May 2012
Allan Zeman
The future of Ocean Park
24
HOURS ON on Southside Southside Mum’s the word Gifts for Mother’s Day
Going Allangourmet Zeman
The future of Ocean Park Stanley’s newest eats
Breathe easy Breathe easy Kennedy School masks up
Kennedy School masks up
Mum's the word
Gifts for Mother's Day
Going gourmet
Stanley's newest eats
COVER CREDIT: GRAHAM UDEN / HKAERIAL.COM
MAY 2012
the planner 4 Happenings in May Don’t forget mum, plus vive la revolution with Le French May. LETTERS 8 Tell it like it is Hiking horrors on Violet Hill. News 10 In the know Stanley’s new gourmet restaurant; plus monkey business at Ocean Park Interview 12 Park ranger Ocean Park’s chairman reveals his plans for Southside. Local 14 And breathe... Why Kennedy School is donning face masks.
16 Southside’s movers and shakers Entrepreneur Kevin Yeung comes clean.
launch pad
EDUCATION 38 The low-down on Hong Kong education The Australian International says G’day.
Pets 54 Healthy hearts Keeping the worms at bay.
Feature 18 24 hours on Southside Innovative ways to fill your day.
Family 40 New for May Keep-fit for charity.
Gardening 56 Lovely lilies Get sowing for Spring
Eating 24 Staying home Gourmet dining from the comfort of your couch.
42 The Stop What to do with a dead hamster.
Marketplace Your exclusive guide to shops and services Cool stuff to do and buy.
WINE 26 Our brand new wine column Top tipples from Germany. Prost! Property 28 So smart in SoHo Tenement living gets a makeover LIVING 35 Party perfect Styling your next event, plus gifts for mum.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY 44 Prom queens All dolled up for grad. night Hikes 48 Border control Adventures on Ping Chau.
Travel 50 Island hopping Dream-on with these sun-kissed destinations.
BIRD AT MY WINDOW 59 Fly-by David Diskin takes a look at Hong Kong’s House Swift Classifieds 62 Local property and holiday lets Plus where to pick-up Southside. BACK PAGE 66 My Southside Birthday celebrations with Zest of Asia.
"AND THE LIVING IS EASY"
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planner
happening in may
May 13
Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathon Series Swimming and running races, predominantly for adults, but each series kicks off with a kids’ race (ages eight-15). Repulse Bay beach. Register at www.revolution-asia.com.
Until Jun 24 Le French May
A packed schedule of Gallic goodies includes art exhibitions, theatre, dance, music, fashion and, of course, plenty of “GourMay” events at various locations including Chez Patrick Deli in Stanley and The 8th Estate winery in Ap Lei Chau. For details, visit www.frenchmay.com.
May 1 Labour Day Public holiday
May 2, 3, 5, 7 Lady Gaga – Born This Way Ball Lady Gaga live, horns and all. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Sold out – try your luck with a tout.
May 4 Zest of Asia Private Sale Brighten your living space with pieces sourced from all over Asia. 9.30am-5pm, Pok Fu Lam. For details, email info@zestofasia.com.
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May 4 Rhythm & Tone Reception
Opening night for the Rhythm & Tone art exhibition, featuring works by Chinese glass artist Sunny Wang and French painter Jean-Paul Pancrazi. Koru Contemporary Art, 10/F & 16/F, Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5922.
May 4 & 10 Mother’s Day Bazaar
Grab a bargain in support of the Relief of Disabled Children. Clothes, homewares, toys, bags and stationery all on sale, but don’t forget your shopping bag! Organised by the Australian Association. 10am-4pm, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam. Got something to donate? Interested companies or individuals should see www.srdc.org.hk or email event@srdc.org.uk.
May 5 Artist Talk
Curator of the current Rhythm & Tone exhibition introduces Chinese glass artist Sunny Wang. 3pm, Koru Contemporary Art, 10/F & 16/F, Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5922.
May 6 Lazy Sunday
Wine and live entertainment on the terrace at the 8th Estate Winery to celebrate its first rose. RSVP to 8@the8estatewinery.com. 3/F Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing St, Ap Lei Chau.
May 5-6 SPCA Pet Adoptathon
The Hong Kong SPCA’s ninth annual adoption push includes a series of free pet seminars at the Wan Chai HQ. It’s hoping to beat last year’s total of 100 pets adopted over the weekend. For details, visit www.spca.org.hk.
May 12 Cyberport Golden Songs Night 2012
As a “tribute to all mothers”, the Red Stone Orchestra is performing free at Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyberport. 7pm9pm, www.arcade.cyberport.hk.
May 13 Mother’s Day
Shower her with love – and gifts (see page 35 for inspiration).
may May 13 Classic Yacht Rally
Watch classic and “older” craft race at Tai Tam Bay, followed by a barbecue and prize-giving at Aberdeen Boat Club’s Middle Island clubhouse for participants. From 11am. Details at www.abcclubhk.com.
May 18-20 International Soccer Sevens
The annual tournament’s strongest ever line-up sees English Premiership teams including Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Celtic playing at the three-day event. Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, www.hksoccersevens.com. Tickets $120-$200 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
May 17-19 Punchline Comedy Club
The comedians took a month off in April, but now they’re back, with Geoff Norcot, Dave Williams and Rob Brown telling the jokes. Duetto, Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $250-$290 from www.cityline.com, 2111 5333, or direct from the venue on 2598 1222.
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 16-20 ART HK 12
Asia’s largest art fair sees leading galleries from around the world showing their wares. It’s your chance to spot a modern masterpiece. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Details from www.hongkongartfair.com.
May 20 13th Deepwater Bay Dragon Boat Regatta
Hosted by Hong Kong Island Paddle Club and Victoria Recreation Club. 8am-5pm. Register at www.hkipc.com, 2812 2565.
May 23 Summer Bazaar
Time to shop. 10am-6pm, Vista Ballroom, The American Club, Tai Tam, shoppinghongkong@ gmail.com, www.shoppinghongkong.net.
May 26 Local Council Recycling Collection Drive
Give your pre-loved items to the Salvation Army. Bring clothes, toys, books and electronic equipment (no furniture) to the Tai Tam Country Park car park opposite Parkview, 2pm-4pm.
May 27-Jun 10 Royal Afternoon Tea
The Mandarin Oriental celebrates QEII’s 60-year reign with an exhibition of stunning royal artwork that you can admire while sipping tea and nibbling on treats fit for a queen. Think Rhug Estate coronation chicken, poached Scottish salmon sandwiches, cherry trifles and Victoria sponge. Pinkies up, everyone. 5 Connaught Road Central, 2522 0111.
May 31 Summer Showcase Pop-up Sale
Featuring homewares from Zest of Asia, designer frocks from Poppy & Jules and groovy footwear from Sand. 9am-4pm, South Bay. For details, email info@zestofasia.com.
May 31-Jun 10 Annie
The red-headed orphan and her hard-knock life hit the stage in this West End production starring Su Pollard and David McAlister. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $330-$950 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@southside.hk
Book now
Jun 24 Jason Mraz
Mr A Z is back in town with “Tour is a Four-Letter Word”. Expect teenagers. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $480-$880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288, and Tom Lee branches.
Jul 24 The Stone Roses Reunion Tour
The Manchester Sound returns. But is it what the world is waiting for? AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $388-$988 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288, and Tom Lee branches.
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Jun 9 Chartis Cup
English Premiership rugby champions Saracens, led by South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain John Smit, take on an all-star BGC APBs team. Plus junior and veteran tournaments and a family-friendly Rugby Village. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po. Tickets $300 (children $50) from www.chartiscup.com.
letters
have your say Dear Edtior Read Outdoors (April), got inspired, hired a junk, poured with rain. I should have read The Stop first - “never hire a junk in May!” Wise words, but they should also include April too. I’ll know better next year! Christine, Shouson Hill
Dear Editor Just wondering if you could clear up an issue for me and clear the air at the same time. I live in Repulse Bay, right by the beach and am driven mad by all the mainland tourist coaches coming and going. I thought an anti engine-idling law had been introduced this year? Most coaches seem still to be left running, causing a lot of air pollution. Combine this with the hoards of smokers that seem to stream off these coaches, and you’ve got a pretty toxic mix. Anon, by email We’ll get back to you on this, Ed.
Dear Editor We recently visited Hong Kong Island to stay with our son and his family who are currently living on Southside. We picked up a copy of your magazine, noticed Jackie Peers’ hiking article and were inspired to walk the hike she recommended (Violet Hill, “Petal Power”, April Southside). Well, let me just say it was slightly more strenuous than we anticipated! We are keen
hikers back in the UK but this was without doubt the hardest hike we have ever done. Thanks Jackie for opening our eyes to the beauty of Hong Kong Island, but I do question whether “wandering” up Violet Hill is quite the right description! Val & Stu, Somerset, UK
Hiking can be hard work in Hong Kong.
Please email your letters to letters@southside.hk. We may edit for length.
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news
in the know
New cafe for Stanley Plaza The eagerly anticipated Stan Cafe opens in Stanley Plaza on May 7, serving fine French delicacies meticulously sourced by owner Emmanuel Vallier, who also runs Lestafette online store. Stan Cafe will have a cafe, restaurant, deli and a boulangerie selling breads, pastries and traditional French cakes
baked on the premises from premium French ingredients. Look for the classics: macarons, eclairs and religieuses. There will be top-quality coffee from Italy, cheeses available by the platter or singly, and wines sourced by Vallier from boutique vineyards throughout France. “I’m happy for customers to taste any of our products before buying; food is all about the taste, after all,” Vallier says. “I have sourced the best produce. It would have been easy to place a bulk order with [department store] Galeries Lafayette, but that isn’t what I wanted.” A gregarious Table des Amis (table of friends) will seat up to 14 and there will be a quality children’s menu (“no chicken nuggets”) and a small bar. One of the first events on Stan Cafe’s calendar is a Harvest Dinner for 50 to coincide with the Vinexpo wine exhibition on May 29 and 30. It will feature dishes traditionally served in France during the grape harvest paired with wines introduced by a wine expert. Stan Cafe opens May 7, 5/F, Stanley Plaza, Carmel Road, Stanley, 2324 9008.
Beach club moves to market Stanley Beach Club has re-opened in Stanley Market as Pizza Club. The original premises closed in December (Southside, December 2011) after nine years in the government building on Stanley Beach. Co-owner Alfa Chow blamed unrealistic rental demands and a new requirement that outdoor furniture be bolted to the floor. Citing similar reasons, beach club owner Kenneth Howe pulled out of his operations on Middle Bay and South Bay beaches at the same time. They remain
vacant, with no tenders awarded. “We did a petition after the closures and succeeded in securing nicer furniture, which was one of the issues,” Howe says. “Shek O now has some not-bad imitation rattan and Coco Thai at Deepwater Bay has some wooden pieces.” While Howe doesn’t rule out a return to the beach club scene both the Middle and South Bay venues look set to remain vacant this summer. Pizza Club is at 10-12 Stanley Main Street, Stanley.
Stormy weather Southsider Sally Connell emailed us this picture of last month’s storm from her vantage point running on the Peak. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 4,977 lightning strikes from 10am to noon, when day became night for much of Hong Kong.
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Golden opportunity
Ocean Park has added a pair of rare golden monkeys to its menagerie. From Sichuan, China, the two female monkeys are named Le Le and Hu Hu, and will live close to pandas Jia Jia and An An in the Sichuan Treasures section of the park. It is also growing a privet plantation – the monkeys’ favourite food. Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, www.oceanpark.com.hk.
Zimmerman out of the running Pok Fu Lam District Councillor Paul Zimmerman has been barred from contesting a “super” seat in the Legislative Council because of a delay in processing his application for Chinese citizenship. A Dutch national who has lived in Hong Kong for 28 years, Zimmerman said he has been told by the Immigration Department that his application will not be completed until the end of the year. The Legco elections will be held in September. Zimmerman applied for citizenship to the Director of Immigration in November after his re-election as District Councillor. “In 2001, [former Invest Hong Kong director general] Mike Rowse’s application took six weeks to process. I urge government to consider whether the current delay is necessary,” he said. Although the Basic Law permits up to 20 per cent of Legco seats to be occupied by non-nationals, the Legislative Council Ordinance requires District Council members to be nationals if they want to contest one of the five "super legislator" seats. "Whatever the outcome, I will continue to focus on the Southern District Council and Pok Fu Lam as well as the sustainable development activities I’m involved in throughout the territory, including improving urban design, walkability, cycling, water sports, village rights, harbourfront enhancement and more,” Zimmerman said.
interview Editorial Carolynne Dear carolynne@southside.hk Jane Steer Jane@southside.hk Coco Marett Coco@southside.hk Art Director Sammy Ko design@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Director Heung Sai ads@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Siam Sattayaphan Siam@fastmedia.com.hk Online Marketing & Distribution Michelle Lee Michelle@fastmedia.com.hk Ad traffic & Classifieds Executive Nick Chong Nick@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Clara Chan accounts@fastmedia.com.hk CEO Tom Hilditch Tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Graham Uden Martin Beale Adele Rosi Dr Carmel Taylor MVB Jackie Peers Iain Lafferty David Diskin Kenward Ng Jane Ram Christina Ip Printer Gear Printing 1/F, Express Industrial Bldg 43 Heung Yip Road Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1 222, Queens Road Central Hong Kong 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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Dr Allan Zeman
The chairman of Ocean Park and “father” of Lan Kwai Fong talks about the park’s plans, zombie movies and the future of Southside. Is it true you live on Southside? I’ve lived in Chung Hom Kok for more than 40 years. I love it there! How do you get your ideas for Ocean Park? They come naturally to me. I am able to look at things, feel them and come up with a creative idea. In 2007, Forbes magazine described you as the Disney “mouse killer”. How do you feel about this? I think “killer” is a bit extreme, but we were able to turn Ocean Park into a world-class theme park that continues to attract more and more visitors, even with Disneyland in town. Nobody thought that was possible but I looked at what we had and decided Ocean Park Tell us about the new Ocean Park hotel in Wong is all about wildlife, nature, Chuk Hang. education, so that’s what we We have planned to develop two hotels: focused on. So Disney has Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel at Tai Shue Wan and the fake mouse, we have Ocean Hotel at the Ocean Park main entrance. As the real mouse! Hong Kong’s premier marine-themed park and a major tourist attraction, the development of hotels will create synergy with the park’s attractions and ensure a great, all-round experience for guests. In the long run, it will also enable Ocean Park to stay competitive in the region. How will your plans impact neighbouring areas, such as Deepwater Bay? We do hope with the exciting recent developments, such as the just-opened Old Hong Kong and coming Polar Adventure theme area, we will be able to draw in more people not just to Ocean Park, but also to the Southern district, which is a beautiful area in itself. Together with the introduction of the Island South MTR line in a few years, the Southern District will be more accessible than ever. Hopefully, we will draw more and more people to Ocean Park and make the Southern District relevant again on the Hong Kong tourist map.
larger than life
The many guises of the charismatic Dr Zeman at the launches of his various business ventures over the years. Is property over-valued in Southside? People always talk about over-valued property in Hong Kong, but it’s really about supply and demand. There is always going to be limited space, so whatever seems over-valued today will be a great deal when you look back five years later. Southside is undergoing a huge amount of change – MTR, expanded Ocean Park, new hotels and office blocks in Aberdeen – how would you like to see it develop? I would like to see controlled, well thought-out development. You can’t just build new things and expect them to work automatically. They should be tasteful, creative and they should bring up the profile of the area, not create more problems. And they must be well operated because the software is just as important as the hardware, if not more important. What role will Southside have in 20 years? It’s impossible to have a crystal ball, but I see the Southside becoming more of a leisure and amusement part of Hong Kong. Around Central you have all the offices, shopping, restaurants and bars, while the Southside is more outdoorsy, with beaches, hills, great hikes and open sea views. With the new developments coming up and the MTR, there will be easier access to help people enjoy the new attractions. Is Hong Kong the place to be or is it becoming a theme park? No doubt Hong Kong is still the place to be. In terms of choices for dining and shopping, exploring cultural heritage and embracing latest lifestyle trends – Hong Kong has it all. In some ways, Hong Kong is like a theme park because it has so many different options no matter where
you are from, and what you are interested in. Old Hong Kong is a tribute to our past – traditional stalls, street food, sense of neighborhood, way of living. As old buildings and cultural links become rapidly lost in the face of urban development, our Old Hong Kong attraction gives all our guests, young and old, locals and tourists, a chance to see what the old Hong Kong was all about and relive those memories. In 2008 you gave up your Canadian citizenship and took Chinese citizenship. Was this a big deal for you? Not really. I’d been in Hong Kong for more than 40 years. My life, my family, my businesses are all based here, so it was only right to pledge my allegiance to the best city in the world. As the “father of Lan Kwai Fong”, can you tell us about the new California Tower? It is going to be really special because we designed it with 30 years’ experience in Lan Kwai Fong. Most existing outlets had to make the most of spaces that used to be offices, flower shops, embroidery shops; not ideal for F&B and entertainment. The new building will have column-free spaces with high ceilings, big windows and terraces – everything any good operator would want. Pure Fitness will also take up six floors, and at the top will be a special restaurant and bar with a full roof-top terrace that I think everyone will really enjoy. You’re a fan of zombie movies – why zombies? My film production company, Afterdark Films in Los Angeles, specializes in horror movies and action films. I like horror because you can get really creative with it, really think out of the
box and do something different. I love to get a reaction out of people. That’s why Halloween is so great, you have unlimited choices of ghosts, monsters, vampires, beasts – anything. I’m even introducing Halloween into China, and the customers at Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu can’t get enough of it! They really make an effort and I’ve seen some amazing costumes. What’s your favourite restaurant on Southside? I usually go to the Hong Kong Country Club. Any plans to open a restaurant on Southside? I’m open to new possibilities everywhere.
Dr Zeman's career highlights Early years: Born in Germany, raised in Canada, made his first million at the age of 19. 1975: Having made his fortune importing clothing from Hong Kong, he moves to the territory permanently. 1983: Buys a restaurant on a little road in Central known as Lan Kwai Fong. 1984: Buys the rest of the block and turns the area into one of the most popular bar and nightlife spots in Hong Kong. 2004: Invited by Hong Kong’s then chief executive to step in as chairman of the ailing Ocean Park. Despite competition from newcomer Disneyland, Zeman turns the park around, raising visitor numbers and generating huge profits.
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local
Something in the air
As Kennedy School students don face masks to protest shipping emissions, Carolynne Dear investigates Southside’s air quality. There are many attractions to living in Hong Kong, but air quality is not one of them. Although Southside is one of the “cleaner” areas of the SAR, there is concern about just what we are breathing in. It is estimated that over 3,000 people die in Hong Kong each year from respiratory problems due to air pollution. To demonstrate the point, all 900 students and 100 staff at Kennedy School last month donned masks during a sponsored marathon. “As a school we feel quite strongly about environmental issues,” said principal Paul Hay. “We have recently learned of the polluting effect that Hong Kong shipping has on the local environment. We would like the shipping companies to switch to low-sulphur, less polluting fuel whenever they are in Hong Kong coastal waters.” Kennedy School is right to be concerned, given its location adjacent to one of the world’s busiest and most polluted shipping lanes. Neither the Hong Kong nor Guangdong governments have regulations on shipping emissions in the Pearl River Delta, so 18 months ago the world’s first unsubsidized, voluntary fuel switch programme was introduced in Hong Kong. It is known as the Fair Winds Charter and it asks shipping companies to voluntarily switch to greener fuel when calling at Hong Kong. So far, 15 shipping lines, two cruise lines and one autoliner are using
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environmentally friendlier fuel “to the maximum extent possible” while at berth in the city. But if all shipping lines switched to the cleanest fuel available, sulphur dioxide emissions would drop 80 per cent. At present, it is estimated just 10% of ships in HK waters are burning cleaner fuel. Unfortunately, the Fair Winds Charter expires in December this year. In February the HK government announced it would reduce port dues for shipping companies who switch to low-sulphur fuel, but this has not been enough of a sweetener for most. Maersk says it spent over US$1.7million participating in the charter last year. However, Hong Kong is the third busiest port in the world and, according to local think tank Civic Exchange, there is no other area in the world that has this density of traffic, population and weak regulation. Governments in both Europe and North America have begun to legislate on burning cleaner fuels when entering their waters, but not so in Asia. Sulphur dioxide, or SO2, is a poisonous gas and a major pollutant. It can have a significant impact on human health, including breathing difficulties, respiratory disease and even death. Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to SO2 emissions. When it reacts with moisture in the air, SO2 results in acid rain, which damages plants and trees, corrodes buildings and reduces visibility. While clean-air campaigner and entrepreneur Ilse Massenbauer-
breathe easy?
Australian Cancer Council Sun Care Range
Summer at...
I feel sad because they don't seem to care about polluting our world. My asthma is worse because of their pollution. (Sula, Kennedy School student) S.O.L. — Save our Lungs! You're destroying your own habitat. (Alice, Kennedy School student)
from
$89
Super Parachute Party
Strafe rates Southside’s air quality as “better than most”, she says, “You can still see and smell the pollution. Places like Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and Mid-Levels are not as fresh as Southside due to roadside pollution, but we face diesel and other emissions from container ships.” Kennedy School students and staff are not the only members of the community campaigning about air quality. Consultant Andrew Leyden recently launched an iPhone app (Hong Kong Air Pollution) to monitor air quality. Unable to figure out Hong Kong’s Air Pollution Index, Leyden’s user-friendly app can locate the user’s position and link it to one of Hong Kong’s 14 monitoring stations. The user can then choose to measure the readings by the pollution standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Hong Kong, Australia, the US, Britain, France or the EU. Pollution levels are flagged red for high, green for good and so forth. But pollution levels considered acceptable by one measure may not make the grade in another. For example, the air quality at 10pm in Mong Kok one weekday evening was rated “high” on the Hong Kong scale, “above maximum limit” by the WHO, “fair” in Australia and “low” in the UK. “It’s eye-opening to see the differences between countries,” Leyden said. At present, there are no monitoring stations on Southside and the Environmental Protection Department has no plans to install one, so the quality of our air is largely unknown. The nearest station to Stanley, for example, is Chai Wan. However, the EPD says that, as the area is less developed than elsewhere in Hong Kong, “the air quality should be better”. In a bid to “clear the air” over the question of local emission levels, Hong Kong International School went as far as commissioning its Repulse Bay campus to be professionally monitored earlier this year. But with Hong Kong’s highest ever roadside pollution levels recorded last year and proposals for significant reclamation and construction in nearby Sandy Bay under consideration, improved air quality could turn out to be a tough campaign trail for Kennedy School.
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23/4/12 12:46 PM
launch pad
all for charity
Wassup doc? Meet Kevin Yeung, charity fundraiser, UNICEF council member, serial entrepreneur and Southside resident.
I founded FindDoc.com with my University roommate, Dr Michael Lim, a neurosurgeon, along with technologist Ivan Ng, to enable Hong Kong's residents and our three million monthly visitors to find specialist doctors.
fluent you become. It is a privilege to work with people who speak the language well. It’s exhilarating raising meaningful amounts for worthy causes using great ideas and lateral thinking.
Our technology is really innovative – we are the only website to team up with the Hong Kong Doctors’ Union. It's by far the most complete doctors’ resource available. And it’s completely free.
I'm not your traditional fundraiser. I have never hosted or attended charity balls. I don’t tux up. Don’t air-kiss. Instead, I focus on building sustainable projects and getting things done. That’s why we are able to raise money from serious folks and it’s perhaps why organizations like to work with us.
My wife and I were blessed to welcome our son into our lives two years ago. Children change everything. You want to improve things wherever you can to help make the world a better place for the next generation. I'm proud of my middle-class upbringing. It’s pushed me to be the self-made man I am today. My dad was a Hong Kong policeman, my mum was a teacher. Living with my uncle and aunt enabled me to finish my schooling in the United States. I ended up playing the high-school quarterback – the designated playmaker but not the one who scores. The secret is reading the game and passing the ball so others can score for the team. Guess what? Business life is the same. My early career revolved around finance followed by consulting and then industry. When I started out in technology, I knew almost zilch about the sector. But I’ve worked with amazing teams. I prefer to work in large, bright open-plan offices with my core team working around one large table. I employ the Harkness teaching model – everyone contributes to solving problems together. We learn from each other, provide individual input and nobody gets to hide. It works brilliantly. Charity is a big deal for me. I see it as a language. The more you speak it, the more
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A lot of our fundraising projects are bespoke, even avant-garde. As a car lover and Porsche owner, my team and I wor ked with Porsche to donate four Cayenne 4x4s to serve as mobile educational vehicles and to transport teachers and educational supplies to about 500 schools damaged in the Sichuan earthquake. People take me seriously because they know I’ll get stuff done. I listen well so I can come up with innovative solutions. In industry, it was brought to my attention that our staff canteens were not ideal. We had 2,000 staff so this was a big deal. We partnered with local farmers to farm high-quality chicken and vegetables. Our staff canteen became one of the best in our region in China. Our staff are healthy, they are happy and stay with us. My best advice? Don’t quit! My high-school football coach taught me that. Pivot. Move around. Seek out all options. Do something new. Just do not quit. Southside is a paradise. We are fortunate to live here. It is full of amazing people. A lot of my neighbours – entrepreneurs, CEOs, financiers – they each have great style. They make it look so easy.
hours
ON SOUTHSIDE Got a day off? Here are four ways to spend it.
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visitors' feature guide
The culture vulture
Get a dose of art and heritage without falling into a tourist trap.
8am, Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen
Start the day by lighting a joss stick to the Taoist goddess Tin Hau. The patron deity of seafarers is said to have travelled the oceans on a mattress of reeds saving drowning people. Like most Tin Hau temples, it was originally built by fishermen on the water’s edge – but that was 150 years ago and successive harbour reclamations mean that today it is slightly inland on the corner of Aberdeen Main Road and Aberdeen Reservoir Road. It falls under the care of the Chinese Temples Committee, which in 1999 carried out major repair works, preserving the temple ridge and stone columns. It houses historic relics from the Qing Dynasty, including a copper bell cast in 1726 and given to the temple by a fisherman who rescued it from the sea. Aberdeen Tin Hau Temple is open daily from 8am to 5pm. For details, visit www.ctc.org.hk.
10.30am, watercolour class, Ap Lei Chau Create your own culture at an adult art class.
Australian-born artist Lindy Moran runs the fantastic Little Picasso gallery in an industrial space on Ap Lei Chau. Moran, who comes from a family of artists and has exhibited and worked in New York and Australia, offers Eastmeets-West watercolour classes for both beginners and more experienced artists keen to learn new techniques. The classes teach basic Chinese strokes and traditional themes, including bamboo, flowers and birds. The four key elements to Chinese View work from French painter Jean-Paul Pancrazi painting – brush, paper, ink and an ink stone – at Aberdeen's debut Rhythm & Tone exhibition. are provided, as well as a Chinese tea sampling. Sign up for one class or a course of several. Classes run Tuesdays to Fridays, from 10.30am dishes and super-fresh seafood – appropriately, to noon and cost $500 for a single class. For given its location near Aberdeen Harbour’s fishing details, call 6776 4972 or email contact@ community. The restaurant has received rave littlepicasso.hk. reviews since opening and wouldn’t be at all out of place in SoHo. A set lunch menu is available as well , dim sum, Bistro Jinli as choice dishes a la carte. It’s open from 11am to Opened last year, Bistro Jinli is a Sichuan and late; closed Mondays. 5 Wai Fung St, Ap Lei Chau, dim sum restaurant, specialising in delicious spicy 2328 2138.
12.30pm
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2pm
, art exhibitions Walk off lunch by taking in a couple of art exhibitions. FEAST Projects in Ap Lei Chau is celebrating Le French May with a debut exhibition by French surrealist Marlene Mocquet. She melds surrealism with the sublime and every picture is populated with characters, animals and anthropomorphic objects. She discovered painting as a form of self-therapy, drawing on symbolism, surrealism, expressionism and action- painting, as well as popular imagery from cartoons. “Mocquet’s unlimited imagination and faux-naif style are unforgettable and from the start her work has been received with great applause from critics and public,” says the gallery’s director, Philippe Koutouzis. Wander back into Aberdeen to visit Rhythm & Tone, a show by Taiwanese glass artist Sunny Wang and Corsican painter Jean-Paul Pancrazi, who is exhibiting in Hong Kong for the first time. Also part of Le French May, it opens on May 4 at the 7,500-square-foot Koru Contemporary Art gallery. FEAST Projects is open TueSat, midday-7pm, 3/F, Harbour Industrial Centre, Ap Lei Chau, www.feastprojects.com. Rhythm & Tone is on at Koru Contemporary Art, 10/F & 16/F, Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen.
Taiwanese glass artist Sunny Wang, exhibiting in Aberdeen.
7pm, wine tasting,
8th Estate Winery To end a thoroughly cultured day in a thoroughly cultured way, head to the 8th Estate Winery, Ap Lei Chau. Hong Kong’s first and only urban winery is a “secret” cellar run by winemaker Eddie McDougall, who travels all over the world to source grapes that are flash frozen and shipped back to Hong Kong. The wine is produced and bottled on site. Public tastings are held every Saturday in the barrel room, but private tastings are also available for a minimum of eight people ($180/head), including four different wines plus cheese and biscuits. 3/F Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing St, Ap Lei Chau, 2518 0922, www.the8estatewinery.com.
From art to wine, it's all happening in Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau this month.
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The gym bunny The active options.
9am, breakfast, Classified
It’s the most important meal of the day so eat like a king. If you prefer to keep it light, try Classified’s “healthy options” menu for a granola and banana smoothie or bowl of homemade muesli. Otherwise, treat yourself to its perfectly gooey eggs benedict or smokey homemade beans with chorizo on toasted sourdough. Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2563 3454, www. classifiedfoodshops.com.hk.
10am, hike, Dragon’s Back
Strap on your hiking boots for the Dragon’s Back, famously dubbed Asia’s best urban hike by Time Magazine. Take bus no.9, or grab a cab, to To Tei Wan bus stop on Shek O Road, where the hike starts winding through shady bamboo groves and lush woodland. Take in breathtaking views of the Nine Pin Islands, Big Wave Bay and the Red Hill peninsula from the ridge before descending into Shek O. It takes three to four hours.
1.30pm, lunch, Shek O
Now you’ve worked up an appetite, take a breather in laid-back Shek O. Options include the famous Shek O Chinese and Thai, all-you-can-eat barbecue on the beach or any of the other casual eateries in the area. Reward yourself with a couple of Tsing Taos or a well-deserved bottle of chilled white wine.
Hang ten at Big Wave Bay.
3pm, surfing, Big Wave Bay
As the name suggests, Big Wave Bay has seas large enough to surf – rare in Hong Kong. Surfboards, skim boards, paddle boards and boogie boards can be hired at kiosks on the road leading to the beach. If water sports aren’t for you, buy a paddle-ball kit or frisbee for peanuts and spend an afternoon chasing about on the sand.
6pm, Flex
The final stretch. Flex Studio in Wong Chuk Hang is a hot spot for gym bunnies with some of the best personal trainers in town, including Nike’s Global Yoga Ambassador Leah Kim. Flex focuses on yoga, pilates and zumba. Expectant and new mamas will be happy to hear they also specialize in pre- and post-natal conditioning. Bring the sprogs for the renowned Flex Kids and Teen classes.1/F Regency Centre (Phase II), 43 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 2813 2212, www.flexhk.com.
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visitors' feature guide
Kids in tow
Southside is family territory – make the most of it.
tennis tables for family ping-pong – bring your own paddles and balls. Afterwards, cool down with a drink or ice cream from the beach kiosk or play in the waves. Bliss.
3pm, art classes,
Unleash the inner artist in your child at Little Picasso on Ap Lei Chau. Adults are catered for, too, with Chinese watercolour classes.
10am
, kayaking, Stanley Main Beach Get up and go with a kayak tour around Stanley. Book yourself and the kids in for a two-, three- or four-hour tour around the Stanley peninsula with Aquabound, located on Stanley Main Beach. The minimum requirement is to be able to swim at least 50 metres. As you paddle the three to four milesaround the bay, your very own kayak guide will be able to point out the landmarks you are paddling past and also offer tips to improve
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your stroke. Single and double kayaks available for one- or three-hour rentals, or if you and your kids are full of beans, for a whole day. One- hour rentals start at just $30 an hour for members or $60 an hour for non-members. For details, see www.aquabound.com.hk. Alternatively, try the government-run watersports centres on Stanley Main Beach and round the corner at St Stephen’s Beach, although you will need to hold a relevant kayaking certificate from
its training programmes to join the themed tours. The Marine Eco tour runs from St Stephen’s Beach to Tai Tam Bay, while the Shek O Geo Tour takes you to Cape D’Aguilar, passing sea caves and other coastal geological formations on the way. For more information, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.
1pm
, table tennis, Chung Hom Kok Head down to the fun outdoor playground at Chung Hom Kok beach, where there are fixed table
Colour My World Get creative at drop-in art classes at Colour My World every Saturday from 3pm-5pm. For a few dollars more, you can join them at paintand-bond sessions in the “parentchild connection corner”. Canvases, paints, basic guidance and reference materials are all supplied. Other workshops include 3-D, covering sculpture, construction (in plaster, paper, metal or textiles), jewellery, mosaics, book-binding and cushion-making. Room 108, Aberdeen Marina Tower, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028, info@colourmy-world.com.
6pm, family dinner, Rocksalt
Round off a fun day with an early family dinner at Rocksalt, Stanley. With both child- and adult-friendly menus - the kids can’t go wrong with a Rocksalt snapper and chips - it’s a bit pricier than your average pizza joint but worth it. And when the kids have finished, there is plenty of space outside to play or scooter on Stanley Promenade, while you watch from a window table. 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2899 0818.
visitors' feature guide
The foodie
Indulge, for tomorrow you diet.
$498 for adults and $249 for children, men are asked not to wear open-toed shoes or sleeveless shirts. 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, 2292 2822, www. therepulsebay.com.
12.30pm,
Feast on local fish dishes at hidden away Shu Zhai in Stanley Market.
11am, brunch, The Verandah
Hong Kong icon and repro colonial remnant, The Verandah at The Repulse Bay serves one of the most celebrated champagne brunches in town. Available on Sundays only, diners are spoiled for choice with a buffet of biblical proportions: sashimi, seafood, Asian delicacies, a carvery of the day and cook-toorder stations, including pasta and foie gras tables. The homemade desserts are legendary, including freshly made crepes and souffles.
of the finest quality produce and ingredients in the SAR. Shop confidently for jet-fresh Norwegian salmon, Boston lobster, Australian rack of lamb, artisan cheeses, Italian salami, Pata Negra Iberian ham, award-winning wines and other tasty goodies. Yum. 12/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2137 9985, www. epicuredirect.com.hk.
dim sum, Shu Zhai Walking into Shu Zhai is like stepping back in time. This dimly lit den has a library with rows of old books and a secluded Chinese-style courtyard canopied by ancient trees and lanterns – a refreshing change from loud, urban yum cha spots. All the dishes are made fresh at the restaurant. As well as dim sum, it specializes in “dan jia” (fishing village recipes), including dan jia hand-shredded fish meat, fried crab with soya bean and golden garlic, and braised duck in chestnut sauce. 80 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 0123.
, afternoon tea, Sift Sift is a happy place. A sugarcoated nook filled with gorgeous cakes, wooden furniture, fairy lights and a Norah Jones-Corinne Bailey Rae soundtrack. Our recommendations: red velvet cupcakes that melt in the mouth or a chocolate raspberry slice that has been known to reduce grown men to tears of joy. 22/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2530 4288, www.siftdesserts.com.
3pm
7pm, dinner – decisions, decisions
, shopping, Pacific Gourmet Foodies make special pilgrimages to Pacific Gourmet, where knowledgeable staff stock some
4pm
Spices There’s an air of colonial opulence about this Asian-inspired restaurant with its heritage architecture. It
switched to a semi-buffet format in November, and the once slightly rarefied ambience is now more cheerful and casual. Dinner begins with a smorgasbord of Asian appetizers, for mains choose from curry, noodle or wok-fried dishes, followed by a dessert buffet. We’re loving the wine-tasting station. Book a table on the large terrace and watch the sunset. The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2292 2821, www.therepulsebay.com.
Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market For something more down to earth, order up a Thai feast at this neighbourhood Cooked Food Market (pictured above). Park your seat on a dingy plastic stool and tuck into bowls of piping hot soup noodles, fragrant curry and mouthwatering plates of Hainan chicken. Take friends to share the large plates of juicy grilled pork neck, tangy pomelo salad and curry crab. 1/F, 1 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang.
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eating
couch potato
Lazy days cooking
Restaurant-quality food to eat at home. Hong Kong Personal Chef A new service launched by chef Tom Burney, Hong Kong Personal Chef delivers frozen professionally cooked dinners made from top-quality ingredients to your door. Simply pop them in the microwave for five minutes and – ping! – tuck into a restaurant-quality meal. Each meal is labelled with full nutritional information along with storage, defrosting and heating instructions. Family favourites include the fisherman’s pie bursting with fresh salmon, sole and prawns under a cheesy mashed potato topping; roast chicken with duck-fat roasted potatoes, stuffing and pan juice gravy; plus weekly specials like swordfish steak and beef fillet skewers. “We use top quality ingredients - New Zealand beef, Australian lamb, Norwegian salmon, US pork, organic chicken and English sausages,” says Burney. Hong Kong Personal Chef delivers on Mondays to Hong Kong Island. Fill your freezer by ordering online at www.hongkongpersonalchef.com or by email. Dishes are $110 for a single portion and delivery is free for orders of four dishes or more, with a 20 per cent discount on the first order.
Pictures: (Top) Chef Tom Burney delivers to your door; (below) Supper is easy as 1, 2, 3 with Secret Ingredient.
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Classified Cheese Box Launched through its online store, Classified’s new Cheese Box delivery service allows cheese buffs to enjoy artisan cheeses with a click of a mouse. The service launched with a cheddar board for $275 (excluding delivery), including five delicious cheddar and cheddar-style farmhouse cheeses plus tasting notes. Deliveries are every Friday from 10am to 2pm. Order online at www.classifiedfoodshops.com.hk. Secret Ingredient For those who like to cook, but don’t have the time or the inclination for the time-consuming prep, put your vegetable peeler away and visit the Secret Ingredient website. Simply order a recipe and Secret Ingredient will deliver all the ingredients measured, washed, peeled, chopped, sliced and diced. Even the olive oil and condiments are supplied. Your gourmet, home-cooked meal can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. All meat, poultry and fish is imported and other ingredients are sourced fresh daily. The company also supplies meals for dinner parties. Orders are taken until 5pm for same-day delivery, however the company only delivers in Central: so order to the office. Sign up for the members’ club and receive invitations to exclusive food and wine tasting events in the Sheung Wan kitchen at www. secretingredient.com.hk. Lestafette Open since October, Lestafette.com is a fabulous online source for French delicacies: epicerie, boulangerie, charcuterie (aka groceries, baked goods and cold cuts), plus artisan cheese and wines from small, family-run vineyards, sourced by chef-owner Emmanuel Vallier. Based in Sha Tin, it offers free delivery to Hong Kong Island on orders of more than $500. And if you fancy something a bit more substantial than freshly baked baguette and cheese, Vallier also sells gourmet meals in a jar. Select from delicacies including three types of cassoulet, duck legs with ceps mushrooms and duck chorizo with beans.
Pie on a plate Delicious desserts are just a phone call away. We spoke to pieman RJ Asher. Tai Tai Pie Pies began after friends kept nudging me to sell my delicious pies. After throwing a successful pie party for friends I decided to take the plunge, quit the corporate career ladder and try out entrepreneurial life. That was May 2010 and I haven't looked back. The love we put in every pie makes the difference. Our pies are REAL: real big, real tasting and real amazing! My all-time favourite is the All-American Apple Pie – our bestseller – but the Tart Cherry Sweetie Pie is right up there. The secret is the crust. I use 11 different crusts for pies and a few different crusts for cheesecakes. We are working on many new pies, from a breakfast pie to new dessert pies. We deliver but we need 48 hours’ notice as all our items are handmade and we want to make sure anyone who orders gets what they deserve. Tai Tai Pie Pies is at www.taitaipiepies. com, 2413 8877/6082 8768, email info@ taitaipiepies.com.
wines A matter of taste
If you like it, drink it, says Master of Wine Tim Atkin in his new column.
“What do you think of my shirt?” It’s an unconventional way to begin a tasting, but it’s an opening I often use with consumers who are new to wine. Over the years, I’ve assembled some very loud pieces of clothing: clashing stripes, gaudy Hawaiian sunsets, outrageous paisleys. The sartorial gambit is my way of making a simple point. Like couture, wine is highly subjective. There’s always someone in the room who likes my dress sense and the discussion that ensues is a way of melting the openingnight ice. By its very nature, fashion is subject to change. I’m old enough to have seen flared trousers go in and out of vogue at least four times and I think I saw an “A list” celebrity wearing an Afghan coat recently. Wine, too, is subject to trends, although they take a little longer to manifest themselves. A hundred years ago, Germany made the most expensive wines in the world. The land of fine Riesling and, increasingly, Pinot Noir has been through a prolonged slump since the 1970s, but is now modish once more.
My goal as a wine writer is to encourage people to trust their senses. If you like something, that’s all you really need to know to enjoy it. Forget the amount of time it spent in fine French oak, the precise details of pH, tannin levels or malolactic fermentation. In the end, wine comes down to a simple question: does it give me (or preferably us, since bottles taste best shared) pleasure? We live in an age when consumers are often scared to trust their own judgments. I have a cartoon on my wall that makes fun of our insecurities. A guy in a wine shop pulls a face when the salesman asks him what he thinks of a sample he’s just been offered. “But the Wine Speculator gave it 96 points,” counters the salesman. “OK, I’ll take a case,” says the punter. If there’s no such thing as a right answer
and everything is subjective, what’s the point of this new monthly column? The answer is that I want to steer you towards wines I hope most of you will like. I don’t pretend to be the only source of wine wisdom, but I love recommending bottles that excite my readers. What are my qualifications? Well, I’ve been writing about wine
for more than 25 years and have been lucky enough to taste (and drink) all over the world. I’m also a Master of Wine, a qualification that entitles me to a lifetime’s supply of dandruff and the right to wear pinstripe suits. Only joking… Hong Kong is fast becoming the centre of the wine world, so you are in a truly fortunate position. Tens of thousands of winemakers want you to drink their wines: a mixture of the sublime, the good, the mediocre, the poor and the downright unpalatable. As we get to know each other, I hope I’ll introduce you to some great wines. If not, you can always laugh at my shirts.
Award-winning wine journalist Tim Atkin (www.timatkin.com) has written for The Guardian, The Economist and Daily Telegraph newspapers and appears regularly on the BBC.
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he nose
Events May 1-31
Put down the brew, bro... And pick up a glass of Hunter’s wine instead. Back by popular demand, Tin Tin Bar at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin is offering a New Zealand wine and cheese promotion, pairing vintages by the multi award-winning label with the country’s premium cheeses. 4/F, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, 3723 1234, hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com.
May 21
21st Annual Great Chefs of Hong Kong Bottoms up for a great cause. Over the years, the Great Chefs of Hong Kong has raised $30 million for the Heep Hong Society and children in need. This year, try wines picked by Hong Kong’s finest sommeliers paired with food by renowned chefs. Tickets come in three categories for $800, $1,380 and $1,800, which includes dinner hosted by 12 chefs with premium wine. Book at www.heephong.org/greatchefs.
May 29-31
Vinexpo Asia Pacific The region’s leading international wine and spirit exhibition takes over Level 1 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more than 1,000 exhibitors from 30 countries and 14,00015,000 visitors – F&B professionals. The programme includes 40 conferences, seminars and tastings, which will be held against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. For details, visit www.vinexpo.com.
Wines of the month
Three of the best Hong Kong-produced wines from 8th Estate Winery.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $140 A refreshing blend of blackberries, cinnamon, fresh mint and cedar on the nose while dark cherry, plums and fig, balanced with American oak and vanilla, delights the tongue. Grapes from Washington State, USA. Riesling 2010, $180 A glowing yellow wine, with a fresh bouquet of minerals with green apples, snap peas and almonds and a palate of sweet apple and citrus. Grapes from Clare Valley, South Australia. Sangiovese 2008, $280 Hints of black tea, fresh tomato plants and redcurrants on the nose, while the palate bursts with ripe strawberries and cookie dough. A velvety finish. Grapes from Tuscany, Italy. 8th Estate Winery, 2518 0922, www.the8estatewinery.com.
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property
In a city dedicated to all things new and shiny, older properties are often overlooked. However, among the hotchpotch of tong lau tenements some real gems can be found – bijoux living spaces waiting to be lovingly re-imagined It takes vision to see the potential in these rather neglected older apartments, often cramped, often crumbling. However, for the visionary buyer, they can represent a wise investment. The pervasive mistrust of walkups keeps prices reasonable, while favourable
Age before beauty
A SoHo tong lau gets a new lease on life.
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city slicker
layouts mean you get what you pay for – 700 square feet is 700 square feet. When one inspired buyer found the fourth and fifth floors of a tong lau in bustling SoHo for sale, he saw the opportunity to combine
the two, creating a 1,350-square-foot rooftop duplex. With the sale completed and creative juices starting to flow, LLS Design and Associates was commissioned to cast this 30-year-old apartment in a new light.
Wellness exams & vaccinations Diagnostic testing & imaging Dental & surgical procedures Health certificate for pet travel New pet products! WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29
property
The aim was to create an urban pied-à-terre that was both stylish and comfortable. Sleek built-in furnishings and storage space make optimum use of every square inch, and elegant functionality comes from innovations such as a sliding door that serves both to close off the bedroom and conceal cupboard space. A neutral palette of earth colours and raw materials enhance the feeling of easy openness, while leather-clad chairs and burnished bronze curtains add a touch of decadence. Owners and designers wishing to completely transform a property face a long list of restrictions and must obtain planning permission for any major renovation. One of the main challenges in this project was obtaining permission for an internal staircase. It took six months of waiting and a further eight months of to-ing and fro-ing between the owner, designer and chosen engineering company to get the job done properly. However, all the hard work paid off and now a fully approved spiral staircase wraps itself around a supporting beam, connecting the two floors and the rooftop. Thanks largely to this open staircase with its transparent glass walls, the apartment is pleasantly and unexpectedly suffused with light. The stairway acts as a light well, funneling light down through the space, while frosted glass panels allow it to travel freely throughout the apartment. After climbing the stairs and stepping out onto the rooftop, many visitors catch their breath. The rooftop is delightfully at odds with its surroundings – an oasis of relaxation amid the busy neighbouring towers. A sleek but comfortably cushioned outdoor lounge set invites one to stop and recline. A slash of azure shade cloth provides shelter from the sun and echoes the blue skies overhead. The space cries out for a party, perhaps with sophisticated cocktails crafted by a master mixologist. Entertaining was a key consideration in the duplex’s layout: the living area on the top floor leads directly to the roof for easy mixing and mingling, while the bedroom is privately cocooned on the floor below. Functional yet stylish, this SoHo tong lau captures the character of the city around it – savvy, sophisticated and ever-changing.
LLS Design, 2117 8983, www.llsdesign.com.hk.
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promotion
Parkview life
A taste of paradise near Tai Tam Country Park.
Overlooking the beautiful greenery of Tai Tam Country Park is Parkview, a gem of elegant living. Its plethora of world-class facilities are everything you would expect from one of Hong Kong’s realestate icons, offering a lifestyle that is second to none. Located 15 minutes from Central, Parkview is a landmark building boasting unparalleled luxury, security and community. Whether you’re a business traveller or relocating to Hong Kong with your family,
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Parkview Suites offer a perfect home from home. From Deluxe Rooms for singles and couples to the spectacular, three-bedroom Connecting Suite, Parkview Suites can meet all your requirements. Pack your personal items and move right in. The furnished suites include wi-fi for internet connection, satellite TV, and a fully equipped kitchen in every suite. Did we mention the iPod docks? They really have thought of everything.
Living in one of the most prestigious places in Hong Kong means you have access not only to an extravagant home, but also a world-class clubhouse with the city’s most advanced private gym, a three-floor state-of-the-art exercise centre. Forget “social” gym franchises, or having to squeeze treadmill time into your work schedule and work out at your leisure at this exclusive facility right on your doorstep. As well as the gym, there’s a comprehensive calendar
promotion
of sports programmes at the Parkview Spa & Resort. After your workout, soothe your muscles by taking a dip in a Roman bath, or cool down in the Orchid and Oasis swimming pools. The clubhouse is not just for adults. Tennis and squash courts, rock climbing, children’s playrooms, game zone and an ever evolving list of classes mean you and your loved ones never need to leave the newly renovated clubhouse.
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promotion The Parkview experience extends beyond its exclusive accommodation, with meeting and banqueting facilities the equal of those at elite luxury hotels. The extravagant ballroom Éclat boasts a marble staircase rising to soaring ceilings, making a spectacular backdrop to your personal or business event. And state-of-the-art function rooms are fully equipped for seminars or conferences. Leave it to Parkview to arrange all you need. When it’s time for dinner, Parkview’s luxurious restaurants offer a feast fit for a king. Choose from the Western and Chinese restaurants at the clubhouse and enjoy a delicious meal of Cantonese dim sum, freshtongue tingling sashimi or a cup of Earl Grey at the Teahouse. If you weren’t a foodie before you moved to Parkview, you soon will be, with a symphony of restaurants that will cater to you and your tastebuds.
HONG KONG PARKVIEW 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2812 3456 Email: pv03@hongkongparkview.com Website: www.hongkongparkview.com
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living
mum’s the word
Mother’s Day
Shower Mum with love on May 13.
Immortalize the children in updated silhouettes. Measuring 20cm x 20cm, in the print and colours of your choice, each canvas has the child’s name and date on the edge. Order online at www. blankbespokeart.com, 2239 4303.
She’ll be tickled pink with these pretty ceramic beads on a ribbon by Hellooow Design. Also available in grey, black and white. $268, Attic, www.attic-lifestyle.com.
Say it with a print by Singaporebased artists Laura Leaver and Emma Kramer. For details, visit www.notinthemalls.com. Splash out on a beautiful bouquet, perhaps a keepsake jewellery box bursting with orchids, or a bunch of Vintage Blooms – calla lillies, tulips or eustoma. Pacific Petals, Wong Chuk Hang, www.pacificpetals.com, 2151 1151. Delivery on Hong Kong Island.
Give Mum some love with a heart cushion by Australian brand Pony Rider. $800, Mirth Home, M/F, BT Centre, Yip Kan St, Wong Chuk Hang, www.mirthhome.com.
Asian-inspired ceramics come in lots of shapes and sizes at Chapin House, L2, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok St, Ap Lei Chau, www.chapinhousedesign.com.hk.
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visitors' Living guide
Flights of fancy
Stuck for ideas for your next party? Event stylist Alexandra Lauren may have the answers.
And now we are three A picnic became a little girl’s dream birthday party after Lauren came up with the “fly away with me” rainbow theme. The idea was sparked by the client’s colourful Cath Kidston plates, cutlery and picnic blankets. “In my imagination, I immediately conjured up grass, rainbows and hot-air balloons,” Lauren says. “I came up with five mood boards crammed with possible ideas that the client could add to.” Birthday girl Ashleigh's favourite colours, pink, sherbet orange and sunshine yellow,
Catering by Relish Kitchen, www.relish-kitchen.com.
set the colour scheme. Lauren created a rainbow cake topped with rainbow sprinkles, fresh lemonade with handmade swizzle sticks and dotty toppers for cucumber sandwiches. Dangling daisies, balloons and handmade pom poms bedecked the walls and ceiling as guests sank onto picnic blankets set out in the living room. Andrew the Brilliant Balloon man provided
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the entertainment, and guests perched on rented chairs decorated with heaps of ribbon. “We found that a little bit of ribbon went a very long way!” Lauren says. Even the ice-cream corner fell in with the theme with such toppings as chocolate “ants”, “fairy flowers”, yellow “rays of sunshine” and more rainbow sprinkles.
visitors' Living guide
Wedding belle Deepwater Bay was the setting for Lauren’s latest project: a surprise party for 40 for a couple who married spontaneously in Las Vegas. “The client wanted to surprise them with a party at his home,” Lauren explains. “He coaxed them to his house in full wedding dress by inviting them for a wedding-gown photo shoot with his daughters, Amber and Issie.” The bride and groom were greeted by a shower of rose petals from guests lined up on either side of the front door. Then it was up a staircase adorned with white orchids to the roof for sundowners at the bar as a DJ span the couple’s favourite tunes and the sunset painted Deepwater Bay in glorious colours. After dark, guests moved downstairs for a sumptuous three-course meal, accompanied by professional photographs of the surprise entrance playing on a screen, followed by dancing and drinks around the private swimming pool. “The lower level of the house opens up to a beautiful patio and swimming pool,” Lauren explains. “We filled the pool with romantic white roses and pungent white peonies that added a delicate fragrance to the dining room.” She also designed fresh floral chair-backs for each seat. “After we’d finished, guests never noticed the second table for 20 was constructed from an extension over a ping-pong table,” Lauren says.
Alexandra Lauren has organized everything from weddings in Montana to parties in Malaga. Her initial consultation is free. For details, visit www. alexandralauren.com.
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education Green dreams
Leonie Drew, co-head of the Australian International School, reveals how the Kowloon Tong-based school is moving forwards.
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Tell us about AISHK - why and when was it set up? The school opened its doors on Australia Day (26 January) in 1995, welcoming 25 eager students. We now teach over 1,100 pupils, from Reception at age four through to Year 12 graduation. In the last 15 years, over 95 per cent of graduating students have gone on to study at top universities throughout the world. Which curriculum do you follow? In primary, our curriculum is based on that of Australia. In secondary, students in Years 7-10 follow the New South Wales (NSW) curriculum, and in Years 11 and 12 senior students can opt to take the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Both the HSC and IB are internationally recognised tertiary entrance qualifications. But we also place great importance on balancing the academic with interests outside the classroom - we feel this is key to producing successful students. What are the school’s core values? Our commitment is to develop our students intellectually, socially, physically and ethically - in harmony with Australian culture. Our school values, which form a ten-point star, are: equity, creativity, excellence, respect, honesty, diligence, collaboration, trust, responsibility and integrity. Do you cater for nationalities other than Australian? We currently have 27 nationalities in the school. Around 70 per cent are Australian or New Zealand passport holders. The school is a source of pride for the Australian community in Hong Kong, showcasing the best of Australian education. What extra-curricular facilities do you offer? We have a wide range of activities that would be considered both cocurricular and extra-curricular. Sports include netball, volleyball, swimming (the indoor pool is on-site), rugby, touch and soccer. In the Performing Arts department, we have choirs, ensembles, orchestras and drama groups. A typical Australian education is based on breadth, activity and lots of variety. What’s new at the school? We are currently working on a Green Roof. This will include two open-air “green” work spaces, which incorporate an Australian-themed garden with
g’day
art installations and native flora. This will serve as a learning platform for teaching students about the environment, as well as doubling as a space for recreational activities and outdoor functions. It boasts stunning views across the city to Lion Rock. This has been a project of passion with help from many members of the AISHK community. Consultations have been held over an 18 month period so that students, parents, staff and other stakeholders could contribute ideas and opinions towards the design. A fundraising campaign brought in $1 million, including a grant from the Hong Kong Environmental Committee. Work began at the end of last year. We have also recently completed a major upgrade to our library. Australian library consultant Kevin Hannah was brought in to advise on user experience. Do you have any expansion plans? We are a non-profit school that doesn’t receive any assistance from either the Hong Kong or Australian governments. We were fortunate to be granted this site in Kowloon Tong, but we would warmly welcome the opportunity to expand again. We would be most grateful if the government were to allocate us an additional site. What does your waiting list look like? We currently have wait-lists for all primary years, but people are always coming and going in Hong Kong, so there is opportunity for enrolment if you persist. You can apply up to two years before you need a place. Our admissions staff regularly run school tours - just give us a ring to make a booking. We do require a level of English good enough to access our curriculum. We give priority of placement to siblings and Australian passport holders, but if space permits everyone is welcome. Do you have a school bus service to Southside? School buses currently run to Parkview, Shouson Hill, Pok Fu Lam, Kennedy Town and Mid-Levels. If there are sufficient numbers from a particular area, the bus company will usually attempt to run a service from that area. For more info, see www.aishk.edu.hk
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family
the grain of the matter
Run for rice
Bonding breaks For a family injection of enthusiasm, excitement and energy, try Outward Bound’s Family Weekend. Two days packed with action, adventure and quality bonding time, the course aims to enhance family relationships, improve communication, trust and respect, and build new friendships with other families taking part – each course has eight to 12 participants. It is an ideal opportunity to discover your children’s hidden talents through activities that require both brains and brawn. Hiking, camping and kayaking are blended with initiative games and problem-solving exercises. In Outward Bound’s fun, relaxed and supportive atmosphere, the Family Weekend offers a chance to spend some quality time with the kids, get some exercise and create some memories. Family Weekends are $1,580 a person, and suitable for children aged eight and above. For details, please contact Outward Bound on 2791 3228.
Petal power Pacific Petals in Wong Chuk Hang is launching flower-arranging classes. The classes are each 90 minutes long and participants learn about the care and conditioning of flowers as well as how to create an arresting arrangement. At the end of the class, participants take home a floral arrangement in a vase worth at least $790. “We decided to launch these classes after receiving numerous requests from customers,” said Ada Adu, founder of Pacific Petals. “By
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learning some basic techniques and getting tips from our floral pros, you will be able to create your own arrangement and give your home an instant makeover.” The first class will be held on Thursday, May 3, from 2.30pm to 4pm. Class fees are $990 and if you bring a friend, each person will receive a $100 discount. Flowers, vases and tools are supplied. Light refreshments will be served. To register, email customer@pacificpetals. com or call 2151 1151.
Outdoor fitness specialist Circuit25 has introduced charity initiative, All4One. Every calorie burned in class will be translated into pounds of rice for somebody less fortunate in the local area. The scheme works on the premise that participants burn an average of 800 calories in every class. A standard bowl of cooked rice contains around 200 calories, which means each class member burns around four bowls (a pound) of cooked rice. C25 will keep an online record and at the end of each quarter the total number of calories burned will be converted into rice donations to local food bank St James’ Settlement which works with partner agencies on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories to provide emergency food supplies. “We often read about the problems associated with obesity and overeating,” said Connie Ng of the St James’ Settlement People’s Food Bank. “But Hong Kong’s widening income gap means that there are also many people – especially children – who suffer from a lack of nutrition because their families simply don’t have the resources to provide them with a balanced diet.” To find the most convenient class, visit www.circuit25.com.
visitors' family guide
Canvas for kids
Stingrays aim high Twelve swimmers from Southside-based swim club Hong Kong Island Stingrays competed at the Hong Kong Olympic swimming trials held recently in Tsuen Wan. Although no one secured a place on the Olympic team, the club returned home with a haul of medals, including two gold and one silver. Two more Stingrays are to compete in the final Hong Kong swimming trials in Kowloon Park next month for a coveted place at the London Olympics. Stingrays has five training squads, ranging from three-year-old Ducklings to top-tier swimmers aged from 13. For details of training sessions, see www.hkstingrays.com.
the stop
The Bluebell Collection has produced a brand new range of art canvases for children. Italian-Polish artist Paulina Slebodzinska and gallery owner Clementine de Forton, creator of the Artemiss Contemporary Art Gallery in Hong Kong, designed a Bluebell Fairy as a logo, and – like all good fairytales – set their first collection in The Forest. Look closely and you can spot plants and bunnies, birds and butterflies, foxes and flowers, and even planes and helicopters. Every picture contains the Bluebell Fairy — spot her if you can.
Available at Little Mercerie Boutique, 15 Aberdeen Street, Central. Or by emailing collectionbluebell@gmail.com.
all the gossip from the school bus stop
Last rites I am saddened to report this month that the hamster is dead. Yes, our poor little Fang, beloved companion of four children and resident of our balcony, has scampered off to the great hamster wheel in the sky. It happened suddenly. Before I left for the Stop s/he (we never did work out which) was happily chewing on a sunflower seed. When I returned 45 minutes later (a combination of a late bus and a longer than usual conversation with the mum on floor 42 with the lovely new M&S wedges), Fang was lying prostate on the floor of his/her little hamster home. Although obviously upset by Fang’s passing, the children have had previous experience of dead pets. Daughter number one’s play-date with her best friend last November turned to tragedy when little Button was found dead in his hutch. Like Fang, Button’s was a surprising and premature end that culminated in an expat-style funeral. “The damn thing was fine when I left for tennis at lunchtime,” explained the best friend’s mum. “By the time I got back from the school run, it was cactus. I didn’t really know what to do, so we buried it in my Gucci sunglasses case – fantastic coffin potential – and dug a hole in the bougainvillea pot.” Fortunately the blow of Fang’s untimely demise was buffered somewhat by daughter number one having a friend to play. Having
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scared each other witless googling “dead hamster” (apparently hamsters are known to play dead while still alive, which led to a cacophony of cries along the lines of: “OMG! Fang’s eyebrows/toes/ears are moving!”), the girls decided on a burial. This would be followed by a small funeral to commemorate his/her short but happy life enjoying a $120,000-a-month view of the East Lamma Channel. Which led to the next issue: where to conduct the burial. My own childhood pets (two guinea pigs and a goldfish) enjoyed extensive plots at the bottom of our generous English suburban garden. Dad remembers watching from an upstairs window as my sister’s ailing guinea-pig ambled slowly from the herb garden to a sun-dappled spot under the apple tree where it fell asleep, never to wake up. In the absence of a garden, or any sort of foliage (our sole pot plant blew off the balcony during October’s T8), the girls resorted to taking a couple of teaspoons to the “lawn” outside the apartment block and surreptitiously, not to mention speedily, digging an appropriately sized hole before the doormen noticed. Fortunately they were able to move on from the terrible incident quite quickly – with a Google search for “dogs”. Apparently there is an adorable Maltese looking for a home at Hong Kong Dog Rescue. Carolynne Dear
promotion
Cyberport’s new direction
The Arcade has a new focus on homeware and furniture stores. This month, we visit OVOstudio and Woodmark. OVOstudio You haven’t seen chic furniture until you’ve been to OVOstudio, the metropolitan contemporary furniture company that recently opened a new store in the Cyberport Arcade. Whether you’re hankering for a home that looks as stylish as Le Méridien, or you would prefer a “sanctuary of tranquility and passion”, OVOstudio has furniture that fits the bill. The contemporary Cyberport Arcade showroom has all the hip appeal of a fashionable nightclub. Pride of place goes to its popular, eco-friendly collection and the range will soon be expanding to include “more OVOdesigned solid-wood furniture as well as an array of mild steel collection (including lightings and furniture)”. To welcome summer, it will also be introducing an outdoor collection. Both store and furniture have a quirky, fun vibe, which make it a welcome addition for Southside residents. Moving to Cyberport was a no-brainer for OVOstudio, given the location’s “high ceilings and spacious environment” that allow customers to shop more comfortably. Also in its favour was the flurry of other furniture outlets moving in. OVOstudio also offers a professional “furniture consultancy service”, so if you fall in love with the showroom your entire home can be remodelled in its image. Sleek, chic and contemporary, every item in OVOstudio is a revelation, particularly the exquisite limited-edition pieces. Southside residents with a strong sense of style will find plenty of conversation pieces right in their own backyard. OVOstudio is open daily. Shop 205, Level 2, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2529 6060, www.ovostudio.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.
Woodmark Walking into Woodmark’s new Cyberport Arcade store excites the senses. The wholesome aroma of new timber scents the air: close your eyes and you can almost feel the forest floor beneath your feet. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Woodmark has built a solid reputation for delivering the finest wooden furniture from its existing range or made to order. The quality is always excellent. Its long experience in furniture making translates into tables, chairs, cabinets, shelves, desks and even sofas. You name it, Woodmark can make it. It offers a one-stop service including design, manufacture and delivery, ensuring a hassle-free process. Its Cyberport Arcade store has an abundance of space, enabling Woodmark to display its larger pieces, including a long dining table, large wardrobes and bed frames. These enable the store to show the quality of its workmanship to Southside professionals. Woodmark plans to debut its unique pieces in the Cyberport Arcade before rolling them out to its other stores. Look for its signature walnut pieces, a favourite with Woodmark customers. Guaranteed to be “100 per cent natural and 100 per cent harmless with no artificial colours or chemicals”, Woodmark furniture is as natural and simple as possible without sacrificing design aesthetics. Woodmark is open daily. Shop 404, Level 4, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 3621 0609, www.woodmark.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
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health & beauty Prom-arama
It's prom season! Adele Rosi finds tips for teens. Makeup: $700, Tala’s, M/F, 4 Shelley Street, Central, 2521 9333. “Makeup has gone from the hard eyeliner look to a softer, more feminine face,” says Eve Roth Lindsay of Savvy Style.
As the Oscars are to showbiz, so prom nights are to teenagers. The most hotly anticipated month on the teen calendar, May is prom season. Already, teenagers throughout Southside are in frenzy of dress-selecting, tuxedo-buying, eyebrow-shaping and corsage-choosing. Like any big event, there are trends, grand designs and great expectations. With girls trading in their jeans for the night, the dress is all-important. “The biggest trends are white, red, gold and colour, colour, colour. Black is not what’s happening at all,” says Eve Roth Lindsay of Savvy Style, which specialises in colour analysis and style consultations. “It’s all about movie-star glamour, very elegant, feminine and pretty – not sexy-trashy – and also retro. Styles range from very streamlined to flapper to full ball gown. Glitter and sequins are also in but done in a new and tasteful way. Taylor Swift is a great example for girls – she does the red carpet so well.” Hairstyles are equally crucial, says Mojdeh Kazemi, owner of Tala’s Hair & Beauty Salon in SoHo, which offers complimentary hair consultations ahead of the appointment on the big day. “Girls usually put their hair up but the trend is for it to be sophisticated, not messy,” she says. “Girls with long hair tend to want a lot of curls and many girls have their own hairpieces. I always recommend they bring in a picture of what they have in mind as sometimes an idea may get lost in translation.” She also advises bringing in a picture of the dress as its neckline may determine the hairstyle. “For example, a dress with a high neck always looks better if long hair is put up,” she says. While makeup can hide unwanted pimples, Linda Chuen of Sabai Day Spa recommends girls start early to make sure their complexion is perfect for the big night. And consider a deepcleansing facial treatment after the event to avoid post-party pimples.
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Eyebrow shaping: $100, Sabai Day Spa, 12A Stanley Main Street, 2104 0566
Teen facial: $400, Sabai Day Spa.
Manicure: $170, Sense of Touch
“It depends on your skin but try to have a facial every fortnight if you are prone to breakouts and every three weeks if you have regular skin,” she says. “Don’t come just before the prom as spots may emerge several days after a facial. Try not to eat fried foods in the run-up to the prom as this can cause pimples. And remember to drink lots of water.” Male preparations are always more last minute. Tuxedos, suits and even kilts all make the cut; some boys like to experiment but think white DJ jacket with black trousers or a colourful waistcoat rather than anything weird and wonderful. Mothers of growing teen boys recommend having an evening suit made in Shenzhen to keep costs down.
Fake tan: $480 full body (with scrub), Sense of Touch, 1/F Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668
dancing queen
Hair: Spur by Aveda is offering a 20 per cent discount for teens under 16. Shop 302, Stanley Plaza, 2813 4298.
Style consultation: Savvy Style, 402A Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central, 2522 2592
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outdoors
Master strokes Carolynne Dear takes up outrigging. It’s a blustery, rainy day in Stanley. The sea is a steely grey with ominous white caps rolling around the bay. But the cool temperatures and stormy conditions do nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of outrigging fanatics Katherine Lynch and Elisabeth Schardt. “You must come out and join us. I promise, you’ll be hooked,” enthuses Lynch, who is a founding-member of Hong Kong Outrigger Canoe Club (HKOCC), the only local outrigging club in Hong Kong to train year-round, which started in 2003. “There is absolutely nothing more relaxing than getting out on the water. Paddling solves everything.” Originally from Hawaii, outrigging is a favourite sport across Polynesia and is growing in popularity the world over, including Hong Kong where the weather and sea conditions are ideal. “That’s the big difference with dragon boating,” Schardt explains. “Outrigging is a long-distance, endurance sport in open ocean and big waves. It’s the thrill of the wave that makes it such fun. It might look nervewracking to start with, but once you get into it, outrigging is seriously addictive.”
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The canoe – “va’a” in Hawaiian – is stabilised by the outrigger, a long, thin, solid float positioned rigidly parallel to the hull of the main canoe. In Polynesia, the va’a was originally carved by hand from a single tree, and it is believed the spirit of the tree lives on in the canoe. Modern canoes are more likely to be made from lightweight carbon fibre, but the superstition remains. “Never step over the boat, always walk around it,” Schardt warns. Paddlers, usually six, face towards the bow with number one – the “stroke”, who sets the pace – in the bow through to
thrill seekers The team also participates in races in Singapore, Guam, Australia and Hawaii. One of the toughest races is Australia’s Hamilton Island Cup in June, where Lynch and her teammates compete against 40 international teams. HKOCC is also a strong supporter of the Hong Kong Sea School, where it stores its boats. And it recently joined Dragon Boating team Stormy Dragons in raising $300,000 for the school at a charity ball. If you would like to try outrigging, the club is always looking for new members and holds training sessions five days a week, although you can pick and choose your times. The 6.15am Wednesday session is particularly recommended by Lynch. “You see the sun come up in front of you,” she says. “Quite a way to start the day.” Training locations include the flat-water of Tai Tam, Stanley Bay and longer distances around southside at the weekend. Newbies can enjoy their first three sessions free of charge. the helmsman (number six), who steers the boat at the back. The helm requires a high level of strength and endurance as s/he is responsible for keeping the boat straight and the crew safe, particularly in very rough seas. Stronger paddlers are typically placed in the middle of the canoe. Unlike dragon boating, there is no drummer to beat a paddling rhythm. “This is a sport that rewards experience, the ocean is constantly changing and you are continuously learning,” says Lynch. “Paddlers can still participate in their 50s, 60s and even 70s. In a way, it’s a bit like golf, you’re always searching for the perfect stroke. It’s very meditative.” The team takes part in races all over southside and trains year round in readiness for big races. These include a 20km run to Lamma and Po Toi, and the season culminates with a 45km round-the-island race in November.
For more information, see www.hkocc.com or email newmember@hkocc.com.
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hikes
A tale of two islands
Jackie Peers sorts out Ping Chau from Peng Chau.
Though similarly named, the islands of Peng Chau and Ping Chau are not to be confused – and both are well worth a visit. Peng Chau is close to Lantau Island, and provides a wonderful antidote to the rather rarefied atmosphere of nearby Discovery Bay. With its narrow lanes, restaurants and distinctive dumbbell shape, it’s a delightful miniature version of the better-known Cheung Chau with even more laid-back charm. Cross the island from the ferry jetty to the U-shaped cove and beach on the other side and you’re confronted with startling views of Hong Kong’s most prominent spires and bridges, particularly stunning at night when they’re illuminated. Ping Chau is in the New Territories. It has lost its permanent population completely, though former villagers return on weekends and holidays to cater to daytrippers. In its heyday it was a flourishing community of farmers, fishermen and smugglers, and the wistful appearance of its abandoned homes and villages is one of main reasons for visiting. Known sometimes as Tung (East) Ping Chau, it is the remotest part of the territory. A stone’s throw from
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the mainland in the northeast corner of Mirs Bay, it is part of Hong Kong through some historical quirk in Britain’s lease of the New Territories. Getting there is half the fun. The 90-minute ferry trip leaves from Ma Liu Shui jetty, near the Chinese University in Sha Tin, at 9am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. There’s a 3:30pm ferry on Saturdays as well. But be warned! Tung Ping Chau is no longer the forgotten isle it once was. Go early, or better still borrow or hire a boat for a mid-week visit and have the place to yourself. There’s more to do than you might imagine, so consider making a weekend of it. There are plenty of good camping spots and basic accommodation in the main village, Tai Tong. A flat island, formed of sedimentary rather than volcanic rock, Ping Chau is geologically unique in Hong Kong. Along the southwestern coastline, the higher side, the sea has eroded the base of the low cliffs to form a wave-cut platform, exposing the colourful layers and creating rock pools, over which the water – startlingly blue on a sunny day – surges back and forth. The Geopark
Southside Ad3.pdf 18/2/2012 9:41:36
island life
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website gives a detailed account of why the Tung Ping Chau shale is considered the top rock in Hong Kong – and in a territory of many startling rocks that’s saying something! The island is crescent shaped, with attractive beaches along the inside curve and some of the best snorkeling in Hong Kong, with attractive live coral and bright little fish. Bring your gear with you. But the best thing to do, as always, is to place one foot in front of the other. There’s a 6km track that circumnavigates the island, best negotiated towards low tide when the rocks are accessible, and small creatures are trapped in the rock pools. It’s not an arduous hike, but it’s very easy to while away an hour or two in relaxed fashion. Don’t neglect to explore the small inland trails either, in search of abandoned hamlets Chau Tau and Tsau Uk. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you’ll get some lovely photo ops. The return ferry departs Tung Ping Chau at 5.15pm. If you’re there on a Sunday make sure you get to the jetty on time – or you might have an unexpected Robinson Crusoe experience! 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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travel
Paradise found
When it comes to Asia’s tropical islands, the trick is to stay one step ahead of the tourist hordes.
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Koh Kood, Thailand The banana-pancake brigade may have established a toehold on this flattish, jungly island near the Cambodian border, but it’s the Six Senses Soneva Kiri eco resort that has really put Thailand’s fourthlargest, least-inhabited island on the map. Proving that being green does not require a poker face, this is uber luxury with a sense of fun, from the 50ft high bamboo dragon bridge that greets new arrivals to the free daily chocolate experiments (raspberry vinegar flavour, anyone?), in-house ice-cream parlour with a wall of 60
flavours and circular glass cheese vault. Our favourite innovation is Tree Pod Dining, a giant nest for four that is hauled five metres up a tree trunk and served by waiters on zip lines. The whole place is woody and gorgeous, with a whimsical children’s club complete with sleepover pod, a world-class spa, butler service and private buggies for every villa. Stay in an oversized villa with private infinity pool – or splash out on a four- to six-bedroom private reserve, perhaps with its own treehouse, private spa, library or even a water slide. And when
fantasy islands
Clockwise from left: Tree Pod Dining at Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood; palm-fringed Pulau Joyo can be yours, all yours; the sleepover pod at Soneva Kiri.
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you’re bored of the toys, there’s always the pristine coast to explore. How to get there: Soneva Kiri has its own Cessna plane for transfers from Bangkok. For details, visit www.sixsenses.com. Otherwise, take a plane or bus to Trat, then pick up a speedboat at Laem Sork Pier (see www.kokood.com for details). Pulau Joyo, Indonesia They had us at “driftwood palaces”. One of the most alluring phrases we’ve come across lately, we defy anyone to resist the barefoot luxury
those two little words conjure up, particularly when paired with the equally evocative “private island”. A palm-fringed dot in the Riau archipelago, Pulau Joyo is available for hire in its entirety. Which means it can be yours, all yours – driftwood palaces and all. The four palaces are as appealing as their name, each constructed entirely from wood salvaged from the ocean: think chunky bleached-wood four posters, wafting white muslin, planters’ chairs on private terraces, decorative carvings and luxurious bathrooms. Two Javanese houses – or joglos – have also been moved and reassembled on the island. There’s a 25m pool with another palace of a pool house, spa services, snorkeling gear, superb food and a 140ft yacht. And then there’s the white-sand beach that entirely surrounds the island, complete with shaded driftwood “bivouac”. Robinson Crusoe, eat your heart out. How to get there: Pulau Joyo is three hours from Singapore by ferry and private boat. The entire island can be hired for S$4,000 (HK$24,675) a night for groups of 10 adults for at least two nights, or the palaces can be booked individually (S$350 per adult per night). Rates include all food, non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling and kayaking, and transfers from Bintan. For details, visit www.pulau-joyo.com.
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travel
Song Saa, Cambodia Cambodia’s first luxury island resort is a little gem set on twin islets adrift in the Gulf of Thailand. Like the other 60 islands in the Koh Rong archipelago, privately owned Song Saa – Khmer for The Sweethearts; the islets’ local name – is a pristine reminder of Thailand 30 years ago, with virgin rainforest, unspoiled coral reefs and pristine white beaches. Owners Rory and Melita Hunter based the architecture on local fishing villages, and have made every effort to keep it green with driftwood furniture, a yoga platform amid the rainforest and a Marine Protection Area extending 200m off the fringing reef, with its dugongs, seahorses and fish. If the 27 villas are sustainable then they’re sumptuously so, with glassfloored over-water living rooms, sea views from the showers and verandahs made for sundowners. World-class chef Neil Wager cooks up exquisite contemporary Cambodian meals, which guests can work off by snorkeling with the resort’s marine biologist, kayaking, hiking – or learning to cook the dishes themselves. How to get there: Song Saa is three hours from Phnom Penh by car and by speedboat from Sihanoukville. Villas cost from US$1,336, including all meals and drinks, most activities, boat transfer, minibar and laundry. Larger parties can hire the entire island. For details, visit www.songsaa.com.
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Koh Lipe, Thailand Tiny, idyllic and tricky to get to, Koh Lipe is on the cusp of changing from a backpacker hotspot to a more upscale resort. Which means that, right now, it is unspoiled enough for your paradise-island fantasies but developed enough to offer hot showers, cold cocktails and comfy beds. Close to Langkawi, Malaysia, on the edge of the Tarutao National Park, this jungleclad island is fringed by beaches –
From top left: Song Saa, "The Sweethearts", from the air; a Song Saa bath with a view; inside a “driftwood palace” at Pulau Joyo; Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe.
(May to November). It’s also home to the lovely Serendipity Beach Resort (www.serendipityresortkohlipe.com), the most luxurious on the island. How to get there: In high season (November-April), ferries travel to Koh Lipe from Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Langkawi. At other times, ferries travel once daily from Pak Barra (a taxi ride from Hat Yai airport). Transfer from the ferry to shore is via longtail boat. See www.kohlipethailand.com for timetables. Pattaya, Sunrise and Sunset – all within 15 minutes of each other via Walking Street. All three are insanely gorgeous, with powdery white sand, sapphire sea and snorkeling and diving straight from the beach. Not to be confused with its notorious namesake, Pattaya Beach is the busiest, with a string of small resorts, while Sunrise is the quietest and the most sheltered in monsoon season
pets Achy breaky heart
Dr Carmel Taylor diagnoses heartworms.
“Oh but that’s impossible, doctor. You see, Rose never goes out to those places where dirty stray animals go, so it couldn't possibly be worms.” The lethargic Pomeranian lifted her head and coughed. “Well, Mrs Chiu,” I replied, “Rose is clearly very sick and listening to her chest...” “You can hear worms?” she shrieked. ”No, I can hear sounds in her lungs and heart which suggest she might be in early heart failure. She is only two years old, and not a breed I normally associate with heart problems. I see from your records that you have declined heartworm testing in the past, and Rose is not on preventatives.” ” I would never use those horrible cancer-causing chemicals on my baby! Anyway, like I said, she never goes out...” ”But mosquitoes get in,” I pointed out, recalling that I had fought like a ninja the previous night when one of the evil insects had the effrontery to accost me in the sanctity of my own bedroom. The perplexed look on her face indicated Mrs Chiu had never read any of the information sheets we regularly dispensed. ”Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, which suck up tiny infective larvae in the blood of an infected dog, and inject them into the next dog he bites.” ”Mosquitoes?” she sputtered. ”That would make them microscopic worms – how could they possibly cause damage?” ”After about seven months they grow to be a foot long, and live in the heart and blood vessels, choking this vital organ and eventually causing circulatory failure.” I showed her photos of a canine heart sliced open to reveal hundreds of spaghetti-like worms occluding the heart chambers.
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“They can survive for up to seven years unless we intervene.” There was a momentary silence as she processed this information. “OK, if you feel it is necessary, but I don’t think a mosquito could bite through her lovely thick fur.” Just 15 minutes later, the test results confirmed my suspicions. “Let’s book Rose in for X-rays to assess the level of lung damage and see whether we can admit her to hospital for the treatment. The injections to kill the worms are quite strong, arsenic-based chemicals and…” “Wait! You want to give... poison to my Rose?” Mrs Chiu seemed dumbstruck. “I need to think about this. Maybe I will get another opinion.”
the worms turn
Pet personals
Need a pet? These sweethearts are looking to shack up. For details, call Kirsten at 9490 2061 or email kirstenszoo@gmail.com
Dr Google would be busy tonight. “Of course, Mrs Chiu, but don’t delay,” I warned. “This condition is fatal if left untreated.” ”I’m certain she will be fine,” she responded. “This breed is very resilient. Did you know that a Pomeranian was one of only three dogs to survive the Titanic?” I had the sinking feeling that if Mrs Chiu didn’t get over her fear of “poisonous chemicals” this particular Rose might miss the lifeboat. Fade to black, roll credits, cue Celine Dion warbling “My heartworms go on and on...”
Dr Carmel Taylor MVB MRCVS DipAiCVD is a veterinary dermatologist and consults at many different clinics around the territory.v For appointments please call 9251 9588 or visit www.cutaneous.com.hk
Pinky
Nala
Wow! Pinky is pretty and affectionate but likes her fun too.
She's smart and loving, a great family dog.
Vita
Cara & Cruise
BB
These two make a great double act: one is reserved, the other more confident.
He's a handsome guy who loves nothing more than cuddling up in the evening.
She may be small, but she's big in personality — gets on well with everyone.
Lady
A stunning young dog who loves to be loved.
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gardening
green Feeling fingers fruity
Tree lines
Jane Ram renews her love affair with flowering trees.
In late March I spent 10 wonderful days in Sri Lanka enjoying some of the island’s beautiful gardens. The lush tropical growth and wide open spaces were a treat, as was the warmth after Hong Kong’s long, chill winter. Once again I fell in love with the flowering trees Amherstia and the Cannonball Tree. Monsoon rain triggers the best show of blooms, but although it was the dry season they still looked good to me. Alas, like the spectacular red Sealing Wax palms, I have to accept that (along with hybrid tea roses at the other end of the spectrum) these stunners will not thrive in Hong Kong. Fortunately, we have compensations, including the Bauhinia trees that currently
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resemble pink and white clouds along our roadsides and in the parks. The white Bauhinia would be my tree of choice as it stays relatively small and compact. But I do enjoy the Bauhinia blakeana with its magnificent fragrant purple flowers and its long flowering span. The downside is fast growth – it becomes almost unmanageable before you know it. Nothing is perfect and Bauhinia wood is brittle, unable to withstand strong wind; the trees are also prone to attack by termites and other insects. So that’s another tree that I can cross off my wish list. This is also peak season for many types of lilies. They look great en masse, especially if you have space in the ground where they can be left to naturalise. They multiply fast, so two or three in a large pot will give a great show within a couple of years. The advantage of a container is that the flowers can be moved to a prime position while they are at their best then transferred into a less conspicuous corner to await next spring. Caladiums and gingers are starting to emerge from their dormant state, although I fear some were watered into oblivion during the winter. The dramatic
pendant Heliconia rostrata should soon be taking over from the spiralflowering Heliconia latispatha that has given me so much pleasure throughout the winter. Slow-release fertiliser will boost most plants this season. Read labels carefully and choose a high phosphorous level for gingers, Heliconias and other flowers, while fertiliser with a high nitrogen content will improve the leaves of Caladiums and other foliage plants.
Please email Jane Ram at janetaipeng@gmail.com with comments or queries, and for more information about monthly Saturday workshops for gardeners held in Fanling, or to join her guided tour to the spectacular Ginger Garden in Guangzhou.
May garden tasks 1. If your spring annuals and cuttings are looking crowded transfer them to bigger pots. On a warm and humid day, try new cuttings of Hibiscus, Allamanda and Brunfelsia (Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow). 2. Move a few favourite Impatiens and fibrous-rooted Begonias to a sheltered place. They don’t appreciate being scorched or drowned: hopefully some will survive until the autumn. 3. For colour in the ground or in containers, every couple of weeks sow a few seeds of miniature Balsam and Celosia. They seem to cope with our summer conditions and can be relied on to self-seed and provide a continuous succession of flowers until the 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 Dining
The Boathouse 2813-44467
To advertise, email: ads@southside.hk
Nam Fong Chinese Restaurant (Chinese) 2980-47410 namfong.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Prompt (international Buffet) 2980-47417 prompt.LMC@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Restaurant & Bar Umami (Japanese) 2980-47406 www.lemeridien.com/hongkong Diving and marine services Mandarin Divers Marine Services 2554-7110 info@mandarin-divers.com www.mandarin-divers.com Estate Agents Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty info@hksothebysrealty.com www.hksothebysrealty.com House Hunters Tel: 28691001 info@househunters.com.hk 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 2104-40566 www.sabaidayspa.com
Health & Fitness Allegro Pilates Studio 6295-7881 info@pilatesinstanley.com www.pilatesinstanley.com Holistic Wellness & Therapy 852 96670940 nareshkumar62@hotmail.com www.holisticnaresh.com Hong Kong Island Stingrays jgross.coach@hkstingrays.com www.hkstingrays.com Cambridge Weight Plan 2525-7165 info@cambridgeweightplan.hk www.cambridgeweightplan.hk Crouching Tiger Tennis crouchingtigertennis@yahoo.com Elite Personal Training 2552-9925 www.bootcamp.com.hk Healthy Minds (Hypnotherapy) 6271-7633 Pete@healthymindshk.com www.healthymindshk.com
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Integrated Medicine Institute 2523-7121 reception@imi.com.hk www.imi.com.hk 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 Attic Lifestyle 2580-8552 info@attic-lifestyle.com www.attic-lifestyle.com Chez Uno 2791-9662/ 2723-8990 www.chezuno.com Indigo Living and Indigo Kids 2552-3500 www.indigo-living.com Okooko  2989-9345 enquiries@okooko.com www.okooko.com Woodmark Living 3107-0720 info@woodmark.com.hk www.woodmark.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 JCAW Consultants 2524-9988 jcawltd@biznetvigator.com LLS Design & Associates Ltd 852-21178983 www.llsdesign.com.hk / sales@llsdesign.com.hk Studio Annetta 9849-1216 suzy@studioannetta.com www.studioannetta.com iNTERNATIONAL Movers AGS Four Winds international movers 2885 9666 www.agsfourwinds.com enquiries-hong-kong@agsfourwinds.com Crown Worldwide (HK) Limited 2636-8388 hongkong@ crownrelo.com www.crownworldwide.com 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
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bird at my window
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
House swift aka Apus nipalensis
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
Southside readers love to shop Advertise Here and reach
30,000+
upscale readers ads@fastmedia.com.hk
Swifts are perhaps the most aerially impressive of birds; they are always on the wing except when at their nests or roosting sites. House swifts – by far the most common swift species in Hong Kong – can be identified by their small size, shallowforked tails and white rumps. They often fly in parties, giving shrill calls as they scythe the air, sometimes almost out of sight in the ether, looking for their insect prey. Migrating house swifts pass through Hong Kong to breed in southern China from mid-January to mid-April, often in flocks of a thousand or more. They are especially common during bad weather when they come down to feed over fish ponds in the New Territories. There has been a resident population in Hong Kong since the 1950s with colonies scattered throughout the territory. The largest colony on a single building is at the Chinese University Library, where 200 to 300 pairs breed. Nests are built high in the angle between the roof and wall and are made of vegetable matter and feathers; the material is held together by the birds’ saliva. An average of three eggs is laid and pairs raise two to three broods during the breeding season. Like the barn swallow (April issue), the house swift is associated with good luck in Chinese culture and their nests are generally tolerated by the community. David Diskin is the author of Hong Kong Nature Walks: The New Territories. Visit www. hknaturewalks.com or www.accipiterpress. com for more information.
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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
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.
Pets Central North Point Hospital 2811-8907 info@pets-central.com Vet2Pet 6999-1003 vet2pet@yahoo.com www.vet2pet.com.hk
209�211 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon T: 3590 2820
Stanley Pet Station 2813-7979 retail@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvetcentre.com Stanley Veterinary Centre 2813-2030 info@stanleyvetcentre.com www.stanleyvvetcentre.com Photography Venture Photography 2885-6262 central@venturephotography.com.hk venturephotography.com.hk 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 Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 852 9736 5241 info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.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 Self Storage Store Friendly Tel: Â 8202 0811 www.store-friendly.com shopping mall The Arcade, Cyberport 3166-3111 arcade@cyberport.hk arcade.cyberport.hk Service Apartment Hong Kong Parkview 2812-3456 pv03@hongkongparkview.com hongkongparkview.com Toys Hong Kong Toy Club 8216-3870 support@HongKongToyClub.com www.HongKongToyClub.com Craft Box 9014-3262 simone@craftbox.asia
Tuition
ads@southside.hk
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www.craftbox.asia Sylvan Learning Center  2873-0662 info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com Travel 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 Wine Suppliers Altaya Wines Limited 2523-1945 info@altayawines.com www.altayawines.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@saikung.com
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classified Local Property
Overseas Property
Pik Uk Home Available July $40k p.m 2100sqf 4-5 bedroom spacious older style village home in excellent condition. Excellent space and layout inside with wonderful outdoor space and sea views. Prime location to Kowloon, CWB, Sai Kung and MTRs. Don’t miss out, view today. Call Heather 92716099
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
FULL SEA VIEW TOWN HSE Conveniently Located Family Home in Well Managed Development. High Ceilings, 3 Double Bedrooms, Good Kitchen & Bathrooms, Large Storage Areas, 2 c/p, 5 mins to Sai Kung Town. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk HK$65K 27193977 C-027656
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
SILVERSTRAND LUXURY $120 K / $40 M Beautifully Renovated 4 Bed Villa. High Ceilings, Quality fixtures & Fittings Large Open plan Kitchen, Split Level Living & Dining. Private Terrace. Green & Sea Views. Conveniently located for Shops, Beaches & Public Transport. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656
health & well being 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
SERVICEs 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
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
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
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
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
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
Email ads@southside.hk 62 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK
random but interesting 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
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.
Travels 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
The Samaritans’ Support group for people bereaved by suicide An english-speaking support group meets on the first wednesday of each month, 8 pm, the mariners’ club, tst. Free & confidential. For further information, please tel 2896 0000 or check http://www.samaritans.org.hk
People Bereaved by Suicide (PBS) An English-speaking support group meets first Wednesday each month, 8pm, at the Mariners’ Club, TST. Free, confidential. Further information, tel 28960000 or check http://www.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
REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER Give a few hours of your time to Sai Kung Stray Friends. If you want to do something worthwhile come and help at our holding facility in Sai Kung. Any day or time suitable to you. Various tasks, sweeping, cleaning, dog walking, paddock Mum or just providing some love to the dogs. Dads are welcome too for mowing duty! Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail. com
VOLUNTARY POSITIONS NEEDED Sai Kung Stray Friends *Kennel Carer - 1 or 2 days per week *Weekend Sai Kung Homing Team *Fundraising Director *Website director *Daily Meals on Wheels delivery roster *Rescue & Desexing Join us in our local community initiative to help our beautiful animals. Email: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail. com Call Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)
URGENT! DOG FOOD SPONSORS Sai Kung Stray Friends We have approximately 35 dogs are on our daily "meal supply". The cost $2,222 every 8 days. If you would like to donate to help please deposit directly into our a/c: HSBC 004640085486001 Receipts can be issued. Much appreciated!
DONATE OLD BABY CLOTHES, toys and equipment to mothers in need. Small toys, wraps, bottles and teething toys are desperately needed by Pathfinders, a charity for that helps migrant mothers find a safe and legal home. Call Kylie: 9460 1450 or Luna (Chinese speaking): 5135 3015.
Domestic Help Are u looking for Driver, Gardener? ADONIS CANEDO, 33 years old, working in Hongkong for 2 years. Pls contact 51339984.
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
DOMESTIC HELPER SEEKS FULLTIME EMPLOYER. Jacqueline Liagon, 44yrs old, filipino (married with 2 children ). Experience in household chores, children, pets, elderly, baby sitting. I'm hardworking, flexible, can work independently. experience in expat family and chinese family.pls.call me in my mobile no.92478937. References from previous employers are available on hand.thanks
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
Email ads@ southside.hk for classifieds booking
employment PILATES INSTRUCTOR WANTED Small friendly studio in Stanley is looking for qualified Allegro and Mat Pilates Instructors. Contact Louise at: ALLEGRO PILATES STUDIO Ph: 62957881 or visit: www.pilatesinstanley.com
Part-time English writer required for Education guide - Degree qualified with a minimum 5 of years of writing/editing experience in journalism, publishing or communications - Must know about Hong Kong education system - Can work from home Email tom@fastmedia.com.hk
for classifieds booking WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 63
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my southside
Stephanie Francois and Tatiana Boyer Wallyn
The French creators of Southside homeware boutique Zest of Asia, reveal their tips for a work-life balance. Tatiana (Pictured right): I moved to Hong Kong in 2008, when the Beijing Olympic Games opened. Our first “home” was the Renaissance Hotel Harbor View, Wan Chai, so we had some time to find a real home. With my husband and two children, we chose Southside for its space, beaches and green areas. It’s like being in a resort location in the middle of the city. I’ve been suppressing a desire for interior decoration since university. Working in marketing and production, I had to channel it into a hobby – collecting items on my travels. I love searching Asia for unusual pieces. We have an ever-growing number of customers and I like to offer unique items they won’t find anywhere else. I really enjoy spending time with clients at our private sales, finding out what they’re looking for and what would suit their needs. I owned a company called Hermanita, which was the start of my professional life in interiors in Hong Kong. And then I met Stephanie in 2010 and we decided to collaborate. Our most distinctive products are our bath towels with unique embroidery. I also really like our homemade jade tassels – each one is handmade and unique. My favourite interiors shop is The Red Cabinet in One Island South, Aberdeen. It stocks interesting Chinese-style pieces. Zest of Asia is growing fast; we celebrated our first birthday last month. At the moment we only sell through private sales, but we are seriously thinking about starting an online shop, as well as becoming wholesalers for certain items.
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The business involves sourcing, designing and selling home decor pieces. Tatiana and I love interior decoration and Asia is such a brilliant place to source beautiful items. I love brainstorming with Tatiana. And the travel while sourcing new pieces is fantastic. So different from my former roles in private banking and as a French tutor. My favourites from Zest are the bath linen, which we design ourselves, and the oil glass candles, they are such nice, welldesigned objects. At home, I have items from Zest, but also Inside and G.O.D for its quirky accessories.
It’s a busy time, but having each other to rely on means we are able to share roles and protect family life. I love going to the beach in the early morning with my husband and children, ending with a picnic with friends. I also enjoy a relaxing massage – I am fortunate to have a fabulous masseuse, Annemiek Burger (anneburger@ yahoo.com), as a neighbour.
Working from home is a great way to combine family and professional life. The children are growing and need my attention and with a busy, travelling husband, I want to be there to support them as much as I can. Having a business partner is very precious as we can share the work and rely on each other.
We love walking the Dragon’s Back – even my two children. To keep fit, I jog the seafront promenade between Repulse and Deepwater bays.
I love to hike. My favourite is the Twins – it is such a good workout. Every Friday I hike with friends, we are so lucky having these mountains right at our backdoor. I also dragon-boat twice a week – it’s a really nice way to start the day. And then there’s also Mirko at the Repulse Bay Club (club.trb@peninsula.com); his classes are great for keeping fit.
I’m hanging out for Stan Cafe to open in Stanley Plaza. The owners, Sophie and Manu, sell online (www.lestafette.com) – their French cheese, cold cuts and wines are awesome. My favourite spot is Repulse Bay pier, in front of the temple, watching the sunset, with my husband and a glass of champagne. I’m looking forward to spending summer in our new family home in France – furnished with Zest of Asia pieces, of course! Stephanie: We arrived in Hong Kong in 2006, then went to Singapore for two years and came back to Hong Kong in 2010.
When it comes to food, we order takeaway from Spices or go to lunch at Chez Patrick Deli in Stanley. I love where we live. We have great neighbours, there’s always someone to chat with, and the kids have great fun. For a romantic evening, nothing beats dinner at The Verandah in Repulse Bay, or a candlelit supper on our rooftop.