Southside Magazine April 2012

April 2012

Easter on Southside

The home issue Revamp your living space

For a hopping good time

How to buy a

'masterpiece'

Southside Kindergarden

250

things to do

April 2012

the planner 4 What’s happening in April Taking the plunge, buns and bunnies.

LETTERS 8 Tell it like it is What’s good for kids and empty walls.

News 10 All the Southside goss New boutiques and charity balls.

Interview

FAKING IT 24 Masterpieces R Us How to do Dafen art village.

Hiking 26 The hills are alive Floral meanderings on Violet Hill.

Eating 28 Easter feaster!

The best in egg hunts, promos and sweet treats this holiday.

EDUCATION 37 Pre-school news Southside Kindergarten is in the hot seat.

Family 38 App-tastic Life beyond Angry Birds.

40 New Spring collections, audition calls and The Stop.

12 Ilse Massenbauer-Straffe Clean air solutions.

Local 14 Who’s living the high life?

Southside versus the New Territories.

Feature 16 Grand designs Revamp your living space for spring.

Travel 46 Living on the edge Trekking Everest, hiking China and riding the waves at the world’s biggest water park.

Gardening 48 Thai delights Jane Ram is blown away by bromeliads.

Marketplace 49 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to do and buy.

OUTDOORS 30 How to hire a junk All you need to know about making the most of the South China morning coast.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 42 Sound of music The latest in massage to hit Asia.

Classifieds 54 Local property holiday lets And loads of other random stuff, plus our distribution list.

LIVING 34 Spring feeling The latest in home interiors.

Pets 44 Chocoholics anonymous How to avoid poisoning your pooch.

BACK PAGE 58 My Southside Easter plans with the Reverend, St Stephen’s, Stanley.

"Home is where the heart is"

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planner

happening in april

Apr 1

Public pools open for summer

Get back in the swim at Aberdeen public pool. Lap pools, diving boards, shallow pools and kids’ fun pool - all for a swipe of an Octopus card. Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, www.lcsd.gov.hk.

Ends Apr 19 London 2012 Olympic Posters Exhibition

Get in the groove for London 2012 at Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam.

Apr 1 Moontrekker

Registration opens for the tough endurance hikes across Lantau – the Moonlit 25 (km) or the Sunrise 40. Will you beat the sun? Details at www.moontrekker.com

Apr 1 Wise Kids Playroom Open Day

Come and play for free, but don’t forget your socks – this means you too, mum and dad.

11am-5pm, Wise Kids, Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, 2989 6298, 2151 9668.

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Apr 2-4 Sotheby’s Spring Auctions Wine, contemporary and classic Asian art, ceramics, watches and jewellery go under the hammer (not literally) at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. For details, visit www.sothebys.com

Apr 2-14 Easter Craft Workshops

Join Anastasia’s Art House for fun Easter activities including painting, paper craft and clay modelling.

Repulse Bay Shopping Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, repulsebay@arthouse-hk.com

Apr 6-9 Easter Egg Hunt

Apr 4 Ching Ming Festival

Apr 6 Good Friday Public holiday.

Public holiday.

Apr 6-9 Little Big Club live in concert

A pre-schooler’s dream come true, with Bob the Builder, Pingu, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina sharing a stage. Extra show on Easter Monday. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $100-$500 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Bring the kids for brunch and an egg hunt. 11am-4pm, adults $428, children $168. Top Deck, Jumbo Kingdom, Shum Wan Pier, Aberdeen, 2552 3331, topdeck@cafedecogroup.com.

april Apr 8 Funny Bunny Magic Show

A restaurant named after chips is bound to get a thumbs up from kids – especially when it has a play area, magic show, Easter egg hunt and Belgian beer on tap for parents. Quarry Bay Frites, G/F Oxford House, Tai Koo Place, Quarry Bay, www.conceptcreations.hk.

Apr 8 Easter Sunday

Christianity’s original holy day – plus bunnies, eggs and hot-cross buns.

Apr 8 & 9 Easter egg hunt and drawing competition

Fun for kids aged three-10 who dine with their parents at Le Meridien’s PSI Bar, Level 4, Cyberport. 1pm. Reservations at lmc@lemeridien. com, 2980 7417.

Apr 26 Zest of Asia pop-up sale Find out what’s new at South Bay’s interiors specialist. 9am-4pm. Email info@ zestofasia.com.

Apr 25-29 Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The iconic festival features islanders clambering up towers to grab lucky buns, and the incredible Piu Sik parade. Don’t forget your camera.

Details at www.discoverhongkong.com.

APR 27-28 SEESAW PARTY

Swap your childrens' "lightly used" clothes. Email info@seesawseesaw.com.

Apr 28 Buddha’s Birthday

Public holiday. Get in the spirit at the Bathing Buddha ceremony at the Po Lin Monastery, Lantau.

Apr 28 Beertopia Festival

Featuring 90 craft beers from 10 countries, this inaugural festival includes live music, food, lectures, beer pong and more. Western Market, Sheung Wan. Tickets $250-$300 from www.beertopiahk.com.

Apr 9 Easter Monday Public holiday.

Apr 17 Poppy & Jules pop-up sale Southside’s style queens are back with a new collection of gorgeous frocks. 9am-2pm, South Bay Road, Repulse Bay. For details, email contact@poppyandjules.com.

Apr 19 - May 26 Marlene Mocquet art exhibition

FEAST Projects presents the emerging French artist’s first show in Asia. Tues-Sat, noon-7pm.

3/F Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing St, Ap Lei Chau, 2553 9522.

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

Book now

May 2, 3, 5, 7 Lady Gaga – Born This Way Ball

Lady Gaga live, horns and all. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets ($480-$1,580) are sold out, unless you try a tout.

May 15-20 Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Technically brilliant comedy ballet as The Trocks all-male troupe perform the classics.

Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $350$950 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

May 31-Jun 10 Annie

The red-headed orphan and her hard-knock life hit the stage in this West End production. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $330-$950 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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letters

have your say

Retail woes I was interested to read that Cyberport has recently opened some furniture stores. It is intriguing that the management would choose to make Cyberport into a furniture outlet when the only retail we have in plentiful supply in Southside at the moment is furniture.

Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau has 28 floors of furniture and is a five-minute drive from Cyberport. What about the basics? A larger supermarket, Watsons, Dymocks, Classified, a stationers and a children’s play area would go down a treat!

DH, Cyberport

Correction Contact details for Gail Deayton of Hong Kong Murals were misprinted in last month’s Living section. She hand-paints murals for children and adults and can be contacted at info@hongkongmurals. com, www.hongkongmurals.com or by calling 9722 8353.

Green dreams Thanks so much for publishing the details of all those gorgeously green organic food suppliers in your March issue. It's not so easy to come by organic produce in Hong Kong so this list is a great place to start. I believe Homegrown also offers trips to its farms for children/schools to get stuck into the concept of growing your own. Readers may also like to check out the bi-weekly farmers’ market at public pier 7 in Central on Wednesdays and Sundays.

K Nudds, Pokfulam Kids’ authors I loved the article about Sarah Brennan (My Southside, March). My children are big fans of her books and I didn’t realize she lived locally.

She’s talking at their school this week so it will be interesting for them to meet her “in the flesh”!

And what a great idea to launch a Children’s Readers Festival – kids can never have too much exposure to books.

Lucy, Repulse Bay

Please email your letters to letters@southside.hk. We may edit for length.

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news

in the know

Locals protest reclamation threat

News kids store rejects Cyberport

Last month’s community meeting to discuss government reclamation proposals at Sandy Bay attracted more than 200 protesters.

The meeting was attended by Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) representative Robin Lee, who outlined the government’s land-supply strategy.

A 30-hectare site – more than twice the size of Bel-Air – in the East Lamma channel, adjacent to Stanley Ho playing fields and Kennedy and West Island schools, has been earmarked by the government for possible reclamation. The land could be used for high-rise development.

“Mr Lee went away with a very clear impression that the CEDD would have a difficult time if Sandy Bay were to be chosen as a sight for

Online mother-and-baby store and play centre Baby Central has opened a bricks-and-mortar premises in the BT Centre, Wong Chuk Hang.

Owners and mothers Katherine Regan (pictured left) and Clarissa Becker looked at a number of sites – including Cyberport, where residents have long been requesting familyfriendly facilities – before opting for Wong Chuk Hang for its ease of access to Southside’s residential suburbs.

“We looked at Cyberport, but they are clearly trying to attract furniture shops, which we felt didn’t fit us,” Regan says. "And we felt a Central location would be difficult for mums with prams."

The shop is stocked with tried-and-tested baby essentials.

Additional facilities include a coffee shop with free wi-fi and a genorously sized kids play area, a baby changing area, and staff (all mums) who know what they’re talking about.

The duo are also planning a timetable of activities for children, including free-for-all bouncy castle sessions on Tuesday afternoons and “movie and manicure” parties on Fridays. But it’s the free same-day delivery service anywhere in Hong Kong on orders of more than $200 made before midday that Regan and Becker believe is a key service for HK mums.

Baby Central is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm. 7/F, BT Centre, Wong Chuk Hang, www.babycentral.com.hk or call 2553 8000.

reclamation,” said Peter Cunich, chairman of the Pokfulam Residents’ Alliance (PRA).

The Hong Kong University Students’ Union and both Kennedy and West Island Schools are opposing the development, along with the owners’ committees at Scenic Villas and Bel-Air. Kellet School is remaining neutral over the issue.

The PRA has raised more than $100,000 to fund private consultancy work to professionally object to the proposals.

The CEDD will announce the ten sites to have reached the final selection stage later this year.

To receive updates on this issue from the PRA, contact local councillor Paul Zimmerman, info@ paulzimmerman.hk

Pok Fu Lam could be facing a second Bel Air-sized development

Ocean Park goes retro Ocean Park’s latest attraction, Old Hong Kong, is a theme-park version of the city as it was from

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the 1950s to the 70s, complete with retro trams, a replica Star Ferry clock tower (made by the original manufacturer), and rows of “tong lau” tenements. There are old-school street snacks and drinks to try, pinball machines and other games to play, rickshaw rides, dai pai dongs, and a “poor man’s nightclub” – a market, complete with Cantonese opera. On public holidays, there will be storytelling under a banyan tree. The new attraction is on a 40,000 sqm site at the Waterfront. For details, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk.

Stormy night

Tai Tam dragon-boat team Stormy Dragons raised $300,000 at its inaugural ball in aid of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and the Hong Kong Sea School in Stanley. Team president and founder Cheryl Fender said, “We were overwhelmed by the generous support, and very happy that everyone had such a great time.

The Sea School staff and boys were fantastic.

They deserve a huge thank you.” To donate to either charity, contact Fender at cheryl.fender@ gmail.com.

interview Publisher & Executive Editor Tom Hilditch Tom@southside.hk Editorial Jane Steer Jane@southside.hk Carolynne Dear carolynne@southside.hk Art Direction Sammy Ko design@southside.hk Accounts Clara Chan accounts@southside.hk Advertising Heung Sai ads@southside.hk Siam Sattayaphan siam@southside.hk Marketing, Circulation & Distribution Sebastian Leitner sebastian@southside.hk Contributors Graham Uden Martin Beale Adele Rosi Dr Carmel Taylor MVB Jackie Peers Iain Lafferty David Diskin Kenward Ng Jane Ram Eric Luk Dannielle Hartnett Celia Evans Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media P.O. Box 33093 Sheung Wan Post Office Southside is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication.

Southside cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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freshen up

Breathing easy

With pollution a greater threat to health in Hong Kong than in China, Oxyvital entrepreneur Ilse Massenbauer-Strafe is on a mission to clean the air.

Tell us about your relationship with Southside.

I have lived in Hong Kong on and off for more than 25 years, and my husband and I are now settled here with our children. We would only live on the Southside – the air is not perfect, but it’s better than most locations around Hong Kong, as the wind blows in from the Philippines.

What drove you to set up a company in air quality?

Just look outside! When was the last time you were outside in Hong Kong and enjoying the air quality?

The pollution is affecting our health. And the air indoors is worse than the air outdoors.

There are loads of pollutants in our homes and offices.

When I started thinking seriously about air quality, I was looking for a solution to bring a healthy and clean environment into Hong Kong – a place with fresh air based on WHO guidelines.

Does air quality vary?

From September to March it is dry season, which means less rain, so the pollution stays in the surroundings.

Places such as Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and MidLevels are definitely not as fresh as Southside, you can see and smell the pollution.

How does Southside’s air quality rate?

It’s better than most. When the wind comes from the south, it is much cleaner than when it comes from China.

But you can’t avoid pollution. In Southside we face diesel and carbon dioxide from the container ships.

Where does the pollution come from?

It is easy to blame China, but Hong Kong creates a lot.

The Clean Air Network team is doing a fantastic job pointing out what we need to do, but no one is paying attention. I cannot understand why the government is not

more forceful in introducing electric buses like Shenzhen.

Hong Kong is a rich city and yet so little is done to create a cleaner environment.

How do you go about purifying the air at home?

We have stand-alone units (good for 1,200 sqft) but I love the spilt unit. It’s easy to install and you can take it when you move. Each wall unit cleans 1,200 sqft, and up to three wall units can be connected to one main unit, where the polluted air is filtered, and returned to your home clean, fresh and healthy.

What else can we do to clean the air in our homes?

Educate yourself about air-borne chemical pollutants – particularly those in detergents and furnishings. Read the packaging and change to chemical-free products.

What do you do for fun?

Running at 6.30am with my husband and dog is my favourite time of day. I also go biking with my daughter, play golf, dance, and do personal training sessions at the gym twice a week – sadly there aren’t any Oxyvital units there yet, and the smell puts me off!

What's your favourite Southside hike?

The catchwater walk from Tai Tam Road to Shek O. Favourite local restaurant?

The Shek O Chinese & Thai – I need a good meal after the hike.

Most romantic Southside location?

My dining room – where else can I enjoy fresh air and a candle-lit dinner cooked by Juergen, my husband of 17 years?

For more information about indoor air purification, contact Massenbauer-Strafe at www.oxyvital.com.

local Southside vs the dark side

With rents rising and financial packages shrinking, Ms High Heels and Ms Havaianas weigh the pros and cons of moving to the New Territories.

Ms High Heels reveals why she would never, ever, leave Southside.

What's so great about apartment living?

Well, yes, it can be a squeeze, but we have such great facilities. We have a spa, hairdresser, sauna, reading room, manicurist, indoor pools, lagoon pools, and all just an elevator ride away. I love community living because it is so easy to meet interesting people from all around the world. We have a great social life.

Wouldn't the kids be happier with a garden?

They have lots of space to run around. There are small patches of lawn everywhere. Besides, think of the work involved – the mowing, pool cleaning, hedge trimming. We rarely find the kids stuck in front of our TV. It’s so easy for them to run next door and watch TV there. In the clubhouse the other day, two of my children had Mandarin tutoring and the oldest was in the salon getting a haircut while I sipped a glass of wine with my friends in the cafe. Now that's convenient.

Isn't it annoying not being able to park outside your front door?

Our driver can wait by the lobby doors. I’m not really sure where the car park is... I think you might be able to check on your spot before taking an apartment.

Surely the peace and quiet of suburbia is more appealing than Wong Nai Chung Gap Road on a Monday morning?

I am surprised how quiet it is in a high rise.

Some mornings it feels like it’s just me and the kites soaring outside. If noise worries you, put a curfew on the maid using the Dyson. I tell mine anytime after 11am is fine.

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Do you really need to be so close to Central?

I can be at the IFC Mall in eight minutes. Enough said. Any further than that and I think I might start feeling trapped and a bit panicky. I love that my husband can text me at 5pm on a weeknight to meet him for dinner and drinks in the Captain’s Bar. You could have a lovely open-plan kitchen in Clearwater Bay, rather than one closed off at the back of the apartment.

Oh gosh, of course – that door must lead to the kitchen! I don’t think I could violate my maid’s privacy by entering that room. And frankly, I can’t see why I’d need to. Besides, we have Food by Fone.

Southside's shops are quite expensive.

I only shop in Central. Sorry, you’re losing me...

Sai Kung houses have their own pools.

Our complex has a collection of pools that my children never seem to tire of. And then there’s the club, and friends’ pools...

Hong Kong Island is so small – don’t you feel claustrophobic?

It may be small, but it’s packed with great things to do – I haven’t crossed the harbour in months, except to go to the airport. What’s the point? We have everything the New Territories offers: great seafood restaurants a ferry ride away on Lamma, fabulous boating from Aberdeen and Middle Island, world-class hikes, beautiful beaches, even horse riding.

Plus we have better shopping, more restaurants, easier access to the arts...

Even the weather is better here: I heard

Pok Fu Lam has more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Hong Kong. It always seems so foggy in Sai Kung.

Ms Havaianas argues the case for country-house living.

Isn't living in a conventional house tedious?

An Island-based colleague came over the other day and her jaw dropped as she walked in to our house. “Our whole apartment is the size of your dining room!” she exclaimed. I don’t like to boast, but we have three floors, five bedrooms, separate living and dining rooms, a front yard, back garden, pool, and stunning sea views.

There’s a beach and country park hikes on the doorstep. And we pay the same rent she does.

It doesn't feel very “tedious”.

Who needs a garden when you’ve got a clubhouse soft-play area?

Our garden is a playground – the trampoline is a kid magnet and there’s a jacaranda tree that my eldest loves to climb. After school the neighbourhood kids hang out with their scooters, bikes, tennis racquets, swim in the communal pool or roam between houses.

Mosquitoes aren’t a problem except at dawn and dusk, when we simply close the windows to keep them out.

What’s so great about open-plan kitchens?

Don't you have domestic helpers?

Our kitchen island is the hub of the house. We have a helper, but I love cooking. The other day we had a dinner party and I was able to cook and chat, while the helper cleared up – perfect.

Isn't it a bit dull? What about the buzz of coffee shops and restaurants?

Sai Kung has plenty of places to hang out.

White Black Caffe and Colour Brown make

smackdown

fabulous coffee and there’s always Starbucks.

I often meet my friends in Man Nin Square.The international school and local children all play together in the playground and basketball court, or run around in the square, and us mums can keep watch while we have lunch/coffee/wine.

For dinner, family favourites are Jaspas, Occo and Anthony’s Ranch. And there’s an active bar scene at Agua Plus and Steamers. And, of course, Sai Kung is famous for its seafood restaurants, including Michelin-starred Loaf On. Where on earth do you shop?

It takes 30 minutes to drive to Central, or about 45 minutes by public transport. Sai Kung shopping is getting more upmarket with the arrival of G.O.D, TREE and Dymocks. And we have great independent local stores, where staff all know your name, such as “Harrods” aka Shun Kee City Homeware, TC Deli, Ali Oli Bakery and the Green Earth Society. Within relatively easy reach are the malls at Tseung Kwan O, Festival Walk, MegaBox, Sha Tin...

Top five things to do on Southside 1. Pack a cooler with wine and beer and head down to South Bay with the kids to watch the sunset over Ocean Park.

2. Lunch with the girls at Spices, followed by a browse round the Repulse Bay boutiques.

3. Hiking the Dragon’s Back – stunning views from arguably the best coastal walk in Asia.

4. Catch some waves or hire a kayak at Shek O, followed by a chilled out evening in Ben’s Back Bar. 5. Coffee in Stanley with the kids. A huge variety of coffee shops and casual restaurants, while the kids clamber all over the giant kids’ pirate ship in Stanley plaza.

Isn't getting home from town a pain at night?

It’s no harder for us to get a taxi than it is for you. And now that red cabs reduce the mileage rate over long distances, it’s cheaper than it used to be. However, you do have to tell the cab drivers to look out for feral cows.

What about sports clubs?

Yep, got ’em: Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong Marina and Hebe Haven Yacht Club are all in the area, as well as Curves and The Studio for exercise classes. Ever heard of the great outdoors? Sai Kung Country Park is big, beautiful and has miles of excellent hiking. My husband cycles at weekends, or we might walk to Trio Beach, or go sailing on a friend’s boat.

There’s a public pool complex, stadium and football pitch. And there’s a boot camp at the Lions Nature & Education Centre. Then there's kayaking, sailing, and a myriad of water sports.

This is outdoor living.

Top five things to do in the New Territories 1. Boat trips with friends and families to one of the island beaches or restaurants or both.

It’s beautiful, social and fun – like being on holiday every weekend.

2. Hiking: we have two Country Parks on our doorstep with so many trails you could do a different one every day. The views are stunning.

3. Lunar New Year in Sai Kung, when the lion dancers “compete” outside the temple and

the whole town comes out to watch.

4. Foot massage at Seafoot with the girls, all lined up on comfy leather loungers having your feet pummelled while putting the world to rights.

5. Picnicking on one of the many beaches, especially in the cooler months when you have the sand to yourself. We recommend Hoi Ha, deep in Sai Kung Country Park.

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Home Martine Beale asks the experts for advice on creating beautiful interiors.

What’s the best way to shop for an interior designer or contractor?

CB: Ask friends and family. Once you’ve found someone, make sure you get references – talking to a past client is a must – and ask if you can visit their renovation.

A personal visit will let you see exactly what the designer and

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contractor’s work is like.

JY: Look at their website and if you like the work, meet with them face to face.

GH: Word of mouth – most people in Hong Kong enjoy passing on good contacts. There are a lot of good interior-design magazines here that often list designers.

What are the key factors in picking a designer to work with?

RR: Meet before you commit.

You will be spending a lot of time together, so you want to ensure you are completely comfortable in giving the responsibility of redesigning your home to them.

JY: If you can imagine talking to them every day for however long

the project takes, then they’re the one. Whether the designer is willing to do a fee-design proposal for you is irrelevant as no designer could propose the right design without knowing you.

JN: Ensure they have an intuitive understanding of your style. There should be natural synergy and you need to be confident the designer

Meet the panel

Jenny Newton is based in Hong Kong, Sydney and London. She is a pioneer of eco-building materials and in Sydney has been developing a range of cellulose, 100 per cent organic furniture for her own Newton Collection. She loves to incorporate and honour nature in her projects. Her style is neo-rustic, with classical and industrial undertones.

Rm 303, East Ocean Centre, 98 Granville Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 8199 0260, jenny@newtonconcepts.net,www.newtonconcepts.net

Chunny Bhamra is a time-served tradesman with more than 20 years experience. A registered electrician, his company The Gryphon Workshop covers all aspects of renovation work. Tel: 9079 9475, chunnybh@ netvigator.com.

is able to grasp the different elements you want to incorporate.

What key information should you provide the interior designer with?

CB: Let them know your tastes in music, art, movies – anything that will help them design a place for YOU.

PH: Knowing whether you rent or own the property will have a huge impact on the design.

RR: It is helpful to bring images from magazines or photos that you like, especially if you know the atmosphere you want to create or your general style. This can be very useful.

Jason Yung and Caroline Ma formed Jason Caroline Design in 2001 focusing on residential and hospitality interiors and working “from the inside out”. Their projects have been published worldwide and the team has won numerous awards. In 2010 their company was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Designers in Greater China.

Room 1401, 14/F, 39 Wellington St, Central, 2517 7510, www. jasoncarolinedesign.com

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visitors' home help guide

Meet the panel

Peter Hunter is an international designer with three decades of design experience on luxury houses, apartments and yachts. With studios in Hong Kong and Paris, he brings an eclectic European vision to bespoke residential interiors and has an extensive portfolio of fine furniture, furnishings and objets d’art. Room 4A, 22-24 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, 2850 5580, www.peterhunterdesign.com

Ruth Rebuck and Greer Howland of Rebuck Howland Interiors specialise in interior design, landscape design and art consultancy, mixing their Western roots with local flavours to create elegant and warm homes. They offer a full range of interior design services from single room makeovers to complete construction projects.

Ruth Rebuck: 6355 3868. Greer Howland: 6461 4565. www. rhinteriors.com

Rugayah Dilworth, known as Rugy, founded Kaleidoscope Fabrics in 1984.

She stocks a huge range of furnishing fabrics and passementerie, from low cost to very expensive fabrics and furnishing designer brands. She can be consulted for furnishing a whole apartment or house. Suite D22, Fu Lam Hing, 8 Wah Fu Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2851 0808, rugy@ kaleidoscopefabrics.com

Catherine Cheung is the design director of The XSS. She studied architecture in New York, returning to Hong Kong in 2000. She prefers a more minimalist approach and won two awards in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2011. She takes on projects of all types and scales.

5/F Delta House, 3 On Yiu Street, Siu Lek Yuen, Sha Tin, 2739 8893, www.thexss.com.

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What are the advantages of buying from a one-stop-shop vs unique pieces from individual sources or bespoke?

GH: As Hong Kong lends itself so well to inexpensive, well-made custom pieces, it makes sense to create accent pieces that combine both form and function. That isn't to say you need to do this with everything you buy, the best results are usually a combination of both.

PH: Get bespoke only from wellknown suppliers. In bulk buying from one shop you might get a better discount. Also consider buying key pieces you can take when you leave Hong Kong.

CC: If you have time, try to find individual sources and mix and

match – unique pieces such as those made from recycled wood produce more interesting interiors.

JY: The only advantage of buying everything from one shop is to save time. A collection of what you like is very important. Mix and match. Avoid using the same brand throughout; mix textures, materials and age whether selecting building materials or furnishings. Think creatively when coordinating finishes.

JN: A one-stop-shop is quick, convenient and is likely to have an established ready-made style, so all the pieces should work well together. However, the result can be bland and generic. It’s great to source from different places, as the result is more personal. If you don’t

visitors' home help guide

Exclusive agent for fine furnishing fabrics & trimmings.

have time, that’s where a designer comes in.

What’s the best way to select a colour scheme you can live with for some time?

PH: Try not to cover large items with bold colours or patterns; be bold with artwork and accessories only.

RR: Pick colours you like being surrounded by. We usually recommend going a shade or two lighter – dark colours may look good in a few rooms, but in most instances they make rooms look smaller.

JY: Colours and textures create moods and feelings within spaces.

Use more natural and neutral colours as a backdrop, and go with

your favourite colours on furniture, bedding, curtains or paintings.

This way, if you get fed up with the colour you can change it.

Regular emulsion wall paint tends to get mouldy, is there an alternative?

CB: Paint does not go mouldy; the underlying plaster does. The only treatment is to strip the wall to the concrete or render and then prime, seal and prepare it with fresh plaster. Avoid using fungicide paints in children’s bedrooms and play areas.

JN: Clay paints or milk paints are natural alternatives. Alternatively invest in a natural plaster such as Tadelakt or Perfectino.

Suite 1102, Nine Queen’s Road, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2525 2738 sales@altfield.com.hk 15th Floor “E” Edificio Commercial Zhu Kuan Mansion Avenida Xian Xing Hai no’ 105 Macau Tel: (853) 2872 2531 macau_sales@altfield.com.hk www.altfield.com.hk

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visitors' home help guide

What’s a good way to create mood-enhancing lighting?

GH: Lamps and side lighting rather than the standard one light fixture in the centre of a room helps control the feel and mood.

PH: Lutron [dimmer control] is a great system and well known to contractors in Hong Kong. But only if you own the property – it’s a major job to install.

JY: As a rule of thumb, provide different sources; natural, main and secondary. A single ceiling light source is a big NO for lighting design. Avoid lighting up every corner or a whole room. Instead use lighting to highlight what you want to be seen; the space will look much nicer.

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How does direct sunlight affect fabrics and furnishings?

JY: UV from sunlight not only damages fabrics, but also wooden floors and artwork. Use good quality windows with low-emissivity glass (Low-e glass). This will also help control the temperature.

RD: Don’t use silk for curtains as it doesn’t weather well and will split. There are good silk-effect polyesters for curtains that come in full height, so they save on quantity and have no joins. If using silk for upholstery, then windows must have roller or Roman blinds to drop down during direct sunlight. We stock three types of fabrics that have different degrees of UV protection.

The best one is a slight sheer and will protect against direct sunlight

without entirely blocking a view.

JN: Go for a loose-weave jute that allows light in, but not glare. It protects colours and furnishings and keeps the place cool.

Many homes lack built-in storage – any suggestions?

RR: Try to maximise high spaces as often they are never seen. Have storage in mind when purchasing furniture, for example, a trunk could be used as a coffee table-comestorage unit.

PH: If you’re renting, buy freestanding wardrobes. If you own, then have more built- in; slice off part of a room or lose a room to make walk-in storage.

JY: Get them built. Use built-in storage to shape the space instead

of looking at it as purely closet space.

What’s a great way to fill large wall space?

JY: With a series of paintings or family photos. Alternatively, recessed wall lighting and a nice textured wall paint can make a plain wall look completely different.

JN: A green wall; a wall of plants with specially built-in irrigation.

Do air purifiers really help with allergies?

CC: Yes, but make sure you read the instructions carefully about the capacity of the unit and how much floor space it can purify – you may need more than one purifier for larger homes.

visitors' home help guide

Buyers’ Guide

Air Purifiers Oxyvital Tel: 2893 5928, www.oxyvital.com.

Indigo Living & Indigo Kids www.indigo-living.com Tel: 2552 3500

Antique furniture Altfield Gallery Tel: 2537-6370 gallery@altfield.com.hk www.altfield.com.hk

Okooko enquiries@okooko.com www.okooko.com Tel: 2989 9345

Carpets Oriental Rugs rugshop@biznetvigator.com, 2543 4565

JMStyle Furniture & Gallery info@jmstyle.com.hk www.jmstyle.com.hk 2989 6520

Phoenix Carpet Care phoenixcarpet@netvigator.com Tel: 2328 2287 Curtains ABBA Curtain Co Usefully, this company holds the window specs for all Bel-Air apartment configurations.

G/F 31 Tung Sing Road, Aberdeen, 2552 2880.

Ka Hin Curtain Co 147-149 Queens Rd East, Wan Chai, 2804 1999 Canaan Property Agency Ltd. canaanproperty@yahoo.com.hk, 2792 3678 Fabrics Altfield Interiors sales@altfield.com.hk, 2525 2738 Nuan Cashmere (Interior Cashmere) sales@nuancashmere.com, 9096 1645 www.nuancashmere.com, Fans Life’s A Breeze Huge range of fans in all shapes and size, indoors and out, ceiling, wall-hung and standing.

16/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2572 4000 Furniture Attic Lifestyle info@attic-lifestyle.com www.attic-lifestyle.com Tel: 2580 8552 G.O.D. facebook.com/goodsofdesire www.god.com.hk Tel: 2577 6899

TREE www.tree.com.hk Tel: 2997 8522 My Woodz caroline@mywoodz.com www.mywoodz.com Tel: 9522 6384 Kids furniture Tickitey Boo info@tickitey-boo.com www.tickitey-boo.com Outdoor furniture Wicka Designs enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com Tel: 2422 0885 Gardening & landscaping Leisure Turf and Landscape LTL@netvigator.com www.leisureturf.asia Tel: 2579 0323 / 9487 4710 Handyman services Cosy Homes Max Lee works anywhere in Southside.

Tel: 9129 2996 Deep Toor Furniture disposal, re-plastering, painting, custom-made furniture, plumbing and electrical work.

Tel: 8209 1793, elite930@hotmail.com Dr Fix It All Renovations, painting, wallpapering, custom-made furniture.

Tel: 2525 0055 Indo Handyman Tel: 2578 1865, sales@indohandyman.hk

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visitors' home help guide Home monitoring Easy Monitoring info@easymon.org www.easymon.org Tel: 3590 2820 Interior Design Box Design info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk Tel: 2573 3323 COMODO Interior & Furniture Design info@comododesign.com www.comododesign.com Tel: 2808 0991 Enoch Deco office@enochdeco.com www.enochdeco.com.hk 2503 2626 JCAW Consultants jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Tel: 2524 9988 Muse Studio Interior Design and Architecture info@musestudio.com.hk www.musestudio.com.hk Tel: 3620 2877

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Studio Annetta suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com Tel: 9849 1216

Christian Environmental Health a-s-a-p@ceh.com.hk www.ceh.com.hk Tel: 2370 9236

The XSS enquiry@thexss.com www.thexss.com Tel: 2739 8893

Hong Kong Ships' Fumigation info@hkshipsfumigation.com www.hkshipsfumigation.com Tel: 2891 2730 / 2891 9907

Lights & lamps Soong Arts Lampshades Offers a lampshade recovering service.

6 Square Street, Sheung Wan, 2549 0615

Relocation services AGS Four Winds Hong Kong For local or international removals.

Tel: 2885 9666, ags-hongkong@ fourwinds.com, www.agsfourwinds.com

Home Redesign Hong Kong Lampshade recovering service. www.homeredesignhk.com

Santa Fe Full-service relocation company.

Tel: 2574 6204, www.santaferelo.com

Miscellaneous Studio M Useful for “We have moved” announcement cards.

1104, Bonham Strand Trade Centre, 135 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2525 0765, www.studiomhk.com

Moving House Hong Kong “White-glove” unpacking and setting up service.

Tel: 2398 7818, info@movinghouse.com.hk, www. movinghouse.com.hk

Pest Control Biocycle info@biocycle.hk www.biocycle.com.hk Tel: 3575 2575

Specialist painting and decorating J&M Specialised Paint Finishes Paint finishing, gilding, Venetian Stucco Tel: 9802 9557, 6270 6376

Hong Kong Murals Fine art murals for children and adults Gail Deayton, 9722 8353, info@ hongkongmurals.com, www. hongkongmurals.com.

Waterproofing Rooves, walls, windows and bathrooms Asian Slate wgdavies@netvigator.com www.asianslate.com Tel: 6075 6694 Window Cleaner (Southside area) Mr Lam Tel: 3528 9951

visitors' fakingguide it

How to fake a masterpiece

In need of canvases to fill her walls, Carolynne Dear takes a champagne trip to Dafen art village.

I know I should have more soul when it comes to art. The trouble is I have a lot of wall space that seems to swallow up pictures but no time to schlep around galleries looking at overpriced canvases by artists I’ve never heard of. Besides, they might not match my cushions.

I needed art and I’d been told Dafen “art village” was the place to go. Just a few convenient kilometres across the border, Dafen is stuffed with art. A small Hermes purse full of Hong Kong dollars buys whatever you want: a large “original” canvas, a blatant copy of an Old Master, a photograph painted on canvas, or some expert framing.

So I gathered a few friends facing the same tiresome problem and we hired a car with Chinese plates and headed north.

A tip: get your paperwork sorted

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before you go. If you don’t have to organise a visa at the border, the crossing is a doddle. You don’t even have to get out of the car. With your passport, visa and Hong Kong ID card ready in advance, your driver simply hands everything to the immigration chap and all you need do is remove your Gucci sunnies at the appropriate moment.

But don’t forget your RMB. There is no ATM in Dafen and the artists don’t take credit. Ask your driver to cross the border at Lowu and start the day at the Shenzhen Shangri-la, where you can withdraw cash, order a coffee or a glass of bubbly and use a decent bathroom.

(Dafen lavatories leave a lot to be desired.) Unfortunately, no one had passed on this tip to us and we ended up having to drive practically to Guangzhou and back trying to

find an HSBC. Annabelle got her heels stuck in a grate trying to breach the security barrier at one. Thank goodness she was only wearing Zara Basics that she was happy to leave behind when the security bells starting clanging – Louboutins might have caused an international incident.

Thankfully, she had stuffed a spare pair of Tory Burch ballet flats into her shopping bag. God bless the Celine tote.

Dafen itself is sweet in a rustic, rough-and-ready sort of way. Amid all the art there is a good coffee shop that doubles as a bar. It didn’t serve food, but the gin fizzes were good. And by that time it was a relief to sit down. Julia and Suz had had some pictures framed, Tamsin had bought a canvas, and we had all ordered portraits to be painted from

adorable photos of the kids.

Talking of whom, here’s another tip: make sure your helper knows which children to pick up while you are away. Julia received a rather tiresome call from the bus mum and had to spend an exhausting 10 minutes explaining that Toby was fine to go up to the apartment on his own and that, anyway, his friend and her helper would be there in 10 minutes to take him to a music lesson. Unfortunately she couldn’t get good reception in the bar so she had to stand in the street shouting into her iPhone while passing delivery trucks hooted at her. She was frazzled after that and grateful for another gin fizz. It’s a good job us mothers are such experienced multi-taskers.

Another tip: do not buy a canvas bigger than the car you

Retirement Planning Pension Transfers (QROPS) Education Fees Funding Family Protection Retirement Planning Medical Insurance Pension Transfers (QROPS) Estate Duty Planning Education Fees Funding TrustsProtection & Wills Family General Medical Insurance Business Protection Estate Duty Planning Trusts & Wills

have hired. We all tried to be helpful but I could sense our driver getting a tad impatient as we attempted to manoeuvre Tamsin’s giant painting into the boot. But she insisted on taking it (“Darling, it’s going to look fabulous in that spot by the pool room”), so we ended up driving home with the picture roped to the back of the car. I have to admit, she was absolutely right.

Dafen is exhausting, so I would suggest rounding the trip off with a final visit to the Shenzhen Shangrila. The Veuve is nicely chilled.

To book a driver to Shenzhen, call Franki on 9036 2128 or email happyday2128@ netvigator.com. Or if Franki's fully booked, try Tommy on 6333 1101.

We offer personalised appointments to Generalone-on-one Insurance discuss you and your family’s financial wellbeing Business and protection needs. Protection Masterpieces R Us If you can’t be bothered going to Dafen, visit www. dafenvillageonline.com.

Select an artist – Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir – and have a freshly painted “masterpiece” delivered to your door. You can pick the size (some of those impressionist works can be a bit large afterall), and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee “no questions asked”. Monet’s “Garden Path at Giverny” is available for US$100, Picasso’s “Marie Therese” is currently on special offer at US$35 and Van Gogh’s “Irises” is US$40 – a bargain, considering the original is valued at US$105.4 million.

Most of our advisors at Carey, Suen & Associates We offer personalised one-on-one appointments to have lived in Discovery Bay for many years and discuss you and your family’s financial wellbeing take professional responsibility for our DB clients’ and protection needs. financial wellbeing.

To arrange an appointment with one of our DB Most of our advisors at Carey, Suen & Associates based senior advisors please contact us on have lived in Discovery Bay for many years and 2388-2331 or visit www.careysuen.com take professional responsibility for our DB clients’ financial wellbeing.

To arrange an appointment with one of our DB Carey, Suen and Associates based senior advisors please contact us on 2388-2331 or visit www.careysuen.com Suite 1201-2 General Commercial Building, 156-164 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2388 2331 Fax: (+852) 2328 2663 www.careysuen.com Member of the Professional Insurance Brokers Association PIBA-0324

Carey, Suen and Associates

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 25

hikes

Views over Repulse Bay from Violet Hill.

Petal power

Jackie Peers finds Violet Hill (almost) smothered in flowers

An appealing name is always a good start. I had occasion to wander up Violet Hill on Hong Kong Island recently – on a small reconnaissance mission – and, given the name, was hoping for a good floral display. (The English name is pretty much a direct translation from the Chinese, Tsz Lo Lan Shan.) “Smothered” may be a slight exaggeration, but I was charmed by the flowers I found, including the beautiful Iris speculatrix, for which Violet Hill is named. It looks much like a delicate lavender butterfly with spotted wings. (Don’t pick – they’re protected.) By April, you may be a little late for the iris – look for it next spring – but there are plenty of other reasons to wander this way.

Violet Hill is one of four peaks overlooking Tai Tam Reservoir, with a choice of three trails going around or over it, with steeper or more leisurely options, views across the valleys, reservoirs and out to sea, and a number of possibilities for lunch afterwards. Start the trail at Wong Nai Chung Gap, the same starting point as for the Tai Tam Waterways Heritage walk. Catch

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the no.6 bus from Stanley, or get a taxi to Parkview and start up the shrubcovered ridge. While the irises may be finished, the azaleas are prolific and long-flowering and should still be putting on a good show. Keep going up steadily, and you’ll be rewarded by lovely views from the top over the reservoir – rather empty at present – and across to Repulse Bay Descend by a steep ridge to Repulse Bay, passing through lovely natural landscape. Keeping with my theme of flowers, I bumped into Enkianthus quinqueflorus, which my friend Randi (who knows about plants) calls China Bells. Apparently they used to be a popular Lunar New Year flower, and are still sought out by older folk, but they’re seldom available from nurseries and considered quite rare so it was quite a highlight to see them growing happily in their natural state. Keep going down to the World War II battery remains, and signposted options for a retreat off the hillside.

If you’re feeling perky, from the top of Violet Hill you can just discern the steps up to the first peak of The Twins. Strike out for them and you’ll

step it up

It's a 1,000-step challenge but view is well worth it. really earn your lunch, which could be at any of Stanley’s tempting bars or eateries. The climb up the first peak is a challenging 1,000 steps – do it soon, before temperatures rise. After that, the second peak seems a doddle, overlooking Chung Hom Kok and Stanley. On the way down, there’s an information board with a labeled panoramic photo pointing out the landmarks. From the trail exit at Stanley Gap, make a steep descent dodging the traffic down to Stanley or hop onto a passing bus for a more leisurely ride.

Jackie Peers is a director of Walk Hong Kong, a unique company that reveals Hong Kong to visitors.

She also runs photography courses in the Sai Kung area. Details at www.walkhongkong.com.

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eating

Easter feasters

There are egg hunts, brunches and special deals galore this holiday.

Here’s where.

Le Meridien Join the Easter fun at Le Meridien in Cyberport with an egg hunt and drawing competition on Easter Sunday and Monday. The egg hunt starts at 1pm for kids aged between 3 and 10 and who are dining with their parents.

There will be prizes galore and littlies can also enter a drawing competition.

The buffet runs from 11.30am-3pm. For an additional $150/person enjoy free-flowing Moet et Chandon. $538/adult, half price for children and one child for every two adults dines free. Email prompt.lmc@lemeridien.com or call 2980 7417 to book.

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Classified Kids eat free at Classified’s Stanley Plaza branch this Easter. For every dining adult, an accompanying child can eat free from the kids menu. The offer is available Mon-Thu after 6pm until April 12. Also available this month is the Classified pizza and wine promotion. For just $190 a couple, choose from a selection of freshly-baked pizzas plus two glasses of signature red or white wine. The offer is available Mon-Thu, 6pm-10.30pm, excluding public holidays, until June 30. G/F Stanley Plaza, 2563 3454, info@ classifiedfood.com.

choc-tastic Wildfire Easter is the chocolate festival, and to celebrate Wildfire is even serving up chocolate pizza. From April 4-9, try its eight-inch dark chocolate pizza – a luscious creation of chocolate paste, caramelized bananas, strawberries, pistachios, ricotta cheese, shaved white chocolate and coconut flakes. For an additional $35, try it with a mocktail. 2/F Murray House, Stanley, 2261 2999, wildfirestanley@cafedecogroup.com.

Top Deck Top Deck is serving Easter Brunch with an egg hunt for the kids. Catch a sampan to the Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant, then sit back and enjoy free-flowing bubbly, wines, sodas and juices. April 6-9, 11am-4pm. $428 ($168 for children aged three to 11 years) For reservations, call 2552 3331 or email topdeck@cafedecogroup.com.

Chocolate cake

Make your own gooey chocolate cake this Easter.

Ingredients 60g cake flour 60g all-purpose flour ¾ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 60g unsalted butter 65g granulated sugar 50g soft brown sugar 1.5 large eggs 114ml melted dark chocolate 2 tbsp sour cream ½ tsp vanilla extract 3 Livanto Grand Cru Nespresso capsules

For the frosting 200ml heavy cream 168g bitter chocolate, finely chopped 2 tbsp unsalted butter Raspberries or mini-eggs to garnish

Method 1. Pre-heat oven to 180 deg C. Grease a cake tin and line with baking paper.

2. Sift together dry ingredients (flour, soda and salt). Then make three cups of Livanto espresso and allow to cool.

3. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs, dark chocolate, vanilla and sour cream and combine.

4. Into the batter, slowly mix two tablespoons of the dry ingredients, followed by one tablespoon of coffee. Repeat until all the dry ingredients are combined into a smooth mixture.

5. Pour into a greased cake tin and bake for 30 minutes. Then allow to cool on a wire rack.

6. Make the chocolate ganache frosting by melting the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.

7. In another pan, bring the cream to a simmer and add the melted chocolate.

8. Whisk the butter to a smooth consistency and work in the chocolate cream mixture. Leave the mixture at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

9. Spread over the cooled cake and garnish with raspberries or mini-eggs.

Thanks to Nespresso and Shanghai Tang for coming up with our Easter recipe.

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outdoors

Junk tripping

Tom Hilditch browses the South China morning coast.

On a beautifully clear morning, the top deck of a junk cruising out of Aberdeen harbour is a setting that brings clarity of thought and purpose.

With a beer in hand and the weekend spreadeagled before you, the existence of Monday can be denied against the backdrop of spectacular island formations, warbling jet skis and the odd cargo ship. In the grip of such seafaring spirituality you may find yourself able to wrestle with a midlife crisis or come to terms, intellectually, with the banging pantomime that is Chinese opera. If you are at the crossroads of a moral dilemma it may be worth organising a junk trip if only to secure some quality couch time with the South China morning coast.

There are three standard junk packages on offer, depending on your need, greed and budget. The most economical is a standard sampan hired on the day from waterfront touts and used as a taxi. Theoretically, this gives you freedom and spontaneity, but you must organise all the provisions yourself and that can spiral out of control. Unless you’re planning

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just add salt

to charter HMS Pinafore, you can forget the champagne flutes and fondue set. Reliable and unambiguous arrangements for a safe journey home also need to be confirmed as any cock-ups in this department may involve an expensive and embarrassing helicopter ride.

For those who prefer not to assemble their own IKEA furniture, there is the fully catered, all-inclusive junk. This represents the Club 18-30 end of the market and involves organising nothing more than a trip to the ATM prior to boarding. Everything is taken care of from secluded beach destinations to the main course, but bring your own mp3 player or you may find yourself listening to the 16-year-old dishwasher’s “Glee” compilation all day.

Going against the old adage of never mixing food, alcohol and swimming I always have a great time on these trips.

The compromise boat trip, and my preference, is to book a slightly more stylish cruiser and sail to a seafood restaurant conveniently positioned near a beach. Nibbles and aperitifs need to be acquired for the short

outward leg, but using the boat’s fridge facilities and leaving everything onboard means logistics can be kept to a minimum. Lunch is consumed in a civilised manner and at a leisurely pace on terra firma, allowing plenty of time for swimming, a siesta and any amount of overly indulgent recreational quaffing.

There is, of course, another way to gain free unlimited access to the Sai Kung archipelago and that is to cultivate a friendship with someone who owns a boat. Once this would have involved soliciting outside Aberdeen Boat Club, looking for lonely gweilo skippers to entrap. But Hong Kong boat owners are no longer all expat blokes with public-school accents and a kilogram of Swiss bling strapped to their wrists. Simply ask around any Stanley pub and you’ll be surprised who has access to seaworthy craft. I have a mate with a quarter share in a 35-foot catamaran, and he’s never out of a pair of Dunlop Green Flash and wears a fake “Timex” from the Ladies Market.

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visitors' outdoors guide

Where to hire a junk

Island Junks What style of junks do you offer for hire?

Hong Kong’s quintessential teak junks.

How many guests do they carry?

Up to 50 guests per junk.

Where do you sail?

It’s up to the client, but some of the locations that we regularly visit include Lantau Island, Lamma Island, Po Toi Island, HK Island’s south-side, Clearwater Bay, and the Sai Kung area (including Long Ke & Tai Long Wan).

Is food and drink provided?

Guests can enjoy our catering services or provide their own. We also offer additional services such as speedboat rental and even on-board Thai Massage.

Where do your junks sail from?

Again, this is up to the client. Some of the more popular start/finish points are Aberdeen, Stanley, Central, TST, Causeway Bay and Sai Kung.

Do you take bookings for half days?

You can book for as long as you want! Just let us know your plan and we can provide a solution.

Do you provide life vests?

We certainly do. This is required by law. We also provide sun-screen, snorkelling equipment and towels.

All we ask is that guests bring their iPod to enjoy their own music on board.

Tel: 2877 5222 info@islandjunks.com.hk www. islandjunks.com.hk

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Hong Kong Yachting What style of junks do you have?

30 & 40 person traditional wooden & white junks are available for daytime charter. All boats are equipped with iPod compatible music systems, upper sun decks, kitchenette facilities, washroom & shaded back area.

Alternatively choose from two of our flagship sailing boats, Circus (capacity 10) & V1 (capacity 18).

These boats are available for private charter for a few hours or a full day of adventure sailing. Charter the boats to hop between local islands, learn the basics of sailing or simply relax and enjoy a glass of wine.

All boats come with a driver and crew member.

Where do you sail?

It’s up to the client, but popular routes include seafood lunch on Po Toi Island, mooring at South Bay or Millionaire’s Beach and trips to Lamma. Charter routes on the sailing yachts depend on the wind on the day of charter.

Is food and drink provided?

We partner with several external catering companies so please speak to us for options. Drinks packages & boutique Aussie wines from sister company Adelaide Cellar Door are available. Another option is to have an early seafood lunch on one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands before motoring out to a quiet bay for an afternoon swim. All charters on V1

& Circus are inclusive of free flow drinks (wines, beer & soft drinks).

Where do the junks sail from?

Departure piers include Aberdeen, Central & Stanley. Other piers are available on request.

Can you book for half days, or whole day only?

Minimum charter time is 3 hours to a full day.

What’s the cost involved?

Junk prices start at $6,500, sailing yachts from $750pp.

Tel: 2526 0151 info@hongkongyachting.com www.hongkongyachting.com

visitors' outdoors guide

Junk Food restaurants on the Sok Kwu Wan strip. One departed expat we know still dreams about its black-pepper prawns – try them and you’ll understand why.

Or try...

Aqua Luna, www.aqualuna.com.hk, 2854 1813 Jaspas Party Junks, www. jaspasjunk.com, 27926001 Jubilee, www.jubilee.hk, 3555 5666 Mes Amis, www.mesamis.com.hk, 3170 7063 Michelangelo, www. luxurysuperjunk.com, 6111 3544 Standard Boats, www. standardboat.hk, 2570 1792 The Huan, www.spysea.net, 2861 2921 Vikings Charter, www. boatandboating.com, 2576 8992.

Yau Ley Sha Kiu Tsuen, High Island, 2791 1822, www.yauleyseafood.com.hk Weekends see this seafood restaurant thronged with rosycheeked people chowing down on curry crab and steamed garoupa while the kids play on the white beach, and the occasional millionaire drops by in his chopper.

Seafood Island 7 Po Toi O, Clearwater Bay, 2719 5730

After a day at one of the Clearwater Bay beaches, pull up a chair at Seafood Island for steamed mantis shrimp and razor clams with black bean. With luck, you’ll nab a table on the breezy pier.

Lamma Hilton Shum Kee Restaurant 26 Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma, 29828290, 2982-8241 For our money, this is among the best of the Cantonese seafood

Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant Po Toi Island, 2849-7038 This place has legions of fans, drawn by its picturesque island location, large wooden terrace open to the sea on three sides and exceptional black-pepper squid.

Treat yourself to a Haagen-Dazs ice cream for pud.

Jaspas Beach Club Pak A Village, Sai Kung Country Park, 2792 4733, jaspas-bc@ casteloconcepts.com Jaspas’ isolated outpost is a charming, whitewashed restaurant with a laidback “Mamma Mia!” vibe in a deserted village. Chill on a daybed while choosing between Cantonese seafood or pizzas, ribs and salads.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 33

living Zing for spring

Here comes the sun. Celebrate with cheery accessories.

Handblown glass lamps from New York brand Niche Modern come in 14 shapes, six finishes and nine colours (including Sapphire, pictured). Cluster for dramatic effect. Kitchens+Interiors, 1/F Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central, 2810 0979, www. kitchensandinteriors.hk.

Dress up your Easter table in style with these cute cake stands. For more in bunny chic, see www.attic-lifestyle.com

Banish the beige with a burst of fresh spring colour from the new range of fabrics at Altfield Interiors. Pictured: Solange drapes in Framboise. 1102, 9 Queen’s Road Central, www.altfield.com.hk.

Go retro with a repro 1950s Featherston armchair. Indigo Living, 6/F, Horizon Plaza; Repulse Bay Shopping Plaza; and Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.indigo-living.com.

These cheerful outdoor rugs are woven from recycled plastic bags and come in a variety of colours and sizes. Wicka Designs, 1/F, BT Centre, Wong Chuk Hang, www.wickadesigns.com.

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lighten up

Luxury bedding brand Sleep Naked has launched a tailor-made bed linen service. Order online at www.sleepnaked.com and receive personalised sheets in 100 per cent crisp cotton, waffle towelling robes or combed cotton towels within 10 days.

Sydney-based designer Dimity Kidston produces the gorgeously textured Dimity ceramics using a “sgraffito� technique, etching a pattern into the surface to reveal the colourful glaze.

TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau and Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.tree.com.hk.

Perfect for sultry evenings, these innovative candles can be customized any way you like.

Available in 22cm and 26cm sizes, $320-$350, from www.zestofasia. com.

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promotion

Cyberport’s new direction

The Arcade has a new focus on homeware and furniture stores.

This month, we visit G.O.D and TREE. G.O.D Whimsical, witty, stylish and Hong Kong to the core, modern lifestyle brand G.O.D has won legions of local fans. Now Southsiders can get their fix of its distinctive contemporary-Hong Kong design fusion in The Arcade, Cyberport, the latest of the brand’s eight outlets.

The name is an acronym for Goods of Desire, and also a phonetic translation of the Chinese phrase “to live better”, perfectly encapsulating the cheeky, east-meets-west design philosophy of the brand. It takes Hong Kong icons such as Good Morning towels, Yau Ma Tei tenements, Chinese newspapers and even taxi signs and uses them on everything from oven gloves to eye masks, cushions to welcome mats.

As well as homeware accessories, the Cyberport store features a range of furniture such as Artic L-shaped sofas, Franz stitched leather chairs and sofas and the chunky Magnum range. And look for clothing emblazoned with the tongue-in-cheek Delay No More slogan, as well as pieces with a distinctively Chinese influence.

The shelving system at the Cyberport store uses ladders as its primary structure, giving a strong sense of verticality to the space and providing efficient displays. With its full range of products, the Cyberport store offers the full G.O.D experience and rapidly changing displays and new releases ensures there’s always something new and fun to see.

Check out the Facebook page for promotions and specials for Southsiders, and stay tuned for what the company promises will be exciting new crossovers later in the year.

G.O.D is open daily, Shop 208, Level 2, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2577 6899, facebook.com/goodsofdesire, www.god.com.hk

Free Parking

Shoppers who spend $100 or more at The Arcade are entitled to two hours free parking; spend $200 or more for three hours free parking. Drivers of electric vehicles who recharge at Cyberport can get three hours free parking.

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TREE Eco-chic furniture boutique TREE has been busy branching out with two new stores opening in the past few months, including the 6,000 sqft Cyberport store. It is stocked with the brand’s unique contemporary furniture made from teak wood. Many pieces have the special patina and individuality that comes from recycled, reclaimed and reloved wood, and other ranges are produced in responsibly sourced wood certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Managing director Kate Babington says, “The Arcade, Cyberport was an opportunity to have a significant space right on the doorsteps for some of our most loyal customers and give them access on a more regular basis.”

In keeping with its green credentials, TREE has an ongoing tree-planting campaign. “We recently planted another 10,000 trees on top of 20,000 trees that we’ve planted previously,” Babington says. “It’s only with the support of our customers we can build on some of the extracurricular activities.”

As well as the recycled and FSC woods, TREE also sources many of its “finishing touches” from the communities where it sources wood and does business, helping to keep traditional crafts alive. And keep an eye out for its one-off ranges, such as bookcases made from an old dragon boat and the Ferum range, which incorporates wood from retired Indonesian fishing boats, preserving the original paint from the once brightly coloured boats.

TREE is open daily, Shop 311, Level 3, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2997 8522, www.tree.com.hk

Special Offers

The Cyberport Privilege Card offers exclusive discounts.

Apply at the Customer Service Counter in The Arcade or online at offer.cyberport.hk Enquiries - facebook.com/arcade.cyberport - 3166 3111

education

expansion plans

A class act

Principal Alison Sewell tells us why The Southside Kindergarten offers a good start to school life.

Tell us a bit about Southside Kindergarten.

Southside is an independent, co-educational kindergarten founded by Cheryl Raper in 2000. She had previously co-founded Highgate House Kindergarten and introduced Sylvan Learning to Hong Kong, so she has more than 20 years’ experience running schools in Hong Kong. She is a mathematics graduate, with a diploma in special needs and she chairs FOCUS (Focus on Children’s Understanding in School), a Hong Kong charity supporting children with specific learning differences and attention issues.

What curriculum do you follow?

Our formal curriculum was designed to cover the Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum in the areas of personal, social and emotional development, language and literacy, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, as well as physical and creative development. We teach in English, but provide exposure to Mandarin on a daily basis. We also use specialist teachers for music and arts and craft activities. We place a strong emphasis on the “hidden curriculum”, ensuring children learn life skills that will help them settle easily into primary school.

What ages do you cater for and how many students do you have?

We accept children from two years and eight months to six years old. Our six classes typically have 18 children or fewer, with a senior teacher and one or two support teachers or educational assistants.

The pupil-teacher ratio is typically less than six-to-one for younger children and less than nine-to-one for older children.

Do you run any extra-curricular activities?

We offer afternoon Mandarin classes from 2pm-4pm for children aged three to five years. We provide activities to practice in Mandarin, including stories and drama, art and craft, Lego and puppet shows. Through our association with Sylvan Learning, we offer individual instruction in mathematics and Beginning Reading.

What are the school’s educational philosophies and core values?

Our educational philosophy follows the approach pioneered by Lev Vygotsky. The main strength of his approach is the emphasis on the underlying cognitive skills; self-regulation, deliberate memory and focused attention. The development of these skills can have a radical effect on a child’s outlook toward school. We use play as a primary learning activity.

Do you have any outdoor play space?

In addition to a bright, air-conditioned indoor area we have the use of a large outdoor play area above the school.

What are your entry requirements?

There are no academic admissions tests and parents are encouraged to apply well in advance.

Do you cater for primary one students?

We are able to accommodate children in a primary one programme. The high teacherto-pupil ratio, coupled with individually prescribed Beginning Reading and Early Mathematics programmes from Sylvan and the school’s focus on life skills, help us ensure children are well prepared for the later transition to primary school.

Do you run open-days for interested parents?

We strongly encourage parents to arrange a visit with their child, and experience the atmosphere for themselves.

What sets you apart from other preschools?

Hong Kong has many good-quality international kindergartens. It can be easy to focus on the five per cent that is done differently and forget that what really matters is how well they do the 95 per cent that is the same. Our goal is to make every child at Southside feel safe, loved and happy. Trust your parental intuition.

For more details, contact 2592 7527, email info@southside.edu.hk or visit G203 The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay.

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family

xxxx

Smart apps for clever kids

Turn the family iPad into a force for good with educational apps picked by teachers, writes Carolynne Dear The iPad has been revolutionary for our family. It has become the entertainment unit du jour for my children and it’s so robust and simple to use even my three-year-old has managed to teach himself the alphabet watching Sesame Street downloads. However, not all apps are as wholesome. So in a quest to turn our iPad into an educational tool rather than an games console, we canvased local teachers for their recommendations then asked Scarlet, 5, and India, 7, to put them to the test.

Pre-schoolers and early primary Kid Genius ($0.99) An easy-to-navigate app featuring sight words, the alphabet and numbers with a character- and number-tracing facility. We enjoyed this app, Scarlet called it “fun” and enjoyed the number tracing, particularly as she is having difficulty with some of her numbers at school. The vocals are American and there was some confusion over words, such as “Scotch tape” rather than the British “sellotape”.

Word Magic ($0.99) Great for spelling and sounding out simple words. We looked at three-letter word formations. The audio repeats the word and the child has to find the correct letters to make up the gaps in the written version. So for “b _ x”, Scarlet dragged in an “o” to make “box”. She picked it up quickly and was proud of her successes. There is lots of vocal encouragement and she was particularly pleased to be described as “awesome”.

ABC Magic Reading (free) This app helps with letter blending and segmenting. Tap the letters individually to listen to the sound, then make up the word – once you’ve completed a word correctly, a picture of the word appears. Scarlet enjoyed

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Primary schoolers (aged six and up) it but there was not much verbal encouragement and she was confused by the American accent; for “ram” she heard “whale”.

ABC Magic 3 Line Match (free) A simple but enjoyable game matching words that start with the same letter. 123 Number Magic (free) is similar but doesn’t work so well – Scarlet found it easier to “cheat” by clicking on the domino or the string of beads and being told how many dots or beads there were rather than working it out for herself.

The word game was a lot more challenging.

Bob Books Reading Magic ($3.99) The most expensive app we tested in this age range, but Scarlet’s favourite with more appealing graphics and audio. The child clicks on an element of the picture, such as the cat or the girl, then drags the letters supplied to spell the word. Once you have clicked and spelled all the elements in the picture, the apps puts them together to make up a sentence.

For example, “Sam has a cat”. Scarlet was chuffed to have spelled an entire sentence.

Arithmetic ($1.99) Great for a quick brain-stretch – simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division sums. We loved the realistic (but old-fashioned) chalkboard sound effects. This is a straight-forward, no-frills arithmetic test. If your child is not yet studying multiplication or division, you can choose addition and subtraction.

Good for a quick blast each evening.

Spellboard ($4.99) Brilliant for students at all spelling levels. Load the week’s spelling words orally, then the children can test themselves either by unscrambling the letters or listening to the word and typing it back. There’s even a pinboard for each child’s word lists. I use this for five or 10 minutes a night with both my seven- and nine-year-old.

Dictionary.com (free) Sometimes the oldies are still the best.

This free app is a very useful dictionary, with a “hot word of the day” and rapid access to more than a million words and 90,000 thesaurus entries.

BrainPOP (free) A fun memory test – you watch a short movie and are then tested on it. India enjoyed this one, and it’s great for improving memory and recall.

Tap Times Tables ($2.99) The Bunny Shooter of times tables, with fantastic graphics and sound. Snow flakes containing numbers float around the

for smalls

Mandarin apps

snowy screen scene and every time you “pop” the correct number bubble, a squirrel either throws an acorn to burst it or screams its approval: “Yay! You got another one!” Tables run from ones through to fives. To go through to twelves, you need to purchase the extended app. India found this fun – and anything that can make times tables enjoyable has got to be good news.

Kids Mandarin Great for basic Mandarin words with a button you can press to repeat the word as many times as you like. It covers subjects such as colours, body parts, weather and food.

Easy Chinese Writing A useful app that teaches kids to trace Chinese characters in traditional or simplified characters.

AGS FW HongKong_kanganews_93x120_1601_ctp.pdf 1 1/16/2012 11:03:30 AM

Teachers from Woodland Preschools also recommended the following for Chinese practice: Mindsnacks Mandarin, Eson Puthonghua, eBay Mandarin flashcards and Love Chinese.

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visitors' family guide

The Stop

Bugaboo Bee+

Carolynne Dear contemplates social suicide and her first junk trip.

$6,399 Sand & Water Playtable with Lid

Mustela Sun Cream Range

$675

from

$95

Bouncy Castle

Playtent

$450 Raleigh Mx 12” or Molly 12”

$675 Mini Micro Scooter

$720 $1,399 each Waterpillar

red, blue, pink, green, yellow or orange

Mamas and Papas Rialto Cot Bed

$180 $3,999 excluding mattress Pedder Building Store: 5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central. T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store: 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. T: 2552 5000

www.bumpstobabes.com

Summer catalogue now in store

Standing in the spring sunshine at The Stop, I’m noticing the pullovers and jeans are coming off and T-shirts, shorts and sundresses are making a comeback. Or in my case, Lycra. I’m making a lastditch attempt at a bikinifriendly body – or even a shorts-and-T-shirt-friendly body – before summer sets in. I am working really hard at the gym because I have booked our family’s very first junk trip.

We are possibly the only expat family in Hong Kong that has never been on a junk. Maybe we have too many small, non-swimming children, or perhaps we are just lazy, but so far our Hong Kong summers have stretched to nothing more taxing than trips to South Bay or Aberdeen public pool. They are both fine locations, but I feel it’s time to spread our (water) wings.

Besides, it has become something of a conversation stopper. Even the neighbours who moved in six months ago have managed two junk trips, plus excursions to the Big Buddha, Disneyland and a pink dolphin-viewing trip, none of which we have managed so far. Even my mother has seen more, and she’s only been to Hong Kong twice.

Now I might be paranoid, but I get the feeling that mentioning you’ve never been invited on a junk is social suicide. You’re basically admitting none of your friends likes you enough to spend a whole day in close proximity with you, with no chance of escape.

At The Stop the news is greeted with stunned silence, then an incredulous, “Wow! Never been on a junk?” And then everyone launches into their own personal junk anecdotes, some of which do nothing to sell the idea to me.

“Never book a junk in May,” warns one Stop friend. Her first brush with junk tripping involved teeming rain, metre-high waves and an emergency bail-out at Stanley pier after a member of the party commandeered the steering wheel and demanded the captain land the craft.

“We had to sort of throw the children onto the pier and then jump. There were people stopping to take photos,” she recalls.

Fortunately subsequent trips have rendered her two children slightly less petrified. Although the trip is apparently still referred to as “The day Mummy and Daddy took us on a junk and we nearly drowned”. It made good copy in that week’s show and tell, apparently.

Despite the horror stories, I have taken the plunge and booked the Jaspas Party Junk. We set sail from Sai Kung with a group of game friends in a few weeks. I’m immensely looking forward to it and I may even dig out my bikini. Although that really might be social suicide.

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16/3/12 2:43 PM

visitors' family guide

Gearing up for summer

For audition calls to designer must-have, we've got it covered.

Go Native Native shoes, the latest celebrity “must have” from Canada, are now available at Stanley Plaza’s Mama Kid. The colourful shoes, made from eco-friendly, lightweight EVA, have been spotted on such famous feet as those belonging to Pax Jolie-Pitt and Sascha Obama. The super-flexible shoes come in a rainbow of bright colours and are comfy, easy to clean – and super hip. Shop 103A, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley.

Looking for mini-models French children’s fashion specialist Little Parisians has launched a new website and showroom and is celebrating with a free 90-minute photo session for all orders of more than $4,000. Founders Helene and Guillaume Faucher are also running a photo contest for the face of the Little Parisians Winter ’12 lookbook and advertising campaign.

To enter, children must be aged 18 months to 12 years. Parents can register online at www.

little-parisians.com until June 30. The showroom is open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-6pm, 8/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central.

Easter sports camp Hong Kong Parkview is offering a multi-sport Easter camp for energetic youngsters during the upcoming school holidays. Aimed at children aged four and up, the three- or five-day courses include tennis, mini-rugby, soccer, hockey and basketball.

The courses run from April 2-6, and from April 9-13, and cost $1,560 for three days or $2,400 for five days. For details, contact the spa and resort reception on 2812 3945.

Wanted – little orphans for Annie The smash-hit musical Annie is coming to the Lyric Theatre on May 31 and producers are looking for 18 girls to join the cast as orphans.

Hong Kong’s budding actresses will join British star Su Pollard, and veteran West End actor David McAlister. Interested girls aged six to 14, who are less than 1.57 metres (5’ 2”) tall and who can sing, dance and act should register by emailing

lunchbox.productions.hk@gmail.com. Auditions will be held on April 13 and 14, so get in quick.

Spring’s all sewn up Designer duo Poppy & Jules will be revealing their spring/summer collection at a pop-up event later this month.

The brand’s signature item, the tunic, has spread its wings in a variety of designs.

The collection also incorporates black and white geometric prints, flattering Marlene Dietrich-style flared pants and shirt dresses. And team the new hot pants in block prints with a pair of wedges for endless legs under those endless summer nights.

Check it all out at the Poppy & Jules pop-up sale, 17 April, 9am-2pm, Repulse Bay. For address details, email contact@ poppyandjules.com

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health & beauty

In seventh heaven

Carolynne Dear indulges with the new Muusa Massage....

Oh the stresses and strains of modern life. My appointment to test the new Muusa massage had been cancelled and re-scheduled three times. There was the meeting that over-ran at work on Tuesday, then the emergency dash to hospital when my middle daughter broke her arm on Wednesday. Thursday involved another work-based crisis. I toyed with Saturday afternoon, but daughter number one’s netball

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tournament put paid to that. So the following Tuesday it was.

Now I do think Asian spas put the rest of the world in the shade. And Sense of Touch in Repulse Bay has all those lovely touches that quite frankly, do make a difference. From the beautifully decorated treatment rooms complete with showers, to the teaspoon of Manuka honey before a signature treatment

begins (it sweetens the body in anticipation of the treatment, explained my masseur and spa manager Jumi Lee), you’re beginning to feel a little bit special before the main event has even begun.

The Muusa massage is new to Sense of Touch, in fact it’s new to Hong Kong full-stop.

The Repulse Bay spa is the first in Asia to have introduced the novel Italian technique.

nap-time I’ll admit, it did sound a bit of a gimmick.

I’d read my introductory press pack and to be honest, I wasn’t quite sure how it was all going to work. According to the brochure, the music that accompanies the massage is created by the movements of the therapist, “resulting in a uniquely exotic and relaxing experience where every massage creates its own personalized soundtrack.”

How this works in practice, is that the therapist wears a sensor around her arm that transmits her movements into sound waves – the theory goes that the more tense you are, the harder the pressure as she smooths those knots, which translates into a certain frequency.

And I have to admit to being quite impressed. The music really did mirror how I was feeling and worked incredibly well with Lee’s movements. It rose and it fell, it ebbed and it flowed. Not a jarring whale wail to be heard. And I’m not sure if I should be admitting to this, but I did have a bit of a nanna nap halfway through (who knows whether this is more to do with me getting older or the skill of the masseuse or the flow of the music, but it felt thoroughly indulgent to be dropping off on a Tuesday lunchtime).

At the end of the treatment, I lay there willing it not to be over. Maybe we were only halfway through? But no, the bell chimed and there was no denying I had to get up and dressed, and back to the office.

Lee explained that I’d experienced the hourlong Seventh Heaven Muusa massage, which uses the piano. “The Muusa is a nice treatment for us therapists,” she said. “It harmonises the oils, the touch of the therapist, the client’s state of being and the background music.”

All clients are presented with a unique CD of the music created during their Muusa experience. I’m hoping for a quiet hour this evening to replay my luxurious lunch-hour. But failing that, I will definitely be back to Sense of Touch for a repeat performance next month. A piano recital has never held so much appeal.

Beauty Spots

The Organic Pharmacy has introduced its Mother & Baby Care range to Hong Kong. The range uses 100% organic ingredients that have been certified by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the Soil Association of Great Britain. Products include Apricot and Chamomile baby lotion, wash, shampoo and conditioner; a Lavender and Chamomile milk bath; Mother & Baby massage oil; Miracle Nipple Cream and a nappy balm and oils for stretch marks. All are available from Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place.

Seventh Heaven Massage, $990/60 mins. Sense of Touch in Repulse Bay Shopping Arcade, Repulse Bay Road, is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday 11am – 7pm. Call 2592 9668 for an appointment.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

pets Snack attack

Sneaky treats are bad for your waistline, but worse for your pets, writes Dr Carmel Taylor.

For many of us, holidays such as Easter are the perfect excuse to gorge on exotic confectionaries. For staff at vet clinics, it usually means the phone is ringing off the hook with panicked owners screaming, “My dog’s been poisoned!”

Contrary to popular belief, few animals are maliciously poisoned. Most toxic dramas involve serial offenders in the “dietary indiscretion” category. But at holiday times instead of having to ransack the cupboards for a tasty Brillo pad, or prise open schoolbags to scoff school projects, we make it easy for them.

Let’s face it, dogs are substantially more successful than overexcited toddlers at finding the strategically hidden cornucopia that the Easter Bunny brings. Attempted “death by chocolate” is a common reason for hospitalisation this season and, bizarrely, many of these dogs are chocolate labs with apt names like Cadbury or Rolo…

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can cause cardiac arrythmia, seizure and sometimes death in pets, who are more sensitive to it than people. Often the first signs are vomiting – brown, chocolate-smelling goo laced with sparkly foil wrappers. If the Easter feaster is caught in the act, then a trip to the vet

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to induce vomiting will prevent more toxins being absorbed… while making the vet clinic smell like Willy Wonka’s factory.

As most bon vivants will testify, not all chocolate is created equal, and dark chocolate contains significantly more theobromine. If your mastiff downs the dregs of your mocha frappuccino, there’s probably no cause for panic. But if your chihuahua chomps through your stash of gourmet 70 per cent cacao Valrhona, I see vomit in your future…

So what about healthy fruity snacks? Some seemingly harmless human foods can also have disastrous consequences. Grapes and their dried varieties, such as raisins and sultanas, contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure in dogs – even a toddler-sized box of raisins can be fatal.

Nuts are not an ideal snack either, with almonds and macadamias causing severe gastric upsets.

Still more bad news for health-food enthusiasts – not only is garlic totally useless at repelling fleas and insects, it contains thiosulphate, which destroys red blood cells and leads to anaemia. Onions contain even more of this toxin (pizza lovers beware).

As for cats, one of life’s sweet mysteries has been recently solved. Felines are not able to taste sweet things, which explains their preference for an Atkins-like diet. But fastidious though they are, there

easter feaster

Pet personals

Need a pet? These sweethearts are looking to shack up. For details, call Kirsten at 9490 2061 or email kirstenszoo@gmail.com

is one toxin that deserves special mention: lilies. These flowers that often feature in Easter bouquets cause fatal kidney damage if any part of the plant, including the pollen, is consumed by a cat.

So if the Easter Bunny is reading this, please hide the chocolate goodies out of reach of drooling dogs. As for the rest of you chocoholics, please keep your gourmet dark chocolate next to your wine collection in that large underground storage area the missus organised a couple of years ago‌ Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD is a veterinary dermatologist and consults at many different clinics around the territory.  For appointments please call 9251 9588 or visit www.cutaneous.com.hk

Rosie

Lili

Elvis

Stunning and smart - she has it all - but still needs her forever home!

Her hair is growing back and she's having the best time - hikes with the big dogs and is an absolute love!

He won't regain sight in the left eye but he will likely be able to keep it. He's desperate for a cuddle and a play.

Danielle

Edward

Brendan

She is just the happiest, most affectionate puppy - you can't help yourself from cuddling her.

He is desperate to get out of the vet where he's been for 2 weeks - he's a friendly, loving lap cat!

Not your average Shih Tzu - he's not cranky but a sweet, easy going little guy.

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travel

Action stations

Test your mettle against some of Asia’s toughest challenges.

Conquer Everest (Base Camp) Climbing the world’s highest mountain is a dream shared by millions, but few have the chutzpah, cash, skills and lungs to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Visiting Everest Base Camp as the climbers and their guides prepare for summit bids during the best weather window in May is as close as most of us are likely to get. The camp is a 14-day hike up the stunning Kosi valley from Lukla airstrip, through rhododendron forests, past prayer flag-bedecked monasteries and picturesque Sherpa villages, with a night or two acclimatising in the bustling town of Namche Bazaar. It’s a popular route, with many lodges and teahouses providing food and accommodation along the way, but it’s easy to get off the beaten track. Travel independently, hiring a guide on arrival or join a tour and let someone else work out the details.

Where to stay: Nepal Uncovered (www.nepal-uncovered.com) takes small groups on an 18-

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day trip to base camp and back.

Experienced climbers can have a crack at climbing Everest with International Mountain Guides (www. mountainguides.com), which also organises trips to Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Ice Falls or Lobuche Peak.

Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge Take the high road through the 16km Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan Province. One of the deepest in the world, with mountains rising a dizzying 3,900m above the surging Jingsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze, this two- or three-

day hike offers some of the most spectacular scenery in China. In spring, flowers paint the slopes in glorious technicolour as the path winds around 24 bends between Qiaotao and Walnut Grove. High up on the northern bank, it’s a fairly strenuous walk through villages, bamboo groves, farmland and forest, past often vertiginous drops. The old lower path has now been turned into a vehicular road popular with tourist buses, with a new (flat) pedestrian trail close to river level to a viewing point above the rock where a tiger is said to have jumped 25 metres across the waters to escape a hunter. There’s even a statue of a tiger on the opposite bank.

Where to stay: The gorge is a two-hour bus ride from Lijiang. The Halfway Guesthouse (tel: +86 8888880200) is one of several places offering hot meals and beds with views. Tina’s Youth Hostel is close to the rapids of the middle gorge, with a car-rental service (tel: +86 8878806638, 8806079).

Run the Borneo Death March This "ultramarathon" is a five-day event from April 28-May 2. For experienced adventure racers only, it follows the 200km “death march” across Borneo undertaken

by Australian and British prisoners of war in 1945. The route follows that taken by 2,345 POWs and Malaysians from Sandakan to Ranau, through swamp, jungle, and the highlands and lowlands of Mount Kinabalu. Only six survived. The tragedy is little known outside Malaysia, and the ultra-marathon is being run in remembrance of the men who died. It traces the route in reverse, from Ranau to the Kinabatangan River near Sandakan.

bigger, taller, deeper

Wellness exams & vaccinations Diagnostic testing & imaging Dental & surgical procedures Health certificate for pet travel New pet products!

How to enter: Visit the website www.sabahadventurechallenge.com for full details and registration forms.

Entry is US$1,500, including race, accommodation and food.

Splash down at Chimelong Here’s a fun challenge for the whole family. Sprawling across more than 400,000 square metres, this Guangzhou water park is the world’s largest. The records continue with

the world’s longest Lazy River, now faster than ever and with an Ice Age tunnel, the Behemoth Bowl that flushes groups of four riders down an 80m drop and around a 21m-wide centrifugal bowl, and a 10,000 sqm wave pool. There are jet slides, racer slides and a Super Tornado, plus a new kids’ town area, and child-sized slides and rides. It opens for the 2012 season on April 1. It’s one of five attractions at the Chimelong Resort, which also features a safari park, (dry land) theme park, circus and a golf course.

Where to stay: The five-star Chimelong Hotel targets the domestic market. Hotel guests also get fast passes to rides, prime seating at shows and other privileges. For details, visit www. chimelong.com.

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gardening

Feeling blooming fruity

Shades of Thailand

Jane Ram visits a Thai flower show and is blown away by bromeliads.

Last month I visited the Royal Flora International Horticultural Exposition in Chiang Mai. With only a week to go before closing, most of the exhibits were still looking good, thanks to intensive manicuring and re-planting that must have continued throughout the three-month long event. The 40-metre Ferris wheel was drawing a great deal of attention from local visitors, but I was more interested in the spectacular orchid display and the “Shaded Paradise”.

While I could never aspire to growing anything remotely approaching the all-star orchid display, I was happy to recognise a few familiar faces amid the wealth of colour and form. How do the prize-winning orchids remain looking perfect over such a long time-span, I wondered.

Thai gardeners are truly talented in plant display as well as cultivation.

The shade section contained many thousands of bromeliads, the largest of which were rightly treated as showy specimen plants while the smaller types were massed together to provide striking patches of colour and interesting texture alongside members of the maranta family and other gorgeous foliage plants. Such combinations of plants would work well in Hong Kong, where landscapers are generally not inclined to be innovative.

Please contact janetaipeng@gmail. com with comments, queries or to join monthly gardening workshops in Fanling. On April 14, an expert explains how to grow flowering gingers. On April 18, there will be a coach excursion to Shenzhen’s huge wholesale plant market, stocked with plants of all types, plus pots and gardening accessories.

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April garden tasks 1. Spring signals the start of a race between weeds and pests to overwhelm hands-on gardeners. Stock up on neem oil to dilute and spray at the first sign of pest invasion.

2. Cuttings of shrubby plants and creepers should succeed at this time. Try planting hibiscus and lantana if you come across unusual colours. Pyrostegia igneus (firecracker vine) and honeysuckle should take readily now.

3. Start thinking about summer annuals. Beans, peas, chillies and peppers, okra and beans should all do well if you sow them in April.

Nurseries should be well-stocked with bedding plants for an instant summer garden. But it’s more satisfying to raise some plants from seed. Look online for special varieties or colours of familiar standbys such as the Morning Glory (Ipomea) family. These will give a good show all summer if you can provide full sun and a small trellis or canes. Soak the seeds overnight and rub with a nail file or sandpaper to speed up germination.

4. While stock is fresh and plentiful, order British or North American seeds for our major herb and salad vegetable sowing season in the autumn. Unless you have lots of space, look for varieties intended for container growing, often described as “patio” or “urban” seeds. US and European paper seed packets are not designed for a Hong Kong summer and even the best packaging will not resist our humidity levels. Seal your seed packets in plastic bags and stow them in the refrigerator for use in autumn.

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. Send your gardening queries to: janetaipeng@gmail.com

marketplace

Your guide to shops and services Carpet Cleaning Oriental Rugs 2543-4565 rugshop@biznetvigator.com Phoenix Carpet Care 2328-2287 phoenixcarpet@netvigator.com Dining Nam Fong Chinese Restaurant (Chinese) 2980-7410 namfong.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong

To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk

Prompt (international Buffet) 2980 7417 prompt.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Restaurant & Bar Umami (Japanese) 2980 7406 www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Diving and marine services Mandarin Divers Marine Services 2554-7110 info@mandarin-divers.com www.mandarin-divers.com Estate Agents Habitat Property Limited 2869-9069 info@habitat-property.com www.habitat-property.com Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty info@hksothebysrealty.com www.hksothebysrealty.com Jones Lang LaSalle / International Property Lilian Cheung 3759-0917 / 9426-4599 lilian.cheung@ap.jll.com Phuket villa rental info@phuketvilla4rent.com www.phuketvilla4rent.com Events and Marketing Entertaining Asia 2815-7919 info@entertainingasia.com www.entertainingasia.com Gardens & LANDSCAPE Leisure Turf and Landscape Limited 2579-0323 / 9487-4710 LTL@netvigator.com www.leisureturf.asia Hair & Beauty Sabai Day Spa- Stanley 2104 0566 www.sabaidayspa.com HANDYMAN Indo Handyman 2578-1865 sales@indohandyman.hk ‎

Health & Fitness Cambridge Weight Plan 2525-7165 info@cambridgeweightplan.hk www.cambridgeweightplan.hk Carl Mesham, Tennis & Hiking 9354-0044 bluemesh@hotmail.com Crouching Tiger Tennis 9196-2620 crouchingtigertennis@yahoo.com Elite Personal Training 2552-9925 www.bootcamp.com.hk

ads@southside.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

Healthy Minds (Hypnotherapy) 6271-7633 Pete@healthymindshk.com www.healthymindshk.com

HOTSHOTS SOCCER

Integrated Medicine Institute 2523-7121 reception@imi.com.hk www.imi.com.hk

Coach Carl, Stanley's Resident Soccer Coach provides Soccer classes in Stanley for players aged 3 to 13.

White Lotus Centre 2851-9684 info@whitelotuscentre.com www.whitelotuscentre.com Weight Watchers 2813-0814 tpaulsen@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk Home Furnishings Altfield Gallery 2537-6370 gallery@altfield.com.hk www.altfield.com.hk Altfield Interiors 2525 2738 sales@altfield.com.hk www.altfield.com.hk Attic Lifestyle 2580-8552 info@attic-lifestyle.com www.attic-lifestyle.com G.O.D. 2577-6899 facebook.com/goodsofdesire www.god.com.hk Indigo Living and Indigo Kids 2552-3500 www.indigo-living.com JMStyle Furniture & Gallery 2989-6520 info@jmstyle.com.hk www.jmstyle.com.hk My Woodz 9522-6384 caroline@mywoodz.com www.mywoodz.com Nuan Cashmere (Interior Cashmere) 9096-1645 sales@nuancashmere.com www.nuancashmere.com Okooko 2989-9345 enquiries@okooko.com www.okooko.com Wicka Designs Limited 2422-0885 enquiry@wickadesigns.com www.wickadesigns.com TREE 2997-8522 www.tree.com.hk HOME MONITORING Easy Monitoring 3590-2820 info@easymon.org www.easymon.org Insurance Kwiksure Insurance 3113-1331 sophie.parkington@kwiksure.com www.kwiksure.com Interior Design Box Design 2573-3323 info@boxdesign.com.hk www.boxdesign.com.hk COMODO Interior & Furniture Design Co. Ltd. 2808-0991 info@comododesign.com www.comododesign.com Enoch Deco 2503-2626 office@enochdeco.com www.enochdeco.com.hk JCAW Consultants 2524-9988 jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Muse Studio Interior Design and Architecture 3620-2877 info@musestudio.com.hk www.musestudio.com.hk

ads@southside.hk

50 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Hotshots soccer is also playing at the Peak on Saturday mornings. So, come and join and HAVE A BALL !!

Coach Carl is also available for TENNIS classes AND pacing individuals and groups for HIKING around the beautiful trails of the Southside.

Call Coach Carl on 9354 0044 or Bluemesh@hotmail.com

bird at my window

The Barn Swallow aka Hirundo rustica

“They came like swallows and like swallows went.” – W.B. Yeats.

In this beautifully balanced line, Yeats implies a sense of transience and mystery in his friends’ lives, similar to the sudden appearance of swallows in spring and their disappearance in autumn. Yeats was from Ireland, but his swallows are of the same species that occurs in Hong Kong. Here, too, swallows arrive in spring and depart in autumn.

Until the 18th century there was a widespread belief that swallows spent the winter hibernating in mud at the bottom of ponds. Of course, we now know that European swallows migrate to Africa for the winter. In eastern Asia, swallows breed as far north as the Arctic Circle and winter as far south as Australia. The birds that breed in Hong Kong arrive in February and begin nesting before other swallows, sometimes in flocks of hundreds, head north through the territory later in spring.

Several thousand pairs breed in Hong Kong. They build cup-shaped nests from mud and fibres such as dried grass on ledges or vertical walls where there is an overhang. The nests, which can often be seen in villages and older urban areas, are often repaired and reused for several years.

On average, swallows lay three to six eggs, raising two to three broods of fledglings from March to July.

The birds make a fair amount of mess during their summer sojourn. Local villagers put up with the nuisance as in Chinese culture the swallow is a harbinger of good luck.

David Diskin is the author of Hong Kong Nature Walks: The New Territories.

Visit www.hknaturewalks.com or www. accipiterpress.com for more information.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 51

Studio Annetta 9849-1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com THE XSS LIMITED 2739-8893 enquiry@thexss.com www.thexss.com International Movers AGS Four Winds international movers 2885-9666 www.agsfourwinds.com enquiries-hong-kong@agsfourwinds.com Crown Relocations 2636-8388 sosterholm@crownworldwide.com www.crownrelo.com/hongkong Junk Charters Island Junks 2877-5222 www.islandjunks.com.hk info@islandjunks.com.hk Movers Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566-4799 www.expertmover.hk Mums and Babies Bumps to Babes 2552-5000 www.bumpstobabes.com sales@bumpstobabes.com Cosmo Beebies 2905-1188 cosmo-beebies@byinvest.com www.cosmobeebies.com Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care 9022-1779 www.wellnessandbirth.com info@wellnessandbirth.com Pets and Vets Ferndale Kennels & Cattery 2792-4642 www.ferndalekennels.com Pets Central North Point Hospital 2811-8907 info@pets-central.com Vet2Pet 6999-1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk Stanley Pet Station 2813-7979 retail@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvetcentre.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813-2030 info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Pre-Schools The Southside Kindergarten 2592-7527 info@southside.edu.hk www.southside.edu.hk Sunshine House Pre-schools Hong Kong 2813-0713 taitam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Woodland Pre-Schools 2559-4855 enquiry@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com Private Clubs Aberdeen Marina Club 2555-8321 member@aberdeenmarinaclub.com www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com Crown Wine Cellars 2580-6287 ichan@crownwinecellars.com www.crownwinecellars.com Hong Kong Country Club 2552-4165 info@countryclub.hk www.hongkongcountryclub.com

Aromatherapy Massage Counseling Craniosacral Therapy Health & Life Coaching Homeopathy Hypnotherapy & Hypno-Band Reflexology & Shiatsu Yoga Therapy & Yoga for Kids Baby Reflexology & Infant Massage Maternity Services & Doula Support Antenatal Classes

Looking after your Body, Mind & Spirit White Lotus Centre Car Po Commercial Building, Room 2001, 20F 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central info@whitelotuscentre.com, T: 2851 9684

www.whitelotuscentre.com

ads@southside.hk

EasyMon

www.easymon.org

A new level of security and control with easy monitoring See the status of your home on the go and receive sms/email alerts for any alarm.

209‐211 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon T: 3590 2820

52 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

shopping mall The Arcade, Cyberport 3166-3111 arcade@cyberport.hk arcade.cyberport.hk Toys Hong Kong Toy Club 8216-3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com Tuition Craft Box 9014-3262 simone@craftbox.asia www.craftbox.asia Sylvan Learning Center 2873-0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com Travel Abercrombie & Kent Hong Kong 2865-7818 Email: co@abercrombiekent.com.hk Website: akdmc.com/china.com Beach Villa Rental in Cebu 9162-5321 www.cebubeach.net simpson@towermark.com Phuket Villa For Rent www.phuketvilla4rent.com info@phuketvilla4rent.com Villa Jamalu 9184 6005 info@villajamalu.com www.villajamalu.com waterproofing Asian Slate 6075-6694 www.asianslate.com wgdavies@netvigator.com Wealth Management/Financial advise Carey, Suen & Associates – Wealth Management/Financial Services 2388 2331 info@careysuen.com www.careysuen.com Worship Watermark Community Church 2857-6160 info@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

To list your business in our new directory, or to guarantee a listing every month, please email ads@southside.hk

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 53

classified SERVICEs

Overseas Property Whale watching on Sydney's northern beaches.

Great opportunity to buy the ultimate city beach retreat. 180 degree direct ocean views never to be built out. 3 bedrooms; 3 bathrooms. wine cellar, gym room and large bar area.

2.2m AUD. Email ccagks@netvigator. com HKG home- 2194 4184 HKG cell- 903 706 12 Seoul cell- 8210- 4735 0363

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 9162-5321

NEED A HOLIDAY?PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT! Luxury 5 beds villa with swimming pool located in Surin area. Walking distance to beaches.

Reasonable rates! Website:www. phuketvilla4rent.com Email the owner: info@phuketvilla4rent.com

Want to buy or sell your properties?

Place your ad here. ads@southside.hk

If both parents die together, children become Wards of Court.

A HK orphanage would likely be their new home! For quick, simple and affordable Wills, call Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 Email: Bradley@ WheresTheWill.com

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.

Insurance: Home, Motor, Medical We are HK’s leading general insurance broker. Call for an instant quote or visit the website www. kwiksure.com. Call Christian on +852 3113 1331 or emailchristian@ kwiksure.com

Entertainment and Events Services Bespoke, all inclusive consultancy providing customised entertainment services and event solutions.

Corporate / Birthdays / Private Events / Entertainment / Creative / Photo & Event Filming Services.

E: info@entertainingasia.com T: 2815-7919. www.entertainingasia.com

VISAPRO HK VISA & IMMIGRATION - 100% Success Rate* - Money-Back Guarantee* - FREE Initial Assessment Managed by a CPA 3749 7899 info@VisaPro.com.hk www.VisaPro.com.hk * T&C apply

Asian Slate Specialising in roofing/ waterproofing, residential home renovations and landscaping.

Chimney cleaning service available.

Call Geoff 6075 6694 email: wgdavies@netvigator.com www.asianslate.com

Indo Handyman · Installation of TV, Pictures, Mirrors · Supply & install curtain track, blinds · Assemble of furniture & repair · Install light fitting & chandeliers, Fans · Install additional socket · Supply & install of floor tiles ·Painting & Wall Patch-up All Sort of Handyman Work Excellent Workmanship Lowest Rate Tel.: 25781865 sales@indohandyman.hk

Expert-Transport & Relocations *MOVER* HANDYMAN*STORAGE * Local & International Relocation, * Packing Materials Supplies * Cargo Collection, Disposal * Storage - Humid Control (Short or Long Term), * All sort of Handyman Works All-In-One Professional Quality Service Call 25664799, www.expertmover.hk Brandaid Graphic Design and Print Management Whatever your Creative, we can achieve it. Simply email us your requirements, we'll perfect your design and arrange printing if needed.

Fast turnaround, corporate guideline precision,quality and value is our profession. Contact Brandaid for an obligation free quote on 8170 2911 or 6390 0433 or email ask@ brandaidglobal.com.

Need Storage?

From a box to whole House Low Cost Storage Humid Control Start from as low as HK$300per month Collect & Delivery Call Today : 2578 1865 www.expertmover.hk

Email ads@southside.hk 54 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

random but interesting 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.

RESURRECTION CHURCH COMMUNITY CHOIR. Enjoy singing?Classical,contemporary or jazz? This is the community choir for you!!!. Every Wednesday in Resurrection Church. Pak Sha Wan 7.30 pm – 9pm. Be trained by an expert voice coach and concert pianist. Interested, drop us a line RXchoir@gmail.com DOG FOOD SPONSORS Sai Kung Stray Friends monthly dog food costs are $5,556 p/mth. On our meal supply is approximately 35 dogs. If you would like to help please deposit directly into our a/c: HSBC 004-640-085-486-001 Receipts can be issued. Much appreciated!

2896 0000 The Samaritans 24 hour Multilingual Suicide Prevention Hotline. Problems? Depressed?

Lonely? Desperate? Need an empathic, non-judgemental listening ear in complete confidence?

Bereaved by Suicide? We facilitate an English speaking monthly support group. Please call 2896 0000 or email: jo@samaritans.org.hk 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

Travels

Domestic Help

Need a car in Europe ?

Peugeot Open Europe offers the best package: -brand new cars -unlimited mileage -full cover insurance -roadside assistance service contact : fm@netvigator.com www.eurocardrives.com

Are u looking for Driver, Gardener?

ADONIS CANEDO, 33 years old, working in Hongkong for 2 years. Pls contact 51339984.

tuition & courses PRIVATE TUITION by top European university graduate. Math, Physics, Economics, French, high school to university levels. Experienced teaching and motivational coaching with proven results. coachingtutorhk@ gmail.com

Part Time Helper available. I am a happy and helpful domestic helper with 8 years broad experience. I have a pleasant demeanor and get along well with babies, children and parents alike. I am available for several times a week or every day part time. Sarah 6715 3093, lady_g2010@yahoo.com

Part Time Helper available. I am a happy and helpful domestic helper with 8 years broad experience. I have a pleasant demeanor and get along well with babies, children and parents alike. I am available for several times a week or every day part time. Sarah 6715 3093, lady_g2010@yahoo.com

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

health & well being

Fast Media Ltd. is the publisher of two lifestyle magazines: Sai Kung Magazine and Southside Magazine. We currently searching for...

PRE-NATAL YOGA IN STANLEY Weekly group classes at the Community Center or 1 on 1. Fully qualified instructor. Great references available. Please call 6377 9480

DEPUTY EDlTOR

Hypnotherapy Hypnosis is a safe way to achieve permanent changes in weight control, phobias, emotional issues, anger, stress etc. Free telephone consultation available 62717633. Central. www. healthymindshk.com

No need to go to Central....

Cambridge Weight Plan has experienced consultants on the Southside and in Pokfulam. Wehelp you create an easy-to-manage flexible weight loss plan and provide motivation and support every step of the way. Call our friendly local consultants today! Paula 92760911 and Laila 98209592 info@cambridgeweightplan.hk www.cambridgeweightplan.hk

Fast Media Limited is looking for a talented deputy editor to help organize and develop two successful lifestyle magazines. This is a full-time job with good pay and packages. Fluent English, great writing and smart presentation are essential.

This is a dream job. But if you are not organized please do not apply.

Interested parties, please send cover letter, CV and at least two stories you have written to: tom@saikung.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Think you’ve got a knack for writing? Then sign up right away. Our editorial internship is a fantastic opportunity for you to get involved in the editorial process of both our exciting magazines. You’ll be able to work hand-in-hand with our editors, get a grasp of the Hong Kong media industry and get an addition to your portfolio of professional work.

Interested parties, please send cover letter, CV and at least two stories you have written to: tom@saikung.com

WEB DESIGN lNTERN

Got a keen eye for aesthetics and creative skills to back it up? Got a tech-savvy mind and can build a website? Then sign up right away. Our internship programs are a great chance for you to build up your portfolio and put your skills into practice.

You’ll get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our team and gain superb insight into Hong Kong’s media.

Interested parties, please send cover letter, CV and portfolio to: tom@saikung.com

for classifieds booking WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 55

distribution Southside Magazine distribution list

Pok Fu Lam

- Kellet School - Kennedy School - Stanley Ho Sports Centre - Sunshine House Chi Fu - Sunshine House Pokfulam - Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School - Woodland Tree House

Cyberport

- Bagiou Villas - Bel-Air Clubhouse - Bobo Klolo Crystal - Bobo Klolo Gems & Arts - Cyberport Arcade - GoGym - International (Park N Shop) - Kosmo Plus Wellness Cafe - Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport - Oh Sushi & Tappas - Om World - Scenic Villas - Starbucks - Thaima-V - Tutti Bar & Restaurant

Aberdeen

Repulse Bay

Ap Lei Chau

Stanley

- Aberdeen Marina Club - Burnt Orange - Electric Sekki - Elite Personal Training - Flex - Hong Kong Country Club - Mirth - Leader Golf Training Centre - Ovolo, Shek Pai Wan - Park N Shop - Singapore International School - Sure Steps - Top Deck - Wicka Designs - Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

- Bumps to Babes - Everything Under The Sun - Homestyle - Indigo - Indigo Kids - Indigo Outlet - Larvotto - Limestone Wine & Spirits - Okooko - Pacific Gourmet - Tequila Kola - Shambala Cafe - Tree - Zense

Deep Water Bay

- Coco Thai - Crown Wine Cellars - Hong Kong Country Club

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- Bauhinia Beach Club - HS Modern Art - Ice Cream Gallery - Indigo - Sense of Touch - Southside Kindergarten - OT & P - South Bay Beach Club - Spices - The Club - The Lily - The Verandah - Woodland Beachside Pre-School - The Woodland Montessori Pre-School Repulse Bay - Boathouse - Cafe De Paris - Chez Patrick - Classifieds - Haagen Dazs - Lucy’s - Lucy’s on the Front - Mijas - Pickled Pelican - Pizza Express - Rocksalt - Saigon in Stanley - Smuggler’s Inn - Spiaggia - Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe - Stanley Pet Centre - Starbucks - Taste Supermarket - Watson’s Wine - Wildfire

Tai Tam / Shek O

- American Club - Beach Front Kiosk - Ben’s Garden - Black Sheep - Happy Garden Restaurant - Hong Kong International School - Hong Kong Parkview Resort & Spa - Hong Kong Parkview Suites - Lulu Shop - Pacific View Residential Clubhouse - Redhill Clubhouse - Shek O Chinese & Thai Restaurant - Shining Stone Restaurant - Soma Spa - Sunshine House Tai Tam - The Manhattan - Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza - Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

The Peak

- Cafe Deco The Peak - Delifrance - Haagen-Dazs - Oliver’s Super Sandwiches - Pho Yummee - Starbucks - Sunshine House The Peak - The Lookout - Villa Verde - Woodland Pre-School The Peak

where to find us

Joining the Southside community

Southside Magazine is growing its distribution faster than ever and can now be found in these prime locations. Please pick-up your copy in:

Redhill Peninsula A high-class private housing estate built at a round-shaped peninsula situated by Tai Tam Harbour and Turtle Cove. Red Hill Peninsula neighbors Hong Kong International School and the Red Hill shopping centre with a convenient supermarket for grocery shopping. Residents can get their copy of Southside Magazine in either of the two clubhouse reading rooms at any time.

The Manhattan This luxurious residential complex is located in beautiful Tai Tam, with a country park in its backyard and looking out over glorious ocean views. Southside Magazine is conveniently displayed in the Clubhouse Reading Room, where residents and visitors can pick up a copy at any time.

Pacific View Perched on the edge of Tai Tam Bay, Pacific View makes the most of its magnificent location with floor-toceiling windows that are filled with sea and sky. After swimming, or playing squash or tennis, residents can relax over the latest edition of Southside Magazine in the clubhouse.

Hong Kong Parkview This complex of luxury serviced suites and apartments is an oasis of indulgence and tranquillity on the edge of Tai Tam Country Park.

Southside Magazine graces the coffee tables of every suite and clubhouse, including one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive fitness centres.

Wish to have a few copies?

If you would like Southside Magazine delivered directly to your door or clubhouse, ask your building management to contact vip@southside.hk.

The Repulse Bay

Bel-Air

We can deliver as many or as few copies as you require. Free of charge, of course.

Join our mailing list Join our mailing list and have your own monthly copy of Southside Magazine delivered directly to your mailbox, for free! Exclusive for residents of Southside or the Peak. It’s easy, sign up here www.southside.hk/subscribe Cyberport Arcade

Le Meridien Cyberport

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

back page

My Southside

Ahead of Easter, Reverend Will Newman of St Stephen’s Chapel, Stanley, talks about work, walks and fete.

I came from England to Stanley in 2004 with my wife and our two sons. I am employed by St John’s Cathedral but I spend most of my time working in Stanley.

What I most enjoy about my work is the variety of people I come into contact with. I’m the priest at St Stephen’s Chapel, where we have a weekly service at 9.30am on Sunday. I

also work in Stanley Prison and St Stephen’s College in Stanley, and I’m on the clergy team at St John’s Cathedral. So I’m working with expats, local Chinese students, prisoners, Christians and non-Christians.

I try to talk about Christianity in a way that makes sense, not avoiding difficult questions.

I’m not trying to convert anyone, but I’m saying this is something that could help you to make sense of life. I also work in interfaith relations.

The imam of Kowloon Mosque is a friend.

Probably the most important thing I do is to be there when people need help – when their lives fall apart. You don’t have to be a church member to approach a priest, I’m here for the whole community.

My latest project is fundraising for educational scholarships for prisoners in Stanley Prison. The guys we visit are all on long term or life sentences, and one thing they can do in their spare time is to study. It gives them a goal to aim for, a way to learn self-discipline, and a qualification that could help them get a job when they’re released.

We’ve just had a fundraising concert in St John’s Cathedral, raising more than $600,000.

My favourite Southside hike is the

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Dragon’s Back. It’s a great walk on a clear day.

It also happens to be the title of a children’s book written by my wife.

I like sitting on the balcony at the Boathouse in Stanley. Very relaxing.

I enjoy walking the dog in Tai Tam, and running there with friends on Saturday afternoons if I’m free.

The most romantic spot on the Southside for me is on our verandah looking out over the sea.

My wife’s jewellery seems to be in constant need of repair. Ellis Jewellery in Stanley are always friendly and helpful.

Many Southside readers will be familiar with St Stephen’s Chapel Annual Fete, held on the first Saturday in December. It’s a fantastic family day out with marching bands, bouncy castles, entertainment, stalls and food, and best of all, it’s on the school playing field so there’s space for kids to run around all day. Last year we had kids from Valley Fort playing rugby during the afternoon. This year, Santa will arrive by helicopter. We always need more help to run stalls and so on, just get in touch and offer an hour or two on the day. All the money raised is donated to the charities we support.

Two or three times a year on a Saturday morning we have a working visit to Crossroads, one of the charities we support. They are well set up for volunteers, and in the past we have sorted goods there, put together DIY furniture, and once we laid a concrete path for them – you never know what the work will be, but it’s always a great day. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Check out our website for future dates, www. ststephen.org.hk.

Easter is a wonderful celebration of the resurrection. Our 9.30am service will be full of flowers, uplifting words and beautiful music. And there’s an Easter Egg hunt after church for the children.