Cool Retreats - Expat Living Hong Kong

HONG KONG August–September 2014

BEDROOMS | SCHOOLS | W

ELLNESS RETREATSHK$48 | SG$8

www.ex patliving.hk

August–September 2014 Issue 18

Cool RetreatsCool RetreatsA New

Home?

OfficePhuket with BabyPhuket with BabyStaying HealthyStaying Healthy

TRAVELTRAVEL

NeedNeedJUMP START

New School YearNew School YearGetting into ShapeGetting into Shape

BEDROOMBLUES

Solve Your Solve Your

MaternityChic

DECOR IDEAS

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STAY UPDATED ONLINENEWS – WHAT’S GOING ON?Read the latest Hong Kong happenings

EVENTS CALENDARHaving a party or promotional launch? Head to www.expatliving.hk, fi nd the calendar and click to post an event.

WHERE TO BUY A list of retail outlets where you can buy the latest copy of Expat Living

EDITOR’ S NOTE

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!8-14 AUGUST Hong Kong Tennis Open Victoria Park Tennis Stadium hongkongtennisopen.com

22-24 AUGUST & 29-31 AUGUSTDon Quixote by The Hong Kong Ballet Grand Theatre, Hong kong Cultural Centre hkballet.com

24-31 AUGUST Hong Kong Squash Open hksquashopen.com

8 SEPTEMBER Mid Autumn Festival, various locations throughout Hong Kong

13 SEPTEMBER Hong Kong Dog Rescue charity evening Aberdeen Marina Club hongkongdogrescue.com

17 SEPTEMBER American Women's Association Welcome (Back) Coffee (new members welcome) From 10:30am, The American Club, Tai Tam awa.org.hk

23-28 SEPTEMBER Potted Potter Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts hkticketing.com

24 SEPTEMBER – 26 OCTOBER Mamma Mia! Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts hkticketing.com

REBECCA BISSETEditor-in-Chief

August isn’t the start of the calendar year, but it does mark the start of a new school year for many families. If you’ve been away for a while when you read this, I thought you may need some inspiration to get you back into the swing of things.

Ronnie, the man we use whenever we need any painting done, told me a story that inspired me and I thought I would share it.

He’d been a regular footballer and gymnast but woke one morning when he was 42 and couldn’t move. He literally couldn’t get out of bed. After a couple of days, he made a huge effort to get to a meeting with Joe, a regular client. Aching and pretty scared, he started talking about what had happened. Joe instantly started describing the symptoms and ailments in full detail and declared that there was nothing that could be done about it – Ronnie was doomed to the same fate as himself. Joe was in a wheelchair and had been for the last five years.

As you can imagine, it scared the pants off Ronnie. The doctors were also saying they could do nothing; perhaps this was all that lay ahead for him?

He had read somewhere that 10 minutes of yoga-style stretching every day would cure almost everything. He decided to give it a go.

At first he could hardly move, but he persevered. Eleven years on, he is a trim and nimble painter with, he declares proudly, a very flat and firm stomach – flatter than ever before! He continues to do the 10 minutes every morning before work.

This is often the time of year when you realise that some of the things you set out to do in January haven’t been done. Perhaps you’d planned on making your bedroom a bit more of a retreat, for example, or the kids’ bedroom a bit more fun, and the office area a bit smarter.

It’s a time when a little inspiration can help you kick-start your ideas and projects. Ronnie’s story has certainly propelled me into doing a little bit every day. Perhaps we should call it a “mid-year resolution”!

We’ve got lots in this issue to propel you into action. And I won’t mention that you only have five months to go before the end of the year... oops, I just did!

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Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.

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Websitesexpatliving.sg | expatliving.hk

exmag.sg

Published byExpat Living Publications Pte Ltd

40 Jalan Pemimpin, #02-07 Tat Ann Building, Singapore 577185

Cover: Finn’s Beach Club at Semara Luxury Villa Resort, Bali, Indonesia

Editor-in-ChiefREBECCA BISSET

Group EditorSHAMUS SILLAR

EditorBROOKE CHENOWETH

Online EditorMICHELLE CASTILLO

Business Development & Advertising SalesKATE WOODBURY | EMILY FINCH

Client Services & ProductionLEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB

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CirculationANNA TSERLINGAS

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HRJULIET KEYS

Graphic DesignersMICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG

ContributorsBROOKE CHENOWETH | SUSANNAH JAFFER | SUZANNE HARRISON

TARA JENKINS | CLAIRE LOCKING | MONICA PITRELLI | ALEXA TOWERSEY Contributing Photographers

HELEN JENKINS (HELENJENKINSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)ANNA BOWKIS (ANNABOWKISPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

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8 Aug-Sep14

UPFRONT12 What’s New14 Around Town

HOME20 News 26 * Showcase: Kate Wilson’s home at The Peak

37 Buying Guide: Bedroom decor

Showcase Features: Each issue, our home showcase features provide a through-the-keyhole look into some of our readers’ lifestyles and their interior design decisions. If you’d like us to profi le your own home – whether it’s beautiful, quirky, historic or modern – and you’re willing to be interviewed and photographed, drop us a line at [email protected].

CONTENTS

22

45 * Showcase: Tim Leard’s Hollywood Road

home

52 Decorating with Red: From feng shui to furniture

57 Buying Guide: Home offi ce ideas

63 On The Market: Places for sale and lease

66 Street Talk: Kennedy Town

68 A Day in the Life: ...of a hotel concierge

70 French Flair: Makaron

LIFE & FAMILY74 News79 Tips for Repatriation83 School Report: We hear from teachers, parents

and experts

96 Expat Profi le: Artist and designer, Louise Hill

98 Buying Guide: Maternity wear

100 Style Guide

37

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BODY & MIND108 News110 Expert Voice: Children and transition

112 New Workouts: BarreAmped at Trinity

114 Shaping Up with Hypoxi116 Ultimate Performance

WINE & DINE122 News124 The Taste Test: New restaurants reviewed

126 Business Focus: Edible Arrangements

128 The Great Recipe Swap

TRAVEL132 News 134 Flight Centre: Five wellness retreats in Asia

136 Thailand: Phuket’s Sri Panwa

140 Travel Tips: Health and holidays abroad

142 Far East Explorer: A four-month Fred Olsen cruise

CONTENTS

Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc., without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.

REGULARS147 Subscribe Now!148 Where to Find Us150 The Numbers that Matter 151 Our Advertisers152 Parting Shot: Paws for thought

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NEWS

12 Aug-Sep14

Hot products, events, ideas & moreWHAT’S NEW

WHERE THERE’S A WILLWriting a will is one of the most important things you can do for your family and your own peace of mind, and yet most of us avoid doing it until we absolutely have to. Asa Wilkins from Phoenix Wills aims to take some of the stigma out of it with her Seminars on Wills and Guardianship. For a minimal fee of HK$50, Asa will talk you through the process of writing a will and preparing a deed of temporary guardianship for your children, as well as answering any questions you might have, in a friendly and open session. Private sessions are also available with Phoenix Wills; call them or visit the website for more information. 3100 0101 | phoenix-wills.com

GET COSY WITH CASHMEREWith the end of summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to consider adding to your winter wardrobe. Throughout August, Feine Cashmere is offering Expat Living readers the opportunity to enjoy an unprecedented 20 percent discount on its beautiful range of ponchos, scarves, cardigans, jumpers and dresses, designed with expat women in mind. Feine also stocks children’s and men’s clothing, which would make perfect Christmas presents. Unit 17, 23/F, Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau. 2698 0728 | feinecashmere.com

A welcome addition to Hong Kong’s homeware scene, French brand Madura’s highly creative collections of bed linen, curtains, cushions, lights, blinds and accessories is now available in its new Wellington Street store. The existing collection will be perfectly complemented by an ongoing Asian co-branded collaboration series, the first of which celebrates the Hong Kong launch, and supports Hong Kong designers. These include local designer Cecilia Ma (Cecilia Ma Couture), renowned interior decorator YC Chen (hoo design), as well as Hong Kong’s hottest young fashion bloggers, Zoe Chan and Elle Lee, who’ve come together to create a range of products that showcase the best of Asian design with the luxury and style for which Madura is famous. 33 Wellington Street, Central. madura.fr

French Flair

, ,

CHRISTMAS AT THE CONRADA highlight of the Christmas shopping calendar are the annual Christmas fairs at The Conrad Hong Kong, presented by Prestige Fairs. A very popular event for vendors and shoppers alike, The Conrad Fair is always much anticipated. The organisers of this year’s fair are seeking expressions of interest for potential vendors on the following tentative dates – November 3 and 19, and December 2 and 15. Interested vendors who wish to participate can visit www.prestigefairs.hk or email [email protected] for more information.

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NEWS

13 Aug-Sep14

SURF’S UP!There’s still plenty of time to soak up the last weeks of summer and there’s no better place to do it than Sai Kung! And why not visit the The Phat Shack while you’re there? The Shack is Sai Kung’s first and original skate, wake and boarding shop, catering from toddlers to teens and beyond. Stocking local and international brands such as DC, Dragon, Flojos and more, the Phat Shack has a friendly team of local Sai Kung people who are always keen to help. As well as hosting long-boarding events and workshops, the team is always on hand to ensure that the kids who come through their doors have the best protective gear and access to a first-aid kit for those inevitable spills. From August, the Phat Shack will be stocking Amo Sunglasses and Sue Tyson Designs’ summer collection. No. 5, 1/F, Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung. 2359 3836

GET READY FOR GORDONNeeding little introduction, world-renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has joined forces with Dining Concepts to bring his popular dining establishment Bread Street Kitchen to Hong Kong. Opening in September, the venue will serve a British European menu, using imported products from both the UK and Australasia. Ramsay’s first Asian-based restaurant will be located in the heart of bustling Lan Kwai Fong, and promises to deliver the same lively atmosphere that the area is famous for. Following on from the success of the Bread Street Kitchen in London, the venue here will offer all-day dining in a large and vibrant space that is sure to excite the food lovers of Hong Kong. Level M, LKF Hotel, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. [email protected]

Every day, over 16,000 tonnes of trash are thrown away; Hong Kong’s landfills are full. Giving citizens the chance to do something about this problem is the Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge. This year’s 14th annual cleanup will be held from the 21 September to 1 November; registration is now open. There are three Challenges to choose from: “City”, involving teams cleaning up their offices, homes and schools; “Country”, focusing on litter in our country parks and on hiking trails; and “Coastal”, bringing awareness to the serious issue of marine debris, especially disposable plastic. As well as enjoying a rewarding and educational day out, all teams are automatically entered in the Cleanup Challenge for prizes and more. [email protected] | hkcleanup.org

C lean Up Hong Kong

ZARA FLAGSHIP OPENSOne of the most anticipated stores on Queen’s Road in years, Zara’s flagship has finally opened its doors, and it’s well worth the wait! The store occupies the historical Crawford House, and with a floor area stretching 55,000 square feet over six stories, it is the largest Zara in Asia. With its elegant white interiors, this store wouldn’t be out of place on Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street. With so much open space and a distinct lack of clutter, you can really focus on the clothes and accessories, making shopping here an absolute pleasure. 70 Queen’s Road Central. zara.com/hk

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NEWS

14 Aug-Sep14

Looking for five minutes of fame? Find it in our social pages! Around Town is where we highlight recent events that have taken place in Hong Kong and Macau. If you’re from an association, embassy, club, school, hotel, café, restaurant, bar or other business, send us some high-resolution pictures from a recent party or launch. Don’t forget to include a description of the event and, if possible, people’s names for captions. Email [email protected].

SOCIAL PAGES

AROUND TOWN

Meet PinocchioThe annual Taipan Teddy Birthday Party held at Matilda International Hospita l carr ied the theme of Pinocchio this summer. Matilda babies and parents came to meet Pinocchio and friends, and enjoyed an afternoon of games, food and enter ta inment , wi th h ighl ights including storytelling, a bouncy castle and lovely Disney movie music by HandsUP Saxophone Quartet.

First FairThe first Prestige 2014 Summer Gift Fair – a summer version of the well-known Prestige Christmas Fairs – was held in May with over 2,000 shoppers visiting this new shopping event in the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hong Kong. A total of 140 Hong Kong designers and entrepreneurs offered an array of summer lifestyle and gift ideas from around the world.

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SOCIAL PAGES

15 Aug-Sep14

Tennis & CharityThe Hong Kong Ladies Tennis League (HKLTL) celebrated the end of the tennis season with its Annual Awards and Charity Luncheon at the Aberdeen Marina Club. Denim & Diamonds was the theme for the event, and 301 ladies were in attendance. The luncheon raised money for the Society for Community Organization (SoCO), which received HK$110,000, thanks to the generosity of those in attendance and the HKLTL. Photography: Becky Peterson


NEWS

16 Aug-Sep14

Diamond Anniversary BallOver $70,000 worth of diamonds from Ryder Diamonds, return airfares to Australia from Qantas, and wine supported by Cellarmaster Wines were just some of the prizes on offer at the Australian Association of Hong Kong’s 60-year anniversary. Aussie jazz darling Monica Trapaga was among the entertainers who kept the party going into the wee hours of the night.

AWA Awards Tea100 AWA members and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce, Consulate General of the USA in Hong Kong and Macau and local charities gathered at the US Consul General residence recently for the annual AWA Awards Tea. Almost HK$1 million was jointly donated to 22 local charities by the AWA and AmCham.

Store OpeningIndigo Living celebrated the opening of a new stand-alone store on Caine Road, a 1,800-square-foot space that borders historical landmarks and new developments, minutes from Soho’s boutiques. Aside from indoor and outdoor furniture collections, accessories and soft furnishings, the new store features a dedicated area to the Indigo Kids ranges.


SOCIAL PAGES

17 Aug-Sep14

Artisanal BazaarOnline portal HiddenTruffles’ recent Artisanal Bazaar featured 33 hand-picked artisanal vendors offering gourmet food, hand-made items, jewellery, skincare and fab summer gifts. Happy shoppers made the most of the indoor air-conditioned bazaar, including a Kids’ Corner with activities to entertain the little ones so mums could shop peacefully.

Design NightStudents, teachers, industry professionals, journalists, friends and fans mingled at the renovated Chai Wan premises of INSIGHT, the interior school of design. After a short presentation by founder Eve Mercier, guests tested their design knowledge working on several playful workshops, including “Pick the right material for your client”, “Spot the mistake on the plan”, and “Picture your sustainable design interior”. Verdict? All back to school!

Annual Ball400 members of the British business community came together at the Grand Hyatt for the British Chamber of Commerce Annual Ball, a night of opulence and entertainment to support the Chamber and raise funds for local charity, The Hub. Major sponsors included Standard Chartered, The Economist, Swire, Jardines and Standard Life. Over HK$700,000 was raised during the evening.


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HomeHomeAltfield Interiors

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HOME

20 Aug-Sep14

Eye-catching designs & inspiring ideasWHAT’S NEW

Blast from the PastOn display at Altfield Gallery from 26 September until 12 October are some stunning examples of furniture pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, which exemplify the lifestyle of the Chinese literati. Literature, calligraphy, painting, music and chess were all popular pursuits of the educated class, and this was reflected in the furniture that was chosen for their homes. The group on display includes side tables and stands, painting tables, chairs and day beds, with a strong focus on simplicity, quality of workmanship, and a balance between function and aesthetics. 2537 6370 | altfield.com.hk

IQBAL THE CARPET MAN

With many Hong Kong homes featuring tiled floors, oriental rugs and carpets are the perfect way to bring in some warmth and comfort

underfoot. Iqbal the Carpet Man is one of the largest independent carpet retailers in Hong. In order to offer customers the best value and service, Iqbal and his team bring their range of rugs and carpets to your home. They also clean and repair carpets. Throughout August and September, Expat Living readers are entitled to 25 percent off regular prices. 9018 0897

SLEEPING ON LATEXNew at Okooko is the Heveya, a 100-percent organic natural latex mattress. With its core of natural latex, and a bamboo pulp fibre cover, the Heveya mattress is not only good for those seeking a great sleep, but also good for the environment, living up to its slogan of “where comfort meets nature.” It’s also well suited for people with allergies on account of being naturally antibacterial and anti-dust-mite. Okooko’s newest addition has been made specifically for Hong Kong’s homes, measuring 190cm in length. Currently on sale at 35 percent off the regular retail price. 26/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau. 2870 1132

Furniture RentalTequila Kola’s new furniture rental service offers a hassle-free, stylish solution, with long- and short-term options available. With the benefits of both a lower outlay overall, and the potential to own at the end of a long-term lease, renting pieces from Tequila Kola is a great option for those who love the company’s furniture but don’t want to make the commitment to owning it. The rental service is also a great way to dress up a property for sale or rent, with the added benefit that you’ll have the Tequila Kola team on hand to choose pieces that fit your tastes and budget. 2877 3295 | [email protected]

WINDOW DRESSING

Classic Curtains Co is a family business providing luxury curtains to architects and interior designers around the world from their base in Hong Kong. With their new website just launched, now

we can all take advantage of having custom-made curtains at trade prices. Classic Curtains Co uses Hong Kong’s best upholstery tailors, and sources fabrics globally. Whether you’re setting up your house, or updating your interiors, this website makes it very easy. 9853 3006 | classic-curtains.co

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Tagus Residences at 8 Ventris Road is a new apartment building in Happy Valley, offering a peaceful, comfortable retreat but without sacrifi cing any of the amazing conveniences available in Hong Kong. It’s tailored to suit couples and singles who emphasise a balance between commitment to work and quality personal time. Each apartment features a stylish, modern fi nish, a fully equipped kitchen, an inviting living and dining space, balconies, and large bay windows that let in abundant natural light and provide stunning views of the valley. Here are some of the key features of the development.

NEIGHBOURHOOD• Upscale quiet neighbourhood,

flanked by picturesque

St Margaret’s Church.

• Exciting entertainment and

fine-dining options just around

the corner.

• Hong Kong Jockey Club

Racecourse and several private

sports clubs just down the hill.

COMMUNITY• Supermarkets, shops, cafes,

restaurants and bars are within a

short 10-minute walk

• Some of the city’s best gourmet

grocers and butchers are located

in Happy Valley, for fresh produce,

quality meat and seafood, fresh-

baked bread, and international

products.

• A variety of dining options, from

Japanese yakitori to French cafes,

and numerous pubs and bars at

your doorstep.

GETTING AROUND• Located just above Happy Valley’s

main bus and tram stations.

• 10 minute walk to Times Square

and Causeway Bay MTR.

• 15 minutes travel time to Central

and 30 minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui

and Quarry Bay.

FACT FILENumber of apartments 72

Layouts 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom, and special units in 2 bedroom with expansive outdoor terrace

Size A range of sizes, from 278 to 595 square feet. Special units on 2/F with outdoor terrace up

to 1,007 square feet (all in saleable area)

Features Fully equipped kitchen Wardrobes provision 2 balconies per apartment 24-hour CCTV security system Multilingual concierge team

Optional services Part-time housekeeping and other cleaning services

Hire of personal trainers and private yoga instructors

Handyman services Taxi and limo booking services Newspapers, magazines and flower order

and delivery

Recreation facilities Club Tagus on 1/F and rooftop, including – The Gym with cardio and strength-training equipment

The Lounge quiet place to work and chill The Studio multi-function room The Terrace comfy outdoor space with

barbecues The Sky Garden rooftop barbecue area

and sweeping views of racecourse

For more details about Tagus Residences, contact Jones Lang LaSalle on +852 2846 5757 or [email protected]. www.tagus.hk

Location Highlights

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THE PEAK SHOWCASE

27 Aug-Sep14

With a keen eye for collecting and a wonderful array of furniture, art and other pieces with a meaningful backstory, KATE WILSON has a Hong Kong home that really does feel like home.

By Tara Jenkins; photography by Helen Jenkins

A FewFavourite Things


28 Aug-Sep14

Tucked away in an antique trunk in the corner of Kate Wilson’s candy-pink sitting room is a vast and carefully

wrapped array of silver perfume bottles she collected as a teenager. They rub shoulders with bundles of Christmas cards she has received from friends over the last thirteen years; the cards are neatly packed in plastic envelopes, labelled by year.

“I do like a bit of a collection,” confesses Kate, whose current passion is antique plates. She recently unearthed some beautiful dragon-embossed Chinese examples from the 1950s and 60s in lustrous mint and sea-green shades. They’re safely packed away alongside a delicate blue-and-white porcelain set she found at Bowerbird in Ap Lei Chau. “I have no room to display

them at the moment, but one day I will have a mango-coloured wall and these plates will look beautiful hanging on it,” says interior design-trained Kate. “In the meantime, if there’s something to collect, I’m going to buy it!”

Avid collector Kate has had more opportunity than most to scour the globe’s antique marts, markets and craft shops; she’s lived in the world’s major cities, from New York (three times) to San Francisco, Hong Kong (three times) to Singapore, and Sydney to London. As a result, her house on The Peak is a collector’s paradise – a treasure trove of unusual and quirky finds from all four corners of the earth. On a coffee table in the sitting room there are delicately wrought silver Christian crosses from a craft shop in Johannesburg. An imposing armoire sourced by husband

Murray John – also a keen collector – came from an old Swedish shop in Manhattan. A much-loved zebra skin, complete with mane and tail, is from South Africa. A giant tin parrot, suspended from the ceiling, imperiously watches over proceedings from a corner of the room; Kate spotted him in an antique shop in Locust Valley, New York, two years ago. “I was adamant I could not leave without the parrot,” she laughs. “It came packed in a huge box the size of a coffee table, and I checked it in with my luggage. In fact, I have never come home from a holiday with the same amount of luggage I left with!”

Elsewhere in her sitt ing room, a striking antique iron table has a smooth glass top, beneath which a large collection of pink-tinged shells and driftwood nestles in sand. “Some


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HOME&PROPERTY

30 Aug-Sep14

I’ve picked up on my travels, some I’ve bought,” explains Kate. “I love shells. But I even went through a stage of collecting sand! One of our favourite places in the world is Harbour Island in the Bahamas, where the sand is pink. I’d fill a Volvic bottle and pack it in my suitcase, then use the sand to fill the bottom of a hurricane lamp at home”. With typical Kate flourish, she has matched the iron table with French-style chairs she found at an old estate sale in Locust Valley, and covered them in contemporary Missoni fabric in swirls of pink, grey and sand beige. The colours complement the shells perfectly.

Upstairs in the master bedroom, a pair of quirkily kitsch white porcelain cockatoos was found online at a

consignment store in Palm Beach. They stand guard over Kate’s dressing table, which is heaped with every style of necklace you could imagine, beaded, sequined, pearlised, semi-precious and plastic. Naturally, Kate is a collector of unusual costume jewellery. “I can find something everywhere. There’s so much furniture and art, and so many ornaments in the house – and more in storage units – I sometimes wonder if I’m bordering on hoarding. But every piece of furniture or trinket has its own story, and I can’t bear to throw them away,” she says.

And the stories behind the pieces are endlessly fascinating, from the sumptuous pink silk cushions she picked up on her travels in India, to

the blue and white porcelain in the hall that belonged to her expatriate parents, to the numerous eye-catching artworks that fill the walls. In one particularly striking piece, a shadowy aloe vera tree set against a fuchsia pink background is surrounded by photographs of African scenes taken by Canadian fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco. A collection of maps (one to commemorate Kate’s birth, one her husband’s, and one from their first move together as a couple) is framed next to safari-style photographs of big game above an antique writing desk. “When Murray John climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania he came across an old junk shop in Arusha at its base” explains Kate. “He found these three big


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HOME&PROPERTY

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THE PEAK SHOWCASE

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game photographs by a Dutch artist and bought them for me for our first wedding anniversary – which is paper, of course!”

More meaningful artwork hangs in the hallway by the stairs; three exquisite paper sculptures by artist Elisabeth Lecourt. Each sculpture is constructed from a map of the city Kate’s three daughters were born in: New York for 13-year-old Isabella, San Francisco for 11-year-old Minty, and Long Island for 6-year-old Florence.

Anchoring the artwork and ornaments are much loved heirloom pieces of furniture inherited from family, or decade-old pieces bought and kept by Kate. There’s an antique mahogany chest of drawers from Lots Road in London,

which Kate’s parents gave her for her first apartment. There’s an old Chinese-style wedding cabinet, also from her parents, that Kate had silvered and distressed. It sits alongside a mahogany table in a peaceful, neutral dining space, in contrast to the riotous pinks and jewel tones of the downstairs sitting room. The rattan and whitewashed Louis XVI-style bed in the master bedroom was bought in New York. “We didn’t get it properly finished because we could barely afford the bed at the time” says Kate. “Murray John whitewashed it himself in the corridor outside our tiny apartment in Manhattan, and it’s aged naturally. The children have nibbled on its edges while watching TV, and someone has scribbled

a crayon on the footboard; it’s all part of its character – the bed has history!”

History and family are vitally important to Kate, perhaps because – as the child of expatriate parents and now an expatriate wife – she’s never lived anywhere in her life for more than four years. In fact, ask her where she’s from and she hesitates. “I’m a mix; I have Australian and British passports but as I’ve lived all over the world, I never know what to say!”

So does she surround herself with meaningful antiques and trinkets to firmly anchor herself to her far-flung family? “Homes are homely because they contain your grandmother’s silver, or your dressing table is hectic with old family things. It’s all about making


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a home, wherever you are. Even in the most ghastly of circumstances, you can create a feeling of the English countryside, for example, simply with a few leather chairs, the odd silver frame, and a roaring fire. My advice to first-time expatriates is to bring your favourite things with you, even if it’s a little silver pot or a painting. Come with a base, because that is what makes it home. That’s where the memories start.”

Upstairs in the cloakroom, Kate has devoted a wall to family memories; there are old colonial pictures of her parents; her mother and grandmother photographed Cecil Beaton-style on the street in Sydney. There are ancient photos of Murray John’s grandparents, and photos of him as a child growing up in South Africa. “Both sets of our

parents were collectors too; it’s in the blood!” says Kate.

Now the family’s happiest moments are spending time together, in the house they’ve lived in for four years. So is another move on the cards? “It’s weird how you start itching for a change,” says Kate. “Last week, removal men arrived with boxes to ship stuff to our new holiday home in South Africa, and just hearing the rip of the packing tape gave me a bit of a thrill. I guess Murray John and I are both addicted to the excitement of new places and new people, and mindful that opportunities to travel like this don’t come along too often.

“Still, it gets trickier as the children get older, and there are fewer places I’d be prepared to go. Even though this is my third time living in Hong Kong,

it was much harder coming here than I expected. I didn’t take into account how hard it would be for the girls to transfer from their friends and school in New York, and so we make a point of going back there every summer to keep those friendships alive. At the end of the day, moving regularly or staying put – whatever makes the individual happy is right for them”.

Given the huge collection of beautiful things in her house, what would Kate grab if the house were burning down? She doesn’t hesitate for long. “I have made books for each of my daughters with photographs of every birthday, every party they had, every visitor and what we served. They’re a record of their lives. They are my most prized possession”. Family first, every time.


THE PEAK SHOWCASE

Kate’sRECOMMENDATIONSInteriors

Altfield Gallery2/F, Prince’s Building10 Chater Roadaltfield.com.hk

Bowerbird2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chaubowerbird-home.com

Chine Gallery 42A Hollywood Road2543 0023

Yuet Tung China WorksUnit 1-3, 3/F Kowloon Bay Industrial Centre15 Wang Hoi Road, Kowloon Bay

Shopping

Harvey Nichols15 Queen’s Road, Centralharveynichols.com

J CrewIFC Mall, Centraljcrew.com

Restaurants

Mott32Basement, Standard Chartered Bank Building4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central2885 8688

Sevva10 Chater Roadsevva.hk

Zuma5/F, The Landmark15 Queen’s Road, Centralzumarestaurant.com


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INTERIORS

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BEDROOMWhether it’s a private retreat or an inviting guestroom, a bedroom can offer more than just a comfortable eight hours’ sleep every night. Here are some ideas for creating a blissful haven.

For Your For Your

Highland bed, from $11,980, Tequila Kola, 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

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1 Wooden table lamp, $750, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk 2 Two-drawer bedside chest, $3,490, Indigo Living, 2555 0540, indigo-living.com 3 Highland bedside table, $3,980, Tequila Kola, 2877 3295, tequilakola.com 4 Exagon chandelier, Via – B&B Italia, 3102 3189, viahk.biz 5 Bedroom furniture and furnishings, Via – B&B Italia

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6 Larsen fabric, Altfield Interiors, 2537 6370, altfield.com.hk 7 Deva fabric from the Jim Thompson collection, Altfield Interiors 8 Arun fabric from the Jim Thompson collection, Altfield Interiors 9 Haiku composite white bedroom fan, $7,150, BigAssFans, 2836 5808, bigassfans.com 10 Monroe bed, $15,490, Indigo Living, 2555 0540, indigo-living.com 11 Desktop lamp, LiftLifestyle, liftlifestyle.com 12 Nickle coat rack, $2,990, Indigo Living, 2555 0540, indigo-living.com

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13 Highland vanity table, $6,480, Tequila Kola, 2877 3295, tequilakola.com 14 Magnum dressing table, GOD, god.com.hk 15 Backstage wardrobe, Via – B&B Italia, 3102 3189, viahk.biz 16 Bone China candleholders, $385, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk 17 Lacquered chest of drawers, The Red Cabinet, 2536 0123, red-cabinet.com.hk

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INTERIORS

18 Wooden floor lamp, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk 19 Bed and accessories, TREE 20 Hydraulic bed, GOD, god.com.hk 21 Savanna solid oak drawers, $9,999, Stockroom, 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk 22 Portable OCEANO storage trunk, Via – Poltrona Frau, 3102 3189, viahk.biz

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23 Eliot & Josephine green duvet cover set, $780, fitted sheet, $400, MakaronHome, makaron-home.com 24 Mounted wall hangers, $650, Stockroom, 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk 25 ASPACE bundle bunk bed, available in silk white, $5,999, Bumps to Babes, bumpstobabes.com 26 Ceramic smart phone and iPhone amplifiers, LiftLifestyle, liftlifestyle.com

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After being shown a myriad of apartments around Central and Soho, Tim Leard and partner Russell Lath had almost given up hope of finding the right space, size and location to call home. But the answer came in the

unexpected at ultra-modern CentreStage on Hollywood Road. “It was the top of the market and there was nothing around,”

says Tim, who has lived and worked in Hong Kong as a design director and hotel interior designer for HBA Associates for four years. (He was formerly an architect in the US, where he designed the Orange County home of Clint Eastwood.) “I was unimpressed with what they were showing me.

“Then they brought me here, about eight months ago and I immediately thought, I can work with this space.”

Russell – a managing director of APAC Communications, Digital – adds that while the two of them both had differing input into the finishing touches, “our tastes are remarkably aligned. I

A blank canvas and two people with differing yet complementary decorating strengths have brought lively personality and warmth to a high-rise contemporary apartment.

ColourBy Suzanne Harrison; photography by Helen Jenkins

was the annoying budget guy – we love to say that he’s design and I’m construction.”

It was perhaps the virtually undecorated base that allowed the duo to bring so much colour and personality to the mix.

“There weren’t even any light fixtures,” says Russell, a native of Melbourne who arrived as a permanent Hong Kong dweller only 10 months ago, not long after meeting Tim when he was in the city on business. (The two have since added a few fantastically standout light fittings, including a large film-set-style lamp in the living room.)

What also sold it was that Russell loves to cook; “I needed a good oven and workspace,” he says. The functional and light-filled kitchen really sold it.

This blank canvas also meant their fuss-free-meets-quirky design style could be given free reign within the 1,400-square-foot space, one which has expansive views facing west to Po Hing Fong and south towards Mid-Levels.

“We fall in love with certain things,” says Tim. “We don’t believe you have to spend a fortune to get the right look. All it takes is a few key items to bring it to life. And we love colour.”

It’s lucky then, that perhaps the first thing a visitor subconsciously notices in any home is the initial

&Style

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The dining area is brought to life with bursts life with bursts of colour and of colour and small touchessmall touches

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47 Aug-Sep14

atmosphere, a combination of the resident’s personalities, histories and colour choices. With Tim and Russell’s, it’s the sunny blend of yellow, blue and white that pervades the entrance.

Yellow, design reports say, conveys cheerfulness, happiness and liveliness, thanks to its relationship with the sun and summer. Combined with touches of blue in Russell and Tim’s living room – a shade said to bring peace, professionalism and an increase in creativity – their apartment has become a true reflection of their friendliness and enthusiasm.

For example, the living room upon entry: contrasting patterns found in the

angular shapes of the central floor rug, curtains (made by Home Essentials) and cushions in blue, white and yellow create a quirkiness and vibrancy that blends seamlessly with the more sensible/industrial light fixtures from Aluminium and two large, white Kelly Hoppen metal-studded trunks that serve as the coffee tables.

“I like the mix of patterns,” says Tim. “There are chevrons, squares, circles. It makes it a little less formal.”

They have also created a lively dining corner to sit, eat, work or relax, framed by a sideboard decorated with items such as glassware found on their global

travels. A plain glass-topped circular dining table and comfortable, white dining chairs free of armrests (to save space) create a corner area from which you can still feel a part of the living room while enjoying the view towards the balcony facing Mid-Levels.

The dining area’s monochrome backdrop is brought to life with bursts of colour courtesy of a few small touches, such as an electric bright print overlooking the table. It’s a digitally enhanced series of photographs of some of Hong Kong’s iconic neon lights, a haphazard representation of the thriving streets below.


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“We were looking for something that was about Hong Kong or Asia and were walking past Picture This and both saw it at the same time,” says Russell. “I didn’t want a Hong Kong piece that looked cheap, but we wanted something that reminded us of the city.”

Then there are the little talking points. Russell’s four years working in New York City is reflected with decorative art forms of some of the most famous buildings (the Empire State and Chrysler Building) and an interior-lit, hand-made wall panel frames a New York industrial-style clock from Aluminium on the side wall facing the dining table.

A bright yellow and white lamp from Indigo then provides a retro, Art Deco touch to soften the mood, as does a white ceramic Wellington boot-shaped

umbrella stand at the door. Again, there’s that mix of monochrome base and quirky one-offs.

“From the minute this was put together, it felt like home,” says Tim.

Adjoining is the kitchen, which from the get-go had a seamless flow from entrance to window – greys and white fixtures with a wide window bringing in plenty of natural light. However, this sensible area is given a personality boost; small items such as a bright blue toaster, kettle and Le Creuset pans, chosen to stand-out among neutral shelving and, says Russell, “the most expensive rubbish bin in Hong Kong”. He points to a large grey rocket-shaped, German-made trash can in pride of place of the corner of the kitchen (they found it at Sidekick), as well as a

charcoal burning stove-top option on which Russell says he often likes to cook a Greek-style butterflied lamb.

Another classic example of how a few small things can change a space is a gymnastics-themed, tall brown leather bar seat that sits against a wall facing the kitchen; the kind of place where friends can enjoy a glass of wine while Russ makes magic in the kitchen.

“The kitchen design is a mix of clean and quirky,” says Tim. “It’s not meant to be fussy … which makes it feel more comfortable.”

Yet there have to be some practical arrangements to think about. Russell has two teenage daughters from a previous relationship and they sometimes come to stay, so they need a room. Plus, he often works from home, taking calls at


various hours, and needs an area from which to take his job seriously.

The answer is found in the second bedroom, which has been turned into a Ralph Lauren, preppy-style study for Russ and also as a spare room for his daughters.

A club-style brown leather trundle bed plumped with plenty of navy and red cushions (including one of Timothy Oulton’s flag cushions, this time in the Australian flag – Oulton is one of Tim’s favourite designers) frames one side while Russ’ dark timber desk frames the other.

“All the decorative touches in here are from our travels,” says Russ, pointing to various items (from owls to horses to statuettes) that tell stories of their more recent times in Asia. “It’s a great backdrop for conference calls.”

The guest bathroom opposite this room has been almost untouched from its understated contemporary state reminiscent of many upmarket apartment designs, yet Tim says no room is left without some kind of personal touch, bringing attention to several small white vases hand-painted with pale blue Pirate icons he had bought when scouring Melbourne


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The 180-degree The 180-degree view from the view from the master bedroom master bedroom catches the eyecatches the eye


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Homeware & Design

AluminiumWhole Building, 36 Cochrane Street2546 5904 | aluminium-furniture.com

Fame Fabrics Shop 1, G/F, Po Hing Court, Po Hing Fong, Soho2997 3633 | famefabrics.com.hk

Home Essentials 46 Wyndham Street, Central 2870 1400 | homeessentials.com.hk

Homeless & SidekickShop 119, 1/F, Style HouseThe Park Lane, Causeway Bay3620 3675 | homeless.hk

Timothy Oulton G/F, 15 Gough Street, Central, Soho2161 1742

Dining & Bars

Cha Cha Wan (Thai restaurant) 206 Hollywood Road, Soho

Chom Chom (Vietnamese bar and kitchen) 58 Peel Street, Soho

Linq (bar)G/F, 37-43 Pottinger Street, Soho

Oolaa (café and restaurant) G/F, CentreStage, Bridges Street, Soho

Stauntons (people-watching bar and restaurant on the escalator)10 Staunton Street, Central

shops not long ago. He adds he was blown away by Melbourne’s architecture and atmosphere when Russell took him there for the first time not long ago.

The hallway then brings us to the standout room of the entire apartment: the impeccably organised walk-in wardrobe large enough in which to stretch and preen, although “wardrobe” is an understatement. This is really a fully functioning dressing room, fitted with several strategically aligned hanging spaces, storage options and drawers, for everything from suitcases to shirts, ties, suits, shoes and the many fancy dress costumes that Russell makes from his sewing machine kept under wraps in the study. Amazingly, this room was already in the apartment when they rented it, ensuring Russell’s “tick-list” was well and truly satisfied.

An added touch is an old-style valet placed strategically by the window in this dressing area, on which the two can place their outfits for special occasions. “There are no wire hangers in here,” says Russell.

Wardrobe envy – especially in space-poor Hong Kong – is likely to be the main emotion any visitor will experience.

“I used to do a lot of amateur theatre in Melbourne,” says Russell, “and my ex was making the costumes, and she taught me a lot. Eventually, I learnt how to thread a needle…it’s really not that hard.”

Not hard for someone with a design talent, maybe.

Along the hallway lined with prints bought in Venice, it’s the 180-degree view from the master bedroom, towards

RecommendationsRecommendationsLamma and then southwest towards the basketball courts on Po Hing Fong, that catches the eye.

“We like the fact that we’re not on top of everyone else up here,” says Tim of the high floor level.

Direct afternoon sunlight is also kept at bay with block-out curtains. The two say they have saved a fortune on cooling costs thanks to this touch. “The temperature dropped by 10 degrees with the block outs,” Tim says.

Cleverly, they have also hidden an unsightly air-conditioning vent behind the bed using a lacquered, lattice frame . Now, the backdrop looks like a simple artistic touch rather than artificial.

Last but not least, the small yet perfectly formed terrace off the living room is the ideal place for an evening glass of wine. Two wicker chairs face each other on a blue synthetic Missoni for Bolon rug. Behind each chair is a lemon tree, one on the verge of sprouting its first fruit. Again, the blue and yellow theme that gives this space so much of its relaxed, happy atmosphere is continued outside.

For these self-confessed urbanites, such a well laid-out, lock-and-leave environment with plenty of homey and personal touches is just right, so much so that Tim is now being asked (on the side) by friends and acquaintances to help them create favourite, feel-good spaces in their homes.

His tips? “You don’t need a lot and you don’t need to spend a fortune,” he says. ‘I have a lot of fun doing it too.”


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52 Aug-Sep14

RED in feng shui

“A thimble full of red is redder than a bucketful” – Matisse. Red commands attention, even when used sparingly. So it pays to get it right when it comes to choosing red furniture and accessories. For advice and options, we turned to a feng shui consultant and three of Hong Kong’s best home furnishing hubs.

Classical feng shui involves the understanding of the qi flow in the natural environment, and how it can be harnessed

to benefit the occupants of a property. Colours do not greatly affect the qi flow in your house and are not regarded as a main consideration in classical feng shui. Although colours no doubt have their subtleties and do carry great psychological significance, feng shui practitioners generally don’t advocate the use of colours alone as a major component of a feng shui audit.

The colour red is somewhat of an exception to this rule, and is often used as an “enhancer” in feng shui. Red symbolises life energy, and the placement of red items in an otherwise dull or dark room can turn up the energy level of a room quite significantly. Red is the colour of the Fire Element in Chinese Metaphysics, and represents passion, wealth and celebration. It brings luck and happiness and is often associated with love and romance, as well as wealth and fame – and who couldn’t do with more of that?

When decorating your home with red coloured items, keep in mind that the brighter and more saturated the red, the greater will be its effect. Orange is not as effective as red, but works to some degree, whereas pink has not proven to be very effective. As an enhancer, red can be used in couch covers, cushions, pillows, curtains, bed covers, rugs and carpets, wall hangings and red-coloured ornamental objects, and furniture. In an office environment, a red rug in the common staff area can create a warm and friendly atmosphere; a red rug in the CEO’s office, on the other hand,

will enhance his or her wealth and prosperity luck, thereby helping the company as a whole.

The colour red and the Fire Element do have a clear Yang nature – that is, they are associated with activity. I would therefore avoid placing too many red items in the bedroom – a room that is traditionally a Yin room, where people rest and sleep. Also avoid too much red in the kitchen. The kitchen, too, is considered Yin, as it is responsible for the health aspects of the occupants of a house. The stove, oven, rice cookers and other cooking appliances already carry a strong Fire Element, and enhancing this by adding more red might result in a very real fire hazard for the house, especially when we enter an inauspicious time cycle!

Always remember, though, that classical feng shui – and indeed life itself – is about balance and moderation. The colour red alone will not make you wealthier or happier, and decorating your entire house in red hues might not suit all of its occupants. Use colours to balance a room, add a splash of red to give it energy and a sense of celebration and passion. And most of all – have fun and be creative!

suzhongconsulting.com

with RedDecoratingAdvice from SUSANNE SCHUTZ, founder and managing director of Suzhong Consulting, regarding the significance of red in feng shui and interior design.

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HOME DECOR

53 Aug-Sep14

RED in chairs, cabinets and moreThe flagship store of The Red Cabinet, a loft-style space in One Island South, showcases a sophisticated collection of carefully edited, one-of-a-kind pieces, and an evolving range of newly designed pieces that offer practicality and quirkiness all in one. And in view of the company name, it’s no great surprise that the colour red features prominently in many of the products. Here’s just a selection of the cherry, ruby and scarlet-hued furniture on offer.

2/F, Shop 209-210, 2 Heung Yip Road, One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang2536 0123 | red-cabinet.com.hk

From top left:Red wooden trunk;

Red horseshoe chair;Red wooden ladder;

Red tapered cabinet; Red-and-gold butterfly

lady’s cabinet;Red antique coffer

2/F Shop 209 210 2 He ng Yip Road


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RED in storage furnitureForbidden City’s range of contemporary Chinese furniture marries tradition with modern aesthetics, and incorporates new materials and techniques to create something uniquely of its time. Red features prominently in the company’s range of shelving, sideboards and cabinets.

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Unit 703, 18 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay2556 8968 | forbiddencity.com

A stylish sideboard with four outward-opening doors and ample storage space split into four compartments, finished with a patterned metal panel in the centre and a matte chrome base.

A double happiness motif forms the base of this dining table, which is finished in red high-gloss lacquer with a rectangular glass top. It can seat up to eight people.

Created in the form of the Chinese “double happiness” symbol, this 2.2m wooden shelf has an inner metal frame for sturdiness and is finished in high-gloss black or lacquer.

A stylish cabinet with four doors opening outwards to reveal a spacious interior with four compartments. The two sliding metal panels are patterned with a traditional Chinese motif.

This practical and elegantly designed sideboard incorporates a set of three drawers with shelves either side for maximum storage. A central design feature of polished stainless steel carries the Chinese motif of victory.

Created in the form of thethis 2.2m wooden shelf hand is finished in high-glo

This practical andsideboard incorpdrawers with shelmaximum storagefeature of polishecarries the Chine

This hardwood tray is finished in high-gloss lacquer in yellow, and lined with silk fabric with a Chinese pattern. The tray comes with table or floor stands.


HOME DECOR

55 Aug-Sep14

RED in carpets“Red is used in many if not all oriental carpets,” says the team at Carpet Buyer Limited, “as it brings out the richness of the wool.” In most of the examples on this page, the carpet is made from hand-spun wool, and the oils of the wool mix with the dye from vegetable or roots used by the carpet-makers to get the red colouring; these include madder roots and beetroot grown in the region.

2 Lee Wing Street, #1718 Horizon Plaza2850 5508 | carpetbuyer.com eL

Clockwise from top left:Designer Nomad. Carpet Buyer’s new Moroccan collection has lovely hues of red, along with other colours.Bakhtiar – Iran. All-wool and vegetable colours with red as a major feature.Old Balouch – Iran. Balouch tribes are well known for using the most red in their carpets, with the only secondary colours being black and white. 100-percent wool.Fine Nain Red – Iran. Fine wool with silk highlights.Old Kashghai – Iran. Red is used abundantly in this area.


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HOME OFFICES

57 Aug-Sep14

The key to a great home offi ce is making a space that balances working and living. Here are some ideas that can help.

Mr Marius reading desk, $5,950, and chair, $1,950, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk

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1 Writing desk, Tequila Kola, 2877 3295, tequilakola.com 2 Desk chair, GOD, god.com.hk 3 Aviator Valkyrie desk, Tequila Kola 4 Home office furniture, Via – Poltrona Frau, 3102 3189, viahk.biz

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5 Desk lamp, Lift Lifestyle, 3907 0386, liftlifestyle.com 6 Studio desk lamp, $1,590, Indigo Living, 2555 0540, indigo-living.com 7 Ginger and Fred desk, Via – Poltrona Frau, 3102 3189, viahk.biz 8 Eames EA108 chair in white mesh, $2,990, Indigo Living 9 Image stainless steel and glass desk, $9,290, Indigo Living 10 Tango writing desk, $7,450, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk 11 Organic mesh chair, $1,700, Stockroom, 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk 12 Soho walnut desk with pedestal, $8,990, Indigo Living

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13 D e s k l a m p s , L i f t L i f e s t y l e , 3 9 07 0 3 8 6 , liftlifestyle.com 14 Hainan bookshelf, GOD, god.com.hk 15 Isabelle bookshelves, $5,999, Stockroom, 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk 16 Sophisticated glass bookcase, $16,450, TREE, 2870 1582, tree.com.hk 17 Shelf X, Via – B&B Italia, 3102 3189, viahk.biz 18 Open display shelf, The Red Cabinet, 2536 0123, red-cabinet.com.hk

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FOR SALE & LEASE

To view properties, call Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty at +852 3108 2108

63 Aug-Sep14

Letizia Casalino,Hong Kong Sotheby’s

International Realty

Market Update

Hot Properties

Will the government’s new cooling measures really ease the real

estate market? Buyers and vendors alike are eagerly anticipating its favourable effect, yet many investors continue to ask themselves whether a positive turn in the market will be fleeting or whether the Hong Kong Government may ease on its decision to implement new legislation opposed to its new ruling a little more than a year ago.

We have seen a significant increase in property investments being made overseas, with a special focus on Europe, which may be marginally influenced by the Golden Visa, making

it highly advantageous for non-residents to purchase real estate in certain countries where property prices tend to be more competitive than in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the market remains dynamic as first-hand and secondary market sales transactions continue to be registered, given the most recent positive sales activities from this summer.

Despite the shortage of available rental properties in the prime residential areas resulting from the fluctuating sales market, we remain active in monitoring the latest market trends and sourcing the right properties for clients.

PLENTY OF CHARACTER

District: Mid-Levels WestSale: $12.8MSize: 805 sq. ftBedrooms: 2 (1 ensuite)Bathrooms: 2

This is an apartment with character, and one that offers an efficient combined living and dining room, with a fully fitted open kitchen to help make cooking practical and enjoyable. It’s also equipped with nicely renovated bathrooms.

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The good location makes it ideal for families or as an investment. With stunning green views from the balcony, plus a semi-open kitchen and renovated bathrooms, it’s a place with a wonderful homey feel.

FEEL AT HOMEDistrict: Mid-LevelsSale: $23MSize: 1,166 sq. ftBedrooms: 3 (1 ensuite) Bathrooms: 2

Located in the heart of Stanley, this fully renovated duplex offers a split-level living and dining room, with all four bedrooms on the first floor. There’s also a lovely garden and spacious backyard to bring the family together.

RARE FAMILY RETREAT

District: StanleySale/Rent: $80M / $160,000 incl.Size: 2,438 sq. ftBedrooms: 4 (1 ensuite) Bathroms: 2.5


FOR SALE & LEASE


65 Aug-Sep14

A renovation has superbly transformed this property. An open kitchen with high-end appliances provides excellent space for indoor gathering and dining, while bathrooms have been converted with spa-type showers and baths. Magnificent views to Disneyland, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

STUNNING APARTMENT

District: Discovery BaySale: $7.8MSize: 876 sq. ftBedrooms: 3 (1 ensuite)Bathrooms: 2

An exquisite home offering Mediterranean-style living at its best, with a beautiful garden along with amazing views of the water and hills beyond. This elegant triplex presents a great property opportunity to make your own.

STYLISH WATERFRONT District: Tai TamSale/Rent: $92M / $150,000 incl.Size: 2,743 sq. ftBedrooms: 3 (all ensuite)Bathrooms: 4.5


HOME&PROPERTY

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An insider’s guide to life in their ’hood.

Aug-Sep14

KENNEDY TOWN

THE SPECIFICSWhere do you live and why did you choose the area?I live in Pokfield Road, Kennedy Town (“K Town”); our closest MTR station is Sheung Wan. We bought an apartment here in 2008 because we knew that the Island Line was going to extend to Kennedy Town by 2014, and because there is a great feeling of community amongst the shopkeepers and residents.

THE SCENEWhen you walk out of your place, the fi rst thing you see is:A bank of trees on a slope that runs down to the construction area where the MTR station is situated.

The closest store (of any type) to your front door is:It’s a short walk down Pokfield Path steps (where I always see some of the cats who live in a colony on the slope alongside) to our local wet market, which is always busy with K Town locals and helpers coming down the escalator carrying bags of meat, fruit and vegetables.

NAME: LYNN SUSAN SEYMOURFROM: London, UKOCCUPATION: Volunteer work for The Helena May and SPCA’s Cat Colony Care Programme

Tell us about your immediate neighbours:My next-door neighbours are an elderly couple in their 90s; after seeing me around for a couple of years, their suspicious nodding has turned into smiles and chatter in Cantonese, so I now feel accepted. Their lounge window is adjacent to my balcony and I often see the husband holding onto the windowsill swinging his legs and doing his morning exercises.

Who else lives in the area?Six years ago, our apartment block residents were predominantly Chinese but now there are many more expats living here, mostly due to the presence of more affordable apartments and rental prices, and an extremely good transport link (which will be greatly enhanced when the Kennedy Town MTR opens). In the mornings, I see a mix of young suited professionals, helpers putting toddlers onto school buses and elderly people being assisted to and from the numerous care homes.

If a celebrity moves in next door, it will most likely be:I haven’t seen any celebrities in K Town but if there were, it would be a restaurateur as K Town is growing in the number of new restaurants opening recently. The Harbour Restaurant on the waterfront has been a fixture for quite a long time and is owned by the mother of local celebrity Cecilia Cheung.

When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you:Attend an opera, concert or play at any one of the numerous arts venues on Hong Kong Island or Tsim Sha Tsui. We recently attended Art Basel and the Asian Art Fair.

If you’re missing home, you:I rarely miss the UK but if I feel I need open spaces and fresh air, I love to hike or browse around the villages on one of our outlying islands – Lantau, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau or Lamma. I always take my visitors to one or more of them to show them a different and slower pace of life.

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NEIGHBOURHOODS

67 Aug-Sep14

You’d swap houses in a second with:I have always wanted to live in a house by the sea but instead I am lucky to have an apartment on the 41st floor with views of the Hong Kong harbour on one side and High West and mountain views on the other.

A massive late-night rager on your street is likely to involve:Our street is quiet at night and the only reason I would wake up is due to raging winds and spectacular storms accompanied by lightning flashes that show through our window blinds. We do happen to be surrounded by student accommodation, but even the HKU students are very well behaved!

THE SUPERLATIVESBest part of the neighbourhood?One of my favourite areas of K Town is the hilly pedestrianised area around Ching Lin Terrace, at the upper end of Sands Street. Tucked away on this hillside is the 1884 Grade I-listed historic Lo Pan Temple dedicated to the patron saint of Chinese builders and contractors. Nearby are low-rise apartment blocks where residents lovingly create and tend small gardens of pot plants.

You won’t fi nd better local food than at:We have such an array of restaurants to choose from that we stopped going to Soho and regularly walk down the hill for dinner. Our favourites are our local pub, The Limestone Arms, and K Town Bar & Grill next door – they’re both on Forbes Street. Both the managers, Andy and Chris respectively, are very friendly and give very good service, and the food is great.

Another small eatery which never seems to get a mention in the press but whose food is consistently good is called Al Pesto. It’s tucked away on narrow Hau Wo Street off Smithfield and run by a Nepalese family.

The best bargains in your neighbourhood are:Bargains can be found at the locally owned pharmacies and clothes shops still operating in K Town; we also have a very successful Salvation Army shop that relocated to larger premises in Belcher’s Street.

The guiltiest pleasure in your area is:The many massage and beauty care stores open in K Town. I have to admit to enjoying an occasional spa treatment at Essential Spa.

One thing you’d never change is:Progress means change but my fear for the neighbourhood is losing our small

local shopkeepers to rising commercial rents and property developers. It would be sad to see the end of small independent businesses like my watch and shoe repairman, my tea supplier Kee Heung Chun Tea Company (owned by Mr and Mrs Lam and their son, Derek), my drycleaners and my newsagent’s wife who diligently walks up the hill every day to put my South China Morning Post on my doormat! They are all special people and part of the K Town community.

But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing change is:The DAB Central wants to revamp the Kennedy Town waterfront where it proposes having a promenade – “Soho West” – with dining venues. I am hoping this will happen but I would dearly like to see the kaido ferry service put back into operation as there used to be a service that ran between Pak Kok Pier (near Yung Shue Wan), Lamma and Kennedy Town.

Why should your neighbourhood be featured in a guidebook?Kennedy Town was developed in the late 19th century and named after Sir Arthur Kennedy, Governor of Hong Kong from 1872 to 1877. It used to be an international shipping area but was regularly closed off due to the bubonic plague and disease. It’s now becoming a desirable place to live and people come here to enjoy the nightlife on offer.

We want to know about where you live. Don’t be shy! Send an email to [email protected] with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.

WHAT'S THE WORD ON YOUR STREET?

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HOME&PROPERTY

68 Aug-Sep14

What’s your role, in a nutshell?The most important aspects of the job are greeting guests in a warm and genuine way, assisting with arrivals, giving fond farewells, handling guests’ enquiries, helping with ticketing and transfers, and preparing various tours for guests. Then there are the other situations when guests need our assistance, from leaving phones in taxise to picking up packages in shops. Sometimes we buy items on their behalf, and even send umbrellas to restaurants when it’s raining and they don’t have them.

What are the characteristics of a good concierge?A friendly, positive and proactive ‘can do’ attitude, and the ability to think on your feet to provide quick solutions for guests. It’s very important to be discreet to protect guest privacy and trust; we are the first and last person a guest meets in the hotel.

Best part of the job?Getting positive responses and appreciation from guests when you solve a problem for them or do something they do not expect that helps them. And representing our profession in the best possible way as a member of the worldwide Les Clefs d’Or.

How do you keep up with local hotspots to recommend to guests?The internet is very helpful, of course, with search engines and alerts. We also collect information from different sources, such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, newspapers, magazines and our own concierge and hotelier network.

What are some of the current “must-sees”?The usual sights and places are still popular – Big Buddha, theme parks, The Peak, Lan Kwai Fong – however, we like to send people to try new areas like Tai Hang.

Your favourite travel destination in the region?This year I went to Japan, which is great value at the moment. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has always been a dynamic destination and is good for finding ‘luxury on a budget’. I immensely enjoyed my stay at our sister property Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Serviced Residences. Its location is unbeatable! Everything is just a stone’s throw away.

A Day in the Life of a...

Hotel ConciergeHotel Concierge

Jardine’s Crescent, one of Andrew’s top recommendations for hotel guests who want an authentic experience in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong-born ANDREW LEUNG leads a team of seven concierges at Lanson Place Hotel. We asked him for some insights into his daily routine.

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Andrew’s top-3 lists3 strangest requests • One guest asked us to buy some

bamboo stands that are used for drying clothes in Hong Kong villages. The guest was an artist and intended to create a unique art piece using the bamboo.

• Another guest wanted us to help him buy a second-hand vehicle and ship it to his own country.

• Helping guests to get into their luggage when they’ve lost their keys.

3 most common guest questions

• “Where is X and how do I get there?”

• “Do you have a limousine service?”

• “Can you recommend a good restaurant?”

3 mistakes travellers make

• Not travelling beyond Central to see the parks and hills in Sai Kung and Shek O.

• Not trying local food in dai pai dong and cha chaan teng restaurants.

• Not asking taxis to put their meters on, particularly late at night.

Lanson Place Hotel, Hong Kong, is at 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. 3477 6888 | hongkong.lansonplace.com

Hong Kong in a dayAndrew’s step-by-step guide to a great day out for a new arrival in Hong Kong:

1. Take a tram from Causeway Bay to Central, then take the Peak Tram to the Peak.

2. Take a taxi to the Star Ferry pier and go across to Tsim Sha Tsui for sightseeing.

3. Take the MTR to Mong Kok for the ladies’ market and lunch in a local restaurant.

4. Go to Temple Street for the night market.

5. Return to TST harbour-front to enjoy the laser show.

6. Back to the hotel to refresh.

7. Lan Kwai Fong for dinner and drinks.

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LIFE&FAMILY

70 Aug-Sep14

Useful & Delightful

By Brooke Chenoweth

Whether you’re a working woman or a busy mother or both, fi nding a bag to carry everything you need each day that’s both practical and pretty can be challenging. We spoke with a couple of French expats who offer a solution.

When Catherine Degorce started Makaron in 2010, her aim was to create a range of homewares

that was both beautiful and practical; products that suited her own lifestyle needs as a multitasking mother, and those of her customers as well. Charlotte de Caraman joined in 2012 and shared Catherine’s vision for a brand that was “from Hong Kong, with a French accent”. Much of the range is influenced by Catherine and Charlotte’s time spent living and travelling in Asia, and the contrast between Eastern and Western styles gives the brand a unique edge.

As their famil ies grew, so too did Makaron, and today the label synonymous with casual chic is taking on a fresh new direction. Expanding on the theme of “Inside Out”, which began with the picnic mats they launched a couple of years ago, Makaron now offers a range of totes, pouches and iPad cases that the whole family can use.

Th is year the team has a lso experimented with colours and textures – like the Coral Croco, a bright faux-crocodile skin pouch with a gold lining – which led to a bold range that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The pouches and totes are made with high quality, sturdy fabrics, and come with water-resistant linings, while the picnic mats have handy pockets in the corners for storing your bits and pieces. They’re practical and

durable, without sacrificing femininity – in their own words, “Makaron is all about making the useful become delightful”. The duo designs the range together and all of their products are handmade locally, allowing Catherine and Charlotte to oversee all aspects of production; this attention to detail shows in the final result.

Earlier this year, Makaron travelled to Singapore for the inaugural Maison & Objet Asia trade show, which introduced them to a new market and gave them fresh sources of inspiration. They’re also collaborating with a major Australian online retailer, and will be exhibiting their wares at M&O Paris in September. And this summer saw the debut of a new logo, with plans for a new range of fabrics and colours handpicked and designed by Charlotte and Catherine themselves.

It’s little wonder they’re on the cusp of becoming a global brand – the energy at Makaron HQ is infectious. One can’t help but be drawn to the new line, with bold colours and signature zigzag stripes dominating a playful and stylish range of accessories. I left the office coveting an Ibiza pouch and the Sunny iPad case, and I’ll probably need the Sunset Tote to carry them in!

Makaron’s label and logo were inspired by the famous French delicacy, the macaron, and like these sweet treats, the brand represents “gourmandise” – an indulgence; a gift you give y o u r s e l f .The best part i s tha t the entire range is reasonably p r i c e d a n d affordable, so you can spoil yourself without feeling guilty! makaron-home.com

Where to find Makaron productsPermanent showroom Studio 852, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 11/F, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, AberdeenOpen Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 5pm, or by appointment: [email protected]

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Stockists – Hong Kong* Petit Bazaar * Bumps to Babes * Kapok * Mirth Home

Stockist – SingaporeLemongrass & Aubergine,

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Life & FamilyLife & FamilyKindyroo Apparatus

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LIFE&FAMILY

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LITTLE TRAVELLERS With many schools still out until September, there’s still time to squeeze in a family trip or two. And the perfect accompaniment for children aged eight and up is the Leap and Hop series of travel books, written by Isabelle Demenge and illustrated by Emilie Sarnel. These interactive books turn a “grown-up” trip into a fun adventure through local history, geography, religion, currency and food, as well as activities including “I Spy” games in the Angkor temples and scavenger hunts in Maharajah palaces. Kids play along by drawing and writing, and collecting items of interest on the journey, resulting in a unique travel scrapbook to keep. Books on Hong Kong, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India (Rajasthan) are available now, with Thailand, Beijing and Myanmar to follow. leapandhop.com

Something for all the family to enjoyWHAT’S NEW

Stage Right in Sai Kung has been developing a love for theatre in children since 2011. By focusing the extrovert and empowering the introvert, their workshops are designed to create confident, expressive and joyful performers, with a focus on teamwork, social interaction, creativity and imagination. Stage Right offers after-school and summer programmes for children from four to 11 years of age, and teaches performance skills and theatre techniques, with the opportunity to put it all into practice in third term with a live performance on stage. 21 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung Old Town. 9199 5900 | stageright.com.hk

Dramatic Flair!Dramatic Flair!

MAKING PARTIES A BREEZE Eezy Peezy Parties has added more than a dozen new collections to its online store, making it undeniably Hong Kong’s go-to website to create the perfect celebration – from children’s birthdays and wedding anniversaries to garden parties and baby showers. The new themes include stunning prints and patterns, perfect for outdoor occasions, and a new blue and white porcelain style range. Also newly available are dynamic metallic gold and silver prints, a nautical theme, moustaches (great for Movember parties) and Eezy Peezy Parties’ first licensed character, Hello Kitty. 2580 2530 | eezypeezyparties.com

HASSLE-FREE HOMEMADE Whether you make your own baby food or buy it, weaning can be a messy and expensive process. Amy Ward and the team at Homemade Foods makes things easier, tastier and better for the whole family. All of their babies and children’s meals are freshly handmade every day in small batches from organic, seasonal produce, and delivered to your door. The food is free from additives, preservatives and other nasties, and prepared under the guidance of chef and nutritionist Priscilla Soligo, and it comes in specially made reusable BPA-free containers. Among the big hits with the taste-testers at Expat Living were the spaghetti bolognese, chicken nuggets and oatmeal chocolate chip. 6779 2377 | homemade-foods.com

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NEWS

75 Aug-Sep14

SOCIAL DESIGNS Amelia Wong is a full-time student and part-time jeweller, designing under the label Amelia W since 2013. Amelia uses gemstones, precious metals and Swarovski pearls to create pieces you can mix and match in your wardrobe. Highlights include a new line of tassel earrings and anklets, and an expanded range of necklaces. All proceeds from sales currently go towards the Society for Community Organization (soco.org.hk), an incorporated, non-profit and non-governmental body. SoCO believes that everyone should have basic human rights, and that the most effective way to achieve social change is through grassroots action, outreach and education. Find Amelia W’s jewellery at the Handmade Hong Kong Fair in Discovery Bay or on her website. ameliawdesigns.com

LEADING THE WAY Hong Kong Junior Leaders is a new English speaking, non-profit, youth development group that offers UK-style army cadet and leadership training to international school students aged 11 to 17. Their founders include former military personnel from the UK, Canada and Switzerland and they’re currently recruiting new cadet members for their Discovery Bay and Sai Kung detachments. Adults with or without military or cadet experience are very welcome to join as instructors, for training on Saturday mornings and occasional camps during long holidays. hkjuniorleaders.org

In June, the city fell under the spell of 1,600 adorable papier-mache pandas as they made their way around town before finally taking up residence at PMQ. A range of eco-friendly merchandise designed by the creatives at PMQ was available, plus there was a make-your-own panda workshop, a “Hug a Panda” area, and a panda adoption programme. The tour came with a serious message, too: 1,600 is the total number of giant pandas remaining on Earth. For more information on how you can continue to support this initiative, visit wf.panda.org

Seeing is Believing In preparation for the Standard Chartered Arts in the Park Mardi Gras 2014, Hong Kong’s largest community arts event, the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) kicked off a summer of fundraising with the Seeing is Believing Fundraising Exhibition in June. Over 8,000 young people from 84 primary, secondary and special needs schools created more than 8,000 art pieces, raising HK$320,000 for the visually impaired. The initiative has partnered with ORBIS International, with all fundraising proceeds going towards eye restoration and treatment, eye-care education and training medical professionals in mainland China. A series of Arts in the Park activities will be rolled out in the coming months to raise funds before the event in November. hkyaf.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE PANDA! SAVE


LIFE&FAMILY

76 Aug-Sep14

SCHOOL FEES UPDATE For many expats in Hong Kong, this time of the year marks the start of school. For some families, the decision to educate locally or abroad can be a difficult, emotional and financially trying one.

In June, the English Schools Foundation (ESF) announced a non-refundable Capital Levy (NCL) for new students starting school from August 2015 onwards. The NCL begins at HK$38,000 for children entering Year 1. In the UK, meanwhile, fees for private education have increased by an average of 68 percent in the past decade – a rate significantly higher than the rate of inflation.

Reports estimate that it costs approximately HK$2.5 million to send a child to private school between the ages of five to 18. On that assumption, parents need to allow HK$140,000 a year, per child, from the day their child is born until they turn 18, to cover school fees (not including university or college). It’s easy to see why education savings requires planning.

There are a number of ways to approach savings for education; one good option is flexible savings that invest in markets, funds and stocks but allow you to withdraw money if and when you need to. Whatever choice you make, do start the planning process early and be sure to seek professional financial advice.

For more about how to prepare and save for your children’s education, contact The Fry Group for a no-cost initial consultation. Room 2005, Tower 1, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Admiralty. 2526 9488 | [email protected]

St. James’s Place PLC, the UK-based wealth manager, has announced the acquisition of The Henley Group, one of Asia’s leading wealth management advice companies. The acquisition, St. James’s Place’s first outside the UK, enables the company to serve clients in the expat community in several Asian markets. Henley, a leading wealth management advice company in Asia, with over fifty advisers and £400 million assets under management, has offices in Singapore, Shanghai and here in Hong Kong. The business model of both companies is based on providing high quality face-to-face advice, and maintaining strong corporate values and a quality management team to maintain a successful and robust business.

NEW BLOG Infinity Financial Solutions has recently launched a comprehensive and informative blog (blog.infinitysolutions.com). The site provides an online space for Infinity’s Asia-wide team to explore financial news and issues. Michele Carby, the highly experienced, Hong Kong-based international financial planner has already become the site’s most prolific writer with posts on retirement planning, savings, pensions and a variety of other financial planning issues. Check out the blog to see what’s going on in the industry.

In other Infinity news, the company has announced a new partnership with Hong Kong-based Blackfish, winner of the Best Overseas Property Agent USA 2014. Blackfish is currently rolling out a new offering to clients, the Brickell Life property development in Miami, designed and managed by Swire Properties. It’s a real estate project that’s sure to catch the eye. 2815 5828 | infinitysolutions.com

FINANCE & INVESTMENT

Asia Acquisition


BOOKS

77 Aug-Sep14

10 new and notable books, recommended by the team at Dymocks.PAGE

LEARNING CHINESE

HONG KONG LIFE

COOKERY

STARTING SCHOOL

FICTION

PARENTINGLearn Chinese with MikeMike Hainzinger

YouTube sensation Mike Hainzinger takes an off-the-wall approach to learning Chinese. His videos are entertaining and engrossing, and – most importantly – they work, and

now his material is collected together as a coursebook with accompanying DVD and CD, and an activity book plus CD.

Complete Mandarin Chinese Pack Dorling Kindersley

A learning set that can help you go from absolute beginner to confident communicator in 12 weeks, learning for 15 minutes a day, five

days a week. Includes CDs and a visual phrase book.

Street Life Hong KongNicole Chabot & Michael Perini

Insightful stories of 12 people who bring colour to Hong Kong’s street life, including a flower seller, a busker, a bamboo scaffolder and a shoe shiner.

SpiceDhruv Baker

The author sheds light on the mysteries of using spices appropriately to create layers of flavours in dishes, rather than just piling on the chilli sauce.

Schoolies – My Fun Activity BoxEllen Crimi-Trent

A box full of Schoolies fun and learning, with storybooks, activity books and a board game, perfect for getting ready to start school or kindergarten.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of PilgrimageHaruki MurakamiTsukuru Tazaki was the only member of his group of friends whose name didn’t include a colour. When the rest of them all turn their backs on him, Tsukuru is mystified as to

why. From then on he hardly ever makes friends again, until he meets Sarah, who encourages him to find out what really happened.

LandlineRainbow RowellGeorgie and Neal’s marriage is really in trouble this time, when Georgie’s work forces her to cancel a Christmas trip, and she stays at home while the rest of the family

ups and leaves. When a chance is presented to her to try to fix the relationship, should she take it, or would she and Neal be better off going their separate ways?

Summer House with Swimming PoolHerman KochFrom the author of The Dinner. Wealthy doctor Marc Schlosser is invited to go on holiday with a patient, famous actor Ralph

Meier. But soon after what should have been an enjoyable break, Ralph is dead, and Marc is accused of murder.

The Contented Baby Goes to SchoolGina Ford Advice for both parents and children on how to overcome the worries of starting school, with a new routine, environment and peers. Includes practical exercises to reduce the

stress of this new stage in your child’s life.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective TeenagersSean CoveyThe teen version of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People gets an update for the digital age, addressing key areas in which teenagers

face the most challenges, including relationships, parents, peers, lifestyle choices, and concerns for the future.

Dymocks Booklover members save 10 percent off all books featured in the Booklover and The Young Booklover newsletters. dymocks.com.hk

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LIFE&FAMILY

80 Aug-Sep14

HOMEWARD BOUND:There comes a time when every expat has to swap their exotic overseas life with the realities of repatriation. The “big move” brings with it feelings of excitement but also of trepidation that the carefree beach days and cocktails at Sevva could soon be replaced with a slightly more mundane lifestyle. Our guide to repatriation should help you make sure the grass always turns out greener.

Tips for Repatriation By Claire Locking

TimingConsider the timing of your move very carefully. Moving at Christmas is perfect if you are going to the southern hemisphere but for Europeans it could mean going

from Hong Kong’s perfect beach weather to dark nights and cold and frosty mornings. Rather too harsh a wakeup call! Try not to move in a rush; give yourselves time for recces back home and to get every member of the family used to the idea.

Keep it under your hatWhether you’re planning to move in two months or two years, keep it to yourself. You could find your social diary starts to dry up if people think you are about to

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Try before you buyIf you’re moving to a totally new area, rent before you buy. Although you may find your dream home, chances are it will turn out to be too far

from the station, not close to your kids’ new schoolmates, and so on. A six-month rental will give you the breathing space to investigate the area and make the best and most informed choice.

School transitionsTry to move your children at a time when others are joining the school so they don’t feel alone. Spring is a good time for a UK move as children

can enjoy the sport of the summer term. Autumn is also a logical starting point. For a move back to Australia, Christmas offers sun-filled days and the start of the school year soon after.

School systemsConsider carefully the school choice back home. If your child is used to the research-based learning of an IB school then a strict British

curriculum may not work for them. If there’s no choice, then explain how their new school works and what the differences will be. C

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Put yourself in their shoesAn overseas move can be daunting for an adult but imagine what the chaos feels like for kids. Tell them exactly why you’re moving and what their new

school and home will be like. Emphasise the positives, not the negatives. You may think they’ll be happy to leave the pollution and concrete for open fields but if they’ve been in Hong Kong for most of their young lives, this could be a contrast too far. Try to book them into similar after-school activities so they can continue their interests. Above all, make time for family time – unpacking boxes and hanging pictures can wait; make sure they feel happy and secure.

ShoppingMany items of furniture in Hong Kong cost a fraction of the price of similar pieces back home, so do your homework and stock up on quality pieces. But don’t

overdo the Asian emphasis; there are only so many Chinese wedding cabinets and Buddha heads a home can take! Buy a few high-quality pieces that will give you happy Hong Kong memories and will become family heirlooms in time.

Change of paceBe prepared for a change of pace. Most non-expat families don’t have live-in help so spontaneous socialising is out of the question back home. Relish

more relaxed family time. At the same time, put together a to-do list of things to do and see; you were on an exciting adventure while in Asia – try to maintain the same enthusiasm back home.C

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Keep in touchExpat friends are your family when you are living overseas so make the effort to stay in touch. Also, encourage your children to send messages to old

classmates and teachers. Arrange get-togethers over the holidays; Hong Kong has been a huge part of your life and your children’s lives so don’t forget it.

Amah dramasWith law changes now meaning it’s almost impossible to bring your helper back home with you, most families, especially the mums, have to get used to

doing the more mundane tasks from shopping to cleaning. Expat kids used to being permanently waited on may have to get used to the harsh realities of daily chores.

Leave on a highYou may be tempted to leave quietly but once you’re settled into your new home, it’s likely your social life may not be quite what is was. Take the opportunity

to get all your Hong Kong friends together for one last hurrah, whether it’s a mass family beach outing or a night dancing till dawn; the happy memories will last a lifetime.

Reverse culture shockRepatriation may mean “returning to the country of birth” but if you have enjoyed the spoils of a long expat posting you may find yourself out of touch

when you return home. People and places you thought you knew may have changed. “Home” may not feel like home and you may feel alienated and out of touch.

Tips for removal day• Moving can be stressful: choose your logistics

company carefully. Get a detailed quote and estimate of the container size you need before the day.

• Make sure you have one room set aside with items not to be packed. It has been known for everything from car keys to next day’s school uniforms to be whisked away, not to be seen until they are unpacked at the other side.

• If you’re tight for space, prioritise with your movers. Furniture first, toys last.

• Take away the stress. Book yourself into a hotel for the nights between packing and flying.

• Make sure every box is clearly labelled – in English, not Cantonese!

• Arrange your helper’s removal. You don’t want to be left with that to deal with at the end of a long day.

• It may be tempting to leave the removal in the hands of the removal men or your helper but it’s essential that you’re there on the day.

• Supervise the packing. You don’t want the movers to pack lots of fresh air and then find you can’t get a prized possession in at the last moment.


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Financial minefi eldAlthough you may have been earning good money overseas, returning home can mean a less certain financial foothold. Some mortgage companies will

require local rather than overseas pay cheques to verify your salary level. Your time overseas may have dented your credit rating to such an extent that even opening a mobile phone account is tricky. If possible, keep a credit card and bank account open and use them regularly for the six months before your repatriation.

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Try not to compareWhether you’ve been an expat for decades or just a few years, chances are you’ve had the experience of a lifetime; there aren’t many places on this earth

where you can finish a business meeting at 4pm and be on a junk on the South China Sea by sunset, after all. The key to a successful move is to cherish the memories but not compare them to what you have now. This is a new life adventure with new challenges, places to discover, friends to meet and family experiences to discover.

Tales from the other sideI’m six weeks into the new reality of UK life after eight years enjoying expat adventures in the Middle East and Hong Kong. I won’t

lie to you; it’s tough. Don’t get me wrong – the sun is shining, the grass is green, the drive to school sees me swerving to avoid squishing bunnies on the road rather than avoiding kamikaze taxi drivers, and my boys come home to acres of green fields and trees to climb rather than a concrete car park. The supermarkets are full of organic and free range rather than preservative-filled, air-freighted or vacuum-packed. What’s not to like?

Despite the occasional wobble – and some debilitating cravings for Asian food – I have no doubt we’ve done the right thing. My boys are British and were at the age that they needed to know where they were from. School days are now filled with trips to the forest to build fires, make hot chocolate and learn about the environment, and visits from veterans of the D-Day landings. They are missing the cultural aspects and exoticism of Hong Kong, but they are gaining in so many other ways. Weekly Skype calls to grandparents have been replaced with Sunday lunches and smiling faces at the school gates. We had three generations of one family at sports day this year rather than just our family of four.

I’ve found myself sticking to my old expat ways – for example, asking random strangers everything from where the best dentist is to which club has the top football coaches. Everyone is helpful and friendly but it’s not like expat life where in 10 minutes you’d have shared your life stories and mobile numbers.

Bizarrely, I even find myself missing the wisdom garnered from “Hong Kong Mums”, with its posts advertising “Bottega Veneta tote for sale – yours for a steal at HK$20,000”. The Wiltshire equivalent is “Lonely hen named Mollie for sale – give her a good home and enjoy free-range eggs.”

The biggest change is the quiet. Hong Kong has a constant hum of activity – always something in the diary, a friend to bump into, another thing to do or place to go. It takes a while to embrace the joys of a quieter pace of life.

It’s easy to wonder whether a sociable sunny Sunday lunch at the Cricket Club is better than a walk in the country followed by an English pub, but home is where the heart is and although a little bit of our heart will forever be in Hong Kong, for now, we are embracing change, wellies and all!


HongKongParkview_PROP.indd 1HongKongParkview_PROP.indd 1 10/7/14 3:44 PM10/7/14 3:44 PM

EDUCATION

83 Aug-Sep14

SchoolREADERS HAVE THEIR SAY

“Where can my child go to preschool or school?” “Where can my child go to preschool or school?” This is one of the most diffi cult questions an This is one of the most diffi cult questions an expat faces upon relocation, whether it’s to Hong expat faces upon relocation, whether it’s to Hong Kong or another part of the world. The importance Kong or another part of the world. The importance of the issue barely needs restating: education is of the issue barely needs restating: education is vital in shaping our children’s future. vital in shaping our children’s future.

To give you some insights into schooling in Hong To give you some insights into schooling in Hong Kong, we’ve spoken with parents, teachers and Kong, we’ve spoken with parents, teachers and specialists to get their tips, advice, opinions and specialists to get their tips, advice, opinions and refl ections on everything classroom-related.refl ections on everything classroom-related.

J Schools3.indd 83J Schools3.indd 83 14/7/14 12:23 pm14/7/14 12:23 pm

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How long has Logan attended EtonHouse?Logan attended school at EtonHouse in Singapore (2012) prior to transferring to EtonHouse in Hong Kong this year.

Describe your experience at the school. We’ve had an extremely positive experience both in Singapore in Hong Kong. The teachers and staff have often gone out of their way to accommodate us and to help Logan feel settled in his class and in the EtonHouse community in general. Logan really enjoys being at school; he loves his teachers and has formed very close friendships with his classmates.

I like the fact the school is bilingual, and that the teachers allow the children to express themselves through inquiry.

What made you choose this school? The minute we walked in and met everyone at EtonHouse, we knew it was the right place. Everything was appealing to us, from the aesthetically designed facilities and qualified faculty, to the diversity in the student body and the international inquiry-based teaching programme.

What does Logan like most about going to school?He has loved spending time exploring all of the different areas within each of the schools, including the outdoor and indoor gardens. He also enjoys spending time in the library, and doing arts and crafts in the classroom.

EtonHouse International Pre-School102, 1/F, Redhill Plaza, 3 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam2353 5223 | etonhouse.com.hk

Freda Amir (Singaporean) and son, Logan Freda Amir (Singaporean) and son, Logan McKean (American-Scottish, age 3.5). McKean (American-Scottish, age 3.5). In Hong Kong since April 2014.In Hong Kong since April 2014.

How long has Audrey gone to SPRING and which course is she enrolled in?Audrey has attended SPRING Cooking since she was 18 months of age.

Describe your experience at the school.Audrey likes to eat and so I naturally chose the cooking class for her. Her motor skills were a bit more advanced than her peers and she can sit well by herself without moving too much, so when she was 18 months, she was allowed to start the cooking class for ages two and up. We had Teacher Sandra and Miss Sam for the class, and both of them were very patient and filled with passion with children. Their cooking classes are no ordinary cooking classes; they teach shapes, counting, motor skills training and more.

What does your child like most about the SPRING? She is too young to comment, however, whenever my helper brings out her apron, she shouts out “Cooking class!” And when asked whether she likes cooking class, she always says “yes”.

I like to stay behind a bit after the class and feed Audrey lunch in the cosy lounge area; after that, she spends a while in the outdoor area playing on the slide before we head home.

SPRING3/F, Centre Point181-185 Gloucester Road, Wanchai3465 5000 | spring-learning.com.hk

Gretchen and Andy Ann, and Audrey (2), Gretchen and Andy Ann, and Audrey (2), Canadian-Chinese. Returned to Canadian-Chinese. Returned to Hong Kong in 2001.Hong Kong in 2001.

PRESCHOOL INSIGHTS


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Which of your children go to Woodland?Bryan is currently attending Woodland Pre-School Happy Valley and has just finished his first year (though he was in the playgroup for about six months prior to joining the preschool programme). Our older son was also at Woodland for his Reception year before he started at primary school.

Describe your experience at the school.The most important thing for us when selecting a school on arriving in Hong Kong was finding a safe and nurturing environment that our children could thrive in. We arrived excited but also a little worried about whether our then four-year-old son could adapt to school and life in Hong Kong.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the small-sized classes, amazing teachers and tight-knit community were a perfect fit for our family. Joshua made friends immediately, and I was also able to make connections quickly with the parents of other children.

We could see that the curriculum was rigorous but with an emphasis on play. Joshua learned so much in his final year at Woodland but he also had so much fun learning. It’s not surprising that we have chosen to send Bryan there too. In his first year of formal schooling, Bryan has really blossomed, learning independence, social skills, having fun, learning about numbers, cultures, planets… what a jam-packed year this has been!

How did you hear of Woodland?We had heard about the Woodland Pre-schools when we first arrived in Hong Kong. We toured the Happy Valley school and noticed that, though the premises were quite small, the teachers had found creative ways to utilise the space, and that actually the school seemed like an intimate and cosy environment which we felt would help our son to feel safe in.

Jeong-Youn Cho and Eungsoo Kim, and Jeong-Youn Cho and Eungsoo Kim, and children Joshua Kim (6) and Bryan Kim (3), children Joshua Kim (6) and Bryan Kim (3), Korean. In Hong Kong for almost three years.Korean. In Hong Kong for almost three years.

What do Joshua and Bryan like most about the school?Joshua has amazingly fond memories of going there, and still remembers his friends from over the years. We still meet up and play and celebrate birthdays and holidays together. He also remembers the teachers and loves when he gets a chance to go back there to pick up Bryan.

Bryan says he loves all his teachers; his favourite place is the playground – especially the slides.

Every family has different priorities and needs, but if caring and loving teachers and a tight-knit community are important to you, you should most definitely consider Woodland Pre-School Happy Valley. With the small classes, both my boys have thrived in all aspects. We couldn’t be happier with the school.

Woodland Happy Valley Pre-School2 Hawthorn Road, Happy Valley2575 0042 | woodlandschools.comWoodlands has 10 schools across Hong Kong

PRESCHOOL TRANSITION TIPS• Visit the preschool with your child; let them get familiar with the new surroundings, the classroom, the playroom

and most importantly introduce your child to the teachers • Talk to your child about preschool, what they will do there, how much fun they will be having and who else

will be there (maybe a friend or sibling is attending) • Run your child through the daily schedule so that they are prepared for what to expect during the time spent

in preschool• Reassure your child that you will be there when school is finished to greet and spend the rest of the day

with them• Inform teachers of your child’s favourite toy, game or song to help sooth anxiety


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Which of your children are currently attending Kellett?All three of our children started in Reception. This August, Cameron starts his final year, Kirstie starts Year 10, and Duncan starts Year 7.

Describe your experience at Kellett. I’ve been a Kellett parent for 13 years now and have witnessed an enormous change as it has evolved from a single Prep School to two Prep Schools and a Senior school. Today, the facilities are excellent, and there’s a very comprehensive after-school activities programme. The school successfully follows the English National Curriculum, and it has many dedicated and enthusiastic teachers.

Kellett School’s motto is “A love of learning and confidence for life” and I personally attribute some of my own children’s confidence to Kellett’s long-term policy of involving all students in plays and productions right from Reception age. They are always fun, and every child has an equal role in the earlier years. The children take great pride in performing for their parents and other students.

The school’s educational trips are fun and they foster independence and bonding with peers. They range from trips to markets to cultural adventures in New Zealand. There are also sports, music and even maths trips! Our children have had very positive experiences on their trips.

Kellett encourages parental involvement from the start, with parents invited to help out with cooking, art, reading, trips and productions. Parents establish close friendships, and the younger students love seeing their mums and dads in school. All classes have a class parent to assist with communication, and the school also has an active Parents Committee.

Nicola Taylor and David Taylor, in Hong Kong Nicola Taylor and David Taylor, in Hong Kong for 25+ years, and children Cameron (16), for 25+ years, and children Cameron (16), Kirstie (14), Duncan (11) Kirstie (14), Duncan (11)

How did you hear of Kellett?Mostly from parents at toddler playgroups and kindergarten. I went to look at the school (which then was just Kellett Prep School in Pokfulam) and found it a very happy, friendly and down-to-earth place. Everyone smiled and the children looked busy, happy and engaged. I could imagine my eldest son enjoying this happy environment, so we put his name down. We later had no hesitation in putting down his siblings names.

What do your children like most about attending Kellett? Cameron enjoys “hanging out” in the Sixth Form hub with friends, and he also says the teachers are very supportive, particularly as the students enter their exam years and start to consider university choices.

Kirstie loves the school trips and she also likes that the teachers are approachable and helpful, and that Kellett celebrates not just academic excellence but also hard work and perseverance.

Duncan likes all the sports on offer and revels in the chance to represent the school in football and rugby. He loves the Sky Pitch on top of the Kowloon Bay campus!

A fi nal word?I would strongly recommend bringing your child to visit on a school day so they can get a sense of the everyday environment. For older children, a look at the option blocks for IGCSEs and A levels is crucial so they can do the subjects they want. Also for older children, a chance to observe or even meet a few students of their age might be helpful in allaying fears about settling in.

SCHOOL PARENTS

Pok Fu Lam Preparatory2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong2551 8234

Kowloon Bay Prep and Senior7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong3120 0700

kellettschool.com


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Chris Bird, British. Six months Chris Bird, British. Six months in Hong Kong.in Hong Kong.

We chat with two teachers from the Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) about their expat trails and teaching methods.

Where are you from and what do you miss about it?I’m from Backwell, a village on the outskirts of Bristol in England. Apart from family and close friends, I miss the crisp air, bacon sandwiches, small-town friendliness and being able to watch sport during daytime hours. Too many late nights watching the World Cup here!

What brought you to Hong Kong?The job at AISHK. Also, having lived in Shanghai for two years, I was keen for the buzz of an Asian city again. My wife Brigitte and I were keen to experience a bit of adventure before starting a family. Living in Hong Kong also brings us closer to Brigitte’s immediate family (in Shanghai) and my family in the UK. Prior to arriving in Hong Kong we were living in Melbourne where I was working at a girls’ school called Firbank Grammar and my wife at the Australia China Business Council.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?Efficiency, the MTR, getting from one place to another very quickly, the eclectic feel and style of the surroundings and people, and the dichotomy of tradition and modernity; I also like having the option of total immersion in the culture or finding creature comforts that aid any homesickness.

What does your role at AISHK entail? I’m a Grade 6 teacher in a team of four. I really enjoy teaching this grade level after spending much of the last five years in Grades 1 and 3. I enjoy the conversations with the students and the excellent work ethic they display. I’m also coach of the under-12 and under-14 boys’ soccer teams. I’ve coached successful teams in the UK and enjoy it very much. After a difficult start to the season we have begun to enjoy some good results.

What do you like about the job?I enjoy working with colleagues and

SCHOOL TEACHERS

students from a range of backgrounds. The people I’m working alongside have a huge variety of skills and knowledge as well as a global perspective. I feel that this environment can only enhance my teaching skills, and I look forward to working at the school for the foreseeable future. There is a real family feel to the school and Australian values are genuine and very prominent.

How would you describe your teaching style?Relaxed and calm but focused. My classroom is an environment where students should feel they have the freedom to express themselves openly without reservation. I like to think that students always have a clear understanding of my expectations and I believe in openness, honesty and clear communication. I pride myself on the positive relationships I have with students, parents and colleagues.

Tell us a bit about your HK neighbourhood.I’m in Yau Ma Tei, near Jordan Station in Kowloon. The MTR to school takes 15 minutes. I like the “local” feel just behind Nathan Road, and walking home through the colourful Bowring Street markets. There is great food just downstairs from me – a favourite is Mak’s noodles: Michelin-star wonton noodles for a reasonable HK$40. I also love that within a 50-metre radius I can encounter quirky clothes, electronics, kebabs, a traditional Chinese garden, turtles and flamingos, bars, the airport express bus, never-smelled-before-smells, a wet market and a beautiful outdoor public swimming pool in Kowloon Park.

How would a perfect Hong Kong Sunday unfold for you?Fresh market. The Alchemist café in Prince Edward. Kowloon Park. Dim sum brunch with friends or a stroll around the neighbourhood.


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Where are you from and what do you miss about it?Australia. I grew up in a small beach town called Coffs Harbour. I mainly miss my friends and family and the Australian sea!

What brought you to Hong Kong?I moved here for the AISHK job. I always wanted to live abroad, and teaching as a profession lends itself so generously to that opportunity. Hong Kong appealed due to its vibrant culture and proximity to home.

What do you like most about living in Hong Kong?I like the people. I find most expats are outgoing, ambitious and fun. Everyone is always planning for an adventure either abroad or in Hong Kong! I also enjoy the travel; I have been lucky enough to travel as far as Mexico and Italy as well as within Asia.

What does your role at AISHK entail?I’m a Preparatory teacher and the Year Level Leader. The early years in education play a pivotal role in providing children with the tools they need to flourish at school. Most important of these tools are developing a love of

Carlie Plummer, Australian. 1.5 years in Hong Kong.Carlie Plummer, Australian. 1.5 years in Hong Kong.

learning, curiosity, confidence, creativity, providing strong foundational blocks for children particularly in literacy and numeracy and a respect for themselves and each other. I’m responsible for trying to ensure that our Preparatory programmes equip our students with these skills so that at the end of the year they finish being the best they possibly can be.

What do you like about the job?AISHK is like a little slice of Australia in Hong Kong, which creates the unique opportunity to have a strong community feel in such a densely populated global city. I also really enjoy how worldly the children are. Children at AISHK have a beautiful curiosity for the world around them. For example, I was asked the other day if penguins live with their family in an igloo.

How would you describe yourself as a teacher?I am conscientious and creative. I’m very passionate about ensuring that the children in my class flourish by focusing on the holistic development of each child – ensuring that they develop academically, emotionally and socially.

I’m also passionate about investing in education as a way to open doors for third world countries. The year before

moving to Hong Kong I volunteered as an Educational Consultant for So They Can, an Australian charity that is helping to support a community of internally displaced people in Nakuru, Kenya. The community was displaced as a result of tribal violence surrounding the Kenyan 2007 elections. I went to Nakuru and ran teacher-development courses for the Kenyan teachers, as well as working with the children. It was an inspiring experience and an amazing example of how a positive school experience can help to empower not only a child but a community too. I would love to do more work in the area.

Tell us a bit about your HK neighbourhood.I live in Mid-Levels and take the MTR to work. Mid-Levels is a very vibrant place to live; the bars are always full and there is a good variety of restaurants so there is always a buzz. One of my favourite new things is the night PMQ markets.

How would a perfect Hong Kong Sunday unfold for you?A junk, lots of friends, clear blue skies and finishing at Sevva!

Australian International School3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong2304 6078 | aishk.edu.hk


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Which schools do your children go to?Our eldest daughter attends Sai Kung Central Lee Siu Yam Memorial School, which is usually referred to as “LSY”. She started in P1 and is about to graduate from P3. The school doesn’t have a kindergarten section. She attended Sun Island for grades K1-K3. Our sons also attend Sun Island. The eldest is in K3 and the youngest K1. Our eldest son will go to LSY in September.

Describe your experiences at the schools.Sun Island is a local Cantonese school with a small amount of English and Putonghua taught too. The classes are conducted in Cantonese so it is total immersion. The teachers are kind, happy and energetic. The children have dictation and homework every day, which ranges from two to four pages and is age appropriate. There’s a large selection of toys and play stations for pretend play, and large indoor and outdoor play areas. The children go on lots of field trips, and both kids do extracurricular activities at the school such as taekwondo and ukelele.

Sun Island has been great, giving all three children confidence and independence, which I feel is very important because they don’t have any help with their Cantonese outside of

An American couple, in Hong Kong for 19 years, with children aged 8, 5 and 3.An American couple, in Hong Kong for 19 years, with children aged 8, 5 and 3.

school. They also follow rules well and this is probably due to the school too. I’m really glad that they are completely immersed in Cantonese and the teachers don’t revert to English for them. This is what they need to enable them to do well and have fun in a local primary school. They are happy kids who really like their school.

LSY is a local Cantonese school with grades P1 to P6 that has both an English stream and a Chinese stream. The second language there is Putonghua. Our daughter is in the Chinese stream, which means all of her classes are spoken in Cantonese and all reading and writing is done in Cantonese. The English stream’s Math and General Studies are taught in English.

The school is very basic, with an auditorium and gymnasium sharing the same space, and outdoor basketball courts. It’s the usual local school set up. There’s a large range of extracurricular activities to choose from every term, including an orchestra that performs outside of the school several times a year.

The staff are approachable at any time and will even call you if there’s a question. They are friendly and almost like family. All notices sent home are bilingual which is really nice of the school to take that extra step for the parents who can’t speak or read Cantonese.

How did you learn about these schools?I found Sun Island by accident! I was looking at the Education Bureau’s website trying to find local schools in the area when I saw it, and I just decided one day to walk over and check it out. I immediately knew it was the one when I stepped in and saw how welcoming the teachers were and the happy decorations hanging all over the school. I didn’t do any research, I just knew that I liked it better than the other schools – gut feeling. I also liked that the play areas and classrooms were large.

I enrolled them there because of the environment and because I knew they would be fully immersed in Cantonese and that’s the path I wanted them to take. Hong Kong is our home, and I want my children to be able to communicate in the local language.

We chose LSY because it’s local and so close to home. It’s also in a beautiful spot overlooking the sea with fresh ocean breezes coming into the school. I love the fact that I take our daughter to school on a little seat I attached to the back of my bike. We ride along the promenade every morning. It’s so much fun for us!

LSY18 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung2791 6681 | lsy.edu.hk

LOCAL SCHOOL PARENTS


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By Kate ChoyceBy Kate Choyce

This last year has certainly tested my dedication to the “Canto for non-Canto-speaking” cause.

I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t quite realise that is was going to be hard at every level. Emotionally, psychologically, financially, as a mother, as a school parent, and an employer – the challenge is never ending. Part of the reason I have been working so hard on this is for the benefit of my Facebook group “Cantonese School Parents Group”. I feel a social obligation to learn as much as I can and then share my resources to try and make this process easier for those who are coming behind me.

I struck schooling gold in the form of a Mr Ian Tsang from Triple-S Education. His marketing collateral is mainly in

Chinese but he speaks perfect English and has unparalleled Hong Kong school knowledge. We had four meetings and by the end of it, my understanding of the “local” education system was much clearer. I have narrowed our Primary application choices down to nine.

My advice to anyone who contacts me regarding Chinese medium schools is this: only start this route if you are 110 percent committed to it. I am doing this against all odds because Hong Kong is home for us now. My determination to fully immerse both my children in the language of their birth country is unwavering; even with the full knowledge that this struggle will become more intense, my focus can verge on fanatical. Anything else, from my point of view, would be committing

LOCAL SCHOOL – A COMMENT

my children to a “half-life” here in Hong Kong and certainly stunting their future employment options.

I grew up in central London, with many friends from all over the world whose first language was not English; just think what they (and I) would have missed out on if they hadn’t struggled to learn the main language in their home country. At 2am in the morning when I’m awake with worry, at 6pm when trying to decipher another Chinese school notice, when the nanny leaves; it is this thought that propels me forward – for us, there is no other option.

Cantonese School Parents Group: facebook.com/groups/396621040434727Ian Tsang: 2287 5073 facebook.com/iantsang.ek


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91 Aug-Sep14

Teenagers can be a challenge at the best of times, but uprooting them from one school to another can add fuel to the fi re. One way to ensure stability in their life is to take the boarding school route.

Chinese International School (CNIS), Chinese International School (CNIS), SingaporeSingapore

United World College of South East Asia United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), Dover Campus, Singapore

About boarding at CNISBoarding rooms at CNIS take a maximum of four students; all are equipped with air-conditioning, and students have access to Wi-Fi and other facilities, including a common washing area with bathroom and shower, and a laundry service.

60 Dunearn Road, Singapore+65 6254 0200 | cnis.edu.su

About boarding at UWCSEAOver 45 different nationalities from Grades 8 to 12 are represented in the UWCSEA boarding community. Boarders gain insights into different cultures and discover an appreciation of their own, helping prepare them for university life and beyond.

Dover Campus | 1207 Dover Road, SingaporeEast Campus | 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore+65 6775 5344 | uwcsea.edu.sg

Each of our daughters joined CNIS when they turned three. For us, the most important part of educat ion is learning languages. We thought that if our daughters managed to learn foreign languages at a young age, it would be beneficial for their future.

CNIS provides a bilingual English and Mandarin education, with Mandarin taught through art, songs and Chinese celebrations – it goes way beyond rote learning. The school also supports mother tongues. At home, we speak French and Spanish, and the school has given us the

opportunity to set up French and Spanish mother tongue classes as after-school activities. We also like that CNIS is an IB school; we notice the value of enquiry-based learning in our everyday communications with our daughters.

CNIS is a small school with a broad mix of nationalities and a very united community. The school always has an open ear for parental concerns and parents have the opportunity to meet with the school regularly to exchange ideas. The teachers and other staff at CNIS know the children by name, and give us the feeling of being part of a wider family.

– Tania Léger (Swiss) and Toni Martinez (Spanish), and children Imma (8), Laia (7) and Daina (4)

Our children are in Grades 12, 10, 7 and 5 respectively at UWCSEA. The attraction to a not-for-profit, truly international, long-established school that has a diverse student body made up of both fee-paying students and other scholars was hard for us to ignore. We also received this advice from other parents: If you send your child to UWCSEA, even for one year, it will make an incalculable difference to the rest of his life.

Communication between school and parent is very important, but rarely perfect. UWC remedies this through regular principal forums, which lead to invaluable sharing of information, opinions and concerns between educators and parents.

Jake has benefited from the multitude of trips on offer, including hiking in Ladakh and sea-kayaking in Malaysia. These trips have given him long-lasting life skills and independence. Asha has enjoyed the variety of subject choices, from drama and sport to economics and math. Caitlin loves the outdoor education trips, while Shannon is eager to become involved in the myriad of services and global concerns.

UWCSEA is a great fit for our fam i l y. When your chi ldren b e r a t e y o u about missing s c h o o l d ay s due to extended family holidays, you know that your choice of school was a very good one.

– Shannon (10), Caitlin (12), Asha (15), Jake (17), children of Mairead and Shane Gill (Irish)

BOARDING SCHOOL PARENTS

a r


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Can’t decide which Hong Kong school might be best for your child? Struggling with long wait lists or worried about interviews? We asked British expat RUTH BENNY, “Head Girl” at school placement company, Top Schools HK, for some insights.

Why did you start Top Schools HK?Having been a teacher and a teacher-trainer, I was interested in education, particularly in school choice. When I had my own kids, I looked at the city’s schools with new eyes and realised that navigating the school system is not that easy! I felt I had the experience and the interest, so I made it my business to become an expert on Hong Kong schools. I started that process in 2010, and by 2012 I was ready to take on a paying client. I quit my job in September 2012 and haven’t looked back.

What are your tips for parents starting out in the school system here?Start early, don’t stress and get expert help. One of the biggest mistakes parents make is putting in too few applications, too late – or applying to the “wrong” schools (schools that aren’t a good fit). Another mistake is showing up to assessments and interviews unprepared.

How do you help parents get their children into their fi rst-choice school?With careful planning, thorough preparation and personalised support. We act as expert guide, counsellor, liaison, coach, friend all rolled into one. There’s no magic formula, to be honest – it’s an art, not a science!

If a family is relocated to Hong Kong at short notice, will they still be able to get into a top international school?It depends on how old their children are, their location, budget and preferences,

and their expectations. We have no real definition or measurement of a “top” school in Hong Kong, so it’s personal choice.

If waiting lists are extremely long, is there really any point in applying?Waiting lists are very much misunderstood. Yes, it’s often worth applying – they can change from day to day. We will discuss with parents their chances, the costs and risks, and advise them to apply or not.

What alternatives are there if you don’t get your chosen school place?Two choices: accept an offer in a less preferred school or wait. The family may accept an offer with a view to switching schools the following year. Or, they may stay in their home country and relocate only when the school place is available. In this scenario, the working parent will usually relocate first.

What is your success rate in placing children of expat families in their chosen school?

SCHOOL SEARCH

100 percent! Honestly, in two years we’ve had only one child not accepted in time for the family’s relocation. He is special needs and the family waited six months, and he was in education for that period. Otherwise, we are able to support the family to generate at least one offer. The more common problem is a ‘happy problem’, when multiple offers come at different times. An offer from the second-choice school often comes before the first and we need to keep a few balls in the air to ensure the most favourable outcome.

You also run a very popular Facebook group, Hong Kong Schools. Tell us about that.I love Facebook. I started the group about 18 months ago and we have over 6,000 members. I love the support network that parents provide for each other. We have an increasing number of official school representatives active there too, so it’s a great channel to get accurate information quickly.

Top Schools HK is at Suite D, Floor 12A, Enterprise Building, 228 Queen’s Road Central. 8120 3712 | topschools.hk


EDUCATION

93 Aug-Sep14

By Brooke ChenowethBy Brooke Chenoweth

Hong Kong parenting forums are full of stories of the diffi culties children and parents face within the different school systems here. From adjustment issues and fi nding the right school to the inordinate amount of pressure our children face, there’s no doubt that many families would benefi t from some guidance as they navigate their way through the school years. We turned to Sai Kung-based counsellor KATH SLY for advice.

Teaching in a number of Hong Kong schools gave Australian special needs teacher Kath Sly an insight into the problems faced by students, but instead of being disheartened by it, she was determined and inspired to create a solution.

Kath trained in Australia and has worked with students from a wide variety of backgrounds in several different countries over the past 20 years. She has been living in Hong Kong since 2007 and, after teaching for a few years, decided to expand on her experience with a master’s degree in counselling.

Of this new step in her career Kath says, “I’ve found that it has folded in beautifully with my teaching experience. Knowing intimately about the setting where students spend a good portion of their day has been enormously beneficial in my counselling practice.”

Kath has trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique, and all of these skills combined with her many years of teaching have equipped her well for providing solutions that focus on the whole child.

Looking for a way to combine both her background in education and the work she was doing supporting families, Kath developed Easy Peasy Services and recently opened her first branch in Sai Kung. “It’s a Hong Kong-based personal development company that offers support to individuals as they work their way through challenging situations,” she says. “This support can be in the form of counselling or tutoring,

or a combination of both – we structure the sessions so they are responsive to the needs of each client.”

This multi-functional practice has rapidly evolved based on feedback from Kath’s clients and the community, and those areas where she has identified gaps in support services. Easy Peasy offers tutoring, and child and family counselling, as well as a number of dedicated programmes based on demand, such as school readiness and organisational skills.

Particularly relevant for Hong Kong’s transient expat community is Kath’s work with relocation companies and the F.O.C.U.S. organisation, assisting families who are new to the city to find and obtain places in schools. Kath works as both an advocate and adviser, supporting families during what can be an intensely stressful time.

During her time in Hong Kong, Kath has built a wide network of schools, teachers, administrators and other professionals. She is willing and able to work with schools whenever necessary, and her familiarity with a variety of learning environments enables her to develop the best solutions for each student.

Because of Easy Peasy’s location in the Sai Kung community, Kath is able to adapt her programmes and proactively respond to trends and needs very quickly. The space at Easy Peasy has that same adaptability, and there are plans to integrate other services including hypnotherapy, speech therapy, nutrition and more, with room for both private and group sessions.

Knowing intimately the setting Knowing intimately the setting where students spend their days has where students spend their days has

been enormously benefi cial in my been enormously benefi cial in my counselling practice.counselling practice.

EASING INTO SCHOOL


LIFE&FAMILY

94 Aug-Sep14

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The first days of September can be a challenge for even the most enthusiastic student – and for parents too! After the long summer break, the prospect of the new and unfamiliar can be daunting, especially for those children who are starting school for the first time, or those who are starting at a new school. Here are Kath Sly’s tips for helping parents and children make an easier transition.

1. Before school goes back, take your children to visit the campus. Walk around, have a look inside the classrooms and meet the teacher if possible. Take advantage of school open days and meet-the-teacher information sessions; these will help ease the worries of nervous parents too. If your child has a friend who will also be going to the same school, take them along – discovering the new environment together will make it far less intimidating.

2. When you do visit the school for the first time, take the same route that the school bus will take, so that this aspect of the school day will also be familiar come September.

3. At home you can help younger children by playing out the scenario

of going to school with dolls or toys. Role play and come up with solutions for some of the more common anxieties children may have about being at school.

4. Write social stories together about school. Illustrate each step of the day (for example, write “I will wear a uniform” and insert a picture of your child in his/her uniform) and give your child strategies to help them if they are feeling anxious. (Another example: “If I am missing Mummy, I will talk to my teacher.”) When they come home from their first day you can talk to them about what aspects of the day were the same and what was different, and rewrite the social story accordingly. The website www.toondoo.com is a great tool for creating social stories in the form of comic strips and cartoons.

5. Having an older child to act as a mentor and role model can also be particularly reassuring for younger children. Hearing from someone other than a parent about what it was like to go to school for the first time and sharing those experiences is very comforting.

Easy Peasy Services81B Sai Kung Road, Sai Kung 2468 3749 | easypeasyservices.com

F.O.C.U.S.Room 1504, 15/F, CLI Building, 313 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai [email protected] | focus.org.hk

6 WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN SETTLE INTO SCHOOL6. Books can also be an extremely

useful tool for introducing children to school, and its routines and rules. Seeing favourite characters having fun with friends at school can make the prospect far more appealing, and many popular children’s characters, from Peppa Pig to Spot, have books about going to school.

A final wordIf, as a parent, you’re concerned about your child starting school, doing all of this together will help. Make sure you have someone on hand who you can talk to once your child is safely on the bus – tears from mum on the first day are perfectly natural, and a cup of tea with a good friend or grandparent will help you get through to the end of that first day. From then on, the rest is easy. Or easier, at least! eL


http://www.toondoo.com


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LIFE&FAMILY

96 Aug-Sep14

Portrait of

Photo by Anna Bowkis Photography

Stunning views of Sai Kung and the bay from Louise Hill’s huge east-facing windows are the first thing that catch my attention when I walk in the front door of her home. But my gaze is quickly averted to the wonderful,

vibrant pieces of art and artefacts proudly displayed around the room. Many of these are Louise’s own designs, and they are as much a reflection of her personality as they are a symbol of her respect and admiration for Hong Kong.

Growing up in England, Louise says she was surrounded by creativity from a very young age as both her parents were designers. Art School in London was a natural choice and after graduating Louise spent 15 years working as a packaging designer for high-end brands such as Crabtree & Evelyn, Fortnum & Mason, and Marks & Spencer. “This was back in the days before computers,” says Louise, “when everything was hand-crafted.” A self-described “bowerbird,” she still has many of the original sketches and designs from those days, and credits this period in her life for her appreciation of the fine art of illustration and attention to detail.

Another major influence on her work was the mid-career gap year she spent travelling the world with her husband. Louise has a love of textiles and beautiful objects, and collected pieces wherever she went. After a stint in Melbourne, where she lectured at RMIT, Louise and her husband returned to Brighton for the birth of their twin boys. After a few years, longing for another adventure, they packed up the family and moved to Shanghai. Four years later they moved to Hong Kong; by the time this issue goes to print, they will be living in Singapore.

Graphic designer LOUISE HILL is an expat on the move: in recent years she has lived in the UK, Australia, mainland China and Hong Kong, and Singapore is next. Brooke Chenoweth visited Louise’s home by the sea in the lead-up to her departure.

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ARTIST PROFILE

97 Aug-Sep14

This whirlwind tour of duty through Asia has only deepened Louise’s love of the places she has called home, and her foray into canvas design has been a natural progression. Looking for a way to combine her design talents and the prospect of creating a unique business for herself, Louise began designing collages on canvas. Inspired by the colour and energy of the places around her, she has created a series of prints that demonstrate her love and respect for Hong Kong.

Louise’s design background is evident in her approach. Each piece is carefully planned before she sets to work. She starts with an area or subject, a particular part of Hong Kong, usually a place or some kind imagery that is recognisable and familiar to those of us who live here. She then takes photos of everything she sees, and painstakingly layers the images, infusing them with pieces she has collected – vintage textiles, curios and mementoes. A single piece can take months to finish but the end result is a completely unique snapshot of an aspect of life in Hong Kong. Each design has a background story, with every image on

For more information, email [email protected] or visit Louise Hill Designs on Facebook.

the canvas holding some meaning. Here Louise shares the story of her “Old Town” design (pictured, previous page):

“For this design of beautiful, vintage, everyday Hong Kong objects, I rented a small kaido junk boat with our regular ‘boat man’, Mr William Wong. I asked him to take me to an island with traditional houses as I wanted to photograph them before they disappeared. That day, he presented me with a pretty antique hand-painted bowl and said, ‘This was a wedding gift; I have no use for this now and I know you love old Chinese things, so I would like you to have it.’ I originally had used a different rice bowl for my image but just had to replace it with this lovely gift from William. The blue tiles in the background were shot inside one of the old houses, which are depicted along the bottom of the design along with the iconic post boxes. The traditional tea-flasks were collected on my travels in Shanghai and Hong Kong, along with the teapot, fabrics, and papers photographed in the background.”

Despite her move to Singapore, Louise will continue to sell her designs here

through her website (currently under production), and the two stores that she supplies, Mirth on Wong Chuk Hang Road, and Treasure Island in Sai Kung.

And Hong Kong’s loss is Singapore’s gain as Louise plans to begin developing a series of prints based on her new home. As well as this, she has already begun compiling the pieces for her next series, with more delicate colours and refined imagery, influenced by both her time in Asia and her days of designing packages for luxurious high-end brands.

Louise’s prints make great gifts, and each canvas is hand-stretched and delivered by O-Live Decor, handled with loving care through the whole process. The detail that goes into their creation is followed through to delivery at your door, and they make a wonderful addition to any home, especially if you want a stunning reminder of your time in this city. eL

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FASHION

98 Aug-Sep14

Dressing for your bump can be a breeze. Whether you’re looking for low-key or more glamorous styles, here’s some new season fash-spiration.

MATERNITY

NAUTICAL BUT NICE

CHIC2

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striped sleeve

top, Mothers en

Vogue, $69.90

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toppptopp, M, M, Mothothhhhothersersers enee

VogggVV ue,ue,ue, $6$6$66$6$6$6$699.99 000000

1. Striped top, price on request, Topshop Maternity 2. Cuffed black trousers, price on request, Topshop Maternity 3. Statement necklace, $399, Zara 4. Short blazer, price on request, Topshop Maternity 5. Marbella twisted shoulder dress, $1,350, Mayarya 6. True colour lipstick in “OMG”, $112, Sleek Makeup available at luxola.com 7. Nail polish in “Fashion”, $186.50 by Deborah Lippmann, available at luxola.com 8. Beige loafers, price on request, Tod’s

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99 Aug-Sep14

MATERNITY

Little Black Book Little Black Book

Deborah Lippmann stockists: luxola.com

Julie Hewett Cosmetics stockists:luxola.com

Mayaryamayarya.com

Mothers en Vogue17/F Unit 1, Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central

Tod’s One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway

Topshop 59 Queens Road Central

Tory Burch Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay

Zara One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway

ALL DRESSED UP

MATERNITY

1

1. Goddess drape dress in India Ink, $689, Mothers en Vogue 2. Necklace, $399, Zara 3. Red bag, price on request, Tory Burch 4. Icon of Beauty lipstick, $236, Julie Hewett, available at luxola.com 5. Dipped-hem belted blue dress, $2,600, Mayarya 6. Black court heels, price on request, Zara

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FASHION

100 Aug-Sep14

Forget the catwalk, the shop windows and the fashion bloggers. Sometimes, the best place for style inspiration is out on the streets. Our style hunter roams the island, camera-in-hand, ready to snap expats who exude individuality and a style of their own. ir own.STYLE

HUNTER

SHOES: PAUL NOYEN

LEGGINGS: WOLFORD

SHOES: BRUNO PREMI

BRACELET: BIBI

EARRINGS: PETIT BAZAAR

DRESS:H&M

BLACKDRESS:ZARA

BRACELET:SEED

If you don’t want to splash out on expensive maternity clothing, a jersey empire line dress is a great option for you. The pleats and stretchy fabric accommodate growing tummies, and the pastel pink colour keeps things sweet, feminine and on trend.

Wearing a dress, leggings and shoes in one colour creates a tall and slender silhouette, which is ideal when in your third trimester, when you are at your biggest. Wedges are undoubtedly the best heel option, for those who still want a bit of height.

About the modelValerie Arpeau is Dutch, and is one of the directors of Happy Kids (www.happykidshongkong.com), offering group and individual counselling for children.

Ellen is a Dutch stylist and personal shopper in Hong Kong and writes about the latest trends for stylebyasia.com.

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http://www.happykidshongkong.com

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Body & MindBody & MindHypoxi

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BODY&MIND

108 Aug-Sep14

Eco-ideas, products, events & moreWHAT’S NEWBeautiful Hair, Naturally Summer may be almost over but Hong Kong’s humidity will stick around to wreak havoc with hairstyles across the city for a while yet. Fortunately, Ybera Professional, Brazil’s leading hair care company, is now distributing its range of smoothing, straightening, and frizz elimination products to salons in Hong Kong and Macau. The formaldehyde-free hair care products use the latest scientific technologies and high-quality raw materials, and the company’s aim is to put the health and well-being of salon professionals and customers at the heart of everything they do. ybera.com.hk

GRAND OPENING OF ORIENTAL HEALTH Officially opened in June, the Chinese Medicine Clinic Oriental Health is making TCM accessible for English-speaking patients. The clinic offers high-quality, holistic health treatments such as acupuncture, massages and herbal steaming therapy in a relaxing environment. Its team of registered Chinese Medicine practitioners is experienced in gynaecology, pain management, gastroenterology, paediatrics, fertility and cancer care, highlighted by an ability to provide TCM treatments that can be well integrated with Western medicine. Call them today for a consultation and a customised health and well-being plan. 2516 9866 | orientalhealth.com.hk

With a client list ranging from mothers-to-be to the All Blacks rugby team, Australian Massage Therapist Kathy Kitzis is well equipped to meet a diverse variety of needs. As well as being trained in remedial massage, Kathy is also a qualified doula, Calmbirth educator and infant massage instructor, meaning she can provide calm and capable support from the pre-natal stage, through birth, and beyond to post-natal. Kathy is now accepting bookings for her new practice in Central. 3/F Room 303, 6-10 Kau U Fong, Central.6340 4687 | [email protected]

Healing Hands

Vital Nutrients The modern Hong Kong lifestyle – “work hard, play hard!” – often includes a poor diet and an overload of toxins. Research has shown that many of us are not getting enough of certain key nutrients that are essential for good health and well-being. Forever Clean 9 is now stocking the Vital 5 range of nutritional supplements, which includes a probiotic, daily multi-vitamin, Aloe Vera Gel, ARGI+ arginine, and Forever Arctic Sea Omega 3-6 supplement. Together these products work to support a “nutrient superhighway”, to improve mental, physical and emotional energy. The Vital 5 package retails for $2,059, but EL readers will receive a 10-percent discount when mentioning this promotion. 9180 9308 | [email protected]

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BODY&MIND

109 Aug-Sep14

If the winter months have managed to turn your six-pack into a muffin-top-sized problem, then now is the perfect time to get rid of that

unsightly overhang.Unfortunately, training hard is not

enough. We now know that your hormones affect where your fat is stored, and muffin tops are correlated with the hormone insulin. They are a direct consequence of poor blood-sugar management – essentially, a poor diet. On the bright side, insulin is the one hormone that we have complete control over. No one ever ate anything by accident.

The major myth surrounding fat loss is that fat is the enemy. If I told you to complete this sentence, “Eating fat makes you…”, I could pretty much guarantee you would all say “fat”. This is not true. You need to eat fat to burn fat. When it comes to efficiently managing your blood-sugar levels, fat is your friend and sugar is your enemy.

Adhere to these simple nutritional guidelines to whittle down your waistline.

1 Be aware of your dietary habits by keeping a food diary. A sneaky biscuit

at morning and afternoon tea adds up to a whole packet quicker than you think!

2Eat the right foods in the right amounts at the right times. You don’t have to eat

every two to three hours, but don’t allow

The third in a series of articles by health and fi tness expert ALEXA TOWERSEY that explores your body fat and what it says about your health and your hormones.

Alexa Towersey is a personal trainer and nutrition and lifestyle coach with clients in Hong Kong and Sydney.

alexatowersey actionalexa

alexatowersey.com

yourself to get to the point where you’re starving and you end up overeating or making poor nutritional choices.

3 Breakfast sets you up for the day. Go for something high in protein

that will fill you up, combined with a “smart” fat that will help stabilise your blood sugar for longer. Steak and nuts are great options. (I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from the male population.) If you can’t manage meat in the morning, eggs and avocado are excellent alternatives.

4 Step away from the skinny lattes. Dairy products are notorious for

causing a rapid spike in blood sugar. Typically low fat means high sugar, so if you can’t avoid dairy, go for the full-fat varieties. Ice cream trumps fat-free frozen yoghurt!

5 Swap out starchy, sugary “white” carbohydra tes fo r hea l th ie r

alternatives such as sweet potato, brown/red/wild rice, gluten-free organic oats and quinoa. Adding lemon juice to your food lowers the glycaemic index instantly. Cinnamon increases your ability to metabolise sugar so it becomes the perfect addition to your morning coffee or porridge.

6 Include fibre at mealtimes to slow down the absorption of sugar into

your bloodstream, and fill you up for longer. Dark-green leafy vegetables are

essential, and chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds make a tasty addition to salads and smoothies.

7 The more you eat sweets, the more you will want them. Try satisfying

cravings by sautéing a handful of nuts in butter – this combination satisfies the same neurotransmitter pathways as your favourite treats.

8 Eating too much fruit is a common fat-loss mistake. Fructose is sugar. Berries

and dark coloured fruits are your best bets, having the lowest glycaemic indices and the highest nutritional properties.

9 Take a good quality fish oil with meals to help stabilise blood sugar, rebalance

essential fatty acids, and increase the ability of the body to metabolise fat.

NEXT ISSUE: Thunder thighs, and why it’s so important to detoxify your body – and your home.

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BODY&MIND

110 Aug-Sep14

Making

Relocation presents unique challenges, many of which particularly affect expat children. Finding the right school is one of these challenges – see our special education feature for more about this (pages 83). As we discovered in a conversation with clinical psychologist DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI, it’s certainly not the only one.

What are some of the main challenges facing children who move to a new country?Settling into a new home, s c h o o l , c u l t u re a n d environment can be a challenge for expat children, as can the search for new friends. Getting used to the humid weather is just an added difficulty! The upside for young people is that they get to experience living in a different culture and environment, and they begin to accept that things change over a life span.

While there are people who have been settled in Hong Kong for decades, who have their own network of friends and are well established, there is also a very transient Hong Kong, one where expat families come and go so frequently that children struggle to develop long-term friendships. On the other hand, because everyone is in the same boat, you tend to find close friends much more quickly because everyone is looking for that support network that they have left behind at home.

Parents may also find it tough adjusting to a new environment, but the key here is that if you are open to new experiences in Hong Kong, your children will be more accepting of their new environment too.

Are there any problems that arise that are specifi c to Hong Kong?Aside from the pollution, the extremely affluent environment is fairly unique. It can be hard to keep your children grounded so they don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “Oh, my friend has the latest gadget, and I don’t.” Birthday party bags here have been known to have Canon cameras in them!

Is there a particular age group of expat children that is most affected by relocating?It depends on the individual child how the move affects them. Some children have trouble and suffer anxiety from the beginning, while others seem to take the change in their stride. Other times, the beginning can be exciting for children, and then the reality sets in around six months after the move as they begin to feel homesick.

Teens tend to find it either very easy or very hard; again, it depends on what they were facing in their home country; for some it’s great to have a new start; others miss the life that they have left behind.

At what point should professional help be sought?In younger children, watch out for regression, including changes in sleeping, eating and potty training, or sudden behavioural changes like unexplained anger or emotional outbursts.

When it comes to older children, keep an eye on any withdrawal from the activities that they usually enjoy doing, as well as general social withdrawal, including refusing to go to school. Other signs that there may be a problem include a preference for being alone or on the internet, major mood swings and behavioural changes, and unusual aggression.

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SETTLING IN

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Dr Zaidi’s tips for helping children adjust in their new home• Keep the home routines similar to what they have always been. • Make time to listen to your children; be mindful of their

feelings and experiences.• Allow your children to express how they feel and validate

their feelings by listening empathetically.• Keep the communication open at all times so if things come

up they will talk to you. • Practice your own traditions while taking part in some of the

fabulous festivals here in Hong Kong, including the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

• Join in after-school activities outside of school, near where you live, to meet a wider variety of similar age group children within the same area.

What are some of the ways you address the challenges faced by expat children? One coat does not fit all – again, it really depends on the individual. Examples of issues I have seen and treated are mild anxiety and stress sometimes manifesting in stomach aches, to children developing a tic, or a child refusing to speak in the class (selective mutism), or acting aggressively. In some cases, anxiety can be quite severe, resulting in obsessive compulsive behaviours. Other times, children can feel like they don’t fit in, and that can lead to mild to severe depression.

My approach involves developing individualised treatment plans and is based on empirically proven techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Centred Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness that work really well with children and teens.

The basic premise is that your thoughts, feelings and behaviours impact each other, and realising that thoughts are just thoughts, and that it’s up to you which one you pay attention to can determine how you feel.

I teach them to recognise their body signals for the fight and flight response, and to use calming strategies before the emotional storm takes over. These include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and visualisation techniques.

Then ultimately we work together to find out that we always have a choice of which thoughts we pay attention to. Creating some space between feelings and thoughts helps us see things more clearly, and usually things are not as bad as our mind makes them to be.

It’s the family and the children who have the final choice on how they want to experience their time in Hong Kong.

Originally from the UK, Dr Zaidi has lived and worked in Hong Kong and Singapore for 12 years. To make an appointment, call 2877 3118. MindnLife is at the Veritas Medical Centre, 3211 Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central.

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BODY&MIND

112 Aug-Sep14

Best Barre None?Best Barre None?Exploring a popular new workout method with KAREN LIM of Trinity Pilates and Barre.

What are barre workouts and, more specifi cally, what is BarreAmped? Barre workouts are all about body shaping, and creating longer, leaner muscles. While there are many methods of barre workouts, most of them make use of a ballet barre for optimum positioning, and body weight for resistance.

At Trinity, we teach BarreAmped, an intense fitness method founded on the technique of dance, the mind-body aspect of yoga, and the precision and core integration of Pilates. BarreAmped produces lengthening and chiselling results fast, using small isolated holds with tiny movements and tremendous mental connection.

Why did you introduce these classes?We wanted to be different and we wanted to bring to the market a method that simply works. BarreAmped is results oriented – we love it and we believe in it.

A key difference between BarreAmped and the other barre methods is the emphasis on maintaining a neutral spine (the natural S-shape curve of the spine) and pelvic floor engagement to strengthen the core. Maintaining a neutral spine is important to ensure that muscles around the spine are at their natural length, and are balanced and not excessively stressed.

Who do you think can benefi t most from these classes? BarreAmped is for everyone looking to tone up, stretch out, shed pounds. No dancing experience is required!

Run us through a typical BarreAmped class at Trinity. Classes are focused on form and alignment to make sure everyone is safe and working the right muscles. Movements are tiny with isometric holds – sometimes until the muscles shake. During the class, the instructor will go around providing tactile feedback and posture or alignment corrections where needed. We keep our classes small so that we can focus on the progress of each individual. Expect a challenge and prepare to leave feeling calmly energised.

Can pregnant women do BarreAmped? What about people with old injuries? Absolutely! Our classes are mixed levels. The instructor will provide modifications to suit individuals if the exercise performed isn’t suitable for the person due to pregnancy and if he or she is injured. Each class will focus on form and technique, which are all the more important for pregnant women or for people with injuries.

What about new mums? How can they benefi t, and what kind of improvements should they see or feel? As a new mum, your time is limited. You want a workout that produces results fast. BarreAmped will give you that. The classes are safe, and they focus on posture and alignment to help you be more aware of your body in class and, hopefully, outside of class in your daily lives. Over the course of ten classes, you can expect to see a change in your body – your arms and legs may feel and look more toned, your butt slightly lifted, with a stronger core and increased stamina and metabolism. eL

Trinity Pilates and Barre is located at Red Shoe Dance Studios, Unit 3A, 3/F Arbuthnot House, 10 Arbuthnot Road, Central. Group classes are available weekday mornings, evenings, and on weekends. For more information about these and drop-in single classes and packages, call 9688 3503 or visit www.trinity-mindbodysoul.com.

Special offer!Expat Living readers can currently enrol in five group classes for $975 (normally $1,250). (New clients only.)

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http://www.trinity-mindbodysoul.com



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BODY&MIND

114 Aug-Sep14

The health and beauty industry continues to come up with a variety of minimally invasive or non-invasive alternative treatments to target specifi c fat deposits. We put one such treatment through its paces.

Up!

Billed as an all-natural weight-loss and cellulite reduction system, Hypoxi is also described as “an exercise craze that’s sweeping the world”. It relies on vacuum therapy, or “targeted low atmospheric pressure”, and is based on the premise that

fat is burned off more easily in areas of high blood supply. RACHAEL WHEELER gave it a whirl.

Location:Two studios in Hong Kong:8/F, EuBank Plaza, 9 Chiu Lung Street, Central,and Room 705, 7/F, Carnarvon Plaza, 20 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

CELEBS SHAPE UPHypoxi has been getting plenty of press lately as newspaper reports reveal a number of celebrities who’ve been using the machine to help keep them fit and slim and paparazzi-ready. Among the big names are former Spice Girls Victoria Beckham and Mel B, and X Factor alumni Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell. eL

Target areas:“ I t r i e d t h e HYPOXI method c o m b i n a t i o n p r o g r a m m e , wh ich a ims to increase blood circulation in the stomach, waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. That’s right, all of those areas that just won’t shift even when you diet and exercise regularly! This is because blood isn’t pumped as effectively around your lower half during exercise (touch your thighs after exercise – cooler than your top half? See!) so the fat and cellulite just sticks around for years. This treatment stimulates those areas to tackle cellulite and reduce inches.”

How it works:“The first stage involves lying down (best workout ever!) for 20 minutes in a super-tight suit (think alien scuba-diver) that gently compresses and releases small soft cups against the target areas. This speeds up blood circulation, firms the skin and gets rid of any water retention and toxins. “The second stage is 30 minutes of light cardio exercise on a stationary bike, with your bottom half enclosed in a snazzy machine. While monitoring your pulse and temperature, it compresses and releases the air around your tummy and legs to get the blood racing and burn up fat. And that’s that! You leave the studio having tackled your toughest areas, without even breaking a sweat.”

Need to know:“Wear a T-shirt with sleeves, loose-fitting trousers, socks and trainers. You’re advised to eat two hours before the session and – to allow the redirected blood supply to remain in the target areas for as long as possible – it’s best not to eat for two hours afterwards. When you do, opt for protein and vegetables to avoid distracting your body with carbs.”

Results:“Hypoxi kicks in after a few sessions. Visible results include less cellulite and a reduction in centimetres around your trickiest areas – the stomach, waist, hips, thighs and bottom.”

Special offer: Expat Living readers can currently enjoy a free Hypoxi trial, and also a discount of 10 percent on all training sessions (just quote “Expat Living” when booking).

Contact:2537 6637 (Central) | 2722 1612 (TST)hypoxi.com.hk

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BODY&MIND

116 Aug-Sep14

UP FOR ABy their own admission, the gyms operated by Ultimate Performance (UP) don’t look like plush spas. That’s not what they’re about. Rather, the focus is on getting results by working on diet, exercise, lifestyle – and push clients beyond their own unique comfort zones. From the evidence of American expat JOSEPH TSANG, it looks like it’s an approach that works.

How long have you been in Hong Kong? This time, two years. I’ve previously done two other stints totalling eight years. So, ten years in total in Hong Kong.

What’s your job? I manage all of Asia for a medical device company.

Does it involve much travel, and do you try to keep fi t while travelling? Yes, as much as 80 percent of my time is spent travelling for work. During business trips I try to eat well, sleep at a sensible hour, and work out while on the road.

How long have you been training with Ultimate Performance? I started there in early December, 2013; so just over six months.

How did you hear of it in the fi rst place? I read about it on Facebook and then I went to check out the gym in person.

How often do you train with UP? When? I train three times a week when I’m in Hong Kong. I’ve got into the habit of snapping pictures of the hotel gyms where I’m staying, then emailing them to my UP Fitness trainer, Aneesh Varma; he then sends a tailor-made workout for me based on the available equipment.

What’s your typical gym session at UP involve? I do personal training with free weights. My trainer is always changing routines to keep the workouts fresh.

Why did you originally start this regular training? My motivation was my family. I was so worn out, tired, and jet-lagged from my travels. I would not recover very well and I tended to be very impatient with my kids. I realised the need to improve my health, energy and stamina.

What results have you seen? The results have been unbelievable. I lost five kilograms right away, but now I have put on around three kilograms of solid lean muscle. More importantly, I’ve lost six percent of my body fat!

What are some of the things you like about UP? My trainer rocks! Aneesh Varma is high energy, motivational, and very knowledgeable. The other staff are also supportive, encouraging, and extremely professional.

What other kinds of activities do you enjoy in Hong Kong? I play basketball twice a week with guys 20 years younger than me! (I’m 43.) I also swim and golf weekly. eL

Ultimate Performance is at 5/F Asia Standard Tower, 59-65 Queen’s Road Central2798 9000 | upfitness.com.hk

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Wine & DineWine & DineF. O. Chocolate Cake, The Bellbrook Bistro Oz by Laris

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WINE&DINE

New eateries, bars & moreWHAT’S NEW

Crafty BrewsShaking things up in the rapidly expanding craft beverage market, Tai-Pan Beer Co. has announced the arrival of its range of Australian craft beers and ciders in Hong Kong. Sourced from some of the top independent brewers in the country, the product range represents the best of the brewing scene in Australia from multiple award-winners such as Balmain Brewing

Company, Bridge Road Brewers and Murray’s Craft Brewing Co, as well as ciders from Batlow Cider Co. The product range is already available at several leading Hong Kong bars and restaurants, and they are currently accepting retail orders for personal use. [email protected].

QUALITY COFFEE FASTFounded by three coffee-loving pioneers, Zai Fe (meaning “strong black coffee” in Cantonese) operates on the idea that coffee is a drink not a lifestyle. Zai Fe’s expert baristas prepare and serve two blends using traditional Italian espresso bar methods, and local fresh milk. They source fair-trade beans from all over the world, and roast them in their local Kwun To ng factory, and they serve their coffee in recycled paper cups that are compostable and covered in designs by local artists. The artistic element continues with the design of each outlet – simple and stylish spaces that reflect the local neighbourhood, and where the espresso bar takes centre stage. Zai Fe has already revolutionised the coffee scene in Quarry Bay and on Wyndham Street, with plans for more outlets across the city later in the year. zai-fe.com

GO GO MANGOThere’s no denying that Hong Kongers love food. Yet, while it’s easy enough to eat out, when it comes to eating in, the choices for where to buy your produce can seem a little daunting. That’s where Mango Menus comes in. This new website is a comprehensive guide on where to source meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, health products and more – from the wet markets to the highest-end organic delivery services. The website also features monthly deals and discounts in the food space, many exclusive to Mango Menus, as well as a collection of recipes and a menu-planning service. Underlying it all is a well-written and entertaining blog from the founder, mother-of-two, Helen Scott. 6773 1012mangomenus.com

BISTRO OZAustralians looking for a taste of home don’t have to venture far, with the arrival of the BellBrook, Bistro Oz. Chef David Laris and his team have created a menu of flavoursome, no-fuss food, inspired by homemade Australian dishes with multicultural influences. All the dishes have been designed to share at the table, for families and friends to enjoy over lunch, weekend brunch, happy hour, dinner or late night supper. The upbeat and relaxed vibe of the space reflects the Aussie style, with an open kitchen, an enclosed balcony and the welcoming bar at the entrance. There’s also vintage memorabilia on display to complete a unique dining experience. 2/F Wyndham Street, Central. 2530 1600

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NEWS

123 Aug-Sep14

ITALIAN COMFORT FOODArtisanal Italian eatery NOM (Not Only Meatballs) is now open in Soho, offering a menu of contemporary classics centered around the ultimate comfort food: meatballs. The result of Chef Partner Fabrizio Napolitano’s Italian heritage and nine years serving some of the most-loved Italian dishes in Hong Kong (formerly at Goccia), NOM is the region’s first ever meatball bar combined with a modern and sophisticated Italian eatery. Fabrizio’s focus is on wine and food in equal measure and a wide selection of organic and biodynamic wine is also on the menu. The restaurant’s aged wood and warm brass accents combine to create a modern rustic setting that’s casual, cosy and laid-back. “When we were thinking about a new concept for Hong Kong, we didn’t want to create just ‘another Italian restaurant,” says Fabrizio. “People want comfort food in a friendly place, and dining at NOM is like dining at a good friend’s house.” 1/F, 1-5 Elgin Street, Central. 2540 7988 | nom.com.hk

EAT MORE ARTFor those looking for dinner with a difference, Hong Kong’s multi-sensory gallery The Popsy Room is now offering a one-of-a-kind, “eat more art” gastronomic experience. The venue, an art gallery by day, seamlessly presents an exploratory dining adventure by night. As a platform for artists using various mediums, including sounds, sights, tastes and aromas, The Popsy Room recently invited Chef Kaze Lo to give her interpretation of the art pieces in the Meditation and Megrim exhibition – on a plate. The result was a nine-course degustation menu (HK$1,388) specifically designed to bring guests to a deeper understanding of the works on display. Both the exhibition and menu will change on a bi-monthly basis to bring art lovers new experiences regularly. G/F, 30 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan. 2234 6711thepopsyroom.com

APPTASTIC! The new Castelo Concepts dining app puts the world of eating out at your fingertips. As well as full contact details, menus and maps for all of its restaurants, from Wagyu to Zaks, the app allows users to book a table at their favourite restaurant online. There is also the ability to check for current events and promotions and a host of prizes and giveaways. Available from both Google Play and the Apple Store. casteloconcepts.com

BARCELONA IN LAI CHI KOK Rústico is the latest outlet opened in the rejuvenated Lai Chi Kok industrial complex, D2 Place. Restaurateur Eric Ting continues the dining destination’s eclectic, unpretentious theme with a traditional, 1930’s-inspired Spanish taverna – complete with rustic wooden beams, an open kitchen with hanging jambon hams, pots and pans, and red brick and tile mosaic flooring. The star of the menu is the rotisserie chicken, cooked with a secret recipe on an authentic Spanish traditional gas stove. Wash it down with Spanish sangrias, cocktails, wines and spirits. Executive Chef Juanjo Carrillo’s mission at Rústico is to “share the home-style, carefree culture and food of Barcelona with Hong Kong.” G/F, D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. 2743 4511

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WINE&DINE

124 Aug-Sep14

The Taste Test

Sai Ying Pun, just west of Central, offers a thriving new strip of exciting eateries, so we decided to check out the urban cool and airy High Street Grill. After a warm greeting, we were immediately offered drinks – simple good hospitality that is the trademark of Castelo Concepts. Our daughter Sophia’s large banana smoothie was refreshingly ice cold with an intense flavour – a winner!

The beauty of the menu is its flexibility; juicy Wagyu burgers and steaks for the ravenous, delicate creative salads for the less hungry and so much in between. All the starters were so tempting, you could eat tapas-style here and share half a dozen. Ooey Gooey Camembert, Thai prawn cakes, and sesame-seared tuna chunks were all under serious consideration – definitely next time.

High Street GrillShops 4&5, G/F Hang Sing Mansion47-78 High Street, Sai Ying Pun2559 2638 | casteloconcepts.com

MUST-TRY DISH: Pork Belly Lollipops

MUST TRY DISH

We tucked in to generously meaty barbecue spare ribs ($175) but the best was about to come. The Peking duck rolls ($115) with cucumber and plum sauce wrapped in soft tortillas were a triumph, and the sweet and tender pork belly lollipops ($130) had a wafer thin crowning glory of crackling. Both were elegantly presented and out of this world.

Sophia was in the mood for a Margherita pizza ($120). A lovely crisp base with a generous splurge of melted mozzarella, roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil arrived. Despite our efforts to teach her not to talk with her mouth full, she couldn’t help grunting “awesome!”

The Asian grilled barramundi ($198) was also a success; plump white fish with a crispy skin, sautéed greens, crispy noodles and a Thai chilli sauce. I ordered the veal schnitzel ($150) and the herby

crumbed fillets, crispy fries and peppery rocket salad hit the spot.

The desserts (all $70) were indulgent and sinful, just as they should be. The chocolate chip cookie skillet was warm and gooey, and the mango and raspberry tart was alive with colour. Sophia, meanwhile, was getting acquainted with the ice cream “smash”, studded with gummy bears.

High Street Grill’s versatile menu caters for every mood. Sunuwar Shovana and her team glided around the tables providing impeccable service with genuine warmth.

Karl & Sophia Woodbury

High Street Grill’s Moo Cha Cha burger

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RESTAURANT REVIEWS

125 Aug-Sep14

La Locanda’s celebrated chef Giancarlo Perbellini hails from Verona and a long line of chefs, cooks and bakers dating back to his great grandparents in the 1890s. He has brought with him authenticity and the heritage of time-honoured recipes and elevated them to lofty heights with his modern interpretations.

The restaurant itself is a joyous airy space with modern wooden décor and the obligatory open kitchen on which Dining Concepts prides itself. In the evening, you can dine alfresco on the vast terrace, taking in spectacular harbour views.

To get a more well-rounded view of the fare on offer, we decided to come for the lunch buffet, of which there are a few choices. The lightest option is the Chef’s Buffet ($138): freshly baked breads, vibrant crunchy salads, roasted vegetables, a wide range of mouth-watering prosciuttos and salamis followed by tempting desserts – antipasti at its incomparable best.

Depending on your appetite, you can go a step further with the Pasta & Buffet or Pizza & Buffet (both $168) or the Main Course & Buffet ($228). We decided to add to our buffet with a vegetarian pizza, crisp and thin from the wood-fired oven and topped with the joys of Italy; zucchini, eggplant and roasted tomatoes.

We also found the pasta too tempting. Spaghetti cacio e pepe (spaghetti with pecorino cheese, cream and black pepper) and risotto zucca e zenzero (risotto with pumpkin and ginger) caught our eye but we were intrigued by the deconstructed spinach lasagne. Thick ribbons of green pasta beautifully interacted with the rich meat ragu and parmesan cream – spectacular, and a good insight into Chef Giancarlo’s clear vision for Italian cooking.

MUST-TRY DISH: Lasagne

La LocandaShop 402, Ocean CentreHarbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon2785 9600 | diningconcepts.com

A buffet of desserts is also included so yo u must save room for these delicacies. Trays of zabagliones, truffles and profiteroles all put a smile on our faces and we also tried the highly recommended Cassata Moderna, wonderfully light pistachio sponge, ricotta foam and candied fruits – another deconstructed joy.

The buffet selections really showcased chef Giancarlo’s repertoire; there’s no doubt Dining Concepts are on to a

winner with this fine eatery. Next time, we’ll come back in the evening for a glance at the harbour, a glass of Chianti and the suckling pig.

Karl Woodbury

La Locanda’s calamari fritti, with marinated peppers and an emulsion of eggs and pickles

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A FruitfulTell us a bit about your expat background. My family and I are from the small Mediterranean country of Croatia. Before Hong Kong, our home base was Prague in the Czech Republic, which we left in 2006 to live and work here. Generally we consider ourselves global citizens – home is wherever we are.

How did you get involved in Edible Arrangements?I first learnt of it back in 2008 and quickly became interested in bringing the franchise to Hong Kong. After two years of market research and negotiations with the US franchisor, we debuted here in February 2010.

TeTeTTeTellllll uuusss aaa bibibittt abababouououttt yoyoyoyy ururur eeexpxpxpatatat backgrg ound.

Edible Arrangements is an incredible global business story. After launching in 1999 with a single store in Connecticut, the franchising company has grown to over a thousand stores in more than a dozen countries. The Hong Kong franchise is headed up by Croatian expat SANJA DUJIC, who Expat Living caught up with recently.

WINE&DINE

What appealed to you about it?The core product is beautiful, healthy, delicious and colourful. There aren’t many gifts that are really for everyone. Edible Arrangements are not only gender-neutral (men are happy to receive them) and age-neutral (they’re as popular among children as the elderly), but they’re also great for any life occasion you can think of: birthdays, new babies, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, corporate gifts, employee appreciations or just because. And you have to share!

How have things developed over the past four years? We’re a family business operating an

international brand. After starting Edible Arrangements Hong Kong alongside my husband, Drazen Tomovic, our daughter, Sara, joined us as part of the marketing team. At the beginning, our entire team was based in Jordan, Kowloon, where we produced, packaged and delivered our arrangements. Within a year, we opened a second store – and in doing so, we pioneered a first-of-a-kind for the company’s global franchise system of over 1,000 stores; namely a “non-traditional” point-of-sale store with no on-site production, in the IFC Mall. It raised our brand awareness and exposure greatly.

Third – and again a first in the company’s franchise system – we started a kiosk store in 2013 in Festival Walk, Kowloon. We also expanded our product line to include dipped fruit to go, fresh fruit smoothies and juices, and quick fruit bites. As our company grew, we relocated our central production to a new and modern 3,300-square-foot workshop in Kowloon Bay.

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UNIQUE GIFTS

127 Aug-Sep14

Find Edible Arrangements here:

Festival Walk,Level One, Kiosk One, 80 Tat Chee Avenue2673 3558

Shop 3012, IFC mall, Podium L-31 Harbour View Street, Central2295 1108

Unit 02, 1/F, International Plaza, 20 Sheung Yuet Road2385 0158

ediblearrangements.hk

BusinessTell us about some of your popular products.The centre of our product line is the fresh fruit arrangement. Currently we offer more than 200 various designs, which change seasonally and for different occasions. All our products are made to order, fresh and daily. Same-day delivery is available for all orders placed by 4pm. We also offer dipped fruit boxes to order or to go.

Two of our most popular arrangements are Delicious Celebration and Delicious Party, and the Hello Kitty Friendship Bouquet is also a top-seller. Our favourites change seasonally. The Mid-Autumn Collection of arrangements and boxes includes a fresh fruit mooncake daisy – the mooncakes are actually fresh pineapple covered in dark chocolate.

My personal favourite would be the Mango Kiwi Blossom with Dipped Bananas. It’s a perfect arrangement for the end of summer.

Who are your typical customers? We can cater to one person or 500 or more, from individuals to corporate clients. Our customers are often health-conscious people looking for a novelty – and anyone who likes fruit and chocolate, especially when the two are combined!

What’s next for Edible Arrangements? We have a great number of things in the works – new products and expansion plans. We’ve launched a new line of Mid-Autumn mooncakes, the Love Panda Collection, which celebrates and supports the 1,600 pandas left in the wild.

We’ve also expanded our product line recently to include fresh fruit smoothies, juices, delicious fresh fruit waffles, and fresh fruit truffles made of raw produce and gourmet dark and white chocolate blends.

Apart from being able to eat fresh fruit every day, all day, business development is my favourite part of the job.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?I try to spend as much time with my family as I can. It’s just the three of us – my husband, daughter and I – and even though we work together, our family time is precious. Recently, I’ve been trying to slow down a bit, live and eat mindfully, practice yoga and meditation. We like to venture out to the beaches or any of the local parks and nature reservoirs. Hong Kong has plenty to offer.

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RECIPESWAP

THE GREATMost of us have our go-to recipes, be it for a mid-week lunch, a dinner party pleaser or

a sumptuous cake that Nigella Lawson would be proud of. In case you’re stuck in a food

rut, however, here are some of our readers’ fail-safe recipes from around the world to add

to your repertoire. Bon appétit!

MIRIN-GLAZED SALMONDINNERServes 2

Katherine Thomson, UK

“This mirin-glazed salmon is my favourite healthy mid-week meal. It’s a super-easy Nigella Lawson classic – we serve it with a delicious cold noodle salad instead of sushi rice.”

Ingredients:• 2 salmon fillets• 60ml mirin• 60ml soy sauce• 50 grams light brown sugar (or just

a teaspoonful, if you like)• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar• spring onion – a handful, sliced• bean sprouts – a handful• 1 packet of mangetout (snow peas),

steamed but still crunchy• sesame oil• toasted sesame seeds• juice of half a lime • coriander – handful, roughly

chopped• 1 packet egg noodles

Directions:1. Marinate the salmon in the mirin, soy

and sugar for about five minutes, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, prep the salad by cooking the noodles to the packet instructions. Drizzle with sesame oil then leave to cool. Once cooled, mix in all the other salad ingredients (using your hands is easiest), leaving some coriander and spring onion.

2. Cook the salmon in a dry, non-stick pan for 2 minutes on each side, adding the marinade juices at the end. Once cooked, plate up the noodles and top them with the salmon.

3. Pour any remaining marinade juices over the salmon and finish off with the lime-juice and remaining coriander and spring onion.

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RECIPES

DESSERTLECHE FLAN (MILK FLAN)

Ingredients:• 2 tablespoons brown sugar• 1 cup evaporated milk• 1 cup condensed milk• 6 egg yolks• 1 whole egg• 4 cups water• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees

Celsius.2. Mix together the evaporated milk,

condensed milk, egg yolks, whole egg and vanilla extract.

3. In a saucepan, dissolve the brown sugar slowly until it just caramelises (take it off the heat before it goes too dark or it will have a bitter taste).

4. Quickly pour the caramel into a pan or mould and swirl it so the caramel evenly covers the bottom. Top with the egg milk mixture.

5. Cover the container with aluminium foil and place in a large roasting pan. Pour in hot water until it reaches up to the same height as the flan mixture.

6. Bake for 45 minutes, allow to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for a couple of hours.

7. To un-mould the flan, simply run a knife around the sides, place an upside-down serving platter over the flan, then invert it! Great on its own or served with vanilla ice cream.

Mark Montano, The Philippines

“This is the Philippine version of crème caramel. Every time we invite friends to our place for lunch or dinner, they ask me to make a leche flan for dessert. In

the Philippines, leche flan is typically made by steaming it in a bain-marie; but my recipe, which I learnt from my mum, is baked in the oven.”

Be Part of THE GREATRECIPE SWAP!

If you have a fail-safe recipe you’d like to submit for our next issue, send the recipe, a photo of yourself and a few words about your dish to [email protected]. Thanks, Chef!

GrPlfo- d- cavto- cex

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TravelTravelSemara Luxury Resort, Bali

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TRAVEL

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Hot destinations & great holiday ideasWHAT’S NEW

Perched on a cliff-top in Uluwatu, Bali, Semara Luxury Resort offers endless views of white sand and aqua water below. The property’s luxury villas come with a private chef and butler service, and the Suite Rooms provide an option for travelling couples. The resort also boasts a private beach, home to exclusive Finn’s Beach Club. Additional facilities include a restaurant, fitness centre, putting green, two tennis courts, and the Body Temple Spa. +62 361 848 2111 | semarauluwatu.com

Bali Getaway

OVERSEAS EATS FOR KIDS Parents will be relieved that InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has recognised the angst we go through when travelling with kids, and the struggle to eat healthy meals, rather than, ahem, nuggets and fries. The hotel chain has teamed up with child food experts, Michelin-starred chef, Theo Randall, and nutritionist, Annabel Karmel to launch a new Trekkers Menu specially designed for children and available and its properties worldwide. We suspect even a few parents may be opting for the kids menu, with the likes of mini beef burgers and a “Wok & Roll” pad Thai on offer. intercontinental.com/planettrekkers

PHOTOGRAPHY IN JAPAN Something new and exciting from hiking experts, Walk Japan: the company has scheduled its first Winter Photography Course, a fully guided 10-day, 9-night tour from 6 to 15 February, 2015. The tour will be led by renowned photographer Mark Edward Harris, and will include a range of photo opportunities showcasing Japan’s winter wonderland, from vibrant Tokyo streetscapes to Hokkaido landscapes, majestic Mt Fuji, and the fabled macaque monkeys of Snow Country. A must for any lover of photography and travel in Japan. walkjapan.com/

winter-photography-course

Run Luang Prabang In October, Luang Prabang in Laos will host the city’s second half-marathon for charity. Runners from all over the globe are invited to take part in 7km, 14km or 21km categories, in a race which winds past iconic attractions and raises money for the construction of a local children’s hospital. Boutique hotel Villa Maly, one of the race sponsors, is offering a Runner’s Package for the 12 October event, with two nights of accommodation, breakfasts, pre- and post-race massages, round-trip airport pickups and transport to and from the race starting line. From US$300/438 per room (single/double). villa-maly.com | luangprabanghalfmarathon.com

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For most people, Hong Kong’s “work hard, play hard” ethos is one of the many appealing things about living here, but along with that mind-set comes the danger of exhaustion setting in. So it’s important to pencil in some downtime in your jam-packed schedule, in order for your body to recuperate, catch up on sleep and get a bit of TLC. We’re spoilt for choice for health and wellness retreats in our neighbourhood, from the beautiful beaches of Thailand to the lush rainforest in the Philippines – there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. And most of the retreats can tailor-make a programme to cater for your personal objectives. We asked Flight Centre’s specialist travel team to draw up a suggested list of must-visit retreats in the region.

5 fabulous wellness retreats in Asia

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WELLNESS RETREATS

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INDIASHREYAS RETREAT, BANGLORE For those in need of some serious “me” time, head for Shreyas Retreat for a “silent retreat”, designed to help you take a step back, re-prioritise and realign your goals and introspectively find that sense of calm. You’ll leave with a Zen attitude and some balance back in your life.

THAILANDCHIVA-SOM, HUA HIN To help combat the year that was, this award-winning retreat in Hua Hin, offers an “Eternal Youth” retreat, which involves non-invasive laser treatment, micro-invasive cosmetic surgery and anti-ageing medicine. No needles here!

s, a at, r c e.

If one of these properties is appealing – and, frankly, we like the sound of all of them! – get in touch with Flight Centre for a travel consultation. They’ll sort you for a lifestyle holiday that suits your individual needs, whether it’s detoxification, yoga, meditation or just a week to relax and unwind.

Good news for Expat Living readers: book a travel package through Flight Centre – Health & Wellness and claim a HK$500 discount.

Flight Centre 49 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Central 2830 2864 [email protected] eL

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THAILANDABSOLUTE SANCTUARY, KOH SAMUIAbsolute Sanctuary is an affordable yet stunning Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel on Koh Samui’s beautiful beaches. With renowned yoga gurus running c lasses, programmes, workshops and events each month, you’re in expert hands to get that core strengthened in no time.

INDONESIAMESASTILA, CENTRAL JAVAFor the fitness fanatics, MesaStila offers an outdoor jungle gym like no other, with the backdrop of Central Java’s magnificent volcanoes and tropical jungle. The resort’s cycling camps are a great way to explore the local villages, tea plantations and surrounding volcanic slopes.

THE PHILIPPINESTHE FARM, SAN BENITO For the detox dieters, this retreat just an hour’s drive from Manila offers treatments to flush out all the toxins with colonics, liver cleanses, strict vegan-eating or extreme juice-fasting in this lush green sanctuary. Besides leaving a few kilos lighter, you will leave with a newfound appreciation of how tasty and filling vegan food can really be.

THAILANDANCTUARY, KOH SAMUI

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By Monica Pitrelli

The Thai island may be known for its hard-partying ways, but Sri Panwa is one resort that’s all romance (and, okay, a tiny bit of party, too).

If Phuket were to suddenly feel the weight of all of its five-star hotels, the island would do a log roll and tumble, left side first, into the Andaman Sea. Big name chains have clamoured to set up shop along the island’s western side, all seeking to scratch out a share of the island’s mesmerising sunset views.

Dawn, of course, can be every bit as beautiful, but sunrise cocktails don’t have the same panache. And, holidays – especially ones in Phuket – are all about late nights and even later mornings. Aren’t they?

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PHUKET

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Twice as long as it is wide, the island of Phuket stands on two “legs” and Sri Panwa is located on the outermost tip of the smaller of the two. Here the land spindles into a narrow peninsula with cliff-side views of Chalong and Makham Bay on both sides. This distinctive piece of geography, which affords both sunrise and sunset views (not to mention a full 360-degree view at the hotel’s highest point), led to the resort being dubbed the “Best View in the World” by a UK publication.

It’s a lofty accolade, no doubt, but from the bedroom of one of the luxury pool villas, it doesn’t seem such a

stretch. The room is enveloped on three sides by glass and an infinity-edge pool, the bed positioned so that when I look down at my toes, they vanish in the golden horizon in the distance.

If gilded Buddhas and lime-green silk-wrapped everything isn’t your thing, the minimal décor here may be. The style trends natural with liberal use of stone and wood in the villa’s living and dressing areas. There are no less than four sets of sliding glass doors that open to the pool – a rather large body of water for a private villa, equipped with jets and an ocean-facing infinity edge (cue the social media photos now). The outdoor

pavilion needs no walls nor does the outdoor shower and bathtub, as the villa affords privacy from all but binocular-toting cruise ship passengers below.

Nickel-and-dimed, I am not, thanks to a complimentary snack bar and mini-bar in the villa’s kitchen. Wi-fi is free under every palm of the property, and an iPod preloaded with playlists (read: chill out, jazz, spa and sunset) provides a welcome break from my own overplayed collection.

The great thing about villa resorts is that even when they’re full, they’re empty. If you’re willing to pony up the money for a room like this, you – and everybody

Luxury pool villa bedroom

Luxury pool villa bathroom

Cool Spa


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Baba Soul Food Thai restaurant

else - want to spend some time in it. That means that that for the few willing to venture out, gardens and private beaches are yours for the taking. Even restaurants like Baba Soul Food and the main pool area – with its shimmering stone pools and recessed rainforest courtyard – are satisfyingly deserted.

But not Baba Nest. The resort’s rooftop bar is booked solid every night – and for good reason. Tourists from hotels near and far settle into plush beanbags for cocktails and tapas at sunset. Don’t get too close to the edge though – there is nothing separating you and a vertical drop but for a small pool along the roof’s edge. It’s a space that inspires equal parts acrophobia, envy-inducing Facebook postings, engagements (congrats to the happy couple to my left) and one Snoop Dogg video (see, I told you Sri Panwa’s got a little bit of party in her yet).

Reservations will need to be made for the spa right away, too; it books unbelievably fast. Most of the rooms are built for two, a nod to Sri Panwa’s largest demographic – couples and honeymooners.

Sri Panwa is one of two five-star hotels located on Phuket’s southeastern side. The area is high on mountains and nature and low on seediness; there are no famous beaches to speak of, which means no touts and noisy tuk tuks to go along.

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Direct flights between Hong Kong and Phuket are about three and a half hours long. Direct flights are available on AirAsia, Dragonair, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the resort from Phuket International Airport, and transport can be easily arranged through the resort.

To book, visit www.sripanwa.com. eL

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Fully Moon YogaTime your stay right to catch the special once-a-month night yoga class.

Muay Thai BoxingLearn how to execute a perfect kra-dod chok (cobra punch) from an onsite pro in the hotel’s new boxing ring.

Spa GardenA herb garden is the source for private time as well as herbs for spa treatments and the kitchen.

Phuket TownThe capital city of Phuket province combines old streets with new restaurants, pubs and cafes. For salsa dancing, Latin restaurant/club Krajoksi heats up starting at 9pm.

Cape Panwa

Also, the hotel is not part of a corporate chain, which allows it to take a more relaxed, casual approach to the term five-star. There are no dress codes, and the property is pet-friendly. Service is friendly, not faultless. But if you want incredible views far from the scene that put Phuket on the map, give this one a go.


http://www.sripanwa.com

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Health & holidays abroadTravel Tips:Scottish expat DR LINSEY MACDONALD works at Matilda International Hospital, and is an Honorary Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong. She’s also recently back from an adventure holiday in Africa – so who better to ask about keeping fi t and healthy while travelling?

When did you come to Hong Kong? What do you enjoy about it?I arrived in 1998. I love the convenient lifestyle; it’s a small city and easily accessible by public transport and cars. It’s also close to hills and mountains, and good for hiking and outdoor activities.

Tell us a bit about your job. I’m a resident family physician at Matilda International Hospital. I work part-time in the Outpatient Department and I provide medical consultations and advice. I’m also interested in emergency medicine and cover Matilda’s 24-hour immediate care.

I’m involved in the hospital’s Family Medicine and Women’s Health doctor panels to discuss up-to-date treatment, treatment outcome, and how to enhance patient experience. I also work and teach medicine students from medical schools of Hong Kong.

I love my job. Matilda of fers a comfortable setting. I usually spend time to get to know more about my patients’ lifestyle apart from any discomfort or medical problems, so that I can develop a good relationship and treat them holistically.

What are some basic health considerations to keep in mind when travelling?Preparation, preparation and preparation! If you travel to rural or country areas of Southeast Asia or to Africa, like I did, think and prepare well ahead of time as some vaccination shots may take at least six weeks to help the body build antibodies to protect you from being sick.

Some countries require you to be vaccinated against certain diseases, and their immigration officers will check the records before you can enter the country.

Consider where you’re going, and whether you need to prepare mentally and physically with suitable clothing, gear, first aid kits and some medicines.

When travelling, always maintain good personal and food hygiene to prevent from travellers’ diarrhoea and other diseases. Don’t drink untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds or streams. And avoid using untreated ice or drinking water in places where the water supply might be unsafe.

What are some common diseases in Asia, and which “jabs” are worth getting? Mosquito bites can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and even Japanese encephalitis. Contaminated food or water can lead to hepatitis A and typhoid fever.

Travellers should have routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. Hepatitis A and typhoid are for all travellers to developing countries or remote destinations.

Adventure travellers, those going to high-risk countries, and those who plan on having new sexual partners, should consider a hepatitis B vaccination.

Hikers and adventure travellers, or travellers with young children, should consider protection against rabies if they plan to explore rural areas.

Most common health issues among travellers• Travellers’ diarrhoea. In some

countries, as many as one in three travellers are affected. Some pat ients deve lop irritable bowel syndrome following travellers’ diarrhoea.

• Accidents such as drowning, injuries and traffic accidents.

• D e h y d r a t i o n a n d acclimatisation symptoms in high-altitude places.

• Common non-travel-specific problems such as infections, dental problems, “forgetting” to bring medications and deteriorat ion of medical conditions.

Everyone should consider having an annual flu shot to decrease the risk of influenza or non-specific respiratory illness, or the risk of having respiratory symptoms mistaken for avian influenza infection upon return.

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STAYING HEALTHY

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Being prepared: A case studyDr MacDonald outlines the steps she took in the lead-up to a journey to Africa and an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro to ensure she was equipped mentally and physically for the challenge.

In January, my friends and I went to Tanzania to climb magical Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent. At 5,895 metres, it’s a mountain of

extreme high altitude. Although it’s a non-technical climb, we still expected that it would be a challenge, so we started preparing – mentally and physically – at least six months ahead of time. Psychological preparation is important as mental toughness comes hand in hand with the need to endure difficult conditions when climbing a mountain of this scale, while maintaining good health and physical fitness are a must for the daily five to nine hours of hiking.

We sourced the best local climbing company, and had vaccinations and medication prepared. Local guides can provide information, guides, equipment, food, cooks and porters. The guides are also helpful in giving support and advice on all aspects of the climb, especially acclimatisation.

We received vaccinations to protect ourselves against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and yellow fever; we also took first-aid kits and medicines to prepare for symptoms of acclimatisation. As sleep may be difficult on high altitude and dehydration is likely, we also brought sleeping tablets and throat lozenges that were useful in helping us to get a good rest.

As the mountain can hit minus 40 degrees Celsius, we also looked around and bought the best equipment and gear such as the warmest sleeping bags and clothes to prepare for the extreme weather.

Fighting dengueDengue is contracted by a mosquito that carries dengue virus; this species can transmit the disease between humans.

Usually, symptoms develop four to seven days after the bite, though it can be two weeks in some people. Symptoms can be mild or severe and include fever, headache, nausea, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, and rash.

There is no vaccine or treatment for dengue, but the symptoms can be managed and controlled. The mortality rate is very low at less than one percent.

This year, all cases in Hong Kong were imported, but dengue fever can be contracted locally. In 2010, a male patient with no travel history was found to have symptoms. His wife and two sons also developed symptoms. They all recovered.

According to figures from April, Malaysia has had the most cases in the region this year, with 21,967. Taiwan, by comparison, has had just 56 cases.

There is no vaccine for dengue fever yet. The best prevention is to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to exposed parts of the body, and wearing long pants and shirts when hiking or going to scrubby areas. Other measures include the use of anti-mosquito devices and avoiding accumulation of stagnant water. eL

We ascended slowly to lower the chance of acclimatisation problems. Although we were well prepared physically and psychologically with good equipment, the climb on the seventh and last day was still very tough. Starting out at midnight, we had to deal with the symptoms of acclimatisation such as nausea and headache, making it difficult to focus on the very steep hike. We finally reached Stella Point (5,739 metres) just before sunrise.

Struggles aside, it was a joyful moment to see the sunrise and the beautiful scenery along the hike.

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TRAVEL

142 Aug-Sep14

Grand VoyageHong Kong is just one destination among a whopping 51 that the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship, Balmoral, will visit during a four-month global odyssey in the fi rst half of next year. Here are the details for those looking for a cruise experience of a lifetime.

What: 119-night “Far East Explorer” journey aboard the Fred Olsen ship, Balmoral

When: Departs Southampton, UK, 4 January 2015, returns 3 May 2015Why: Because it’s Fred Olsen Cruise Lines longest-ever sailing experience,

visiting a huge range of iconic and exotic places. Also, half of the time is spent actually in the destinations, allowing plenty of time to discover ancient wonders, modern cities and elusive wildlife.

Wallet: From £9,999 per person, including accommodation (inside cabin), all meals and entertainment, and port dues.

The trip by numbers119 nights, 51 destinations, 24 countries, 3 continents, 3 oceans, 10 seas, 13 time zones

The itinerary in briefThis epic journey begins when Balmoral travels east via Malaga (Spain), Valletta (Malta), and Port Said (Egypt), before taking in the dramatic Suez Canal in a daylight transit.

The cruise then continues to Safaga and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, Aqaba (Jordan), Muscat (Oman), and the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, before visiting the Indian ports of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and Cochin, then Galle in Sri Lanka and Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

Balmoral then makes an overnight stop in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, and continues to Port Klang (Malaysia, for Kuala Lumpur), Semarang (Indonesia), capital of Java, and Komodo Island – home to the ferocious-looking Dragons.

Ujang Pandang (or Makassar, Indonesia) is the next port of call, followed by Cebu in the Philippines, which will have a special resonance for Fred Olsen’s predominantly Filipino crew, before Balmoral takes in the Japanese ports of Naha (Okinawa), Tokyo, Kobe (Osaka) and Nagasaki, with a scenic cruise of the Ryukyu Islands.

Next up is South Korea – Jeju City on Jeju Island and Incheon (for Seoul),

followed by China’s Tianjin Xingang (for Beijing) – with an overnight stay – along with Dalian and Shanghai, the country’s most populous city.

After travelling south to Hong Kong, the ship then calls at Chan May in Vietnam, for visits to the UNESCO-recognised city of Hue, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, where there is an overnight stay.

T h e c r u i s e c o n t i n u e s to Sihanoukville in Cambodia, and Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), for an overnight stay, then Nathon (Koh Samui) in Thailand, before reaching Singapore for another stopover. Malacca and Georgetown (Penang) in Malaysia follow, before Balmoral arrives in Phuket (Thailand), and continues to Hambantota and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The Maldives i s the next destination, with inaugural calls at Utheemu (North Thiladhunmathee Atoll), for an overnight stay, and Uligamu (Ihavandhippolhu Atoll), before heading to Salalah in Oman. Balmoral then makes a return visit to Sharm el-Sheikh – for an overnight stay – and continues to Alexandria, with an enthralling daylight transit of

7/F Galuxe Building, 8-10 On Lan Street, Central2526 3391 | [email protected] | concorde-travel.com

the Suez Canal, Piraeus (for Athens, Greece) and Catania in Sicily (Italy).

The ship then calls at Algiers (Algeria), Cartagena (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal), before arriving back in Southampton.

For more information about this and other cruises and trips in Asia and beyond, speak with a consultant at Concorde.

Gateway of India, Mumbai

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WHERE TO FIND USHONG KONGHong Kong AirportRelay – Terminal 1 – Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, Level 5Relay – Terminal 1 – Departures East Hall, Level 6Relay – Terminal 1 – Departures Check-in Hall, Level 7

Aberdeen Aberdeen Marina ClubMirth Home

Admiralty Great Food Hall – Pacifi c PlaceJumbo Magazine House – Queensway Plaza

Causeway Bay Basheer Design Books Commercial Press – Causeway Bay Book CentreG.O.D.HMV – Style HouseMetrobooks – Sino PlazaPage One – Times SquareWellcome (Superstore)

Central Bookazine – Prince’s BuildingBookazine – Canton HouseBookazine – ifc MallBrunch ClubChaip Coin Company – World Wide PlazaCham KeeDymocks – ifc MallDymocks – Lyndhurst TerraceDymocks – Central BuildingG.O.D.HMV – Central BuildingMandarin Oriental HotelPurple Cow Magazine Café – Central Ferry Pier No.4 Yung Kee (News Stand) – Queen’s RoadThree Sixty – Landmark Atrium

Chung Hom Kok Wellcome

Discovery Bay BookazineDymocksWellcome

Happy Valley International by PARKnSHOP – Fine MansionInternational by PARKnSHOP – Chun Fai CentreManning – Dairy Farm Centre

Grab your copy of Expat Living at any one of the following retailers.

Hung Hom PARKnSHOP – Metropolis Mall

Jordan Commercial Press – Jordan Book Plaza

Kennedy Town Wellcome (Superstore) – The Westwood

Kowloon HMV – Telford Plaza IMetro Bookstore – Elements MallPage One – Festival WalkTaste – Festival WalkThree Sixty – The ElementsTung Son Magazines Co Nathan Road

Kwai Chung Nobletime Limited – Luen Tai Industrial BuildingTaste – Metro Plaza

Mid Levels Hits Media CentrePARKnSHOP – Caine RoadPARKnSHOP – Seymour RoadWellcome – Seymour TerraceVideo Max – Robinson Road

Mong Kok Metrobooks – Argyle Street

North Point Market Place

Pokfulam International by PARK N SHOP – CyberportInternational by PARK N SHOP – Baguio Villa

Queensway Jumbo Grade – Three Pacifi c Place

Repulse Bay Dymocks – Repulse BayMarket Place – Repulse Bay Arcade

Sai Kung DymocksFusion by PARKnSHOP – Silverstrand MartWellcome (Superstore) – Sai Kung Garden

Shatin Commercial Press – Shatin Book PlazaPARKnSHOP – Horizon Suite HotelMarket Place – The Palazzo

Shouson Hill PARKnSHOP

Stanley Beachside BookshopTaste – Stanley PlazaWellcome

Tai Koo Shing Jumbo Grade – City Plaza II

Tai Po International by PARKnSHOP

Tai Tam Fusion by PARKnSHOP – Hong Kong ParkviewWellcome – Red Hill Plaza

The Peak Dymocks – The Peak GalleriaInternational by PARKnSHOP – The Peak GalleriaWellcome – May RoadWellcome – Watford Road

Tin Hau Temple International by PARKnSHOP

Tseung Kwan O Taste – East Point City

Tsim Sha Tsui Commercial Press – Miramar Shopping CentreDymocks – K11G.O.D. – Canton RoadHMV – ElementsHMV – iSquarePage One – Harbour City/TSTSwindon Books – Lock RoadMarket Place – iSQUAREMarket Place – K11

Tuen Mun Market Place – Gold Coast Piazza

Tung Chung Dymocks – CitygateInternational by PARKnSHOP – Caribbean BazaarTaste – Citygate

Wanchai Bookazine – Shui On CentreColor Living – Lockhart RoadDymocks – Hopewell CentreDymocks – Harbour CentreTaste – Hopewell CentreVariety Shop – Sun Hung Kai Centre

Wong Nai Chung Gap Escapade Sports – Leisure Hong Kong Cricket Club

Wong Tai Sin Jumbo Grade – Wong Tai Sin Shopping Centre

SINGAPOREJelita Media Link – Tanglin Market Place, Tanglin Mall

Email [email protected] if you fi nd a retailer has sold out of Expat Living or to recommend a new location. If you’d like to stock Expat Living at your retail outlet, email our distributor Far East Media Ltd at [email protected].

ing

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IMPORTANT NUMBERSEMERGENCYPOLICE DEPARTMENTS police.gov.hk

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ASSOCIATIONS, COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS■ American Women’s Association of Hong Kong | 2527 2961 | awa.org.hk ■ Around DB Magazine | arounddb.com■ The Australian Association | 2530 4461| ozhongkong.com■ Community Advice Bureau (CAB) | 2815 5444 | cab.org.hk■ Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNCF) | 2832 2186 | cncf.org.hk■ Crossroads International | 2984 9309 | crossroads.org.hk■ DB Living | db-living.com■ Dyslexia Association Hong Kong | 2872 5489 | dyslexia.org.hk■ Life On Lantau Magazine | lifeonlantau.com■ The Friends of the Art Museum (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

cuhk.edu.hk/ics/friends/■ Hong Kong Dog Rescue | 9448 1128 | hongkongdogrescue.com■ The Hong Kong Girl Guides Association | 2332 5523 | hkgga.org.hk■ India Association | 2311 6358 | indiaassociationhk.com■ Riding for the Disabled Association of Hong Kong 2875 7711 | rda.org.hk■ Sai Kung Magazine | saikung.com■ Scout Association of Hong Kong | 2377 3300 | scout.org.hk■ Southside Magazine | southside.hk■ YWCA | 3476 1340 | esmdywca.org.hk

PETS ■ Creature Comforts | 2915 3999 | creaturecomforts.com.hk■ Hong Kong Dog Rescue | 3480 0061 | hongkongdogrescue.com■ Valley Veterinary Centre | 2575 2389 | valleyvetcentre.com.hk

MOVING & RELOCATION■ AGS Four Winds International Movers 2885 9666 | agsfourwinds.com■ Allied Pickfords | 2736 6032 | alliedpickfords.com.hk■ Asian Express International Movers Ltd (AE Movers) 2893 1000 | aemovers.com.hk■ Asian Tigers K. C. Dat Ltd 2528 1384 | asiantigers-hongkong.com■ BALtrans International Moving Ltd.| 2756 2882 | bim.com.hk■ Baggagexs, Moving Small Shipments Worldwide 3167 4000 | baggagexs.com ■ Brookfi eld Global Relocation Services Hong Kong Limited 2804 6790 | hongkong.brookfi eldgrs.com

REGULARS

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS■ Crown Relocations | 2636 8388 | crownrelo.com■ Links Relocations | 2366 6700 | linksmoving.asia■ Orientations Hong Kong | 2899 0759 | orientations.asia■ Relocasia, The Moving Company | 2976 9969 | relocasia.com■ Santa Fe Relocation Services | 2574 6204 | santaferelo.com■ SIRVA Relocation | 2104 6668 | sirva.com■ SwiftRelo, The International Movers 2363 4008 | swiftrelo.com■ UniGroup Relocation 2418 4333 | unigrouprelocation.com

STARTING A BUSINESS■ Compass Offi ces | 3975 1390 ■ Encore Professional Services | 3975 1390■ InvestHK | 3107 1000 | investhk.gov.hk

ENTERTAINMENT■ HK Ticketing | 3128 8288 hkticketing.com■ CotaiTicketing | +853 2882 8818 (Macau)

6333 6660 (HK) | cotaiticketing.com

CREDIT CARDS (LOST/STOLEN)■ AMEX | 2811 6122■ AMEX – PLATINUM ASSIST | 2277 2028■ ANZ Bank | +613 9683 7043■ Bank of East Asia (BEA) | 3608 6628■ Citibank | 2860 0333■ DBS Bank | 2832 6603■ Diners Club | 2860 1888

■ Heng Seng Bank | 2836 0838■ HSBC | 2233 3000■ Mastercard Global Service | 800 966677■ National Australia Bank (NAB)

+613 8641 9121■ Shanghai Commercial Bank | 2818 6328■ Standard Chartered Bank | 2886 4111■ Wing Hang Bank | 3199 9000

SERVICED APARTMENTSFAMILY

■ Four Seasons Place | 3196 8228 | fsphk.com | [email protected]■ Harbour Grand Serviced Suite | 2121 2616 | harbourgrand.com | [email protected]■ Hong Kong Gold Coast Residences | 2457 0789 | goldcoast.com.hk | [email protected]■ Hong Kong Parkview | 2812 3456 | hongkongparkview.com | [email protected]■ Pacifi c Place Apartments | 2844 8361 | pacifi cplace.com.hk/ppa [email protected]■ The Lily Serviced Apartments | 3982 2888 | thelily.hk | [email protected]■ The Repulse Bay| 2292 2879 | therepulsebay.com | [email protected]

GENERAL

■ Ovolo Serviced Apartments | 2165 1000 | ovologroup.com | [email protected]■ Yin Serviced Apartments | 2846 5777 | xin.com.hk | [email protected]■ V Serviced Apartments | 3602 2388 | thev.hk | [email protected]■ Gateway Apartments | 2119 3038 | gatewayapartments.com.hk | [email protected]■ Presidential Apartments | 2521 3405 | presidentialapartments.hk | [email protected]■ Shama Serviced Apartments | 3100 8555 | shama.com | [email protected]■ CHI Serviced Apartments | 3443 6888 | chi-residences.com | [email protected]■ 218 Apartment | 3665 3066 | 218apartment.com | [email protected]■ 338 Apartment | 2338 6388 | 338apartment.com | [email protected]■ Central 88 Serviced Apartment | 3472 2288 | 88servicedapartments.com [email protected]■ The Harbour View Place | 3718 8000 | harbourviewplace.com | [email protected]

ADVERTISER LIST

Legend: (*) IFC - Inside Front Cover IBC - Inside Back Cover OBC - Outside Back Cover (L) Also has leasing options

Altfi eld Enterprises 25American Tax Service (HK) 106Auberge Hotels 61Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) 78Australian Taxation Services (SMATS) 119Baby And Me Massage 106Bali Dream Villas 145Bayard 105BCAS 149Be Juiced 118Big Ass Fans 18IQBAL — The Carpet Man 72Bumps to Babes 43Carpet Buyer 62Concorde Travel 145Country Holidays 143Cozy Photo Hub 102Creature Comforts Veterinary Housecall Practice 104Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan 120Dr Lauren Bramley and Partners 117Duravit 5Dymocks 104Easy Peasy Services 106

Edible Arrangements 5Eezy Peezy Parties 106Exclusive Events by Caitlin HK 106Feine Cashmere 102Flight Centre 130Forbidden City 31George Blue 104Goods of Desire 21Haywards of Hong Kong 103Hidestyle 36HKT Premier 146Hong Kong Parkview Management 82Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty 29Hypoxi 118Indigo Living 7Infi nity Financial Solutions 103Inside 2 & 3Kellett School 115Lanson Place 72Life's A Breeze 71Lift Lifestyle 56Makaron Home 106Mamasan Restaurant & Bar IBCMatilda International Hospital 69MindNLife 117

Mothers En Vogue 101New Holidays 143Okooko 9Psynamo 105Qantas Airways 133Savills (Hong Kong) 72 & 105Seminyak 144Stockroom Ltd 11Suzhong Consulting 119Tagus Residential 22 - 24Telunas Resorts 145Tequila Kola IFC & 1The Clean 9 119The Face Magic Haven 118The Fry Group 101The Red Cabinet 71The Villas, Seminyak 144Top Schools HK 92TREE 44Trinity Pilates 119Turtle Bay Dive Resort 144United World College of South East Asia 95Woodland Pre-Schools OBCYbera Professionals 113

See www.expatliving.hk for expanded Serviced Apartment list.

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http://www.expatliving.hk

PARTING SHOT

152 Aug-Sep14

I am watching a collie do a handstand on a stool, the diameter of which is so small I doubt that I could sit on it comfortably. But this is not the

circus or Asia’s Got Talent. This is Lee, the collie, doing a demonstration for us during our weekly dog training class.

Surrounding me is a group of owners, dogs leashed to their sides, all of them thinking the same thing: “I will never get my dog to do that”. The trainer knows it too, as he instructs us to get back to our more mundane exercise: teaching our dogs to circle right. With slumped shoulders, we begin.

Our lesson takes place in a room littered with more trophies and medals than I can count on our collective hands and paws. They have been won by hand-standing Lee who, throughout each lesson, sits on a chair fixing us with a steely gaze. If he could talk

you know he’d be muttering, “idiots, idiots, idiots”.

Today there are old friends and newcomers in the class. Most of the dogs are small toy breeds that have been carried into the room in their owners’ arms, the outside world too dirty for their delicate paws.

As it is impossible for me to carry my large multi-breed dog into class without putting my back out, Conker has to rough it on the pavements. We make up for our scruffiness by positioning ourselves where we can shine. I grab a stool between the out-of-control trio of miniature poodles and the yellow-eyed dachshund, Mimi, who has an abject hatred for everything human or dog.

Mimi also has an abject hatred for training. Her owner tells me she has been coming to the class for two years, yet she still refuses to do anything apart

from bite passing ankles. Ten minutes into training, she is lying on her back on her owner’s lap having a stomach rub. He is most apologetic, but, “She had a tiring day yesterday,” or “She’s just had her breakfast,” or “She’s not feeling well today”. Mimi is never going to graduate.

The oodles of poodles are banished to the corner to do basics. I see one of them squatting down to expel a poo, which the owner tries to surreptitiously sweep up. Nearby are two beefy bulldogs who are so ponderous that by the time they have done one circle we have all moved on to the next task. I keep my distance from the world’s largest Alsatian who is attached to the world’s smallest owner. Last week, this same dog decided to take a short cut through my legs only to stop, snarling, with me perched on top of him. My desperate scream caught the trainer’s attention just before Conker decided to defend my honour. It’s not an exaggeration to say that my life had started to flash before my eyes.

One hour later, the lesson is over. No one has mastered the handstand. However, as we are leaving, the trainer tells me that Conker is “very bright”. I feel absurdly proud until I catch the collie’s eye. He fixes me with his stare, shakes his head and starts to raise his back leg.

By Rebecca Byrne

for Thought

Here’s your chance to get published. We’re looking f o r 5 0 0 -word written contributions on any funny, p o i g n a n t , practical or even cont rovers ia l top ic that touches on expat life in Hong Kong. Simply email your stories in a Word document to [email protected] and we’ll consider them for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

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