FAMILY | FOOD | TRAVEL | ICE CREAM
July 2016
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The really useful magazine July 2016
PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Southside’s social life. THE PLANNER 8 Happening in July What’s on. NEWS 14 What’s going on? In your backyard. GIVEAWAYS 18 Free stuff Fab things to win. FIVE MINUTES WITH... 20 Halina Tam Miss Hong Kong 1994. LOCAL 22 Greenbelt under threat Environmental or historical preservation?
NEWS FROM THE GREENS 23 Getting territorial Illegal land use is rife in the New Territories. FEATURE 24 Seafood chatter A trip to Aberdeen Fish Market. EDUCATION 30 French International School The lowdown on the new campus. ARTS & CULTURE 36 King of arts An interview with Konstantin Bessmertny. EATING
BIG DAY OUT 44 Kam Shan Monkey Mountain Rory Mackay heads into the forest. TRAVEL 48 Pho the good times A weekend in Ho Chi Minh. YOGA YODA
HONG KONG CREATURES 56 The black-bearded tomb bat A nocturnal creature. SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 64 Instagram Pier The new favourite spot for photoholics.
52 Confessions of a yogi Victor Chau bares it all. HEALTH & BEAUTY 54 Let’s get physical Alternative workouts. PETS 56 Itchy and scratchy Dogs with skin problems.
40 Thrilla in vanilla Our favourite frozen treats.
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contributors
Juliette
Rory Mackay
Steffi Yuen
A big thank you to our wonderful cover star, who was snapped out and about in Stanley with her mum by our freelance photographer, Belinda Bamford. We hope you enjoyed your ice cream! Find out where to get your own frozen treat on page 40.
Growing up between Hong Kong and Scotland, Rory is no stranger to adventure. Whether scaling the munros in the Scottish Highlands, sailing to the North Pole or cycling solo across Africa, he loves to explore new places. Find out about his latest Hong Kong adventure on page 44.
Passionate about travel and animal rights, this former dolphin trainer, reporter and translator has been writing our Hong Kong Creatures column for years. Sadly, this month we say goodbye to Steffi as she starts a new adventure. We wish her the best of luck. Read her last creature feature on page 56.
Want to write for Southside Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk
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people Snaps from Southside
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say cheese
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people 2016 Royale International Kayak n Run, Deep Water Bay
Tapas by the Beach, Shek O
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people Stanley Half Marathon
Stanley Plaza Summer Jam
Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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planner
happening in July
JUL 9
Shek O Challenge
The first event in the world’s Open Water Swimming Series (wowss.org). The course - which starts at Big Wave Bay and finishes at Shek O Back Beach - comprises swimming, running and paddling events. For the first time there will also be a 600m Kids Swim for ten-17 year olds, not to mention water polo, a BBQ, DJ and prize presentation. 2pm, Big Wave Bay. openwaterasia.com
UNTIL JUL 3 PMQ Fruit Jamming Market Use fruit in a hundred different ways at this series of fun workshops. Cook up pitaya jam, orange wine and candied orange peels; create handmade lip balm and cooling beauty masks; join the raw food yoga workshop; or turn leftover fruit colours into tie-dye cloth. Free admission. PMQ Marketplace and Courtyard G/F.
UNTIL SEP 18 Corals: Our Underwater Living Treasures This exhibition - held in conjunction with Hong Kong University’s Swire Institute of Marine Science - raises awareness of the richness of corals in our own backyard with engaging displays, samples of species, talks and workshops. Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier 8, Central, hkmaritimemuseum.org
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JUL 1 Public holiday
getting your fill at the Lakeside BBQ Carnival. oceanpark.com.hk
JUL 1 - AUG 28 Ocean Park Summer Splash 2016
JUL 1 - SEP 12 Harmonic Motion
Join SpongeBob SquarePants and friends Patrick, Squidward and Mr Krabs - at Ocean Park this year for its annual Summer Splash. Enjoy the water attractions and rides before
Hand knitted textile playground for kids created by Japanese textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, Oval Atrium, 1/F, IFC Mall, Hong Kong, ifc.com.hk/en/mall/ for pre-registration.
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planner JUL 4-7 Hong Kong Fashion Week Designers from all over the world showcase their creations, including Spring/Summer catwalk presentations and fashion forecasts. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. Register in advance for free admission at hkfashionweekss.hktdc.com
JUL 9 Royale International Kayak n Run In teams of two, join the adult 4km kayak and 6km run; or the family 2km kayak and 4km run. 7.30am (family teams) or 8.30am (adults), Tai Tam Tuk, Tai Tam Bay. actionasiaevents.com
JUL 8 - AUG 7 International Arts Carnival
JUL 14 Bastille Day JUL 15 Fatboy Slim at Pacha Macau Re-live those ‘90s Ibiza nights when British DJ legend Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, at Pacha Macau. 9pm-late, early bird tickets $200 until July 5, or $250 from July 6-15, pachamacau.com
JUL 16 Run For a Cause - The Refugee Run
A host of fun productions throughout Hong Kong, including the International Children’s Film Carnival (which runs until August 14). Performances include The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Spot the dog, plus comedy, concerts, acrobatics and theatre. hkiac.gov.hk
Christian Action is raising money for refugees. Run either 2km or 4km. $100 registration fee (sponsorship donations encouraged). 8:30am, Pak Shek Kok Promenade. Contact runforacausehk@gmail.com for details.
JUL 20-26 Hong Kong Book Fair JUL 10 Dog Adoption Sunday - Kirsten’s Zoo Charity Meet dogs and puppies looking for stable homes and loving families. 1:30 pm-4:30pm, Rude - Bar and Lounge, Upper Basement, 79 Wyndham Street, Central. Free admission. For more info call, 5595 1933 or email kirstenszoo@gmail.com
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Over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries come together to cultivate a love of reading. This year’s theme will be Reading the World - Heroism and Romance of the Chinese Martial World. Over 300 events are planned for the week-long fair. $25/adult, $10/child, 10am-10pm, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, hkbookfair.hktdc.com
happening in July JUL 22 - AUG 7 Shrek The Musical Everyone’s favourite green ogre goes on his first international tour. In a faraway kingdom, things get ugly when Shrek - not a handsome prince turns up to rescue a feisty princess. The Venetian Theatre, Macau. Get tickets at cotaiticketing.com
JUL 27 Hong Kong Dog Rescue - Flag Day 2016 Flag sheets - covered with 55 dog ambassadors - will be on sale from 7am to 12:30pm, with all funds going towards rescuing Hong Kong’s abandoned dogs and educating the general public about dog welfare. Minimum donation of $300. Register to volunteer at hongkongdogrescue.com
JUL 30-31 Lan Kwai Fong Beer & Music Festival Over 100 beer brands, with unlimited supply from participating bars, restaurants and street booths. Plus live performances from up-andcoming rock, guitar and R&B bands. See lankwaifong.com for more info.
JUL 30 International Day of Friendship
JUL 31 Harry Potter Dawn Release Party Bookazine celebrates the release of the eighth Harry Potter story in the series - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts I & II: The Official Script Book of the Original West End Production by J K Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. 7.0110am, Bookazine, Prince’s Building, Central, bookazine.com.hk
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planner
BOOK NOW AUG 14 2016 Southern District Cross Country Run
SEP 13-25 Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
8:30am, Aberdeen Country Park. Register by July 10. Entry fee varies based on runner’s category.
Following a sell-out year in London’s West End, three successful UK tours and a season in Mumbai, the charmingly incompetent English gentlemen Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves are packing their bags for a trip to Hong Kong. The double act will be appearing at the Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. Tickets are available from hkticketing.com
AUG 16 Suede Live in Hong Kong British rock band Suede is appearing for one night in Hong Kong as part of a world tour following the release of their new album, Night Thoughts. They will be performing at AsiaWorld Expo, tickets on sale from hkticketing.com
AUG 24-29 Slide the City The largest outdoor water slide returns to Hong Kong. Slip and slide at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. This year promises more live music, food and drinks - and hopefully shorter queues than last year. 9am - 11pm. Tickets from $162 at www.slidethecity.hk. Central Harbourfront Event Space
DEC 8 - JAN 1 Wicked The spellbinding musical, which has cast its magic on more than 50 million theatre goers worldwide, will take to the stage at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz, find out how the wicked witch of the west became so wonderfully wicked. Tickets from $445 at hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
NOV 25-27 Roald Dahl’s The Twits Mr Twit has a hairy face and his beard is spiky and smells of sardines. Mrs Twit is just as awful. Earthworms as spaghetti and more revolting tricks from the gruesome couple. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tickets from $295 from hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.
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planner
Voyager of the Seas® Tonnage: 138,000 Revitalization date: Nov 2014
Royal Caribbean introduces the ultimate fun holiday for the whole family The Adventure Ocean® program An award-winning initiative by Royal Caribbean cruises to ensure that guests, no matter how young, have a fantastic time on-board. It provides educational, adventurous, and age appropriate games and activities that enable kids to interact with other junior cruisers of similar age and our cruise staff from all over the world.
Royal Baby and Tots (for 6 months to 3 years old) Tots - Exploration, cognitive skills and discovery are trained through playing toys. Parents will be encouraged to join in and witness their child's talents. Baby-sitting services* - Available at the Babies and Tots Nursery after 6pm. Includes a Royal Bed Time Story for a truly worry-free family holiday!
royal Kids (aged 3 to 11) Go on adventures and explore the world of science with games and activities including the eye-patched pirate game and Wacky Olympics! Other awesome activities include: · Pirate Night · Pyjama Party · Musical Play Parents can also join in on the fun with their kids through child-parent cupcake decorating classes* and make-your-own-stuffed-Pet-at-Sea workshops*!
The DreamWorks® Experience, an absolutely unforgettable adventure Exclusive on all Royal Caribbean’s Asian itineraries including Voyager of the Seas®. Guests can meet their favourite DreamWorks characters during parades and dancing shows orhaving breakfast* with them Promotion Offer: where everyone can join the fun. Book directly online on or
before 31 Jul 2016 to enjoy US$100 Onboard credit per stateroom Promotion Code: OBC0716
Departure date 10-Jul-16 (Sun) 17-Jul-16 (Sun) 21-Jul-16 (Thu) 26-Jul-16 (Tue) 31-Jul-16 (Sun) 5-Aug-16 (Fri) 9-Aug-16 (Tue) 14-Aug-16 (Sun) 19-Aug-16 (Fri)
Depart from and Arrive at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Number of Nights 7 4 5 5 5 4 5 5 8
Itinerary Xiamen (CN) , Nagasaki, Okinawa (JP) Sanya, Chan May (VN) Kaohsiung, Taipei, Hualien (TW) Nah Trang, Chan May (VN) Okinawa Overnight (JP) Sanya, Chan May (VN) Okinawa Overnight (JP) Nah Trang, Chan May (VN) Kochi, Hiroshima, Beppu (JP)
Cruise Fare from (HK$/pax) $6,068 up $5,118 up $5,918 up $6,418 up $6,918 up $5,268 up $6,918 up $6,168 up $7,898 up
Cruise fares include NCCF, accommodation, complimentary meals, snacks and drinks in selected dining venues; exclude service charges and gratuities, taxes, fees and port expenses and are quoted per pax on twin-sharing basis in Hong Kong dollars. * Extra cost applied and subject to availability
Unique facilities: FlowRider®, the RockWall®, mini-golf, and ice-skating, plus Broadway style entertainment.
Royal Caribbean Hong Kong www.royalcaribbean.com.hk
+(852) 3189 3200
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news
in your backyard
FATHER-AND-SON TEAM RACE TO VICTORY
Father-and-son duo, Kurt and Taiki Lynn, have raced to victory in the family category of this year’s Royale International Kayak n Run competition at Deep Water Bay. The competition was held just 12 hours after Hong Kong’s first typhoon of the year. The pair - part of Team Gatorade - had to navigate a 1.5km kayaking route followed by a 2.5km run.
They managed to take home the First Place trophy, despite having had little practice they had only returned from holiday the day before.“Taiki was fast. The kayaking was fast and he ran fast - all I could do was follow him,” said proud father, Kurt. Congratulations to the pair of you! The Tai Tam Bay race takes place on July 11.
MAN BITTEN BY SNAKE IN WATERFALL BAY Last month, a man nearly died after refusing to seek immediate hospital treatment for a toxic snake bite. Mr Chan, 67 years old, returned to his Waterfall Bay apartment in response to a call from his wife that there was a snake in the house. While trying to catch the snake himself - with just a thin pair of rubber gloves as protection - he was bitten on his left hand. Despite the wound turning black, Chan caught the snake and posed for a picture with it before heading to Queen Mary Hospital. He arrived at the hospital with the snake a whole 90 minutes after being bitten. Hospital staff rushed to give him the appropriate antitoxin shots. The snake was later identified as the venomous Naja Atra, also known as the Chinese or Taiwanese cobra. Chan was released from hospital after three days. Doctors warn against anyone bitten by a snake trying to capture it, instead urging victims to seek immediate hospital treatment.
NEW EDUCATION CENTRE IN ONE ISLAND SOUTH Need somewhere to take your little ones after school? New to One Island South, Auntie Tam’s Education Centre runs a Homework Club from 2-9pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm on Saturday, with educators in English, Mandarin and Maths on hand to provide assistance.
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Rates start at $3,800 per month for 10 months per year. There’s also an arts and crafts area, a library and several computer stations. If you need a break from babysitting, drop the children off at the Kids’ Zone where they can use the facilities as they wish for $150 an hour. Summer
clubs, parties and private tuition also available. Head to the grand opening on July 1 to find out more. Those who sign up for Homework Club on the day get 50 percent off on the first month of membership. Find out more at www.auntietamscentre.com
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news PRICES REVEALED FOR NEW MTR SOUTH ISLAND LINE
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in your backyard The Transport Department (TD) has revealed fare estimates for new MTR South Island line. In a document provided to the Southern District Council, the TD estimates that journeys from Southern District MTR stations to stations on the Island Line will cost between $5.2 and $8; those to Kowloon East stations on the Kwun Tong line could cost up to $13.8. Fares between single stations on the new line come in at $4.4. Prices are higher than current bus fares, but passengers should save time: the journey from Admiralty to Ocean Park will take just four minutes, 21 minutes less than the current bus route. Since the opening of the new line is expected to attract bus passengers, the TD has suggested cancelling certain bus routes between the Southern and Central districts. The 629 bus service from Admiralty to Ocean Park will be reduced to five rides in the morning; the route itself will be adjusted to run between the Star Ferry in Central and Ocean Park. Services of another ten bus routes in the district may also be reduced or merged, with the possibility of further changes once the line is up and running.
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win at www.southside.hk
GIVEAWAYS
enter to win! HYPOXI
MAZU SWIMWEAR
Hypoxi is a targeted weight loss system which helps to shape specific areas of your body. With summer vacations on the horizon, we have six Hypoxi training sessions worth nearly $4,000 to giveaway to help you get in those lastminute workouts. www.hypoxi.com.hk
Mazu pays homage to Hong Kong’s rich maritime heritage. In a bid to raise awareness about the plight of pink dolphins and their struggle to survive, Mazu has dedicated this unique pattern to the endangered species. Proceeds from every pair of pink dolphin trunks sold will benefit the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society. We are giving away a Father-andSon set worth $2,200. www.mazuswimwear.com
Deadline: July 25
Deadline: July 26
CHEWSWIZE
CIAO CHOW
Snack box company ChewsWize delivers healthy snacks to your door every week. Subscribers can personalise each box by choosing from over 40 great tasting snacks, free from artificial colouring, preservatives and trans fats. We’re giving away a six-week subscription worth $528. Choose from the Original, Skinny (snacks under 150 calories) or Kids Box. www.chewswize.com
Ciao Chow specialises in authentic Neapolitan pizza using its specially-imported ovens and the finest seasonal ingredients. We’re giving away a family brunch for two adults and one child, worth over $1,200. www.ciaochow.com.hk
Deadline: July 27
Deadline: July 22
BENEFIT COSMETICS Benefit’s new Brow Collection of easy-touse products is here to help you magically transform your brows. We’re giving away four items from the new collection, plus a coupon for a signature brow wax, worth over $1,000 in total. Never have a bad brow day again! www.benefitcosmetics.com/hk Deadline: July 28
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe
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five minutes with... Editorial Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk
tamtrums and tiaras
HALINA TAM The former Miss Hong Kong talks to Robyn Or about acting and selling fish balls. balls, rice rolls and three stuffed treasures. The Tsim Sha Tsui branch is new and sells fried sushi and afternoon tea.
Contributing Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk
Thanks to
We had to overcome a few hurdles, for example, understanding district characteristics. We once found a fresh fruity popsicle from a supplier which we thought customers would love in the summer, but it turned out people expect savoury snacks from us. It’s a process of trial and error.
Publisher
My role in the shop is to be an all-rounder. When it’s lunchtime (peak hour), I stay at the back and prepare the food - cutting the rice rolls and stuffing the three treasures. In the afternoon, I usually stand in the front of the shop so I can chat with customers and get their feedback. I always prepare soup for my partners and staff. I hope they can work happily with me.
Design Senior Graphic Designer Cindy Suen cindy@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Sérgio Marçal sergio@fastmedia.com.hk
Allison Nacino Amanda Sheppard Dr Anders Kulhavy Belinda Bamford Carolynne Dear Divya Parekh Kristy Wong Paul Zimmerman Rebecca Simpson Robyn Ma Robyn Or Rory Mackay Steffi Yuen Stephanie Kim Victor Chau
Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
Published by
Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
I lived in Wah Fu Estate when I was young. My home was near the seaside so it was comfortable during summer time. I could see Waterfall Bay and Lamma island from the windows. After school, my neighbours and I would roller skate together outside our homes. At that time my mother was a hawker selling pajamas. In the mornings, I would go with her to the market before school. It was fun - I would get free soy milk, fish balls and dumplings from the other hawkers.
without any proper training in acting or anchoring. My partner, Lawrence Cheng, led me throughout the show. During my 18 years at TVB, one of my most unforgettable acting roles was that of the evil grand wizard in “Legend of the Demigods”. On the first day of shooting I had to do wire-flying without any notice. It was scary at first, but I got used to it. To master the role, I learned martial arts and studied how a wizard moves and talks.
Photo by: Belinda Bamford
After graduation, I worked as a flight attendant at a local airline company. Meeting people from different countries and travelling non-stop all over the world marked a turning point for me - I became more confident and nicer to people. After one and a half years of crew life, my friends and family encouraged me to join the 1994 Miss Hong Kong Pageant. Winning the crown was a real surprise. Right after, I was appointed to be the anchor of a singing championship. I still remember how nervous I was,
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My time as a singer was short, though I published two EPs. Acting is more my passion as it allows me to live another life in front of the camera. But it became my hobby after I quit TVB and decided to start my second life as a snack shop owner. Running a snack shop reminds me of my childhood with my mother. I feel more connected to people; it is a totally new adventure from my previous life as an actress. I opened my first snack shop in Causeway Bay in 2014. It sells vintage local snacks like fish
In face of the changing economic situation, we are focusing on improving food quality (getting better suppliers) and expanding into new customer groups (sourcing more creative yet traditional food items). We plan to expand into the New Territories. Acting is still part of my life. It is actually more enjoyable now than when I was working as a full-time actress because I work regular hours (nine hours per day) and can better allocate my time. I like to travel with my husband and parents on vacation. If there is any idle time left after work and family, I take part in short dramas to satisfy my acting needs!
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local Digital
Digital Marketing Manager Charmaine Mirandilla charmaine@fastmedia.com.hk
Sales & Marketing
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GREENBELT UNDER THREAT Is the preservation of a historical building worth sacrificing Hong Kong’s greenbelt? Shreena Patel reports.
Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk
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GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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Members of ACPCG, WWF Hong Kong, the Southern District Council and other concern groups join at the gate of 23 Coombe Road.
P
lans to build a luxury house on greenbelt land adjacent to Aberdeen Country Park could move closer to fruition this month. For the land to be developed, it must first be rezoned from “Green Belt” to “Residential”. Over the next three weeks, the Town Planning Board (the Board) will collect comments from the public on the potential rezoning, before submitting its final decision to the Chief Executive in Council for approval. The application for rezoning was submitted by the owner of “the Carrick”, a 129-year-old mansion at 23 Coombe Road. To save the property from demolition, the owner who wishes to redevelop the site - is proposing to swap the land with the Government for a greenbelt plot next to Aberdeen Country Park. This is the second application for rezoning submitted by the owner. The first submitted in 2013 - was withdrawn following receipt of around 800 objections. According to Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) records, the Carrick was Grade 3 listed in 2010, but later upgraded to Grade 1. The Development Bureau subsequently approached the owner for a possible land swap so that the Carrick might be preserved. It suggested several potential plots, including the site in question.
The proposal has met with opposition from nearby residents and has prompted the formation of the Aberdeen Country Park Concern Group (ACPCG). Spokesperson for the group, Claudia Yuen, said, “We oppose the land swap because it clearly defies current greenbelt and
The Government is putting the public in a dilemma
heritage conservation policies. The Government is putting the public in a dilemma in which we must choose between conserving our precious Green Belt or keeping our historic building. In fact, the construction of a house in front of Carrick will destroy its character-defining features and the overall setting, resulting in a lose-lose situation where we lose both the greenbelt and the heritage. It will also set a dangerous precedent for other Grade 1 heritage buildings in private hands, potentially offering greedy developers a fast and quick way to get their hands on greenbelt land through back-room negotiations with the Government and without going through an open tendering process.”
Despite these and other ecological objections, the Metro Planning Committee (MPC) of the Board approved the application for rezoning last November. According to minutes of the meeting, the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office and the Antiquities and Monuments Office both supported the proposed rezoning in order to facilitate the land exchange proposal. However, the Chief Town Planner and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation both had reservations on the application due to the loss of trees and greenbelt area and a compromise in function and continuity of the green buffer. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services had concerns with regards to tree felling along Coombe Road. According to Yuen, at a meeting between ACPCG and four LegCo members last month, all were supportive of the group’s case. “They agreed that there is policy incompliance. The lawmakers promised to look into the matter and seek information from the government. They will also carry out a site visit in early July to understand better the land swap,” she said. The next stage is for the amendment to be incorporated into The Peak Area Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The new draft OZP has been available for public inspection for the last two months. All representations received will now be published for public comment for three weeks. Following this, the Board will hold a hearing to decide whether or not to amend the draft OZP. If not, the earlier decision of the MPC is final. Any amendment will trigger another three week-period for public comment followed by a second hearing and final decision. A spokesperson for the Planning Department confirmed that the Board’s final decision will be submitted to the Chief Executive in Council for approval by March 29, 2017.
news from the greens
GETTING TERRITORIAL Paul Zimmerman calls to clamp down on illegal land use in the New Territories.
I
t was not planned, but last month became one I will remember as deep diving the wild New Territories. We followed up on reports of tree felling, land filling and waste dumping by residents who would rather remain anonymous. We joined forces with the media who asked me to assist with stings in which I acted as a buyer interested in container loads of electronic waste which originated in the USA and were traced to workyards in the New Territories using hidden GPS locators. And there was the hunt - using drones - for tons of used lead-acid batteries disposed by some of the largest companies and government organisations in Hong Kong: an effort to reconcile the mind-boggling gap between the figures reported by Government and the estimated annual volume of used batteries based on the number of cars, buses, data centres and other users in Hong Kong. The trips took me through villages and ‘brown fields’ in Pak Nai, Sha Tau Kok, Kam Tin, Pat Heung, Ping Che and Lam Tsuen, in close proximity to our wetlands and country parks. Here, trucks and vehicles thunder over unpaved roads lined with village houses, corrugated metal perimeters and rusting containers. Beyond the ‘Mad Max’ scenes, there is obvious pollution of water. Piles of
waste are dumped by the roadside and down slopes. The amount of land despoiled by chaotic villages, temporary works sites, container yards, storage areas and other uses is startling, given the Government’s cry for land. And what about the potential future cost of decontamination if we ever get to redevelop brownfields? It comes as no surprise that the way in which much of this land is being used involves activities in breach of one or more laws – environmental, land, planning and customs. The breach of building regulations, health and safety and immigration laws can also be easily observed. Moreover, the waste trading contravenes international conventions. It isn’t difficult to see how a Joint Taskforce of different Government departments could get their hands around this. Yes, we need to respect the small businesses who earn a living here, but we must also raise the bar. There can be no excuse for cleaning up our act. Let’s fix it.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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feature
SEAFOOD CHATTER Kristy Wong puts on her wellies and takes a trip to the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market.
E
very day at 4am, while the city sleeps, Aberdeen Fish Market comes to life with people, trucks, boats and, of course, fish. This is the biggest and longest-running wholesale fish market in Hong Kong. At one time, it only supplied seafood to the Tai Pak Floating Restaurant and the Jumbo Floating Restaurant; but now, over 70 percent of live seafood in the city is traded here, from small middleneck clams to king crabs and Napoleon fish. I speak to some of the regulars at the market and try out the on-site seafood restaurant to get a glimpse into Aberdeen’s famous fishing industry, then and now.
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What’s on in the market? The trading of live fish is one of the distinguishing features of the Aberdeen Fish Market. The fish come mainly from the Dongsha Islands, the South China Sea, Hainan and the Philippines. Upon their arrival at the market, the first batches are immediately loaded onto trucks fully equipped with live fish buckets and oxygenated tanks - and transported to wet markets and restaurants all over Hong
Kong. Live seafood used to be transported to Jordan, Lei Yue Mun and Tai Kok Tsui by motorboat, but trucks started being used following construction of the Aberdeen Tunnel in the 1970s. It takes only around 10 hours for fish caught in the Philippines to arrive live at wet market stalls. “Most locals like to buy live fish in the wet market, so I ensure all the fish that arrive at my stall in Kowloon are live and active” says Mr. Lau, a wet market fish stall owner.
fish source
Memories: life on the boats Most people working in the market grew up in fishing families and have inherited the family business. Amongst them is Mr. Lee, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants Ltd. Lee has been working in the market for 45 years. His family were seafood merchandisers: they bought shrimps from larger fishing boats and transported them to the market for sale. Lee spent 11 years living on the boat until he attended a boarding school in Aberdeen. He recalls his childhood days on the water with fondness. “The whole family lived and worked on the boat”, he says. “When I got off school, I would hop onboard, take off my uniform and jump straight into the sea with my friends. Our favourite game was throwing coca cola lids into the water. The one who dived in and picked up the most lids would win. We spent most summer afternoons in the water, especially when the temperature hit 30 degrees and the heat was unbearable.” However, life on the boats was never easy and often dangerous. “We ate and slept on the floor, there were no beds, electricity or fresh water”, adds Lee. “Sometimes, a fishing trip would take days and we could
not go to school. Also, you won’t see this now, but during typhoons, children were tied to the boats with ropes to prevent them from being swept overboard. It may seem inhumane, but many families had several children and it was difficult for parents to watch each and every child. Although we were tied to the boat we could still move around. I am grateful to the ropes that saved my life. I had friends who fell overboard and drowned in the roaring waves while their parents were busy catching fish”. During extreme weather conditions, the ropes - intended to save lives - occasionally led to tragic consequences as children were strangled. “It was a desperate method to keep children safe from the merciless seas”, says Lee. Despite its interesting history, the area is not as much of a tourist spot as other famous fish markets around Asia. Some people prefer it this way. “Though I am open to the idea of promoting the fisheries industry in Hong Kong, there isn’t enough space for tourists here”, remarks Lee. “Around 200 trucks go back and forth from the market every day. This harbour is a thriving and busy one.”
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feature
Who’s at the market?
MR. LEE, Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants Ltd. “In the past, many families gave birth to around ten children, to ensure an heir to the family fishing business. But now, no young people are willing to enter the fishing industry because of the hard work. It’s getting much harder to hire fishermen and workers. Back in 1995, we fought hard for the Mainland Fishermen Deckhand scheme, in which mainland fishermen can enter Hong Kong to unload the day’s catch at fish markets. Every boat can take up to eight mainland workers, which helps to alleviate the manpower problem in the industry. I have 14 workers on my boats. They are great helping hands. I hope the Government will do more to encourage young people to enter the fishing industry.”
MR. LAM, driver “I was a fisherman for over 20 years - it’s a tradition that goes back a few generations in my family. We stopped fishing because the petrol became too expensive and the trips took too long. Sometimes, a fishing trip to Hainan would take up to 80 hours. There was no electricity on my boat and life could be difficult, especially in the heat of summer. Now, I deliver live seafood to wet markets on Hong Kong Island in my truck. I miss fishing but I prefer my job as a driver more. I wake up at 4am and work until 2pm. The trucks are a lot more advanced now, with all those air pumps - we didn’t have them in the past!”
MR. LAU, seafood stall owner “Every morning between 5am and 8am, I buy frozen and wild seafood from the South China Sea at Aberdeen Fish Market. Then I work in my wet market seafood stall in Kowloon until 7:30pm. My job is difficult, but enjoyable. During the two-and-a-half-month fishing moratorium from May to August, there is a reduced choice of fish. But the price doesn’t go up because the fishermen keep wild fish in cages in Aberdeen and sell it when there is insufficient supply.”
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feature
MR. CHAN, mainland fisherman “I started working in Hong Kong six months ago. I come from a fisherman’s family in China so I have adapted to the lifestyle easily. I live on the boat with 13 other fishermen - we share a dorm together. After work, we usually chit-chat and cook on the boat. Many other fishermen gamble but I don’t. There are better prospects working here and I get a higher salary too. I am lucky to have a good boss - we each get one month paid leave after serving on the boat for a year.”
MISS LEE, Treasurer “I work from 5am until 1pm every day. I record the amount of seafood bought and sold in our stall. The price varies every day, depending on the supply. You can check out the huge lobsters, they are fresh and cost only around $1,600 each! There are very few women here because of the nature of the work: it is hard physical labour. I like Aberdeen Fish Market a lot because of the variety of seafood. Name a seafood and you can find it here!”
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fish source
Where to eat Unknown to many, the Aberdeen Fish Market Seafood Restaurant is one of the city’s hidden gems. Run by fishermen for fishermen (but now also open to the public), the restaurant takes seafood direct from the boats and prepares an array of Cantonese-style dishes. You must book a table in advance. There is no menu, but if you tell them your budget they will source the best seafood of the day for you. Non-seafood dishes such as noodles, local style snacks and milk teas are also available. Make sure to end your seafood feast with the famous French toast with condensed milk, a favourite dessert amongst fishermen. Seated on one of the large round tables, beside a group of fishermen in their waterboots, we tuck into sweet-and-sour fish, fried abalone with garlic and chili and steamed shrimps. The atmosphere is unpretentious, leaving the sole focus on what’s really important: the food. And it is delicious.
Essential information - 102 Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen. - Call 2177 7872 to make an appointment (you may need the help of a Cantonese-speaking friend). - Opens daily from 4am to 4pm, only accepts cash.
How to get there - Take Bus 70 from Central, Bus 72 from Causeway Bay or Bus 73 from Cyberport or Stanley. - A taxi from Central MTR costs around $70. - South Island MTR line is scheduled to open in late 2016.
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education
school days
FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Rebecca Simpson learns more about the school’s new Tseung Kwan O campus, due to open in 2018.
Artist’s impression of the new French International School’s Tseung Kwan O campus.
L
ast year, The Wall Street Journal reported Hong Kong as the hottest spot in the world for French expats. Over the past six years, Hong Kong has seen an influx of French professionals and their families to the city. So it’s no surprise that the French International School (FIS) is expanding. The school is due to throw open the doors of its new Tseung Kwan O campus in 2018, at which point it will accommodate over 3,000 students across multiple locations. Currently, FIS boasts four campuses in Hong Kong and runs two streams of education, from reception through to high school graduation: the French stream (French curriculum) and the International stream (English and IB curricula). The Blue Pool Road campus in Happy Valley is home to high school students from both the French and International streams. Jardine’s Lookout houses reception to Year Four from both streams; these children move to Chai Wan for Years Five and Six, following which the French stream students return to Jardine’s Lookout for two years. Finally, the school has a temporary
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campus in Hung Hom for French stream primary school students. A new campus, a new way of learning Once the new state-of-the-art Tseung Kwan O campus opens, French and International stream students will have the chance to learn side by side. Final confirmation of which years groups will be located at the new campus is yet to be confirmed. The new campus is being pegged as one of the most innovative and green schools in the city. So what makes it so cutting edge? “It is a very clever design by a Danish company that is a leader in this area. Educationally, it’s what we’re calling the villa concept”, says Ian Clayton, Head of International Stream at FIS. The villa concept offers a new way of learning for FIS students. “There will be three classes of the French stream and two classes of the International stream sharing a villa”, explains Clayton. In the middle is the Agora: the shared area. The walls separating each room will be retractable and students will share a large area in the middle of the villa where
they can experience intercultural and bilingual teaching and learning.” This new way of working is designed to allow fluidity within the teaching staff and offer students more exposure to teachers from the other stream. “There will be times when the French teachers teach the international class and the international teachers teach the French students. This exchange will be for a percentage of the week. The students will also do lots of shared projects in this common area. The classrooms are big, specifically for that reason – so students can share, so they can interact, so they can mingle”, says Clayton. This non-traditional approach is the brainchild of the FIS teaching body, driven by the school’s Principal, Christian Soulard. “When we were planning for TKO, the idea evolved. Our Principal drove the idea. As a school we are focused on our bilingual offering, so this new villa style of teaching is an experience we believe will help our students. Schools are traditionally built in a linear fashion, but we wanted to build our classrooms around this shared nucleus. And that’s where the brilliance
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education of the designers really came into its own. They helped make our vision a reality.” A Green Campus To Share With The Community FIS is a green and community conscious school. Since 2008 the school has been annually awarded as an international “Eco-School” by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The new TKO campus will see the school deliver a new level of sustainable building design and integration throughout the new campus. The new campus will feature a botanical garden with native Hong Kong flora for students and the community to share
sustainable development projects and activities. This eco garden will be maintained by the student body. The TKO campus will serve the local community, allowing access and shared facilities for the immediate community out of school hours.
An Academic Legacy The FIS has an established history of academic excellence. “Academic results are our strength” boasts Ian Clayton. Not only is the school delivering strong academic results, but it’s also well regarded by universities in both Europe and the US. FIS has a stable relationship with an array of universities and staffs a dedicated team of career guidance experts to help senior students with their journeys to further education. Recently, student Noé Ensarguet was honoured at the old Ecole Polytechnique in Paris for winning the Mathematics Olympiad. 21,000 students took part in the Olympiad and only 38 were winners, with Noé named one of them. The exterior of the existing Chai Wan campus. He was recognised in
the presence of Najat Vallaud- Belkacem, the French Minister of Education. In 2015, FIS students excelled academically in the IB, IGCSE, and the French Baccalaureate. 100% of FIS IB students secured a place at their first or second choice university. 75% of the IGCSE graduates were awarded an A* or A across all subjects. The French Baccalaureate students had a year to remember too as student achieved the best academic results to date for the school.
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PIPS Hong Kong
Address: 1/F, Tower 18 Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, HK T: 2812 6023 E: pipinfo@pips.edu.hk www.pips.edu.hk/hk/
PIPS Kowloon
Address: Podium Level, Kowloon Station, 1 Austin Road West, K owloon T: 2812 6801 E: pipsinfo-‐kln@pips.edu.hk www.pips.edu.hk/kln/
education
School Report The villa style concept at the new campus.
A Place Where Students Feel Valued Proud of their strong reputation for academic excellence, the school is also keen to emphasise the relationship that each student forges with the school. “Students have great relationships with the teachers – they feel the teachers know them well and they know the teachers well. It’s a mutual understanding.” He cites modest class sizes as a contributing factor to the way FIS students feel valued, “This is linked to our small class sizes – in the senior school, it’s not unusual for our students to be in a class of only 10 or 15 students.” A reduced student-teacher ratio means FIS students are offered not only academic but also pastoral monitoring. The FIS sense of community and student sentiment of being recognised is a powerful proposition for parents and students alike.
“Students don’t fall through the cracks here. As a student, you can’t go unnoticed at FIS. Everyone knows you and you know everyone.” A Bi-Lingual Education The FIS offers students an opportunity for robust academic achievement supported by a sense of belonging and care from teachers. When the TKO campus opens in 2018, the students will also benefit from a new way of learning and state-of-the-art facilities. But what makes the FIS truly unique is the bilingual immersion the students experience. While English is the common playground language at FIS, students graduating from the school are fluent in both French and English. Perhaps most importantly though, embracing and understanding respective cultures could be the most valuable life lesson of all.
French International School
Established: 1963 Number of students: circa 2,600 Curriculum: French stream: French National Curriculum (French Baccalaureate) International stream - English National Curriculum to IGCSE then IB Fees 2015/2016: $89,434 - $170,405 Address: Blue Pool Road Campus French and International Streams 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley Jardine’s Lookout Campus French and International Streams 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout Hung Hom Campus French Stream 68 Gillies Avenue, Hung Hom Chai Wan Campus French and International Streams 1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan Tel: 2577 6217
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sponsored column
YEAR ONE: READY OR NOT? The transition from Kindergarten to Year One is more than just a shift between grades. Primary school will present new challenges. The day’s activities will be more structured than they were in Kindergarten, but there should still be time for spontaneous learning activities. If you’re wondering whether your child is ready, it’s helpful to think about ‘readiness’. Readiness addresses a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development at a particular time. Readiness is not something a child does or does not have. It is a process of growth and children grow in different ways and at different times. Think about the following questions and how your child is progressing. Remember, no child should be expected to accomplish all of these items perfectly before Year One and teachers are well aware of this. The important thing is to support your child during each stage of his/her development. Can your child: Pay attention to a short story when it is read and answer questions about it?
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Create things with paper, colors, scissors, markers and glue? (It is not important to stay within the lines!) Tie a knot, bow or scarf? Repeat simple messages? Remember instructions and carry out two or three tasks after being told once? Put a simple puzzle together? Draw a picture of a person which includes the head, body, arms and legs? Draw or copy shapes? Know his/her address, birthday? Identify several colors? Try to write or copy letters and numbers? Admit he/she doesn’t know or needs help? Assessing Your Child You know your child best. If you are concerned about whether your child is ready for Year One, ask for additional information from your current Kindergarten teacher. More serious concerns may be addressed by having your child evaluated. An evaluation assesses readiness skills
and behavior such as language, independence, impulse control, interpersonal skills, experiential background, and physical and mental health. It is not a test your child will pass or fail. It simply gives you more information. You can then ask for extra support your child may need to develop certain skills. When your child starts Year One, keep in regular contact with teachers about his/ her progress and attend any workshops or conferences conducted at the school. It’s important to keep up-to-date on new teaching practices so you can practice with your child at home. Things are very different nowadays than when we went to school! ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.
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arts & culture
HOUSE OF CARDS Amanda Sheppard speaks to Konstantin Bessmertny about his latest exhibition at Rossi&Rossi Gallery.
(Clockwise from bottom left): The Star (La Estrella); The High Priestess; The Hierophant (Washington as a Freemason); Knight of Clubs (Knights of Coins); Wheel of Fortune.
K
onstantin Bessmertny, a Russian-born artist now resident in Hong Kong and Macau, is known for his subtle, satirical representations of contemporary culture. His most recent series, Deity of Doubt, is no exception – in this series of paintings and sculptures (each references a different tarot card) Bessmertny seamlessly blends popular culture, art history, traditional motifs and symbols, and the ostentatious societies he has encountered. The internationally acclaimed artist, who represented Macau at the 2007 Venice Biennale and was named a finalist at the 2006 Sovereign Asian Art Prize, tells us more…
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What is the inspiration behind this exhibition? Over a decade ago, I created a series based on ‘Casino Republic’, an invented small state inspired by pre-handover Macau, with a distinct social pyramid organised like a deck of playing cards. I kept thinking about redeveloping it into something bigger and more philosophical. About a year ago, I came to the final solution… if a deck of ‘Casino Republic’ cards is a parody on the social structure of the state, Deity of Doubt is a parody on the structure of the world.
In popular culture, tarot is often associated with the occult. Has this exhibition led you to explore the presence of the occult in Hong Kong and Macau? I was always fascinated by semiotics and different visual forms of communication. Some people understand more about these things than others, for example, references to freemasonry and occultist visual language. These people definitely respond to my work in a different way than just saying it is profane. In fact, without much exaggeration, I can say that we live in very restricted social layers and we are very much disillusioned by
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arts & culture our positions and potential. Unfortunately the world’s ruling notion ‘profit is everything’ destroys the humanity in us and builds a civilisation of primitive consumers of pop culture only. But fortunately, we still have people who can communicate in more elaborate levels. The title of the exhibition draws on Descartes’ musings on the relationship between the spiritual and secular realms. How would you describe the confluence of these two worlds in Hong Kong and Macau? Hong Kong and Macau are two similar worlds with clear practical targets ‘more’, ‘me’ and ‘mine’, differing only in size and shades of transparency. Macau, though, has more mystery and spirituality. Once called the ‘Venice of the Orient’ and ‘City of God’, it has been outshadowed by its fast growing neighbour, but it still displays an enormous quantity of visual historical and cultural information. Both cities carry on with similar functions, they are both crossroads and points of exchange.
You spent much of your life in the former Soviet Union and are now based in Hong Kong and Macau. Are there references to these places in this series? The tarot series has multiple layers of cultural, historical and political references to Russia, Macau, Hong Kong and the rest. I love to construct complex messages and address them to different viewers. Definitely, the multiculturalist will understand much more in this work. A few hints: The Magician (inspired by the cards of the major tarot arcana) is Putin; Judgement (The Last Trump) refers to The Last Trumpet of the Judgement and the American elections; The Wheel of Fortune refers to the latest banking crisis. How do the political references in your work manifest? I don’t like to reflect daily politics. For example, many artists speculate on the subject of political correctness - definitely a hotter issue - but they don’t realise that they become instruments of manipulation and easily disappear into outdated ‘journalism’.
“Flavours Around the World”
thePatsy SummerCAMP
Cooking and Baking workshops from June 13 up to September 2, 2016 ~ with Morning and Afternoon CAMPS each day! Explore the world of culinary in week-long classes or single class, where budding chefs will learn different cooking and baking techniques! 100% hands on cooking / baking experience in a fun and kitchen-safe environment!
Cost per class from $680 per student. 10% off for students enrolled to 10 classes and more, and extra 5% for siblings enrolled together. Class details: http://eshop.thepatsy.com.hk info@thepatsy.com.hk www.thepatsy.com.hk 2503 3198 7A Po Chai Industrial Building, 28 Wong Chuk Hang Road (entrance via Heung Yip Road), Hong Kong
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thepatsycreativeculinary
king of arts I think that art should challenge the notions on a more philosophical, grander scale. This series references religious insignia, historical artworks, and pop culture. How would you describe the relationship between these separate facets in your paintings and sculptures? My favourite way of doing this is to mix low pop and high culture. Having said that, I am a defender of high culture (which unfortunately is rapidly disappearing) against the advancing influences of pop. I don’t want to see,
in my lifetime, the last classical pianist, or the last artist who can paint without the use of photographical devices. My ideas are absolutely in tune with Mario Vargas Llosa in his Notes on the Death of Culture. Still, we live in an exciting age when many things are being introduced for the first time. Humanity has just not had enough time to adjust to it yet. An artist’s duty is always to reflect change and experiment with the new as well as the old, being one step ahead of everybody else. And it is great fun for me to experiment.
(left): Konstantin Bessmertny; (above): The Magician.
Southside_July2016_OP.indd 1
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eating
Gino’s Gelato A Hong Kong classic, with locations at Stanley Plaza and The Peak.
Haagen-Dazs Established in 1961 with only three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and coffee), Haagen-Dazs is old school. Thankfully, the range of flavours has since expanded - we love Dulce de Leche. Branches at The Peak and Shop 219, 2/F, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2172 6838.
Emack and Bolio’s Surely the most extravagant of them all. Choose from sundaes, frozen yoghurts, cups, funky cones with Fruit Loops glued on with marshmallow, sorbets and plenty more. Ice cream cakes start from $439 - we love “Stoney’s Dream”: vanilla bean speck ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookies and brownies mixed in, topped with multicoloured Hundreds and Thousands.
Little Bao Ice cream sandwiched in between a deep-fried bao. Choose from two flavours: green tea with condensed milk and salted caramel. $48, G/F, 66 Staunton St., Central, 2194 0202.
Munchies Ice cream free from preservatives and chemicals. Flavours include OGK (salted caramel) and Haze Heaven (made with Earl Grey tea leaves). You can even build your own ice cream sandwich: dollop a scoop between two cookies or one of the organic and GMO-free “donuts”. Ice cream starts at $48 per scoop ($75 for a double), ice cream sandwiches from $75. 4 Shin Hing St., Sheung Wan.
Elephant Grounds
Did you know…? In 1984, President Ronald Reagan of the USA designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.
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Known for its artisanal coffee, Elephant Grounds also likes to experiment with ice cream. Sandwich flavours change weekly. Past ones include “Cereal Killer” (yoghurt ice cream with a blueberry swirl sandwiched between oatmeal crunch cookies, topped with fruit loops) and “Cha Chaan Teng” (Hong Kong style Royal Milk Tea ice cream sandwiched between sai yong cookies, topped with granulated sugar). The “Peanut Gallery” is a standing flavour but only available at the Causeway Bay branch. $68 each. 1 The Factory, 1 Yip Fat St., Wong Chuk Hang, 2562 9000.
ice ice baby Did you know…? Emack & Bolio’s was founded in 1975 by hippy ex-lawyer Robert Rock. Emack and Bolio were two homeless guys for whom Rock did some pro-bono work while still a lawyer.
Teawood Try the brick toast: a stack of fluffy and crispy toast cubes topped with rocky road ice cream and chocolate sauce.$72, 10/F, King Wah Centre, 628 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok, 2780 2321.
Oddies Foodies Cups, cones, and even “jarlatos”. We love “The Mob” - Italian soft gelato, apple yuzu jelly, homemade matcha ice cream, citrus crunchy flakes, matcha sauce and black sesame mochi eggette. A delightful twist on traditional Hong Kong egg puffs. $65, Shop 1F, GF, 149 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 9551 7972.
XTC Gelato New to the menu, the Gelato Cheesecake Stick is rich and creamy and comes in four flavours: Blueberry, Raspberry, Mango and Peach. Layered with real fruit, homemade cheesecake gelato and a biscuit base. $39, Shop B, 45 Cochrane St., Central, 2541 0500.
Wild Mylk Artisan ice cream maker Laura Perez has launched her new online business just in time for summer. Dairyand gluten-free, the ice cream is churned and frozen in Hong Kong. Flavours change each month. Currently in development at the test kitchen are “Campfire S’mores” (torched marshmallows, graham crust in a chocolate ice cream base); “4th of July” (a mixed berry ice cream); and “Thai Iced Tea”. www.wildmylk.com
Ice Cream Gallery Summer flavours include TX Tequila & 90 percent Dark Chocolate ice cream ($38 per scoop in a cup) and Rose Strawberry ice cream ($30). Ice cream-making classes run throughout July (2-4:30pm or 7-9:30pm) where you can make different flavours using natural ingredients and take them home to share with family... or not! www.icecreamgallery.com.hk, 2838 8086.
Ice ‘N’ Lean The guilt-free choice. This protein ice cream is low in sugar and contains less fat and fewer calories than many other brands. Made from organic ingredients, it is free from artificial preservatives, chemicals, gluten and refined sugars. $40 for a small tub (which contains 15g of high quality protein); $98 for a family pint-sized tub. Five new flavours launch this month - each gets its taste from a different superfood: Super Choc (cacao), Salted Caramel (lucuma), Matcha (matcha green tea), Peanut Butter (peanut butter) and Skinny Latte (green coffee bean). Pick up at Just Green, City Super and MarketPlace or order online via Deliveroo and Foodpanda. www.icenlean.com
Stanley ice cream van Manned by a lovely guy who is out in all weathers, this might not be the most sophisticated option but it’s the one place where you can get a traditional cone for $9, plus fabulous ocean views. Find it at the roundabout on the end of Stanley Promenade.
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eating
NIBBLES...
Limewood has launched a new range of cocktails for the summer.
New at Limewood Executive Chef Russell Doctrove has added a few new seafoodinspired dishes, including a seafood platter with oysters, mussels, and crab, pacific whole lobster with Sriracha butter, and Canadian sea urchin tostadas. To pair with the recent additions, Limewood’s mixologists have created eight new cocktails using fresh herbs and fruits. We love the Limewood Fresca, smoked pistachio with whisky, and charred coconut pina colada. the pulse, shop 103-104, G/F, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866 8668, www.limewood.hk
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Grill it with Invisible Kitchen Invisible Kitchen’s BBQ catering packages are perfect for summer. Feast on classics like US Angus and Wagyu beef, lamb, ribeye steak burgers and hotdogs. Cook it yourself or opt for a fully catered package. A spread of salads, disposable plates, cutlery, and beverages are also included. Choose from the Classic BBQ Menu Delivery ($340 per head), Deluxe BBQ Menu ($540), the Beach BBQ Pack ($547), and the City BBQ Pack ($1,105), all for a minimum of 15 people. The Beach BBQ Pack uses the BBQ pits in Shek O. www.invisiblekitchen.com Cafe Deco is moving After 22 years at The Peak, the iconic Cafe Deco closes its doors on July 24. To mark the occasion,
Cafe Deco is relocating from The Peak to TST.
Barbecue on the beach with Invisible Kitchen.
entire 20th floor with a panoramic skyline of Hong Kong. Level 1 & 2, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2849 5111.
Getting a good grilling with Invisible Kitchen.
Executive Chef Martin Kniss is introducing a selection of signature dishes from its international menu. Cafe Deco will relocate to The ONE in Tsim Sha Tsui. Starting September, the restaurant will occupy the
M-Cuisine’s junk packages Available as takeaway or served by the team, M-Cuisine’s junk packages include an array of dishes - from salads, artisan cheese platters and prime angus sirloin, to angel hair pasta and dark chocolate ganache cupcakes. $450 per head for drop off or delivery (minimum of 10 guests), or $590 per head for a serviced event (minimum of 20 guests). Additional costs for drink packages. Unit B, 17/F, Derrick Industrial Building, 49 Wong Chuk Hang, 2558 8664, www.m-cuisine.com
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big day out
KAM SHAN MONKEY MOUNTAIN Rory Mackay heads into the rainforest.
T
ucked away in the hills behind Kowloon lies a hidden wealth of picturesque landscapes shrouded in thick jungle, interspersed with azure lakes. This is the domain of Hong Kong’s wild chiefs. This is Kam Shan, realm of the monkey. Located between northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, Kam Shan Country Park is named after its populations of wild monkeys. However, the area has plenty of other attractions to offer. For the more relaxed visitor, several custom-made nature and family trails showcase the very best of the region’s scenery and the great diversity of Hong Kong’s wildlife. For the more intrepid explorer, there are many exciting hiking and mountain biking trails that run out of Kam Shan. One superb aspect of Kam Shan Country Park is its proximity to the city and accessibility. The most common way to get into the area is by catching the No. 81 KMB bus from Nathan Road (this bus can also be ridden in the opposite
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direction from Tai Wai) and disembarking at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop. Those who have a private vehicle at their disposal can venture into the the country park by car. Drive up Tai Po Road and turn off at Kowloon Reservoir, then head across the reservoir dam wall and into the heart of the park. Make sure to wind up your windows though, or else you may incur a few extra passengers, especially if you have food! If you take the bus, once you arrive at the bus stop you will soon be confronted by many monkeys, invariably a troop of Rhesus Macaques. Although the Rhesus species is native to Hong Kong, the macaques found today are believed to be re-introduced. In the 1910’s during the construction of Kowloon Reservoir, the apes were deployed to the surrounding areas in order to combat the spread of a fruit that tainted the water supply. They roam in large numbers and enjoy the area around Tai Po Road, as the rubbish bins and increased human presence improves the chance of finding a meal. There are signs at
go ape
the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts in regards to the monkeys. From experience, be relaxed. Don’t approach the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business. Direct eye contact and sudden movements won’t endear you to them. With that out of the way, the monkeys are great fun to watch and can be extremely photogenic! Heading into Kam Shan Country Park, follow the concrete access road into the woods, then across the Kowloon reservoir dam wall. From here there are several options to choose from, the most enjoyable one being a walk up to the monkey mountain. Follow the road up the hillside for twenty minutes or so until you reach a picnic area, usually full of macaques. The monkeys here are a little less feisty than those on Tai Po road and seeing them in their natural treetop habitat is a delight. You’re not supposed to feed the animals, but some people do. As a result, the monkeys will approach you if you have food. There are also many wild boar in the area. They are harmless and a real treat to spot. On the way to the top of
the monkey mountain the Kam Shan Family Trail makes for a pleasant detour. Back down beside the Kowloon Reservoir, you can also leave the road to explore the Kam Shan Tree Walk. This well signposted pathway leads to Shek Lei Pui and back, highlighting many different types of flora and fauna along the way. For those who wish to head further afield, there are extensive networks of mountain biking trails running out of Kowloon reservoir to the west. If you’re a hiker, there is a lot on offer in many directions. In my opinion, the best route is to follow the MacLehose Trail eastwards and hike up towards Lion Rock. Heading back from the country park is as simple as finding your way in. In addition to taking the bus or driving, there are plenty of taxis on Tai Po Road to flag down. You’ll very quickly descend back into the city and the monkey mountain will seem a million miles away. A world of dense rainforests guarded by troops of charismatic macaques. Yes, in Hong Kong!
Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com
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travel
Pho the good times
Callum Wiggins spends a weekend at the luxurious Reverie Saigon in Ho Chi Minh.
I
The custom-made Baldi Monumental Clock.
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’m sitting in the back of a chauffeurdriven black Mercedes Benz, gracefully carving its way through Ho Chi Minh city. Glass bottles of Evian water occupy the cup holders and a television screen in the driver’s headrest plays a slick promotional video of the hotel. The Reverie Saigon opened to much excitement last year with the promise of being Ho Chi Minh’s most luxurious hotel. Commanding the top floors of the multi-purpose Times Square Building on newly-pedestrianised Nguyen Hue Boulevard, The Reverie Saigon is positioning itself to luxury-minded travellers in search of something special. It could be said that Ho Chi Minh itself is looking to lure a kind of clientele other than the familiar backpacker as an array of glass skyscrapers take shape across
travel
Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline is increasingly being taken up by new skyscraper developments.
the city. If first impressions are anything to go by, The Reverie Saigon - over seven years in the making - is worth the wait. Whisked over glimmering marble floors and under giant shimmering chandeliers to the hotel lobby, the ostentatious design is striking while the staff are gracious and welcoming. The hotel lobby alone is a sight to behold - extravagant purple leather sofas with golden wings; plush sinkyour-feet-into carpets and, most impressive of all, a custom-made Baldi Monumental Clock weighing in it at over 1,000 kilograms. It’s a hotel lobby designed unquestionably to grab your attention. It’s bold, over the top and I love it. This level of opulence extends to the rest of the hotel, described by others as ‘the lovechild of Versace and Liberace’. The owners have
certainly spared no expense and the attention to every bejeweled detail is meticulous. Hotel Manager, Christina Von Wrede, shows me around the impressive range of rooms and suites in the hotel with enthusiasm. 224 luxury rooms and 62 suites are furnished by distinguished Italian designers Provasi, Visionnaire, Colombostile and Giorgetti. On my final stop on the tour I take a glimpse around the USD$15,000 per night Presidential Suite - a room that Christina mentions even a few current heads of state have declined to stay in on the grounds of it being too exuberant, instead opting for one of the suites a few floors down. Suitably palatial in size, I’m told that the curtains alone take housekeeping an hour to correctly set in place. I leave, trying my best not to touch anything on the way out.
Guests who have booked into a suite can enjoy exclusive access to The Reverie Lounge - a relaxing space on the 38th and 39th floors. Greeted by name on arrival, the personalised service at The Reverie kicks up another notch as a dedicated Lounge team looks after your every need. Guests may enjoy an array of freshlyprepared snacks, cocktails and afternoon tea while lounging on squidgy leather sofas. The observation telescopes along the windows are a fun way of seeing the city in closer detail. Dining and relaxing are of course top of anyone’s agenda on a weekend hotel getaway. The Spa offers an extensive range of treatments in individual and couple’s treatment rooms. Guests can choose from massages, facials, body and beauty treatments in the vast twolevel space. Choosing our own blended oil for
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travel xx. info
The Reverie Saigon’s lobby.
our aromatherapy massage was a nice touch, as was the platter of fresh fruit and ginger tea that awaited us post-treatment. With five in-house restaurants and bars, guests aren’t short of options to wine and dine. The usual breakfast and dinner buffets are served at Cafe Cardinal which has a decidedly French-style menu with a number of Vietnamese and Asian detours. The Royal Pavilion captures the essence of Cantonese fine dining well, although guests from Hong Kong have likely seen better. When such great food can be had for next to nothing from street vendors and small hole-in-the-walls throughout the city, the hotel‘s restaurants don’t quite hit the spot. As hard as it is to drag ourselves away from inside its luxurious four walls, the best food was had on the streets below.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh The War Remnants Museum is a sobering experience and an important stop on any itinerary of Ho Chi Minh. The museum goes into great detail, explaining the causes and horrifying consequences of the 30-year-long Vietnam war. Photographs, exhibits and written memoirs pack a powerful punch in teaching future generations about a significant part of Vietnam’s past. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a unique - if claustrophobic - tourist attraction that allow visitors to experience the conditions faced by soldiers who used the extensive tunnel network to move around undetected. A couple of hours by bus outside the main city, the site comprises over 100km of tunnels with a small section widened and supported with concrete - open to visitors.
With its wide boulevards and grand French colonial architecture, essential stops around the city include a visit to Reunification Palace, infamous for images of the tank crashing through the front gates during the fall of the city in 1975. One of the most interesting sections to visit is the basement war command room. The Central Post Office might be one of the most remarkable places to send a postcard in the world. This late 19th century French-designed building is still a functioning post office and has retained its intricately designed marble floors and telephone boxes. Just next door is the Notre Dame Cathedral constructed in the late 19th century. Featuring two long spires reaching over 60 metres tall, the Cathedral still holds masses every Sunday.
The Notre Dame Cathedral.
Find out more For more details of The Reverie Saigon, visit www.thereveriesaigon.com The Reunification Palace.
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yoga yoda
GRETA LAI
JESSICA LEE
BONNIE WONG
VICTOR CHAU
CONFESSIONS OF A YOGI Victor Chau bares all.
W
hen I put on my yoga teacher’s hat, my students and friends automatically think that I’m an ancient sage who meditates 20 hours a day in a cave, doesn’t eat and absorbs prana from the air. But yogis are humans too. We’re not always calm and composed, we don’t have a quotation for every situation and many of us are known to party like it’s 1999. I sat down with three fellow instructors to see if they feel the same. Here are our confessions.
8. We’re not all vegetarians. JL: On the contrary, I love a nice juicy medium rare steak and I hate all those mushy superfoods like avocadoes and pumpkins.
7. We’re running out of material.
5. We like to party. VC: Sure, I’m not out every night, but I enjoy the odd Cosmopolitan (or three) and going to hen parties with obscenely shaped balloons as opposed to incense and a meditation cushion. And no, I’m not a big fan of kirtan (devotional chanting) concerts, I would rather go to a Madonna concert and hear her sing “Like a Prayer.”
4. We get angry. VC: Yogis are supposed to embody calm and compassion but it’s not always easy. When students insist on doing their own thing that could potentially cause injury - for example, dropping back into an upward bow pose before they are ready - I do get assertive and there could be a bit of yelling.
VC: Well, not material, but finding new ways to present it is increasingly difficult. After you’ve said the phrase “stay present” the thousandth time, it loses some cachet. Some of my students have been with me for years and I wonder if - for them my speech on “letting go” is wearing thin.
3. Yoga is not always our favourite sport.
6. Every holiday we take is not a yoga retreat.
VC: I once called out “camel toe” in the middle of the class. What I wanted to say was “camel pose” (or “ustrasana” in Sanskrit). One student burst into tears, while the remaining turned bright red.
BW: My ideal holiday is a week-long wine tasting trip through the Napa Valley – with lots of cheese and pasta. Let’s just say alcohol is my happiness elixir. JL: I love traveling to cemeteries and catacombs, although it’s not totally unrelated to yoga: I’d like to think it better prepares me for savasana (corpse pose).
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VC: Hiking and mountaineering have always been a big part of my life. I would choose hiking over yoga any day.
2. We misquote poses.
1. Sometimes, we fall over. GL: Balance was never my strong point. I’m one of those few women who has never owned a pair of heels so I can’t really strut like model. And I still fall over occasionally when I’m in a handstand or forearm balance. Every yoga teacher has weaknesses to overcome.
Yoga in July: JUL 17 “Free To Be You” Anatomy Yoga Workshop with Ariel Tang Learn different poses that best suit your body type in this three-hour workshop at Anurati in Causeway Bay with 500-hour-trained yoga teacher Ariel Tang (anuratiyoga@gmail.com). $550.
JUL 18–31 #hkyogachallenge Strike a yoga pose, post it on Instagram and get a chance to win amazing prizes. You are invited to challenge yourself to 14 days of yoga poses, with detailed instructions from the teachers in this article. Check out the teachers’ Instagram handles for more details: @ guleta @jessicaleeyoga @ohmmingbird @ victorchauyoga.
JULY SUNDAYS Yogaque with Adam Weirick Sweat it out in a 90-min vinyasa practice, followed by an Aussie barbeque on Lamma Island. That’s what I call the sweet life. Weather dependant so call Adam ahead at 9330-3548 for details. #lammaste!
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health & beauty
LET’S GET PHYSICAL Alternative workouts for tired gym bunnies. SURFSET Fitness HK The SURFSET workout is a surfing fitness programme that provides all the thrill of surfing in the ocean without having to get wet. SURFSET combines elements of aerobic fat burning, lean muscle building, balance and core training, all performed on top of a custom-made moving surfboard. The board is easily adjustable so workouts can be adapted for complete beginners and more advanced athletes. A single class starts from $250. 13/F Unit A, Kaiser Estate, Phase 1, 48 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom, www. surfset.hk, 2362 3665.
BodyExpress
ro elect ular c s mu lation stimu
Body Express specialises in EMS - Electro Muscular Stimulation - classes. A 20-minute workout here is said to be equivalent to four to five hours of conventional gym work. Too good to be true? Judge for yourself at the BodyExpress clinics in Central, Wan Chai and soon-to-open Tsim Sha Tsui. EMS is a full-body training exercise which uses electrical impulses to control muscle action. A special suit with electrodes is placed over targeted muscle areas and worn during the workout. The electrical impulses increase as the workout progresses, which results in a tiring but satisfying workout. Workouts can be tailored to target specific problem areas or avoid over-stressing parts of the body which may be weaker due to past injuries. Although the moves are low-impact, the resistance created by the electrical impulses works deep into the muscles and leaves you dripping in sweat. Expect to feel the effects for at least two to three days after your first session. www.bodyexpress.hk, 2801 6897.
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Hydro 1.0 Recovering from an injury or need a form of exercise which is easier on the joints? Hydro 1.0 is a hydrotherapy and hydro training facility with underwater treadmills and bicycles designed to offer high resistance training with a low risk of
injury. Classes include spinning, aerobics and team dragon boat paddling sessions. “Parent and Me” swim classes are ideal for children to learn how to swim in a small class environment. 28 Praya, Kennedy Town, www.hydro1hk. com, 9475 0737.
Pole Paradise Working out doesn’t have to be boring - and classes at Pole Paradise’s Sheung Wan studio are anything but. “Pole dancing at its best is a combination of dance, gymnastics and acrobatics”, says Symone Dolai, Founder of Pole Paradise Studio. “It doesn’t mean that you have be good at all three elements but you’ll learn the basics and how to combine them into fluid combinations as you take the classes”. Suitable for children as well as adults, the classes are also ideal for groups of friends to enjoy working out together. “Many people have ideas of what our classes are like without actually attending one”, says Dolai, “rather than reading about it, come and check out a class for yourself!”. Pole, aerial acrobatic and fitness classes run at the Sheung Wan studio throughout the week. 10/F, 50 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, poleparadisestudio.com, 2543 0198.
out of the box Twinkle Dance Company Ever wanted to become a ballerina? Live your childhood dream at Twinkle’s adult ballet classes and improve your understanding of classical ballet whilst developing grace, strength, and flexibility. If you’re seeking a means of self-expression, try the contemporary dance classes instead. Developed in reaction to the rigid discipline of ballet, contemporary dance aims to connect the mind and body to move together rather than employ strict structures and positions. Those with children can consider “Ballet With Mommy” classes. Matching tutus optional. Classes are suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience. Drop in rate is $230; otherwise $1,800 for a package of 10. The summer dance pass (valid from July to August) costs $1,000 for 10 adult classes of your choice. Studios in Central and Southside - Shop 311, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Aberdeen, 6608 1928. www.twinkledance.com
The Kinnet The Kinnet provides services, activities and facilities for those who are older but want to stay healthy and active. It is the only centre in Hong Kong offering fitness equipment specifically designed for older adults. Group exercise classes include yoga, tai chi and dance. Physiotherapy, personal training, active isolated stretch and dietetic services are also on offer, as well as creative classes. A spacious restaurant with an outdoor roof terrace serves healthy, delicious food. The Women’s Wellness Programme includes unlimited access to the gym, group fitness and creative classes, plus complimentary breakfast at the restaurant - for two months. Valid until August 31. LG-3/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, www.thekinnet.com, 3968 7600.
DNAFit
s!
oline
tramp
If traditional workouts aren’t giving you the results you’re hoping for, let science give you an added edge. DNAFit uses genetic testing to find out how individuals respond to training and nutrition. A simple cheek swab is sent to the UK for analysis and within a month a report is sent back to Hong Kong. The results of the report include information on your genetic predisposition in terms of recovery speed, aerobic potential and diet - including your response to gluten, caffeine and alcohol - and other key indicators. The team at Absolute DNA - the company who administers the test in Hong Kong - will use this information to advise you on training and nutrition tailored to your genetic make-up. The DNAFit package starts from $5,000 which includes the test and an in-depth consultation to interpret the results. Visit www.absolutedna.hk
Flaunt BounceLimit This fitness studio is home to 21 individual mini-trampolines, or “rebounders”. It offers a range of functional and bodyweight exercise classes on the rebounders, including TRXBounce, CombatBounce, DanceBounce, and BouncePilates. The slightly uneven surface of the trampoline forces the core muscles to contract and stabilize, giving a high intensity cardio workout while maintaining low impact on the knee joints. You can burn up to 1000 calories per hour. Suitable for men and women. A single class costs $400 (non-members). Discounted rates apply to first time trials, class packages and members. The Pemberton, 13/F 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, www.bouncelimit.com, 2441 0021.
This newly opened boutique studio specialises in pole dancing, as well as aeromovement, dance and fitness classes. Sessions include “Heels and Steel”, “Bend and Snap Chair Dance” and “Broadway Burlesque”. Group party packages are also available for birthdays and bachelorettes (and breakups) and include use of the studio’s outdoor terrace. 4/F, Kai Kwong Commercial Building, 332-334 Lockhart Road, www.flauntstudio.hk, 2865 7786.
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pets
seven ear itch
...ITCHY AND SCRATCHY Pets Central’s Dr. Anders Kulhavy warns of skin issues in pets.
D
oes your dog have skin issues? Does he or she keep you up at night scratching and chewing? Is there hair loss? These are common issues, especially in spring and summer when plants are in full bloom. Here are the general reasons for itchy pooches. Allergies This is the most common diagnosis for itchy dogs and can be broken down into a few main categories: inhaled (atopy), food, contact, and flea allergies. Inhaled allergies are usually seasonal and result from exposure to allergens in the air such as pollen and mould. While humans typically get sinus problems, sneezing and a runny nose, dogs tend to develop itchy ears and inflamed areas in their armpits and on their stomach. They will also start to lick their feet. These symptoms can be treated with a combination of topical shampoos and sprays as well as short-term and long-term oral allergy medication. Food allergies tend to be a year-round, chronic problem that can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include itchiness and hair loss. Treatment involves
a diet free from common ingredients found in pet food (chicken, beef, grains) that hopefully your pet is not allergic to. This includes rabbit, kangaroo, sweet potato, etc... There are specially engineered diets made of short protein sources that are non-allergenic. Contact allergies are typically from grasses, but can also arise from exposure to household cleaning products. Symptoms are localized to the areas that contacted the allergen (such as the feet). Infections Bacterial skin infections are termed pyoderma and appear as pustules or pimples. Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common pathogen and often invade inflamed skin caused by allergies. Yeast infection by the organism Malassezia is also common and invades moist or inflamed skin. This results in black discolouration, a greasy feel, and a distinct odour. Treatment with antifungals can take several weeks or months to resolve. Ringworm In spite of its name, ringworm is actually a fungal infection. The name
comes from the circular pattern or hair loss and crusts that develop as a result of infection. This is passed directly from infected animals, rodents or sometimes from spores on the ground. This can be hard to cure and can even spread to people. Parasites There are several skin parasites that cause itching including fleas and mites. Flea bites cause a direct itch response as well as secondary allergies. They are most commonly found on the back, rear, and tail. This is much more common in animals that go outdoors, however pets can carry fleas indoors as well. Modern flea medications do a great job of preventing and treating this common problem. Demodex and Sarcoptes mites (mange) These are transmitted directly from other dogs and are most common in puppies. Symptoms can range from mild hair loss to complete baldness with skin sores. If your dog has any of the symptoms above, consult a vet and get a proper diagnosis. Things can get worse if treatment is delayed or the wrong medication is used. Some conditions can even spread to people so don’t ignore it.
hong kong creatures
THE BLACK-BEARDED TOMB BAT Black-bearded tomb bats are also known as bearded sheath-tailed bats. They are mediumsized bats with short ears, big round eyes and long tails. They are agile and very fast flyers. Interestingly, not all of them have a black bearded chin: only some males do. These bats feed on flying insects and small fruits. They always gather in groups ranging from 200 to 4,000 individuals, and the males are very territorial in nature. Each male occupies a particular colony indicative of its social status in the community. The males form a protective circle around the female and young. In the mating season, males secrete a pheromone into the beard to attract a mate.
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Black-bearded tomb bats love to stay
photo by Aditya Joshi
aka Taphozous melanopogon. By Steffi Yuen.
in forested habitats in tropical regions, disused mines, old buildings, temples and other sheltered areas. They can be found in Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Thailand, Laos, China, and the Philippines. The species is common in South Asia, but is threatened by loss of habitat as a result of commercial logging, hunting and disturbance by humans. This tomb bat was first found in Hong Kong inside a building in Quarry Bay in 1992. Where to find them in Hong Kong: Quarry Bay.
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南區獸醫中心 Tel : 2805 1318 / 2805 1328 Address: Shop A1 A2, G/F Happy View Bldg, 165-167 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong (under McDonalds Restaurant) 香港鴨脷洲大街 165-167 號, 樂景大廈地下 A1 A2 舖
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southside secrets
Photo by Jonathan Leung
mirror, mirror
INSTAGRAM PIER Why are so many people heading to a cargo depot? Kristy Wong finds out.
P
ublic cargo depots are generally not popular places to go to, but the Western District Public Cargo Depot is on its way to becoming the new favourite spot of the Hong Kong photoholic. Commonly known as “Instagram Pier” (after the popular photo-sharing site), it is located on the waterfront of Sai Wan, providing an unobstructed view of Victoria Harbour. At sunset, you can shoot pictures of the sun as it falls to the horizon, along with the beautiful coastline of Kowloon Harbour. But the money shot is the “Mirror of the Sky”. After rainfall, a layer of water remains on the ground which reflects people and the
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sky above - a unique characteristic of the pier. By lowering your camera to the level of the water on the ground, you can achieve a reflective effect similar to that of the Bolivian Salt Lakes. As signs posted by the Marine Department point out, the pier is not technically a public place, but on any given evening you will see people posing for photos, others waiting for the sunset with their tripods, residents out walking their dogs and students hanging out. On weekends, some even go fishing there (though there isn’t much to catch). You will be encouraged to leave when the dock is in operation for your own safety.
Reports of government plans to turn the area - which won the award for best “People Space” in the 2013 Hong Kong Public Space Awards - into a promenade, with extra railings and buildings, met with negative feedback from residents. However, rumours of some form of redevelopment are still in circulation.
How to get there Alight at the University of Hong Kong MTR station Exit B2 and walk for 10 minutes, or take the tram to Shek Tong Tsui and get off at Fung Mat Road.