June-August 2020

Your Space!

Stocks & Shares What Now?

Pregnancy Problems

& News Living in Kennedy Town School Views

#HKHolidays

A Mongolian Adventure

EDITOR’SNOTE

Last issue, I began by noting, “2020 has certainly started with a wobble”... Looking back, that may have been one of my greatest understatements! I’m proud to say that Hong Kong has endured – and what a mighty fine job we have all done along the way. But it has been tough, especially for those expat families who are separated or grieving loved ones from afar. With travel so affordable, the world had become small and home didn’t feel so far away these past few years. Suddenly, the tyranny of distance became all too real. But as they say, this too shall pass. And so do our most cherished experiences. Sadly, this will be my last issue editing Expat Living. After more than a decade in Hong Kong, we have moved on to our next adventure. I will never forget my time here (nor that time we relocated during a global pandemic!). Oh, how I love this magazine. Editing her was at the top of my Hong Kong bucket list for many years. Having ticked that box brings such joy. An enormous shout out to everyone who works to make this magazine happen. Thanks to Rebecca, our fabulous publisher, and to Kate, the best work-wife a girl could ask for, whom I’ll miss terribly. As expats, we know it’s never goodbye forever. All the best people keep popping back up!

REBECCA SIMPSON

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Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Editor REBECCA SIMPSON Digital Content JULIET KEYS | MICHAELA BISSET Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Senior Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | JEANNE WONG Circulation & Marketing ANNA TSERLINGAS Sales & Marketing KATE WOODBURY Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers ANTHIA CHNG | MELINDA MURPHY BARBARA RAIMONDO Contributing Photographers COLIN SIM (COLSIMPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) Printed by MIRACLE PRINTING CO. LTD.

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Image: The Peninsula Hong Kong (peninsula.com/en/hong-kong) and Lightfoot Travel (lightfoottravel.com)

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CONTENTS

UPFRONT 8 Follow Us Online 10 The Hong Kong Pages: Facts, trivia, history and more 12 Hong Kong News HOME & LIFE 18 Home Showcase: A village house renovation success 24 Home Help: Expert tips on refreshing your interior 28 Summer Vibes: Bring it indoors! 30 Buying Guide: Top picks for your living room 32 Street Talk: What it’s like living in Kennedy Town 38 Ace Apartments: A property that ticks all the boxes 39 Expert Voice: Relocating in uncertain times 40 Money Matters: Investments during a pandemic panic

18 A village

home revamp

42 On the Screen:

Top TV and film recommendations

School Special 50 Language & Little Ones: HKIL launches a branch for kids! 51 Seaside Sessions: The preschool taking it outdoors 52 Home Learning: How parents can help 53 Tantrum Tricks: How to tackle and tame them 54 Talking Transition: Preparing tots for big school 55 Learning Chinese: Eliminate the intimidation 56 Virtual Community: How this school tackles distance 57 School Focus: British Boarding in Hong Kong 58 Summer Study: Keeping our kids on track 60 Staying Positive: COVID-19’S silver lining

45 On the Page:

We preview the latest great reads

46 Summer Fun:

Camps galore for the long break

52 How to help your little learner

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74 Our summer skin secrets

WELLNESS & LEISURE 66 Pregnancy Problems: 10 common woes 68 The Silent Struggle: Motherhood and mental health 70 Tackling the Taboo: Breastfeeding in public 72 Fitness Focus: Fighting stress with strength 74 Tried & Tested: Rating our fave moisturisers 76 Taste Test: We explore Cantonese flavours 77 Brunch is Back: A free-flow favourite returns!

78 Doorstop Deliveries: An essential guide 80 Recipe Corner: Fail-safe favourites for your repertoire 82 Summer Staycay: 8 picks and promos 88 Destination Focus: We recall our favourite beaches 94 Romantic Retreat: EL’s newlywed visits Krabi 96 Magical Mongolia: An unforgettable family adventure

REGULARS 100 Puzzle Pages 102 Important Numbers 103 Our Advertisers 104 Parting Shot: MY HK experiences

96 Exploring Mongolia with family

76 Cantonese cravings

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Fun things to do at home with the family

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GET A FREE COPY OF OUR CITY GUIDE! Are you looking to make the most out of living in Hong Kong or know someone new in town who needs a helping hand? Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here a while, you’ll find loads of handy tips and advice on neighbourhoods to live in, property, education, health and more in the latest edition.

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9 JUN-AUG2020

THEHKPAGES Our regular feature where we investigate

Fact File

Hong Kong’s past and present, with tips, trivia and time travel – and the occasional tricky challenge for readers!

6 THINGS ABOUT THE BAUHINIA The “Hong Kong orchard”, a type of bauhinia, was chosen as the territory’s emblem in 1965. Here are some other trivia titbits about the famous flower. #1 This particular bauhinia was “discovered” in 1880 by a Catholic missionary from France. It was found in the vicinity of a ruined house in Pok Fu Lam – perhaps close to the historic Béthanie building. #2 It didn’t get its modern name, Bauhinia blakeana , until 1908, when the superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department named it after a pair of 17th-century French botanists, Gaspard and Jean Bauhin, and after Sir Henry Blake, British Governor of Hong Kong from1898 to 1903, and his wife Lady Blake. #3 The bauhinia blooms from early November to the end of March. Its fragrant flowers look a little like orchids; they grow to around 15 centimetres.

THE BIG GIG Who’s excited about seeing bands playing live in Hong Kong again? We are! In the meantime, here’s a look back at one of the highest profile concerts the city has witnessed – 56 years ago, when the Beatles visited during their world tour of 1964.

Date: June 1964. Most reports say that the band played on 9 June, but there are collectors’ ticket stubs that clearly say 10 June. Whichever night it was, the band played two shows (the late show started at 9.30pm), to a crowd of around 1,700 people each time. Venue: Princess Theatre on Nathan Road. The theatre was demolished in the 1970s and is the current location of The Mira hotel. Cost: Up to $70 per ticket. Set list: While there’s no official record of the set list, the band’s recent big hits are all likely to have featured – “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “I Saw Her Standing There”, “All My Loving” and “She Loves You” – along with popular covers like “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Twist and Shout”. Story of the gig: • It wasn’t so much the Fab Four as the Fab Three plus one. Ringo Starr was in a hospital in London recovering from tonsillitis. He would also miss the first show (in Adelaide) of the subsequent Australia tour. • Neither of the Hong Kong shows was sold out because the ticket price was too expensive for the band’s main fan base – teenagers. It’s said to be the only concert in the band’s history where the promoter lost money! Military serviceman made up a big proportion of the crowd; Paul McCartney would later recall that it was mostly a “khaki audience”. • Despite this report, some fans who attended recall the concert as having the typical throngs of screaming fans – to the point where the music was mostly drowned out. • The Beatles’ Hong Kong tour is said to have prompted a demand for more rock and roll records and shows, with the likes of The Carpenters and Herman’s Hermits also touring in the 1960s. The Rolling Stones dragged the chain: they didn’t play in HK until 2003.

#4 Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai is home to a six-metre statue of the flower. The square was the location for Hong Kong’s “handover” ceremony in July 1997. According to some people, the monument is arguably more reminiscent of pak choy than a bauhinia!

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Go Figure

THE ESCALATOR IN NUMBERS We’ve all been on it – some of us use it every day; HongKong’s Central-Mid Levels Escalator is, according to the folks at GuinnessWorld Records, the longest outdoor covered escalator system on the planet. Here are some other stats we uncovered about this unique walkway.

The year the escalator opened Its approximate length, in metres

1993 800

The change in elevation, in metres, from top to bottom The number of steps you have to climb if you choose to walk beside the escalator instead of using it Approximate number of CCTV cameras on the escalator The number of days of filming that took place on the escalator in 1997 for the Batman film The Dark Knight (starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger) The number of different sections to the escalator Approximate daily usage (number of people) of the escalator in 2016 The cost to build the escalator – $140 million over budget The travel time from top to bottom, in minutes, if you don’t do any extra walking on the escalator sections themselves

135

782

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#5 The flower can also be seen on the Hong Kong flag, which has been in use since 1997. While the petals in the flag are white, in real life they are pink. You’ll also find the bauhinia on coins and on the Hong Kong coat of arms. #6 While it’s commonly referred to as the Hong Kong orchid, the bauhinia isn’t an orchid. It’s from the legume family, which includes peas and beans.

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78,000

240mill.

Click!

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Also... In its early years of operation, the escalator was considered a

“white elephant”, as it didn’t seem to achieve the desired effect of alleviating the traffic problems in the area. Since then, however, its usage has grown to three times the original estimates, and it has helped to revitalise much of the urban area it passes through. The escalator is currently undergoing a major four-year renovation, which is expected to be finished by 2022.

Think you know Hong Kong well? Name the building shown here. The three bridges pictured in our last issue were Ting Kau Bridge, Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Tsing Ma Bridge.

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WHAT’S NEW

Enchanting Fashions Gorgeous new prints, flattering yet comfortable minis and maxis, and everything in-between – that’s what you can expect from the new Summer 2020 collection by online boutique Black Coral xo, which is dropping in July. You’ll also find a limited-edition range of fun, fashion-forward face masks in signature prints, with a buy-one-donate-one initiative to help the community. Plus, there’s a capsule collection of new swimsuits for junk boat season! Free shipping within HK. Psst: Meet the team in person at upcoming pop-up events on 15-21 June and 21-27 September at The Loop, 33Wellington Street, Central. blackcoralxo.com

COVID

Clarins Says Thanks: Healthcare workers have been heroes this year, and Clarins has kindly a cknowl edg ed these amazing h u m a n s b y

donating thousands of gift bags to the city’s healthcare professionals. We hope these hard workers have had the chance to practice some self-care. Our own thanks to them all, too!

Free Masks: From June, Mask To Go dispensers will help 40,000 Hong Kongers access free masks to help keep them safe. The masks are all made in Hong Kong as part of a New World Development initiative.

Local Gem We’re loving new local jewellery brand, Lilie Sai Wan. The range is designed right here in Hong Kong by French expat Aurélie Samuel. The delicate pieces are perfect for everyday summer style, with fine feminine design and a pinch of sparkle. Made from silver and high-quality 18-carat gold plating, they make beautiful gifts. IG @liliesaiwan

Design Star Congratulations toHongKong’s own Grace Lant who has been announced as a Womenswear Finalist in the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition, the Redress Design Awards. Grace’s zero-waste collection, Amalgamation, is created from a wide range of unwanted textiles sourced from both Italy and Hong Kong. See what you think of the collection here: redressdesignaward.com/2020-grace-lant .

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Magic Maldives With its doors due to open in September, Kagi Maldives Spa Island is a 15-minute seaplane ride (or one-hour speedboat ride) from Malé. Located in North Malé Atoll, the 50-villa property will house a dedicated wellness centre offering all sorts of treatments and therapies including reiki, yoga and holistic health coaching. kagimaldives.com

The list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars has been announced for another year and the 2020 instalment sees a shuffle around for Hong Kong, including a few new entries. So, who made the cut? The Old Man has dropped from the best bar in the region to number two, closely followed by agave den Coa, which came in at number three. Sprinkled through the rest of the line-upwereQuinary (16), TheWise King (18), 8½Otte e Mezzo Bambana (28), Caprice Bar (34), the Pontiac (35) and Lobster Bar&Grill (44). Congrats to all! Best Spots for a Sip

Nature Heals The pause in travel across the globe has been tough on many of us, but it’s been a positive news story for the planet’s wildlife. Our friends at Singita in Africa report that animals are thriving right across their reserves. In fact, they’ve recently spotted multiple packs of wild dogs – an endangered species in Africa – move through their Sabi Sand reserve in South Africa. To see these amazing animals, andmany more, check out Singita’s Instagramwhere you can experience real-time bush sightings. IG @singita_

Game On If you’re living with a gamer and on a budget, rip this page out now! LG has launched a new gaming monitor, the 34-inch GN850. Why do gamers need

Listen to Mamma! Grab the gang and check out this newbie on the Soho foodie scene. Restaurant and bar Mamma Always Said lands on Peel Street this summer with an all-day menu and loads of sharing options. Expect happy hours and comfort food galore – we’ll be ordering a FOMO (Fruit of Mamma’s Orchard) Daiquiri and some homemade XO fried chicken wings. Yum.

a special monitor? Because they want an ultra-realistic visual to get properly lost in the games they love. This one is quite the indulgence, so you might want to suggest the 27-inch 27GL850-B monitor if the gamers in your home aren’t pros just yet. lg.com/hk

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Little Learners Get the kids excited while learning about the ocean with the Junior Marine Biology Programme by Six Senses. The 10-week at-home course is open to everyone and suitable for all ages. Each week, the resort’s team of marine biologists will take turns to introduce all sorts of marine life, from manta rays and corals to turtle and reef fish. Broader topics cover science research, sustainability and how to get involved. Find out more at sixsenses.com/en/at-home-with-six-senses .

On theMove Asian Tigers Group provides international relocation solutions for more than 16,000 families each year, with offices in 14 different territories. In this regular column, they provide different advice for newcomers to Hong Kong. “What are the logistics of moving a pet?” Pets aren’t just friends; they’re family members. You’ll obviously want to do everything possible to keep pets with you when you relocate. Yet pet relocation is known as a difficult task. To ease the process and help your furry friends reach their new home safely, you’ll need to do some preparation, and perhaps ask for specialist help. A first important note is that you need to follow the rules and regulations of the country you’re moving to. Generally, most states allow dogs and cats to enter, but if you have other pets, be sure to check any restriction clauses. Second, you should search for those airlines that allow pets to travel. The best way is to contact the airlines. This can be troublesome, but your pet may not be able to board the plane if you skip this step. Choosing a comforting crate for the flight is another necessary step in the lead-up to your move. Containers should be the right size as per International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Too stressed or don’t have time to manage all these steps? If so, consider hiring a FAIM-certified mover like Asian Tigers. Our expert team can help you take care of things like crates, rules and regulations, documentation andmore. We also offer the arrangement of pet passports, door-to-door transport and updates on your pet’s condition during transit, helping to settle your fur-kids in their new home.

New in Krabi Banyan Tree Krabi is set to open along Tubkaek Beach in October this year. The new resort will house pool suites and villas, including two- and three-bedroom options. Other facilities include all-day dining, a ballroom, wedding chapel, beach club, kids’ club, fitness centre and rainforest-themed spa. banyantree.com/en/thailand/krabi

Got more questions about pet relocation? Contact Asian Tigers for further assistance. asiantigersgroup.com/contact-us

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School’s

Back!

After four months of online learning, Hong Kong students have finally made it back to campus. We’re not sure who was more excited: the kids, the parents or our teachers... Whichever it was, it felt great! Here are some of the latest developments on campus.

Online Seminars This summer, parents are welcome to join one of the online seminars hosted by ESF. The school will share information specific to each phase of their through-train offering. 4 June ESF Island School Seminar (secondary school) 2 and 16 June Kindergarten to Primary 22 June Secondary 24 August Kindergarten to Primary 25 August Secondary esf.edu.hk/parent-seminars

Malvern Happenings MalvernCollege Hong Kong regularly hosts small groups of parents on campus to learn more about the school and the opportunities available for students. Check the school’s website for the latest information, but at the time of printing the 2 June 2020 Malvern Meet was to be held online. Meanwhile, Malvern College Pre- School’s Summer Camps are shaping up to be super fun. Little learners will be treated to Taekwondo, music, STEAM activities and a whole lot more. malverncollege.org.hk malvernpreschool.hk

Boarding in China? Those interested in looking at British boarding school options in China might want to join the Lady Eleanor Holles International School online information session on 12 June. Learn about this new boarding school opening in Foshan (September 2020 intake). leh-foshan.cn

Ask the Expert I f you ha v e bu r n i ng questions about schools in Hong Kong, jump on Top School’s Ask Me Anything sessions each Monday afternoon. Ruth Benny will answer all your questions about schools in Hong Kong and beyond. facebook.com/topschoolshk/live_videos

Summer Camps Staying in Hong Kong and looking for summer camps or summer time activities? Head to our website for all the latest listings: expatliving.hk

New School There’ll be a new kid on the block in Chai Wan for the 2020/21 school year: Invictus School Chai Wan. This new secondary school is an independent, co-educational day school. The $88,888-per-year early bird tuition promotion should prove to be very attractive to both expatriate families and local residents. chaiwan.invictusschool.hk

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Shades of Summer: Bringing those sunny vibes into your home

Altfield Interiors

RENOVATION SUCCESS • LIVING ROOM PICKS • KENNEDY TOWN LIVING MONEY MATTERS • TV & BOOK REVIEWS • SCHOOL SPECIAL

Village

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HOME & LIFE

Dreaming of revamping a village house? This expat shares some tips and tricks on managing a modern renovation.

PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN SIM

What initiated the renovation process? It was a new purchase. Initially, we were impressed with the condition of the house, but as we started thinking more it became clear that it needed work. And, once you start, it’s hard to stop! Our worry was, if we upgrade parts of the house and not others, the contrast will highlight the older parts as very worn and outdated. So, we decided a full reno was needed. We worked together from the very beginning. I saw her own house and she took me to see some recently completed projects, which was super helpful. Jenny is a busy workingmum, so, to a certain extent, we share a similar lifestyle, which certainly made it easier. My husband had a need for a ridiculous amount of shelving for books which, at times, dominated the entire plan. My suggestion to “let go” of some of the books did not go down well! In terms of style, we were looking for modern, clean lines, along with a neutral palette we could accent with some personal touches. What were the non-negotiables? For me, an open kitchen with an island was a must-have. For my husband, the aforementioned bookshelves for days! What was your brief to the designer?

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How much of the original home has been transferred to the new design?  Almost none. We changed the entire layout. In fact, we reversed the second and third floors entirely. For some reason, the master suite was on the middle level, which is a little odd. We didn’t even notice this oddity when we viewed the house! The kitchen is beautiful. Is this area the heart of your family home? What was your specific instruction and vision for the space?  I love the kitchen. We spend the most time on the ground floor since it’s a cohesive space. We love cooking and baking and it means someone can be busy in the kitchen, someone working at the dining table and someone reading on the sofa, and we’re all together. I had to get the Neff oven too – inspired by The Great British Bake Off ! We thought about a glass canopy but were conscious that we don’t want the space to feel enclosed in any way. The beauty of the patio is the view, so we absolutely did not want to impede that view. We will spend a summer here and see how we feel. I’mmore inclined to get some umbrellas on stands, rather than install a more permanent structure or a roll away canopy that will get dirty very quickly. Howare youworking tobattleHongKong’s tough climate in the outdoor entertaining space?

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HOME & LIFE

The smaller mosaic tiles are a striking consistent visual, appearing in the entrance and bathrooms. What draws you to this look? The colourful ones in the kids’ bathroom are Jenny’s signature look! We call them “Jennybeans”. The kids saw them in her bathroom and we all liked them. We do really love them and are pleased we were brave enough to use them floor-to-ceiling on all walls. The mosaics work well to build up any pattern or “look”, especially when you play around with the colours of the grouting. The entranceway was inspired by the flooring in St John’s Cathedral; my only regret is that by adding the cabinet later, we obscured part of the pattern. Where do you source your art from? We’ve picked up a few pieces from trips. Our latest acquisition is the lion painting from Tanzania, which I absolutely love – and the space for it is perfect. We brought this back in a tube and Jenny’s carpenter built the most beautiful frame for us to fix it onto. Downstairs, we have a Lamma Islandwatercolour from the 1990s. We used to live there, so it has meaning. We have a lot that we haven’t had time to hang yet, including quite a few old family photos that we’ve had restored. What’s your favourite room? It’s hard to pick. I’d have to say the ground floor. Although we call the first-floor room the “family room”, we spend more time together downstairs. We open the patio doors at certain times of the day and we can hear the many different birdsongs. My husband has become a proper twitcher and a pair of binoculars now lives downstairs! Only a few tiny things here and there. I might have chosen ceramic tiles for the flooring on the upper floors. We had wood-look ceramic tiles in our old flat for almost 20 years and they were excellent. The hardwood floors are not so cold and do look amazing but they need much more love and attention than the ceramic. I love spending time at home! Of course, we moved in just before COVID-19 so it’s been an unusual time. With all of us spending so much more time at home, I’m so glad it’s in this house. If it had been our old flat, I think we would have cabin fever and taken it out on each other. We’ve enjoyed having friends over. Another non- negotiable was a ten-seater dining table for this very reason. If you could have a do-over, what would you change? Now that you’re finished and living in the space, which part has surprised you the most?

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Was the project completed on time? Despite being a large project – seven months; June to December – it was finished just a couple of weeks late. We were moving in by Christmas, by hook or by crook! In fact, Jenny probably would have preferred a couple more weeks but it all worked out. What was the toughest part of the process? Honestly, I’ve done three large renovations before and this was by far the easiest. If you get a project manager like Jenny, she handles it all. The part we are still working on is the bookshelves – husband still not totally happy!

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HOME & LIFE

An enviable wardrobe The planning… “Treasure Kitchen built all the wardrobes and shelving, as well as the bathroom cabinets (and kitchen, obviously). Honestly, it wasn’t easy and it took hours and hours of planning – trawling Pinterest for ideas – and then discussing those ideas with our project manager and the supplier.” The iterations… “We must have had almost ten iterations of designs, and a lot of back and forth. I’m very happy with the outcome. We were tempted to save here and there by using less expensive materials, but we didn’t do this in the end, which I’m pleased about. We went for a two-tone throughout with a little panelling, but not too much.” The functionality… “For me, the beauty of the wardrobe is that all the clutter is stored here, leaving the bedroom clear and calm. The bedroom is quite large and it was important for me to have the space – space to relax, and take in the view. I have enough space for a yoga mat to do some exercises in the morning and it’s becomemy work-from-home office too.”

Contractor: Jenny Perry, Perry Contracting Level 23, One Island East, 18Westlands Road, Quarry Bay 9225 6565 Kitchen Design: Treasure Kitchen Design 383 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai 2892 2993 Sofas and Beds: Tequila Kola 1/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St, Ap Lei Chau 2877 3295 | tequilakola.com Oven: Neff Sourced locally from Built-In Pro, showrooms in North Point and Mong Kok neff-home.com | builtinpro.hk Ceiling Fans: Lucci Air Sourced locally from TP Lighting, Unit 302A, Sun Cheong Industrial Building, 1 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon lucciair.com Curtains: Ka Ying Curtain Craft & Fashion Altering

Shop 6, G/F Sai Kung Garden, Sai Kung 6563 9498 | facebook.com/SaiKungKaYing

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HOME & LIFE

Refresh? BY REBECCA SIMPSON

for a Ready

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HOME & LIFE

F

It’s been nice to cocoon ourselves at home and revel in some JOMO(joy ofmissing out). Now, it’s time to freshen things up a little!

or some, a refresh means surrendering to a full redesign. For others, it’s time to be conservative and deliver that sense of change in smaller, smarter ways. Who better to guide us through these

challenges than JOHN MCLENNAN? He’s the founder and executive chairman at Indigo Living , a brand recognised by you (our readers!) with a slew of top gongs in our Readers’ Choice Awards 2020: Best Interior Design, Home Stylist, Living Room Furniture, Dining & Tableware and Home Accessories. #1 First Impressions

Looking to make a striking first impression on guests? John’s recommendation might surprise you. “Scent is one of the first things you notice when you enter a person’s home – and it’s an easy solution. It shouldn’t be anything overpowering; just having something subtle in the background works. Use a scented candle or reed diffusor to create the mood – and stick to one scent.” He also shares, “Another way to create a great first impression is a signature piece of art or furniture in the entryway. Visually, it’s the first thing a guest will notice.”

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HOME & LIFE

#2 Bedroom Bliss We spend so much of our lives in our bedrooms. Refreshing a bedroom can make an impact on our wellbeing by resetting our sleep routine. John says, “Having the right bedding is the key – and layering is the trick. Start with the bed linens – they should be 100 percent cotton and soft to the touch. A light and fluffy duvet not only makes the bed inviting before you get in at night but also nearly impossible to get out of in the morning! A few accent pillows for colour and a throw at the bottom of the bed will transform your bedroom. I also like to have a reed diffusor in the bedroom as it provides a welcoming scent when you walk in for the first time before going to bed.”

Having the right bedding is key – and layering is the trick ... A few accent pillows for colour and a throw at the bottom of the bed can also help to transform your bedroom.

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HOME & LIFE

#3 Statement Lighting Statement lighting can be tricky to achieve in Hong Kong’s smaller spaces. John shares his advice: “In small spaces it’s hard to have any statement overhead lighting unless it’s over the dining table. Remember to keep the size of the light proportional to the size of the table; hanging it at the right height is important as well. Get it wrong and you can find it uncomfortable to sit at the table as the room can be dominated by the lighting.” #4 On-trend Textiles Soft furnishings are an easy way to invite a seasonal trend into your home. John highlights two such trends that are emerging in home textiles. “The stronger one is a palette of muted colours – think wines and berries and subtle textures, with limited tone-on-tone patterns. The second trend is more colourful, but again, with a muted palette of softer colours and hues – pale yellows, burnt orange and chalk greens, for example. With this season’s textiles, the overall feeling is one of warmth, craftsmanship and natural materials.”

indigo-living.com

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Jim Thompson Lan Na Court Collection

HOME & LIFE

Ready to welcome those balmy summer vibes into your home? The team at Altfield Interiors suggests five ways to embrace the warmest months of the year.

Lifting your home’s aesthetic to a lighter and brighter summer mood can be as easy as adding seasonal accents. Just like we layer accessories on a classic outfit to bring it into the season, so too can we apply this approach to the home. Try one of these dreamy summer switch-ups! #1 Green Light Your Green Thumb Open your home and bring the outdoors in with big leafy green plants in all shapes and sizes. Play around with ferns or large statement planters. Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry, simply invest in a regular bloom delivery and decorative vases.

#2 Embrace Bold Accents

Be inspired by fashion and dip your toe in the bolder trend waters with decorative accents. Just like you would experiment with a scarf or necklace, revel in the season’s colour and pattern trends with smaller items.

#3 Lighten Up

In European grand houses, summer slip covers in white linen were often used to lighten rooms and bring in a more relaxed vibe. Remember, you don’t always need to buy new; you can often just re-cover. Or, toy with blue and white – nothing says summer like the azure blue of the Mediterranean or that Hamptons beach-house look. This is a great trick for those in rentals. Find a beautiful fabric or a wallpaper that captures your heart and frame it in panels. This way, you can hang it on your wall and enjoy it even after you move. Or, simply replace it in the new season.

#4 Frame It

#5 Try a Tablecloth

Bring a touch of your own seasonal style to your table this summer. Think outside the boxwhen it comes to decorative tablecloths for entertaining and the every day.

Manuel Canovas Spring 2020 Collection

1101, Nine Queen’s Road, Central 2525 2738 | altfield.com.hk | @altfieldinteriorshk

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Living Room Get inspired and find the perfect piece for your living room, whether you’re looking for a stylish

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statement sofa or an

accent piece to complete your look.

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HOME & LIFE

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1 Soft-touch tatami mat in Coffee, from $700, Momomi 2 Illumino two-door sideboard, $39,800, Tequila Kola 3 Diego side table, $3,490, Indigo Living 4 Colefax & Fowler Callista fabric on sofa and blinds, $1,150 per metre, Atlfield Interiors 5 Canvas Art Series rug made with wool and bamboo silk, price on request, CarpetBuyer 6 Vaughan Avebury gourd lamp (glazed ceramic in Mustard), price on request, Altfield Interiors 7 Geneva Gold 2.5-seat sofa, $13,990, Indigo Living

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8 Swivel chair in Peony red, $10,980, Tequila Kola 9 Pumpkin end table, $4,980, Tequila Kola 10 Samuel & Sons Nocturne trimmings on cushions, $480 to $1,180 per yard, Altfield Interiors 11 Soft-touch tatami mat in Chocolate, from $700, Momomi

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HOME & LIFE

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12 Ibiza U-shaped sectional sofa, $50,540, Tequila Kola 13 Fine Nain wool and silk rug, price on request, CarpetBuyer 14 Renzo side table in a set of two, $7,290, Indigo Living 15 Kalif two-door sideboard with two drawers, $27,898, Tequila Kola 16 Era sofa, price on request, TREE 17 Round Solo raw coffee table, price on request, TREE

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18 Kingsley marble console, $8,490, Indigo Living 19 Soft-touch tatami mat in Navy, from $700, Momomi 20 Circa marble side table, large, $7,990, Indigo Living 21 Cambridge three-seater sofa in Velvet Aster 62 Aqua, $22,880, Tequila Kola 22 Viggo occasional chair, $6,490, Indigo Living 23 Face Construct rug, $11,980, Tequila Kola

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Directory

Altfield Interiors 2525 2738 | altfield.com.hk CarpetBuyer 2850 5508 | carpetbuyer.com Indigo Living 2555 0540 | indigo-living.com

Momomi momomijapan.com

Tequila Kola 2877 3295 | tequilakola.com

TREE 2870 1582 | tree.com.hk

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HOME & LIFE

NAME: AURÉLIE SAMUEL From: Toulouse, in the south of France Occupation: Jewellery designer and founder of Lilie Sai Wan (Instagram: @liliesaiwan)

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN THEIR ’HOOD

Where in Hong Kong do you live? Kennedy Town, part of Sai Wan area. It’s been an inspiration for the name of my jewellery brand! How long have you been here? A year and a half. Why Kennedy Town? It’s very accessible from the city centre, combined with an amazing sea view and an incredible diversity of bars and restaurants. But most all, it’s flat! What transport is available in your suburb? MTR, bus, minibus, taxi, tram.

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HOME & LIFE

If a celebrity were to move in nearby, who would it be? The cast of How I Met Your Mother . Speaking of unofficial uniform, I can totally imagine Barney Stinson’s character trying to hook up girls with a cup of coffee and a cute little brown poodle! I buy tickets to watch one of the amazing productions of the Hong Kong Ballet at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. I also recommend visiting the Hong Kong Museum of History where you can learn about the city and its past. What’s a mandatory stop for taking out of town guests? Going up to the Peak, and then crossing the harbour for a walk in the local areas of Kowloon and Mong Kok. And, last but not least, boarding a traditional junk boat for a night cruise on Victoria Harbour to enjoy Hong Kong’s fabulous skyline. What’s a common myth about your area? That it’s not as great as Sai Ying Pun! When you’re in need of a dose of culture, what do you do? If something wakes you up in night, what’s the reason? Bad pillows! Otherwise nothing really disturbs me, I’m a very good sleeper. What would a late-night rager in your suburb involve? An improvised drink with my husband watching the sunset along the pier. Or gathering with friends on Friday evening at Winstons Coffee for an endless Prosecco Night!

Tell us your hands-down favourite neighbourhood joint. KTM Bar and Kitchen, a Nepalese-Indian restaurant offering the best momos in town! Or Bun Cha, a delicious Vietnamese restaurant on Hau Wo Street. What about the best local food? Hoho restaurant on Davis Street – very popular among HKU students. Delicious fried rice, rice noodle rolls, fried wontons, fish balls and more. Very generous portions and cheap prices! The Salvation Army Family Store where you can find plenty of second-hand clothes, accessories and decoration items. I’ve found so many nice things for dressing Lilie Sai Wan’s jewellery photo shoots. Guiltiest local pleasure? A local shop at the corner of Belcher’s and Davis Street where they basically fry everything! The chicken nuggets are just unbelievable – way better than McDonald’s. People are queuing there day and night! Strangest thing you’ve seen in your neighbourhood? Dogs carried in strollers. What’s one thing you’d never change? The sea view. I can’t get tired of it! If the city gave you HK$5M to soup up your area, what would you do? I’d revamp the pier area nearby Victoria Road with tables and outdoor sofas. It would be the perfect spot to organise pop- up events with art and design exhibitions, music, bars and local food. Best sport for neighbourhood bargains?

When you walk out of your house, what’s the first thing you see? The sea! What’s the closest store to your front door? The Pacific Coffee at the corner of Belcher’s and Davis Streets. I can count on the nice team there to get my daily double expresso with “extra water”, the perfect equivalent of the French café allongé . What’s the unofficial uniform of your area? A pair of sneakers, a cup of coffee in one hand and a cute little brown poodle in the other.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Share it with others – just email us at info@expatliving.hk with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.

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TOWNPLACE SOHO

HOME & LIFE

That’s why TOWNPLACE caught our eye this month. Developed by a residential leasing brand under Sun Hung Kai Properties, it offers apartments in two locations, Kennedy Town, and a brand new property in Soho. There are serviced apartments (Soho only), as well as furnished and unfurnished units with all the facilities we’re used to in the city’s larger apartment complexes – and yet with month-to-month leasing flexibility. Right now, that’s a very appealing offer. A place to entertain It’s not often we see a serviced apartment that feels like a place where you could entertain. TOWNPLACE has one of the highest social spaces on Hong Kong Island, offering impressive panoramic harbour views. There’s also everything you might expect in a larger residential building on the Island: a sundeck, gym, sauna, spa and wellness terrace and, a few floors down, a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows for more great views. Together, these facilities are referred to as Duo Social Space and they extend to guests in both the Soho and Kennedy Town properties. So, whichever property you’re living in, you have access to these integrated spaces in both. A place to work Aside from these impressive places to play, the complexes also offer indoor-to-outdoor co-working spaces with almost everything you need to get the job done. The areas are equipped with free and stable high-speed Wi-Fi, a phone booth for private calls and multi-purpose social spaces to get to know other tenants. When it comes to an apartment, if you can find one in a great location, with fab facilities, sweeping views and flexible lease arrangements, you’ve pretty much hit the jackpot. PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

TOWNPLACE KENNEDY TOWN

• 18 Caine Road, Central • 97 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town To find out more or book a viewing, visit townplace.com.hk. Flexi-leasing options are popular in Hong Kong right now and not many residences have this option. TOWNPLACE offers it at both locations. The minimum leasing term is just one month, making it a great short-stay option for expats and visiting families. There are also longer-term options, in the form of one-year and two-year leases. Some apartments are available unfurnished. Design credentials The configurations of the two properties range from smart studios to more spacious four-bedroom apartments. The first to open was in the sought-after, gentrified neighbourhood of Kennedy Town – that was in late 2018. This year sees the launch of the brand’s Soho premises, in the heart of Hong Kong’s dining and art scene. The apartments are furnished by three popular home design businesses: sustainable brand TREE, the award-winning Stellar Works, and Francfranc, with its the Japanese minimalist approach. The new apartments in Soho are a great option for those who want to stay in the heart of Hong Kong. The location offers the same work- life balance elements as the Kennedy Town residences. Designers have purposefully incorporated green elements throughout the building, from the entrance to the rooftop wellness terrace. So, it really is an oasis in the city. There’s a swimming pool, too – not too common in this part of the city. We also love the fact that you can use a tenant-exclusive app to enhance your stay. The app can help you engage with hospitality services, for instance, or reserve the Duo Social Space across both properties. You also use it as your room key or to distribute a QR Code Pass for visitors and more. Lease flexibility

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HOME & LIFE

in Uncertain Times Moving is stressful enough as it is, right? Relocating

# 3 Secure your finances

Add lockdowns or restrictions to the mix and you’re faced with one of the trickier times in your life. We caught up with the experts at Crown Relocations to see how international moves have been impacted in these uncertain times – and how you can best manage a move. # 1 Get organised early to avoid challenges According to the Crown team, due to the challenging (and changing!) nature of this year’s coronavirus pandemic, booked moves may potentially be postponed or cancelled. This means getting organised is of utmost importance. So, now is a good time to start getting quotes from professional international movers and understanding the estimated shipping times and worst-case scenarios. It’s also timely to do some research about what you can and can’t take with you. Don’t wait for the last minute to find out whether your television or other electronic devices will work in your new country. The situation varies from country to country, and you might need to sell some belongings – so get started. #2 Create a complete inventory It’s essential you understand the logistical and transport costs of your move. Start by creating a complete inventory of what you own. Then, decide what’s going with you and, if you’re planning on coming back, what’s going into storage. Depending on what you’re taking, air freight, while faster than road or sea, is generally much more expensive. Your move consultant will be able to help with this inventory creation and talk you through freight options. Crown is fully digital, and can conduct virtual consultations without having to come to your home. A consultant will video call you and itemise what you’d like shipped. Through the video call, they’ll also identify any items that need additional protection, and answer any of your questions.

Financialmatters raise some of the biggest concerns for people moving abroad. Address any questions about opening and closing bank accounts, managing pensions and disparities in tax as early as possible. Understand how current business closures and social distancing measures are going to impact your ability to set these up in your new location. # 4 Do your research

Obviously, a change in location brings differences in culture, climate and even how you’ll spend your leisure time. Decide what needs to be done prior to your move, such as visa applications and renewals, and what needs to be done after you arrive, like finding a local doctor and grocery store. #5 Consider whether you’re moving solo or with family If you’re on your own, chances are you’ll want to make friends quickly. If you’re moving with a partner, they may be interested in job opportunities. Young families will have different requirements from those with teenagers. Who’s moving with you has a major impact on your new neighbourhood and what you’ll need from your new home. As far as possible, the Crown Relocations team is adopting a “business as usual” approach, taking all necessary steps to ensure staff are operating in a safe environment, to protect customers and to continue to provide high levels of service. Findoutmoreby calling26368399or visitingcrownrelo.com.

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HOME & LIFE

MONEY MATTERS

In this issue, SIMON PARFITT of Pyrmont Wealth Management looks at some of the ramifications of the global pandemic.

Probably, but don’t panic! The coronavirus has triggered an economic decline around the world, reminding us that, of course, markets don’t just go up forever. While there have been signs of some stock market recovery, we may not be out of the woods yet, and nobody knows with certainty what the broader economic recovery will look like or when it will be. But this is okay. A looming recession can be distressing for all of us, but this should not induce fear. It is purely a sign that the economy is functioning as expected. Recessions have happened before, and they will happen again. The good news is that we can prepare for these volatile situations by understanding our sometimes irrational human behaviours during crises, and instead turning to evidence-based, long-term investing principles for guidance. Here are the most important things to be mindful of. Fear This unprecedented situation has brought with it a double dose of fear. The virus that has the potential to cause us bodily harm and the economic shutdowns could cause us financial loss. You can’t control the global economic recovery. However, your reaction to the financial markets with your own investments is entirely in your control. It’s no fun seeing your portfolio drop in value. But you must also remember that you never actually make a loss until you sell out of the market. WILL THERE BE A CORONAVIRUS RECESSION?

Ask Pyrmont about life-centred financial planning. Simon is regulated by both the HK Confederation of Insurance Brokers (011833) and the Securities and Futures Commission (BGY807). 6017 4140 | simonparfitt@pyrmontwm.com | pyrmontwm.com If you can manage your behaviours around short-term market events, you have a much better chance of reaping the potential benefits of long- term investing. If you have any questions about your specific situation, contact us. The Inevitable Advance There are no accurate methods for predicting when the recovery will be; all we know is that it will happen. History has taught us that, by taking on the risk of volatility in short- termmarket downturns, you’ll be rewarded with positive expected returns in the future – 73 percent of the time, stock markets have shown to be positive two years after a downturn. Yes, the headlines are scary, but they’re designed only to sell news, not care for our personal financial situation. Opportunities Sometimes, situations like this present opportunities. For example, as prices drop, you may have an opportunity to “rebalance” your portfolio. This means you might be able to “sell one thing and buy another” as a way to get your portfolio back to a desired mix that is most appropriate for your objectives. For regular investors, if your strategy remains unchanged, you will be rewarded later by continuing to purchase assets at lower prices. You can buy more units for the same amount of money. When the markets inevitably rebound, you will benefit more compared to if you had sold in and out of the market. Here to help If you’re struggling with recent events, or feel affected by the news and predictions, the best response is to acknowledge your emotions and seek help if you need to.

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