Southside Magazine January 2013

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 3

JANUARY 2013

“HAPPINESS IS WHEN WHAT YOU THINK, WHAT YOU SAY, AND WHAT YOU DO ARE IN HARMONY.” — MAHATMA GANDHI

The really useful magazine

BIRD AT MY WINDOW

47 The feral pigeonDavid Diskin on Hong Kong birds.

FAMILY

32 Play datesWhere to play on dull days.

MOTORING

40 Daytona dreaming Kevin Yeung drives his hero car.

MARKETPLACE

44 Your guide to shops and servicesCool stuff to buy and do.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

24 Winter swimmingPublic pools that open all winter. Plus training tips from Louis Doctrove.

TRAVEL

36 China’s big chill Ice is nice in Harbin.

CLASSIFIEDS

48 Loads of random useful local stuff.

MY SOUTHSIDE

54 Health, naturally Why Jeanette Blanks is opening a natural wellness centre in Stanley.

HIKES

34 Island flingPete Spurrier circles Peng Chau.

PETS

31 Decade of the dogSally Andersen celebrates 10 years of Hong Kong Dog Rescue.

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

27 Vote and win!What are your favourite places in Southside?

PEOPLE

50 Snap!Southside social life.

ULTIMATE GUIDE

50 All you need to knowNumbers that make life easier.

DISTRIBUTION

52 Where to find us

LETTERS

6 Have your say

LOCAL

8 BaywatchHow camera-wielding tourists are forcing some families off Repulse Bay Beach.

FEATURE

12 Don’t worry, be happy Eight ways to a happier new you.

WINE

20 Trend spottingWhat you’ll be drinking this year.

NEWS

7 What’s going on?The latest from Southside.

INTERVIEW

10 Mariko JesseThe artist and her Hong Kong icons.

EATING

18 Something steamyCentral heating on a plate. Plus veal osso bucco recipe.

EDUCATION

22 Bebegarten opensInside Southside’s new preschool.

THE PLANNER

4 Happening in JanuaryThe first of 2013.

GARDENING

26 Edible gardensGrowing food in small spaces.

4 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

JAn 1DrAgon AnD Lion DAnCE ExTrAVAgAnzAHong Kong’s largest collection of mythical beasts, including a record-breaking parade of unicorns, shimmies through Tsim Sha Tsui. Starting 2pm, Canton Road. For details, visit www.DragonLion.hk.

planner happening in january

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email [email protected]

Book noWFEB 21-MAr 22Hong kong ArTS FESTiVALThe city’s premier performing-arts event attracts world-class opera, theatre, music and dance. For details, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org.

JAn 24-26PunCHLinE CoMEDY CLuBTelling the jokes this month are Jeff Green, Geoff Boyz and Alan Francis. Tamarind, Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wan Chai and Grappa’s Cellar (Jan 26), Jardine House, Central. Tickets $250-$290 from Cityline, www.cityline.com.hk.

JAn 28TECHnoLogY & THE BrAinFind out what all that screen time is really doing to your kids at this public lecture by leading US psychology professor Dr Larry Rosen. 7pm, HK Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Tickets $275-$300 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAn 29BEBEgArTEn SEMinArLearn all about Bebegarten, a new preschool at One Island South. 7pm-8pm. 35/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Register at [email protected], www.bebegarten.com.

JAn 31-FEB 3kEnSukE’S kingDoMEmbark on Michael Morpurgo’s fantastic voyage with Faust Youth Theatre. Jockey Club Amphitheatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $220-$270 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAn 16-FEB 9kiDSFEST 2013Stage productions of children’s favourites Horrible Histories (“Barmy Britain” and “Ruthless Romans”), Mr Benn, Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Details and tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAn 19-20CYBErPorT WEEkEnD MArkETThe popular monthly event brings stalls, games and movies to Pok Fu Lam. 11am-7pm, Podium, Cyberport 2, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

JAn 23STAnLEY QuArTETLive concert of pieces by Britten and Shostokovich. 7pm, Red Square Gallery, Stanley Plaza. Tickets $320 ($380 on the night) from [email protected] or 2104 3303.

JAn 1nEW YEAr’S DAYSay hello to 2013.

JAn 5-23THE 4TH Hong kong inTErnATionAL CHAMBEr MuSiC FESTiVAL 2013Free concerts, panel discussions and open-stage events. More details at www.pphk.org.

JAn 11-123-LEggED TALE A visually engaging and funny puppet show on the cycle of life by Theâtre de l’Oeil. Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $160-$220 from www.urbtix.hk, 2268 7323.

JAn 12, 19, 26SToCk MArkET SMASHInvestment, analysis and public-speaking course for children aged 12-15 by ITS Tutorial school and Analyst Bullpen. 1pm-4pm. 2/F, Sun House, 181 Des Voeux Road Central, 3188 3940. he

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JAn 11-25BiCYCLE FiLM

FESTiVALIndependent bike-

themed flicks. Tickets $60-$75, Hong Kong

Arts Centre, Wan Chai, www.flwrider.com.

Limited OfferCountry Club Weekday + Town Club Weekend

Memberships$36,000 Annual Fee

plus$1,600 Monthly Subscription Fee

Entitles you to use dining, �tness and recreation facilities at Hong Kong’s �nest private club. Weekday use of the Country Club from Mondays to Fridays excluding Public Holidays.Weekend use of the Town Club on Saturdays and Sundays excluding Public Holidays.

For more information, please call 2842 7400 or email [email protected]

Town Club: Floors 48-49, Two Exchange Square, Central, Hong KongCountry Club: 28 Tai Tam Road, Tai Tam, Hong Kong

Website: www.americanclubhk.com

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pb* exclusive kids concept storededicated to the lifestyle of today’s kids & their family

fashion . toys . furniture . bedding . décor . lighting . accessories9 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong t. (852) 2544 2255

80 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong t. (852) 2528 02299 Stanley Market Road, Hong Kong t. (852) 2407 1892

[email protected] http://petitbazaar.canalblog.com

Please email your letters to [email protected]. We may edit for length.

letters have your say

More about the iBYour article “All about the IB” in December is accurate but incomplete. I work with students on a component of the IB Diploma that, although it's a cornerstone of the programme, is sadly undervalued even in schools. The compulsory IB Diploma element of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) has the unique ability to open the world to students who would otherwise lead a purely sheltered academic life. It changes lives and career choices and it is making an incredible change to people in developing countries that

schools engage with.In my opinion, CAS can have an unbelievable impact.

David McCracken

ClarificationA question in our December 2012 interview, “Pictures in the sand”, suggested Alan Wu and the Sand Magic team won the Tung Wah Beach Party sand-sculpting competition. The team did not compete, but participated to showcase their sculpting technique.

Tea timeFurther to the Hikes piece Reaping rewards in your December issue, I'd like to recommend this quaint traditional Chinese tea house on Tai Mo Shan called Choi Lung Restaurant. Nestled in the village of Chuen Lung, the three-storey tea house offers an unobstructed view of Tsuen Wan. A lot of morning hikers and city-dwellers pay pilgrimage to this place for their "stream-water" tea and steamed watercress.

The veg comes directly from the nearby fields and the dim sum is made fresh daily on site. Choi Lung opens only in the morning from 6am to 10am, so get up early. Parking spaces are limited on weekends. I thought more people should know! Mary-Ann Leo

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112

Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000

www.bumpstobabes.com

Sale starts4th Janup to 50% off


Curing the bedtime blues

Mass wedding on The Peak

Stanley Wellness Centre to launch

Infant and child sleep consultant Deborah Taylor is holding clinics for parents who have trouble settling their children at bedtime. She offers 30-minute private consultations, giving practical advice and an individual sleep plan for parents to follow.

The sessions are being held at Tiny Footprints in Duddell Street, Central, from 9am-11am, January 10 and 24 and cost $650. To book a consultation, email Taylor at [email protected], www.infantsleepresources.com.

Opening this month on Stanley Main Street is a new natural health practice. The Stanley Wellness Centre, founded jointly by Jeanette Blanks and Damien Mouellic, will offer naturopathic medicine, herbal medicine, osteopathy and acupuncture.

“We are hoping to expand our practitioner offerings with a counsellor and kinesiologist in the near future,” Blanks said. “Our goal is to create a centre where everyone can get their natural healthcare needs cared for in one place.”

The Stanley Wellness Centre will be a family-centred practice, Blanks explained, with special expertise in infant and child, ante- and post-natal care.

“In addition to a wide range of herbal medicines, we will also carry a variety of high-quality British, Australian and American nutritional supplements and homeopathics,” she said.

An opening date had yet to be finalised at press time, but look for the centre later this month at 120 Stanley Main Street. For more details, email [email protected], call 2372 9700 or 2372 9709, or visit www.stanleywellnesscentre.com.

Here come the brides... all 12 of them. It’s a phenomenon that won’t happen again for another century, and a moment not to be missed for the 700 Hong Kong couples who tied the knot on December 12 – 12.12.12. Among them were a dozen newlyweds who married in a mass ceremony on The Peak. The mass wedding continued a trend that started on 10.10.10 and continued on 11.11.11. What made 12.12.12 even luckier is that it sounds like “Will love, will love, will love”, Xinhua reports.

in the knownews


local

Snap unhappyCamera-wielding tourists are turning repulse Bay Beach into a no-go area for some families, writes Carolynne Dear.

It’s a gorgeous winter afternoon. The sky is a perfect blue and the cerulean sea gently laps the gleaming yachts and oyster-crusted rocks of Middle Island. On the promenade between Repulse and Deep Water bays, gym-fit mums and kids on scooters, dog walkers and elderly ladies enjoy the sun. Birds tweet in the trees, children giggle and a strimmer hums as a gardener trims the hedgerow lining the path.

But five minutes away in Repulse Bay, it’s a different story. Just past the volleyball nets and beyond the ice-cream shop, the bucolic sounds of the afternoon are drowned out by the rumble of idling engines from coaches lining Beach Road. The air is heady with the stench of diesel and the beach is a mass of camera-wielding tourists.

It’s a typical day on Repulse Bay Beach. And for increasing numbers of Southsiders, it is a no-go area.

“It is a bit of a nightmare,” admits one mother, juggling scooters and ice creams as her

twin toddler sons gambol on the sand. “To be honest, I don’t often come here because of the tourists.”

Busloads of tourists have been visiting Repulse Bay for decades, but what has changed is the scale of the industry.

The Individual Visit Scheme, launched in 2003, altered the face of tourism in Hong Kong. An initiative to boost the economy after Sars, the scheme opened the SAR and Macau to mainland Chinese, who previously had been able to obtain a visa only if travelling on business or in a group. The welcome surge in tourism increased further in 2004, when the scheme was extended to 21 cities in Guangdong province. That year,

two million Chinese visited Hong Kong; by 2011 that figure had risen to 28 million. That’s a lot of people given Hong Kong has a resident population of just seven million.

And basic differences in etiquette between mainland China and the SAR are not winning the tourists many fans. Parking problems aside, one of the biggest complaints from expat residents is the photo-taking of Western children.

Dark-haired Han Chinese account for 91 per cent of China’s 1.3 billion people, which makes blonds – including the children that frequent expat-heavy areas such as Repulse Bay – something of a curiosity to many visiting mainland Chinese.

“I get it, I really do,” says one Pok Fu Lam resident, shopping in Repulse Bay for the morning. “It’s just the sheer numbers of tourists that is the problem. I’m happy for the odd photo to be taken of my [blonde] daughter, but when she is suddenly surrounded by tens of people all trying to touch her head, it becomes very much not okay.”

Southside Magazine is published by Fast Me-dia Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertis-ers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of informa-tion contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside cannot be held respon-sible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

w w w . f a s t m e d i a . c o m . h k

EditorialJane Steer

[email protected] Whitaker

[email protected] Wong

[email protected]

Art DirectorSammy Ko

[email protected]

graphic DesignerCarly Tonna

[email protected]

Sales ManagerNobel Cho

[email protected]

Sales ExecutiveJackie Wilson

[email protected]

Business Development ManagerAlison Dyer

[email protected]

Traffic CoordinatorCecile Chui

[email protected]

Accounts ManagerClara Chan

[email protected]

PublisherTom Hilditch

[email protected]

Contributors Carolynne DearLouis DoctroveKevin YeungDavid DiskinTimmy Lee

Joshua KindlerJane Ram

Sally AndersenPete Spurrier

Lauren McPhate

PrinterGear Printing

1/F, Express Industrial Bldg43 Heung Yip Road

Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Published byFast MediaFloor LG1

222 Queens Road CentralHong Kong

give us a call!

Editorial: 2776 2773Advertising: 2776 2772


baywatch

Breaking the language barrierTry using the following phrases if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation:

Qing bu yao pai zhao – Please don’t take photos.

Xie xie, qing bie zai pai zhao – Thank you, but no more photographs.

if you are seriously worried by what has occurred, contact local district councillor Fergus Fung at [email protected].

Southside mother-of-two Monique Vincent recalls a day at Repulse Bay that ended in tears when her friend’s two blond children were entirely circled by tourists.

“Although it’s flattering on one level that people want to take photos of your child, it often feels like an invasion of your privacy, especially when it upsets your children and makes an otherwise pleasant day awkward,” she says.

“My children have even been photographed inside the car. We pulled up at lights outside Ocean Park, and a tourist bus pulled up next to us. Suddenly flashbulbs started popping and we realized there was a surge of people on the bus taking pictures of my two children asleep in the back of the car. It was unbelievable.”

In Ocean Park itself, a mother recently reported that her son was lifted up and carried away by a couple of tourists anxious for a photo. And Vincent recalls an incident when a group of tourists pushed away her pram containing her daughter and started posing around it.

No one is accusing the tourists of wanting to harm or upset the children. But what is unacceptable to one culture is considered normal for another. In China, no waivers need to be signed at schools permitting photographs to be taken of children.

“Don’t be too worried,” advises Chinese teacher Sonia Leung, originally from Guangdong but now a Hong Kong resident. “There are all sorts of etiquette issues – queuing is another flashpoint. Most tourists are just curious. For the Chinese, taking pictures of children does not have the same sinister connotations that it does for Westerners.”

Mother-of-four Thea Stanley agrees. “To an extent you need to embrace the culture and the

differences. My children have been in more than one set of wedding photos with a gorgeous bride and four scruffy kids. And when I have travelled in South America and Asia, I have taken photos of locals. Pictures are just part of travelling.”

As for Vincent, she says: “Perhaps it is just a cultural difference. But either way, I am respectful of other cultures so it would be nice to have mine respected in return.”


interview

Mariko JesseThe artist tells William Whitaker why her heart belongs to Hong kong.

Ever since i could hold a pencil, I’ve been drawing. And I think I was three years old when I first declared I was going to be an artist. When I graduated from art college, I started work straight away. I studied graphic design, specialising in printmaking, and worked commercially as an illustrator. I’ve always made prints and drawings, and try to show my personal artwork in at least one exhibition a year.

My personal work has always come from my own story – I was born in Japan, grew up in Hong Kong and studied in Britain. Being Eurasian, my work tends to explore ideas about sense of place, belonging, and mixed heritage. I like the way different cultures mix.

i’m inspired by ordinary things. I like charming quirks and the human touch. The more I travel, the way I create my artwork changes. At the moment I’m researching

Inuit sculptures, they’re so sparse and beautiful. I have no direct relationship with that environment, but I can respond to the pared-down essence of the shapes.

i enjoy art that makes me think. I also enjoy art that makes me feel deeply. Still more I enjoy art that inspires me so much it makes me want to rush home and start drawing immediately.

i love Maurice Sendak and Quentin Blake for their mastery of storytelling through illustration. I adore Howard Hodgkin and Cy Twombly for their control of colour and fluidity. I admire Cornelia Parker and Richard Wentworth for their intellectual approach to art, for making me think harder about things.

Wentworth’s ongoing series of photographs, Making Do and Getting By, is always a pleasure. To me, they are a quiet meditation on the essence of being a human being. They

initially make you smile, and then reflect on the ingenuity of people.

Being surrounded by so many different cultural influences has allowed to me to celebrate the differences between people, while understanding that essentially we’re all the same. I’d like to think that shows in my artwork.

i like to create art that people respond to, and like well enough to buy and decorate their homes with. That makes me happy. I recently designed a tea set with a toile pattern based on Hong Kong icons. I’m so happy whenever I visit people who are using it.

Having a happy childhood somewhere makes you very attached to a place. I love Hong Kong deeply.

My head is in London, my heart is in Hong Kong, and my soul or spirit is in Japan.


toile for tea

i love the Hong kong attitude of getting things done. Hard work is recognised and appreciated and things can happen in Hong Kong. It’s always moving forward, always striving. The feeling of potential is invigorating.

The art scene here seems to be developing in tandem with the boom of mainland Chinese art. I hope Hong Kong artists can remain independent of what’s happening on the mainland.

i always visit AJC (Amelia Johnson Contemporary) in Central, as it’s where I show my work. I also wander along Hollywood Road and SoHo to look in the windows of all the little galleries there.

of my own work, at the moment I particularly like a little etching of a playing card called

Seven Keys. I’m aiming to create etchings of an entire playing card set, and have them produced. I'm up to 15 cards. Each card plays on the imagery of the suit, and its number. This card is slightly deceiving, as the card is the six of clubs, but there are seven keys. Within the card there are six club shapes hidden.

My mum once told me a gem that’s not polished won’t shine. I’ve been striving to achieve my potential ever since.

i would love to produce an opera. I would work with a writer on the story (probably based on fairytales), commission a composer, hire singers and musicians, and design all the costumes and sets myself. We would tour all the world’s greatest opera houses, it would be a dream!

Mariko Jesse toile tea set is available at branches of Tree. Her work is also available at Faux, www.faux-home.com.

Mariko Jesse's Asian-inspired art, includes panels for Cheung Sha Wan MTr Station, a Hong kong toile tea set (left) and the Seven Keys playing card (below).

It makes me want to rush home and start drawing immediately.


feature

Oriental, 2/F, 90B Stanley Main Street, 2899 1688, www.stanleyorientalhotel.com.hk.

get active New year? New you! Pull on those trainers and get active. That doesn’t mean you have to go hit the gym to lift heavy objects and run on the spot. Southside offers a host of fun activities to get your blood pumping, from paddleboarding to Zumba.

Dance yourself fit in a party atmosphere with Zumba classes, or opt for a more Zen-like experience with yoga (with or without the kids) at Flex Yoga and Pilates Studio, 1/F, Regency Centre Phase II, 43 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2813 2212, www.flexhk.com.

Join the Bootcamp hard core and get fit in the great outdoors

at locations across Southside. Details

and schedules at www.bootcamp.com.hk. Learn to stand-up paddleboard with Aqua Bound Centre, Stanley Main Beach, 8211 3876,

www.aquabound.com.hk.Join Circuit 25’s

high-intensity, 25-minute circuit-training sessions in Repulse Bay, Cyberport, Parkview, The Peak and, coming soon, Tai Tam. Details at www.circuit25.com/hk.

Eight ways to a happier new year. By William Whitaker.

Be spontaneousWe may fear the unexpected, but we love surprises. Whether it’s a back-rub or tickets to that thing you love, when someone doles out unexpected kindness, there’s nothing better. So do yourself and your loved ones a favour and get them something nice when they least expect it. They’ll thank you for it. (Buy yourself something nice too. Because, why not?)

Be romantic, send a bouquet from Stanley Flower Shop, 434A Stanley Market Road, 2813 0624.Surprise your children with a gorgeous toy from Seed Heritage, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, www.seedheritage.com. get cultural with tickets to the world-class music, dance and theatrical performances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival (February 21-March 22), www.hk.artsfestival.org.or splash out on a staycation at the Southside’s deliciously stylish boutique hotel, Stanley

Reasons to be cheerf l

What was your most successful new Year’s resolution?

To get my wife pregnant. We tried for 18 months and now we have an eight-week-old daughter. The best feeling ever. – Chris

To get a better balance life, by working less, spending more time with family and friends, and taking care of my health. – Lydin


feature

LaughSo it turns out that laughing makes us happy (stop the presses). But beyond the obvious, laughter is also good for the heart. And frequent laughter is correlated with longer life expectancy and greater general health. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it’s no slouch.

Punchline Comedy Club brings the funniest comedians from Britain’s stand-up circuit to Hong Kong every month for three shows at Tamarind in Wan Chai and Grappa’s Cellar in Central, www.punchlinecomedy.com/hongkong.Takeout Comedy Club is Hong Kong’s first permanent stand-up comedy venue, with homegrown and international jokers taking the mic every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Basement, 34 Elgin Street, Central, www.takeoutcomedy.com. Dubbed “the funniest show on the planet”, the National Theatre of Great Britain’s smash-hit comedy, One Man, Two Guvnors, is coming to Hong Kong with its West End cast on February 15-23. Treat yourself at www.hkticketing.com.

My most successful resolution was to give up smoking 12 to 15 years ago. My wife (then girlfriend) pushed me to quit, she had given up a year before. I’ve never looked back. – Fraser

To cycle from London to Istanbul in six weeks for the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity against depression. I did little training for it and in the end I just went for it! – Tom

Tidy upGet an early start on the spring cleaning by getting rid of all the excess clutter that (if you’re anything like us) has built up over the last year. Rid your wardrobe of anything you haven’t worn in the past 12 months, tidy your desk and reorganize your living space by creating a place for everything and putting everything in its place. There, doesn’t that feel better?

Southside is loaded with furniture stores offering storage solutions in any style that suits. Horizon Plaza (2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau) is an entire skyscraper of furnishing gorgeousness. Check out the wealth of new and modern furniture stores, including OVOStudio, G.O.D and JMStyle, at The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam. Sell secondhand goods online at AsiaXpat.com.or donate unworn clothes and unwanted computers, white goods and furniture in good condition to the Crossroads Foundation, which will redistribute them to those in need. For details, visit www.crossroads.org.hk.

relaxTraffic. Children. Chores. Alas, poor Yorick! Take a day off to relax. Stress is the antithesis of happiness, and we know just how to beat it.

The opium signature treatment at Sense of Touch includes an addictive poppy-seed scrub and sedating full-body massage. G211, 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.The Luxury Aromatherapy Massage is a one-hour treatment designed to soothe at Sabai Day Spa, GF/12A, Stanley Main Street, 2104 0566, www.sabaidayspa.com. Discover a whole new you with a makeover haircut at Spur by Aveda, Stanley Plaza, 2813 4298. A good foot rub may be all that stands between you and utter contentment. Foot, 8/F, Regent Centre, 88 Queen's Road Central, 2997 7138.

Take a day off to relax.


Just smileDid you know that the simple act of smiling releases dopamine (a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness) into your system? Try holding a genuine smile for 10 seconds, and you’ll see. Sometimes, the best things are also the simplest.


For details, call 5305 6323 or visit www.primalstrength.com.hk,

www.facebook.com/primal.strength.hk.

Live long & strongBe healthy; get fit. It was on last year’s resolutions list. So why

aren’t we getting the results we want? Primal Strength head coach ian Wilson says the issue may lie with the method.

and we do things a little differently. We don’t believe that "one size fits all" so we carry out a structural balance screen and body-composition assessment for every client so we can create individual programmes. And we’ll work with you on a one-to-one basis to teach you the fundamental movements of our techniques, ensuring you’re fully prepared to transition to the group workout phase.

And it all begins with a free, no-obligation consultation and tour of the best-equipped training facility in Hong Kong. Contact us now to get started. We're located at Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam.

promotion

Ask people on the street how best to drop a few pounds and the majority will tell you to do "cardio" – going for a run, for example. This is known as steady-state aerobic work, and does have its place. However, when it comes to long term health, function and wellness, strength training is king. No other form of training can match its benefits. There are three key advantages of strength training:A quick metabolic boost. Strength-training sessions burn lots of calories, and have the added bonus of an after-burn effect, known as exercise post oxygen consumption (EPOC), which boosts metabolism. With steady-state cardio, EPOC lasts a few minutes. With weight training, the effect can last for 38 hours. Train intensely with weights three or four times a week and your metabolism will remain elevated.Permanent improvement to resting metabolic rate. Strength training has a direct and positive impact on the rate at which calories are burned. The temporary metabolic boost created by a weights session and the EPOC effect is enhanced by the fact that increasing muscle

mass has been shown to permanently raise your resting metabolic rate (RMR). Muscle is metabolically active – essentially, more muscle requires more calories to operate.

Steady-state cardio, on the other hand, has been shown to have no effect on RMR, and prolonged endurance work can, in fact, reduce muscle mass.Muscle mass as the key to longevity. According to research by Tufts University, the most reliable bio-marker of longevity is not cholesterol or blood pressure, but muscle mass. And while it was once thought that age-related muscle-mass loss began at around the age of 40, recent studies have shown an average annual decline of about one per cent from the age of 28. Throw decreasing bone density into the equation and you have a recipe for frailty and inactivity. The bad news is this affects everyone if left unchecked. The good news is that strength training can reverse these effects. get with the programmeThe arguments for strength training are compelling, but not all strength programmes are created equal. Primal Strength is Hong Kong’s premier strength and conditioning programme


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Winter warmersBeat the chill with steaming bowls of hotpot, shabu shabu or fondue made for sharing.

ClassifiedCheese fondue is the ultimate European winter dish, evoking snow-covered mountains, wood-beamed restaurants and apple-cheeked après-skiers. We can’t promise the frosty setting, but Classified is cooking up shared dishes of cheesy goodness – a traditional combo of wine, emmental and gruyere bubbling gloopily over

a flame (non-alcoholic versions available). It comes with sides of toasted homemade bread, roasted potatoes and crispy apple for dunking, and we recommend a charcuterie platter to keep things interesting. Take a friend; fondue is $295 for two. G/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2563 3454.

Bistro JinliJean Paul Gauci’s Ap Lei Chau neighbourhood restaurant is a cosy spot that serves heart-warming, mouth-numbing Sichuan cuisine that will heat body and soul on chilly winter nights. Sichuan peppercorn features heavily in the spicy hotpot soup bases, served with a variety of ingredients for dunking in traditional style. Other regional classics on the menu include Chengdu spicy pork with pepper and chilli oil and steamed fish head with pickled greens and red chillies. About $100-$150 a head. 5 Wai Fung Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2328 2138.

Vero Chocolate Hong Kong’s homegrown luxury chocolate brand knows a thing or two about the cacao bean. So when the cold weather descends, head to its in-store cafe for a masterful take on rich, velvety hot chocolate in several flavours.

eating

Vero


chilly chow

2/F, The Landmark, 12-16 Des Voeux Road Central, 2559 5810.

katte Shabu ShabuShabu shabu is Japanese hotpot – the name translates, charmingly, as “swish swish”, the

noise made when passing the ingredients through

the soup base. It varies from the Chinese version in

subtle ways, mainly in the dashi soup base made with kelp. Order a selection of

the freshest ingredients

– novices will find plenty of help from staff – and start swishing. As you dunk order after order of A4 grade Miyazaki beef, clams, prawns, oysters, scallops and fresh vegetables, the light soup base takes on a strong, rich flavour, perfect for finishing off the meal. Expect to pay about $100-$150 a head. 5 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, 2577 2628. ChesaA little bit of Switzerland transported to the Peninsula, this cosy restaurant is thoroughly Alpine from the wood panelling to the menu stuffed with crepes, veal and pot au feu. But it’s winter, so you’re here for the famed fondue. There are several choices available, including a classic cheese fondue moitié moitié served with baguette and fondue montagnarde finished with sprinz and smoked mountain bacon and served with macaroni and boiled potato. Or go for that other Alpine cheese classic, raclette – hot, melted cheese served with new potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins. Save space for the Lindt chocolate fondue with fruit, then roll home, glowing. $300-$500 a head. 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, 19-21 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6769. Classified

Pho

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Lauren McPhate picks wine trends for the new Year.

uncorking 2013wine

based on price (the higher the better) to quality for money. With the economy the way it is, people are looking for bang-for-your-buck wine.

Finally, 2013 will be the year of the super Tuscans. I’m banking on a trend to revisit the fruits of the 1970s, when experimental Tuscan winemakers were willing to break the rules for the sake of creation. They were the first to blend Italian varietals (Sangiovese) with international (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) producing wines that are not only perfect with char siu bao but also delicious, elegant, complex and full of

character. They come in a range of prices that will appeal to the victims of last year’s big bank layoffs – and to those who have weathered the storm from the top.

Lauren McPhate holds a WSET 3 certificate.

Sweet: Carlin de Paolo Moscato d’Asti DoCg (Piemonte, italy), Moscato, $130. An intensely cool fragrance, with notes of orange blossom, sage and a touch of honey. Low in alcohol (5.5 per cent), sweet, well balanced and lively.

Value for money: Torremoron 2011 (ribera del Duero, Spain), Tempranillo, $130. Intense, pure and bright, this is the “bargain of the century”, according to Robert Parker who awarded it 92 points. A product of 80- to 100-year-old vines, this fresh wine expresses complexity and flavours of red berries with crisp minerality.

Super Tuscan: Antale Toscana 2009 (Tuscany, italy), $150. An intense ruby wine with the aromatic complexity of ripe red fruit. The mid-palate conveys light notes of sweet spices and aromatic herbs. Made from the finest sangiovese, cabernet and merlot grapes.

All available from www.houseoffinewines.com.

Wine recommendations

2012 was all about trying to figure out what wines pair best with Asian cuisine. OK, we get it. Powerful, juicy red wines work with char siu bao and Gewurztraminer is great with, well, all Asian food. But what’s in store for 2013? Will Spain overtake France as our favourite wine-producing country? Will people go crazy for sherry? Or rosé? Nope, I can’t see it. Here are my humble predictions for the wine scene in 2013.

I foresee a newfound love of slightly sweet, slightly sparkling wines, with Moscato at the forefront. These wines are perfect for novice drinkers, those who don’t like to lose control, and for those who like sugar. (And who doesn’t like sugar?) Moscatos typically have low alcohol of five per cent to seven per cent, and because they are only slightly sweet they appeal to different palates. They’re great as an aperitif, a respite during a meal, and are perfectly suited to a fruity dessert.

Online daily wine discount deals will soar this year. Several new platforms have popped up lately, including slurp.asia, yeswine.com and spikescellar.com. But this is just the beginning. People like wine. People like bargains. Let the deals begin!

I also foresee a shift away from buying

Tuscan winemakers were willing to break the rules for

the sake of creation.

recipe


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Head of curriculum Virginia Humpage gives Josh kindler the lowdown on Southside's new preschool.

Bebe steps

Bebegarten aspires to change education, where did this aspiration come from? Our founder, Margaret Leung, has a real passion for education. This project is the conclusion of 12 years of intense research and observing children in environments around the world. In Hong Kong, what we see is a very stressful situation for families and children that is becoming increasingly competitive. It doesn't have to be that way.

What did you learn from other countries?We're basing our model on five different world models. We looked at the Italian and New Zealand systems, which stress the importance of family in children’s learning. So many schools claim they involve parents, but actually some don't. We went to America to look at the high scope system, and we saw that teacher-child ratios are critical for children to receive quality one-on-one dialogue with their teachers and peers. We also looked at Britain, where education is play-based and child-initiated – children learning through play – which is a thread throughout the curriculum.

So family is key to learning?Absolutely. In Hong Kong, helpers are a big part of a family life too. We're going to provide a platform for change which is holistic and organic. We want learning to be as effortless as breathing. And it really can be, without flash cards and exams in the early years. The best way to prepare a young child for primary school, and for life, is to give them an opportunity to be themselves, and to have their strengths valued, which we can achieve through low child-teacher ratios and highly trained teachers.

Tell us about your curriculum, the “Language of Children”.It's a progressive, reflective curriculum devised for children from six months to six years old. It focuses on the children’s interests, which is why we're recruiting early-years educators who understand how to “scaffold” children’s learning and look at each individual child. It takes into account the child’s all-round development – physical, emotional, creative and expressive. It helps children get ready for primary school, to be confident and expressive, with an opinion and a voice, and to have their strengths recognised.

What advice would you give to parents? Reflect on what's important to you, what you believe in, and what you want for your children. Do not be influenced by what everyone else is doing, but stick to what you want and what you think is right. Look at every child individually.

How has the programme developed? It's been a real inspiration for the whole team. There are four of us: Margaret is the visionary, I’m the practitioner, helping the dream come into practice. And we couldn't be doing any of this without our investor Claudine, who's only 25, but is passionate about making a change for Hong Kong parents and children. We're starting a conversation about change, bringing together like-minded professionals and parents, who believe this is the right time for change in Hong Kong education.

Bebegarten is holding an information session for parents on January 29. Level 3, one island South, Wong Chuk Hang, 3487 2255, www.bebegarten.com.

education


iTS School Placements explains some early education philosophies.

For many parents, the most confusing part about choosing preschools is trying to comprehend the different programmes. While educational philosophies are numerous and their definitions are not set in stone, these are the definitions for some of the most popular philosophies.

MontessoriMontessori combines individualised attention with a carefully structured environment. Children work freely in mixed age groups. Their innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Through their work, children develop concentration and joyful self-discipline. Children progress at their own pace, according to their individual capabilities.

TraditionalThis is a more structured learning environment for children of similar ages. Teachers generally plan the daily activities, and children mostly are actively involved in group work, although, they do have opportunities to work alone. The idea is to help children adapt to a classroom setting, and prepare

sponsored column

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery

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them for a more formal learning environment at primary level.

Waldorf SteinerThis programme has a definite structure built around routine and rhythm. Children work in mixed age groups. The classroom environment is homelike, includes natural materials, and provides examples of productive work in which children can take part. Lots of outdoor activities are offered, accompanied by songs, poems and games.

The Dalton PlanThe Dalton preschool programme is based on founder Helen Parkhurst’s belief that whenever children are given responsibility for their learning, they instinctively seek the best way of achieving it with focus and rigor. The students’ programmes are tailored to their needs, interests and abilities to promote independence and social skills. Children are nurtured through giving them appropriate freedom, responsibility, and opportunities for cooperation.

Remember, the best way to determine which preschool programme is best for your child is to investigate all your options, visit schools, and observe classes.

Choosing a preschool programme


health & beauty

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming PoolThis indoor swimming pool complex is open year-round, including a 50-metre main pool for laps and a training pool for mucking about. It has great views of the harbour through the floor-to-ceiling windows, so you almost feel like you’re outside (if you squint). Closed Tuesdays. 16 Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun, 2540 6708. island East Swimming PoolThis family-friendly pool is a winter hit with young children, thanks to the water toys in the toddler pool and a family changing room in addition to the usual men’s and women’s facilities. The lap pool is 25 metres instead of the Olympic-sized 50 metres, which tends to deter serious swimmers so you’re less likely to get mown down in the fast lane. There’s also a leisure pool for splashing purposes.

Come on in, the water’s lovely.

Winter splash in

Closed Wednesdays. 52 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, 2151 4082. Siu Sai Wan Swimming PoolPart of the $400 million award-winning Siu Sai Wan sports complex, there are two indoor heated pools, both of which are 25 metres long. Combine a swim with a trip to the complex’s other facilities, including basketball, badminton, table tennis and children’s playroom. Closed Thursdays. 15 Siu Sai Wan Road, 3427 3341.

Morrison Hill Swimming PoolThe outdoor pools may be closed for winter, but the two indoor pools are open year-round, including a 50-metre main pool and a training pool, both with diving facilities. Popular with old ladies and young children – you have been warned. Closed Thursdays. 7 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, 2575 3028.

From top: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool and Morrison Hill Swimming Pool.


not-so-cool pools

Here's a suggestion for the New Year: don’t make resolutions. Instead, take decisions, set goals – and act on them. The first step is identifying what you want to improve: it could be weight loss, muscle gain, or raising your overall fitness. Set a realistic goal for the first three-month period of the year. It should be challenging but attainable, and not one that is so easy you coast through training sessions. You know whether you’re going through the motions, or if you are really pushing at the gym. Personally, I make sure that at the end of each training session I’m pretty close to exhaustion: on a scale of one to 10, you should be at eight or nine. This can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes.

Create accountability by sharing your goal with others – otherwise, it's too easy to make the goal disappear. Then you are simply a goal-setter with nothing to show in the goal-getting department. If you want to lose weight, a daily action you can take is to eat healthier. Before you blow your nutritional programme after a couple of days, decide what’s more important; the short-term satisfaction of a treat, or the reward of shedding those pounds and getting the physique you have always wanted.

Any physical transformation requires a significant increase in training frequency, intensity

Louis Doctrove ([email protected]) is a NASM-certified personal trainer with a Sports and Exercise Science BSc. He specialises in strength training, weight loss and TRX suspension training.

Louis Doctrove doesn’t make resolutions, he sets goals.

Be a goal-getter

and duration. This doesn’t mean that from January 1 you should train like a beast five times a week until you collapse. The usual reason for quitting a New Year training regime is overtraining and burnout. The first month may require some major changes to your diet and lifestyle. Give your body a chance to adapt and accept

these changes, and it will be 10 times more beneficial in the second and third months. Hit the gym like a madman and I can almost guarantee you will quit within a month, from injury or burnout.

From January to April, try resistance or weight training at least three times a week, with two cardio sessions thrown in to maximise fat burning. These can consist

of one 30- to 45-minute low-intensity cardio session on the treadmill or elliptical trainer, and one high-intensity session on the treadmill (sprint for a minute, rest for 30 seconds, for a total of 10 sets). Stick to these basic programmes and every two to three weeks raise the intensity by increasing the weights, the number of repetitions or the length of the training sessions.

Make this New Year the opportunity to get the results you have always wanted. Good luck!


If your New Year resolutions include eating healthily, help is at hand in the form of Arthur van Langenberg’s third book, Growing your own food in Hong Kong. This step-by-step primer covers all the how-to questions as well as providing the why, what and when answers. Van Langenberg does not assume you have a huge vegetable patch. Instead, his book is a manual of maximising unpromising growing space. He makes no assumptions about your level of gardening skill in Hong Kong conditions. He happily shares his considerable experience of growing lettuce, cabbage and other edibles in surprisingly small pots. I have been fortunate enough to visit his garden many times and am always amazed at how productive a small patch of earth and concrete car park can be.

Flower markets Traditionally Lunar New Year is a time for something new and showy in your wardrobe and is also an opportunity to find something new for your garden. One of the great celebrations of southern China is the Shenzhen Festival Flower Market. Four lines of stalls stretch along a pedestrianised kilometre-long street to create a river of red and gold with splashes of every

Jane Ram is a professional writer with a passion for plants. She has been gardening in Hong Kong for more than 30 years and is still learning. For queries, and details of events, please email [email protected].

Jane ram discovers vegetables grow in the tiniest places.

other imaginable colour. This is not aggressive, go-getter Shenzhen. Everyone is relaxed and in holiday mood, out for an enjoyable excursion. The market is less crowded and prices are generally lower than

at the Lunar New Year markets in Hong Kong.

Alongside the citrus trees, red and gold bromeliads, poinsettias, water narcissus, camellias and other familiar attractions there are always novelties that have me reaching for my camera if not my wallet. When I return home I start searching through my reference books to find out what I have seen, its identity, origin and – most important – its requirements.

Human beings are fickle and fashions change for plants as with everything else. One nursery brings in a novelty, finds it thrives locally and suddenly what was formerly rare and exotic becomes commonplace. Chinese plant names are by no means standardised and when it comes to something unfamiliar, local nurserymen often improvise their own Chinese name, without botanical names or other clues to help you find out the preferred growing conditions.

A case in point is Plectranthus ecklonii Mona lavender, a plant that seems to have emerged from nowhere. It has pretty mauve-blue flowers and dark leaves that are decorative even when it is not in bloom, making it a good foil for blowsy begonias and coleus. It is increasingly common around Hong Kong although I think it has yet to reach peak popularity. It took ages to track down the name of this unassuming plant. In the meantime I found it to be equally happy in shade or sun, as a bedding plant or in a pot.

Saturday workshopsA series of Saturday afternoon plant workshops starts in mid January. Topics include camellias, ferns, hibiscus and passion flowers. Art with Roz garden explorations continue on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Jan 22A mini nursery trawl combined with curry tiffin chez historian Jason Wordie.

Feb 6Shenzhen Festival Flower Market visit, including lunch and a trip to the Shenzhen Wholesale Plant Market, time permitting.

gardening events

January tasksWinter warmth: If you have not done this already, it’s time to protect episcias and relatives of the African violet, along with non-native peperomias (with dark undersides to their leaves). Place the plants in a polystyrene box, drape fleece or net loosely over them and put the lid on overnight. Don’t let water accumulate in the bottom of the box – no plant likes wet feet. All these tropical beauties grow so slowly in cold weather they will require only occasional watering until spring. Once a month or so, choose a fine, mild day, remove the plants from the box and stand them in a bowl of shallow water for about 15 minutes to water them from the base. Let the surplus water drain away before returning them to their winter quarters. Check for passengers in the form of snails luxuriating in the warmth and enjoying 24-hour meal service without getting out of bed. It sounds like a lot of work, but you will reap the rewards in spring.

Seeds: Salad and other tender vegetables should flourish if you sow now, and they will give a good harvest before the spring warmth makes the plants bolt. You can also still sow coriander seeds. Arthur van Langenberg suggests soaking them overnight before sowing to speed up germination. It can also help if you crush them lightly with a rolling pin.

Cuttings: This is a good season to try making cuttings of bougainvillea, hibiscus and other hard-wood shrubs.

gardening

Pot to plate

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Southside Readers’ Choice Awards 2013

Welcome to our first Readers’ Choice Awards.Win one of our fantastic prizes by telling us what you love most about Southside.

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EMAIL

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ADDrESS (IF WISH FrEE MONTHLY SuBSCrIPTION)

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Best children’s shop

ConTACTPlease print clearly.

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For further information, email our sales and marketing department at [email protected] or call 2776 2772.

The winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards will be announced in the April issue of Southside Magazine.

Fast Media Limited reserves the right to make the final decision.

Thanks for your feedback. Now tear out these pages and pop them in the mail for

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What to do about the traffic?

° More / fewer buses (delete as appropriate)

° Extend the MTr South Island Line to ° Add more right turn lanes

° Limit the number of cars

What do we need more of?

° restaurants in Pok Fu Lam

° Parking in Stanley

° Transport links between Southside and Shek O

° Big waves in Big Wave Bay

Where do you shop?

° Wong Chuk Hang

° Stanley

° repulse Bay

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Where do you spend Sundays?

What Southside issue do you care most about?

What improvement do you most want to see?

What would you most like to see in Southside Magazine?

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2013 marks the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, which is cause for celebration. With a bit of luck, this year will be a special one for the dogs of Hong Kong. Hopefully, it will see the Legislative Council passing the long-awaited tightening of regulations for breeders and pet shops, putting an end to the suffering of the trade’s four-legged victims. This is something animal NGOs have been pushing for since I can remember, so its passing would be a huge achievement.

Attitudes to HKDR and the local pet industry have changed hugely in the past decade. It surprises even me to remember how it used to be in the “old days”. Long-term volunteers laugh about HKDR’s early days in Pok Fu Lam where we were banned from bathroom facilities and had to climb through a small hole in the wall left by an air conditioner, or hide out of sight in one of the dog pens.

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

Sally Andersen toasts new legislation governing pet shops and breeders.

A doggy decade

When we had no Homing Centre or kennels, we took our dogs and puppies to wherever we could show them off. On one memorable trip to an adoption event in Discovery Bay, a volunteer and I took cages of puppies on the front of an open sampan, and had to cling on for dear life when an unexpected squall came through.

These days I celebrate when every dog or puppy leaves us for a new home, giving me a sense of satisfaction and pride in a job well done. Every puppy I've taken out of the AFCD’s kennels, and loved and cared for until it’s finally adopted is an individual to me – not just another puppy but a unique personality and character. To date, HKDR has found homes for about 7,000 such dogs, and while I can't claim to remember every one of them in detail, they have all made their mark on my life in one way or another.

pets

Pho

to: K

at K

uok.


family

open-air playgroupSwedish, Dagis-style playgroups meet regularly on Chung Hom Kok beach. Playgroup organizer Louise Sandberg runs the groups along Swedish lines with all sessions held outdoors, rain or shine, adhering to the Swedish premise that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.

“Early education is very important in Sweden as most mothers work and there is no helper system like in Hong Kong,” Sandberg explains. “Research shows that children benefit greatly from learning outdoors, with fewer illnesses and behavioural issues and generally happier children.”

The friendly group is run by professional Swedish early-education teachers with a ratio of one teacher to five children. Officially the group is unaccompanied, but there is no pressure for mums or helpers to leave if the child is more comfortable with them there.

“There is a schedule, but we’re very laissez faire. We start with a song, some playtime and sport, afternoon tea and then arts and crafts, and we finish with a story,” Sandberg says.

Sessions run for two and a half hours and cost $360 each, bookable by the term. Presently the sessions are held in Swedish, but Sandberg is keen to start English sessions if there is a demand.

“We need a minimum of seven children to

about 15 nationalities, including refugees from across Africa and Asia, as well as Chinese, Australian and British Hong Kong residents. The fortnightly playgroup has been such a success that Stutterd will be running weekly sessions from next month.

“We’re lucky in that we have a big space available so it is a very active playgroup,” says Stutterd. “We start with a welcome circle and greet each other in our different languages, then we have songs and dancing. Each session we welcome a special guest – in December, we welcomed James the guitarist from Rwanda, Simon the drummer from Togo and a Filipino singer. Then there is free play followed by snacks (provided by us) and a drink.”

The sessions run from 11am to 12.30pm at premises in Kennedy Town and cost $150. Profits are ploughed back into the playgroup.For details, email [email protected]. 2013 sessions start on January 17.

Church-led playgroupSt Stephen’s chapel in Stanley runs a regular parents and todders’ group on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9.15am to 11.15am for children from birth to three years old. Each session includes indoor play, outdoor play, arts and craft activities, snack time and song time. For details, contact Helen Hattam at [email protected].

run a playgroup and I’m happy to start up new groups in different areas,” she says.For details, email [email protected] or visit www.dagishk.org.

Multi-cultural playgroupDanielle Stutterd of refugee charity Vision First started the Cultural Diversity Playgroup six months ago to give refugees and their children in Hong Kong – who have no official status – the chance to mix with Hong Kong residents.

Studderd welcomes children from six months to three years with their carers and estimates each session has representatives of

out and about with the Dagis playgroup.

Three groups to keep the under-fives busy on dull January days. By Carolynne Dear.

Play away


circle time

Carolynne Dear rediscovers the “joys” of a family Christmas.

Four kids and a life

My husband has decided to whisk the family off to Macau for the weekend to blow away the cobwebs of one more Christmas past.

It started so well. Not one, but two sets of grandparents showed up at Chek Lap Kok last month, laden with suitcases stuffed with presents for four over-excited grandchildren. It was our first extended family Christmas in 13 years and I envisaged grandfathers chuckling from the couch as the grandchildren happily ripped open presents, grandmothers sipping sherry and giving me a hand with the canapés, and all of us bopping away to Mariah Carey on shuffle. I could practically smell the home-cooked turkey.

Christmas Day dawned early with the four-year-old making his first appearance at 4.30am. By the time the oldest generation made their appearance at a leisurely 9am, the presents were open and it was Playstation all the way till lunch-time. I sweated over the

pans in the kitchen and everyone else drank – and drank and drank some more – to drown out Lego Batman on the PS3.

After lunch, I (foolishly) dragged out Trivial Pursuits. Hey, what’s Christmas without a board game? But old age, jet-lag and way too much Veuve made this particular game more controversial than the chief exec’s conservatory.

The worst moment came when one grandmother answered “South Bank” to the innocently worded question, “Where is HMS Belfast moored in London?” Personally, I had no idea and cared less, but oh my goodness, those elder family members certainly did.

“Technically it’s not South Bank, it’s off Queen’s Walk, which is much further along,” chipped in my mother.

“But the card says South Bank,” my husband replied equably.

“Well, the card is wrong,” retorted my mother. “I’ve lived in London most of my life, I should know.”

At which point I went to “see” to the mince pies, while the debate about London’s geography raged on. It culminated with neither grandfather daring to back up their wives and my mother-in-law storming out “for a breath of fresh air”.

So here we are in 2013 with the grandparents safely homeward bound, while we head to Macau for 48 hours of fun and relaxation. To the children’s delight, tech will be allowed. As for board games, they have been well and truly left at home.

Carolynne Dear is a journalist and full-time mother-of-four.


hikes

Continue down Wing On Street, the main market alley with lots of shops and cafés. At the end of the street, take the track uphill and turn right under an archway. Carry on up the steps to your left.

At the top of this leafy hill is the Peng Chau Rural Committee building, a nice old place with pavilions to either side. Bear right to walk around the building and take in the view of the Lantau coast with the Trappist Monastery perched high in a steep valley.

Descend by steps to the main track and turn right to reach a small Taoist temple guarded by stone lions. Go straight ahead and keep left to pass the gateway of the Yuen Tung Buddhist temple.

Pete Spurrier takes Peng Chau in his stride.

Island flingA tiny island sheltered by the bulky hills of Lantau, Peng Chau is a busy little place. A traditional fishing settlement, it was once also home to Southeast Asia’s largest match factory. Remains of the old workshops, and of ancient lime kilns, can still be found. A gentle two-hour walk around the island is a miniature heritage tour.

Take the ferry from Central’s Pier 6 to Peng Chau, turn right and walk beneath a row

of big old trees to the tiny Tin Hau temple. Its age is not known, but it was restored in 1798. A pair of couplets inside the temple record the surrender of Hong Kong’s most infamous pirate, Cheung Po-tsai. Outside, an 1825 stone tablet records the islanders’ appeal for an end to the practice of Qing soldiers hiding in fishing boats to ambush pirates, as it ruined their livelihood. Their request was granted.

A gentle two-hour walk around the island is a

miniature heritage tour.


a round trip

Pete Spurrier is the author of The Leisurely Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong and The Serious Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong (FormAsia).

A few more steps lead to Tung Wan bay, where the Lung Mo, “Dragon Mother”, temple looks out to sea. It recalls a woman who raised five baby dragons, which later returned to protect her from the Emperor.

Turn left to walk north along the shore and turn inland at the pink building. Soon you’ll find a small but brightly painted temple to Kam Fa, goddess of the golden flower. Kam Fa was a girl who secretly learned kung fu from her father and used it to rob the rich and help the poor. Photos on the wall show the lion dances that take place every year to celebrate her birthday.

Just below the temple lies the main street. The pier is in sight, but you may want to stay on the island for dinner. Alternatively, a kaido village ferry leaves about once an hour until 10pm for Discovery Bay and its high-speed ferry service to Central.

Now you’re well away from the urban world. The valley below is still agricultural: old village houses, orchards and ponds. Keep left at the fork to pass through Tai Wo village. At the crossroads, go straight ahead – the path drops down to an organic farm. It delivers fruit and vegetables to island kitchens, and weekend gardeners can rent plots.

Returning to the crossroads, turn right onto the hillside. At a map board, take the path up

to the top of Finger Hill. It’s not very high, but it offers a 360-degree panorama of the town, the Western Harbour and the outlying islands.

Back at the mapboard, turn right and descend into the town. At the church, go straight ahead beside the playground then turn right. Take a look at Chi Yan School, its entrance framed by palm trees. Built in the 1930s, it bears the emblem of the Kuomintang, which was then in power in China.


What does –25 degrees Celsius feel like? Looking at the locals at Harbin Airport arrivals gate – all casual corduroys and lumberjack jackets sans hats and gloves – it doesn’t seem that bad.

Then the automatic doors retreat sideways. The cold is brutal and the wind savage. I clutch my turtleneck to fend off the stabbing Siberian gusts, but it isn’t much help. My breath solidifies almost instantly on the thick yarn, turning the collar into a frosty little scarf. I must look comical because a man smoking nearby gives me a sidelong smile and shouts in a thick northern Chinese accent: “Silly girl! Put on a pair of gloves!”

But I’m not sure gloves are going to be enough.

I dig out some heavy-duty skiwear and try again, finally making it to a taxi. With the heater on full blast, I ask the driver to take me straight to the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. On the brand new six-lane tollway, fir trees and yellow brick houses fly past the windows and snow-trucks shoot out jets of powdery confetti that glow prettily in the roadside LEDs. It’s 4pm, and the sun is setting.

The traffic slows and finally gridlocks as the peppering of houses gives way to high-rise fortresses, softened by marshmallow snow drifts.

travel

Harbin City, the Oriental Moscow, sits 500km from the Russian border but it was once under Russian rule – and it shows. It was established in 1900 by a Polish engineer working on the Chinese Eastern Railway, which was financed by the Russian Empire. So it’s little wonder that Harbin looks romantically European, with avant-garde wrought-iron bus stops and baroque footbridges that connect the interminable rows of art nouveau apartment blocks. Without the stagnant traffic (a characteristic of modern China) and Chinese signs for “Hot noodles” or “Harbin sausages”, Harbin could be mistaken for Berlin or Zagreb.

It takes an hour to reach Songhua Avenue over the frozen Songhua River, the source of the ice for the magnificent sculptures that loom through the taxi’s windscreen. Our destination is Sun Island, the main site of the Ice and Snow Festival. This is no mere tourist attraction, but an entire town made of ice that glows turquoise, rose pink and lime from neon lights embedded in the frozen blocks.

I hand over RMB300 for an entrance ticket and glide and twirl through the slippery labyrinth-like ice town of pagodas, temples, arches and pavilions. It is incredibly festive, with horse-drawn

ice town kawai Wong chills in Harbin.

From top Club Med Yabuli at night; Asia’s longest alpine run; Club Med's ski-rental hall.


travel

carriages, children sledding down ice slides, and even a nightly Chinese opera. Vendors hawk colourful glazed fruit on sticks, and visitors warm up over coffee and instant noodles.

The next day I wake early to join the locals queuing for ka lie ba bread (khleb in Russian) and Harbin hong chang sausage for breakfast near Zhongyang Pedestrian Street. The 1.4km street dates back to 1898, although its baroque and Byzantine buildings now house international franchises such as Zara and Omega. In the side alleys, food stalls sell hazelnuts, fruit sticks and fresh bread. With signage in Chinese, Russian and English, the street has a distinct West-East flavour.

Another Harbin neo-Byzantine classic is the nearby Saint Sophia Orthodox church, the largest of its kind in Asia. Lit up at dusk, its onion domes and plaza setting resemble Red Square. The interior is less impressive, with fading murals, a half-hearted photo exhibition of old Harbin and little original decoration.

Ice sculptures and architecture aside, most people come to Harbin to ski. The city is a gateway to the Yabuli ski resort, a four-hour drive southeast. It’s more affordable than Japan, closer than Europe or North America, and has Asia’s longest alpine run at 2.68km.

It can even boast Club Med, one of the world’s largest chains of all-inclusive luxury resorts. The wind is making snow swirls at the corners of the European-style buildings as I dash from the car to reception. Inside, it’s comfortably heated, tastefully decorated and vast, with signs to a swimming pool, gym and outdoor Canadian hot tub.

The ski hall feels like the United Nations. Korean families fit their children with gear, a Czech ski instructor chats with a couple of Chinese skiing newbies and an Australian instructor babbles away at me, testing my skiing knowledge and promoting the resort’s events and facilities.

“There’s a Flying Trapeze show tonight. Let’s go for drinks at the bar after?” Known as

The snow is dry, well-groomed and

wonderfully powdery.

Clockwise from top: Saint Sophia orthodox Church; street signs in three languages on zhongyang

Street; hawkers selling nuts and glazed fruit sticks; and European-style architecture in Harbin.

GOs (genteel organisers), Club Med staff are a hybrid of teacher, performer and companion. They teach you to ski, perform at the various entertainments and party with you at night.

The Flying Trapeze is funny. The show is a tradition in most of the world’s 80 Club Med resorts and Yabuli’s interpretation is a family-friendly cross between Olympic gymnastics, the Chippendales and a West End production of Tarzan. Stuntmen flap about in the air, performers juggle with hats and the audience loves it. The show is a nice prelude to après-ski agendas. At the open bar some people are playing snooker while others mingle with GOs

or groove in the disco, where more GOs horse dance to Gangnam Style to get the crowd going.

Next day, fortified by a full breakfast (take your pick from French cheeses, charcuterie, salad, Chinese congee, noodles or a full English), I take to the slopes. The snow is dry, well-groomed and wonderfully powdery. I spend most of my time on the nursery slopes and its magic carpet ride. But more adventurous skiers can catch a gondola either halfway up the peak or all the way to the top and its advanced alpine piste. It’s a 5km Nordic trail used for training by China’s national teams. When it’s -25 degrees C, there are few better places to be.


travel

What is The Hideaways Club?Some people spend millions buying overseas properties, enduring the significant cost and hassle of ownership, but end up using them only a few weeks of the year. The Hideaways Club provides that luxury holiday experience, while reducing the cost and providing a much greater choice. Essentially, members invest HK$1.65 million-$3.12 million in a fund that buys and owns holiday properties, entitling them to a share of the fund and two to six weeks’ stay in the properties (for details, visit www.thehideawaysclub.com).

How can we join?The Hideaways Club is for high-net-worth individuals who consider holiday time with friends and family as an important part of their lives. The investment level, and the medium- to long-term nature of any property-related investment, mean members should be prepared to commit for at least three years. Potential members should apply to The Hideaways Club in Gibraltar for a thorough

selection process that can take six weeks. So far just 350 people have been selected to become members worldwide.

What’s your favourite property?Santisook, our spectacular villa in Phuket, on a private headland near Kata Beach. The setting is beautiful, with an exquisite sea view from the rooftop swimming pool, and the staff is superb – our local concierge is the best Thai chef I have met. I took my family and friends there in August, and with five teenagers in the party, we made full use of the cinema, gym, snooker room and pool.

What is your most memorable travel experience?Riding a camel through local Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco while

Hideouts from homeThe Hideaways Club offers luxury holiday homes without the hassle. CEo ian Johnston explains.

staying at Dar Hasnaa, one of two Hideaways properties near Marrakech.

Top three travel tips?Always pack one more shirt than you think you’ll will need (two in Singapore), carry travel power adaptors for each location, and seek reliable local advice about the best restaurants and activities.

The pool at Santisook, Phuket.



motoring

They say you should never meet your heroes as you'll only be let down. A recent discussion among friendly automotive aficionados about hero cars – the most iconic cars of all time – got me thinking. At the top of our collective lists was the Ferrari 365 GTB/4, unofficially known as the Ferrari Daytona.

This impossibly stylish, Pininfarina-styled berlinetta masterpiece was the undisputed champion in our cool category. Lean and athletic, its long distinctive bonnet made it intuitively understood that this car had immense power. The consummately cool Daytona effortlessly conveyed aggression without anger.

Launched at the Paris Motor Show 1968, the Daytona was an immediate hit, selling more than 1,400 units as customers responded eagerly with their cheque books. Notable early owners included Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, who each purchased more than one example. Designer Ralph Lauren, who has one of the world’s most important classic car collections, owns every significant classic Ferrari. It’s appropriate the first Ferrari that inspired him was a Daytona. He once said, “I was coming out of the Connaught Hotel in London and saw a black Daytona. What is that car? I thought it was fantastic. And I fell in love with it and I said, where can I get this?”

The Daytona commands an arresting presences oozing confidence and authority. Just looking at it is a visual treat. But how is it to drive? It was time to meet my hero car. Thankfully my friend, Alex, owns an immaculate example and generously encouraged me to find out.

Settling into the cabin swathed in vintage leather, I feasted on cool details such as the

Meeting a hero kevin Yeung lives the dream in a Ferrari Daytona.

charismatic metal rocker switches. But I was here with the key in the ignition to drive it. The Daytona wakes with a deep but smooth roar before settling into a perfect idle. Once the car’s fluids were warm, we set off.

My first impression is that it is disarmingly easy to drive and my fear that it would be difficult to operate evaporated. Alex instructed me to drive with purpose and engage deliberately.

The 352-horsepower, free-revving V12 pulls smoothly without hesitation all the way to 7,500 rpm and is accompanied by a symphony of sounds. Starting from a rumble, it quickly layers into a multi-textured roar before finishing with a proper vintage-racer’s bark instead of a modern V12’s scream. Just going up and down the power band is addictive.

The ride remains composed when hustled through a series of challenging corners. It still feels properly fast so I can only imagine how amazing it must have been for Jagger and Clapton back in 1968.

Pho

to: D

aryl

Cha

pman


va-va-vroom

The Daytona was the last front-engine Ferrari supercar until its spiritual successor, the Ferrari 550, was introduced in 1996. Then last year, 44 years after the Daytona, Ferrari introduced the F12 – its reigning king and the most powerful road car in the company’s history. They may be four decades apart, but just one passing glance at the F12 and the Daytona’s bloodline is abundantly apparent.

But after our “meeting”, it’s the Daytona that remains my hero.

Kevin Yeung is a Southside resident and entrepreneur. He is a founder of Feeding Hong Kong and a motoring enthusiast.


people cool days

Welcoming winter on Southside.

oh snap!

Below: St Stephen's Christmas fair.

Pho

tos:

Chr

istin

e O

r

Sai Kung_Reef_1214_OP.indd 1 14/12/12 4:21 PM


To advertise, email: [email protected] or call 2776 2772.

marketplace

PET BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS?BY YOUR PET?!!!STRESSED

Hong Kong’s first and onlyBehavioural Veterinary Practice

Tel: 9618 [email protected]

can help resolve aggression, fear, anxiety, separation related problems, compulsive disorders, inappropriate toileting, noise phobias etc.

Not all behavioural problems are simply training issues.

Dr. Cynthia SmillieBVM&S PG Dip CABC MRCVS

www.petbehaviourhk.com


marketplace


marketplace


marketplace

bird at my window

David Diskin is a writer and photographer based in the new Territories. His latest book is Hong Kong Nature Walks: Kowloon, Hong Kong & Outlying Islands (october 2012). Details at www.accipiterpress.com.

The feral pigeon is one of the most familiar birds because of its close relationship to man. Domestic and feral breeds originate from the rock dove, which has a natural range covering Europe, North Africa and southern Asia. It is a cliff-dweller, living either on sea cliffs as in Britain, or rocky canyons as in Israel.

The feral pigeon was first domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean 5,000-10,000 years ago, mainly for food, although in Egypt it was a sacred bird associated with fertility. It has been widely bred ever since for consumption and for racing. Racing pigeons have a special ability to find their way home even across hundreds of kilometres.

Wild populations of feral pigeons that have escaped or been released from captivity have become established around the world well beyond the natural range of the rock dove. They are particularly associated with cities where the ledges of buildings substitute for rocky cliffs.

They are widespread in Hong Kong and can be found in a variety of habitats from the dome of Kowloon mosque to the fields of Long Valley near Sheung Shui. Racing pigeons occasionally turn up on Po Toi – the special bands on their legs indicate these birds are from Taiwan.

The feral pigeonaka Columba livia


nATionAL HArBour rEnoVATionSHome and office reno upgrades.Plumbing, electrical and handyman services.Call Charles [email protected]

ShenZhen DayTrip Shopping Hk 2,000 with 7-SeatersLighting MallFurniture MallArt villageHomedecoration , Carpet and Rugs.Franki (90362128)[email protected]

if both parents die together, children become Wards of Court. A HK orphanage would likely be their new home! For quick, simple and affordable Wills, call Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 Email: [email protected]

Asian SlateGeoff DaviesSpecializing in all types of roofing and waterproofingComplete renovations, Hard and Soft LandscapingContact Mobile 6075 6694 Office 2809 4494Email: [email protected]

insurance: Home, Motor, MedicalWe are HK’s leading general insurance broker. Call for an instant quote or visit the website www.kwiksure.com. Call Christian on +852 3113 1331 or [email protected]

inSurAnCE

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PriVATE rESiDEnCE ~ $26.8MSOLE AGENT - Gorgeous 2100sf Detached 4 Bedroom Family Home. Private 1750sf Walled Terrace & Garden with STT. Quiet, Exclusive, Sought After Location. Green Views. Ref ~ SK414www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

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

Phutket Villa for rentalThis stunning Phuket villa is designed around the large private swimming pool with a large garden and 3 en-suite bedrooms comfortable sleeping 6. Villa Apsana is magnificent not only in design but also in location. It is only 10 minutes drive to Surin and 2 minutes to Bang Tao Beach and even less than that from the exclusive Laguna Golf Club.www.villaapsana.comElizabeth: [email protected], +852 9193 6358

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Stunning zen Style Decor $120kFabulous for Entertaining.3 Bedrooms with Study, Fully Fitted Kitchen & Fabulous Bathrooms. Landscaped Lawn Garden with Private Pool, Roof Terrace Garden with Green and Sea Views.Ref ~ SK402www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 C-027656

[email protected] 2772


The Samaritans’ Support group for People Bereaved by SuicideAn English-speaking support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, 8 pm, The Mariners’ Club, TST. Free & confidential. For further information, please tel 2896 0000 or check http://www.samaritans.org.hk

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

Domestic helper seeks full time employer. Jacqueline Liagon, 44yrs old, filipino (married with 2 children). Experience in household chores, children, pets, elderly, babysitting. I'm hardworking, flexible, can work independently. Experience in expat family and chinese family. Pls call my mobile no.92478937. References from previous employers are available on hand. Thanks.

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

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

DonATE CLoTHES, SHoES, BookS, toys and electrical appliances in good condition. Reach out to help the poor and disadvantaged men, women and children in our communities. All profits help the needy in Hong Kong and mainland China. Collection hotline: 2716 8778. Donation hotline: 2716 8862. Website: www.christian-action.org.hk Blog: http://siewmei.cahk.org Email: [email protected]

urgEnT! Dog FooD SPonSorSSai kung Stray FriendsWe have approximately 35 dogs on our daily "meal supply".The cost is $2,222 every 8 days. If you would like to donate to help please deposit directly into our a/c: HSBC 004640085486001Receipts can be issued. Much appreciated!

rEgiSTEr AS A VoLunTEErGive a few hours of your time to Sai Kung Stray Friends. If you want to do something worthwhile come and help at our holding facility in Sai Kung. Any day or time suitable to you. Various tasks, sweeping, cleaning, dog walking, paddock Mum or just providing some love to the dogs. Dads are welcome too for mowing duty!Email: [email protected] Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)

VoLunTArY PoSiTionS nEEDEDSai kung Stray Friends*Kennel Carer - 1 or 2 days per week*Weekend Sai Kung Homing Team*Fundraising Director*Website director*Daily Meals on Wheels delivery roster*Rescue & DesexingJoin us in our local community initiative to help our beautiful animals.Email: [email protected] Narelle: 9199.2340 (English) Jessie: 9097.4591 (Chinese)

no need to go to Central....Cambridge Weight Plan has experienced consultants on the Southside and in Pokfulam. We help you create an easy-to-manage flexible weight loss plan and provide motivation and support every step of the way. Call our friendly local consultants today! Paula 92760911 and Laila [email protected]

DoMESTiC HELP

TuiTion AnD CourSES CHAriTiES / CoMMuniTY

HEALTH & WELL BEing

random but interesting

AdverTise your business And geT greAT resulTs!

Email [email protected] for classifieds booking or call 2776 2772

LiVE BAnD SCHooLWAnT To PLAY in A BAnD ?Calling all singers, guitarists, bass players and drummers. Join our Band Workshops in Causeway Bay. Ages from 12 to 18Contact : [email protected]

Judo & Martial Art Class6302 0999


aa Mini store3483 1693 / 6977 6107 | www.aa-aquarium.com

attic lifestyle2580 8552

[email protected] | www.attic-lifestyle.comCalcite indoor environment

3428 5441 | [email protected]

Chez Uno2791 9662 / 2723-8990 | www.chezuno.com

COMOdO interior & furniture design2808 0991 | [email protected]

www.comododesign.comeco living

2792 7998 | [email protected] | www.ecoliving.hkindigo living ltd.

2552 3500 | [email protected] www.indigo-living.com

JCaW Consultants2524 9988 | [email protected]

Pakpersian Carpets Hong Kong2549 012 / 9192 9594

[email protected]

studio annetta9849 1216 | [email protected]

www.studioannetta.comlift lifestyle international ltd.

3907 [email protected] | www.liftlifestyle.com

anastassia's art House2719 5533

[email protected]

Craft Box9014 3262

[email protected]

Grand Pianowww.grandpiano.hk

iTs3188 3946

[email protected] for Children

2813 [email protected]

www.montessori.edu.sgMorningstar Preschool and Kindergarten


Orton-Gillingham Centre for different learners2525 8998

[email protected]

sunshine House Pre-schools Hong Kong2813 0713

[email protected] learning

2873 [email protected] | www.educate.com

MiT Programs2573 6623 | www.mitprograms.hk

PeKiP2573 6623 | www.pekip.com.hk

Bebegarten3487 2255 | www.bebegarten.com

island dance2987 1571 | [email protected]

www.islanddance.com.hkKidville

2892 8893 | www.kidville.hk

the ultimate guide to southside

elite Nursing ltd.2566 [email protected]

COMMUNiTY & HealTH

7-eleven 2299 1110

Circle K Convenience stores (HK) limited2294 9164

City lifestyle2856 1817 (Stanley)

2580 1314 (Aberdeen)Mannings2553 3244

Market Place by Jasons2812 0340Parknshop2294 9327

Taste2813 9521Wellcome2813 9363

dailY NeCessiTies

Box design2573 3323 [email protected]

HOMe leaRNiNG CeNTRes

The Telo’s Group lCCwww.telosgroupllc.com

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong2956 1234 | http://hongkong.grand.hyatt.com

le Meridien Cyberport Hotel2980 7788

One island south 2118 2992 | [email protected]

The arcade, Cyberport3166 3111 | [email protected] | arcade.cyberport.hk

stanley Plaza2296 9634 | www.thelinkreit.com

Habitat Property ltd2869 9069 | [email protected]

www.habitat-property.coml’Hotel island south


Real-esTaTe aNd HOTels

Jones lang lasalle2846 5000

www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk

China light & Power emergency services2728 8333

China light & Power Customer info line2678 2678

electrical appliance Repair Hong KongMr Ho

9846 8082st John ambulance assn & Brigade dist Hq

2555 0119 Tung Wah Group Of Hospitals

2538 5867Typhoon emergency Centre

2773 2222Water fault Reports

2811 0788Water supplies department

2824 5000

UTiliTies, seRViCes & eMeRGeNCY

GeT lisTedcall 2776 2772 email [email protected]

Kaprice2509 1133 | [email protected]

www.kapriceonline.comNuan Cashmere

[email protected] | www.nuancashmere.comsabai day spa — stanley

2104 0566 | www.sabaidayspa.comsense of Touch

2517 0939 | [email protected] Bespoke Tailor

www.kingstonbespoke.com

itsie Bitsie Boutique2565 0818

fasHiON & BeaUTY

The american Club Hong Kong2842 7400 | [email protected]

www.americanclubhk.comCaritas-HK

2538 7777 / 2550 7620feeding HK

2205 6568 | http://feedinghk.orgWatermark Community Church


Homeopathy to Health6908 3234 | www.homeopathytohealth.org

Repulse Bay family [email protected]

Wellness & birth, pre & postnatal home care9022 1779 | www.wellnessandbirth.com

[email protected]

directory

Bank of China (Hong Kong) limited2553 4165 / 2553 0135

Bank Of Communications 2553 6281 / 2553 8282 Hang seng Bank ltd

2822 0228 standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) limited

2814 0845 The Bank of east asia limited

3609 1651/ 3609 1637/ 3609 1636

fiNaNCial seRViCes

everfine Membership services limited2174 7880 | [email protected]

www.evergolf.com.hksum Hing Carton Box [email protected] | www.boxx.hk

Truly Care Pest Control services2458 8378

[email protected] | www.trulycare.com.hkTai Pan Valet shop

[email protected]

OTHeR seRViCes

animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | [email protected]

www.petbehaviourhk.comanimal emergency Centre


ferndale Kennels & Cattery2792 4642

www.ferndalekennels.comPacific Pets @ stanley Veterinary Centre / Pet shop


Pets Central North Point Hospital2811 8907

[email protected] Veterinary Centre


Vet2Pet6999 1003

[email protected] | www.vet2pet.com.hkThe Vet 88

Dr med. vet. Kerstin Meyer9388 6756 | [email protected]

PeTs & VeTs

Crown Relocations2636 8388 | [email protected]

www.crownrelo.com/hongkongexpert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse

2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hkscorpion RiBs Hong Kong


Heavens Portfolio2571 3018 | [email protected]

www.heavensportfolio.comClub Med

3111 9388 | www.clubmed.com.hkelite Charters

5434 [email protected] | www.elitecharters.hk

Webjet HKUnit 1706, Bea Tower, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kln, Hong Kong2313 [email protected]

TRaNsPORT & TRaVel seRViCes

lucy's2813 9055

Prompt (international Buffet)2980-47417 | [email protected]

www.lemeridien.com/hongkongRestaurant & Bar Umami (Japanese)

2980 47406www.lemeridien.com/hongkong

Organic experience Management Group2981 2888

www.organicxp.comCafe deco Group

2108 4467Castello del Vino

2866 0587 / 77 | [email protected] Caffe’ Monteverdi

2559 0115Veritas Wine

9757 3557 | [email protected] studio by eddy


www.facebook.com/chefstudiohkedible arrangements

2295 1108 / 2385 0158 | www.EdibleArrangements.hkGolden Goose Gourmet


www.goldengoosegourmet.com

south stream seafoodsUnits 202-204, lai sun Yuen long Centre, 27 Wang Yip st east, Yuen long, N.T. Hong Kong2555 [email protected]

fOOd & BeVeRaGe

Holistic fitness & Therapy9667 0940 | [email protected]

www.holisticnaresh.comNonie studio

2333 2027 / 5198 9903Power fit studio

3621 0180 | www.powerfitstudio.com.hkPrimal strength


flex studio2813 2212 | [email protected] | www.flexhk.com

Hypoxi2537 6637 | [email protected]

www.hypoxi.hk

Weight Watcher2813 0814 | [email protected]

sOCial, sPORTs & eQUiPMeNT


Bouncy Kids9228 5772

[email protected]

Bumps to Babes2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store)2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch)

www.bumpstobabes.comCosmo Beebies


www.cosmobeebies.comHong Kong Toy Club


www.HongKongToyClub.comPetit Bazaar (stanley)


www.facebook.com/petitbazaarUrbandiscovery


apple & Pie ltd.Unit# 206, One island south, 2 Heung Yip Road,Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong (near Ocean Park)3102 0853 | [email protected]

TOYs, aCCessORies & Kids' PaRTies

asian artworks Gallery2812 0850

Broadway Circuit 2529 3898dymocks2803 1623

anthony Buckley and Constantine Portrait Photographers


www.buckleyconstantine.co.ukVenture Photography

2885 6262www.venturephotography.com/hk

Hong Kong arts festivalwww.hk.artsfestival.org

MUlTiMedia

Southside magazine continues to extend its reach in our community, here is the latest in distribution news.

Larvotto Due to popular demand, we’ve increased distribution to Larvotto by 30%. This marine-themed luxury residential complex offers unmatched waterfront views and is only 5 minutes from upscale shopping at Horizon Plaza. Southside Magazine can be found at the Larvotto clubhouse on the coffee tables of many of its residents.

Pok Fu Lam- Kellett School- Kennedy School- Sunshine House Chi Fu- Sunshine House Pokfulam- Woodland Pokfulam Pre-School- Woodland Tree House

Cyberport- Baguio Villas- Bel-Air Clubhouse- Cyberport Arcade- Delaney’s- GoGym- International (Park N Shop)- Kosmo Plus Wellness Cafe- Le Meridien Hotel Cyberport- Scenic Villas- Starbucks- Thaima-V

Ap Lei Chau- Bumps to Babes- Chapin House- Everything Under The Sun- Indigo- Indigo Kids- Indigo Outlet- Larvotto- Little Picasso Studio- Okooko- Pacific Gourmet- Tequila Kola- Shambala Cafe- Tree

Deep Water Bay- Beach Club- Coco Thai- Hong Kong Country Club- Park N Shop

Aberdeen- Aberdeen Marina Club- Flex Studio- Golden Goose Gourmet- Hong Kong Country Club- Jadewater- Leader Golf Training Centre- One Island South- Ovolo, Shek Pai Wan- Park N Shop- Singapore International School- Top Deck- Wicka Designs- Woodland Harbourside Pre-School

Stanley- Beach Club- Boathouse- Cafe De Paris- Cafe Groucho’s- Chez Patrick- Cheers Real Estate Limited- The Chocdate Room- Classified- Haagen Dazs- Lucy’s on the Front- Mijas- Pickled Pelican- Pizza Express

- Ricacorp Properties- Rocksalt

- Saigon in Stanley- Smuggler’s Inn- Spiaggia

- Stan Cafe- Stanley Main Street Bar & Cafe

- Stanley Veterinary Centre- Starbucks- Taste Supermarket

- Watson’s Wine- Wildfire

The Peak- Cafe Deco The Peak- Delifrance- Haagen-Dazs- International (Park N Shop)- Pho Yummee- Starbucks- Sunshine House The Peak- The Peak Lookout Café- Woodland Pre-School The Peak

Cyberport

Chi Fu

Pok Fu Lam

Aberdeen

Shouson Hill

Deep Water Bay

repulse Bay

Chung Hom kok

red Hill

The Manhattan

Tai TamParkview

Bel-AirBig Wave Bay

Shek o

Ap Lei Chau

Stanley

The Peak

repulse Bay- Anastassia’s Art House- Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons - HS Modern Art- Indigo- Manhattan Tower- Sense of Touch- OT & P- Spices- The Club- The Lily- The Somerset- The Verandah- Woodland Beachside Pre-School- The Woodland Montessori Pre-SchoolRepulse Bay

Manhattan TowerThis exclusive residential building, tucked away in a lush country park setting, houses some of the most stunning apartments on the Southside. All 40 units are 2,400 square feet with fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, teak floors and best of all, large balconies to soak up the breathtaking views of Deep Water Bay and the South China Sea. Southside Magazine is now conveniently placed at the Manhattan Tower reception.

Tai Tam / Shek o- American Club- Ben’s Bar- Craigengower Cricket Club- Fusion (Park'N Shop)- Happy Garden Restaurant- Hong Kong Cricket Club- Hong Kong International School- Hong Kong Parkview Resort & Spa- Hong Kong Parkview Suites- Lulu Shop- The Manhattan- Pacific View Residential Clubhouse- PIPS Kindergarten- Redhill Clubhouse- Shek O Chinese & Thai Restaurant- Shining Stone Restaurant- Soma Spa- Sunshine House Tai Tam- Wellcome, Red Hill Plaza- Woodland Tai Tam Montessori Pre-School

Wong Chuk Hang

one island SouthLocated in the elegant surrounding of Wong Chuk Hang, this highly prestigious office building with spacious design offers a fresh new world of unlimited potential for work, life and innovation. One Island South is ideally located with inspiring sea views of Deep Water Bay and lush greenery of Shouson Hill. Employees at One Island South can now find Southside Magazine located at the lobby.

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The repulse Bay Bel-Air

Cyberport Arcade Le Meridien Cyberport

redhill Peninsula The Manhattan

Pacific View Hong kong Parkview

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my southside

This is my second time in Hong kong. I started back in 1997 as a corporate professional in IT for a bank. The hours were crazy but I met my husband, Peter, and we travelled around as part of the firm – living in Singapore and London.

i was reluctant to live on the Southside when we returned to Hong Kong two years ago. I thought it was isolated from the things that make Hong Kong the city it is. But I was wrong. Stanley is so fun. I used to live in San Francisco – the only place to live in the US, by the way! – and the similarities with Hong Kong are wonderful. [They have] similarly striking combinations of mountains and sea, and a similar outdoor culture in terms of cycling and hiking.

Stanley has a real community. It is an old Hong Kong community, and it still has that local feel. I’m dating myself, but I used to hang out with the kids on my block in Los Angeles. We

would just walk up and knock on each other’s doors. As an expat, this can be hard to find.

i love that Stanley doesn’t feel like “expat land”; it feels like a proper neighbourhood.

in a way, this is why my business partner and I are launching the Stanley Wellness Centre.

i trained as a medical herbalist in Britain, what’s called a naturopath. Sometimes you need to visit a GP and get antibiotics, but simply popping pills is not healthy in the long term. They damage some of the body’s key bacterial ecosystems (in the gut, for instance), and their

Mother of two Jeanette Blanks gave up the corporate world to open a natural healthcare centre in Stanley.

Health, naturally Jeanette Blanks gets ready to

bring natural healthcare to Stanley.

casual use is creating drug-resistant superbugs. There is a space for natural therapies in tandem with more orthodox medical practices. And in this I saw an opportunity to offer a service and use my training to help people.

i met a wonderful osteopath named Damien Mouellic – he specializes in the musculoskeletal system. We share similar philosophies regarding treatments and the role of alternative medicine in society. Natural medicine, we believe, is all about empowering the individual to take charge of their health.

We decided to build a team of experts, combine our strengths, and create a centre for wellness where everyone can get all of their natural healthcare needs cared for in one place.

i am very excited about our launch. The Stanley Wellness Centre opens in late January at 120 Stanley Main Street, about 20 metres from Lucy’s and across the street from Studio S.

Stanley doesn’t feel like ‘expat land’.

Documents

Southside Magazine January 2013