December 2016 December

Festive fashion and ideas on how to spend in Hong Kong spend Christmas Kong Hong to in fashion and ideas on how Festive

Shopping made easy

Christmas Recipes Tasty for your tum your for Tasty     Phnom Penh 48 Hours in School’s Out School’s Jamie Oliver’s Jamie Christmas GiftChristmas Guide camps  The best winter

   

'Tis the Season! the 'Tis

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December 2016 contents December 2016 42 56 A BIT OF DRESS HO! HO! HO! IT UP! IN HONG KONG

Amber wears dress by Gusella

news resources 08 WHAT’S ON 20  BOOKSHELF The hottest happenings around town Perfect books for Christmas

12 SHOP TALK 22 GIFT GUIDE Where to head for the best buys Inspiration for gifts for your loved ones

14 WHAT A FEAST! 34 THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Dining ideas for the holidays Apps to make your Christmas merry

16 FESTIVE FUN! Learn, play and relax advice 18 CHRISTMAS MAGIC 37 BABY IT’S COLD INSIDE! Don’t miss our ticket giveaway for We brace ourselves for the cold during The Snow Queen a Cryotherapy session at Polaris, plus Photography Zzzoom Photography there’s a giveaway!

Model Amanda

Bookshelf Gift Guide Dress It Up pg 20 pg 22 pg 56

December 2016 1 contents December 2016

66 72 JAMIE OLIVER’S WE’RE GOING ON CHRISTMAS A SANTA HUNT

travel features 56 DRESS IT UP! 72 WE’RE GOING ON A 42 A BIT OF HO! HO! HO! Our sumptuous festive fashion shoot SANTA HUNT IN HONG KONG offers style inspiration for your little We’re off to Finnish Lapland in Where to visit Santa, and other ideas princess and also, thanks to the team search of , but will it live up on how to make the most of being in at The Home Stylist, for your home to expectations? Hong Kong this December 66 JAMIE OLIVER’S CHRISTMAS 76  48 HOURS IN PHNOM PENH 46 SCHOOL’S OUT! Jamie Oliver shares some thoughts Nicola Burke heads to Cambodia’s A round-up of the best camps to keep on Christmas, as well as some capital with her family children occupied over the winter mouthwatering recipes from his new break Christmas Cookbook 84 LAST WORD Nury Vittachi on why new laws can 50 HANDS ON HEROES be silly Volunteering at a local charity is a great learning experience for your child, and helps make the world a better place

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contributors

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Angelina Draper Louise Drake Angelina was born in the now non-existent country of Yugoslavia to an Irish mother and Yugoslav father. They both worked in the travel industry and, soon after Angelina was born, embarked upon an PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Jo Allum expat adventure that took them around the world. t: 2201 9719 Living and studying in various countries, Angelina e: [email protected] became fluent in three languages and went on to get a degree in International Business. Her love for “all things digital”, however, guided her career down the technology path. Working ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Florence Choy Wan for multinational corporations, she helped them develop their websites, build t: 2201 9721 online sales and social media presence. Her current home in Hong Kong is her e: [email protected] 26th, having previously lived on three continents, in seven countries and in 11 cities. She knows this will not be the last stop, but is looking forward to settling down… somewhere. ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Narelle Edwards e: [email protected] Karen Sherwood ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Karen grew up in Australia, in the seaside city of Heloise Lagarde Warrnambool (she won’t take offence if you’ve never t: 2201 9713 e: [email protected] heard of it!). After a blissful childhood of beach, books, imagination and travel, she attended university in Melbourne. Unsure of what one does with a degree in international relations and medieval history, she ART DIRECTOR then went backpacking until a cash shortage saw her working at an investment Mike Walshe management firm in London. Whilst there, she interviewed the dashing British analyst who later became her husband. A travel-obsessive with a penchant for moving house, Karen jumped at the chance to accompany him to Hong Kong with their baby son in 2011. Now with a feisty little daughter to keep her son in line, Karen DESIGNER spends her days writing, refereeing arguments and finding excuses not to cook. Benjamin Cessford

DESIGNER Reita Wong

DESIGNER Sharon Chong CONTRIBUTORS: Nicola Burke, Angelina Draper, Jamie Oliver, Karen Sherwood, The Home Stylist, Nury Vittachi, Zzzoom Photography

CEO FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION t: 2201 9716 David Tait t: 2201 9727 PUBLISHED BY: PPP Company Ltd, Unit 713, Level 7, Core E, Cyberport 3, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport, Hong Kong e: [email protected] Tel: +852 2201 9716 PRINTED by: Asia One Printing Limited in Hong Kong Published by PPP Company Limited. The publication is sold on the understanding that the publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a purchaser of the publication or not, in respect of any action or omission or the consequences of any action or omission by any such person, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part of the contents of this publication. All rights reserved, 2014 PPP Company Limited. No part of this work, covered by the publisher’s copyright may be reproduced in any form by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval, without the written permission of the publisher. Any unauthorised use of this publication will result in immediate legal proceedings. All images are shutterstock.com unless otherwise indicated.

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welcome

t’s all about festive fun this issue. After all, ‘Tis the season to be jolly… We’ve got fabulous gift ideas for the whole family, whatever the budget. There are guides to what’s going on in Hong Kong – from seeing the decorations to visiting Santa Claus, as well as a listing of the very best winter camps around town and travel to Lapland (book now for a trip next Christmas). Food plays such an important role in any family celebration, so we know you are going to love I our featured recipes from Jamie Oliver’s new Christmas Cookbook (we have two copies of this great book to giveaway p.71). Jamie also shares some of his personal with us. We’ve got style inspiration for young ladies, and for the home, in our fashion shoot Dress it Up! A big thank you to the wonderful team at The Home Stylist who helped with the interior styling; setting the scene perfectly for a festive celebration for our young models: Amanda, Victoria and Charlotte. Thank you also to the companies that provided clothing and furnishings, Zzzoom Photography for capturing the fun, and the McConnochie’s for the use of their fabulous home. Many of you may be familiar with the fairly recent Christmas tradition that is Elf on the Shelf. We have a mischievous Elf called Red that visits our home during the lead up to Christmas (to be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with the little fellow). Well, a cheeky elf seems to have visited Playtimes, too, and if you take a closer look at the pages this month, you may spot a few hidden elves, there are eight to be exact. See if you, or your little one, can spot them all…

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Until January, when we get to celebrate again!

Louise Editor

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news December THE HOTTEST HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

4 4 & 11

Savills Corporate Sevens 15th Classics for Kids 2, 3, 4 This fun fundraising event at So Kon Po Recreation Ground sees 16 corporate rugby Christmas Concert It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas teams battle it out while raising money for This interactive classical music concert is tailor thanks to the Christmas Market at Hullett charity (this year the deaf rugby programme). made to entertain young children. It offers House, 1881 Heritage. Now in its fifth year, The Kidz Zone, sponsored by Microsoft, with the chance to get close to classical music, to the market offers gourmet food and beverage, face painters, balloon twister and arts and learn about musical instruments and musical festive decorations and live entertainment. crafts will keep the kids entertained for hours. concepts, all with the spirit of Christmas. [email protected] www.corporate7s.com.hk/ www.hkticketing.com

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8-11 UBS Hong Kong Disney on Ice The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice Open 2016 features Dory and loved ones Nemo and Aside from being considered one of Asia’s best Marlin from Finding Dory. Snow White and golf competitions, the Hong Kong Open offers the Seven Dwarfs learn that we can do an array of entertainment off the course. An ANYTHING with our friends in tow, while Buzz expanded spectator village this year will feature and Woody will have you jumping out of your live music, golf master classes, art activities, seat in a foot-stomping showdown. picnic hampers and visits from Santa Claus. www.hkticketing.com www.ubshkopen.com 16-17

10 23 & 24 Christmas Fayre John Williams’ Star Wars Music for the Family Enjoy a Canadian Winter Wonderland at Enjoy music from one of the world’s greatest Hong Kong Philharmonic’s favourite magician, Hamilton Hill International Kindergarten, pop culture phenomenon – Star Wars, Harry Wong, will entertain the young and courtesy of Canadian Club Hong Kong. including music from the latest film, The Force young-at-heart at this annual Christmas event. Tickets for this fun Christmas party are just Awakens, composed by the masterful John There will be a sing-along and $200 per adult (children are free) and include Williams and conducted by popular maestro at the end of the concert snowflakes will be an all you can eat and drink Christmas buffet. Guy Noble. May the music’s force be with you! dancing on your head as Harry lets it snow. Entertainment is by Rumple and Friends. Age 6+ www.hkphil.org www.hkphil.org

For more events go to www.playtimes.com.hk

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news Through December THE HOTTEST HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

Disneyland’s Sparkling Noah’s Ark AIA Carnival Christmas Christmas Carnival The AIA Great European Carnival returns to Lanterns will be lit, snow will fall and giant 10 December – 2 January (Every Saturday, Central Harbourfront with its favourite rides projections will transport you from Main Street, Sunday and public holiday) and attractions, along with some new ones, U.S.A. to a stunning winter wonderland. This Christmas, an Earth Defending Mission which will be covered in over 1,000,000 toys Christmas carollers await you at Town Square awaits you at Noah’s Ark Hong Kong. Protect including Trolls from the new Dreamworks and if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet the Earth through environmental conservation- movie as a world first. Until 12th February. Santa Goofy. themed games and workshops.

Hong Kong Ocean Park Observation Wheel Christmas Sensation The Hong Kong Observation Wheel has been Kicking off on 17th December, Christmas transformed into a magical, enchanted winter Sensation features a world-class, spectacular garden, with twinkling lights, bells, garlands, illusion stage show. The secret gardens at candy canes and Christmas trees. Plus the Waterfront Plaza will lead you on a journey 20-minute ride has great views of the skyline. through topiaries of giant musical instruments.

Dreamworks Winter Experience The ongoing character breakfasts and all star Winter Wonderland parades at Sands Resorts Cotai Strip, Macau Hong Kong WinterFest This Winter, Tai Tong in Yuen Long will turn take on a festive theme this month, while on Sponsored by the Tourism Board, Hong Kong into a Winter Wonderland. An indoor ice hall 24th and 25th December the DreamWorks WinterFest comprises a series of events will showcase six themed zones with ice Experience Holiday Celebration features including the centrepiece in Central's Statue sculptures and an interactive northern light a sumptuous buffet and entertainment by Square and the Pulse 3D Light Show, which theatre. There is an ice skating rink, beer characters from Madagascar, How To Train Your can be viewed from the Open Piazza at the HK garden, tokened rides and carnival games to Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek films. Cultural Centre at 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm add to the fun. [email protected] and 9:45pm nightly.

For more events go to www.playtimes.com.hk

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news

Fair’s Fair 3rd – The highly popular Il Mercatino bazaar by the Italian Women’s Association at The One-Stop Shop Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital. Take the stress out of Christmas 3rd – St Stephen’s Chapel annual Christmas shopping; head to the Prestige Fete has bouncy castles, games, stalls, plenty Fair at the of food and drink, plus a full programme of Conrad Hotel and browse entertainment. Santa arrives by helicopter at through 1000s of gift ideas from around the world, all under one roof. 12.30pm! 11am-4pm, $20 entry for adults. The dazzling array includes jewellery, fashion, accessories, homewares, 4th – Sai Kung Christmas Market at Hong Kong children’s wear, gourmet foods and much more. The fairs, which take place Academy, 11am–5pm on 8th and 14th December, 10am to 8pm, will provide all the gift inspiration 11th – Handmade Hong Kong Discovery Bay you need. Visit for more details. Market for unique handmade gifts, 11am–6pm www.prestigefairs.hk Shop Talk Moving on up Bumps to Babes has a Make it fabulous new home in Central! personal The new store, located at Toys R Us has 13/F Entertainment Building, introduced a new 30 Queen's Road Central, offers Personali-Station an even bigger space stocking all at its TST store for your favourite maternity, new baby this festive season. and children's ranges (from birth The Personali- to 8 years) from around the world. Station lets There are new baby essentials; baby equipment and nursery shoppers print furniture; pushchairs; car seats; infant formula; baby and their chosen name toddler food; baby and children's swimwear and clothing; together with and character on children's furniture and thousands of toys along with bikes, scooters a wide selection of and ride-ons from leading brands at competitive prices. gifts such as key chain, mugs, door signs etc. Participating brands include Mr Potato The new location offers a mother & baby feeding/changing room and is Head, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Monopoly, open seven days a week Mon–Sat 10am–7pm / Sun & PH 11am–6pm. Transformers, Hello Kitty, Tsum Tsum and more.

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news A Cracking Time Enter the magical world of The at The Langham, Hong Kong this month with Nutcracker soldiers, pink ballerinas and brightly lit Christmas trees on full display, as well as a selection of sweet and savoury specialities and themed menus in each of the dining outlets of the hotel. Our favourite is the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court lounge. Executive Pastry Chef Matthieu Godard introduces a land of indulgence by portraying the story into bite-sized treats. www.langhamhotels.com What a Feast! FestiviTEA With storytelling and balloon-twisting to keep little guests entertained – not to mention a small, surprise gift before they leave – kids will love this special Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s, The Verandah. Available on 3, 4, 10, 11, Sunday Funday 17 and 18th December at a cost of $358 per person. Hong Kong’s premier Argentinian restaurant http://hongkong.peninsula.com Gaucho has devised the perfect way to relax on Sundays with their bottomless brunch concept featuring an unlimited Megabites supply of dishes and Veuve Clicquot Booking a table at one of Hong Kong’s top restaurants champagne, and a crèche for the kids. Items just got a whole lot easier thanks to OKiBook. The new on the menu include Steak & Eggs, the online restaurant-booking site allows users to search Choripan Sandwich, Smashed Avocado on restaurants by location, cuisine type or discount (many Toast, Granola Yoghurt, Blueberry Honey restaurants offer a discount when you reserve via Pancakes, and traditional breakfast classics OKiBook). Each featured restaurant has an information such as the Eggs Benedict, Florentine, section, which includes menu highlights and customer Royale. Kids menu and tablets are also reviews (although, being a new site these are currently thin on the ground). available upon request. $600 free-flow, $100 We love the special promotions and seasonal menu (including festive menus) kids, Every Sunday from 11am-4pm section. www.okibook.com

14 www.playtimes.com.hk sponsored feature Monster Chords

appy Holidays! If you’re still at the beginning of the level, explaining looking for a gift for your little how the fingering of the chord works. ones, look no further. For any Once you’ve watched the video, you child with an interest (or even practice the chord, and then move on Ha potential interest) in music, Monster to the level’s song. There are over 20 Chords is a popular iPhone/iPad app original catchy compositions, as well as that is the perfect mix of fun, and some classic songs such as “London music learning. Bridge is Falling Down”, and “Mary Had The aim of this app is to remove a Little Lamb.” the tedium and potential boredom The app is free to download, and that comes with music education and you get access to the first five levels practicing instruments. With Monster of the game, as well as free use of Chords, children are encouraged to the gamified guitar tuner (plus an learn the guitar in a fun way, and at instructional video on how to tune their own pace. your guitar). If you buy a monthly In this app, children will learn several subscription (only $15 a month!) in the guitar chords, starting with simple app, you gain access to all 30 available ones such as E Minor, and gradually levels, as well as future content, which progress to more difficult chords like G includes more songs and chords P.S. You will need a major. You learn a new chord every few updated on a monthly basis. real guitar to use this app, but if levels (there are currently 30 levels), and So don’t hesitate, you don’t have one, worry not! to pass a level, you must play through a and download Visit www.chordhero.com for the song by strumming the right chords at Monster Chords on affordable Chord Hero Strummer, the right time. For every new chord you the App Store, or scan a perfect guitar for all beginners. learn, an instructional video will appear the QR code here.

December 2016 15 news

Santa Express Intensive The Arcade in Cyberport will be transformed into a station of dreams this Revision Courses holiday season. Just sit tight at the front of the “Snowy Adventureland” Tute.HK offer tailor-made online revision courses train, put on your virtual reality goggles and you’ll soon be crossing snowy for English, Maths, Sciences and Languages peaks and forests to reach Santa’s Village in Finland. Meet and greet with experienced and motivational real-time St. Nick and his reindeers in the snowy surroundings, complete with the tutors. Choose six 50-minute lessons, between Northern Lights dancing above in the night skies. The second train cart 15 December 2016 and 5 January 2017, and pay features a simulated curling competition and also a that you only $2,850. For more details, visit www.tute.hk can illuminate by peddling the electricity-making bicycle. On the 17th and or contact 3166 5988. 18th December, The Arcade will play host to the Christmas Snow Market, complete with snow. https://www.facebook.com/arcade.cyberport/ Festive Fun! Christmas Break Christmas is such a busy time, so how about a break from everything with a staycation at the Hyatt Regency Shatin. Their one night stay and spa package starts from just HK$2,371 per night and includes a buffet breakfast for two persons and one of the following offers at Melo Spa: Melo Spa $800 spending credit; or one 60-minute Elemis Dynamic resurfacing precision peel facial therapy (valued at $1,280); or one 60-minute De-stress aromatherapy massage (valued at $1,000). Thomas & Friends: Read & Play This recently launched app offers a library of interactive read-to-me audio eBooks, Thomas videos, and educational activities created to provide fun learning experiences for your little ones. The app offers a completely kid-friendly and AD-FREE environment for any Apple device. There are no worries about your little one clicking on random YouTube ads. The app also provides an iPad-supported creative drawing tool, along with fun Thomas & Friends stickers for paperless doodling whenever and wherever. And if you are still wondering how to keep your little ones entertained during the flight home for the holidays, just download the app now and enjoy the magic of Thomas & Friends! https://tfrp.app.link/playnow

TAKE THE LEAD IN LIFE! Term 1 is starting! Our award-winning international programme actively develops: • Public speaking, Presentation & • Creativity, Confidence & Performance Skills Communication Skills Classes available all over Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.

Call 2194 1468 or Whatsapp us at 9062 8748 • [email protected] • www.helenogrady.hk

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news

Icy Tale – The Snow Queen Don’t miss Hong Kong Player’s Christmas panto based on The Snow Queen – an icy tale of good and evil. The show promises the usual panto mix of song, dance and jokes – old and older. Will the heroine Gerda and hero Kay foil the Snow Queen’s evil plan to turn everybody nasty and remove all happiness and warmth from the world forever? This year there’s extra fun in the shape of exciting prizes provided by sponsor AIA The Great European Carnival. December 11th and 14-18th at Kellett Theatre, Kellett School, Kowloon Bay. www.ticketflap.com/snow-queen

GIVEAWAY – We have two tickets for the 15th December performance up for grabs. Visit www.playtimes.com.hk/giveaway before 10th December for a chance to win. Christmas Magic Cool COUNTDOWN Children love an calendar but, let’s be honest, they get enough chocolate without having an extra piece before breakfast every morning! So, how about something that’s fun and educational instead? These countdown kits (suitable for children age three to 12 years) by Moinarchy contain up to seven age-appropriate activity based learning kits for your child to rip open and countdown to Christmas, birthday or, in fact, any special day. www.moinarchy.com

What a Cracker! Nothing says Christmas quite like Sing Song The Nutcracker, so how about The Hong Kong Women’s Choir, a registered dressing your table with these charity, is honouring its 20th anniversary with stylish Nutcracker partyware a “Christmas For All” concert schedule and a accessories? We particularly love family lunch on 11th December at Grappa’s the crackers. Prices range from Cellar in Jardines House. The 12th December $35 for the cups, to $155 for the is The Hub Holiday Concert in Wanchai and on the 16th, get yourself kit. Available along to Central Station to see an MTR flash-mob style performance. www.thkwc.org from www.eezypeezyparties.com

Seasons Greetings Many of us think of sending personalised greeting cards, but time just seems to run away and those best-laid plans don’t quite pan out. Fotomax can help with its quick and easy personalised and calendar service. Printing takes just five days and the process is painless. Simply visit the website for a step by step guide, or visit your local Fotomax shop. www.fotomax.com

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resources

My First Fairyland Book by Suzanna Davidson Age 6+ Take a peak into a magical fairyland world through this delightful lift-the-flap book. From the goblin market, to the fairy queen's palace and homes hidden in the treetops, children will love to discover secrets of life in fairyland. Available from Little Whale, $89

That's Not My Sticker Book – Christmas by Fiona Watt Age 3+ Christmas fun from the "That's Not My..." sticker book series. Use stickers to complete a snowman with his hat, nose and scarf; decorate a Christmas tree with baubles; or dress Santa for the day. Available from Bumps to Babes, $75

Santa’s Christmas Journey by Fiona Watt Age 0-5 Wind up the sleigh and follow Santa as he delivers presents on . The colourful pages with tracks embedded show Santa landing on the rooftops to deliver presents to sleeping children. Available from Bookazine, $240 bookshelf In Santa Claus’s Castle: A Faraway Tree Adventure My Book about Christmas Baby's Very First Touchy-Feely by Enid Blyton by Dr. Seuss Christmas Book Age 7+ Age 4-8 By Fiona Watt This classic short tale from Enid Blyton's This easy to read and easy to fill in Age 6mths + Magic Faraway Tree series sees Joe, Beth, hardcover activity book is based on How This Christmas board book has high Frannie, Rick and their friends turned into the Stole Christmas. Children will contrast illustrations and touchy-feely toys. They must get to the top of the magic be excited to write – and draw – about patches. Each picture has a simple Faraway Tree and Santa Claus's castle to fix their family, school, and community holiday description to help babies associate words things. Available from Bookazine, $96 traditions. Available from Bookazine, $170 and pictures. From Bumps to Babes, $116

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SeptemberDecember 20162014 21 $100 Gift Guide Check out our pick of the best gifts for loved ones this season and make your Christmas shopping less pain more gain! Around $100

Sweet treats Prima ballerina Fortnum and Mason Christmas rock Ballerina ruler candy, $78, from Lane Crawford by Cath Kidston, $68

Glitter bug Give the Christmas fairy a run for her money with this jewel wing and wand set, HK$79, from Bumps to Babes

City lights Hong Kong candle, from Indigo, $99

Deck the Water babies halls Hanging out Make bath time fun with Lip service Diamond Falalalala… Hong Kong themed porcelain this colourful Iollipop Prosecco lip ornament, $78, box, hanging decorations, $100 each, bath sponge, $100, balm, £8, Not On available from $90, from Seed by Lion Rock Press available from Seed The High Street iDecorate

Infant aquatics banner

December 2016 23 resources

Under $250

Chocolate heaven Aux Anysetiers du Roy chocolate fondant pots make a perfect gift for someone with a sweet tooth. Flavours include Organic Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate & Vanilla and Milk Chocolate & Praline. $160-$180, from Maron's International

For the young and old We love this Hong Kong themed colouring book by Eleanor McColl, $120, available from Bookazine Under the sea A little birdie Natalie Mermaid by Felt robin necklace for children Aurora, $160, available age two to 12 years, £13, from Bookazine www.boden.co.uk colouring_book_PRINT.indd 1 14/6/16 2:52 pm

Just like dad Drink it up Snap happy Bosch Cordless Drill / Personalised elf mugs, £14.95, Colourful underwater camera, Screwdriver, $199, available www.notonthehighstreet.com $250, available from Seed from Bumps to Babes

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Under $350

Babes in arms Tails you win Christmas robin sleepsuit Mermaid tail (not for swimming), with matching hat, $350, $255, available from Seed from Cath Kidston

Balancing act Noah's Balancing Ark complete with 10 wooden animals. Young children will enjoy seeing how high they can stack the animals balancing on the ark before they tumble down. $255, available from Bumps to Babes

Just the ticket Fans of Roald Dahl's Charlie Yes, sir! and the Chocolate Factory will A great stocking filler, love this Wonka Golden Ticket Sir David Tang’s Rules cushion. $299, available from for Modern Life, $208, Indigo Living available from Bookazine

Take a seat The Book Seat is a Slip on revolutionary new lap Rudolph slippers, beanbag that holds a book or $269, available a tablet. $295, available from from Marks and Golden girl www.EezyPeezyParties.com Spencers Soft doll, $280, available from Seed Think International Schools Group

An IB World School

ur mission is to provide a safe, Think Academy (Tsung Tsin)

supportive, child-centred, and 11 Kwong Lee Road Cambridge Secondary in Years challenging environment that Cheung Sha Wan 7 to 11, leading to the O Kowloon internationally recognised CIE uses an inquiry based approach to foster 2157 2111 IGCSE examinations diversity and to develop knowledgeable [email protected] • Pre IB Diploma Foundation Year and open-minded, courageous and caring • IB Dipolma in Years 12 & 13 life-long learners.

Admission Enquires: For our application and further information please email us or visit our website at www.think.edu.hk

PYP Primary School 117 Boundary Street, Kowloon Tong 2338 3949 [email protected]

Other Kindergartens Laguna City Campus Kowloon Tong Campus Mei Foo Campus Ma On Shan Campus 2727 4747 2338 0211 2727 7585 2633 7800 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

December 2016 27 resources

Under $550 Anyone for tennis? Perfect for a game of post table tennis, this watermelon themed set is very cute! $420, available from Seed

Fire, Fire! Fire Engine Set with Firefighters, $550, available from Bumps to Babes Queen of style HK Queen iPhone case, $398, from Shanghai Tang

London calling Cath Kidston London snow globe, $470, available from Cath Kidston

Snug as a bug Hong Kong taxi pyjama set in gift box $400, available from www.snugalicious.com Twit two! Cockatiel salt and pepper grinders $450, from Thorn & Burrow Gold service Gold leopard cup and saucer, $379, available from Indigo Living

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resources

Under

Lucky you $1,000 Fortune Cookie necklace, $650, available from Tang, Tang, Tang

Rock on Much more manageable than a real horse, Livy is the Cooking up a treat perfect companion for young girls age 12 mths plus. Livy Children will delight at has a solid wooden base, raised seat back and a squeaker Peekaboo pretending to cook up the and rattle in her ear. $699 from Bumps to Babes. Hatchimals, $700, Christmas lunch on this toy available from oven & hob, $750, available Ho! Ho! Lego! Bookazine from Bumps to Babes Be your own and put together Santa's workshop, $699, from Little Whale Love letters Personalised envelope cufflinks, $642 available from www. giftslessordinary.com Pamper yourself Tech talk Kiehls X Jeremyville Must Have Circuit Scribe Kit, $799, Special Set, $985 from Lane Crawford available from Bookazine

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resources Splurge!

Christmas cheer Christmas Wonderland Hamper, $2,549, from www.gifthampers.com.hk

Home sweet home This beautiful wooden Sunflower Cottage comes fully furnished, ready for a dolls house family and their pets. Children can add the finishing touches with the enclosed pack of stickers! Made from high quality, All wrapped up We’ll drink to that responsibly sourced materials. $1,399, available at We love this elegant Hong Gold confetti whisky set, $1,395, Bumps to Babes Kong “Skyline silk scarf” available from iDecorate $1,000, available from www.amazing-hk.com

On yer bike! Art lovers A gift guide wouldn’t be complete without a bike! The Tangelo canvas by Belinda Dress to impress Kundo SmartTrail Convertible Balance & Pedal Bike Bath, from $4,500, Reindeer long sleeve children's is available as 12" or 14” and priced $2,180 or $2,380 www.Belindabathimages.com t-shirt, $1,325, from Bonpoint respectively. Available from Bumps to Babes

32 www.playtimes.com.hk resources There’s an app for that Make your Christmas merry with Angelina Draper's selection of festive apps

Christmas Radio PNP – Portable North Pole Over 50 holiday-themed radio stations neatly The Portable North Pole site and apps are some grouped into genres such as Loungy, Jazzy, of the most popular Christmas apps around. Rock, RnB, Top 40 etc that will help you set the Accessing either online or through the app, right mood immediately. There are also some parents can create personalised videos and country-specific channels such as the German calls accessible through the gated “kids corner”. and Dutch Christmas station. By unlocking the premium video bundle, you can choose from a list of targeted messages Christmas Pics Quiz Game (Apple) A Christmas-themed picture quiz game that Merry Christmas photo editor is good for school–aged children as it lets ‘Tis the season for every selfie to be adorned them practice spelling by combining letters. by frames, filters and snow globes! There is Throughout the month of December, a new free a glut of photo-enhancing apps, but this app quiz is added every day. offers some elegant options allowing you to create some lovely seasonal family photos. Christmas piano with free music (Apple) The premium version, which has no adverts, If you like the idea of impressing your little ones gives access to additional effects including with your piano skills without ever taking a personalised 2017 calendars. lesson, this app is for you. A collection of popular carols is presented with a sing-along and play- Starring You! by StoryBots (Apple) along mode to help you perform like a pro. The It wouldn’t be Christmas without a JibJab speed can be adjusted to match skill levels. video. This one combines your family’s faces with characters from the popular Storybots Santa’s Bag (Apple) cartoon. Add up to five faces and watch your An app designed for the organised amongst us family sing, dance and open gifts together with (or those aiming to become so), this shopping the Storybots. The award-winning app is nicely list manager will help you keep your Christmas designed, completely free and kid-safe. spending budget under control with ease and style. You can import recipients, assign budgets, Trolls: Poppy's Party – Read and plan gifts, create wishlists, track progress and, of Sing-Along Book course, share with social media. With Christmas starting earlier every year, by the beginning of December many of us with children Christmas Food Fever Cooking Maker are suffering Santa fatigue. The Dreamworks Kids Games (Apple) official Trolls app offers a good alternative to Children who enjoy cooking and baking apps dancing elves with this read-along and sing- will enjoy the seasonal theme of this one. Mini- along app narrated in English and Mandarin bakers get to make a selection of candy canes, aimed at children in grade 1 to 3. sugar cookies, ice cream sundaes and cotton candy adding their selection of decorations and creative flair. November 2016 35

advice

Baby, it’s Cold Inside! Playtimes beauty insider heads to specialist Cryotherapy centre, Polaris, to find out whether it really is possible to freeze oneself better

ryotherapy, in simple terms, -70 to -140 degrees C. (They go easy are carried out in another, equally slick is the general or localised on first-timers, gradually reducing the room. The facial treatment lasts 15 use of cold temperatures for temperature with each session.) It’s minutes. It is a strange feeling as the beam medical or, more and more FREEZING! You will never be so happy of freezing nitrogen gas touches your face. theseC days, beauty therapy. It is a non- to be wearing nipple pads. A therapist It’s kind of like ice-cold water massaging invasive treatment that boasts a pretty remains in the room with you, monitoring and gently pushing upwards, but it’s impressive number of benefits, including your reactions, talking to you (distracting actually dry. It’s not painful. The freezing increased collagen production, weight you from how cold you are and how jetstream moving around your face is a loss, energy-level and metabolism boost, slowly the time seems to be going – very peculiar sensation, though. I close and inflammation reduction. It’s got three minutes has never felt so long) and my eyes and can almost imagine that I’m some pretty famous supporters, too. checking the machine is working OK. skiing down the slopes with the ice-cold Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo swears by it They ask you to turn periodically, which wind blowing in my face. Every now and for faster recovery during training, while seems to vary the intensity on parts of then the stream of air passes in front of my Demi Moore and Jessica Alba use it for your body and also it feels good to keep mouth and takes my breath away. When beauty purposes. moving. For the most part your gloved we finish my face does feel different, the So what does a whole body hands are just outside of the chamber, skin seems tighter, like it has lifted. I have cryotherapy treatment entail? The holding the edge. It's only toward the a definite flush and I feel great. After one full body treatment takes place in a end that you drop them by your side so session, the results weren’t necessarily cryosauna, which doesn’t look unlike that they also get the freezing blast. Your long lasting, but I’m sure a regular freeze a souped-up refrigerator. When you whole body is shivering. The dry air is could have a positive impact on my skin, step inside, you are naked – bar some more manageable than an ice bath, but and my mood. The rush of post freeze disposable knickers, ski gloves, thermal it’s intense and is a relief to step out and endorphins has left me raring to go. footwear, oh and nipple pads (all of which envelope yourself in the warm bathrobe. are provided). It’s an interesting look, let's My skin is tingling and is flushed pink. It Polaris is offering the following for be honest! As you stand in the machine, feels like it’s springing back to life, which first time visitors: Cryo Facial $350, the top of it reaches your shoulders, is kind of the idea; the extreme cold Cryotherapy session $900. leaving your head above the chamber temperatures stimulate blood circulation www.polaris-wellness.com and therefore not exposed. and increase oxygen and nutrient supply, And there you stand, naked, being so it’s no surprise that you feel invigorated GIVEAWAY blasted by freezing nitrogen gas. Think after. And you potentially lost weight while We have one cryotherapy of it as the coldest shower you ever you were in there. Bonus! An injury I have package featuring a whole took, but ten times worse. The session to my knee also seems to hurt less. body treatment and facial treatment at lasts just three minutes but in that time Facial and localised (which is ideal to Polaris for three lucky Playtimes readers. the temperature will drop to between treat sport injuries or arthritis) treatments www.playtimes.com.hk/giveaway

December 2016 37 Vision Therapy? Vanessa Thai explains what vision therapy is, and why it matters

ision Therapy is a series of activities designed to the desk, computer and board. And they are required to do improve eye muscle control, which in turn helps this repeatedly for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, it is children better understand what they are reading and important to detect and treat learning-related vision problems seeing. Therapy is often conducted over a period of early in order for children not to fall behind. 8-12V weeks or longer with in-office visits and crucial 15-20 minute There are many learning problems, but a common one for daily home exercises, some of which involve computer programs. optometry involves a child with a “reading problem.” What is Vision Therapy aims to: the nature of this reading problem? Are they having trouble • Treat existing problems such as lazy eye (amblyopia), eye learning to read, or instead, are they having difficulty focusing alignment or coordination problems, focusing difficulties, on the words? Can they not read for long because they have poor eye-hand coordination and lower than expected visual a short attention span, or instead, because there is too much thinking and understanding strain placed on their eyes? • Enhance eye muscle efficiency and improve visual comfort An optometrist can help answer questions like these by diagnosing and treating vision problems that are the cause of Why is good vision important for learning? the “reading problem”. Good vision is vital for learning, especially in the classroom. Still, one in five children have an undetected vision problem. Signs of vision problems Research has shown that up to age 12, 80 per cent of learning Good vision involves more than good eyesight. Good is done through interpreting what is seen (visual processing). vision means having efficient scanning, focusing and visual Children are required to see quickly and understand what is coordination skills for reading and learning in the classroom. being taught in the classroom at a range of distances – on While children may have good distance eyesight, they may

38 www.playtimes.com.hk sponsored feature

have great difficulty maintaining good • Poor/slumped near work posture d, saw for was near vision when reading and writing • Headaches, burning or itching eyes • Misaligns digits in columns of numbers leading to: after near tasks • Frequently re-reads or skips words/ • Avoidance of near visual tasks • Squints or covers one eye with near lines unknowingly • Perseverance but with decreased work • Unable to recognise the same word in understanding • Reduced attention span, fatigues the next sentence • Discomfort, fatigue, and reduced easily with near tasks attention span • Double or blurred vision Is Vision Therapy suitable for • Development of myopia your child? (shortsightedness) or suppression of Working habits Your optometrist can help determine the vision of one eye • Close working distance to a book your child’s suitability for Vision Therapy, (only 15-20 cms away) and prescribe personalised activities Checklist • Loses place when moving gaze depending on each child’s needs and A comprehensive eye test is encouraged e.g. desk to board, copying from potential outlook. In some cases, “support if a child is described as “doing poorly textbooks lenses” are prescribed to help a child in school,” “failing,” “not working up • Uses aides e.g. a ruler/marker /finger perform better without stressing the eyes. to potential,” “diagnosed as learning to keep place when reading By eliminating visual problems, Vision disabled,” “disliking school work,” or • Comprehension declines as reading Therapy can help make reading more “having a school problem” or routinely continues enjoyable. It can also help improve shows any of the following signs: • Student fails to visualize (cannot physical coordination, self-confidence, describe read information) school grades and longer attention span Physical signs & symptoms for children. • Excessive blinking or rubbing of eyes Work quality with near tasks • Irregular letter/word spacing and Vanessa Thai is a registered optometrist • Uses head rather than eye movements writes up/downhill and is available through Southside Family for reading • Makes letter/word reversals e.g. b for Health Centre

features

“One can never“ have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” – J.K. Rowling,

December 2016 41 A bit of Ho!Ho! in Hong Kong?Ho!

“He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming to town.” But where? Don’t fear, the man in red is making a few pre- Christmas stops in Hong Kong this year and Playtimes has the low down on the best places to find him.

n the 5th of December, The magical workshop and meeting a Peninsula Hong Kong is whole bunch of entertaining and fun lucky enough to have Santa characters. ‘Elfers’ will get to keep their Claus visiting all the way Elfer uniform, along with the passbook Ofrom Rovaniemi in Finland to oversee in which they will collect stamps and the hotel’s official Christmas tree tick off what they’ve learnt along the lighting ceremony. way. There’s also a special gift from But word on the street has it that Santa and a certificate upon graduating Santa will be opening a secret Hong (signed and delivered by the very man Kong workshop, AKA Lapland HK, this himself!) www.glitterandgore.hk/event/ year. Between 10th – 13th December, santas-secret-kingdom/ some lucky children will undergo “elf When Santa makes his way to Pacific training” as part of a fully interactive Place, he attracts quite a crowd but Christmas adventure for all the family. he’s worth the wait. Tickets can be Once parents have bought tickets, purchased in advance from the 1st floor children will receive a personal invitation ticketing desk and are priced $80 for and map to Santa’s secret kingdom visits up until 11th December and $110 through the post. During the magical between 12th and 25th. The experience 75-minute experience, trainee ‘Elfers’ begins with a journey through the (and their big people) will be transported sensory garden full of festive scenes into a multi-sensory world of wonder, created by miniature artist Shannnam. exploring different parts of Santa’s Admittance is for up to four persons

42 www.playtimes.com.hk

Harbour City Mall

and includes an instant photo with Santa and a pack of candles. All proceeds are donated to Operation Santa Claus. Being a great lover of books, Santa is also finding time to visit Bookazine this festive season. On the 3rd he will visit Repulse Bay, on the 4th it’s Prince’s Building, while on the 10th he makes his way to the Discovery Bay store before heading to IFC on the 11th. For timings contact [email protected] Many stores, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and private members clubs have visits from Santa, so it’s worth calling your favourite places to see if they are expecting a visit and how the IFC Mall booking system works. Bear in mind that sometimes it can take a little while for however, that the app goes live as and 20-25th December. The enchanting little ones to get to the front of the queue Santa fans can follow his movements tale of Clara, Fritz and the Nutcracker as to sit on Santa’s knee, so it’s worth taking across the globe with the integration of they battle the evil Rat King has captured some snacks and activities to keep Google Maps. It’s a great way to work the imaginations of both children and young ones entertained while you wait. on geographical skills and to relate to adults over the years and for many families It doesn’t quite count as seeing family members who live in other parts it has become a Christmas tradition. Santa, but tracking him online is still of the world. In addition to Hong Kong Ballet’s live great fun for kids. Running for the 11th performances, fans can also see The year, Google’s Santa Tracker is an Showtime Nutcracker on the big screen. On the interactive app packed with features Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas 25th and 26th December, cinemas at (games, ability to create printable without The Nutcracker and this year IFC and The One in TST are showing the ornaments, videos and more) that kick is no different with Hong Kong Ballet Bolshoi Ballet performing The Nutcracker off on December 1st. It is on the 24th, performing the classic between 16-18th (captured live).

44 www.playtimes.com.hk is another holiday tradition for many families, check out the Hong Kong Players pantomime, which this year is based on The Snow Queen (see our HOTP for ticket give away). This year we also have Wicked in town from the UK. The show schedule has now been extended to cover the Christmas period and up until 22nd January. For those looking to get more vocal, The Welsh Male choir will be performing at The Arcade in Cyberport at 3pm on December 17th, snacks and will be provided by Le Meridien hotel.

Deck the Mall Hong Kong’s shopping malls tend to go all out with Christmas decorations and shopping trips suddenly become The Nutcracker far more appealing to children when there’s the prospect of seeing a toy train chug around a snowy village, or feeding a token to a wish machine. And this year is no different. While opinion is divided on the circus theme of The Landmark decorations this year, there’s no doubt many families will still want to pay a visit. The IFC has gone for puffins as part of a polar resort, while Harbour City has a little snowman called Snowie and Ocean Terminal has been transformed into a “Christmas party for Snowie”. Elements mall gets our vote for best decorations this year with its Fantastic Mr Fox theme that will enthral fans of the Roald Dahl classic. It’s not just indoors that gets decked The Peninsula Hong Kong Aqua Luna out, the exterior of buildings are pretty Elements Mall special, too. The festive lights are a sight to behold, especially when taken in from TST or from the harbour. How about sailing on the Aqua Luna? Bookings for the 45-minute harbour cruise can be made two weeks in advance and cost $195 for adults, $155 for children four-11 years, children aged three and under are free. Sailings are 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30, at 7.30 there is a special Symphony of Lights cruise. Enjoy a complimentary drink, relax on the lounge bed and take in the Hong Kong skyline at its festive best. School’s Out! Looking to occupy your little ones over the winter break? Check out our pick of the best winter camps around town

Woodlands Fun with phonics camp

SPORT Week 2: 28–30 December coaches at YWCA. Kids will get to use ESF Sports Camps Details at clle.ywca.org.hk a variety of apparatus such as vault, Perfect for helping kids burn off beam and trampoline to learn basic some excess energy, ESF sports Woodlands Kids in Motion moves which will improve their motor camps and clinics are running across Soccer Camp skills and coordination. For children Hong Kong during the winter break Budding young footballers will be taught aged three to 10 years. (13–30 December). Led by teams of ball control, kicking, dribbling, spatial Week 1: 22–23 December expert coaches, children can hone awareness and other basic soccer Week 2: 28–31 December their skills in football, gymnastics, skills in a fun, interactive and age Details at clle.ywca.org.hk swimming, basketball, tennis and appropriate way. multisport sessions. Running 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, Sports & Games Camp www.esf.org.hk/camps/Winter- 30 December Fitness and Fun combine in this Sports-Camps-and-Clinics Venue: Woodland Montessori Academy camp through Woodlands. Children (Mid-Levels), Woodland Harbourside will build on their strength, flexibility Kinder Kicks Soccer Pre-School (Aberdeen) and Beachside and endurance while developing ball Christmas Camps Pre-School (Repulse Bay) skills, balance, co-ordination and This is an indoor soccer play www.woodlandschools.com agility, co-operation, teamwork and programme in which professional sportsmanship. In addition to sport, they coaches teach young children aged two Christmas Gymnastics & get to participate in active board games to five years the basics of soccer. Trampoline Day Camp and will also learn the importance of Week 1: 19–23 December Enjoy gymnastics fun with professional healthy eating and hydration.

46 www.playtimes.com.hk Dates: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and bedazzle the cookies with edible 30 December stain glass. Venues: Woodland Montessori 7 December 10.00am–12.00nn Academy (Mid-Levels), Woodland 15 December 2.00pm–4.00pm Harbourside (Aberdeen) and Happy www.completedeelite.com Woodlands Kids in Motion Soccer Camp Valley Pre-School www.woodlandschools.com Winter Art Workshops Get into the holiday spirit at Anastassia’s Y Sport Academy Art House by creating your very own ‘Y’ not let your child experience a collection of winter artworks, including a selection of sports in one camp? and present painting, For children aged four to seven years. perfect to give to a loved one as a gift. Basketball & Mini Golf: 28 December This camp is suitable for children age Mini Tennis & Handball: 29 December three to 12 years. Dodgeball & Mini Hockey: 30 December 19–31 December 2016 Details at clle.ywca.org.hk www.arthouse-hk.com Christmas Gymnastics & Trampoline Day Camp

Mini-sports Camps Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Suitable for children age three–10 years Xmas Camp – The Magic of (they will be separated into smaller Christmas age groups) participants will be taken These three-session camps incorporate through a journey of multiple sports introductory activities, speech, including football, basketball, athletics movement, creative improvised drama, and team building games in these half craft and a conclusion activity, oh, day sessions. and a pinch of Christmas magic… Week 1: 14–17 December For children age four to seven years. Yoga and Cooking Week 2: 19–22 December Week 1: 19–21 December Week 3: 27–30 December Week 2: 28–30 December Venue: West Island School, 250 Victoria Details at clle.ywca.org.hk Road, Pok Fu Lam www.sportsclassesforkidshk.com/ Nutcracker Dance Camp camp This fun Christmas camp introduces boys and girls to the story and dances CREATIVE from the Nutcracker ballet. The camp Yoga and Cooking includes arts and crafts, story time and Children age three to five years and a performance at the end for parents. five to eight years are invited to join Venue: Garden House, Clearwater Bay the Little Yogis Christmas workshops 19, 20 & 21 December. cookie where they get to exercise their bodies Three to five years — 9.00am–11.30am, (bake & decorate) workshop and imagination through yoga and Six to eight years — 2.00pm–4.30pm learn about healthy food choices [email protected] through cooking. 19, 20, 21, 22 December EDUCATIONAL/ www.littleyogishk.com LANGUAGE Woodlands Fun with Phonics Camp Christmas ornament cookie If you’re looking to sign your little one up (bake & decorate) workshop for some phonics fun, these interactive Bake your own decorations in this classes through Woodlands are just the workshop at Complete Deelite. Children ticket. The camp includes phonemic will get to make their own edible tree awareness games, songs and visuals ornaments and a 3D globe cookie! while focusing on learning phonemes, Nutcracker Dance Camp They will learn how to bake, decorate letter formation and blends.

December 2016 47

Dates: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 December, 9.00am–1.00pm Venues: Woodland Kennedy Town, Happy Valley, Harbourside (Aberdeen), Beachside (Repulse Bay) and Sai Kung www.woodlandschools.com Baumhaus Kindermusik Southside Mandarin Christmas Mandarin camps for children the Mandarin version of Peppa Pig 9.30am–12.30pm or Teens: 3.00pm– age three to 13 years are running from to your growing bubs this Christmas! 5.00pm 19 December to 2 January. Kids are sure to enjoy practicing Venue: Central, Discovery Bay, and There is an early bird 10 per cent their Putonghua when it’s at the Mini Sai Kung discount if you sign up before Metro, with a play-area that has been www.mandarinformunchkins. 3 December. transformed into Santa’s Workshop! com/2016-christmas-camp.html www.southsidemandarin.com 19–30 December Venue: Central Campus, 17/F Coding Camp HK Kidz Christmas Camp/Activities Universal Trade Centre and Looking to amuse your tech-head HK Kidz has some exciting Christmas Causeway Bay Campus, 7/F Capital child? First Code Academy has just the workshops in English, French, German, Commercia Building. solution. Children age six to eight years Spanish & Mandarin. From language Contact: 2320-1128 (CWB) can enroll in Scratch: Animation and development to enrichment, they have 2320 5208 (Central) or email info@ Games. Designed for young imaginative a whole list of courses to choose from, minimandarins.com to register minds, the Scratch 101 course uses all of which include exciting activities, Scratch, a block-based programming rhymes, songs, stories, games and Jumpstart Mandarin tool, to give young students a hands-on arts & crafts to develop language This Christmas Jumpstart Mandarin first attempt at programming. Kids age skills and confidence. For a more is offering two-week workshops. The nine and up can try their hand at Make creative experience check out the programme is designed around a task- Your Own Mobile App. The intensive Creative Arts, Drama & Music, Nature based learning approach and aims to courses run as three or five day options. & Discovery, Science & Discovery and help students build their confidence Venue: Sheung Wan and Kowloon Little Chef options. when communicating in Mandarin. Campus Dates: 19–30 December, 9.30am– Special discounts of 10 per cent are www.firstcodeacademy.com 12.30pm, 1.30–4.30pm or 9.30am– available for three to five days sign up 4.30pm and 20 per cent for six to eight days Baumhaus Kindermusik Venue: Central / Southside or Sai Kung sign up Baumhaus is offering a convenient www.hkkidz.com Week 1: 19–23 December solution this holiday season with its Week 2: 28–30 December Winter Wonder Camps. Family style Science Courses classes mean that siblings can join Courses at UnoKidz are designed to Mandarin Christmas Camp for together in a class. There is also nurture curiosity and inspire young Children and Teens! unlimited weekday playroom access (ages two–six years old) learners to Immerse your child in some Mandarin when booking a family pack. So explore subjects through a range of fun with the Mandarin for Munchkins head along to either the Wanchai Science, Technology, Engineering and Christmas camps. The 100 per cent or new Harbour City Baumhaus to Mathematics (STEM) activities. Mandarin immersion environment enjoy a variety of activities, including Week 1: 12–16 December, Changes in includes classroom theme learning, Kindermusik. our Environment group activities, cooking, and lunch 20–30 December Week 2: 19–23 December, Outer Space together… all in Mandarin. Children (age www.baumhaus.com.hk www.unokidz.com four to nine years) that enjoy cooking will love the Mandarin Chef option Mini Mandarins Christmas Camp where they cook a three-course meal! Visit www.playtimes.com.hk for with Peppa Pig Suitable for children age three–nine even more ideas for classes and Mini Mandarins has teamed up with years or 10+ years to 14+ years (Teens) camps running this month Little Bear Books from Taipei to bring 19–30 December, 9.30am–2.00pm,

December 2016 49

50 www.playtimes.com.hk Hands on

KarenHeroes Sherwood explores the ways in which children can help at charities across Hong Kong

ven though we are young, we Buddy Reading can still make our corner of the The Buddy Reading Program that Wilfred world a better place.” This is the volunteers with is run by Kids4Kids and reason that 8-year-old Wilfred is open to English speakers age eight E Ding devotes his time to helping children and up. Volunteers who enroll in the from low-income families improve their programme, and undertake the two- English. He’s not the only superhero in hour training session, share their love regular clothes out there either – plenty of reading and their English language of youngsters are finding ways to get proficiency through simply reading books hands-on with charities. Fundraising, with other children. Wilfred admits to in all its guises, is something that kids feeling a bit nervous about reading at today are wonderfully familiar with due first (especially with boys who were older to their schools, community groups and than him!), but by reading books they parents. But what if you want to get your both enjoyed – and making good use of kids a bit closer to the end user? There hand gestures – he managed to push are so many benefits to volunteer work; through the language barrier and make and in this digital age, any chance to get some new friends. Wilfred says that the your kids connecting with people and best thing about volunteering is making working with their hands needs to be friends and knowing you’ve helped embraced. The volunteer opportunities someone else with their education. If for non-Cantonese speakers are not as your little hero isn’t sure about reading limited as you might think either. Here’s alone, families can register as a group a round-up of just some of the ways and each read a story. Kids can even your kids can get closer to the action bring favourite books from home. There and get hands-on experience with a are regular 1.5-hour sessions in a variety charitable cause. of locations – volunteers can register on

December 2016 51 Your memories. Flawless print. Stylish frame.

FINE ART PHOTO & FRAME

Send us your file before December 15 and collect before Christmas!

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*Discount offer valid until December 31, 2016 www.widerhall.com | [email protected] | +852 2518 8916 the website. Kids4Kids have a number even more bread can be rescued and various organised events. Check out of other innovative programmes for kids more breakfasts provided. The girls, The Crayon Society’s Facebook page for on their site too, so it’s well worth a look. along with Annette and , run updates on their next drive, information on www.kids4kids.org.hk as part of a group organised by their volunteering, and a video guide on how to teacher, Monica Lo, at The Independent bake your crayons at home. The Bread Run Schools Foundation Academy. They www.facebook.com/thecrayonsociety If you’ve got youngsters with energy suggest warm clothes, big bags, “and to burn, how about getting them have a smile on your face.” Kids can HandsOn Hong Kong involved in the thrill of The Bread Run also get involved in organising a food For teenagers, the possibilities for through Feeding Hong Kong (FHK). drive – FHK will provide lists of the most volunteer work are even more extensive. FHK’s mission is to redistribute surplus needed items, as well as collection HandsOn Hong Kong is a marvelous food from retailers, distributors and containers, banners and posters. With organisation that connects willing manufacturers to local charities, a shocking percentage of Hong Kong volunteers with high quality opportunities. reducing food waste whilst getting residents living below the poverty Register on the site and browse the list food to those most in need. The Bread line, and thousands of tons of food of volunteer openings available – many Run is a chance for fleet-footed kids waste produced here every day, FHK’s of which are suitable for non-Cantonese (accompanied by an adult) to pull-on mission is something that will make speakers and under-18s. Interesting their running shoes and hit designated sense to even the youngest of children. opportunities for English speaking bakeries at closing time – collecting www.feedinghk.org teens on the site in recent months have bakery goods and racing them to included: being a toy bank librarian; an FHK drop-off point ready for The Crayon Society visiting with elderly residents of the China redistribution. Volunteer bread runner If you have a family of artists, why not Coast Community; preparing cooking Annette Kwan, seven-years-old, says: do some volunteer work for The Crayon gift packs for low income families; “It’s fun running around and being able Society? This enterprising society, and recycling hotel soaps for use in to help others. The little effort that we founded last year, collects old crayons, developing countries with Soap Cycling. put in means a lot to many who are peels them, sorts them, and then bakes www.handsonhongkong.org less fortunate.” Fellow runner, Gabriel them into fantastic new designs (robot www.chinacoastcommunity.org.hk Lee, nine, says it makes him “happy, crayons anyone?). The crayons are www.soapcycling.org because when you help a person it also distributed to children in hospitals and means love, love to the world.” There’s are also sold online – with all proceeds Plastic Free Seas no arguing with that. Interested runners going to the Duchess Of Kent Children’s Eco-warrior Alessandro Temperini is just can check out the FHK website, there Hospital and The Society for the Relief seven-years-old, but has already spent are runs every Tuesday and Thursday. of Disabled Children. Volunteers can get two years of his life devoting time to Experienced runners, Vanessa Poon, sorting and peeling from the comfort of making the beaches of Discovery Bay 10, and Stacey Fung, seven, hope their own homes – most toddlers are cleaner and safer. Alessandro takes part that more people join the runs so that already experienced peelers – or through in beach clean-ups every month or so,

December 2016 53 2016 PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOWCASE Thursday 8 December - 10am-8pm Grand Ballroom Conrad Hong Kong Free Admission - Open to Public www. .hk

2016 PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS GIFT FESTIVAL Wednesday 14 December - 10am-8pm Grand Ballroom Conrad Hong Kong Free Admission - Open to Public www. .hk

Sponsored by: many of which are organised by Plastic in volunteer work, Alessandro’s response compared to many others and is keen Free Seas, a Hong Kong charity dedicated was simple: “Of course I do, if they didn’t, to volunteer again. Many organisations, to changing the way society uses plastics. this world wouldn’t be taken care of.” like Missione Possibile Hong Kong, can Taking part in a beach clean-up, either www.plasticfreeseas.org only offer occasional volunteer spaces at an organised event, or just as a family, to children, due to the conditions and provides kids with a chance to actually An Overseas Option requirements for volunteers. However, see the change they are making. It’s Want to take your philanthropy on there are a plethora of organisations that not just hard work either, Alessandro the road? Volunteering abroad is an offer opportunities for families to volunteer always makes time to play on the beach increasingly accessible way for families abroad – so fire up your search engines! after he’s cleaned it and confides that, to donate their time and expertise to The list of volunteer opportunities “sometimes I find really strange and big charities, whilst also exploring different above isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good things, so it’s very fun. I’ve learned that cultures. Thea Carter, 11, travelled to starting point for your budding world- re-using rubbish isn’t hard and I’ve made Roong Village, in rural Cambodia, with her changer. Empowering kids to make a so many vehicles by re-using lots of junk.” mum Birgitta as part of a special Missione difference in the world around them is as The beach clean-ups are just a small Possibile Hong Kong volunteer group. beneficial to them as it is to the charities part of what Plastic Free Seas does, they The intrepid pair brought supplies for the they support. Making friends, improving have extensive education and advocacy school that the charity has established, communication skills, broadening their programs to reduce plastic waste before it taught lessons, and made new friends. minds, and giving them a sense of reaches the ocean (get those metal straws Thea describes it as, “Hot, interesting, achievement – all whilst keeping their in your bags!) – their website is a great mind-blowing, fun and exhilarating.” hands busy. Plus, as Wilfred says, “it educational resource. When asked if he She’s returned from her trip with a real sets a good example for adults.” thought other children should get involved sense of how “privileged” her life is www.mphongkong.com

CLEARING THE CLOSETS – Put clothes that you never wear to good Or, ideally, clothes can be brought THE GREAT BIG CLOTHING use this winter. Dream Like Bubbles to Dream Like Bubbles (7/F, 36 is asking for donations of warm winter Belcher’s Street) between 12.00 - DRIVE clothes that can be redistributed to Hong 4.00pm on 17th December. Volunteers Kong’s homeless as part of The Great Big are invited to help with the sorting and Clothing Drive. at 4.00pm everyone will split into teams Clothes can be dropped at one of the to help deliver the items to numerous following locations before 17th December: homeless centres across Hong Kong. • Rula Bula, 58-62 D’Aguilar Street Children’s clothing is also accepted • Cava, 54 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung and will be passed to charities • Unirich Jewellery, 2 Sung Ping Street, that support children in need. Hung Hom [email protected]

December 2016 55 Dress it Up! Set the scene for the festive season with these party dresses and stylish looks for the home

Models: Charlotte, Amanda & Victoria Photography: Zzzoom Photography Interior styling: The Home Stylist

56 www.playtimes.com.hk Get Together Clockwise from top Victoria (age 5) and Amanda (age 6) wear dresses from Bonpoint, $3,195 Charlotte (age 5) wears glitter tulle dress from Zara, $199 Divine Footstool from Everything

Under The Sun, $4,132

December 2016 57 Cupcake Queens Victoria wears dress from Dolce & Gabbana Charlotte as before Loft antiqued mirror from Bowerbird Home, $7,590 Artificial hybrid tea roses, $168/stem, Amaranthine Blooms Dotty for You Amanda wears grey top, $1,865, and gold spot skirt $1,990, both Bonpoint

December 2016 59 60 www.playtimes.com.hk Green with Envy Amanda wears Olive foil pleated dress from Next online, $337 Green malachite side table, emerald green, from Bowerbird Home, $9,990

December 2016 61 On the Ball Charlotte wears cardigan from Bonpoint $1,685 and metallic multi- coloured skirt from Zara, $189 Cane-Line Defined Carpet, from Everything Under The Sun $5,577

62 www.playtimes.com.hk Tea Time Victoria wears Avventurina dress by Gusella, $2,880 64 www.playtimes.com.hk 2 1

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3 Kerrie Brown Down The Garden Path Wall Décor, Get the Look Bowerbird Home, $22,990 The Home Stylist team (www.thehomestylist.org) 4 Kerrie Brown Down The worked wonders with Garden Path and Oh So our location, creating Red velvet cushions from the perfect setting for a Bowerbird Home, $1,490 Christmas party. 5 Red Oncidium from 1 Peacock hummingbird Amaranthine Blooms, $840 from for six stems (inc a free stem). Indigo Living, $99 Plus 20 percent discount quote PLAYTIMES 20 2 Romero pendant bronze light - small from Indigo 6 Angular Candle Holder from Living, $1,990 iDecorate, $225

December 2016 65 66 www.playtimes.com.hk Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cook up some mouthwatering dishes during the festive season with recipes from Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook

TURKEY SLOPPY JOES, TASTY SLAW WITH GHERKINS & CHILLI, HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE

Ingredients • 200g leftover cooked turkey meat • 200ml leftover turkey gravy • 1 carrot • 1 apple • ½ a red onion • 2 sprigs of fresh mint • 2 gherkins • 1 fresh red chilli • 4 seeded wholemeal buns Serves: 4 Total time: 20 minutes

BBQ Sauce • 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup • 1 tablespoon HP sauce • 1 teaspoon English mustard slice the mint leaves. Place it all in a bowl The sloppy Joe is so • ½ teaspoon chipotle Tabasco sauce with 1 tablespoon of pickling liquid from • 1 splash of Worcestershire sauce your gherkin jar. Finely slice the gherkins, much more than a using a crinkle-cut knife if you’ve got sandwich or a burger, Method one, and the chilli, add to the bowl, mix and giving it the Shred and pull apart your leftover well, lightly season and put aside. Mix all turkey meat and place in a small the BBQ sauce ingredients together. Christmas treatment pan with a splash of water and 4 Split and toast your buns, then means we’re taking tablespoons of gravy. Pop a lid on and spread the BBQ sauce inside them, that bun filled with place on the lowest heat for 10 minutes top and bottom. Pile your pulled turkey to warm through. Warm the the gravy on the bun bases, drizzle with a little delicious pulled meat in a separate pan, ready to use for gravy and top with some of that tasty and crunchy exciting dunking later. slaw. Pop the bun lids on, and you’re veg, served with gravy Meanwhile, peel and finely shred the away. Serve the rest of the gravy on the carrot, matchstick the apple, peel and side for a naughty dunk, along with any for dunking, to the finely slice the red onion, and pick and leftover slaw. next level.

December 2016 67 potato. This looks beautiful but also the fat gets down into the cuts you’ve HASSELBACKS, makes them wonderfully absorbent of made, then season with sea salt and TURKEY DRIPPING, flavour and amplifies their black pepper. Roast for 1 crispiness. Try to choose hour, or until the potatoes BLUE CHEESE & small potatoes, give them These sexy are golden and tender. CRUSHED HAZELNUT a wash, and if you have little beauties Meanwhile, tear the any larger ones, cut them are super-fun bread into a baking dish, CRUMB in half and use the flat add the hazelnuts and side as a base. to make, look toast in the oven for 10 To make this process amazing, loads minutes. Remove and Ingredients as simple as possible, of people will allow to cool, then tip into • 2.5kg Maris Piper potatoes (choose place a potato on a a food processor, strip the smallest ones) board between the never have in most of the remaining • ½ a bunch of fresh thyme (15g) handles of two wooden seen or enjoyed thyme leaves, add a • 4 tablespoons turkey dripping or olive spoons, so that when them before, pinch of sea salt and oil you slice down into the black pepper and half the • 50g stale bread potato the spoons stop and the flavour cheese, and pulse into • 40g hazelnuts the blade from going combination here coarse crumbs. • 100g blue cheese all the way through. just cooks into When the hour is up, Serves: 10 as a side Carefully slice at just sprinkle the crumbs over Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes under ½cm intervals all the potatoes so, the potatoes, then finely the way along. Repeat so well. People. crumble a little bit of the Method with all the potatoes, Will. Talk. About. remaining blue cheese on Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. placing them in a large to each one. Dress the rest The fun and unique part of this side dish roasting tray as you These. of the thyme sprigs with a is that you need to slice multiple times go. Pick half the thyme tiny bit of oil and sprinkle through the potatoes, but – importantly leaves into a pestle and mortar and randomly on top. Return to the oven for – without going all the way through, pound with the turkey dripping or oil. a final 10 minutes, or until the cheese giving you a kind of concertina-style Spoon over the potatoes, making sure starts to melt, then serve.

68 www.playtimes.com.hk RED CABBAGE, CRISPY SMOKED BACON & ROSEMARY, APPLE, FENNEL SEEDS & BALSAMIC

Ingredients • 1 red cabbage (1kg) • 4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon • olive oil • 2 eating apples • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary • 1 heaped teaspoon fennel seeds • 100g dried prunes • 1 clementine • 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Serves: 8 to 10 as a side Total time: 35 minutes

Method Click away any tatty outer leaves from your cabbage, trim off the base, cut the cabbage into wedges, then finely slice it and put aside. Finely slice the bacon and place in a large casserole pan on a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Leave it to crisp up while you peel, core and dice the apples. When the bacon is crispy, strip the rosemary leaves into the pan, stir for 1 minute, then use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and rosemary to a plate, leaving the smoky bacon fat behind. Add the fennel seeds and diced apples to the pan, then tear in the prunes, removing any stones. Stir and fry for 2 minutes, then finely grate in the clementine zest and squeeze in the juice. Add the vinegar, cabbage and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook with a lid ajar on a low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until GET AHEAD cooked through and a pleasure to eat, Make this the day before and simply reheat it in a pan – stirring well every 5 minutes to help it’ll taste great, but if you do this I’d recommend stirring intensify and mix up the flavours. Serve the bacon and rosemary through it rather than serving sprinkled with the crispy bacon and them on top as a garnish. rosemary leaves.

December 2016 69

Photographer: David Loftus.

70 www.playtimes.com.hk BANOFFEE ALASKA Once the pastry case is cool, spread the dulce de leche or caramel across Giveaway ALMOND PASTRY, the base, scoop over the ice cream and Up for grabs, freeze until frozen solid – you could get two copies of Jamie CARAMEL, BANANAS & it up to this stage a day in advance. Turn Oliver’s Christmas VANILLA ICE CREAM the oven up to 220°C/425°F/gas 7. To Cookbook! make your meringue topping, separate www.playtimes. the remaining 5 eggs (keep the yolks for com.hk/giveaway Ingredients another day). In a free-standing mixer, • 150g unsalted butter (cold), plus extra whisk the egg whites with a pinch of for greasing sea salt until they form soft peaks. Place • 1 orange the sugar and 80ml of water in a pan on Jamie Oliver talks • 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting a high heat. Use a sugar thermometer • 100g ground almonds to monitor it getting up to 110°C, then Christmas with Playtimes • 6 large free-range eggs reduce the temperature to low. Let it • 1 x 500g tub of quality vanilla ice gently bubble until it gets up to 120°C. What is the one dish that you cream Remove from the heat and let the can’t go without over Christmas? • 4 tablespoons dulce de leche or bubbles settle for 30 seconds, then very Probably my mum’s retro trifle – it’s caramel sauce gradually pour it into the egg whites, got Christmas written all over it and it • 300g caster sugar whisking constantly on a low speed. wouldn’t be the same if she didn’t bring • 2 large ripe bananas Leave it whisking for 10 minutes to cool one out, year after year. • 1 lime and thicken the mixture. Meanwhile, peel • 1 tablespoon Camp coffee syrup and slice the bananas, finely grate over Can you share your family’s Serves: 12 the lime zest and squeeze over the juice, favourite Christmas tradition/s? Total time: 1 hour, plus cooling & then toss together. I like to secretly take apart the Christmas freezing crackers my wife has bought, remove I had this idea to the lovely gifts and infiltrate them with Method marry off two of my better and funnier presents, sometimes Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas naughty ones. I also like to remove the 4. Lightly grease a deep, 25cm loose- favourite desserts jokes and replace them with a couple of bottomed tart tin. To make the pastry, – banoffee pie innocent ones and a couple of deeply finely grate the orange zest into a food and baked Alaska, inappropriate ones. I try and do this processor, add the cold butter, the flour, without anyone knowing and place almonds and 1 egg, then blitz until it which means you specific crackers on specific people’s comes together into a ball of dough, get creamy cold places so it all comes together in a wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes. vanilla ice cream genius moment of inappropriate laughter Roll out on a clean flour-dusted surface at the appropriate time at the table. until just under ½cm thick, then loosely in the middle of a roll up around the rolling pin and unroll delicious warm tart. What’s the best Christmas gift over the tart tin, easing it in and pushing And let me tell you, you’ve ever given? it carefully into the sides. Trim off any One of the best things I ever bought was excess, patch up any holes, then prick this marriage is a cool motorised go kart for my three the base with a fork, cover and chill in the blooming amazing! nephews as a joint present – they went fridge for 30 minutes (use any leftovers absolutely crazy for it. for mince pies). When the time’s up, line Get your tart out of the freezer, arrange the pastry case with quality clingfilm the bananas over the ice cream, then What is your favourite recipe in (non- PVC), then fill with rice, making sure pile on the meringue in nice peaks. Use the new Christmas recipe book? you pack it right out to the sides. Bake a fork to ripple through drips of Camp Every single one of the cocktails that I put blind for 15 minutes, remove the clingfilm coffee. Bake on the bottom of the oven in the book. I’ve got everything from a and rice and bake for another 5 minutes, for just 4 minutes, or until the meringue is Manhattan (for the traditionalists) to fruity or until lightly golden, then leave to cool. lightly golden, leaving the ice cream frozen party Prosecco, a hot toddy to warm your Soften your ice cream in the fridge. inside. Remove from the tin, and serve. cockles, and even a pink pepper negroni!

Photographer: David Loftus. Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook by Jamie Oliver is published by Penguin Random House Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited.

December 2016 71 We’re Going on a Santa Hunt Where better to experience the magic of Christmas and to meet the REAL Santa Claus than Lapland, asks Louise Drake?

72 www.playtimes.com.hk K, I admit, I’m incredibly excited. Possibly more so a bit too early in the morning for singing, but it is Christmas). This than the kids! After many years of dreaming about is definitely the most fun we’ve ever had on a flight! it, I finally bit the bullet and booked for the family As we land we add layers of clothes to brace for the to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland. freezing weather outside. The temperature can go down to OAfter much research (about six years worth) I opt for a around -35 degrees at this time of the year, so a bit colder Magical Interlude package tour through a UK-based travel than Hong Kong! We couldn’t wait to see snow. Our children, agent called Canterbury Travel and combine our visit to the Charlotte age five and Thomas age six, have never seen snow Arctic Circle with a trip to London. and they are beside themselves with excitement, which is On the 20th December we finally board our BA chartered apparent to everyone around. After finally wrestling Thomas flight from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi in Finland. Every single out of the snow – and being pelted by a few snowballs in passenger on the plane is heading to Lapland in search of the process – we board our allocated coach and meet the Santa so the excitement is palpable. Kids of all ages (including charismatic guides who will help us on our mission to find the 39-year-old ones) are dressed in an array of Christmas Santa over our three-night, four-day trip. Fingers crossed we jumpers and sparkles, and the cabin and flight crew don antlers will be lucky enough to meet the big man. and other Christmas headgear. Children are singing Christmas Our accommodation is a small, picture perfect log cabin karaoke through a microphone at the front of the plane (possibly in Luosto. It’s pretty snug with just one room comprising

December 2016 73 a small kitchen area with a table and At this point I should introduce the in front of a roaring fire (did you know beds in the form of double bunks, but ‘elves’. There is Snowy Bowy, who enjoys there are roughly as many reindeer in the wood-burning fireplace makes placing bows on trees and building Finnish Lapland as there are people?) it incredibly cosy and it’s just what I snowmen; Tricky Dicky, who is the and go on a reindeer sleigh ride had imagined. There are hotel rooms cheekiest elf and the joker of the pack; through the snowy forests. Each sleigh available, too, but for us it just had Speedy Sam is Santa’s reliable helper and accommodates two people snuggled to be a log cabin. The surroundings is always rushing around; Wendy Wood beneath big fur blankets and we ride in are stunning; a thick blanket of snow is chief toymaker; and the ever-cheerful convoy, the reindeers following along in stretches as far as the eye can see Noisy Nod loves Christmas carols and a line. It’s a slow, relaxing ride and, even and a ski run makes for an impressive music. The elves appear at many points though we remain firmly on the ground, backdrop. Two toboggans lay waiting during our tour to tell us about any Santa it feels very magical. by the cabin door, on hand to be sightings or, in Tricky Dicky’s case, to play Lunch is taken with the rest of our played with or to pull the children to jokes and attempt to send us in the wrong coach party at a restaurant located the clubhouse (The Merry Elf) or a local direction. The children love interacting between stops. The buffet style food is restaurant. with the ‘elves’ and each has their own fairly basic, but it does the job. First things first, build a snowman favourite; my daughter loves Snowy In the afternoon we visit a husky and make snow angels. Bowy and my son is undecided between farm where we see how the dogs are Our mission, besides generally Tricky Dicky and Speedy Sam. They are kept, trained and bred. We meet some having lots of fun, is to search for completely hooked! puppies – a big hit with my daughter Santa Claus. Each day, aided by our Our first stop is a reindeer farm – and embark (pardon the pun) on a friendly guides and a number of Santa’s where we get to feed reindeer; all the 90-minute husky safari. The dogs are ‘elves’, we visit different locations and while trying to guess which one is incredibly strong and get very excited participate in numerous arctic activities Rudolf – his nose isn’t red all the time, pulling the sleigh, they are literally raring while looking for him. you know. We listen to a fascinating talk to go and we travel at quite a speed.

74 www.playtimes.com.hk It’s exhilarating, but a little scary going of amazement on my kids’ faces when in a group was fun. It was great seeing round the bends and they require a firm they see that he is holding the actual other children get excited alongside hand to control them. I let daddy take letters they sent him (all the way from our own children, and the coach charge of this one! Hong Kong). journeys were an enjoyable part of the Other activities during our trip He knows lots about them, too, trip rather than just getting from A to B. include riding snowmobiles – there are he knows how hard they have been Also, if we hadn’t booked the package adult and children’s ones – tobogganing working at school, particularly with their I’m sure we wouldn’t have been lucky and snow games. The kids are having a Mandarin, which is why they are lucky enough to meet so many ‘elves’. blast, especially being such novices to enough to get a toy from their list – By booking a package we had no the concept of snow. My daughter even fortunately one that is small enough to unexpected costs. We did decide to recovers from a tobogganing wipe out fit in mummy’s suitcase. upgrade our dining option, so that surprisingly fast. They are delighted. rather than eating a buffet style dinner We visit the magical elf post office to Everyone is on a huge high. Not in The Merry Elf each night we walked see the post being sorted. We see the only did the children get a Christmas to a pre-assigned local restaurant in elf house where Wendy Wood creates present they desperately wanted, they Luosto to enjoy an a la carte meal as many of the traditional toys for Santa. had met the “REAL Santa Claus”. So it’s a family. We also booked an additional We even meet Mrs Claus and sing back to The Merry Elf clubhouse for a ski lesson for our son, but these were some Christmas carols. family disco, with the ‘elves’ keeping the pre-determined decisions. And all the while we are looking for young ones amused and hot toddies for It is with very heavy hearts that the elusive Santa Claus. the not-so-young ones. we leave Luosto. The trip has been a I won’t give too much away but Having not been on a package dream come true and one we will never thanks to a lot of singing on the coach holiday for some 15 years we had been forget. It has reinforced the ‘magic of (word sheets are sent in advance of nervous about joining a group tour. The Christmas’ for the whole family. The travel and, I promise, you’ll still be singing things that we were concerned about, children loved every second of it and the songs a year later) magic fairy dust however, turned out to be the things would love to go back. I’m a little sad for everyone and lots of help from the that we loved about the trip. that the Northern Lights didn’t make an ‘elves’, we manage to find Santa. The tour guides added so much appearance while we were there, but And Santa rocks! to our experience; they built up the perhaps we will get to see them next I’m prepared to overlook the fact that anticipation and excitement levels for time. Maybe this wont be a “once in a I didn’t get a gift because of the look the children (and the adults) and being lifetime” trip, after all…

TIPS I would say the optimum age for Pack some warm layers in your in-flight We did the three-night, four-day taking children would be between four hand carry baggage as it will be cold Magical Interlude trip to Luosto from and eight years old. Younger ones may when you land! the UK with Canterbury Travel. I find it too cold. As an alternative, Finnair flies direct booked one year in advance in order Snow boots and snowsuits are from Hong Kong to Helsinki and it is to secure the dates we wanted with provided but you will need to take lots possible to book reindeer sleigh rides www.canterbury-travel.com. of layers, hats and gloves with you. and husky adventures independently.

December 2016 75 48 Hours in Phnom Penh Nicola Burke gives the low down on a weekend visiting the capital of Cambodia

ambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, often gets overlooked in favour of temple-tastic Siem Reap with the famed Angkor Wat. Yet this bustling Asian city has a lot to offer the family traveller, Cwith its affordable luxury hotels, a delicious dining scene and interesting tourist sights. Plus, at just over two hours’ flying time and with only one hour’s time difference, it makes for an easy weekend away. Dragonair and Hong Kong Airlines fly direct from Hong Kong (the latter only several days a week). Cambodia has also simplified the tourist visa process allowing you to apply for an e-visa online in advance of your travels. Here’s how my daughters (age seven and five) spent 48 hours in the ‘Charming City’ in October.

Saturday Our Dragonair flight had us on Cambodian soil by 10.30am. The airport transfer, organised by our hotel, took 40-minutes. Phnom Penh has a huge range of accommodation options and the high-end properties are priced far lower than in other capital cities. After trawling review sites and travel blogs, I stumbled upon The Kabiki. Surrounded by trees, this restored period villa is located in a tranquil spot of Phnom Penh. I was sold on its deluxe family suite, which consists of two double beds and adjacent bunk beds. The room was lovely, decorated with Khmer art and wooden furnishings. No matter where we are in the world, my kids will insist on making a beeline for the pool. The Kabiki has a luscious main pool and a small kids pool. There are also friendly cats patrolling the property, heaven for animal loving kids!

76 www.playtimes.com.hk December 2016 77 We dined onsite at the Kabiki’s premise of seeing royalty, although restaurant, next to the pool, enjoying I think they were slightly disappointed our first taste of Khmer cuisine. not to witness an ‘Arendelle’ style That afternoon we set out for a coronation! Adults must dress modestly spot of culture. Phnom Penh is not and cover their arms and legs. If the overloaded with sights, meaning you kids get bored of the Royal Palace aren’t frantically running around ticking there’s a handy playground located items off your itinerary. Sadly, Cambodia opposite, which also has a kiosk selling has a chequered and harrowing history. ice creams. Depending on the age of your kids, That night, we were booked on to you may wish to omit the darker tourist a Sunset River Cruise on the Mekong. options, such as the Tuol Sleng Through a stroke of luck, there were Museum of Genocide and the Killing no other guests and we had the Fields of Choeung Ek. At seven and entire boat to ourselves. Le Tonlé is five-years-old, I didn’t feel it was a restored Khmer wooden rice boat appropriate for my kids. I would rather and a luxurious way to sail the muddy they visited when they were older to waters of the Mekong. The cruise truly understand their significance. took us down the Tonlé Sap towards So we headed for the Royal Palace. the confluence of the four rivers. Built in 1866, the Royal Palace is the Nursing an Angkor Beer, meandering home of the King of Cambodia. You can down the Mekong is a memory I’ll easily spend an hour wandering around treasure forever. the Throne Hall, Pavilions and Pagodas. Cambodia’s rainy season runs I managed to lure my kids there on the from May to October and that night,

78 www.playtimes.com.hk during the Khmer Rouge regime, which three years we have been sponsoring was incredibly moving. The first stop a girl through the Cambodian on the itinerary was at a food market. Children’s Fund. The CCF was founded Unlike the tourist markets, this was an in 2004 by Hollywood Executive authentic and colourful experience. We Scott Neeson to aid the most then wandered through a local temple, impoverished of Cambodia’s children. our guide relaying tales of Buddha to Sponsoring a child is incredibly fulfilling. our captivated daughters. My daughters are in regular contact The next stop was the silk weaving with Vichera through email and Skype factory where we received an interactive and we send care packages once a lecture on the life cycle of the silkworm month. Sponsorship guidelines allow and the chance to see the amazing you to spend up to four hours with weavers in action. Incredibly, it can your sponsored child. Watching our take up to a week to produce a single girls meet Vichera for the first time silk scarf. Afterwards we sat in the was incredibly emotional. Thanks courtyard enjoying local fruits and to the translator they were able to sweet treats. ask each ether questions but mainly We then drove to a small village seemed contented to hold hands around 40km north east of Phnom and giggle. Penh. We toured a local English school, We took Vichera to a local market built through donations. Finally the to treat her to some new clothes and moment my kids were most excited shoes. Then we visited Kid City, a must about, a horse and cart ride through the for anyone with kids visiting Phnom paddy fields. Local children greeted us Penh. This is a building full of fun, from with shouts of “hello, hello”. Following climbing walls and bumpers cars to soft lunch at a traditional village house we play and laser tag. It didn’t matter that got the chance to buy and hand out our girls could barely communicate, treats to those same children. It was an through the language of childhood; amazing day and I highly recommend they held hands, smiled and shrieked shortly after disembarking the boat, booking a private tour. Our guide was with laughter. We ended the visit with the heavens opened. We bundled into helpful in keeping things moving when a trip to Lucky Burger, the Cambodian a tuktuk and headed for the restaurant he sensed the kids were restless and he version of McDonalds. Khmer Siam. Here we sleepily lounged was a fountain of knowledge on life in That afternoon, we got the chance on floor cushions, eating delicious modern Cambodia. to tour one of the five CCF properties noodles and fish and listening to the After a lazy swim back at the hotel, in Phnom Penh. CCF not only provides rain bolting down outside. we headed out for what was my an English education but also acts as favourite meal of the trip. Phnom Penh a hub for the community, providing Sunday has a vibrant dining scene and we medicine, food, and social welfare. It When you travel with young kids, were recommended Malis, a restaurant was amazing to see the work of the sometimes it’s worth paying extra to billed for its ‘living Cambodian cuisine’ CCF in action and also a very emotional make life a bit easier. I had decided to (although thankfully not the deep and grounding experience for us all. book a private tour, the price including fried critters they were serving at the Although my daughters are young, a guide, driver and air-conditioned van. markets). We got to sample a spread of I truly believe they learnt so much from I chose Mango Cambodia who were local dishes from fish amok to traditional this experience and were also very sad helpful in recommending their ‘Good sausages, all of which were excellent. to say goodbye to Vichera. Day Cambodia Tour’ and tailoring it to We rounded off our evening with a trip ‘The Charming City’ is an alluring be age appropriate. to the night market. Tacky and touristy city, evolving at great speed. If you had The day started with a fascinating but lots of fun for the kids who were longer, you could even combine with a introduction on modern Cambodia, each allowed to buy a souvenir. trip to the laid-back seaside towns of as our van drove out towards Kandal Kep and Kampot. We had such a great province. Our guide Sam provided an Monday time in Phnom Penh and hope to make insightful view into Cambodia’s history, Our final day signified the real reason we it an annual trip to see Vichera and the including his own experience of life had come to Phnom Penh. For the last Cambodian Children’s Fund.

December 2016 79 Media Partner Organiser

The Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017 The New Tales of Old Shanghai

The registration phase for schools has now closed and the submission process is ongoing. We would like to thank all the schools from Hong Kong, China, and Macau that have already submitted their students work for the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017. There is still time to get your submissions in as the deadline is 20th January 2017.

We Have been compiling inspirational material on this year’s topic from a variety of modern and historical sources. Please visit the writing room and social media pages to review all content.

We have some fantastic prizes, trophies and certificates that will be awarded to the top 100 students. They will all be presented at the HKYWA Awards Ceremony in March 2017. With the chance to be published in an Anthology, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss! HKYWA Team would like to wish you Happy Holidays!

Calling all sponsors! If you or your company is interested in sponsoring the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017, we would love to hear from you. On initial contact we will send you a copy of our sponsorship kit, which shares our vision and goals created to support charities and enrich the educational community of Hong Kong. Please email [email protected]

Sponsors

Search Investment Group Want to reach over 50,000 families across Hong Kong? For more information or to book advertising space, please email [email protected] Editorial deadline: 8 December I Booking deadline: 12 December I Artwork deadline: 14 December

80 www.playtimes.com.hk Stockists AMARANTHINE BLOOMS | www.amaranthineblooms.com INDIGO LIVING | www.indigo-living.com 7E, 26 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan 6624 3450 6/F & 10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2555 0540 Shop 221-224, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2801 5512 BONPOINT | www.bonpoint.com G111-112, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay 2592 8721 10 Chater Road, Shop 329-330, 3/F, Landmark Prince’s, Central, Shop 206, HomeSquare, 138 Shatin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin 2634 1618 3-27 Canton Road, Shop OT-G58, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, TST Shop 316, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport 2989 6557 28 Yun Ping Road, Shop 213, Lee Gardens Two, Causeway Bay OTG09, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui 2317 0368

BOOKAZINE | www.bookazine.com.hk LANE CRAWFORD Shop G12, G/F, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay 2987 1373 Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2118 2 28 8 Shop 309, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2522 1785 Pacific Place, Level One, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong 2118 2 28 8 Basement, Canton House, 54-56 Queen’s Road, Central 2521 1649 IFC Mall, Podium 3, 8 Finance Street, Central 2118 2 28 8 G/F, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central 2970 3999 Shop 117, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai 2802 4932 MARRON’S INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Shop 305-07, One Exchange Square, Central 2542 1133 12/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central 9198 3020

BOWERBIRD HOME | www.bowerbird-home.com MONSTER KID 8/F, 2 Lee Wing Street, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau 2552 2727 Shop 324, 3/F, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2110 4510

BUMPS TO BABES | www.bumpstobabes.com PARTYTIME | www.partytime.com.hk 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2552 5000 Kids Square, Shop 1301A, 13A/F, Tower One, Times Square, Causeway Bay 2521 1649 13/F Entertainment Building, 30 Queen's Road Central 2522 7112 Shop 225-226, 2/F Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2190 4032 2/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley 2555 6318 G/F 7 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories 2976 0223 SEED | www.seedheritage.com.hk 1/F D Park, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan 2799 2923 28 Yun Ping Road, Lee Gardens Two, Shop 219 - 220, Causeway Bay 2577 0721 The Repulse Bay Shopping Centre, 109 Repulse Bay Rd, Repulse Bay 2543 0131 CATH KIDSTON | www.cathkidston.hk 41 Queen's Road Central, Central, 2160 3171 3/F, SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay 2831 8468 Level 3, Langham place, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok 2749 5022 SHANGHAI TANG | www.shanghaitang.com UG, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong 2865 9980 1 Duddell St, Central 2525 7333 430-431, Times Square, 1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay 2506 3668 EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN | www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk Two Pacific Place, Shop 105, Level 1, 88 Queensway Road 2918 1505 902 Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2554 9088 TANG, TANG, TANG | www.tangtangtangtang.com IDECORATE | www.idecorateshop.com 66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong LAB Concepts, Shop B07, 93 Queensway, Queensway Plaza, Admiralty 2540 3860 THORN & BURROW | www.thornandburrow.com GUSELLA 1/F, 30 High Street, Sai Ying Pun 2559 9338 Shop 224 Lee Gardens 2, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay 2940 2238 ZARA | www.zara.com/hk LITTLE WHALE | www.little-whale.com Shop 121, Level 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty 2918 1099 Shop 2A, Caribbean Square, Tung Chung 6310 7074 Shop 1065-1075, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central 2234 7305 Shop G-10, G/F, North Plaza, Discovery Bay 5690 4960 Shop 335, Level 3, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon 2735 5234

December 2016 81 market place

82 www.playtimes.com.hk market place

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December 2016 83 last word

New Laws are Very Silly But did you know that Nury Vittachi’s children are Olympic hopefuls?

colleague asked me to be her baby’s godparent but “parenting”. For example, since the Olympics, I have her smile faded as she watched me trying to operate encouragingly referred to my children as “Olympic hopefuls”, a microwave. Ouch. There’s obviously a hidden law a phrase much used on TV. They are useless at sport, but which says All Microwave Ovens Must Be Impossible there’s no law against being hopeful, right? Ato Turn On in a Different Way. The advantage of having a testing period is that we could try Hidden laws are troublesome. For example: city out much-needed laws which might be controversial. Case in administrators in Hengshui, a city in the Hebei province of point: There clearly needs to be a law saying that once a year, China, recently passed an official law forcing all taxi drivers to all singers need to sing in public WITHOUT AUTOTUNE. This switch to electric vehicles – forgetting that there is an unofficial would lead to the tragic ends of the careers of Britney Spears, but natural law in China saying that communities which only Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Kesha, T-Pain, One Direction, etc. recently moved from bicycles to petrol vehicles have no electric It would also mean that my children would stop talking to me. car charging stations. Good news upon good news. A reader from the United States reports that a new law in Before I had kids, my favourite game was “rock paper Arizona made it illegal for any adult to touch the private parts of scissors”. This is because, as a writer, I loved the fact that this anyone under 15. This sounded wise until residents realised that game recognised that paper should actually be classified as a all the babies in the state now have to change their own nappies powerful weapon. But now I have kids and they beat me every and give themselves baths, or their parents can be arrested. time, as the game shamefully penalises people who are loyal to The legal sector needs to copy the system used by tech any particular commodity. people, having a “beta” period where new laws are tried out. By the way, did I mention my kids are Olympic hopefuls? The official objection to this is that social engineering is evil. I dispute this, since a great many of us already do social Nury welcomes your comments and ideas at his Facebook experiments on human beings, a technique known as page: www.facebook.com/nury.vittachi

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