OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Family-Friendly Décor Apartments for Rent Adopt a Puppy!

Skiing Travelling in an Old School Bus in Japan

Things for Kids  Activities & Parties Holidays &Meals

&Hairdos for Teens Sayonara, Stretch Marks! Facials

amily Fun

EDITOR’SNOTE

Family – it’s everything to me.

In my experience, being away from family is the hardest part about being an expat. It’s what will drive me home, eventually. I want to be united with my original tribe; I want my kids to feel that same sense of belonging and love that comes with spending physical time with your extended family. Mine is huge, and I know that makes me very lucky. Family isn’t always who you’re related to. As expats, we create a second family from our friends. This is often tighter than our “real” family. We see all the rawness of our friends here – the highs and lows of fertility and, if we’re lucky, life with a newborn; and, the hollow and silent devastation that comes with death, and the realities we face when that knocks here or at home. We are each other’s everything while we live our expat lives. We know right now that many families in Hong Kong, no matter where you come from, are facing some tough times. It’s important we look out for each other, no matter our politics. We sought some advice in this edition about resolving family conflict (page 59) and watching for signs that loved ones might need help (page 78). If your family, friends or neighbours need some help, reach out to the Samaritans on their 24/7 hotline: 2896 0000. On a brighter note, here at Expat Living we are preparing for our Readers’ Choice Awards 2020. Turn to page 10 for more information about how you can get involved – not to mention the stunning resort holidays you stand the chance to win! – and be sure to keep an eye on our website and socials for more.

REBECCA SIMPSON

Stay updated online

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Comfort food on page 89!

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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 | GRACE BANTARAN Sales & Marketing KATE WOODBURY | DANIELLE HIGGINS Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers AMY GREENBURG | EDITH KRAAIJEVELD MELINDA MURPHY | SOPHIE PATEL Printed by MIRACLE PRINTING CO. LTD.

CONTACT US General Enquiries: +852 3480 7614 | +65 6259 0058 | info@expatliving.hk Advertising Sales: advertising@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk

Subscription: +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.hk Production: +65 6812 1787 | production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases: editor@expatliving.hk Calendar of Events: calendar@expatliving.hk Events: info@expatliving.hk Websites: expatliving.hk | expatliving.sg Printed by Miracle Printing Co. Ltd. Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #07-06 Mapex Building, Singapore 577177

Image by gorillaimages (shutterstock.com)

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CONTENTS

UPFRONT 8 Follow Us Online 10 Readers’ Choice Awards: Amazing prizes up for grabs! 12 Hong Kong News HOME & LIFE 20 Expert Voice: Design tips & trends 24 Ginger Jars: Styling a classic home accessory 26 Buying Guide: Fun finds for your family zone 32 Storage Solutions: Making space for winter 34 On the Market: Properties for sale and lease 38 Street Talk: What it’s like living in Tuen Mun 40 Hong Kong Pages: Exploring the city, past and present 42 Christmas is Coming: Get gifting with Prestige Fairs 45 On the Page: We preview the latest great reads 46 On the Screen:

58 Dollars & Sense:

Teaching kids about money

School Special 52 Malvern’s new preschool 54 The student who aced IB! 56 Boarding life in Sydney

59 Expert Advice: Dealing with family feuds 60 Fashion Forward: A designer’s journey 62 Adoption Corner: Pups in need of a home 63 Environment News: All the eco updates 64 Plastic Perils: The hard truth about drinking straws

Netflix and podcast recommendations 48 The Party Experts:

From sleepovers to super parks!

50 Family Fun:

Things to do with kids in HK

26 Home ideas for family hangouts

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WELLNESS & LEISURE 74 Fitness with Family: Fun ways to be active with your kids 75 Stride for a Cure: Join the walkathon! 76 Mental Health: The impact of ADHD 78 Showing Support:

Helping men overcome challenges

80 Expert Voices:

Tips from our columnists

81 Stretch Marks: Treatments to try 82 Mouth Health: The scoop on saliva 84 Buying Guide: 86 Hair Heroes: Styles for school 87 First Facial:

100

Our bathroom essentials

Family skiing in Japan

Teens and skin troubles

90 Recipe Corner:

88 Family Feasts:

Fail-safe favourites for your repertoire

Two spots for feeding the brood

92 Travel with Tots:

62

Providing a forever home for a furry friend

Child-friendly adventures

96 All Aboard:

The travelling school bus

100 Sake & Snow:

We discover a Hokkaido hotspot

REGULARS 106 Important Numbers 107 Our Advertisers 108 Parting Shot:

90 Try these recipes at home!

7 OCT-DEC2019

Get more updates and helpful content from Hong Kong’s ultimate lifestyle guide. expatliving.hk

Check out some great

family-friendly vacation spots

Follow us on social media!

facebook.com/expatlivingHK

instagram.com/expatlivingHK

READ OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS FOR FREE

AUG-SEP 19

JUN-JUL 19

APR-MAY19

HK$48 BEDS •MALDIVES •MUMSTUFF August – September2019 Issue48 BECOMINGA ALLNATURAL BEAUTY witha Village View Villa

HK$48 KIDS’FURNITURE •CRUISINGHOLIDAYS •MUST-DODINING June – July 2019 Issue47 Where to Cruise GettingBeachReady HealthyJunkTrips AquaticAdventures

Apr—May2019 Issue46

Mum

LUXEMALDIVES CRUISENEWS Christmas Breaks +

How toGetDreamyHair

ACoolHouse withaView Discovery Bay WheretoRent &What’sOnthe Market

HK$48 WEDDINGS •TEENS •ADVENTURES Health,habits, fashion, study, skin, teeth &more The riseof flexitarianism PrestigeFairs WeddingDays ClimbingKilimanjaro Sailing thePhilippines VietnamGetaway

Boudoirs oi CRIBS & BEDS

SkiingJapan RomanticRetreats World’sBiggestCave Travel

Kids SchoolNew Furniture&Flooring

WHOWONOUR READERS’CHOICE AWARDS?

ELHK-Aug-Cover k-new.indd 2

22/7/19 10:07AM

visit expatliving.hk/shop

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GET OUR NEW 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 2019/20 edition.

HONGKONG CITY GUIDE 2019/20

A L L Y O U N E E D T O N A V I G A T E L I F E I N T H E 8 5 2

Annual $28

SETTING UP • DÉCOR • THINGS TO DO • SCHOOLS • HEALTHCARE • DINING

Scan the QR code or visit: expatliving.hk/cityguide

*Free copy of our City Guide is while stocks last and limited to one copy per person, and valid only for Hong Kong addresses.

9 OCT-DEC2019

Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards are back! Once again, we’d like your vote on businesses that you would recommend to others. It’s what we’ve always been about at Expat Living and your contribution will help reward the people who are doing a fantastic job, as well as spread the word about them – plus you’ll be fantastically rewarded too. Win-win!

Prizes worth over $105K!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESSES AND YOU COULDWINONEOF THESE FABULOUS PRIZES!

*

Closing Date: 15 November 2019

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

GRAND PRIZE!

Three-night stay in the new all-pool loft-style Water Villa with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and breakfast for two at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru .

* Prizes are subject to sponsors’ own stipulated terms and conditions, which can be found at expatliving.hk/readerschoice

Avani+Samui Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand

Runner-up Prizes!

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Three-night stay for two adults in a beautiful pool villa at the Avani+Samui Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, including breakfast for two. Winner will also enjoy a one-time boat excursion to the smaller islands.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Two-night weekend staycation in a Harbour View room at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong , including breakfast for two.

Vote now at expatliving.hk/readerschoice

NEWS

WHAT’S NEW

Are emeralds about to make a comeback? The Dulux colour of 2020 is Tranquil Dawn, a cool green that might just make it onto our fingers! Hong Kong-based jewellery brand Niya K offers high-quality pieces with an emphasis on affordability. It specialises in bespoke pieces, and carries ready-to-wear jewellery for men, women and children from just HK$500; the latest collection employs rubies, emeralds and sapphires and is proving popular. The Niya K team can complete a bespoke piece from start to finish in just a few weeks. 905, Podium Plaza, 5 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. 9105 1516 | niya-k.com Wh t a Gem!

Be Sun Safe Protecting yourself from the sun while you snorkel is important, but so is the ecosystem you’re enjoying. Sadly, compounds in chemical sunscreens contribute to ocean pollution, causing irreparable damage to coral reefs. That’s why Banyan Tree Essentials has developed a new coral reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Grab a tube of Banyan Tree Coconut & Seaweed Mineral Sunscreen before your next beach holiday. essentials.banyantree.com

Chopper Rides If a chopper ride over the city is part of your expat bucket list, we have great news for you. Ovolo Central has launched “The Sky’s the Limit” – a Hong Kong staycation promotion that includes an 18-minute chartered helicopter experience to view the city from above. ovolohotels.com

DIY Wedding Band “Crafting your own rings imbues sentiment far greater than you could imagine.” Wise words from the team at Obellery, a contemporary jewellery studio in PMQ that hosts wedding ring-making workshops. In these workshops, you’ll work alongside trained jewellers within their professional studios to ideate and craft your own wedding bands. Beautiful! obellery.com

Hello, Sephora! At last, Sephora has reopened in Hong Kong. Join the beauty hysteria and load up on new brands making their debut here, like Fenty Beauty, Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant. sephora.hk/store-locations

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NEWS

Ca r pe tBuye r ha s b rough t i n contemporary designer rugs from Europe to add to its extensive selection of Persian tribal carpets. Look out for the 50 percent discounts throughout the year, too. Having been in the business for many decades, the store enjoys a large following of local and overseas clients, who look forward to adding an extra touch of glamour and style to their homes. carpetbuyer.com R gs Glamorous

Amazing Adventures Get the help of travel experts Scott Dunn to customise your next holiday, from walking itineraries to ballooning experiences. The walks take in wonderful destinations such as Rainbow Mountain in Peru and remote villages in the Himalayas; or, you can explore stunning Tuscany or the plains of the Maasai Mara from above in a hot-air balloon. scottdunn.com

New & Notable MoMA Design Store has opened at K11 MUSEA – 6,000 square feet of beautiful things, all curator-approved. You can shop with a warm heart, too, because every purchase supports groundbreaking exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and helps preserve the Museum’s collection. Find books, design classics and furniture, including an extensive collection by Danish furniture brand HAY. k11musea.com/shop/moma-design-store

Save the Gorillas! African luxury accommodation operator Singita has opened Kwitonda Lodge & Kataza House in Rwanda. The lodges tell the story of the Rwandan people and the area’s endangered mountain gorillas, which you can visit via treks through Volcanoes National Park. An onsite nursery produces trees as part of a reforestation initiative aimed at increasing gorilla numbers in the park. singita.com

Discover Street Art Experience the city from a new angle and join The Mandarin Oriental for a tour of Hong Kong’s street art scene. This half-day experience will have you exploring Central’s back

streets to see where international and local artists have used alleyways and buildings as their canvas. mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

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NEWS

Superior Sleep

Fancy Glamping? If you’re keen to glamp, youmay as well do it in the sand dunes of old Arabia! Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Southern Oman has teamed up with Oman Expeditions to launch a new luxury mobile camping experience. The trips take in the diverse terrain of Dhofar province, from vast deserts and rugged mountains to long empty beaches. Available September to April. salalah.anantara.com

A good mattress isn’t complete without soft comfy sheets. Visit Okooko by European Bedding and try silky-smooth Heveya bamboo sheets, made of 100 percent organic lyocell, an excellent eco-friendly choice. The all-natural bamboo fibre wicks away moisture, keeping you dry, cool and comfortable. 13/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central. Special offer: Get 50 percent off a Heveya bamboo sheet set when buying a Heveya natural organic latex mattress. Until 31 December 2019. 2870 1132 | europeanbedding.hk

Vietnamese Onsen No need to travel to Japan to enjoy an onsen . Alba Wellness Valley Resort by Fusion is a natural hot springs resort near Hue, Vietnam, offering three new multi-day wellness packages. They include accommodation, nutritional meals and detox drinks, plus daily activities such as hiking, biking and water meditation. qlbawellnessvalley.com

Planning to send your child to school in the UK? Janie Richardson School Search offers bespoke, informed advice to demystify the complex British education system during any relocation process. The service provides families with tailored support and guidance to ensure they find a school that’s the right fit for their child’s personality and needs. jrschoolsearch.com Britain Bound?

Himalayan Holiday Pavilions Himalayas The Farm is offering a three-night “Lifetime Experience” package where guests can connect with the local community. The stay includes a cooking class and Nepali lunchwith FABHospitality School students, local village visits and a tour of the hotel’s organic eco farm. Until 31 December 2020 (excluding July and August). pavilionshotels.com/himalayas

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SCHOOLREPORT!

Primary Opening Invictus is a new independent co-educational primary school opening in Hong Kong (subject to regulatory approval); expats who’ve lived in Singapore will be familiar with the name. The new Hong Kong campus, located at Monterey Place in Tseung Kwan O, will house both Kindergarten and Years 1-6. The school opens on 1 November 2019, subject to EDB’s approval. invictusschool.hk

From the UK to HK British parents will recognise this new school. Wycombe Abbey, one of the highest performing academic schools in Britain, has just opened a campus in Hong Kong. Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong is a co- educational primary school following the British curriculum. Admissions are now open for years one to five. wycombeabbey.com.hk

More Places Starting in August 2020, students at Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) will begin the Middle Years Programme in Grade 6, aligning it with other IB schools around the world. One of only six IB through-train schools in Hong Kong, CDNIS will expand its admissions intake for the 2020/2021 school year and admit up to 25 new students to both Grade 6 and Grade 7 as a result of the change. cdnis.edu.hk

UPCOMINGEVENTS

6 October Harrow International School Sixth Form Open Evening 12 October Shrewsbury Open House 12 October Stamford American Open Day 18 October Riverview boarding information session (see page 56) 26 October Nord Anglia International Pre-School Open Day 2 November Malvern Open House 9 November Nord Anglia International School (Primary & Secondary) Open Day For more school and family events, head to our online calendar expatliving.hk/whats-on .

New Heads of School Kellett School, The British International School

Learning for Little Ones

of Hong Kong, has welcomed a new Principal and CEO, Mark Steed. Principal Steed has moved into the role from JESS in Dubai. At Mount Kelly, Rain Jones ( pictured ) has joined as the newHead of Schools and Governor.

Yew Chung International School (YCIS) has opened its Early Childhood Education Centre in TKO. The new centre offers floor-to- ceiling windows, open classrooms and a specially-designed indoor playground. ycis-hk.com

kellettschool.com | mountkelly.edu.hk

For more school content, including deep dives into curriculums and international schools in Hong Kong, visit expatliving.hk .

17 OCT-DEC2019

Bamboo and banana bark baskets, TREE

FAMILY ZONE • DÉCOR & STYLE TIPS • PROPERTIES FOR RENT • BOARDING SCHOOLS THINGS TO DO FOR KIDS • ADOPT A PUPPY • YOUR FINANCES

HOME & LIFE

DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS

The most common

JOHNMCLENNAN is the founder and executive chairman at Indigo Living , one of the city’s much-loved home design centres. The company celebrates its 40th birthday this year – quite the milestone. After four decades of growth you can now find Indigo stores in Dubai, Riyadh and Shanghai. Not bad for a furniture store with humble beginnings in Hong Kong! In this time, John has had a front-row seat to the city’s design evolution. That’s why we were keen to capture his reflections and hear about Indigo’s home design services.

design mistake in Hong Kong homes and how to avoid it – plus, what’s hot for 2020!

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HOME & LIFE

What’s the most common interior design mistake your team helps to rectify? Homes are so small here, so it’s very easy to get over-cluttered. Many people don’t like to recycle or donate or even throw away furniture – instead, they tend to keep it. For anyone looking to update their style, the biggest thing we help with is to declutter and take away things they’ve had for 25 years. How does your team go about helping people to create a beautiful space? We’ve offered a design service for a number of years now, but it was refocused at the beginning of this year. The service ranges from simple advice all the way through to a full design and build. We provide a free hour of in-store consulting, which gives you the chance to talk to a designer about floor plans; you can also show photos to identify what you need. Then, you can take it further and have the designer come to your home. Or, you can go even further and do a completed design and build. We might tear down a wall or repaint, or manage a complete remodel for your home.

Over the years, what’s been the most significant evolution in our city’s interior trends? The biggest thing for me has been travel. When I first came to Hong Kong 30 years ago, people didn’t travel much. Design was quite local. Over the last 10 to 20 years, more people are travelling and seeing things – and they’re also exposed to so much more via the internet. The result is that their design aesthetic has grown in all sorts of directions. This factor has brought a lot more design to the city, and it means a lot more people are interested in design. As a result, there’s been a big growth in the numbers of Hong Kong designers, which is nice to see.

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HOME & LIFE

This has been a popular service. People often aren’t sure who to talk to or who to trust. For me, it’s like breathing – I look at something and I think “That doesn’t really work; you need to change that.” But for anyone not in our business, it’s a big decision. In your opinion, what will we be coveting next season? Colour will still be big on the list, right through the beginning of the year. Maybe towards the end of the year it might wane back to neutrals, but I think there’ll be a lot of bright colours. And curves: curved furniture, curved accessories, curved rugs. A lot of curves! That will be interesting. Also, beautiful things with purpose. People will be looking for things that are multifunctional; things that are beautiful but that can be used. What are we likely to be removing to make way for this new trend? My advice is to consider the things you have and ask, “What do I use?” and “What do I love?” If an item doesn’t drop into either of those categories, move it out. Do you need it? Can somebody else use it more than you? Can you donate it or pass it on to somebody? What pieces do you recommend expats consider investing in as a design nod to their time in Hong Kong? It’s a tough question, and it depends: are you a one-time expat or a “serial” expat? If you’re a one-timer, you’ll want a piece of furniture that represents your time here. If you’re an expat who moves around, you might want something smaller. It’s really about what you’re going to want to look at for the next 50 years; and what you’re going to want to use. Will it be in style or go out of style? It could be as simple as a photo of you and your kids in the wet market. Remember, it doesn’t need to be a thing. It should be something that jogs your memories of here.

To make an appointment for Indigo Living’s design service, call 2580 3266 or email designconsultant@indigo-living.com. indigo-living.com

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HOME & LIFE

Ginger Jars Discover a timeless classic of home décor that can be styled in myriad ways. More than just decorative ceramics, ginger jars were originally a functional tool used to transport valuable spices. These pretty items are a little piece of Asian history. KAVITA MATHUR, owner of online store Red Velvet , has been designing and importing the jars for years – they form part of a treasure trove of homewares in her portfolio. We asked Kavita for some advice on styling them in our own homes. What can ginger jars be used for? Originally, they were used for storing and transporting spices in Ancient China. This included rarer spices such as ginger – hence the name. Their utilitarian purpose was replaced in time by a decorative one, most popularly as flower vases, but today a lot of them are also converted to vases and lamps. Where should they placed? They’re meant to be displayed on mantels, as centrepieces or on shelves. My favourite spot is when they are placed on the gorgeous windows of any Hong Kong home.

Are they better alone or in a cluster? Ginger jars are usually displayed in groups of two, three or more. If you do use one as a vase, you can display it alone. Or, try a similar lamp of the same design. Can I mix and match patterns? Most definitely mix and match! Ginger jars are mostly identified by their blue and white designs but the more colourful versions are less popular – and, because of that, more special and hard to find. In my opinion, a mix of different sizes put with a variety of shapes and patterns provides the perfect display. Also, displaying a jar, a lamp and a vase of the same pattern looks nice. How do I know if a classic pattern or something more modern will suit my apartment? There’s no right or wrong way to display a set of ginger jars. These beauties go well in any setting; they are classic. So, whether you have a traditional home or a modern one, the jars will bring any space to life.

Also in store A lacquer j ewe l l e r y boxby itself is a work of art, and it also makes a fantastic

display box. You can use them on corner tables in your living room to add colour, and you can remove the inside trays and use the box to store remotes or any other messy looking bits and bobs.

Find out more at facebook.com/ redvelvetdiscoverybayonlinestore.

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1

Just because a home is for every member of the family, including the little fluffies, it doesn't mean it can’t be stylish. We think it should be fun, too! So, be brave and think colours, patterns and glitz – and, of course, natural is always good. Now, get shopping!

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HOME & LIFE

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1 Pet bed in Aria silk brush-fringe fabric, HK$780 per yard, Altfield Interiors 2 Soft touch, stain-resistant tatami mat, price on request, Momomi 3 Bamboo silk rug, price on request, CarpetBuyer 4 Lela-print bean bag, $1,200, INSIDE 5 No. 9 Thompson fabric collection, price on request, Altfield Interiors 6 Silk Road forest cushion collection, price on request, Tequila Kola 7 Striped beanbag, from $300, Ashni 8 Bamboo baskets and trays, from $725, TREE

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HOME & LIFE

9 Flamingo painting on printed canvas, $2,980, Tequila Kola 10 Tropical beanbag, from $300, Ashni 11 Old gabbeh and tribal rugs, price on request, CarpetBuyer 12 Pierre Frey wallpaper collection, Altfield Interiors 13 Silk Road saffron cushion collection, price on request, Tequila Kola 14 Circulo sideboard, $18,980, Tequila Kola

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HOME & LIFE

15 Bamboo and banana bark baskets, from $325, TREE 16 Speech bubble shelves, $3,490 (set of two), Tequila Kola 17 Soft touch, stain-resistant tatami mat, price on request, Momomi 18 Crawford Chandelier by Porta Romana, Altfield Interiors 19 Authentico shelves, $5,280, Tequila Kola 20 Firework table lamp, $2,980, Tequila Kola

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Altfield Interiors 2525 2738 | altfield.com.hk Ashni 9745 4726 | ashnichai.com CarpetBuyer 2850 5508 | carpetbuyer.com INSIDE 6169 0401 | inside.com.hk Momomi momomijapan.com Tequila Kola 2877 3295 | tequilakola.com TREE 2870 1582 | tree.com.hk

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HOME & LIFE

Making

’Tis the season to make room for winter gear!

Winter. It’s the season for so many fun things: Christmas, entertaining, snow holidays, big jackets, Chinese New Year ... ah, the list goes on and on.

How often do you access your things?

With all that fun comes a lot of gear. For most of us, storing snowboards, skis, snow equipment and the like is simply not possible in our limited Hong Kong flats. We’re hard-pressed to find the space to suitably stock Christmas and Chinese New Year decorations, let alone bulky sports gear! So, how do other families manage it? They keep their things in an offsite location. We spoke to MAY TSUI, an expat who stores her stuff at RedBox Storage . What made you search for a storage facility? We were previously stationed in Beijing and moved to Hong Kong two years ago. We wanted to keep some of our belongings that didn’t fit into the apartment, including big items like stylish furniture and air purifiers. We didn’t have space, so the quickest solution was to rent a storage unit. How does it work? RedBox has a carpark in its facility at Sha Tin, so our logistics company was able to deliver direct from the port. It’s easy for us to drive there any time to check on our stuff. The staff are friendly, and they went through the logistics with us at the beginning, giving clear advice and solutions. The storage environment is air-conditioned and very clean. The whole building is operated by RedBox; this gives me a level of confidence – it’s not likely to shut down all of a sudden, which can happen with other companies. There’s a security guard at the entrance 24 hours a day. I was given an access code, so to get to the floor, I just input the code.

Around onc e o r t w i c e a mo n t h . E a c h season, we go to our storage unit and retrieve clothes. My son likes cycling, so he stores his bike there. I’m a Hello Kitty fan and a collector, and I’ve been buying a lot of items,

from small figurines and pens to big dolls; so, I’m actually thinking about renting another small unit just to showcase all my collections without taking up too much space at home. What made you choose RedBox in the first place? Compared with the other storage companies, they’re a little more expensive but I think it’s worth the money. Other companies I visited didn’t have a carpark, for example, or a security guard. Most importantly, there is staff at the reception area at all times. I’m not scared to go inside the facility alone, which is important to me, and I can seek help any time I need it.

RedBox is at 2-8 Shing Wan Road, Sha Tin, and in other locations in Hong Kong. Find out more about storage solutions starting from as little as nine square feet at the website, redboxstorage.com.hk.

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HOME & LIFE

ON THEMARKET

D espite market uncertainties, residential rents remained positive during the second quarter, supported by solid leasing demand and limited supply. Traditional districts such as South Side, Mid-Levels and Pok Fu Lam continue to be popular for families, whereas areas like Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town and Sheung Wan are more favourable for smaller- sized families or young professionals. It’s worth noting, too, that we are seeing more corporate owners offering a furniture package when leasing an apartment. This gives an option for tenants to easily move straight in with just their suitcase, which adds plenty of convenience.

Bonnie Chan Associate Director Colliers International Hong Kong

Aegean Terrace is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on Pok Fu Lam’s most premium address. The property enjoys continued capital growth and popularity due to lifestyle offerings and investment potential. There’s 24- hour security with gated access and a carpark. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms; they also enjoy direct sea views, as does the living room.

QUIET ENCLAVE

Area: Pok Fu Lam Sale: $27,500,000 Size: 1,267 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3

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HOME & LIFE

CITY VISTA

Area: Mid-Levels Central Rent: $98,000 incl. Size: 1,711 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

This is a newly renovated apartment building in a leafy prestigious location on MacDonnell Road. The apartment has panoramic views of the city skyline and is within walking distance of the Peak tram and Central Business District. The full designer renovation includes a large combined living and dining roomwith lots of natural lighting and a spacious balcony for alfresco dining.

SEASIDE STUNNER

Area: Repulse Bay Sale/Rent: $198,000,000 / $200,000 incl. Size: 2,215 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

This unique duplex penthouse features an open-plan living and dining room with amazing balcony space, a spacious private rooftopterraceandtwocarparking spaces. The bedrooms have been designed with ample storage and views from every window – the master bathroom even has a sauna room – and the fully-fitted kitchen includes state-of-the- art appliances. Onsite facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour security.

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HOME & LIFE

In a brand new building with a gym, banquet room and landscaped garden, this two-bedroomapartment with balcony is nestled between the glitz of Central and the greenery of Pok Fu Lam. It’s a three-minute walk to Sai Ying Pun MTR station (Exit C). A furniture package and bespoke services are available on request at extra cost.

URBAN OASIS Area: Sai Ying Pun Rent: $46,700 incl. Size: 551 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

This town house is tastefully renovated with a semi-open-plan kitchen, enlarged master ensuite and lots of storage. It’s close to the Repulse Bay Arcade and The Pulse, with plenty of different restaurant options and supermarkets. Ocean Park MTR Station is 10 minutes away, while the Wan Chai area is 15 minutes away.

DESIRABLE SOUTHSIDE

Area: Repulse Bay Rent: $250,000 incl. Size: 2,526 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

For more detail on these properties or to see more options, go to colliersresidential.hk

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NAME: REHANA SHEIKH Originally from: Pakistan (now a permanent resident in Hong Kong) Occupation: Relocation & School Consultant / Freelance Writer

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN THEIR ’HOOD

What suburb do you live in? Tuen Mun, close to the Gold Coast area.

When you walk out of your house, what’s the first thing you see? The least challenging 10th stage of the Maclehose Trail. It winds around a catchment and leads into Tuen Mun Town Centre and the British school, Harrow International. I also see the “ring road” or expressway with containers, vans, buses and cars whizzing by to all parts of the New Territories. What’s the closest store to your front door? We have a Fusion supermarket nearby in a housing complex. A 10-minute walk along a palm-tree-lined dual-carriage road and I find myself in the Gold Coast Piazza. Here, there’s a marina mooring fancy yachts – some people live on them – plus restaurants, bars, supermarkets, medical clinics, convenience stores, hairdressers and ATMs. Golden Beach is right there too.

How long have you been there? Over 30 years and counting.

Why Tuen Mun? It’s open, scenic, quiet, local and unique in a number of ways. What transport is available where you live? Buses, green/red taxis, green minibuses, the West Rail MTR line, and a convenient but limited circular light rail service that takes you to West Rail station.

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HOME & LIFE

When you’re in need of a dose of culture you: I hop on a bus or, weather permitting, walk to the Tuen Mun town centre. Once there, I visit the two open markets for a leisurely wander and to check out the fresh produce. The best is seeing and smelling the freshly made black sesame seed paste. A stop at the dim sum stall for some delicious steaming fun guo , char siu bao , lo bak go and jian dui is a must. Golden Beach and a restaurant in the Gold Coast Hotel, or a hike on the Maclehose Trail and beyond. Also, the T Park, an environmental education centre, where there is a water-bird sanctuary, along with a garden, theatre, spa pools and a café. It’s a great place and takes up to three hours to see it all. (Make an appointment to get a free guided tour.) A common myth about your area is: It’s difficult to get to and way too remote. In fact, the network of buses and West Rail are available at all times; I can go anywhere in Hong Kong in less than an hour if there’s no harbour crossing. Also, not many people know about the riding school, the golf course, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre and the T Park, all of which are located in Tuen Mun. It’s also close to Shenzhen Bay – about 20 to 30 minutes by bus. I’m told there is a ferry to Macau from here, too, and an underground tunnel is being built to the airport. A mandatory stop for taking out of town guests is: If you wake up at night it’s usually because of: It’s quiet and calm here as my building is set away from the main road, so there’s no traffic. An occasional car or taxi passes by but nothing to annoyingly disturb me at any time.

Your hands-down favourite neighbourhood feature is:

The hiking trails that lead around many reservoirs, all the way to Yuen Long and to distant parts of Tuen Mun. You won’t find better local food than: Freshly caught fish bought from the street fish market then taken to Hoi Tin Garden restaurant located right there, to be cooked as you like. This is a favourite evening out for many local families. The assorted wildlife. I once saw a large monkey crossing the road, but before it crossed, it actually looked both ways, just like we do! There’s a display of archaeological finds in showcases on the main road… shouldn’t they be in a museum? The best bargains in the neighbourhood are: Children’s shoes. They’re cute, cheap and durable. The guiltiest local pleasure is: J u s t r e l a x i ng , v e g e t a t i ng a nd disconnecting from the rest of Hong Kong. One thing you’d never change is: The quiet and calm in this area and the strong local flavour, which prompted me to renew my Cantonese language lessons. The strangest thing you’ll ever see in your neighbourhood is: The city gives you HK$5 million to soup up your area; you: Build a big library and reading room. Lots of books and a great view – calming and idyllic!

The unofficial uniform of your suburb is: Really casual, like in a resort – except for early in the morning when people heading to work are dressed in noticeably smart casualwear. An extremely rich celebrity because smart and well-constructed houses are abundant in this area and old houses showing “old money” have been around here for quite a while. The fancy cars driving around are fun to watch. One minute it’s a deep blue Tesla, then a yellow Lamborghini, a silver Aston Martin, a red Ferrari, and assorted models of Porches, Mercedes and BMWs. If a celebrity moved in, it would likely be:

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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HEHKPAGES A new feature where we investigate Hong Kong’s past and present, with tips, trivia and time travel – and the occasional tricky challenge for readers!

Exploring

TEMPLE TIME Every district of Hong Kong has a church, temple or shrine of some kind, many of which are visually stunning and culturally significant. They’re worth a look – especially with visiting family. Check out one of these on your next day trip. First seen on expatliving.hk!

HONG KONG ISLAND St. John’s Cathedral 

Flashback

This isn’t just the oldest church in Hong Kong, it’s among the oldest Anglican churches in Asia. Opened in 1849, the Cathedral was converted to a Japanese clubhouse during the WWII. It remains a prominent city landmark, thanks to its distinct Gothic style. 4-8 Garden Road, Central

Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan Hong Kong’s largest Man Mo Temple – “Man” is the God of Literature, and “Mo” the God of War – was built in 1847 and contrasts starkly to the busy CBD around it. Man Mo temples were traditionally patronised by students looking for divine assistance with civil exams in China’s Ming and Qing Dynasties. Hollywood Road, Central

Floating Food

While Jumbo Kingdom mightn’t be our top choice for a dinner outing, the floating restaurant at Aberdeen has an interesting past. • Jumbo Kingdom consists of two floating restaurants: Jumbo and Tai Pak. A third venue, Sea Palace, was allegedly towed to Australia or the Philippines, perhaps in the 1960s. • Tai Pak featured in hit film Love is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955) and Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon (1973). • Worried about seasickness between first and second course? Don’t be. The boats are actually moored by concrete. • A deadly fire before the Jumbo opening in 1971 resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. Stanley Ho was involved in the subsequent purchase and redevelopment of the site. • Tom Cruise, Queen Elizabeth II and David Bowie are past Jumbo guests. • As we were going to press, Jumbo was ranked the 1263rd best Hong Kong restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Jamia Mosque  The oldest centre of Islamic worship in Hong Kong, Jamia Mosque was built in 1890 to serve Muslimmerchants, soldiers and “lascars” on European ships. It was classified as a Grade I building in 2010, a title given to historic structures that deserve great effort to help preserve. 30 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels

Ohel Leah Synagogue Built at the start of the 20th century, and restored through a US$6 million project in 1998, Ohel Leah Synagogue sits at the core of Jewish life in Hong Kong. The cream-coloured synagogue is named after a member of the Sassoon family of Indian merchants. 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels Happy Valley Hindu Temple As many as 100,000 Hindus live in Hong Kong, and this temple is their main centre for religious and social activities. It’s a place for meditation, spiritual lectures, yoga classes and, of course, celebrating prominent Hindu festivals such as Diwali. 1B Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley

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Fact File

KOWLOON St Andrew’s Church

In 1906, Hong Kong was hit by one of its worst-ever typhoons; the newly-built St Andrew’s Church was lucky to survive. The oldest English-speaking Protestant church in the city, it represents the Victorian Gothic architectural style. The original bronze tubular bells are fromHarrington’s of Coventry, England. Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui NEW TERRITORIES Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

What Makes Dolphins Pink?

Documented for the first time almost 400 years ago, Hong Kong’s unique pink dolphins are sadly decreasing in number; there may be as few as 40 left in these waters today. Happily, they can still be sighted – Hong Kong Dolphinwatch runs trips to spot the dolphins while also striving to bring attention to their plight. So, why are they pink? Well, they’re actually born black; they then fade to grey and finally to white. The reason for the pretty colour is the same reason we get flushed cheeks when we exercise: it’s a cooling mechanism. Blood and oxygen pass through the vessels very close to the skin, causing the body to lose heat.

Are there 10,000 Buddha statues here? Nope. The current count stands at around 13,000! Built in the 1950s, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is accessible by 431 steep steps. (Bring a water bottle.) But the climb is worth it; even the stairs are a feature, surrounded by golden statues. A nine-storey pagoda rises from the monastery grounds. 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin Tin Hau Temple, Joss House Bay  Built in 1266, the “Great Temple”, as it’s sometimes called, attracts around 50,000 people each year during the Tin Hau Festival. There are thought to be over 100 Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Clear Water Bay

Po Lin Monastery & Tian Tan Buddha The monastery is worth a visit for its religious significance, though young ones will enjoy just getting there via the fun cable car ride. Founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, it was originally known as “The Big Hut”. Next door is the “Big Buddha” (Tian Tan Buddha), built in 1993 and a popular tourist attraction today. Ngong Ping, Lantau Island

Click!

The Big Buddha in numbers! 34 : height in metres 60 : cost in millions of HK dollars 108 : times the Buddha’s carved bell rings each day 202 : bronze pieces using in the construction 250 : tons in weight 268 : steps to reach the base

Think you know Hong Kong well? What village is pictured here?

See these pages in our next issue for the answer!

41 OCT-DEC2019

Christmas...

The Wee Bean This brand focuses on accessible baby essentials made from premium materials like organic cotton, bamboo and untreated beech wood. The colourful products balance fun with functionality, and will grow with your baby. Fair date: 26 November theweebean.com

Ready for December? You will be after visiting the Prestige Christmas Gift Fairs.

If you’re newly arrived, make sure you pop the date of the Prestige Fairs at the Conrad Hong Kong in your diary. With almost 150 pop-up shops, these fabulously festive shopping events are fun and the perfect way to put a big

The Lion Rock Press Make sure you drop by this retailer, one of Expat Living’s favourites. You’ll find clever Hong Kong- inspired stationery and gifts such as cards, notebooks, kids’ puzzles, games, wooden toys, mugs, bottles, gift wrap, hanging decorations, magnets and more.

dent in your Christmas shopping. We love that there’s always a ton of Hong Kong-themed

gifts to take back for holiday visits to home. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the stalls for this year.

Fair date: 12 November thelionrockpress.com

Sunset Survivors

Me e t t h e p e o p l e keeping Hong Kong’s traditional industries alive in this coffee-table book by local author Lindsay Varty, with photographs by Gary Jones. It tells the stories of Hong Kong’s traditional

tradesmen and women through stunning imagery and candid interviews. Covering a myriad of curious professions that are quickly falling into obscurity, from fortune telling to face threading, it will immerse you in the streets of old Hong Kong. Fair dates: 12 & 26 November sunsetsurvivors.com

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HOME & LIFE

Eden & Elie This design-led, socially conscious jewellery brand develops individuals from communities in need into skilled artisans, empowering them to support themselves and live independently. Pairing traditional bead-weaving techniques with modern materials and meaningful design, these pieces make a lovely gift for the contemporary woman. Fair dates: 26 November, 16 December edenandelie.com

Plantin Kaviari This stall is where all the delicious things will be! Drop by and explore French fine food, including truffles, foie gras, cheese, cold cuts, olive oil, jam, condiments and more. Spoil your friends and family with yummy gifts, and find the missing ingredient of your dreamChristmas dinner. Fair dates: 26 November, 16 December plantinkaviari.hk

Allie Shoes Love shoes? Drop by Allie Shoes and explore the line of luxurious basics, handcrafted for the modern woman. Designed with our Hong Kong lifestyles in mind, the shoes are stylish, durable and affordable. Perfect for your 9 to 5 and everything in between. Fair dates: 12 November, 16 December allieshoes.com

MiMetro M i M e t r o o f f e r s customers a collection of licensed Octopus (travel card) accessories, introducing a new and fashionable payment experience in Hong Kong. The brand also carries an extensive range of fashionable jewellery, keyrings and accessory products, which are flexible and interchangeable to fit every wardrobe change. Fair date: 16 December mimetro.com.hk

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Tribe of Sunday Conceptualised in New Zealand and activated inHong Kong, Tribe of Sunday is a clothing brand born of the desire to produce beautiful and comfortable resortwear and weekend wear with an edge. It specialises in edgy jumpsuits, kaftans and maxi dresses for women who are lean or curvy. Fair date: 26 November tribeofsunday.com

Blanc des Vosges These high-quality bed linens, duvets covers, quilts, cushions, throws, bath towels, bath robes and more are 100 percent made in France. The brand aims to perpetuate tradition but is also proud to promote modernity through collections that are on-trend each season. Fair date: 26 November blancdesvosges.com.hk

FACT FILE

The Ginger Jar Lamp Co This company pairs authentic, vintage Chinese ginger jars with colourful lamp s h a d e s t o c r e a t e contemporary, limited- edition table lamps. The shades feature stunning artisan fabrics that aremade following traditional, highly- skilled methods. Fair date: 26 November gingerjarlampco.com

When: Tuesday 12 November, 10am-8pm Tuesday, 26 November, 10am-8pm Monday, 16 December, 10am-8pm Where: Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

Web: prestigefairs.hk

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10 new and notable books recommended by the team at Bookazine.

NON-FICTION

KIDS / YA

Me Elton John

White Bird: A Wonder Story RJ Palacio In the author’s bestselling collection of stories Auggie & Me , which expands on the characters in Wonder , readers met Julian’s grandmother, Grandmère. Here, Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with Grandmère’s heartrending story of survival. Emi Takes Hong Kong Jane Karen Ho New to Hong Kong with young children? Little ones will love this local author’s inspiring picture book about creativity that also doubles up as a travel guide, with map, quiz and glossary. There’s also a fun search- and-find element on each spread. Imaginary Friend Stephen Chbosky In this horror story from the bestselling author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower , a little boy is haunted by a voice in his head only he can hear. It urges him to build a tree house in the woods by Christmas, or nobody in the town will ever be the same again. A Tale of Magic Chris Colfer Fall in love with an all-new series from Chris Colfer, author of The Land of Stories . It’s filled with adventure, imagination and wonderfully memorable characters both familiar and new.

In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life, from the roller- coaster lifestyle shown in the film Rocketman , to becoming a living legend, to finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. The Infinite Game Simon Sinek

The New York Times -bestselling author and thought leadership guru offers a bold new approach to business strategy and achieving long-lasting success by asking one question: are you playing the finite game or the infinite game? Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister Jung Chang

A major new biography from the bestselling author of Wild Swans , this is the gripping story of sisterhood, revolution and betrayal, and three women – the Soong sisters from Shanghai – who helped shape the course of Chinese modern history.

FICTION

The Water Dancer Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Starless Sea Erin Morgenstern

The Giver of Stars Jojo Moyes

Hiram is a young slave who decides to escape his Virginia plantation after seeing a vision of his slave mother, who was sold away from him when he was a boy. This is a bold novel about a magical gift, a devastating loss and an underground war for freedom.

When Zachary Rawlins stumbles across a strange book in his university library, it leads him on a quest unlike any other. He’s entranced by the tales of lovelorn prisoners, lost cities and nameless acolytes – and by a mysterious recollection from his own childhood.

Inspired by a remarkable true story, this tale features five incredible women who will prove to be as beloved as Lou Clark, the unforgettable heroine of Me Before You . Don’t miss the standalone new novel from this bestselling author.

Find Bookazine outlets in various Hong Kong locations including Shop 326-328, Landmark Prince’s Building, Central, and Shop 3092C, IFC Mall, Central, or visit the E-shop at bookazine.com.hk.

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