hour dinghy race, saving the trees and more.

INTERVIEW 18 Looking Sharpe Sai Kung’s new sheriff says hello.

FEATURE 20 Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 We asked, you voted. Here are the winners.

EATING 34 Moondancing Mooncakes with a difference.

Plus a guide to rosé wines.

14 Lap of love A memorial lap for Andy Naylor.

Plus Paisano’s goes Pacific.

VINES IN SAI KUNG 16 Cleaning up the ’hood Let’s hear it for the hikers...

OUTDOORS 50 Pushing boundaries Outward Bound debuts the multirace for adventure novices.

MOTORING 52 Show pony Kevin Yeung test-drives Ferrari’s bespoke service.

GARDENING 60 Damage control Jane Ram recovers from Typhoon Vicente.

MARKETPLACE 62 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

BIRD AT MY WINDOW 64 Masked Laughingthrush David Diskin on Hong Kong birds.

CLASSIFIEDS

EDUCATION LOCAL

PROPERTY 48 High life Size does matter.

40 How to get a place in ESF All you need to know.

Plus school debentures explained.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 43 Post-summer pampering How to maintain the afterglow.

Plus beauty news.

TRAVEL 54 Hello Hanoi Things are different up north.

PETS 58 Happy place Sai Kung Stray Friends builds a refuge for Rover.

68 Local property, holiday lets And loads of other random stuff.

ULTIMATE GUIDE 72 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

LAST ORDERS 74 Postcards from the edge Plus photo competition.

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple" — Oscar Wilde

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planner

happening in september

SEP 2

Mini Dragon-boat Races Make some noise for the 500 dancers, 15 dragons, a pride of lions, and assorted martial artists who will perform at Tin Hau Temple, Sai Kung to celebrate 15 years of the HKSAR. Following the drums and cymbals will be mini dragon-boat races and poon choi at the waterfront. Temple Plaza, 4pm-5.30pm; waterfront, 6.30pm-8pm.

Expect road closures during the lion dancing.

Sep 6 Sai Kung Sampler

Sep 5, 19 Quiz Nights

Shop at the pub! Steamers’ monthly night market includes Not Only Olives, Sam’s Jams, Bez & Oho, Phoenix Trading, Cake Boutique and more. 6pm-10pm, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.

Six categories, 60 questions, $600 bar tab for the winning team. Hebe One O One, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5115, www.hebe101.com

Sep 6-Oct 6 Hong Kong Comedy Festival One of the largest comedy festivals in Asia. For schedules and tickets, visit www.hkcomedyfestival.com.

Sep 8 Hong Kong's Best Dance Crew 2012 Watch the street crews in action at Hong Kong’s biggest open dance competition. 7.30pm, Southorn Stadium, Wan Chai. Tickets $100$200 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 13 Sai Kung Stray Friends Fundraiser

Sep 18-30 Potted Potter The Unauthorised Harry Experience. All seven Harry Potter books and a quidditch game in 70 minutes. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395-$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

A dog-lovers’ dinner in aid of Sai Kung Stray Friends. 7pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan. Details and tickets, $500, from saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com.

Sep 7 Bollywood Charity Disco Jai Ho! Boogie Bollywood style in aid of the 24Hour Dinghy Race at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.hk.

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Sep 14-16 Hong Kong International Amateur Ice Hockey

Sep 20 The Pretenders

A must-see for ice-hockey enthusiasts, with teams from Canada and around Asia. Free.

Mega Ice, MegaBox, Kowloon Bay. Details at www.hkahc.com.

Chrissie Hynde and the “Brass in Pocket” boys perform live. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $590-$990 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

september Sep 20-22 Whose Line is it Anyway?

Sep 22 Saturday Hash Join the monthly hare around Sai Kung’s lesstravelled paths. All welcome.

Details at sites.google.com/ site/saikungsaturdayh3.

The four British funny men are back on the Punchline Comedy stage with three nights of stand-up improv.

Tamarind, 2/F Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wan Chai.

Tickets $290 from www. cityline.com, 2111 5333, or Tamarind on 2598 1222.

Sep 29 Saturday Night Fever Party Bust some moves at Steamers’ 1970s and 80s dance party. Drinks packages $198 (7pm-11pm), prizes for best costumes.

Reservations at gm@steamerssaikung.com.

66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung.

Sep 21 Art, Wine & Cheese Night Get cultural. Proceeds to the 24-hour Dinghy Race. Tickets $250. 7pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org. hk. Non-members welcome.

Sep 25 Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Sep 29-Oct 1 Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Songs from the album, plus arena numbers from Gallagher’s Oasis days. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $888 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Noisy, smoky, awesome. A 67-metre dragon made of wire, moss and burning incense dances through the backstreets of Tai Hang to Victoria Park. Now that’s good joss. 7.30pm-10pm, Causeway Bay.

Sep 21 Maroon 5 Live In Hong Kong

Sep 30 Mid-Autumn Festival

Adam Levine and the boys take the stage.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $888 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8888

The prettiest night of the year. Light a lantern and watch the moonrise from a mountain or beach near you. Alternatively, catch the official celebrations at Tsing Yi Park or Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Sep 27 Quiz Night Back by popular demand with new quizmaster Guy Shirra and $1,000 bar tab for winning team. Teams of six. 8pm, Steamers, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, gm@steamerssaikung.com.

Book now Oct 4-6 Faust Production Auditions Calling all drama princes and princesses.

Children aged 8-18 are invited to audition for roles in Faust’s upcoming productions The Snow Queen and Kensuke’s Kingdom. For details, call 2547 9114, email info@FaustWorld.com or visit www.FaustWorld.com.

Oct 6-7 24-Hour Charity Dinghy Race Sep 21-Oct 31 Hauntingly Hip Halloween Ocean Park’s annual fright fest takes to the catwalk with fashion ghouls, eight haunted houses, 14 street shows, a kids’ activity centre and creepy-chic night events. Ocean Park, Aberdeen, www.oceanpark.com.hk.

The biggest weekend on the local sailing calendar with local and international teams racing non-stop, while their supporters party at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. Stalls, games, food and drink, capsizes, silly races and more. All welcome. Details at 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.hk.

If you have an event in Sai Kung, please email the details to editor@saikung.com

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Oct 17-28 Burn The Floor

UP FOSR! GRAB

Oct 9-16 The Mousetrap Now in its 60th year, Agatha Christie’s murder mystery is the world’s longestrunning play. But whodunnit? Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $330-$850 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Oct 12-14 The Snail and the Whale Children’s show based on the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer book. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195$395 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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Win a pair of A-reserve tickets for The Mousetrap.

Simply email vip@saikung.com and tell us who wrote the whodunnit.

To win two A-reserve tickets to Burn The Floor, simply email vip@saikung. com with the names of two types of Latin dance.

Oct 17-21 Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett’s iconic play comes to Hong Kong direct from Dublin. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$495 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

This electric dance show combines Latin and ballroom dancing for a fiery feast for the eyes. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $350-$850 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Nov 1-4 The Bootleg Beatles The next best thing to the Fab Four themselves, still touring after 33 years. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $350-$850 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Dec 4 Elton John It’s been a long, long time. Sir Elton celebrates 40 years of the Rocket Man. HKCEC, Wan Chai.

Tickets $488-$1,888 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

letters The people speak

We asked for your opinion... and you let us have it. Hundreds of readers voted in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the best (and worst) of Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay. You can see the results in our 10-page feature starting on page 20.

We also asked what you would like to see in Sai Kung Magazine. Over the next few months we will start to bring in some of your good ideas.

— “More classifieds!” you said. We’ve hired a new member of staff to handle the section, starting with new sections for cars and boats. We will also be offering free classified ads for select charities and local groups — Ultimate Guide: a new section loaded with useful phone numbers and local businesses (page 72). Email guide@ saikung.com for inclusion.

— Motoring: Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay has the biggest proportion of car owners in Hong Kong. Petrol-head Kevin Yeung road tests cars (page 52).

Sai Kung Magazine is always on the lookout for columnists — got something to say? Specialize in a certain field? Maybe you’d like to write about activities for teenagers, local history, boating... We want to hear from you. Please email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

What you would like to see in Sai Kung Magazine “More family-outing tips for Sai Kung.” Shereen Chiesa “More classified ads, shop and restaurant reviews, new things/ events/local issues. Great magazine, well done! I love it!” J. Davies “More features on the history of the area.” Karen Sherwood “More input from the local community and their views rather than just the expat community.” Cheyne Reid “A page of activities we can get involved in across Hong Kong — dancing, water sports, racquet sports, teams we can join.” Emily Pereira “List of contractors, who can fix what, names and phone numbers.” Danee Wilson “More about Sai Kung locals, interviews, pictures... more surveys like these.” Anon

have your say

Deer little thing

This amazing creature was in our backyard. Who knew muntjac deer existed in Hong Kong? This was our second sighting in three months, which is amazing considering we have dogs and they were all barking – but the deer just carry on eating. We have seen the female deer since.

Charron Robertson, Sai Kung Country Park

My way before the highway Well done to Wilson Parking for the aesthetic improvements to the lobby of the Sai Kung Town Centre Car Park. Now maybe it can reconsider the back-to-front one-way system it employs.

Newcomers can often be seen trying to enter the car park via the exit lane, but the “old hands” can be far worse. Frustrated by having to take the long way around the car park to reach the exit, some halfwits take the quicker route, driving the wrong way around the one-way system, risking accident and injury to save 30 seconds. Sort it out, Wilson, before these idiot drivers hurt somebody.

F. Harrison, Sai Kung

Please email your letters to editor@saikung.com. We may edit for length.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 9

news

in the know

After the storm Typhoon Vicente left quite a mess. We asked the LCSD about its plans to save the trees.

Will the Leisure and Cultural Services Department replace the fallen trees?

If sufficient growing space is available and will not obstruct pedestrian flow, replanting works will be arranged. We will start to replace the trees in mid September and the replanting may take around three months.

What sort of listed trees did Typhoon Vicente destroy?

Major tree species destroyed include Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ficus microcarpa, aged 10 to 30 years old. We will replant the Hibiscus tiliaceus and will discuss with Sai Kung District Council on the proposed replanting species and locations.

The council has shown a lot of concern about replanting.

How much will replanting cost?

For common species, the replanting cost is about $1,000 a tree.

How can Sai Kung Magazine readers help?

Sai Kung Magazine readers can provide a good tree-development environment by keeping the tree pits clean and free from unwanted articles. If irregularities are found, readers can remove the unwanted material or inform LCSD to follow up.

Busy little RugBees Rugby players are getting even younger, with the new RugBees programme for children from walking age to five.

It aims to teach key motor and social skills, focusing on running, footwork, ball skills, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, confidence and focus. There will be a maximum of 12 children in each 45-minute class with packages of nine to 11 sessions available ($1,900-$2,150, plus $250 registration). RugBees kicks off this month at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club. For details, visit www. rugbees.com or email nicepeople@ rugbees.com.

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Chinese clinic opens A new clinic on Mei Yuen Street is offering acupuncture and outpatient Chinese medicine services. Provided by experienced practitioners, general consultations are $30, acupuncture sessions are $150$180 and Chinese medicines are $40-$80. Discounted rates are available for the elderly and those in financial difficulties.

Yan Chai Hospital Sai Kung Community Chinese Medicine Clinic, 8 Mei Yuen Street, Sai Kung, 2791 7222.

news

How now feral cow?

Picture by Eric Kong

Respondents to our Readers’ Choice Awards expressed many concerns about Sai Kung’s cows. AFCD spokesperson Diana Oy Wong answers your questions.

How many feral cows are in Sai Kung?

There are about 1,300 feral cattle in Hong Kong. In the Sai Kung and Ma On Shan area, there are about 500 cattle. They are not owned by anyone.

Where are they from?

They are the offspring of cows abandoned when farming died out in Hong Kong. They have been around for decades and live mostly in lowpopulation areas near the old farms.

Why do some have tags on their ears?

When cattle are caught for neutering or relocation they have an ear tag put on for record keeping. About 40 cattle in the Sai Kung area have been relocated and many have been sterilized.

What do you say to rumours AFCD has a policy of killing the cows?

A very small number that are found to be sick or injured, or unsuitable for relocation may be euthanized. But most cattle are sterilized and relocated. On receipt of a complaint against stray cattle, AFCD staff will firstly attempt to ascertain whether there is any owner or person responsible for the stray cattle.

If the stray cattle are found to be owned, the AFCD will advise the

12 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

owner to keep the cattle under proper control and prevent them from wandering or causing damage.

If no owner can be identified or no one claims to be the owner, and the cattle appear to be lost or causing damage, AFCD staff will make suitable and feasible arrangements to remove the cattle.

Where are you relocating them?

Most cattle are relocated from areas where they were causing a problem – near main roads, or urban areas. The relocation sites give the animals a suitable habitat in a safe location, mostly within country parks.

How do you work with local groups seeking to preserve the cows?

A joint programme by AFCD and Sai Kung Buffalo Watch (SKBW) launched this year. If cattle are found straying onto public roads, trained volunteers from SKBW will herd the cattle off the roads and try to drive them back to their natural habitat. Where the cattle keep wandering onto the roads, they will be relocated.

What does the future hold for the cows?

Our long-term goal is to manage the population by sterilization and relocation when appropriate so they can still be seen and enjoyed by the public without causing a nuisance.

news The 10th annual 24-hour Charity Dinghy Race takes place at Hebe Haven Yacht Club on October 6-7, and looks set to be the biggest yet.

Teams are expected from schools, yacht clubs, charities and communities across Hong Kong, including Sailability, which provides sailing for the less abled. As well as the sailing, there will be stalls, games, silly races, food and drink, live music and a full-on party atmosphere.

It all started in 2002, explains the club’s general manager Michael Franco, when “a few bored blokes having a beer wanted to do something for charity”.

It has since grown into one of the biggest events of the year in Sai Kung, with all donations and earnings going straight to children’s charities Enlighten, Ideal, Treats and the Children’s Cancer Fund.

“One year a Benoy employee [Benoy sponsors the race] did all 24 hours solo,” Franco says. “He raised an astonishing $64,000, and vowed never to do it again.”

The race starts at 2pm, October 6, and ends 2pm, October 7.

All welcome. For details, contact www.hhyc.org.hk.

And they’re off...

Where’s the beach?

Walk this way

Jaspas Beach Club is to reopen in October, according to Castelo Concepts owner Wayne Parfitt. Rumours have been circulating that the chilled Sai Kung Country Park restaurant has been closed down, but Parfitt says the restaurant is merely sorting out licensing issues. Until it reopens, the venue – a yachtie favourite for its beautiful seafront location, laidback atmosphere and good food, close to the junk-trippers’ haven of Millionaires’ Beach – is still available for private functions. For details, visit www. casteloconcepts.com.

Calling all walkers: Sai Kung District Community Centre and property developer Chinachem have teamed up for the Chinachem Charity Walk 2012 – an “eco-tour” in aid of the centre’s Green Live Education project, which organizes environmental talks, workshops and tours for the public.It is hoping to attract 2,000 walkers to this year’s walk in Tai Tam Country Park on November 4 and investigates cultural heritage, waterwork structures and natural habitat. There are two routes: 2km or 3km. Participants must apply

by October 9, and can download an application form at www.welovegreenhk. com, with a minimum donation of $1.

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local Editorial Jane Steer Jane@saikung.com Coco Marett Coco@fastmedia.com.hk

Deep pan Pacific Paisano's goes international. manages to spend his day hanging around Sai Kung in shorts and flip-flops.

Art Director Sammy Ko design@fastmedia.com.hk

We were thinking about Shanghai. But China scares me a bit. You open something successful and then three rip-off joints open across the street and suddenly your brand reputation is a mess.

Graphic Designer Mireille Paul Sales Manager Nobel Cho ads@saikung.com

It’s still about having a beer and a slice with my friends. We are going to retrofit the Sai Kung shop next month. We have re-planned it to double the seating. It’s my hangout.

Accounts Manager Clara Chan accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch Tom@fastmedia.com.hk This month’s contributors Graham Uden Carolynne Dear Iain Lafferty David Diskin Jane Ram Robby Nimmo Stephen Vines Laura Tyson Cynthia Smillie Eric Kong Anna Bonar Aaron Lai Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1 222, Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call!

Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Sai Kung 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.

www.fastmedia.com.hk

14 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

The secret of Paisano’s is the same now as it was when we opened the original Sai Kung branch in October 2009: “Gourmet food at fast-food prices”. We keep it simple. We keep it consistent. Young people can eat great, fresh food at affordable prices.

Old golfers will tell you it is hard to stay at the top. It’s about looking after staff.

Al Morales (above), keeping it real in Sai Kung.

Three years ago, much-loved Sai Kung golf pro Al Morales gave up helping bad players improve their swing and opened a tiny pizza shop called Paisano’s.

Now he has five branches, 104 staff and is ramping up the business to go pan-Pacific.

We started in Sai Kung. It was just a local place for my friends to hang out. We never had any great vision.

We go with the flow.

Now we have five branches, 104 staff. We are going to open in Singapore this year. And a couple more places in Hong Kong will open soon. I still paint the walls of the new places myself but I know that won’t always be possible.

I have to give a lot of credit to my wife. She is an accountant and we make a great team. It’s been wonderful to create a life where we can work together so well.

We have a home office. It is a real luxury and we want to keep it as long as possible. We get to work with our family around – and it’s a pretty short commute.

We have just bought a new house. It’s in Sai Kung.

We never want to leave this place. It is our home.

What do I love about Sai Kung? Everyone knows everyone. Our friends are here. And I have still have credit at the 7-Eleven.

As it grows, it gets more complicated. I walked into Paisano’s on Hollywood Road last week and started to pour myself a beer. The bar-keep grabbed my hand.

“Sir, that’s stealing!” It was a sign we’ve grown big enough for staff not to know me. I am shaken by this, but also a bit pleased.

Wayne Parfitt (Sai Kung’s other global restaurateur) is a good friend and we talk often.

I hugely admire the way he has built the Castelo Group into a global company with 1,400 staff and still

CHECK IT OUT Find Paisano’s in Sai Kung, Discovery Bay, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central (www.paisanos.com.hk).

fond memories

Honouring the memory of Andy Naylor (right) in Sai Kung.

Lap of love Sai Kung gathers in memory of sportsman Andy Naylor.

More than 550 people converged on Sai Kung Stadium for a “lap of love” on August 18 to pay tribute to Andy Naylor, 42, a much-liked and respected Clearwater Bay sportsman, coach, mentor and family man who died on August 11 in a New York Ironman event.

Among those honouring Andy were colleagues from the Hong Kong Police and large contingents from the Sai Kung Stingrays mini-rugby club, cycling, triathlon and athletics circles, the Clear Water Bay School and King George V School communities as well as friends and admirers from the wider Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay areas.

In a departure from the usual practice of a minute’s silence, Andy’s friend and police colleague Simon Southgate blew a police whistle to signal the start of one-minute’s applause in honour of Andy’s life and achievements.

The “lap of love” was led by Andy’s wife, Lynn, and his three daughters, Katelyn, Tara

and Sasha. So many people took part that by the time Lynn finished her lap, the last of the crowd was just starting, forming a “halo of honour” around the track where Andy had devoted hundreds of hours training runners and young rugby players.

Andy came to Hong Kong in 1992 as a probationary inspector and had been superintendent of police at the Criminal Intelligence Bureau for the past three years. He was nearing the end of the swim leg in the New York event when he experienced difficulties.

The cause of Andy’s death is as yet unknown.

His funeral was to be held in Wales on August 29, and a memorial service in his honour will be held at St John’s Cathedral, Central, on September 8. An “Andy Naylor Memorial” page has been set up on facebook. Brett Free Donations to Andy’s family can be made to the HSBC account 055-247043-001 in the name of Lynn Rennie Naylor.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 15

vines in sai kung

stephen says

Cleaning up the ’hood Stephen Vines on positive hikers, negative legislators and why he’s no longer neutral about snakes.

Here’s some real community spirit We hear lots about community involvement and civic responsibility but anyone familiar with the Sai Kung Country Park will know these noble aspirations are often manifest in ways that are neither promoted by some inane government campaign nor instigated by any particular group. They are seen in the action of individuals who care about the countryside and simply do what’s required.

This became clear in the wake of Typhoon Vicente, a particularly nasty storm that caused considerable damage.

It left many country-park paths blocked with fallen trees and debris that has since been cleared by people out on the trails simply assuming responsibility and getting on with the job.

As no one else seems to be congratulating them, let’s do it here.

Keeping the bastards honest Sai Kung, being part of the New Territories East election constituency, benefited (well, maybe not) from having a greater choice of Legislative Council candidates than any other constituency.

By the time readers get hold of this magazine they may already have voted – if they have not, shame on them.

That said it is easy to see how more can become less. This proliferation of candidates does not equate to a proliferation of great ideas or common sense. Some of the men and women aiming for the dubious pleasure of sitting in the legislature promised to do all manner of things to improve the lives of Sai Kung residents. Others offered more grandiose pledges of change for the better.

However, the dismal reality is that legislators in Hong Kong’s deeply flawed system of government have very few powers to do anything. This is not to say that some legislators do not try harder than others.

But at most they can only block things the administration wishes to do; they have no power to initiate legislation and have proved incapable of even modifying government plans because the administration uses its tame pro-government backers to push through more

16 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

“zero carbon” building. This is a project devised by the Construction Industry Council and is designed to show how energy can be saved and buildings can be powered by recycled energy resources. It looks very nice from afar – and afar is the operative word because since the day the building “opened”, it has been closed to the public.

In government-speak an official opening means open to bureaucrats and no one else. I am keen to take a look inside and see, for example, the working of the biodiesel plant powered by used cooking oil. However, my curiosity and that of others remains to be sated. What seems to matter in official projects of this kind is cutting ribbons, putting on a show and only belatedly allowing the great unwashed to take a look.

or less everything it proposes without tolerating deviation. In reality, electors have a choice of parties and individuals most likely to provide a loyal or, perhaps more effectively, a disloyal opposition. Legislators largely possess negative powers, so the question is: who uses these powers most effectively?

What’s really needed in the legislature is an effective watchdog to keep an eye on the government. This is why it has always seemed to me that political parties in Hong Kong should employ the old slogan of the largely faded Australian Democrats. The slogan was: “keep the bastards honest”.

When open means closed Talking about government nonsense leads me slightly out of Sai Kung to Kowloon Bay where, in June, with some fanfare, Financial Secretary John Tsang officially opened the shiny new

A snake too far I’ve mentioned snakes in this space before, airily writing that as long as they mind their own business I am inclined to let them be even though I have to admit a bit of a snake phobia. Well that phobia has notched up several levels recently when I too was minding my own business swimming along only to surface and finding a small snake swimming alongside me.

Hong Kong’s smaller snakes tend to be the most poisonous but I can’t tell you what kind of snake this was because its appearance provoked my rapid and entirely ungraceful exit from the water.

All snakes can swim but, really, I cannot tolerate them doing so in my backyard. It’s too much and I take back everything I once thought about leaving them alone – can’t they wriggle somewhere else, like across the border or worm their way into the illegal basements of prominent people?

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

interview

’ello ’ello

Look Sharpe There’s a new sheriff in town... and he goes by the name of Tim Sharpe.

I have been at Sai Kung Police Station for a few months and would like to give my heartfelt thanks to my friend, colleague and predecessor, Grace Mak. Grace, who is now heading an operations unit in Wong Tai Sin Police Station, did some amazing work in Sai Kung and hers will be a hard act to follow. I am in regular contact with her and she continues to give me good advice and guidance.

I am British, 47 years old, and joined the force in 1994 – one of the last expatriates to be recruited. My career to date has mainly been in the wilds of the New Territories in numerous crime, operational and administration posts.

I also worked in the force’s Policy Unit for three years as well as a spell in an Emergency Unit (the initial responders to 999 calls). I also had a tour of duty in the Police Tactical Unit, whose officers proudly wear berets and are involved in many publicorder events. It was there I met my wife, Velda, a police inspector in the same PTU training company. Romance blossomed on the parade square, much to the consternation of the PTU commandant. This didn’t deter us. We have been married for nearly 10 years and are the

proud parents of a six-year-old girl, Alexandra.

Coming to Sai Kung, I had some surreal telephone conversations with local residents welcoming me back to the area. As a first-timer here, this somewhat threw me until I found out that people were getting me mixed up with a fellow police officer and namesake, Mike Sharp, who was in this post before Grace. Needless to say, after the initial confusion, matters were

burglaries – matters of great interest to local residents. These issues will be addressed in future columns.

I wish to say a special thank you to my police colleagues in Sai Kung Police Station and our counterparts in the region’s traffic unit for their sterling work during Typhoon Vicente. Over a two-day period, we received an unprecedented number of emergency calls from Sai Kung residents affected by floodwaters, heavy rain and strong winds. In atrocious weather conditions, all available officers were deployed to ensure the safety of the community. Our officers were involved in assisting stranded drivers, helping residents safely reach their homes and securing areas affected by fallen trees and broken power lines.

Sai Kung PC Lee Chi-hang, was widely reported in the local press after being photographed attempting to clear storm drains of debris along Hiram’s Highway, up to his waist in floodwaters. Hang-jai’s efforts along with other officers ensured our lifeline to Kowloon and beyond remained open, allowing emergency vehicles to gain full access to the town and its residents.

I had some surreal telephone conversations with local residents... people were getting me mixed up with fellow police officer, Mike Sharp

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cleared up with all wishing me the best in the Sai Kung “hot seat”.

To date, I have touched base with a number of community groups including Friends of Sai Kung, Friends of Hoi Ha and various animal-welfare organisations. I’ve met some dedicated individuals, all of whom want to improve Sai Kung while preserving its identity and heritage. My day-to-day duties and main concerns continue to be traffic enforcement and

awards

Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 We asked — and you replied by the sackload.

“The trap neuter release programme — I would love to see this launched.”

Y.S. Chua “Looking after the wildlife.”

Shereen Chiesa

What’s on your mind...

“Pollution control on all Pak Sha Wan beaches.”

Vince Christian

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“I love the cows! I never want to see them disappear.”

Tara Smyth

awards

“I’m against the reclaimation project of Sai Sha.” Nicole Tsim

“Traffic! Peak hours and weekends are a nightmare.”

Eric Luk

“Soaring property prices.”

Ruby Lam

“Unregulated development in the country parks.”

Jake & Kathryn Eagle

“Keeping Sai Kung’s village appeal.”

Susie Peverelle

“Keeping the area green and out of the hands of greedy developers who have ravaged so much of the New Territories.”

Graham Jenkins

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awards Best Restaurant & Best Catering Service Jaspas It’s a double whammy for Jaspas, which you have voted Best Restaurant for three years in a row. If there were a Sai Kung Hall of Fame, manager Sing – our most decorated Readers’ Choice Award recipient – would be the first to be inducted. So what’s the secret?

“The location, right on the square, the food and the service – the triple trio,” Sing says. “We’re familiar with all our regulars. It’s never, ‘Hello, sir’, or ‘Evening, madam’. It’s always ‘Rob, mate!’ or ‘Hi Kelly!’ It’s not unusual that we buy them drinks.”

And you, dear readers, apparently love Jaspas so much

that you take it home and throw it a party. Or more accurately, invite Jaspas to throw a party in your home. For the winners of our new Best Catering Service award, no event is too big or small: Jaspas can cater for 10 to 350 people. But there are a few perks, it seems.

“Last year, we went to the Gold Coast in Australia to do a charity event,” Sing says. “We had one day off, and me and the guys just hit the beach. Swimming, surfing...”

He pauses, and then gets back to work. Eric Kong 13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2792 6388.

Best Takeaway Paisano’s Pizzeria With its epic portions (24-inch pizza, anyone?) and mouthwatering slices to go, Paisano’s retains its Best Takeaway crown. Another chain pioneered in Sai Kung, owner Al Morales now has four locations across Hong Kong with another two on the way. So why Paisano’s?

Reader Simon Wilson said it best: “Great value, better taste — hands down, best pizzeria in Hong Kong.”

Shop 27, Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, 2791 4445, www.paisanos.com.hk.

Best Dessert Honeymoon Dessert Queen of the (mango) puddings Fornia Chow launched her pan-Asian empire right here in Sai Kung, opening a small dessert shop on Po Tung Road in 1995. Now it has 180 branches across Hong Kong, China and Asia. It’s the best place in Sai Kung for star-gazing — Honeymoon gets plenty of celebrity customers (autograph hunters are frowned on). Lesser mortals also come from far and wide, queuing up until 2am for Chow’s Thai black glutinous rice with mango in coconut juice. And now — hot news — it is planning to expand into Western desserts. Expats, grab your sporks... EK

10 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2792 4991.

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awards

YOU SAY What should be done with the feral cows?

55% Let them be 12% Butcher King 32% Move them to greener pastures

Best Bakery Mushroom Bakery When it comes to baked goods, unassuming Mushroom Bakery takes the cake once again, winning over hearts and appetites with the seductive aroma of freshly baked bread that wafts enticingly down Yi Chun Street. But the star of the Mushroom Bakery show is its honey-glazed ham, baked daily. Owner Marilyn buys fine 5kg hams from Australia, studs them with cloves, bakes them at 180 deg C and smothers them with her own honey and mustard glaze for that much-loved extra flavour. Hungry? EK 26 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6826.

Best Bar Steamers Steamers ticks all your boxes for a great local bar: spacious patio for an alfresco bite and drinks, live music nights featuring local bands, TV coverage of major sports events... heck, it even has a monthly market. It’s the sort of bar where everyone (the staff, anyway) knows your name. Long-time staffer Maricel says, “I’ve been here eight years and I love it. It’s like my home away from home, the people here are like family.”

Best Grocer Butcher King All hail the undisputed Butcher King! George may have retired but Timothy Ng continues to do a sterling job stocking foodie favourites from around the world. His continental cheeses, fresh meat cuts, condiments (ketchup has to be Heinz, Chinese “squiggle” brand doesn’t cut it) and competitive prices keep customers coming back for more. And like all good local butchers, Ng remembers his regulars’ favourite cuts, often saving the best for his best customers. EK

66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991, www.steamerssaikung.com.

25 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0159.

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awards

Best Place for Visitors Sai Kung waterfront

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Picture by Aaron Lai

awards

YOU WhatSAY planned development are you looking forward to?

28% Waterfront hotel 22% New stadium and town square 19% Fuk Man Garden 14% Nine Pins wind farm 17% New schools (Kellett, HK Academy, Harrow)

Sai Kung Country Park

Yau Ley, High Island

Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, Sha Tin

Sheung Luk Stream, Sai Wan

Tai Long Wan

Hoi Ha

Ham Tin Wan

Sai Kung old town

Junk trip

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 25

awards Best BEACH Tai Long Wan

We are blessed! A view of Tai Long Wan's four beautiful beaches — your favourites by a landslide.

SHELLAC MANICURE for only $320 BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT $1800 and up H A I R

&

B E A U T Y

C E N T R E

Tala’s

Brazilian Blowout thank all who voted Mastey Organic Color Shellac Manicure, Pedicure “Best Hair Salon Farfalla, & Certifiied Organic Skin and Hair Product

Waxing, Facials Ear Piercing ● ● ● ●

us

Beauty Centre in Sai Kung”

Refer a new client & receive 50% off your next haircut New clients receive 10% discount 10 days guarantee on all services Free Consultation

by Switzerland

56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, NT, Hong Kong

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Tel: 2335 1694

|

www.talashairandbeautycentre.com

|

info@talashairandbeautycentre.com

awards

YOU SAY

MOO!

More bicycle lanes?

Yes

No

88%

12%

Best PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN Sai Kung square playground

Lions Nature & Education Centre

Anastassia’s Art House, www.arthouse-hk.com

Bumble Tots, www.bumbletots.com.hk

Picture by Leo Teoh

Ma On Shan bike track

Fun in Sai Kung square

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 27

awards Best Day Spa Sense of Touch It smells good, it looks good, it feels good. And on leaving this Arabian Nights-inspired oasis, so will you. Walking through the door at Sense of Touch is like entering a whole new world — a softer, more hedonistic, far more attractive one.

Choose from a menu of seductive treatments such as an express French manicure or classic hot-stone treatment. Even better, you don’t have to go alone. Sense of Touch offers “little girl’s manicures” for your children, male grooming for your man, and all sorts of blissful therapies in a treatment room made for two. EK 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2278.

Best Workout Curves With more than 10,000 locations globally, Curves is the world’s fastest-growing fitness franchise, with a branch right here on Hiram’s Highway. For women only, the signature 30-minute workout wins fans with its rapid cardio and strength-training for every major muscle in the body, burning 500 calories a session. Driving Curves' success is its ability to create a positive, motivating environment where women can exercise and have fun at the same time. It has a down-to-earth vibe that appeals to those who want to avoid the “intimidation factor” at larger commercial gyms.

Get on it, ladies! Anna Bonar G/F, Lot 787, Hiram's Highway, Sai Kung, 2234 9800

Best Hairdresser Tala’s Hair and Beauty Salon YOU SAY What do we need more of?

52% Events in the square 40% Alfresco dining 8% Boat moorings

Tala’s has been sitting pretty on Po Tung Road since owner Mojdeh Kazemi opened in 1999.

This year has seen a revamp of the Sai Kung premises (Moj opened a second salon in SoHo a couple of years ago), although the signature double doors and sun mural remain. Staying ahead of the game is Moj’s philosophy, and she keeps Sai Kung on trend with top-quality products — Shellac manicures, Kerastase hair products — and the latest treatments. Brazilian blowout, anyone? AB

0 Estate agents

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56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2335 1694.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Pictures by Anna Bonar and Eric Kong

awards

Best-kept Village Pak Sha O This tiny, 150-year-old village deep in Sai Kung Country Park has been very visible this year, owing to a planning dispute that threatens its unspoiled nature. So we’re taking your 250 votes for Pak Sha O as a landslide victory for the conservation lobby.

It’s a picturesque spot off the road to Hoi Ha, reached by a 10-minute walk through lush subtropical forest and paddyfields.

The best-preserved Hakka village in Hong Kong is an enchanting place, alive with butterflies and aqua-blue dragonflies skimming

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small ponds filled with fish.

The village was founded in the 1860s by the Ho clan of Yantian, which set up an agency to recruit workers for foreign steamship companies. With business booming, the village attracted more than 200 residents at its height. By the 1970s, it was home to a farming community but the construction of the High Island Reservoir towards the end of that decade diverted vital irrigation water from the area; the stream dried up and people moved out.

Today, village head Danny Ho and relatives rent the charming old stone houses to 14 or so families who work hard to preserve the village. More than 10 houses have been

restored as homes and the watchtower and Ho ancestral hall have been granted grade one listing by the government's Antiquities and Monuments Office, classifying them as buildings with "outstanding merit" and stating that "every effort should be made to preserve" them.

Which leads us to the current dispute over planning applications lodged with the Lands Department by a Tai Po company to construct two Spanish-style three-storey village houses in the village.

If approved, these houses will be the first modern additions to Pak Sha O in almost 50 years.

All residents agree that this will disrupt the village ecosystem and have submitted objections. AB

awards Best Furnishing Store TREE The Sai Kung branch of Hong Kong’s first eco-chic boutique has been open less than a year, and has clearly made an impact, romping home with our Best Furnishing Store award. It’s easy to see why: TREE’s products turn a house into a home.

All its teak is sustainably sourced and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and much of it is recycled: an old dragon boat, for example, was turned into a unique range. 116 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2791 2802 Supporting the company’s environmental credentials, it also funds community projects and helps local businesses with donations and sponsorships. “People don’t just buy TREE for its products, they buy them for what they stand for,” says the store manager. EK

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awards

Thanks to everyone who cast their votes.

Here are the lucky prize-winners.

Suralai Private Villa

WINNER: Ester van Steekeleburg

Five days and four nights in Koh Samui's most luxurious private villa. Valued at $78,000.

WINNER: Luk Ho-man Two air tickets to Beijing Round-trip flights for two to Beijing on Air China, valued at $8,400* courtesy of Webjet Hong Kong.

WINNER: Nicole Yuen Sense of Touch treatments Elemis Signature treatment worth $1,280 and a Dermalogica Kit worth $428 from Sense of Touch.

Sponsors

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WINNER: Marisha Tonge Felix Experience A five-course degustation dinner for two including wine at Felix, The Peninsula Hong Kong, valued at $3,142.

WINNER: Nick Beecroft Island Golf Club membership Six months’ membership, bay coupon and cash vouchers. Six prizes available, valued at $7,980.

WINNER: Rebecca Merrett Weekend Barbecue Buffet for four Dinner for four at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin's laid-back poolside buffet, valued at $1,795.

WINNER: Sonja Welker HYPOXI training for two All-natural & targeted body-shaping HYPOXIMethod®, valued at $7,988.

eating Over the moon Mid-Autumn Festival is on September 30. Celebrate with a mooncake.

Clockwise from left: Vero's chocolate and black sesame mooncake, G.O.D's "bums" and a mooncake from The Patisserie.

G.O.D’s cheeky sense of humour goes into overdrive for the MidAutumn Festival, with a new set of its popular mooncake “bums”.

Available in eight derriere-shaped designs, and filled with white lotus paste and egg yolk, the risque “moons” have naughty names such as the Full Monty, Mind the Gap and Spread My Cheeks. The bum buns are packed in individual boxes and you don’t get to pick the design – so you might want to take a peek before you hand one to auntie. $65 each.

Order by September 22 at www.god.com.hk.

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More traditional mooncakes are available from The Patisserie at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, which is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with classic lotus-seed paste and double yolk mooncakes.

Available until September 30, a box of four cakes is $280. Call 3723 1234 to order or visit Patisserie, Lobby Level, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin. www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt. com.

The Mandarin Cake Shop has introduced a new Mooncake Gift Box with a full Mid-Autumn picnic,

including six mini egg-custard mooncakes, ginger chocolate rocks, XO sauce, pu-er tea, 16 chocolate brownies and Chateau Guerry Cotes de Bourg 2006.

It’s also offering traditional and non-traditional mooncake fillings, including black date paste and pine-seed paste as well as the egg custard fillings. To order, call 2825 4008 or fax 2903 1624. Delivery available.

Hong Kong chocolatier Vero has gone mooncake mad, with chocolate-y versions of the festival’s traditional treat. The

chocolate egg-custard version has a crumbly biscuit coating instead of the more conventional pastry, and a filling of 70 per cent chocolate ganache mixed with egg yolk for a sweet-salty flavour ($188 for a box of four, or $328 for eight). Or opt for a dark chocolate mooncake filled with either feuilletine crunch (milk chocolate, hazelnut and almond praline) or black sesame ($188 for a box of two, $328 for four). And look for its Mid-Autumn hampers, with mooncakes and chocolates plus Valdo Prosecco.

The Landmark, Central, 2559 5810, www.verochocolates.com.

go lunar

Nibbles

Sweet cheeks Brighten up birthdays, holidays and other events with homemade cupcakes from Sai Kung company Cake Boutique. Vivian Bradley bakes yummy little cakes decorated to order, from Sesame Street characters (complete with cookies for Cookie Monster) to Christmas trees. Be inspired by the online gallery (www.wix.com/gwaimui/ cakebotiquehk) or call 6036 6275. Alternatively, pop along to Sai Kung Sampler at Steamers on September 6 (6pm-10pm) and try one for yourself.

True colours The English Premier League kicks off this month, and Hebe One O One is getting in on the action, showing weekend football matches on the big screen. Turn up your team shirt and receive a drink on the house for every goal your team scores during the game.

112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2335 5515, www.hebe101.com.

Open all hours Steamers is extending its hours from September 1, opening daily at 9am to catch the breakfast crowd and taking food orders until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays (10pm Sunday to Thursday). Worth remembering next time the midnight munchies strike. And a couple of dates for your diary: The Village Dogs will be playing live on September 1, and the Steamers’ Golf Society tackles the North Course on Friday, September 14.

66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991, www.steamerssaikung.com.

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wine

think pink

A rosé-tinted view Many people think rosé (pink or blush wines) is a seasonal wine that should only be drunk as the mercury rises during summer.

(Although in air conditioningdependent Hong Kong it can be difficult to tell whether it is summer or winter, especially in certain bars and restaurants.) But while rosé is a fantastic summer drink, it’s also good in our warm and sunny autumns.

Rosé is a drink for the outdoors, where most of us like to be at this time of year – on boats, patios, rooftops or balconies. It beats the heat with its summery fruit style and all that’s required to keep it at optimum temperature is an outdoor fridge (like the one on your rooftop or in your garden) or an ice bucket.

Rosé is not a blend of red and white wines, although it may have been in France centuries ago.

Today it is made from the speedy pressing of red-wine grapes such as Merlot or Shiraz. As the grapes spend little time mixed with the skins, only a small proportion of colour is transmitted to the wine, hence its radiant pink colour.

Finding a rosé you like in

Wine events Sep 7-8 Zachy’s Fine Wine Auction at The Mandarin Oriental, 6pm, 2810 9909.

Sep 19 Champagne Masterclass at The ASC Wine Gallery, Stanley Street, Central, 3923 6700.

Sep 24 New Zealand’s Kim Crawford Wine Dinner at Alfies by Kee, Princes Building, Central, 2530 4422.

Sep 25 How To Taste Like A Pro Masterclass at Berry Bros. and Rudd, 2110 1680.

Hong Kong is simple as there is a wealth of labels to choose from. As a rule of thumb, Old World rosés such as those from France, Spain or Lebanon are generally drier with more mineral aspects than heavy red fruit. New World rosés, including those from Australia and California, are more fruit-forward and feminine.

But the best thing about rosé is that while it can be paired with summery foods such as salads, cold cuts and, for the more

adventurous, barbecues, it is a style designed for drinking without food as a standalone wine. The wines are never expensive, making them perfect for parties and can be consumed in rather larger quantities.

So as the humidity and temperatures start to dip, and people start to venture outdoor, it’s time for a rosé fix. Try our recommended wines of the month for three rosés that will knock your socks off.

Sep 27 – The Forgotten Vintage: Bordeaux 2004 Tasting at The ASC Wine Gallery,Stanley Street, Central, 3923 6700.

Alasdair Nicol blogs about wine in the Hong Kong market at www.winetimeshk. blogspot.com Contact him at agsnicol@gmail.com

Recommended Wines Chateau Ksara Sunset Rosé Chateau Ksara is one of Lebanon’s finest wineries and the Sunset Rosé is crisp, clean and refreshing. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Syrah and has notes of spice and strong aromas of red berries. A perfect drink for watching the sun go down.

Umami Little Pig Rosé Umami Little Pig Rosé is made by local Hong Kong winemaker Eddie McDougall and is from the King Valley in Australia. The wine is a beautiful pink colour and has notes of fresh red fruit and wild berries. A very approachable easy drinking, everyday wine for the home.

Scarlet Skirts Liquid Pink Rosé Self described as a “little glass of luxury for those special occasions”, Scarlet Skirts Liquid Pink Rosé is fresh and fun. There are notes of strawberry and summer fruit and this wine will suit most kinds of food or is great just on its own.

Available from Red Mill Hong Kong (2805 8100), $210

Available from The Flying Winemaker Store in Lan Kwai Fong and from Wine N Things (2873 5733), $220

Available from Garage Wine (info@ garagewine.hk), $130

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recipe

Steamed fresh New Zealand snapper

By South Stream Seafoods

Directions 1 In a small bowl, combine the

2

3

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes 4

Ingredients (serves 4) 1 New Zealand snapper, 900g-1kg (available from South Stream Seafoods) 4 green shallots, thinly sliced diagonally 4cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into matchsticks 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 1 long fresh red chilli, halved, deseeded, thinly sliced 1½ tbs soy sauce 1 tbs rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil ¼ tsp brown sugar 1 tbs peanut oil Steamed rice

5

green shallot, ginger, garlic and chilli. In a separate bowl combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and sugar.

Wash fish under cold running water. South Stream recommends a whole fresh fish as the head, skin and bones give it that extra flavour. Pat dry with paper towel inside and out.

Use a sharp knife to cut three slashes, about 8cm-10cm long and 1cm deep, in the thickest part of the fish on both sides.

Sprinkle a large heatproof plate with a third of the shallot mixture. Place the fish on top.

Spread half the remaining shallot mixture in the fish cavity.

Sprinkle fish with the remaining shallot mixture and drizzle with soy-sauce mixture. Place plate in a large bamboo steamer.

To a wok, add water to a depth of 5cm and bring to the boil.

Reduce to a simmer and place the bamboo steamer over the wok. Steam, covered, for 1215 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork in thickest part.

In a small saucepan, heat peanut oil over high heat until just smoking. Drizzle the fish with hot oil. Carefully remove the plate from the bamboo steamer. Serve with steamed rice, if desired.

Fresh food delivered to your door South Stream’s seafood legacy lives on in its name but there is so much more on offer than fabulous fresh fish.

Natural and organic beef, lamb, pork and poultry, free range eggs, gluten free bread, fresh

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organic vegetables, meat pies, sausages and baby food. It takes minutes to order. It gets delivered to your door and you save a pile of money…..Oh, and it’s delicious.

Order online at: www.south-stream-seafoods.com

The story of South Stream Seafoods

Bradley White

South Stream is Hong Kong’s best established and most trusted home delivery company.

“We pride ourselves on sourcing wholesome healthy food from sustainable resources and the cleanest environments” says cofounder Bradley White. “For over twenty years we served Hong Kong’s best hotels and restaurants. Now the same great food comes to your door.”

With every meal you put on your family’s table comes ‘peace of mind’. Natural, organic and wild catch aren’t just buzz words. They’re dinner!

Browse the shop at www.south-stream-seafoods.com

education How to get into ESF It’s application time for ESF schools.

Laura Tyson explains how the process works.

Summer is over and children are back at school. For many parents, this means buying stationery, ensuring school bags are mouldfree and checking uniforms still fit. For others, it signals the more stressful prospect of English Schools Foundation (ESF) applications.

ESF schools are a popular choice for expatriates and locals

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who prefer English-medium education, thanks to often excellent academic records and relatively low fees. Annual fees for 2012-13 are $66,100 for primary school, $98,000 for years 7-11 and $102,000 for years 12-13, with a “refundable capital levy” of $25,000 for children entering P1, year 7 or joining the ESF system for the first time (the levy is $10,000 for third

and subsequent children). Demand for admissions far outstrips supply and competition is fierce.

Throughout September, ESF is accepting applications for entrylevel primary and secondary years (P1 and year 7) for the 2013-14 academic year from children born in 2008 and 2002, respectively.

Each application, along with a non-refundable payment of $150,

is filled out online and is fairly self-explanatory, although a little lengthy.

Successful applicants are notified in autumn, and interviews take place later in the year. The assessments, according to ESF, are purely to determine whether or not a child is capable of engaging with an English-medium curriculum.

The primary assessment is in the form of a group interview, lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

Secondary-school students are required to complete written assessments and possibly undergo an interview, as well as submit their school reports.

ESF’s nine primary and five secondary schools are run on a catchment system, so on application you will automatically be assigned to the appropriate school based on your address.

The foundation’s two Private Independent Schools (PIS) – Renaissance College in Ma On Shan and Discovery College on Lantau island – aren’t restricted by catchment area and have independent application processes. If you have cash to splash, a $400,000 non-refundable “donation”, called an Individual Nomination Right, will get you a priority placement. And at Discovery College, five Corporate Nomination Rights, valued at $2.5 million, are available each academic year that put the holders at the top of the admissions list.

In regular ESF schools, however, no such donation exists.

From last month, according to the ESF website, interview priority is given to children of ESF teachers and siblings of children already attending an ESF school.

Other children are categorised

place race

according to their language ability.

Those with English as a first or alternative language, and who do not speak Cantonese, are classed as category one; others fall into category two.

Within each category, priority for interview is given to children who have attended an ESF kindergarten for more than two terms, former ESF students returning from overseas, and children of full-time ESF staff or ESF alumni.

ESF’s head of Student Support, Jonathan Straker, says the majority of entry-level places go to category one students.

“We know ESF places are always in great demand and we understand the disappointment of unsuccessful parents,” he says. “ESF schools follow a strict

admissions policy. Every year there is a certain number of category two students admitted but it is a smaller proportion when compared to category one.”

Frustratingly, since places are oversubscribed, the final allocations are often on a random number lottery system. This is where luck takes over. The golden ticket offers for primary places are made in February, and secondary in December. Make sure you have a back-up plan.

Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay ESF Schools Kindergartens Wu Kai Sha Level 1, 599 Sai Sha Road, Sha Tin, 2435 5291.

Abacus 1A Mang Kung Uk Road, Clearwater Bay, 2719 5712.

Primary schools Clearwater Bay School DD 228, Lot 235, Clearwater Bay Road, 2358 3221, www.cwbs.edu.hk.

Sha Tin Junior School 3A Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, 2692 2721, www.sjs.edu.hk.

For full details of ESF admissions policies and online application forms, please visit www.esf.edu.hk. For PIS admissions information, please visit www.renaissance.edu.hk or www.discovery.edu.hk.

High schools Sha Tin College 3 Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, 2699 1811, www.shatincollege.edu.hk.

King George V School 2 Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, 2711 3029, www.kgv.edu.hk.

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school report

What is a debenture?

Ruth Benny does the figures.

A debenture is the name given to a loan agreement with an institutional borrower, such as a school. For parents, this translates into a large lump sum payable to the school on or before admission. Hong Kong schools sometimes call debentures Capital Notes, Nomination Rights or a Capital Contribution or Levy – but they are still essentially debentures.

Some schools offer a variety of debentures, and others have none at all.

What is it for?

Most schools state that the annual fees cover the school’s running costs but not its capital costs. So debentures are a way for parents to contribute to the long-term funding of the school. Many schools (including some preschools) require parents of new students to pay a debenture on admission. Others allow them to buy a debenture before beginning the admissions process to earn priority in the selection system.

How much is a debenture?

In Hong Kong, they range from $25,000 for ESF to $10 million for a top international

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school. Some schools reduce the price for the second or third sibling. There is a “secondhand” debenture market when a school is “sold out” and existing holders are permitted to transfer their debentures. The transfer price may be set by market demands or the school may cap it.

The school may also take a cut of the sale price.

What kind of debenture do I need?

Common types include individual or corporate; refundable, non-refundable or depreciating.

An individual debenture applies to one child in a family and cannot normally be transferred.

A corporate debenture is held by a company and can be used for a child of an employee.

The company may transfer this debenture if the employee decides to leave. In these circumstances, some schools allow the child to stay while others insist the child withdraws immediately once he or she is no longer covered by the corporate debenture. Children with a corporate debenture often receive priority at admissions.

Refundable, non-refundable or depreciating?

When the child leaves, some schools will refund

the full debenture, without interest and less any penalties. In others, the debenture depreciates over a set number of years, sometimes to zero.

In a few schools, it depreciates to zero in seven years and parents must buy a new debenture if the child is to continue at the school.

What if I can’t afford a debenture?

Some schools offer parents an alternative method of funding the school – a capital levy.

This is different from a debenture in that it may be paid yearly and is refundable. It may amount to the same or more than the debenture over the course of the child’s schooling.

Ruth Benny is head girl of www.topschools.hk, helping parents secure places for their children in leading schools.

health & beauty Beauty spot Sai Kung sportswear Brands launched in Sai Kung have a habit of going global (Honeymoon Dessert, Jaspas, Paisano’s spring to mind), which is exactly what the owners of a new sportswear brand have in mind for OKU Oxygen.

Launched in 2011 by two former international athletes living in Sai Kung, the brand produces topquality clothing for yoga, pilates and fitness training and is already available throughout Asia and is soon to land in the US. Gary Edwards, who ran marathons for Australia, and Richard Atkins, who represented Great Britain at gymnastics, have 20 years of experience in fashion design (Atkins worked for Vivienne Westwood), marketing and sports psychology, which has

been put to good use.

“Our clothing is ergonomically designed to help maximize performance by only using the very best, latest technology sports fabrics, as well as the best specialist sportswear manufacturing,” Edwards says.

Its second collection debuted last month, with larger sizes for women (US 2-12) and a new menswear line. It is available at the Hong Kong Football Club and Yoga Room and is soon to be on the rails at Sportsworld stores as well as at events at the Sai Kung Headquarters.

“We have also recently signed a distribution agreement for all of North America. We are taking Sai Kung to the world!” Edwards says.

For details, please visit www. okuoxygen.com.

Appear in a fitness video Are you ready for your closeup?

Pure Fitness is offering members a chance to appear in a new Bodybalance training DVD for Les Mills as part of a fitness retreat to New Zealand on October 16-24 with instructors Xiomara Gonzalez and Brad Wharakura. Gonzalez has been selected to star in the DVD and the first nine people to apply can join her by saddling up on RPM bikes that will appear in the film.

The trip will also include a daily bootcamp run by Whakakura (a Kiwi and the retreat host), visits to Les Mills gyms, winetasting at Waiheke and plenty of free time in Auckland.

For details and reservations, visit www.pure-fitness.com.

This year, the rules of weight loss are changing forever!

Introducing brand new ProPoints™ Our biggest innovation in over 15 years!

Discover the new world of weight loss: Clearwater Bay/Sai Kung Wednesdays 6 pm – 7 pm The Bay Practice 1/F Razor Hill Dairy Farm Shopping Centre Clearwater Bay Road

Join now for only $10 HKD! *Weekly meeting fee of $130 applies.

For other HK meeting locations call 2813 0814 or visit www.weightwatchers.com.hk

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 43

health & beauty After sun Treatments to burnish your golden glow.

Sense of Touch As a thank you for voting it Best Day Spa in our Readers’ Choice Awards, Sense of Touch is taking 25 per cent off all Murad and Elemis signature treatments during September.

Make the most of the offer with one of owner Angela McGlynn’s recommendations for postsummer care treatments.

Elemis exotic lime and ginger salt glow Skin exposed to the sun can become dry and flaky. This exfoliation ritual will remove all superficial dead skin cells to reveal fresh, youthful skin and

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sunkissed

allow much-needed moisturiser to be absorbed better. After light body brushing, warm oil is dripped sparingly over the body then exotic lime and ginger salt glow granules are used to cleanse and polish the skin. A final application of Elemis exotic island flower body balm leaves the skin radiant and replenished. 45 minutes, $450 throughout September (originally $550).

Dermalogica skin-brightening facial This treatment helps balance areas of uneven pigmentation resulting from UV exposure, hormonal imbalance and pregnancy by regulating melanin production on a cellular level.

It’s a nourishing facial designed to energise a tired complexion, leaving your skin vibrant and glowing. 60 minutes, $600 in September (originally $720).

Murad women's signature facial Exposure to the elements can create a world of problems for the complexion, including age and sun spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

This antioxidant-rich treatment is formulated to restore elasticity and firmness while reducing pigmentation and smoothing out fine lines. It uses Dr Murad's patented Vitamin C Infusion Treatment, which delivers pure vitamin C directly into the skin – a great thirst quencher for dehydrated skin. 75 minutes, $885 in September (originally $1,180).

Melo Spa From September 1, Melo Spa is introducing new spa packages to nourish and prep the skin for the tricky transition from summer to autumn. Its philosophy? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Reinvigorating Mineral Care Start with a luxurious Stress Relief Mineral Bath, followed by a Skinquenching Hydra Facial that uses Payot natural mineral products to cleanse, tone, polish and rehydrate the skin. 90 minutes, $990.

Total Nourish Repairing Treat A nourishing Swedish massage with Payot Elixir Oil to repair and feed the skin, protecting against dehydration, is followed by a Relaxing Hair & Scalp Therapy – a pampering scalp massage to improve the skin and relax the mind. 90 minutes, $1,280.

Organic Pampering Break This luxurious eco-chic treatment begins with a Cucumber Pumpkin Skin Renewal, using Eminence organic cucumber body polish to slough away unwanted cells and a rich pumpkin wrap to moisturize the skin. Then comes an Organic Aromatherapy Massage with Voya organic seaweed oil to rejuvenate body and soul. Two hours, $1,580.

5/F, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 7684, www.melospa.com.

Sense of Touch, 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2278, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 45

promotion

Keeping it real Interior design house COMODO proves simple is beautiful.

Chic, simple and sophisticated is what they're all about.

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After studying Interior Design in the USA, Alain Wong returned to Hong Kong with a dream of creating graceful and timeless design. With more than 10 years of experience under his belt and backed by a team of talented designers and worldclass construction professionals, Alain has brought his dream to life with COMODO, an interior design company set to remould the boundaries of contemporary and minimalist design.

A testament to COMODO’s quality is their multi-award-winning designs. The design house has scooped a number of prestigious design awards including the Golden A Design Award in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2011-2012 for their office in Tsim Sha Tsui and a Silver A Design Award in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2011-2012 for their work on the residential Deerhill Bay apartment.

Other awards include the 2012

Interior Beaute Residential Design and Home Products Brand Award — Best In Concept (Lighting) and 2011 Top 10 Interior Design Awards. Clearly, COMODO are doing something very right.

More recent designs include the Braemar Hill Mansions in North Point. Crafted in a deliciously simple style, COMODO’s signature palette of black, white and grey dominate the home, leaving a nuanced and sophisticated feel.

The clean minimalist tone is warmed by the addition of dark wooden floorboards to give the house a richer, more comfortable feel while unique furnishings such as the dining room’s light shade inject a personal and fresh pop.

All boasting aside, it’s important to note that COMODO also take great pride in their service and customer satisfaction.

COMODO know what Hong Kong people want: space. Selfproclaimed space management

promotion Kuppersbusch Showroom Braemar Hill Mansions

Geometric shapes and lines create an awe-inspiring space at Kuppersbusch Showroom in Happy Valley.

Clever design by COMODO at Braemar Hill Mansions turned this once stuffy space into a spacious home.

specialists, their renovation of the Braemar Hill property is a perfect example of their expertise. By tearing down unnecessary wall partitions, the home went from dull to flooded with natural light and COMODO’s fail-proof palette of grey and white reflected light, making the space appear bigger and brighter.

Another innovation from COMODO is their work on the Kuppersbusch Showroom in Happy Valley. Tailor-making their designs based on Kuppersbusch signature product, a honeycomb-shaped electric hob, by employing angled pieces and delicate, clean lines.

Oversized hexagons punctuate the ceiling, perfectly complementing

Kuppersbusch’ leading product.

This showroom’s bespoke interior reflects the care and personal touch unique to COMODO. Real winner’s don’t need to boast. They don’t need to show off with ostentatious displays of success or parade past achievements time after time. Real winners are quiet

and sophisticated. Their accomplishments will silently prove testament to their worth and will effortlessly sing their merit.

COMODO’s style embodies this.

When you choose a designer, don’t choose the loud, the brash.

Choose the calm, the suave.

Choose the winner. Choose COMODO.

COMODO's award-winning office is a feel-good space filled with natural light and neutral tones.

Contact www.comododesign.com, 2808 0991, info@comododesign.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 47

property

Home to roost Perched high above Port Shelter, Eagle Ridge is a giant among equals.

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In a world of 2,100 sqft village houses, Eagle Ridge is a breath of fresh air. And not just because it luxuriates in unobstructed sea views of Port Shelter from its eyrie on Wing Lung Road, Clearwater Bay. At 4,500 sqft, this is a house with space to spare. It positively wallows in square footage.

It has so much space to play with that it only appears to be open plan. True, the dining area links to the living area to create a “great room” effect. Its floor-to-ceiling windows and glass balcony make the most of that sparkling view, bombarding the space with light. The colour scheme is warm but neutral, based on variations of brown from pale beige to deep mahogany, using tone and texture to create tranquillity in some areas and drama in others. Providing a sense of scale, that circular dining table comfortably seats 12.

This is a space for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying some quality time with the family. But to do that, you may first have to drag the kids kicking and screaming out of the Family Room, a long space lined with sofas against one wall and kitted out with all the latest hi-tech entertainment systems.

Or perhaps you’ll have to prise dad from his computer in the large separate study.

Conveniently located off the dining area, the kitchen is another airy space. Casual breakfasts and late-night snack attacks take place at the breakfast bar, where families can cosy up to chat over cornflakes or congee.

Upstairs are three en-suite bedrooms (there’s a guest half bathroom elsewhere).

take wing Recent property transactions

The master suite has a de rigueur walk-in closet and a separate dressing area, as well as a large bathroom in pristine, shiny white with dark-wood decking and a bath big enough to swim in. The entire house has underfloor heating. This may seem the last word in decadence in a climate with just two cold months a year, but we're betting it will be much appreciated when the chill hits.

A partly decked private garden wraps around the house from the family room, and there’s a large roof terrace for sundowners or alfresco barbecues. And if that all seems a bit too hot to handle, plunge into the communal swimming pool and chill.

Property

Sqft

Price

$/sqft

Marina Cove

1,205

$23.8m

$19,751

The Wings

1,668

$23.39m $14,021

Portofino

2,636

$24.98m

Chuk Yeung Road

2,108

$21.08m $10,446

Marina Cove

1,885

The Wings

1,668

Marina Cove

2,554

The Wings

2,125

Marina Cove

2,554

$26m

$9,476 $13,793

$23.72m $14,219 $33m

$12,921

$37.16m $17,486 $33m

$12,921

heli shot of Marina cove

MORE INFO visit www.hksothebysrealty.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 49

outdoors A racing start September sees Outward Bound’s first ever Multi-Race. Who’s up for it?

For anyone who ever wanted to try an adventure race but felt intimidated, afraid it might be too much to handle, it’s time to lace up your boots. Outward Bound Hong Kong has created the first OBHK Multi-Race, a unique, rookie-friendly affair that offers a relatively gentle taste of the sorts of activities found in a full-scale endurance test. The inaugural race takes place this month in Sai Kung to raise funds for charities.

Participants can expect a mini version of the renowned OBHK Adventure Race, which takes place every March, giving adrenaline junkies the chance to scramble across rocks, dash down gullies, crawl through caves and submerge themselves in water.

But rather than the Adventure Race’s demanding 15km-20km route, the Multi-Race will run over a 12km course, and requires teams of two rather than four.

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taking the plunge

The race will start and finish at Outward Bound’s Tai Mong Tsai headquarters, making the most of the Sai Kung Country Park. It will include the usual trail-running, gorging, orienteering, kayaking and swimming, but with a few surprise challenges thrown in along the way.

Requiring brains as well as brawn, the race is designed to encourage the skills that lie at the heart of Outward Bound’s philosophy – communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

Teams are divided by age into youth (aged 14-17), open (adults, aged 18-39) and master (the over40s). The event is open to anyone

who is relatively fit and keen to challenge themselves. Winning teams will be rewarded with fantastic prizes.

Because the event is multidisciplinary, Outward Bound suggests combining strength and endurance training with skills training as a way to prepare for the race. Trekking, running, cycling and paddling will help to prepare yourself physically and mentally.

You will also need to determine roles, goals and your team philosophy with your partner before the big day – a good team dynamic is crucial.

Money raised will be distributed to Outward Bound’s core charities, including the Samaritans, Mother’s Choice, the Children’s Cancer Foundation and Second Chance, allowing people who have suffered from addiction, illness or abuse to participate in an Outward Bound course. So team up and start training.

Need to know When: September 30, 8am-2pm Where: Start/finish at Outward Bound base, Tai Mong Tsai R oad, Sai Kung Teams: Two people a team Fees: $2,000 a team Categories: Youth, Open, Master Bring: • Hydration system • Trail running shoes • Compass • Emergency first aid kit • Change of clothes

For details, email donation@outwardbound.org.hk, call 2554 6067 or go to www.outwardbound.org.hk/ar.

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motoring One of one In a new column, petrol head Kevin Yeung road tests Ferrari’s new bespoke service. Pictures by Graham Uden.

Gloriously overlooking Repulse Bay Beach in a stunning colonialstyle flagship store, Italian Motors shares its premises with Ferrari and Maserati. I caught up with deputy managing director John Newman and Ferrari’s head of sales Wilco Ng to explore the bespoke possibilities when ordering a new Ferrari. But first, let's revisit how the marque’s magic started.

Maranello, Italy, 1947: Ferrari's first Grand Tourers (GT) or “road cars" were all bespoke, with Il Commendatore Enzo Ferrari personally liaising with all “his” customers. Starting with a Ferrari engine bolted to a rolling chassis, customers were encouraged to participate on every design detail to create exactly what they wanted.

This was coach building in the traditional sense, Newman says.

“Back then, Ferraris were handbuilt, tailor made specifically for one owner – each crafted individually without compromise." Ferrari's distinctive design heritage was conceived.

Hong Kong, 1997: My personal beloved Ferrari F355 Spider was born. While my Spider's dark blueon-tan colour combination looks spectacular to me, by the 1990s the level of customization available was largely confined to choices for colour and upholstery. Ferrari introduced standardized body designs in the late 1960s, and by the 1980s, increasingly strict emissions and safety standards made creating bespoke vehicles almost impossible.

Repulse Bay, 2012: Ferrari's proud bespoke tradition is revived with the launch of Ferrari Tailor Made and Special Projects. Powered

by Ferrari's design and engineering teams and supported by talented craftsmen and artisans, these new services allow customers to celebrate their individuality.

Newman and Ng take time to understand each customer's

Clockwise from left: Wilco Ng puts Kevin Yeung behind the wheel; examining the Ferrari’s inner framework; the Southside dealership.

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va-va-vroom

taste and lifestyle before they start, carefully selecting each detail of the new Ferrari from the Tailor Made programme’s three collections: Scuderia, Classica and Inedita. With an unprecedented selection of paint, materials and treatments to choose from, every decision is deliberate and precise.

“Ferrari's time-honoured tradition of combining quality with integrity is what makes our cars so special,” Newman says.

“Today, we marry cutting-edge Formula 1-derived technology with beautiful and purposeful design.

Our cars are built with extraordinary materials – including carbon fibre,

leather, aluminium and even denim and cashmere – using the most advanced construction techniques.”

Special Projects takes things to another level, evoking Ferrari’s golden years. Just as in the 1940s, the process starts with a Ferrari engine and chassis, then Special

Projects customers are invited to the factory in Maranello to work intimately with Ferrari's team to design and craft a truly bespoke one-off car, experimenting with designs, materials and techniques.

British guitar icon Eric Clapton, a lifelong Ferrari tifosi, recently collected his first bespoke Ferrari (SP12 EC; Special Projects 12th car Eric Clapton), which was based on a F458's engine and chassis.

Ferrari's generous spirit of client collaboration is the antithesis of the tedious so-called limited editions that have plagued the auto industry. And the marque's refreshing faith in its customers has been rewarded by creating of some of the world's most distinctive and desirable cars, including one that Newman and Ng helped create for a friend of mine. It’s a special car: the last manual Ferrari.

Kevin Yeung is the director and fundraising chair of the World Food Programme Hong Kong, a Council Member of Unicef — and a motoring enthusiast.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 53

travel

up north

Hanoi rocks

Coco Marett gets real in Vietnam.

I went to Hanoi not knowing what to expect. I’ve vacationed in southern Vietnam more times than I can count on both hands, how different could the north be? Well...

We stayed at The Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Village, which is stunning. It’s a collection of low-rise buildings that branches out across the waters of Hanoi’s largest lake, overlooking the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda.

We arrived at an ungodly hour, just as the sky was fading from black to a greyish blue. The air was crisp and the lake so still you could see the hotel perfectly mirrored in its waters.

Time for breakfast. And a dose of reality. The restaurant looked across the water at the

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outside world: derelict buildings, abandoned construction sites, children washing in the lake and frail old men on makeshift rafts fishing litter from the water.

We were too far removed from day-to-day Hanoi on this side of the lake and it was time to get uncomfortable.

First stop, Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

It’s dizzying. And not just because of the moped madness. Every few steps, the smell shifts from offensive to tantalising to “What is that? I must have it!” Women whizz past with baskets of perfectly crusty baguettes (thank you, French colonialism) and local businesses spill out of old buildings onto the sidewalk.

It’s a web of 36 streets, most of which are named after

a commodity once sold by local businesses – medicine, fans, horse-hair products, copper and even coffins. With a few modern tweaks, most streets continue to specialise and thrive in their respective niches. Our favourite was Hang Gai Street, with its myriad silk stores filled with dresses, bags, shoes and homeware in amazing colours and often hand-embroidered.

This is organized chaos. The streets pulse and buzz with a mutual understanding and harmony that is the product of no traffic lights and a collective hustler mentality.

It’s worth making a day of it — go to the Old Quarter with no plan, explore and allow yourself to be be pleasantly surprised. It’s also worth

planting yourself on an anklehigh plastic stool to experience the magic that is streetside pho.

In Hanoi, I tried fancy fusion food, “upscale” Vietnamese and Bobby Chinn’s famous restaurant but nothing could compete with the bowl of noodles in broth that had been brewing all morning on a streetside cart, then loaded with fresh local herbs and served by a lady in her pyjamas.

Also worth visiting is the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, unless you’re there during his annual two-month makeover in Russia. Following in the footsteps of Lenin and Stalin, Ho’s body is kept inside a heavily guarded monumental marble mausoleum.

Filing past involves several queues, security checks and plenty

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WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 55

travel of rules: hands where you can see them and no talking inside or around the mausoleum. Cameras are confiscated, to be collected when you leave. Frustrated at having to turn in my camera, I turned to my friend and whispered “It’s like you can feel the communi...”

“SHHH!” a stern-faced soldier stopped me mid-sentence.

The majority of Uncle Ho’s visitors weren’t tourists but Vietnamese, paying homage to their country’s revered father figure. Things lighten up outside the mausoleum, with a tour around the gorgeous French colonial Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house – a simple two-storey structure on stilts shaded by mango trees and overlooking a fishpond.

Truth is, Hanoi is indifferent to whether you like it or not. There’s no fawning over tourists or eagerness to please. Though frustrating at times, it’s this toughness that makes Hanoi a truly intriguing place.

Taking the pulse of Hanoi's Old Quarter

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pets Gimme shelter Narelle Pamuk recounts Sai Kung Stray Friends’ battle to build a home for unwanted dogs.

Happy ending: Atom the pup with his new owner, Noah.

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It all started on a trip to Shenzhen.

I was in a fabric shop ordering dog beds for my three spoiled canines ahead of an upcoming move from Stanley to Sai Kung, when I struck up a light-hearted conversation with two ladies.

“You must be a dog lover,” one of them suddenly said. “Can you help us?”

They turned out to be Sandy, the chairman of the Sai Kung Stray Friends Society, and her friend, Carol, who acted as a “puppy mum” for rescue dogs. Sandy was relocating back to Canada and without a replacement for her, the society would be unable to continue.

How could I refuse a begging lady?

Two begging ladies...

I decided to give it a shot. As chairman, I spent every weekend for three years in Sai Kung town conducting adoption homing sessions – arranging the logistics, volunteers, transportation of the dogs and constantly appealing for weekend foster homes.

On average, our volunteers permanently cared for six or seven dogs each – crazy numbers for a residential home. We decided this couldn’t continue. A holding facility was needed.

We found a kennel in Sai Kung – a fabulous piece of land with a private location, beauty and structures to accommodate our dogs. After a lot of negotiating we managed to buy out the

kennel operator and upgrade the premises, and we are hoping to purchase the land.

We have built nine new outdoor exercise yards with double fencing for strength, jack-hammering up the cement, laying grass, planting trees, enlarging the internal kennel rooms and a lot of painting. I go to the kennels almost daily to help Maggie, our full-time worker (we need another worker as it is dangerous for one person to work alone), and receive an excitable welcome from the dogs – all happy loving faces and wagging tails.

The site has been renamed the Lifestyle Park for Dogs and is intended to be a place for dogs who are not fortunate enough to get permanent homes. Here they can live in a beautiful environment with freedom, comfort and lots of exercise, good food and plenty of love. We’re even thinking about a swimming pool. The dogs love it.

Of course, caring for so many dogs – and upgrading premises – costs a lot of money and we are always looking for donations. If a philanthropist or major corporation would like to support us, we can put their name on the new premises and all our materials.

Numbers of strays in the area are decreasing, thankfully, but there is still plenty to keep our volunteers busy. As well as adoptions and the new homing facility, Sai Kung Stray Friends

woof

pet interview

runs several programmes caring for stray dogs in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, including Capture & Desexing, Meals on Wheels and caring for sick and injured dogs.

To help cover our costs, we are holding a fundraiser this month and hoping to raise $250,000.

The money will be used to install a doggie swimming pool that will be open to all dog-owners and

provide a source of income.

Sai Kung Stray Friends’ fundraising dinner will be held at Hebe Haven Yacht Club on September 13, 7pm. Tickets are $500 each. For details, email saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail. com. Donations to the society can be made to HSBC account 640-085486-001.

Name: Willy.

Age: 4.

Origin: Eurasian, I’m told we are the new super-race. I’m half village dog, half Cairn terrier.

How did you come to be with your owner?

I was a rescue dog and Kirsten of Kirsten’s Zoo hooked me up.

Favourite Sai Kung walk: Along the waterfront. Most nights a few of us get together around 11pm by the pier for a catch up.

Best sniffing spot: Let’s just say I have never managed to walk across the square without stopping.

Favourite treat: The remote control.

Close shave: Got chased by feral cows once.

Hobby: Shouting at things that have fallen over.

Sleeping quarters: 10pm to 2am the sofa; 2am to 7am, owner’s bed.

Mac or PC: I want an iPad that smells of bacon.

Would your pet like to be interviewed?

Email Editor@Saikung.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 59

gardening

big wind

T10 and counting Jane Ram cleans up after Vicente Monday.

Hong Kong’s most serious typhoon in 13 years caught most of us unawares. Gardeners had widely varied experience: some lost years of love and labour in a couple of hours. Others suffered nothing more than masses of falling leaves, while huge trees were splintered like matchwood only a few metres away.

The unusual southeasterly direction of the gales seems to have precipitated the fall of many big branches and mature trees that were probably already doomed to fall over the next few years.

The total number of lost trees has yet to be tallied, but it will be substantial. The monetary cost of the clear-up will be high, but the aesthetic and sentimental loss cannot be calculated.

According to a long and enlightening article by Eddie Luk, writing in the Hong Kong Standard 10 days after the storm, it costs about $200 to right a fallen tree that can be saved, compared with about $1,500 for cutting and transporting a tree that has ended its useful life.

Replacement trees are probably less costly (if they can be sourced) than the labour required to plant them.

We have become accustomed to trees along roadsides and in open spaces, but after Typhoon Vicente perhaps we will not take them so much for granted. The government planted 18.8 million trees during the years 2001-11 and spent $455 million on planting in the past two financial years.

Doubtless replanting on a massive scale will be carried out over the next few years.

But replacements for iconic trees such as the Nathan Road banyans will take decades to mature and in the meantime we will have to accustom ourselves to the naked look of the cityscape without these familiar friends.

The chorus of chainsaws seems set to continue for some time to come. Regrettably, the cut wood is being bagged for transportation to landfill as apparently there is no way that it can be chipped or shredded to make compost.

The impact on landfill space is alarming and the waste of a potentially useful resource is shameful.

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The remains of the day: the fallen banyan at Sai Square

Changing shades A majestic and beautiful peepul tree (Ficus religiosa) behind my house crashed down at about 9pm on Vicente Monday. Considerately it fell where it caused minimal damage and it is likely to remain in situ for some time, like a dinosaur, while more urgent cases are dealt with. I miss it more than I would have imagined, for its beauty and its function. It provided an under-appreciated barrier between my workroom and neighbouring houses, giving the illusion of privacy as well as insulation from noise and glare in summer. The light has changed in what were formerly shaded areas of the garden and while some plants revel in the more intense and longer hours of sunshine, I have had to do considerable rearrangement to avoid scorching some of the more tender shade-lovers.

Where are the benches?

I’ve been enjoying the hunt for suitable gardens to inspire artists for art teacher Roz Keep.

Hong Kong has many beautiful private and Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for over 30 years and is still learning. Please email her at janetaipeng@ gmail.com with comments and queries, and to be kept informed of occasional workshops and excursions for gardeners.

public gardens, but not all meet the basic criteria.

Foremost of which is somewhere to sit, preferably shaded and facing the most paint-o-genic view.

Alas, Hong Kong has few benches. And many of them face in the wrong direction. So now I’m hunting for folding canvas stools.

September Garden Tasks Seed raising This is the season for raising most kinds of seed. Any seeds of flowers and vegetables that you would normally consider for spring sowing in a temperate climate should succeed through our autumn and winter. Until the tiny plants are ready to be transplanted, it’s easier to control conditions in a pot rather than in the ground, but if you have the space, you can rig up a small nursery bed and see how your seeds fare directly in soil. At least they will be spared transplant shock!

Herbs Persuade any surviving herbs from last summer that they should take an interest in life. Trim the plants and give them a weak dose of fertiliser. Try sowing seeds of basil (all kinds), coriander and parsley.

Cuttings Put in cuttings from roses, pelargoniums and geraniums, bougainvillea and hibiscus. Be sure to label them with details of the colours – they will all look more or less the same until flowering time which might be a year or more in the future.

marketplace

To advertise, email: ads@saikung.com KH. 60 x 178.5mm.pdf

7/17/2012

1:53:15 PM

SCHOOL FAIR

HONG LOK YUEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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Come join our S CHOOL IESTA OF CULT FAIR Lots to see, “F RES” and enjoy!. Bus lots to do. PlentyUto eat Service from Ta i Wo Near Tai PoM. TNRT.,

SATURDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 11am-4pm

20TH STREET, HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO, NT us.

Vendors interested in hiring tables please contact6935 www.hlyis.edu.hk email: fair@hlyis.edu.hk tel: 2658

COUNCIL of INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

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bird at my window

Masked laughingthrush aka Garrulax perspicillatus

STRESSED BY YOUR PET?!!!

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS? Hong Kong’s first and only Behavioural Veterinary Practice can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia Smillie BVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

Tel: 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com

www.petbehaviourhk.com

Laughingthrushes are medium-sized, short-winged, long-tailed birds that tend to move around in noisy groups. Many of them, such as the Chinese hwamei and black-throated laughingthrush common on Hong Kong Island, are vibrant songsters.

People are likely to be more familiar with the masked laughingthrush, which is common even in built-up areas, frequenting parks and gardens. Unlike some of its congeners, it is neither particularly colourful nor melodious. Plumage-wise, it is a rather dull grey and brown bird with a black mask around the eye. The feathers on its grey crown are often raised, giving the bird a rather dishevelled appearance.

Its sociable nature gives the species a certain endearing appeal. Parties of five-10 birds move together low down in shrubbery and descend to the ground to feed on invertebrates such as grasshoppers. They also eat fruit and seeds. As they roam, they emit contact calls, usually a loud ringing “kew”.

They breed from March to August. The nest is an untidy cup made of grass, leaves, and even shreds of paper built in shrubs, small trees or bamboo. Breeding is thought to be cooperative and young birds may be cared for by members of the group other than their parents.

The masked laughingthrush occurs in central and southern China, and northern Vietnam.

David Diskin is the author of Hng Kong Nature Walks: The New Territories. Visit www. hknaturewalks.com or accipiterpress.com for more information.

T h e h a n d y m a n hk Plumbing Painting Carpentry Electric Picture hanging Varnishing and polishing Board work Flooring and tiling Removal and relocation AC installation and cleaning Garden service

Contact

Jack 9268 0514

Peter 6376 7950

Email address th e h an dym an h k @gm ai l .c om

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s

classifieds LOCAL Property GORGEOUS GARDEN HOUSE HK$50 K / $16 M — Sai Kung Rather special 3 Beds, plus Study Family Home. Attractive Decor, Sea Views, Pretty Location & Convenient for Transport, Lovely Bathrooms & Fully Fitted & Equipped Kitchen, Car Park. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk, 2719 3977, C-027656

STUNNING FAMILY VILLA HK$ 95 K — Sai Kung Immaculate. 5 Beds. Beautifully Decorated. Spacious Floor Plan.

Fabulous Kitchen, Split Level Living & Dining, Separate Play Room, Huge Outdoor Spaces.

Sea Views. Good Management, 2 C/P. Convenient Location, Stroll to Sai Kung. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk, 2719 3977, C-027656

SAIKUNG COASTAL PROPERTY 360o panoramic sea and mountain views in an area of outstanding natural beauty – Cha’Am Chuk Wan. House excess 2100sq ft. Terrace with swp and Jacuzzi.

Delightful garden with numerous mature trees, mostly fruit. Gated front parking many cars, very safe for pets, could keep a horse. No management fees. $25M With immediate leaseback by current owner if required. 9488 0282 – Owner

Seaview unit to let Two storey both with balcony, around 550 sq ft per flat located in first street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, newly renovated. Three bedrooms furnished with individual air-conditioner & one bathroom with tub and water heater on the first floor, one sitting room furnished with air conditioner aside by open kitchen with hood embedded & one bathroom water heater on second floor. 5 minutes’ walk to pier going back central or Aberdeen ferry.

Half hour to the nearby beach as well.

HK$18,000 per monthly rent for a 2 year Tenant agreement lease contract (Welcome for flat visit, call Joyce for arrangement)

No management fee and commission required please find attached the website for the time ferry schedules. http://www.ferry.com.hk http://www.hkkf.com.hk Joyce (9877 0876)

Furnished SeaView Pokfulam $16.8K Upper Floor Open Sea View Green View apartment. Pokfulam South-East facing sea and hillside. The facilities are good, swimming pool, garden, small gym with shower, reading room. It’s very close to Supermarket, Wet market, Restaurant etc. Easy access by public transport to all areas of HK and Kowloon. Very good value for your money. Mix of Westerners, expats and locals who live here.

This newly furnished apartment with everything you need: bed with mattress, spare folding bed for guests, couch, dining table and chairs, air-conditioners x 3, water heater for shower, HDTV, fridge, washing machine, microwave, oven, even cooking utensils and dining ware. SO it is totally hassle-free and you only need to

bring your luggage. There is Open view balcony with nice outdoor chairs for you to enjoy a can of beer.

The monthly rent is ** $16800 ** including management fee and government rates. Viewing by appointment. I am available most of the daytime.

Contact: HARRY 6578 7484

Midlevels 1791’ $75K Brand New Renovated Apartment, with light wooden floor, 4Bedrooms, Maid Room and Spacious Interior.

Stylish Kitchen with Branded Appliances. Modern Ensuite and Guest Bathrooms. Has Good Size Round Shape Balcony. 1 Covered Car Park Include.

Mobile: 9046 5425 (Rita)

Overseas Property

Monmouth Place Lovely green view Huge viewing windows — made of white stainless steel; Newly renovated of designer’s taste Jogging facilities, tennis court nearby Good transportation network — 5 minutes to Wanchai, Causeway Bay or Admiralty Quiet environment!

Don’t miss!

Contact: David Wong 2551 6133/ 2550 3376

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Penthouse Bar Characteristic: - Roof with drinking bar and BBQ set - Modern kitchen in European style - Huge Balconies at 1/F & 2/F - Stainless Steel covered Balcony at G/F is a wonderful place for breakfast and dinner Pls visit www.kthouse2.com to know more about this house For rent: 50K per mth Contact: David Wong 25516133/ 2550 3376

Luxury Beach Villa in Cebu Island Philippines for rent.(Fully Staffed) 4 double rooms all with bath. 3 direct flights per day from HK. We have a Private chef, New 50ft sailing yacht, 2speedboats, Hobie Cat and more... www.cebubeach.net or contact owner +852 91625321

PHUKET LUXURY FAMILY APARTMENT. Club Lersuang apartment. Sleeps 5. Great value. Master bedroom, 2nd bedroom (3 single beds), self-contained, fully fitted kitchen, pool, gym, restaurant. Visit www.tripadvisor.com and search “Club Lersuang” to see amazing reviews.

E-mail: paul_stocker88@hotmail.com

random but interesting

Rare Jaguar X-type Rare X-Type Jaguar 2009/2010 2.0 SE V6 for sale: Low mileage, regular serviced exclusively by Jaguar since Day 1, original owner, full serviced recently, new tires, extensive wood trim and power sunroof.

Well maintained and in brand new condition.

Chauffeur driven. Test drive available.

Our marked price only HKD168K. Make: Jaguar Model: X-Type.

Year: 2009/2010. Capacity: 2099 cc/ Color: Metallic Black

EW N TION C SE

1998 Porsche Boxter 2.5L only 148K Quick Sale PERFECT condition 44,000 klm only. Lady Owner.

2 Door Convertible, Auto / TipTronic, Petrol, Black Leather, Air Con Recently had a baby thus must sell this baby!

Exceptional price so no time wasters please Garaged in Soho & licensed until Dec’12 Mb: 957 56439 Contact: Donna District: Central

Body type: 4-door Engine type: Petro Transmission: Automatic Contact: Umesh — 9524 1814

Porsche 996 C2 Porsche 996 C2 (Jebsen) Year: 2001 Color: Silver. Engine: 3.4 Tiptronic /With: Electronic Sunroof, 6 load CD Player, Navigation System, Aircon, Xenon lamps.

Mileage in kilometers: 42,260 Km/ 1 previous owner Price: HKD360,000.

Please call or sms: Manu — 6124-5034

This link for more pics: http://ferrari360golfgti.shutterfly.com/pictures/8 Price: HK$780K Contact: GA / Mb: 96800859

12/2003 BMW 325ci convertible facelift model HK$158000 reduced to HK$145000 for quick sale Grey color with grey leather seat, Black soft top, low mileage 42000km only, Lic tax: 13-9-2012, government MOT to 5-2013, All new front and rear brake disk and brake pads, Newly oil services and change all filter, New tyres, very good condition. Price HK$158000 reduced to HK$145000.

Contact: Tim /Mb: 9232 0123

Porsche Boxster 2011 Convertible An eye catching, head turning drive. Hate to part with it but having first baby, so need to get family 4door car. A great weekend car for cruising the highways and scenic roads. Brand & Model: Porsche Boxster Convertible. Manufacturing: 2011.

Body: White with Spots kit upgrade. Interior: Black Leather Sports Bucket Seat.

Service: Maintained by Jebsen. Mileage: about 9500km. Engine: 2.9. Conditions: Excellent brand new condition. Add-on: Security Alarm, 6 CD changer, Bose sound system, Sports kit with 18” rims License: May 2013. Owner: 0 owner. Selling Reason: Changing to a car that takes a baby seat! Remark: No Car dealers. Asking for: HK$725,000 quick sale! Baby coming! (Reduced from HK$755,000) Contact: Daryl Yeoh – 65077506

BMW 630i Convertible Rare in Hong Kong. This fun and beautiful car is in a very good condition and well maintained. December 2005 • KM 59.900• Grey color• Aircon & heated seats• Cruise Control• Power Lock• Power Seats• CD & DVD Player• IPod connection w/charger• Black Leather Seats• Automatic Roof• New rear tire • Engine 3,0 L. with 258 hp• Expat Car (serve as no. 3 car)• Licensed & MOT tested for 1 year. Price: FURTHER Reduced to HKD 370.000. Baby on the way... hence need to change car! Please contact: Peter at +852 9156 5152 or e-mail: bmw630cabriolet@gmail.com serious approaches only

BOATS

EW N TION C SE

Ferrari 360 — 2000 Color: Black Interior: Black leather Rare Manuel Transmission 36,000 KM on the clock 19’ Forged Wheels + new tires Full Service history @ Italian Motor Last full service in July 2012 6 Pot Calipers on front brakes; Brembo made for Ferrari Capristo Exhaust with awesome sound New Cam-belt / Fuel hose (no one out there pays attention to fuel hose but aged fuel hose may cause fire) Car in IMMACULATE condition

MOTORING

EW N TION C SE

MOTORING

Lifestyle for Sale A beautiful boat. A wonderful lifestyle.

Scenic master bedroom with ensuite bathroom + 3 bedrooms + playroom with a fold down Murphy bed + black marble caterer’s kitchen with Miele and Smeg appliances + entertainer’s lounge + formal dining room that seats 12 + office/study + family bathroom with full size bath = over 1600’ living space + outdoor living area including bbq and jacuzi + small deck off the dining room 18m GRP Cruiser 300shp Cummings engine 15kva generator A lifestyle choice for making the best of Hong Kong’s fantastic water and beaches. HK$4.5 million. Mooring is available in Aberdeen. Boat can be viewed in Sai Kung. Call Brian 9102 8719 or Sonia 91029476

Classified classifieds@saikung.com

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classifieds Employment A Big Brother/Sister/Auntie/Uncle required by energetic 6 year old with autism, to help develop play skills. Two hours after school twice a week and some Saturday afternoons. Ho Chung area. Please call 9423 2910.

Tuition & Courses Piano Lesson @ HOME in English/Cantonese by professional and qualified teachers. Annual Recital in Cityhall. Trial lessons available, visit www.grandpiano.hk for details.

VIANNE’S MUSIC WONDERLAND PRIVATE PIANO COURSE @ YOUR HOME ﹣www.mymusicwonderland.com ﹣Experienced tutor accept students aged 3 and over. Student Annual Recital/ Practical Examination/ Competition/ Theory/ Accompaniment/ T:6014 - 9389 for Trial lesson/ mschanpiano@yahoo.com

Health & Well Being Yoga with Yoyo Asana, Pranayam, Meditation Small size classes within 8 persons location: Sai Kung Town Center, Man Nin St email: info@yoyoyoga.net tel: 9302 3931 website: www.yoyoyoga.net

Massage @ Home, Hotel Body massage, Chinese Tui Na, Swedish Massage, lymphatic drainage & aromatherapy massage. Our therapists offer mobile (outcall, housecall) service $700/2hrs (text in Chinese Address & speak in Chinese 6690 3658) www.ablemassage.com

CAPOEIRA BRASIL Brazillain martial art/sport/dance has come to Sai Kung!

Adults and Kids Classes available Call Canjiquinha for further details 9225 8924

Services PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS IN SAI KUNG Conservatory-trained professional Soprano, recently relocated to Hong Kong offers lessons to students 12 years old and up. All experience levels welcome. angela.hodgins@gmail.com 6295 6266

MUSIC TUITION AT HOMES Individual lessons for Piano Repertoire / Music Theory / Piano accompaniment and Aural practice for other instruments’ exams/competitions. English/ Chinese instruction. Holder of LTCL with Distinction of Trinity College London. Years of teaching experience. Member of professional charity choir.

Please call 9336 8059 for details.

PHOENIX CARPET CARE LTD for 20 years Hong Kong’s premier cleaner of carpets & upholstery.

Phoenix ensure true quality workmanship at reasonable cost. Hand cleaning of Oriental rugs.

Steam extraction of fitted carpets. Upholstery cleaning. Scotchgard Protection. Call 2328 2287 or 9517 5436 for free quote/inspection.

Man with Van for Hire Small Moves Logistics Deliveries.

K & S Van Transport Tel: 5403 5618 www.knsvan.com knsvan@gmail.com

UC Berkeley graduate (Social Welfare) Ex-Kumon teaching staff. Experience with international students from K1 to Y6. Storytelling/ basic literacy skills/spelling/elementary Mandarin.

56491252 adalau11@gmail.com Trial lessons available.

ShenZhen DayTrip Shopping Hk 2,000. with 7-Seaters Lighting Mall Furniture Mall Art village Homedecoration , Carpet and Rugs.

Franki (90362128) happyday2128@netvigator.com

Jesse Taekwondo & Hapkido Korea Kukkiwon Black-belt 5th Dan International Instructor Provide One-on-One personal training, Group training & Family classes. http://www.supra.com.hk/jessetkd Master Chow 9467-7787

GERMAN HANDYMAN. If you are looking for: curtain, picture, mirror and shelf hanging, assembling and disassembling of furniture, wall painting, wall repair and patch, floor covering, tiling (floor&wall), bathroom & kitchen repair and much more... just give me a call! Mobile: 61411766 germanhandyman@ymail.com

Charities / Community Fun Run for Charity in Sai Kung!

On Saturday, 15 September IMPACT Fitness will host a fun run for the Childrens Hope Charity. We need to raise HK$60,000 to totally rebuild an orphanage for 55 children. Help us reach this goal by walking/ running this event ($150 entry free). For details contact fitness@impactfitness.com.hk or call (852) 6902 2250. Distances are 3, 5 and 10 km. Volunteer marshals needed!

2896 0000 The Samaritans 24 hour Multilingual Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Samaritans offer non-judgemental, confidential emotional support 24/7, 365 days/year to anyone going through a crisis or who just needs to talk something through. Please call 2896 0000 or email: jo@samaritans.org.hk . For more information: www.samaritans.org.hk

German Kids in Sai Kung Provide your children and toddlers with German language activities for their age, contact our Sai Kung German parents community for playgroups, lessons, and more. Contact: Uli, u.gast@egdshk.org

Enthusiastic tennis players of all abilities sort!

Mondays and Wednesdays 9-10 at Sai Kung courtsnear the swimming pool.

Keep fit and meet new people at the same time. Just turn up and have fun!

URGENT! DOG FOOD SPONSORS Sai Kung Stray Friends We have approximately 35 dogs on our daily “meal supply”.

The cost is $2,222 every 8 days. If you would like to donate to help please deposit directly into our a/c: HSBC 004640085486001 Receipts can be issued. Much appreciated!

Home Deliveries

Award winning wines from Australia and New Zealand, highest quality, lowest prices directly from the winery to your door! Visit us at www.winestore. com.hk or email justin@winestore.com.hk.

Email classifieds@saikung.com for classifieds booking or call 70 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

2776 2772

classifieds REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER Give a few hours of your time to Sai Kung Stray Friends. If you want to do something worthwhile come and help at our holding facility in Sai Kung. Any day or time suitable to you. Various tasks, sweeping, cleaning, dog walking, paddock Mum or just providing some love to the dogs. Dads are welcome too for mowing duty!

Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)

VOLUNTARY POSITIONS NEEDED Sai Kung Stray Friends *Kennel Carer - 1 or 2 days per week *Weekend Sai Kung Homing Team *Fundraising Director *Website director *Daily Meals on Wheels delivery roster *Rescue & Desexing Join us in our local community initiative to help our beautiful animals.

Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)

NEW SONG CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN Sai Kung T: 2791 2472 F: 2791 2477 Email: newsong@netvigator.com Website: www.newsonghk.com

ADOPTION CENTRE Sai Kung Lifestyle Park for Dogs Come and visit our facility at No. 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung. We encourage adoption by taking time to build a relationship. We want our dogs to go to good homes. 7 Days per week. Call 2335.1128 or Narelle 9199.2340 (SKSF)

Domestic Help Seek full time job, with experience in western and chinese family for 7 yrs in Hong Kong. My former employer is living in Hong Kong, if you are interested you can call no#9440 6877, thanks.

Experienced Cantonese-speaking and Mandarin-speaking nanny. Good moral character and childcare knowledge. Qualified teaching background. Available to start in September. Please call 6181 3365 or email : eviefan@hellokitty.com

Are you looking for Driver, Gardener? ADONIS CANEDO, 33 years old, working in Hong Kong for 2 years. Pls contact 5133 9984.

Domestic helper seeks full time employer.

Jacqueline Liagon, 44yrs old, filipino (married with 2 children). Experience in household chores, children, pets, elderly, babysitting. I’m hardworking, flexible, can work independently. Experience in expat family and chinese family. Pls call my mobile no.92478937.

References from previous employers are available on hand. Thanks.

DONATE OLD BABY CLOTHES, toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed by Pathfinders, a charity that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna (Chinese speaking): 5135 3015.

DONATE CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS, toys and electrical appliances in good condition. Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline: 2716 8778. Donation hotline: 2716 8862. Website: www.christian-action.org.hk Blog: http://siewmei. cahk.org Email: ca@christian-action.org.hk

Advertise your business and get great results!

SAI KUNG SOCIETY: Locations around Sai Kung town, villages and country park. Watercolour, drawing, or other medium. All levels welcome. Free, just bring your own equipment. Meetings will mostly take place on Saturday mornings once or twice a month. Please see www.hkcolours.typepad.com or contact Laetitia at saikungcolours@gmail.com

GUIDE LEADERS WANTED Calling all former Brownies! The Sai Kung Guide Unit in Pak Sha Wan is looking for guides (girls aged 10 and above) and new voluntary leaders for this enthusiastic group that encourages girls to be responsible and reliable through skills such as camping, first aid, crafts and more. Sign up and save the unit from closure! For details, please email to guidesinsaikung@gmail.com.

Email classifieds@saikung.com for classifieds booking or call 2776 2772

Email classifieds@saikung.com for classifieds booking or call

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the ultimate guide to sai kung COMMUNITY & HEALTH Hang Hau Community Hall 3740 5328/ 3740 5346 Li Pang Tat Chinese Medicine Practitioners 2328 9913 Resurrection Church 2358 3232 www.resurrection.org.hk Sai Kung District Community Centre 2792 1762 Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre 2792 3828 The Sai Kung Jockey Club Town Hall 3740 5328 / 2792 1487

DAILY NECESSITIES City Lifestyle 2791 5485 Mannings 2791 4432 Market Place by Jasons 2358 0542 ParknShop 2791 0471 Wellcome 2791 1841

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank Of China (Hong Kong) 2792 1465 HSBC 2233 3000 Pacific Prime (Kiwisure) 3113 1331 christian@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com Standard Chartered Bank 2792 1351

TRANSPORT SERVICES

HOME

UNITEK HK

LEARNING CENTRES

Unitek HK Contracts Ltd. Empire Land & Commercial Centre,81-85 Lockhart Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong 2984 9381/ 9491 2605 (Tony) www.unitekhk.com

AFSCO / Security Electrified Fence 2880 0512 marco afscohk@gmail.com www.sprintlocks.com Box Design 2573 3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk Best United Eng. Ltd. / lawnings, roll shutter & insect screen 2344 9028 info@bestunited.com.hk www.bestunited.com.hk Brooks Thompson Ltd 2851 3665 iqbalhk@netvigator.com Chez Uno 2791 9662 / 2723 8990 www.chezuno.com COMODO Interior & Furniture Design 2808 0991 info@comododesign.com www.comododesign.com Oriental Rugs 2543-4565 rugshop@biznetvigator.com TREE 2792 3828 www.tree.com.hk Marco Electrician, Plumber, House painting 6190 8051 marco_yenug000@hotmail.com Studio Annetta 9849 1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com

Webjet HK

Unit 1706, BEA Tower, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kln, Hong Kong 2313 9779 Onlinetravel@webjet.com.hk www.webjet.com.hk Kwong Hing Motors Ltd 2791 4949 http://khmwhk.com Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 www.expertmover.hk Hebe Haven Yacht Club www.hhyc.org.hk Scorpion RIBS Hong Kong 2511 8337 scorpionribshk@gmail.com www.scorpionribs.com

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TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS' PARTIES Babushka 2791 9070 Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Hong Kong Toy Club 8216 3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com

Antsmart Learning Centre / Playgroup, Math 2335 1261 tangfrancis@hotmail.com www.playgroup.com.hk Craft Box 9014 3262 simone@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia Grand Piano www.grandpiano.hk La Petite France 3403-9887 info@lapetitefrance.com.hk www.lapetitefrance.com.hk Hong Kong Academy 2655 1111 www.hkacademy.edu.hk Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048 2810 lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com Hong Lok Yuen International School 2658 6935 info@hlyis.edu.hk www.hlyis.edu.hk Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre 2791 4838 jumpstart@netvigator.com www.jumpstartmlc.com Leapfrog Kindergarten 2791 1540 / 6413 8247 admin@leapfrogkindergarten.org www.leapfrogkindergarten.org Little Hands Workshop 5431 3122 info@littlehands.com.hk www.littlehands.com.hk New Song Christian Kindergarten (Sai Kung) 2791 2472 newsong@netvigator.com | www.newsonghk.com Sai Kung Tutors 6907 2514 info@saikungtutors.com | www.saikungtutors.com RugBees Ltd 2117 3055 nicepeople@rugbees.com | www.rugbees.com Russian Ballet School 9505 9305 info@russianballetschool-hk.com www.russianballetschool-hk.com Woodland Pre-Schools 2559 4855 enquiry@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@saikung.com

directory MULTIMEDIA

2/F., 14A1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, NT, Hong Kong 2792 3939 | saikung.gallery@gmail.com www.saikunggallery.com

The Reading Room (Sai Kung)

21 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, New Territories 9199 5900 | seasidereadingroom@gmail.com HJ Seich Photography 9229 2407 heidi@hjselchphotography.com www.hjselchphotography.com Jackie Peers 9121 1470 jackie@photographytourasia.com www.jackiepeers.com

OTHER SERVICES Biocycle 3575 2575 info@biocycle.hk www.biocycle.com.hk Christian Environmental Health 2370 9236 a-s-a-p@ceh.com.hk www.ceh.com.hk Crowne Plaza (Hotel) 3980 3980 www.cphongkong.com Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 2956 1234 http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com Lunchbox Theatrical Productions 8203 0299

WELL-BEING B Two Hair Salon 3194 4181 / 2861 2638 btwohairsalon@gmail.com Sabai Day Spa 2791 2259 sabaidspa@sabaidayspa.com www.sabaidayspa.com Sense of Touch 2791 2278 ask@senseoftouchhk.com www.senseoftouch.com.hk Tala’s Health and Beauty Centre 2335 1694 info@talashairandbeautycentre.com www.talashairandbeautycentre.com Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022 1779 www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com

PETS & VETS

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com b dog Tokyo(Grooming, spa, hotel) 2791 6555 b-dog@hotmail.co.jp www.facebook.com/bdog.tokyo Ferndale Kennel 2792 4642 boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com Vet2Pet 6999 1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk

Vega Suites 3963 7888 enquiries@vegasuites.com.hk www.vegasuites.com.hk Sino Group 8207 7608 www.sino-homes.com

Food Delivery South Stream Seafood

Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 sh@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com Hebe One O One 2335 5515 info@101.com.hk www.hebe101.com Fusion 2335 5506 Laithwaites Wine 3071 5085 info@laithwaiteswine.hk www.laithwaiteswine.hk La Petite France 3403 9887 info@lapetitefrance.com.hk www.lapetitefrance.com.hk Natural Springs 2484 1388 www.naturalsprings.hk Paisano’s Pizzeria (Sai Kung) 2791 4445 www.paisanos.com.hk Pizza Express (Hong Kong) 2123 1083 info@pizzaexpress.com.hk www.pizzaexpress.com.hk Steamers Cafe & Bar 2792 6991 gm@steamerssaikung.com http://steamerssaikung.com Organic Experience Management Group 2981 2888 www.organicxp.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Seasons Fitness

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Last orders Wish you were here If you are a primaryschool student (or columnist), then what you did on your summer holidays may well become the source material for your first creativewriting assignment of the academic year.

Similarly, as work colleagues swap stories and photographs of exotic destinations, the social-networking sites buzz with activity and interest.

With this level of exposure and scrutiny, family holiday itineraries have had to become increasingly complex and adventurous to maintain face and feed the constant demand of our online profiles.

As a general rule of thumb what impresses most is any holiday activity that can provoke that most annoying of all American expletives: “Awesome!” For instance, trekking in Nepal (“Awesome!”) would carry far more kudos than, say, caravanning in Wales. Likewise completing an Italian cooking course in Tuscany (“Awesome!!”) would increase the

currency of any European holiday especially if compared to a week shopping in Singapore.

But before you book your next family holiday landmine clearing in South Sudan (“Awesome!!!”), you need to be prepared to fully document your trip. This is where the time really goes over the summer. Equipped with laptop, camera, lenses, flash, reflectors, video etc, many families now travel as self-sufficient newsgathering organisations.

Instead of evenings spent playing rummy or Scrabble, they now sit hunched over computer screens like a Reuters press room, editing high-definition video or Photoshopping the latest batch of

digital images ready to be uploaded to the web or saved to the archive.

There are, of course, some advantages.

This year in all my holiday photographs I’ve been given the chin of David Coulthard and a beautifully tanned skin tone similar to that of Beyoncé’s left buttock.

My children look like the offspring of supermodels photographed in the Garden of Eden.

But are we allowing technology and our aspirations to cloud reality? Where’s the snap of Granny asleep at the dinner table? More likely she’s been shot in flattering late-evening light holding a mango daiquiri while she apparently effortlessly skippers a 40-foot catamaran across the Andaman sea.

Sadly, the high standards of production and communication in our globalised, interconnected world are making traditional postcards increasingly irrelevant.

A simple phone application can turn your own photographs into

photo competition

digital postcards while Twitter has become the preferred delivery system for any random holiday thoughts or observations. Only the hardcore are prepared to go through the arduous cycle of procuring cards and stamps, finding addresses, prose construction and posting in a foreign country where, potentially, (I’m thinking of Spain under Franco here) postboxes and rubbish bins look alike.

If taking holiday snaps has become more like newsgathering, newsgathering has become more like home movies. So far amateurs have largely reported the true horror of the Syrian conflict on U-tube, while news agencies beg their audiences for pictures and cheap reportage of “natural” disasters.

I achieved very little this holiday other than slowly working my way through the surprisingly extensive menu at The Reggae Bar on Bang Thao Beach, Phuket.

I managed to write four postcards that I hope will arrive sometime before the next full moon party.

But what about my windswept and interesting holiday stories? Well, I could always just make something up... Iain Lafferty

shoot for it

Submit your shots Here at the Sai Kung Magazine office, we love receiving beautiful pictures of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, along with a brief description, to photo@saikung.com. Happy snapping!

This month’s winner: Aiden Bradley “I'm 17 and I took this photo at Kau Sai Chau on the 18th hole of the East Course.”

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