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The American Women’s Association of , Limited. Established in 1956 A volunteer organization of international women supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational and social activities for members. 12

AWARE PRODUCTION STAFF

EDITOR Joy Murray Tel: 6773 7036 [email protected] Membership Information 3 ASSISTANT EDITORS Carole Atkin WOW Update 4 Laura Metoudi AWA Enjoys 6 Lori DiCarlo Angela Bellas 10 ConLove at First Sight tents 8 Rachel Bourke Exploring Chinese Culture 10

ADVERTISING MANAGER Tsim Sha Tsui 12 [email protected] Asia Tour - Tibet 16

PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY Giving New Hope 18 R&R Publishing Ltd. Local Tours and Activities 20 2126 7812 [email protected] On-going Activities 27 www.rrpublishing.com.hk Sporting Activities 30 Contact Information 33 16

Office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. The AWA office will be closed for Easter on Monday 21 April 2014

VISIT THE AWA WEBSITE: www.awa.org.hk FIND US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/awahk

Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. Copyright 2014. The content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association. W ELCO ME

From the President

We have always felt an especial affinity for Hong Kong and Asia, since my husband’s family spent many years here in the 30’s and 40’s. George’s Grandmother, Marion booked passage for her teen-aged son on the last ship out before Hong Kong was invaded. The ship steamed into Hawaii the From the Editor day after Pearl Harbor and she didn’t see her son again until the War was over. While her son served in Since joining the American Women’s Association a year and a the Pacific, Marion served with General half ago I have been constantly amazed at the wide range of Chennault’s Flying Tigers (an all-volunteer activities, both philanthropic and social, undertaken by the force) who fought with the Chinese. membership. I am very happy to assume the role of editor of the AWAre Magazine and I will strive to ensure the publication Though we are far away from our home will fairly represent the diverse membership and its relationship countries and families, I think how lucky to the community of Hong Kong. we are to be able to keep in touch with families and friends with technology like email, social media, text messages and Getting my first issue together was as daunting Skype. It wasn’t so very long ago that we as birthing my first child! However, I have been wrote letters. so blessed by support, both technical and emotional, from a wonderful Editorial A big technology improvement will be coming to AWA Committee, Board of Directors, past Editors and when our website is launched in June. Let Angela Bellas of course the AWA office staff. They believed I know if you want to part of the beta test in May. could do it when I had serious misgivings. Though I must say, it is good that I already have Key to our success is keeping our organization on sound a grey hair! financial footing, so we are raising our annual membership fee to HKD 980 from HKD 850, our first increase in two In this issue we look at the impact of our work in the years. We are also introducing rolling membership, beginning July 1st. community; reaching out to sick children, touching a student’s heart and raising community awareness through programs Our annual awarding of checks to this year’s charities will such as the Dragon Boat races. Hopefully, these stories will take place on Friday, May 30th at the residence of the U.S. inspire others to give time, or money, where it is most Consulate General. The Consul General, Clifford A. Hart Jr. needed. and Deborah Yu Cooney, our Honorary AWA President will welcome us. James Sun, Chairman of the AmCham As always, there are many activities for AWA members, local Charitable Foundation and Dr Richard Vuylsteke, President tours and Asian Tours offer exciting opportunities to learn more of AmCham will also join our celebration, representing the about Hong Kong and Asia. I hope you will enjoy the AmCham Foundation which partners with AWA to provide magazine. financial support to local charities.

During the Awards Tea there will also be a short business meeting to review our annual fundraising, present the 2014/2015 budget and announce important dates for next year. While this is a free event to members, you must register for security purposes and a HKID or passport Joy Murray number is required. There is no parking, so please plan AWA Editor accordingly.

Eileen Glynn AWA President

2 AWARE May 2014 M EMBERSHIP

OWL (Out With the Ladies) Welcome New Members Come join us any week or every week - same time, same place (except public holidays). Fahima Ahmad Jill Natata WHERE: Oolaa Connie Albracht Sybille Naumann 20 Bridges Street, Soho Pamela Allen Martina New Elizabeth Anton Maggie Ngai WHEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Valerie Ascoli Maria Nichols COORDINATORS: Kathy Barber, [email protected] Marina Aspesi Susan Nicoll Julie Naughton, [email protected] Milena Aubert Rachel Norton Deborah Balling Lee O'Neal Foon Ying Linda Biek Stephanie Pliakas Marie Anne Biole Pierrot Elke Rautenberg WHEN: 7, 1 4 , 2 1 M a y Joelle Boylan Mary Beth Schmitt WHERE: Meet at Admiralty MTR by Pacific Pauline Chan Rajul Shah COORDINATORS: Hildy Karev, [email protected] Lori Chau Sharmila Shan Kate Mahjoubian, Cheryl Gilbert Meredith Sherwood [email protected] Brooke Grindle Ulli Stuebbe COST: No fee but registration is required Suzanne Henck Tess Tapper Foon Ying means ‘welcome’ in Cantonese and what better "Helena" Hu Caroline Townsend Sally (Sarah H) Kooser Amy Turner welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to Mie Lindsay Sue Webb foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program Gwen Livingston Dr Gloria Wright takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun Grace McNamara Alice Wu activities for your group, sharing experiences and building Diana Mitrano your “guanxi” or ‘network’. Your commitment? Attend all three sessions over three weeks, be open to exploring your new environment and meeting great people. Join and enjoy! AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic, community of international women, with over 900 Neighborhood Cofees members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find If you live, work or play in any of the following your niche through our diverse range of activities, events neighbourhoods, join others in your area for a monthly coffee. and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan do join us! new activities. Contact your local coordinator for details of activities. Current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over a wine at OWL, at a Neighbourhood Coffee, WoW event or encourage them to attend CHAT. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in Hong Kong.

Joining is easy via our website at awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961 HK CENTRAL/MID LEVELS CHAT (Come Have a Talk) Kathy Barber [email protected] WHEN: Thursday, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon HK SOUTHSIDE (except public holidays) Walli Seegar [email protected] WHERE: J.W. Marriott Hotel, 4th Floor, Lobby Sandra Gallaudet [email protected] Lounge (bar area), Pacific Place POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal Amita Gupta, [email protected] expense COORDINATOR: Susan Wallace 9783 3227 KOWLOON CHAT is an informal gathering for members, newcomers, and Jane Buck [email protected] and non-members. In a friendly atmosphere, we share a coffee or Susan Trebach [email protected] tea and lively conversation. CHAT is a drop-in activity. No DISCOVERY BAY registration is required. Join us anytime between 10:00 am Tracy Russell & Tina Volkman, [email protected] and noon. The group often proceeds to lunch to continue chatting. A chance for some grown up time and to leave the SAI KUNG little ones at home. Katherine Fenton, [email protected]

May 2014 AWARE 3 130912_WOW_bc_FIN.pdf 2 12/9/13 7:33 AM

M EMBERSHIP

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NOT JUST FOR WOMEN who are working or seeking to find work in Hong Kong, WoW talks and workshops are for all women who want to keep current with developments in the workplace or who are interested in self-improvement or keeping current with technology. Our next talk on 14th May speaks to all these groups, being a talk on "Social Media and You". From how to harness social media at work to how to keep up with your children or grandchildren when they suggest you follow them on Twitter!

May’s talk on social media (see below) will be the final one in current series as we take a break over the summer.

However, watch for details of events that will resume in August and spur of the moment gatherings such as our joint Last month at WoW Tuesday nights at Oolaa with the OWL crowd - the next one is on Tuesday, 20 May, from 5:30 pm at Oolaa on Bridges Street. A FULL HOUSE of more than 30 women, and a smattering No need to sign up, just come along! of men, attended a talk on how to launch a business in Hong Kong. The evening opened with two AWA members, Sarah Social Media and YOU! Sanesi of Maid for You and Megan Jack of Nutrition Plus who WHEN: Date to be announced recalled their own trials and tribulations at taking the plunge WHERE: AWA office and getting started in new businesses. They emphasized that COST: $200 for AWA members, $300 for non there is a lot of support in the community in the form of members online groups and forums, as well as InvestHK, a Hong Kong Get to grips with social media and the opportunities it can organization established to attract both large and small offer. A photographer will be available on the evening to businesses. provide professional headshots for the first 20 attendees. So Charles Ng, the Associate Director General of Investment come prepared to look smart and smile! Promotion from InvestHK, gave a dynamic presentation entitled “Where Business Goes to Grow”. He described Hong Kong as the ideal place for new business as it offers a “perfect storm” of factors with readily available success and if you don’t succeed on the first try, subsequent attempts will be greeted with respect. Currently there are more than 310,000 SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Hong Kong, accounting for 98% of the economy. Charles’ pointers for success include joining a chamber of

4 AWARE May 2014 M EMBERSHIP

commerce and utilizing one of the many communal workspaces opening up in Hong Kong. Both will connect you with like-minded people who will help you to grow a network of useful contacts and opportunities. Also check out www. startmeup.hk for all sorts of guidance and advice. New Member Discounts The evening closed with questions from the floor and time for some more networking over a glass of wine. Sweet Street Name: Sara Ip Nature of business: Candy, party supplies, events www.sweetstreethk.com [email protected] Tel: 9418 4444 G/F, 50 Beech Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon

Leave your guests with a luscious memory by setting up a candy buffet at your birthday party, wedding reception, baby shower, holiday party, product launch, corporate, or fund raising event. If you wish to create your own candy buffet, candy jar rental service is available at only $50 per jar! Assorted gummies, candy, and snacks are available at our shop. We also create sweet gifts such as candy bouquets and lollipops for all Speakers occasions. Megan Jack, Charles Ng and Sarah Sanesi 10% discount on orders over HK$100 for AWA members.

The Entertainer Hong Kong Last month at WoW Name: Tingi Ko Nature of business: Buy one get one free offers www.theentertainerasia.com/hongkong

The Entertainer Hong Kong provides over 1,000 buy one get one free offers for Hong Kong's hottest restaurants, nightspots, informal dining, attractions, spas, salons, fitness centres and much much more. With 3 offers per merchant, you can visit more than just once or include your family and friends in the 2 for 1 fun. Also included is the Entertainer Travel BONUS Hotel Asia & Indian Ocean product, which features over 380 free night offers for hotels and resorts throughout Asia & the Indian Ocean. The Entertainer Hong Kong Mobile 2014 product could save you more than HKD 930,000 this year!

Enter code AWAHK20 at check out for 20% off the price

May 2014 AWARE 5 A W A ENJOYS

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6 AWARE May 2014 CHAR I T A BLE DON A T ION S

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IMAGINE HAVING RACKING TOOTHACHE, treatment is PCHK operates seven estate dental clinics and three urgently needed but you cannot afford to see a dentist. This is mobile dental buses. With the mobile dental buses, PCHK where Project Concern Hong Kong (PCHK) steps in. For more can provide regular weekly on-site dental care, which is than 50 years, PCHK has provided general medical and dental accessible to especially vulnerable groups like elderly and services for the low-income sector in HK. They reach out to disabled patients. Other services PCHK provide include a the poor, physically and mentally handicapped and the elderly sponsorship program to help people with financial difficulties, throughout the whole territory. In dental clinics at the Lei Chinese medicine and eye checkups. In addition, PCHK Cheng Uk and Choi Wan estates, the number of patients organize various community activities like oral health talks seen at these clinics is fairly steady, and made up mainly of and a community health day. residents of the nearby public housing. Project Concern Hong Kong is one of the charities This year PCHK asked the American Women’s Association supported by the AWA Charitable Donations. We do make a to help them replace three autoclave sterilizers for three difference and value members’ donations. dental clinics at Lei Cheng Uk Estate, Choi Wan Estate, and To learn more about the Project Concern Hong Kong, Yat Tung Estate. The existing autoclaves have been used for please visit them at http://www.projectconcern.org.hk more than 10 years, and no longer meet recently revised international safety standards. Replacing this old equipment will improve the efficiency of sterilizing, and meet the international safety standards. This will secure the quality of service through the maintenance of hygienic standard. However, PCHK doesn’t have the means to pay for the capital .S1FUFS/HJTBGJTIFSNBO BHFE MJWJOHJO4BN .VO5TBJJO5BJ1PBOEIFIBTCFOFGJUUFEGSPNUIF1$), expenditure. Patients are charged only minimal fees for dental QSPHSBN5IF4BMWBUJPO"SNZJOWJUFE.PCJMF%FOUBM service and because PCHK is not eligible for government 7FIJDMFUPUIF4BN.VO5TBJ$PNNVOJUZ%FWFMPQNFOU funding for capital expenses they must seek funding 1SPKFDUUPQSPWJEFPOTJUFEFOUBMTFSWJDFBU4BN.VO5TBJ elsewhere, such as the AWA. JO.S/HXBTMBUFSSFGFSSFEUPBOFTUBUFEFOUBM From the 45,000 dental patients, PCHK served in 2012, DMJOJDGPSUSFBUNFOU5IFUSFBUNFOUDPTUXBTTQPOTPSFE CZUIF$PNNVOJUZ$IFTU.S/HFYQSFTTFEBQQSFDJBUJPO about 50% came from Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, and Yuen UP1$),GPSUIFJSIFMQUPQFPQMFJOOFFECZPGGFSJOHB Long, areas with the lowest monthly income in Hong Kong, TQPOTPSTIJQQSPHSBN)FBMTPUIBOLFEUIFQSPGFTTJPOBM 28% of them were over the age of 65, 55% were female,and EFOUBMUFBN 5% were physically or mentally handicapped.

May 2014 AWARE 7 F E A T U RE

Love at First Sight #Z-PSJ%J$BSMP

His eyes were as black as charcoal briquettes in a snowman. He didn’t blink; he just stared. He locked his eyes with mine, wouldn’t look away, and he didn’t get bored. Maybe he’d never seen a tall, non-Asian woman with spikey hair and glasses before, but he just stared. And stared and stared and stared.

I SMILED, waved hello, said soft words to him, but still, he birthday cake through his adult-sized face mask. He was only stared. Finally, after the longest while, he looked quickly thrilled! Everyone was with him to celebrate his birthday! at the woman holding him, as if to ask if I was okay, but then, Not only his mom, dad and siblings, but also his fellow he returned his attention to me and continued to stare. He housemates, the staff, the local Girls Scouts (thanks to AWA tore the heart out of my chest and totally captured my love. member, Celine O’Connor), and nine women from the AWA. Finally, we played together a little while - I batted a balloon What a great birthday for this little two-year old! his way, he batted it back. I batted it to him again, he batted it back. Back and forth we went. We continued balloon play Songs and Dances for only a few minutes, however, because it was time for After the Girl Scouts led the children in songs and dances photographs! For you see, it was his birthday. He, along with -- the “Hokey Pokey” was a big hit! -- the girls read the six of his housemates, was celebrating a birthday! children a book. Each Scout took her turn to read a page and Someone put a Happy Birthday party hat on his bald head then a Chinese man translated it into Cantonese. The and held him as he “blew” at the candle on the massive microphone went back and forth between the Scouts and the

8 AWARE May 2014 F E A T U RE man until the entire book was read. The kids sat captivated! heart? I so wanted to make him an ice cream cone!! I was The book the Scouts had chosen to read was all about kites excited when he finally was carried through the line. When I because the Scouts were about to help each child make their offered him an ice cream cone, he just stared at me, and own kite. stared some more. His caretaker then quietly informed me But, where was my loved one? The boy who had stolen he couldn’t have one because he’d just received a bone my heart? After searching for him, I saw he was calmly sitting marrow treatment. My heart broke for him even more. in the “Play Area” with mom. He wasn’t up to making a kite; he was still too weak. Broken Heart I did not know then, nor do I understand now, why a two- Time to Eat year old cannot have ice cream due to a bone marrow Finally it was time to eat and AWA members went into transplant. I just knew this precious little child had both stolen top gear!!! This was our part of the party! Out came an and broken my heart in a single afternoon. amazing and incredible pasta dish with a delicious homemade But nonetheless, this child had had fun for his second sauce, lovingly prepared by Barbara Iannazzone. Ellen Albrecht birthday. He had been surrounded by loved ones and friends, provided and prepared scrumptious steamed green veges had fun with balloons, and eaten a delicious meal, all due to with oyster sauce along with ham sandwiches from Trisha the efforts of AWA volunteers. This party would not have Cliff, marinated chicken wings from Celine O’Connor and hot taken place without the involvement of the AWA. dogs and buns provided by Roberta Wong Leung. For dessert, This was my first birthday party at the Ronald McDonald huge dishes of cut-up fruit were provided by Anne Marie House but it won’t be my last. The AWA conducts these Donnelly, Alison May bought a large assortment of Mrs. parties every two months throughout the calendar year to Field’s cookies, and the delicious cake was donated by The bring immense joy to very sick children and I plan to be there. American Club!. With Renee Chung bringing all the Why don’t you join me? beverages, what a feast!! This was all provided, with love, to the sick children at Ronald McDonald House.

Ice Cream of Course! I brought ice cream and ice cream cones – what birthday party is complete without that? What I didn’t realize, however, was that an ice cream cone was something most of these children had never experienced before! At first, when they came through the food line, they politely and shyly said “no” when offered a cone. However, after a few said yes, whoa!! The demand for Neapolitan ice cream in a cone became a big hit! I had many repeat customers for this quickly melting item!! They didn’t care! Six liters of ice cream were consumed by only 30 people in record time. But again, where was the little one who had stolen my We care for you during pregnancy, birth and nursing.

Karin Siegler - HK registered midwife mobile 9022 1779 wellness & birth [email protected] pre & postnatal homecare www.wellnessandbirth.com

May 2014 AWARE 9 F E A T U RE

Exploring Chinese Culture #Z+PZ.VSSBZ

ONE OF THE BENEFITS of being an expat is experiencing and learning about a different culture. In the Chinese Festival Series offered at the AWA, Christine Chan provides an opportunity to learn about the unique origins and customs of Chinese Festivals in Hong Kong. “Teaching Chinese culture gives me the privilege to share the spirit and vigor of my nation with people from around the world”, she said. Born in Hong Kong, Christine emmigrated to the US in her high school years and lived in California for 15 years. She has now relocated to Hong Kong. “Characterized by diverse styles and themes, traditional Chinese Festivals are an important part of the country’s history and culture, both ancient and modern”, she said. Part of the survival of the festivals is due to family influence. “Parents teach their children about the festivals and why they are important”. was always an agricultural country and many of the festivals revolve around the 24 solar terms which reflect the changes in climate and rainfall over the course of the year. The Ching Ming or Tomb Sweeping Festival is an example of this and is in the fourth solar term falling in the period between April 4 and 6. Being a traditional festival, Ching Ming is one of four major festivals honoring ancestors. During this festival, many Chinese go to sweep the tombs and worship their ancestors. “Showing respect towards the ancestors is an idealogy deeply rooted in Chinese society”. It is common to burn “ghost money” at Ching Ming and in modern times, paper replicas of many different gadgets are also burnt, the belief being that the burnt element is transferred to the deceased. Other festivals to be covered during the series are the Birthday of Tin Hau and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival , both to be presented in April; Birthday of Buddha and Dragon Boat Festival in May; followed by the Birthday of Kwan Tai in June and the Seven Sisters Festival in July. More sessions are planned for later in the year and will be presented before each festival date to give a better understanding of the festivities and their place in Chinese culture.

10 AWARE May 2014 G L O B A L IN SIG H T S

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ITALY IS WELL KNOWN in the world for its art, history and largest commercial partner in Asia, after China and Japan.” cuisine, said Sarah Negro, Consul for the Italian Consulate in In terms of cuisine, many dishes are regional with Hong Kong, in her presentation for AWA, March 13. The specialty sauces served with pasta. And of course, Italy is presentation was the second in the AWA series of Global famous for its wine, producing a wide variety of wines from Insights. different regions. About one third of global wine production Ms. Negro traced some of the history of Italy and originates in Italy. interwove her presentation with examples of famous art, Along with many European countries, Italy has looking “beyond the stereotypes” of the past to modern experienced economic difficulties, said Ms. Negro, with high realities of Italian life. unemployment, especially among the young. Many young Located in southern Europe, Italy was on the trading route people now look for work abroad. of the Phonecians and later the Greeks, around 700 BC. Ms. Negro arrived very recently in Hong Kong from work Rome is the capital of Italy but this was not always the case, in the Netherlands and she expressed enthusiasm for learning she said, originally it was ruled by a monarchy with Torino as about her new home. the first capital city. The Romans had a profound influence not only on Italy but on the world, she said, contributing language, art, literature, law and scientific language. “After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD, Cicero founded the first school of public speaking or rhetorica”, she explained and in the following centuries, literature with authors such as Virgil, Dante and Seneca continued to flourish right up to the present time. Roman architecture continues to attract tourists and scholars and Italy boasts the highest number of Unesco World heritage sites, 49 in all. In addition to such icons as the Colisseum, Italy also boast some amazing landscapes, said Ms. Negro. “These include the Dolomites, Tuscany and the famous cities. We have so much to offer”, she said. Ms. Negro went on to talk about modern Italy. “Manufacturing is the backbone of the Italian economy with the 10th largest market in the world”. Hong Kong is the third

May 2014 AWARE 11 F E A T U RE Tsim Sha Tsui History, Shopping and Food

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Tsim Sha Tsui #Z'SBODFT/JDIPMMT Located on the southern-most peninsula History, Shopping and Food of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (aka TST) is situated by Victoria Harbour. Start your journey to here by taking the iconic Star Ferry from Pier 7, Central pier, across the Harbour. National Geographic Traveler named the ferry crossing as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Founded in 1898, there are nine vessels, all with names ending in “Star.” Originally run by steam, they started using diesel propulsion in 1933.

s you arrive at the Kowloon side, exit right where you will find the Hong Kong Visitor Information Services. Here you can find leaflets on upcoming activities, events and maps. While studying this information, you can enjoy the uniqueA Hong Kong flavors of gelato. At the Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour counter you can also book a one-hour circular tour of the harbour or Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise, a nice way to end your day. To the right, you can’t miss the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, the last remaining remnant of the original Kowloon-Canton Railway. At 8pm, this is a good location to watch the Symphony of Lights display if you don’t wish to take the cruise. Across Salisbury Road from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is the former Marine Police Headquarters, dating from 1881. The building has been converted to a high end retail centre and heritage hotel. Be sure to stop by and admire the Time Ball Tower which used to drop a ball at 1pm to provide a time signal to passing ships. Also available is a 30-minute

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Various options exist for eating in TST, with a wide range of cuisines. Dim Sum is a Hong Kong favorite for residents and visitors alike especially when this specialty is served from traditional trolleys.

English guided tour of the complex at 2pm and 4pm. Phone 6795 0029 to book. Various options exist for eating in TST, with a wide range of cuisines. Dim Sum is a Hong Kong favorite for residents and visitors and Serenade Chinese Restaurant serves this specialty from traditional trolleys.

Golden Mile Walk a couple of blocks from the retail center and you will come to Nathan Road, aka the Golden Mile, which is filled with vertical malls. Be prepared for touts offering “tailor, copy watch, copy handbag”, but just continue walking; they only seem to have a small territory of footpath and soon their voices will become distant before you heart a different voice offering “tailor, copy watch, copy handbag”. Soon you will see the Chungking Mansions on the right. Built in 1962, it is Hong Kong’s very own “Little India”, filled with numerous cheap guest houses and provision stores selling Indian goods and spices. The Flavour of India is a good place to purchase your Indian spices and the Taj Mahal Club to buy Indian food, if you are brave enough to try it. Just across Nathan Road from Chungking Mansions is iSquare which offers numerous shops and eateries. A little known mall and “the new kid on the block”, hidden off Nathan Road is K11. Open since 2009 it contains more than 100 shops and claims to be the “world’s first art mall,” integrating elements of art, people and nature. Free one hour art tours can be booked through the management office at 3110 5866 or a free booklet is available at the concierge’s desk. Thirteen exhibits of permanent art are placed on each floor at a cost of

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HK$ 20 million and temporary exhibits change every three where you will be assaulted by numerous neon signs for months. places to eat. Two recommendations I received were Busan Korean restaurant and Gaylord which AWA member Angela Sweet Treats Bellas recommends as having the most authentic Indian food Within K11, each of the floors are named, my favorite being outside of India. And she should know, having lived in Level B1, "Confectionary Park" with shops selling sweets, Hyderabad for two years. cupcakes, chocolate and ice cream - what’s not to like? In Another shop of note on this road is Cher2 which carries addition, there are design floors with furniture and homeware 2,000 different colors of brand nail polish at reasonable and places where hobby classes and cooking classes are given. prices. Around the corner from K11 are several shops selling Finish your journey by heading back to the Harbour to selections of pearls in multiple colors and quality, with stores catch the Symphony of Lights Show before travelling home. close by offering all the threads and fittings you need to (Thank you to Mieke Roebben for taking time to show me complete your necklaces. her TST. Frances Nicholls.) Heading back to Nathan Road, cut across to Ashley Road

May 2014 AWARE 15 ASIA TOUR S

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Three years ago, I traveled to Tibet with 21 WE ARRIVED IN LHASA ON a cool November morning. The weather was pleasant – never really cold, not hot either, and others on an AWA Asian Tour. I went there to we relaxed that day, taking short, slow walks and not venturing far from our hotel as we acclimated to the higher see the sights and learn about the culture. I altitude. We watched Tibetans rise and fall as they prostrated themselves even as they walked, making slow progress found that and more – a beautiful land through the streets and gardens of Lhasa on their personal pilgrimages to reach Buddha. The streets teemed with yellow peopled by the remaining members of an robed monks from the many whitewashed, pristine ancient culture whose assimilation into monasteries. By the next morning, we were rested and ready to start mainstream China was evident everywhere, our tour of the most amazing monastery in Lhasa – the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. Even the yet they retained the beliefs that made them hundreds of steps could not deter me from reaching the top of this beautiful edifice. Yak butter tea, the traditional offering truly Tibetan. to Tibetans on pilgrimage, was given to us by the monks.

16 AWARE May 2014 ASIA TOUR S

We saw the secular side of Lhasa too, with a visit to a seen. No description can do it justice. local hospital and to some of the smaller bazaars. There we We saw other towns (Gyantse, Xigatze), monasteries with saw local Tibetans in modern dress going about their everyday intricate Buddha carvings, local Tangka artists, oh so many business, but everywhere we went, the pervasive religion amazing things as we made our way back to Lhasa with and the indomitable spirit of the Tibetans was there. enough time left to do some shopping at the Barkhor Bazaar The next day, we left Lhasa to cross the 5000 meter high before we returned to Hong Kong. You are very welcome to Kampa La and Karo La passes through the Himalayas. I am come see my portrait of an old Tibetan man (200 reminbi in a not a photographer, but even I could not resist taking pictures tiny little shop on the Barkhor Circuit). It is right next to my of the snow-capped mountains surrounding us and the Tibetan temple hanging, in the same room as my Tibetan beautiful turquoise blue Yamdrok lake below. A friend told me, carpet! “The air is clean. The sky is blue, and the mountains reach to AWA’s Asian Tours is planning a trip to Tibet this coming the heavens. This is Tibet.” How right she was! Nomads on October. Sign-ups start 1 April 2014. Details are in this issue camels, children laughing and waving to us as we passed, the of AWAre Magazine and on the AWA website. seemingly endless rugged plateau – this is what has to be

May 2014 AWARE 17 F E A T U RE

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FOUR WEEKS AGO I set off on an unknown adventure. Set tell me what was wrong. She told me that her teacher had back from busy Pokfulam Road is a solitary sign, nestled in told her that she and her friend were to be split into different trees. Walking down the steep ramp, I found another stone classes. She was devastated. Her world was breaking apart, embedded in the base of the building which simply read: she felt sick and now she was being made to speak a Samuel 7:12. language that made no sense to her. Nothing was making I first came here two years ago, to interview Eileen sense to her. I tried to soothe her with soft words and Marion, the pillar who ran this program for over a decade. I reassurances. She sniffled and said she was ready to go back asked how she came to be here at Ebenezer's New Hope in. Sitting down, she took my hand. I pulled out all the stops, School, for the blind and mentally handicapped, and why she speaking with my broken Chinese which had them laughing continued to do this work. Eileen said quite simply: "They shyly. All of a sudden, they spoke simultaneously, loudly need us, without us here they would have no one to practice correcting my Cantonese, translating into English for me and their English with and build their confidence at school." Now, the other teacher – transforming the teachers to students - after many years of being the Chatterbox coordinator at their faces lit up with the joy of hearing us making fun of Ebenezer's, Eileen decided to step down. I volunteered to ourselves. At the end of the class, we asked them what they take her place. wanted to be when they grew up. Without delay they said: Throughout my first week, I watched kids trail in one by music therapist, social worker and environmentalist. one, arms outstretched and fingers gingerly feeling their way into the room, eyes closed, heads tilted slightly upwards, A humble heart small cautious steps. I was so eager to meet these children When I left that night, I walked past that sign tucked away but feared I would scare them or cause them to run in the trees. I thought about those girls who hide their faces screaming from the room. I stood stock still and softly said hello, introduced myself and told them I was new. Holding out my hand when they came close, I asked them to shake it. They all did and unprompted said "welcome Miss Rachel, nice to meet you." I was so moved by how considerate they were.

Third week hardest My third week was the hardest. Two of the shyest girls, inseparable friends, arrived in the classroom, lowered their heads to speak, and turned away to smile at my jokes. Then, they looked up at me with their closed eyes, saying they felt ill and didn’t want to come to class. My heart sank but I asked them if they would stay for just 5 minutes, if only to say hello. They agreed, reluctantly, but I watched as one of the girl’s faces screwed up, her eyes clenched shut with tears streaming down her cheeks. I asked her to come outside and

18 AWARE May 2014 F E A T U RE

AWA Honorary President - Deborah Yu Cooney Born in the U.S. and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Deborah’s nickname is the “Asian-Cajun”, but she considers Hong Kong her second home. In the mid-90s, Deborah lived and worked in Hong Kong as the public affairs officer for the American Chamber of Commerce and later as a communications manager for the iconic San Miguel Brewing Company. After 1997, Deborah started her travel journey with her husband and children. They lived and worked in , Santiago (Chile), Washington D.C., Taiwan, , Honolulu (Hawaii) and now they are happy to complete a full-circle back to Hong Kong with three kids in tow. Married to Tom Cooney, Deputy Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong and , Deborah plays an active role in supporting and hosting U.S. Consulate events. As the AWA Honorary President, Deborah looks forward to meeting AWA members and also supporting its mission, initiatives and charitable functions. Professionally, Deborah is currently working for the German Swiss International School as a careers and higher education advisor, assisting students with U.S. college applications. Previously, she also served in the U.S. Consulate Shanghai as a senior commercial specialist assisting U.S companies promote its services in China. She particularly enjoyed working with the educational sector, helping U.S educational firms and institutions find partners and business opportunities in the China market. Deborah’s personal interests include raising her three children, designing and crafting gemstone jewelry, ceramic painting, travel, Zumba and swimming. She is a member of the Overseas Association of College Admissions Counselors (OACAC).

when they speak. My heart broke a little, but grew to be filled A[[ with gratitude, frustration, sadness and more than anything, I was humbled. A+ Living In Hong Kong “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh 6031-4930 [email protected] and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12, King James Bible

If you ever feel like life is giving you truckloads of lemons, and you are shutting down to hope and life, come to a class with these girls. They will teach you not just about overcoming adversity but also about how to transform those challenges into a life of giving, impact and compassion. That stone marks for me the place from which I have received help, I know I am Any premises leasing business with us by May 31, so grateful to have these girls be my life-teachers at 2014, you will have supermarket gift vouchers equivalent to 10% of service payment. Ebenezer’s.

May 2014 AWARE 19 LOC A L T OUR S AND ACTIVIT I E S

Local Tours & Activities – At a Glance! Sign-up Starts 1 May

Tu e s d a y, 7 M a y Jason Wordie Lecture: “Hidden Diversity – Hong Kong’s Ethnic Minority Communities”

Thursday, 8 May Historical Walking Tour of Wan Chai with Jason Wordie

Friday, 9 May Tour of the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve - Register by 30 April

Monday, 12 May Diamonds – A Girls Best Friend

Tu e s d a y, 1 3 M a y Porcelain, Porcelain and More Porcelain!

Friday, 16 May Burgers and Bowling at the Hong Kong Country Club

Saturday, 17 May Green Thumb in the City – Make Your Own Terrarium

Tu e s d a y, 2 0 M a y Art for the Artistically Challenged

Tu e s d a y, 2 0 M a y Wan Chai Market Tour with Lavinia

Wednesday, 21 May Dragon Boat Festival – Explained

Wednesday, 21 May Night Safari on South Lamma Island

Thursday, 22 May Traditional English Afternoon Tea at The Verandah in Repulse Bay

Friday, 23 May Cooking with Passion: A Taste of Southeast Asia-1

Monday, 26 May Let’s Go Clamming on Lantau Island!

Wednesday, 28 May Back By Popular Demand! Dialogue in the Dark - Register by 13 May

Thursday, 29 May Discover Hong Kong: Junk Tour of the Global Geopark

Wednesday, 4 June Learn How to Quill!

20 AWARE May 2014 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Back By Popular Demand! Hong Kong like we never have before. In the total Dialogue in the Dark darkness, daily routines will become a new experience. WHEN: Wednesday, 28 May, When we enter the exhibition and totally lose our sense 9:00am – 1:30pm of sight, we will, without a doubt, be out of our comfort Registration must be received by zone, but our guides will help us “see” the world in a Tuesday, 13 May, 2014 different way. At the conclusion of the tours, we will WHERE: Inside MTR Admiralty station by participate in a 30-minute de-briefing session with the Pacific Coffee tour guides. Caution: this event would not be COST: $260 members/$330 member’s guest appropriate for anyone afraid of the dark or who suffers CAPACITY: minimum 17, maximum 24 from claustrophobia. COORDINATORS: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Melissa Azzopardi, 6345 3066 Have you ever marveled at blind members of society and wondered how they manage to function in our sighted world? Well, today we are going to find out! After a 15-minute introduction, guides will lead us, in groups of eight, through a specially constructed and totally darkened 75-minute exhibition. Sounds, wind, temperatures and textures will convey the characteristics of daily environments and we will learn to rely on senses other than sight. With a white cane we will walk through a park, through city streets, visit a café, and more, touring

Jason Wordie Lecture: “Hidden Historical Walking Tour of Wan Chai Diversity – Hong Kong’s Ethnic with Jason Wordie Minority Communities” WHEN: Thursday, 8 May, 8:45 am– 12:30 pm WHEN: Wednesday, 7 May, 10:30am – 12:00pm WHERE: at Pacific Place, 1st floor near WHERE: AWA Office, Conference Room Harvey Nichols COST: $320 member/$390 member’s guest COST: $415 members/$485 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 12, maximum 20 CAPACITY: minimum 10, maximum 18 COORDINATOR: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 COORDINATORS: Katherine Fenton, 9600 3197 Although you may think of today’s Hong Kong as Barbara Galligan, 6080 6523 “cosmopolitan” and as an “international society,” the reality is Yes, there is much more to Wanchai than bars and shopping! that Hong Kong was a far more diverse society a century On this mostly gentle walking tour, Jason Wordie will give us ago! In this overview lecture, historian Jason Wordie will the inside scoop on the history of this “small bay” (“wan explain Hong Kong’s evolution and development due to chai”) that began in pre-British times as a small Chinese various ethnic minority groups from the 1840s to the present settlement. We will learn how the development of modern day. We will explore the social and professional roles and Wanchai began in the 1840’s around what is now Spring diverse contributions by the Sikhs, for example, and the Garden Lane, how the tramway opened in 1904 along the Punjabi Muslems. The Nepalese, Sindhis and other groups waterfront (now Johnston and Hennesy Roads), and how the from the Indian sub-contintent, the Sephardic Jews, the enduring reputation of Wanchai as a nightlife zone developed Parsee, Portuguese, Eurasians, and White Russians, plus in the post-war era. You will be surrounded by history in several notable women, all contributed to forming the Hong things that you have probably walked by many times but Kong we see today. didn’t recognize or even notice. Lunch (optional) to follow at shared expense.

May 2014 AWARE 21 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Tour of the Fung Yuen Butterfy Porcelain, Porcelain and More Reserve Porcelain! WHEN: Friday, 9 May, 9:15am – 1:45pm WHEN: Tuesday, 13 May, (approximately) 9:45am – 3:00pm (approximately) Registration must be received by WHERE: Meet at Pacific Place, Level 4, taxi stand Wednesday, 30 April COST: $70 members/$140 member’s guest WHERE: Meet at Admiralty MTR – Pacific Coffee CAPACITY: minimum 8, maximum 14 COST: $155 member/$225 member’s guest COORDINATORS: Susan Wallace, 9783-3227 CAPACITY: minimum 12, maximum 20 Leslee Boyd, 6757-7769 COORDINATORS: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Wah Tung China, one of the oldest and best known producers Katherine Fenton, 9600 3197 of reproduction antique porcelain ware in Hong Kong has Did you know there are over 250 different species of invited us to their 8,000+ sq. ft. warehouse in the Western butterflies and that 200 of them are here in Hong Kong? District. Wah Tung porcelain can be seen in many Hong Kong Today we will travel to the village of Fung Yuen and walk hotels including the Mandarin Oriental, Excelsior, Conrad and through a rustic, eco-friendly, natural preserve and watch, in Grand Hyatt. Not only will we receive our AWA 30% discount close proximity, as butterflies flit and flutter throughout the on all porcelain purchases and 10% on furniture purchases, trees, flowers, and ponds of their habitat. Fung Yuen Butterfly Wah Tung is offering cash coupons of HK$100 for every Reserve is not an “Observatory” or “Butterfly House;” it is an HK$500 spent shopping on the day. This coupon offer is SSSI: a Site of Special Scientific Interests. The land has been exclusive to this AWA shopping trip only. After an exhausting planted and cared for as a butterfly haven and provides the morning of shopping, we will relax and discuss our purchases perfect environmental conditions to attract and keep over lunch (optional). Travel to and from Western District will caterpillars and butterflies. The paths throughout the reserve be by shared taxi. are mostly flat, with just one slight hill at the beginning. We will receive a 30-minute introduction indoors first and then Burgers and Bowling at the Hong spend approximately two hours outdoors watching butterflies. Kong Country Club Optional lunch afterwards (at shared expense) at Viet Choice. WHEN: Friday, 16 May, 12:30 pm– 3:30 pm (approximately) Diamonds – A Girls Best Friend WHERE: Meet at lobby of Hong Kong Country WHEN: Monday, 12 May, 9:45am –12:30pm Club, 188 Wong Chuk Hang Road WHERE: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing Building, No (between Aberdeen and Deep Water Bay). 1 On Hing Terrace, Central COST: $70 members/$140 member’s guest COST: $170 members/$240 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 5, maximum 10 CAPACITY: minimum 6, maximum 10 COORDINATORS: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199 COORDINATORS: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 Susan Wallace, 9783 3227 Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Situated in the south side of the island, the Hong Kong Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend and are known by Country Club is a renowned, elite, multi-cultural club, boasting most everyone, but they are really understood by only a small an exclusive membership of 2,500. It is reputed as one of group. From the mines to the consumer, diamonds go Hong Kong’s premier clubs, serving the finest cuisine and through a surprising journey before reaching the jewelers’ providing the very best sports and recreational facilities since showroom. This seminar gives you an insight into diamonds, 1962, including – you guessed it – a bowling alley! Today we’ll the reasons for their “rarity” and value, and the best trade- have a chance to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Garden Room offs for the consumer to make when buying a diamond on a followed by some fun-time bowling, both at shared expense. limited budget. Our teacher will also fill us in on the tricks that some jewelers use on the unsuspecting consumer. This hands on seminar will be conducted in the showroom by Celso D’Alejo, who is a certified gemologist and appraiser. During this class, we will view a variety of diamonds of various qualities and will be introduced to the tools used by reputable gemologists in assessing the quality and value of diamonds.

22 AWARE May 2014 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Green Thumb in the City – Make Your Wan Chai Market Tour with Lavinia Own Terrarium WHEN: Tuesday, 20 May, 10:30am – 12:45pm WHEN: Saturday, 17 May, 9am –1pm (approximately) WHERE: Near Pacific Coffee inside the Admiralty WHERE: At the escalator in front of Hopewell MTR Centre, Queen’s Road East COST: $470 members/$520 member’s guest COST: $170 members/$240 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 6, maximum 8 CAPACITY: minimum 5, maximum 8 COORDINATORS: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484; COORDINATORS: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199 Come spend a Saturday morning with Grace and Julie of Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Plantation as they teach us how to make and care for indoor Come and discover where to buy and how to choose the plants in a terrarium. After selecting our glass containers, we freshest ingredients from the vast variety of seafood and will select and add rocks, soil, plants, and decorations, so that meats to vegetables and dry goods. Bring a shopping bag in the end, no two glass terrariums will look alike. And, as an along with some cash and join Lavinia Hemandas (of the added bonus, we’re doing this on Saturday, so you can have popular ‘Cooking with Passion’ classes) for a trip to Wan Chai some retail therapy in the Hong Kong Industrial Centre’s more Market, the most extensive market on Hong Kong Island. We than 300 shops and outlets. This place is amazing – tons of will also be visiting a few specialty stores and household women’s clothes, so many bags, lots of bling and an Addidas shops along the way. Our tour will be followed by optional Outlet, too. Bring a bag for your terrarium and a suitcase for lunch at shared expense. your shopping.

Art for the Artistically Challenged WHEN: Tuesday, 20 May, 9:00am –1:30pm WHERE: Meet near Pacific Coffee inside the Admiralty MTR COST: $520 members/$590 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 6, maximum 8 COORDINATORS: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484, If you’re anything like me, the idea of creating is appealing, but the actual process scares you to death. In this class, local artist and fashion designer, Jessie Siu, will introduce us to some simple techniques that will have us painting cherry and peach blossoms in no time flat. Once you learn the techniques, you can paint either two small or one medium size canvas with the blossoms of your choice. Jessie will show us how to connect our blossoms with realistic branches and then embellish our creations with glitter to create a little Dragon Boat Festival – Explained bling. You won’t know which is the artist’s, and which is WHEN: Wednesday, 21 May, 10:30am – 12:30pm yours! WHERE: AWA Office, Conference Room COST: $350 members/$420 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 12/maximum 30 COORDINATOR: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Joy Murray, 6773 7036 What is a “zongzi?” Why do the Chinese hang mugwort leaves and calamus, wear a perfumed pouch, and tie five- colour silk thread on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Lunar calendar? You may know about AWA’s Dragon Boat team, “The Globe Paddlers,” and the fact that they have won Dragon Boat Race Championships for several years, but do you know the legend behind the race and the various other aspects of this annual Chinese festival? Join us today as Christine Chan explains the meanings and importance of the holiday.

May 2014 AWARE 23 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Night Safari on South Lamma Island famous Repulse Bay Hotel, while enjoying our afternoon tea WHEN: Wednesday, 21 May, 6:35pm – 11:15pm set overlooking the South China Sea. Repulse Bay can be WHERE: Ferry Pier #4 to Lamma Island/Outlying easily reached by bus from Central or Stanley on the Ferry Piers, Central 260/6/6X/66. The cost of the traditional tea set is included in COST: $300 members/$370 member’s guest the activity cost. Skip lunch and enjoy tea in the style and CAPACITY: minimum 10, maximum 18 grace that The Repulse Bay has to offer while enjoying each COORDINATORS: Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 other’s company. Jennie Parker, 9860 5646 We will travel by ferry to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island where we will indulge in local seafood at Fu Kee in the village. Afterwards we will start our night walk with professional Chinese photographer Kwok-Leung Paul Lau on a well paved footpath. Once your vision is reduced in the darkness, your attention will be switched to your other senses to explore the sounds and scents of the night. We will discover glowing eyes in the dark while walking around with a torch and encounter all kinds of nocturnal wildlife activity like crickets, ghost crabs, owls, moths, bats and spiders. We also hope to catch a glimpse of the famous Romer's tree frog, the smallest amphibian in the territory which was first discovered on Lamma in 1952 and has been recorded on only 4 of the outlying islands in Hong Kong. Note: Please bring your charged Octopus card, a bottle of water and don’t forget to apply insect repellent and wear comfortable walking shoes. Cooking with Passion: A Taste of Transportation/dinner at own/shared expense. Southeast Asia-1 WHEN: Friday, 23 May, 11:00am – 1:30pm WHERE: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa Monte Rosa, Block C, 9th Floor, Flat 1, Hong Kong COST: $380 members/$450 non-member (includes a sit-down lunch with wine) CAPACITY: minimum 5, maximum 8 COORDINATOR: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838-2199 Come and join Lavinia in experiencing the many ingredients of the Orient. From chilies and coconuts, lemongrass and tamarind to cardamom and fenugreek, spices blended to create the wonderful dishes of Asia and a true voyage of discovery! Today’s menu is: Shredded Chicken in Satay Sauce on Singing Noodles (Indonesia), Lemongrass Prawns in Chilli Coconut Sauce (Thailand), Bulgogi – Stirfried Marinated Tender Beef (Korea) and Yasai Tempura – Cocktail Fritters with Ajipon Sauce (Japan). Guest parking is available. Traditional English Afternoon Tea at The Verandah in Repulse Bay Let’s Go Clamming on Lantau Island! WHEN: Thursday, 22 May, 3:00pm – 5:00pm WHEN: Monday, 26 May, 11:30am – 7:00pm WHERE: The Verandah at The Repulse Bay, 109 WHERE: Meet at Starbucks next to Central Airport Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay Express In-Town Check-In COST: $330 members/$400 member’s guest COST: $250 members/$320 member’s guest CAPACITY: minimum 4, maximum 16 CAPACITY: minimum 8, maximum 20 COORDINATORS: Jennie Parker, 9860 5646; COORDINATORS: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 Jane Buck, 9530 7957 Linda Hsu, 9188 9970 We will spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the tranquility Have you ever gone clamming in Hong Kong? Well, here’s and nostalgia of The Repulse Bay, the former site of the your opportunity to go to a remote, rustic area on Lantau

24 AWARE May 2014 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Island and dig for clams in a big and squishy mud-flat. While around the Kowloon side. Enjoying the beauty of the enjoying the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains Clearwater Bay peninsula and beyond, we'll head past Sai and beautiful waters of the South China Sea, we will actually Kung into the Hong Kong Global Geopark to see the world “gather” our dinner. We will travel to Shui Hau via MTR and famous Hexagonal Columns. Broadcaster, journalist and bus, gather all the necessary clamming equipment from a geologist Tim Maitland will give you an idea of the enormous small, local shopkeeper, and then walk along a paved path to scale of an eruption that would make Pompeii seem like a tea the beach, while stepping around feral cow and water buffalo party in comparison. We will anchor on High Island and enjoy droppings. (Be forewarned: you will see these animals along a hidden seafood restaurant which comes highly the trail, so be sure to bring a camera!) Once we get to the recommended. Lunch at shared expense. beach, there will be almost a half-mile of sea bed teeming with clams! After clamming and enjoying the sand, sun, and surroundings, we will return to our shopkeeper in Shui Hau. There, Mr. Chan will prepare us a dinner of noodles, fried rice, our very own clams, and much more! Although it may not be a fancy meal, it will most certainly be fresh!! A “shower” will be available to wash off sand, but please know this is most definitely a “grubby clothes” activity.

Looking Ahead to June Learn How to Quill! WHEN: Wednesday, 4 June, 9:00am – 2:00pm WHERE: Pacific Coffee, Admiralty MTR Station COST: $370 members/$440 member’s guest Discover Hong Kong: Junk Tour of the CAPACITY: minimum 6, maximum 10 Global Geopark COORDINATORS: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871 WHEN: Thursday, 29 May, 09:45am – 6:30pm Jane Buck, 9530 7957 Registration must be received by Noon on What is Quilling? Do you know how to Quill? If not, here’s Thursday, 22 May your chance to learn. If you do, here is your chance to create WHERE: Central Ferry Pier #9 (the public pier for another work of art. Today we will learn the very simple art the private junks) form of “Quilling,” also known as “paper filigree,” taught to us COST: $270 members/$330 member’s guest by Hong Kong artist, Violet Shum. Throughout this 2-hour CAPACITY: minimum 25, maximum 35 class at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, each of us will COORDINATORS: Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 create a 3-dimensional piece of artwork, as shown in the Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378 photos below, by using colorful strips of paper. As a class, we Have you ever wondered how all the breathtaking rock will be taught to roll, shape, and glue our “quilled” paper onto formations along the way to Sai Kung developed? For a few the back of a dimensional frame. Violet will teach us how to days, 150 million years ago, Hong Kong was the worst place arrange them into flowers, leaves, animals, letters, or to be on the planet. One of the biggest super volcanic decorative patterns; your design and work of art will be eruptions in the earth's history happened then, killing any limited only by your imagination. Picture frames will be living thing in the area we now know as the SAR. Starting in provided, so you will come away with a framed work of art. Central, which at the time was at the edge of a giant caldera After class, we will enjoy a light dim sum luncheon at the not unlike Yellowstone Park in the United States, we will Heritage Tea House, at shared expense, where we will enjoy travel by private junk – graciously donated by Santa Fe seeing each other’s artwork! Relocations - to relive the unimaginable ring of fire that arced

May 2014 AWARE 25 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Policies Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$70* Member/HK$140 Members Guest. This base fee is not refundable at any time, unless the AWA cancels the event. Charges in excess of the base fee are refundable if cancellation is received by the AWA office at least one full week before the activity date. For example, if the activity is on a Tuesday, cancellation must be received prior to midnight of the previous Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the entire activity cost will be automatically credited to you. Credit notes are not transferable and must be used within 6 months from the date of issue or by the end of the AWA fiscal year (30th June), whichever is earlier. You may request a check in lieu of a credit at any time before the credit expires. Owing to the popularity of AWA activities, many have a wait list and therefore substitutions cannot be accepted. If you are unable to attend an activity, please inform the AWA office to cancel your place and allow someone on the waitlist to attend.

Registration Procedures Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are open for registration as of the first of each month in which the activity will be held. Activities being held in the early part of the following month are open for registration on the first day of the prior month. Check the AWA website at www.awa.org. hk for the most up-to-date schedule and don't forget to register early as many of the events will sell out.

* The $70 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is not donated to the Charitable and Education fund.

26 AWARE May 2014 O N-GOING ACTIVITIES

Our selection for this month is Proof of Heaven - A FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, by Harvard trained WHEN: TBD Eben Alexander. Dr. Alexander slipped into a life-threatening WHERE: Central and Southside seven-day coma from a rare brain illness and was not COORDINATOR: Barbara Markovits expected to live. After surviring what doctors called a medical [email protected] miracle he awoke to recount an astounding spiritual journey Enjoy French conversation in a fun, casual group while his brain shut down. Come and explore research on setting! The French conversation group meets once a near-death experience and how it compares to interfaith month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve teachings on the afterlife. your conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. ART LOVERS Activities are organized by rotating hosts. All levels WHEN: Monthly welcome! WHERE: Various venues COORDINATORS: K u m i k o M a t s u s h i m a , [email protected]; Cynthia Lackey, [email protected], 6200 3222 The “Culture Vultures” will explore the local fine arts scene. We will visit museums, current exhibitions, galleries, film festivals, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Literary Festival with its numerous lectures by international authors. An optional lunch at shared expense where we discuss our opinions will follow.

NEEDLE ARTS WHEN: Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pm COORDINATOR: Elisabeth Denys, [email protected] Join us as we work on needle arts projects – sewing, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, knitting, and embroidery – while chatting about our common interests, exchanging new ideas, learning and getting advice from each other. This is not a class but an informal group. Members may bring an unfinished project to work on.

BRIDGE AND LUNCH SOCIAL WHEN: Mondays, 10:00am – 1:00pm WHERE: AWA Office, No. 5, 11/F Arion Commercial Centre, 2 Queen’s Rd West, Ongoing activities are generally for AWA members only. An Sheung Wan annual one-time registration is required to become a member COST: Free (Optional lunch at shared expense) of an ongoing activity group. To register, contact the AWA COORDINATOR: Lisa Strunin, 6184 8370, strunin.lisa@ office [email protected] or register on the AWA website: gmail.com https://www.awa.org.hk/activities_ongoing.php. Registration required for one-time only sign up for the entire 2013-2014 membership year. SPIRITUAL LITERACY BOOK/ Note: This group is for players with a previous knowledge of DISCUSSION GROUP the game. WHEN: TBD Make Monday your bridge morning! Come and enjoy social WHERE: TBD bridge at the AWA on Monday mornings. We rotate tables so COORDINATOR: Kate Weisman there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and [email protected] enjoy the company of others who love playing bridge. Optional SLG is a gathering of interfaith, spiritually-minded women lunch at a local restaurant follows. who celebrate unity in diversity and gather to foster spiritual literacy in everyday life.

May 2014 AWARE 27 O N-GOING ACTIVITIES

ICC – INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLUB WHEN: Group meets every second Friday of GAMES GALORE each month, 10:00am – 2:00pm WHEN: Fridays, 10:00am – 3:30pm (starting 16 WHERE: Various venues; TBA. May) CAPACITY: minimum 6, maximum 8 WHERE: The American Club, Fireside Lounge COORDINATOR: Sylvie Guyot, [email protected] AWA or American Club members only Are you interested in learning how to cook international COORDINATOR: Beth Hall, [email protected] dishes that might bring a welcome change to your daily If you enjoy playing Mahjong or Bridge plan to come to the routine? Rotating hostesses will introduce foreign dishes and American Club on Fridays. demonstrate how to prepare easy, family-oriented dishes in Mahjong tables and tiles will be set up, and Bridge cards and the comfort of their own kitchen. Lunch follows each class. tables will be available. All skill levels are welcome; however, We pick a new country monthly and share the costs for food players must have prior knowledge of Mahjong or Bridge. and drinks (costs per person will not exceed $250). Each Lunch is at individual expense; non-American Club Members participant will leave with a printout of the recipes. The may make payment by credit card only, no cash. hostess will notify the group each month about the planned cuisine and the venue–first come, first in! ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP WHEN: TBD LUNCH BUNCH WHERE: Various locations, TBD WHEN: Monthly COORDINATOR: Patty Tarallo, [email protected] WHERE: Various restaurants Enjoy Italian conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The CAPACITY: maximum 20 Italian conversation group meets once a month with an aim COORDINATOR: Marcia Hammelev Sander, 9868 4112, to socialize, have fun, and improve your conversational skills [email protected] while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities Would you enjoy gathering for lunch on a regular basis? The are organized by rotating hosts. Lunch Bunch coordinator sets up a group of 12 to 20 members. Each member takes turns choosing the restaurant, AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB making the reservation, informing the others, and hosting. WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 1:00pm Lunch is either at individual or shared expense as agreed WHERE: TBD upon on the day of the event. This is a great way to socialize COST: No charge. One-time annual registration with other AWA members while enjoying a variety of cuisines COORDINATOR: Catherine Greco, 9028 0873 in Hong Kong. [email protected] Masterly suspenseful, sweeping, piercingly intimate, The MAHJONG MADNESS Lowland is a work of great beauty and complex emotion; an WHEN: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm (come engrossing family saga and a story steeped in history that anytime) spans generations and geographies with seamless WHERE: The American Club, Fireside Lounge or authenticity. It is Jhumpa Lahiri at the height of her other location to be posted considerable powers. AWA, American Club or AMHH members only COORDINATOR: Katherine Fenton, [email protected] 9600 3197 Come and play mahjong on Tuesdays with other AWA / American Club members. This activity is suitable for all skill levels, but players are expected to have a prior knowledge of the rules. Optional lunch at individual expense. Non-American Club members must settle their bills prior to departure by credit card only (no cash or checks).

28 AWARE May 2014 O N-GOING ACTIVITIES

MOMS & TOTS MORNING PLAY DATES GALLOPING GOURMET WHEN: TBD Hong Kong restaurants offer an international gastronomic WHERE: TBD extravaganza which we explore by visiting different COORDINATOR: Alpa Tolia, [email protected] restaurants each month. A designated host couple selects a Moms-to-be and tots up to 3 are welcome to join us for a restaurant for the group. Contact: info@ awa.org.hk. morning of play, chatting, and coffee/tea! Please feel free to come in costume. Cocktails and Conversation DATE AND TIME: Saturday, 24 May, 6:00pm – 8:00pm PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Registration limited to first 24 people to WHEN: Group meets at least once a month. RSVP CAPACITY: maximum 10 VENUE: Home of Hallie Cohn, Mid Levels (full COORDINATOR: Becky Wong, [email protected], address provided on registration) 9278 2727 CHARGE: $150/person, plus one hors d’oeuvre The AWA Photography Group is a social way to enjoy RSVP: Hallie Cohn, [email protected] photography as a hobby while giving you a chance to practice In May, Galloping Gourmet will have a potluck cocktail party. your skills and explore Hong Kong. All you need is enthusiasm Each person (or couple) is asked to bring one hors d’oeuvre and a camera to join us as we capture Hong Kong's to share. This will be an informal get together, a time to see contrasting architecture and communities. All camera types old friends and meet some new ones. Drinks will be provided. welcome as well as suggestions for excursions. In addition to bringing some food to share, each person is asked to contribute $150 toward drinks. Registration is open to all AWA members and guests.

“SOCIAL” . . . IS COMING . . . ! Are you finding yourself alone in Hong Kong with nothing to do? Craving some conversations with others besides the doorman? You are sooooooooo not alone! AWA wants to find a way for us to meet up – whether for a movie, coffee, wine, dinner or other adventures! SOCIAL provides the S..cheduling, O..utings, C..oordinate, I..nteresting, A..nytime, L..ink. Details coming soon. Interested in Helping Organize SOCIAL? Contact: Barbara Macho, [email protected]; THANK YOU TO THE GLOBE and/or Patti Smith, [email protected]. PADDLERS' NEW SPONSORS.

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May 2014 AWARE 29 S P ORTING ACTIVITIES

and ending around 5:00pm. The dates and locations for the AWA Globe Paddlers 2014 races are as follows:

Sunday, May 4, 2014 - Lamma Regatta (for more information: www.lamma500.com) Location: Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island

Saturday, May 10, 2014 – Stanley Warm-Up Race (www.dragonboat.org.hk) Location: Stanley Main Beach

Sunday, May 11, 2014 – Deep Water Bay Regatta (www.hkipc.com) Location: Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay AWA’s Globe Paddlers Dragon Boat Team Readies for the 2014 Race Monday, June 2, 2014 – Sun Life Stanley International Season Dragon Boat Championship (www.dragonboat.org.hk) Location: Stanley Main Beach If you walk by Stanley Main Beach on a Tuesday or Saturday morning you might hear the cheer “More Power Now!” That Friday – Sunday, June 6-8, 2014 – Hong Kong International means the AWA Globe Paddlers are hard at work preparing Dragon Boat Federation Races for the 2014 Dragon Boat racing season! Coached by Gary Location: Victoria Harbour and Cordi Chin. Sponsored by TTI, Techtronic Industries, and made up of AWA members, this dedicated team has been Although the whole AWA Globe Paddler team shares the goal practicing twice weekly to master the stroke and of winning races, when you commit to the AWA Globe synchronicity required to excel at Dragon Boat paddling. Paddlers you quickly learn that it is much more than trophies that makes joining this team so worthwhile. It is a For those new to Hong Kong, the Tuen Ng Festival Day (Duen tremendous honor and privilege to be a part of this group of Wu Jie in Mandarin Chinese) is an important public holiday outstanding women supported by excellent coaches and and is observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month sponsor. We hope you will consider coming out in October following the Chinese Lunar Calendar. According to the Hong 2014 to the pre-season practices to see if joining the Globe Kong Fast Facts website (www.hkfastfacts.com), the Festival Paddlers is a good fit for you! Please come cheer us on began when the patriotic and well-respected scholar, poet during the races if you are in the vicinity! and statesman, Qu Yuan (pronounced Chu Yuan), drowned P himself to protest against the emperor. When the fishermen HOTOG

heard he had drowned, they jumped on boats to search for R APH him. After a long search, they failed to find him. They started S B Y hitting drums and making loud noises to scare the fish so C : they wouldn’t touch Qu Yuan’s body. The Tuen Ng Festival’s HOP S dragon boat races are a re-enactment of the frantic, vain TICK attempts of the fishermen who rowed out to save Qu Yuan. S D IA R This year’s Tuen Ng Festival Day is on Monday, June 2. Y

Last year, the AWA Globe Paddlers had an outstanding season, beginning with a first place finish in the Lamma 500 meter women’s division and ending the season with a first place finish in the women’s division of the Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships.

The 2014 Dragon Boat racing season is about to begin for the AWA Globe Paddlers! We invite you to join us as at the races! These are full day races, usually beginning at 9:00am

30 AWARE May 2014 S P ORTING ACTIVITIES

I-HIKES COST: $600 approximately CONTACT: Lori Wigmore, Sarah Rindlaub, Cynthia SIGN UP: As reservations have to made a week in Lackey, [email protected] advance, kindly book your place in a flight as Cost: No charge. One-time annual registration. soon as possible on the Google spreadsheet Are you amazed at how much space there truly is in Hong called KSC Sign Up sheet sent out via the Kong? Join us for intermediate hikes in and around Hong mailing list. Kong Island, lasting 2 to 3 hours, usually on Wednesday SIGN UP: [email protected] mornings. We hike various stages of the Hong Kong Trail, the Wilson Trail and many other trails that may not be as well Dates for the next few monthly tournaments at Deep Water known, but offer a challenge and a view. Occasionally we Bay Golf Course: venture off of the island to the New Territories, Lamma Island s-AY and Lantau. These moderately paced hikes are recommended s*UNE for beginner to intermediate hikers who love the outdoors. Our tournament organiser, Lynda Coggins, [email protected], SOCIAL GOLF will announce details about each event ahead of each Main coordinator: Lynda Coggins, [email protected] competition. As always the format will be fun and participative AWA Social Golf is off to an exciting start in 2014! with players of all standards welcome. Sign-ups will open The first half of the New Year brings with it perfect weather approximately two weeks before each tournament. for golf, and the AWA Social Golf Group is making the most of it. Whether you are a member returning from a break, or We will arrange golf clinics with our LPGA Pro, Jackie new to Hong Kong and perhaps even new to golf, we want Johnson on the following Fridays: you! s-AY s-AY The AWA Social Golf Group makes playing golf in Hong Kong Golf Etiquette with Jojo Hardwick at Deep Water Bay: simple, fun and stress free. We try to cater for all levels of ability from beginner to advanced or experienced golfers. We These introductory-level clinics focus on such aspects of golf play regularly each week on different courses, and we also as putting green and tee box etiquette, pace of play, bunker organize golf clinics twice a month to help you improve your and competition etiquette as well as how to fill out a game. Every so often, we host golfing weekends or golf days scorecard correctly. Dates will be confirmed one-on-one as further afield, such as in Macau, and other one-off activities space is limited to two players at a time and a three-day such as quiz nights or simulator coaching, If you like the advance booking is required. Contact the golf clinic competitive side of golf, we run a popular tournament each co-ordinator on [email protected] or golf@awa. month. You can sign up by registering online on the AWA org.hk. website. Simply go to "golf" in the sports section, complete the registration and you'll start receiving our emails, All clinic details are advertised ahead of the booking time, and newsletters and other communications. There is no additional in the AWA Social Golf Group's newsletter, The Whack and fee charged for this group and events are open to AWA Hack. For more information, contact the coordinator: Jodi members and guests. Jones on [email protected].

Weekly rounds: WHEN: Every Monday WHERE: Hong Kong Golf Club, Deep Water Bay WHEN: 09:00 am tee-off on a roll up basis COST: $550 for AWA Members – please make sure you bring your handicap card and your HK ID or passport. SIGN UP: [email protected]

WHEN: Wednesdays WHERE: Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Sai Kung WHEN: Tee-times are usually booked on request and as the system allows (08:30 onwards)

May 2014 AWARE 31

OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9.30am – 3.30pm Mon-Fri President Eileen Glynn [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor. Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Nicky Cooper [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd Vice President Activities Julie Naughton [email protected] Office & Website Manager Barbora Mayer, [email protected] AWAre Editor Jay Murray [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam, [email protected] Charitable Donations Susan Trebach [email protected] Administrator, Caroline Nicholas [email protected] Community Service Kate Weisman [email protected] Education & Scholarship Mary Barbara Hanna [email protected] Public Relations Jennifer Schlueter [email protected] COMMUNITY Recording Secretary Lisa Mar [email protected] Treasurer Irene Chu [email protected] C HARITABLE DONATIONS [email protected] Social Media Angela Bellas [email protected] Chairperson Susan Trebach [email protected] SOCIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] Chairperson Kate Weisman [email protected] ACS Partnering Susan Trebach [email protected] 3rd Vice President Julie Naughton [email protected] Cheung Chau Reading Program Ellen Albrecht [email protected] Art Lovers Kumiko Matsushima [email protected] Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard [email protected] Cynthia Lackey [email protected], 6200 3222 Helpers for Domestic Helpers Tammy Baltz [email protected] Asian Tours Jane Buck [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian [email protected] Bridge & Lunch Social Lisa Strunin [email protected] Meals in the Home Marybeth Coffer [email protected] Book Club - Day Catherine Greco, [email protected] Ronald McDonald House [email protected] Dragon Boat Elissa Imran [email protected], 96184700 Soup Kitchen Alison May [email protected] Sara Bertino [email protected], 9666 4954 French Conversation group- Barbara Markovits, [email protected] Games Galore Beth Hall [email protected] Galloping Gourmet Hallie Cohn [email protected] EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP Global Insights Stella Schumann 2493 7114, Tracy Russell 6921 4400 [email protected] Golf – Events and Lessons Jackie Johnson 852 5662 7248 Golf – Social Play and Event Lynda Coggins [email protected] Chairperson Mary Barbara Hanna [email protected] iHikes Lori Wigmore, Sarah Reinlaub, Cynthia Lackey [email protected] Chatterbox Rosalind Keith [email protected] International Cooking Club Sylvie Guyot [email protected] Kowloon Marti Law [email protected] Italian Conversation Group Patty Tarallo [email protected] Wan Chai TSKVS - Dale Biteen [email protected] Local Tours and Activities Jane Buck [email protected] Pok Fu Lam Rachel Bourke [email protected] Lunch Bunch Marcia Hammelev Sander 9868 4112 Sham Shui Po Lindy Vasey [email protected] Mahjong Katherine Fenton 9600 3197 Chai Wan Rosalind Keith rmekeith@ yahoo.com Moms & Tots Alpa Tolia [email protected] Ap Lei Chau Sue Cummings-Walder [email protected] Needle Arts Elisabeth Denys [email protected] Dining Etiquette Heather Black [email protected] Photography Group Becky Wong [email protected] Phone Pals Shibani Dutta [email protected] SOCIAL Barbare Macro [email protected] Mock Interviews Bernice Lee [email protected] Patti Smith [email protected] Spiritual Literacy Book/Discussion Group [email protected]

FUNDRAISING [email protected] 1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont [email protected] MEMBERSHIP [email protected] 2nd Vice President Nicky Cooper [email protected] CHAT Coordinator Susan Wallace 9783 3227 Public Relations [email protected] Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian 6462 6559 Hildy Karev 6799 9604 Chairperson Jennifer Schlueter [email protected] Membership Discounts [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Randy Prescott [email protected] Night OWL Kathy Barber [email protected] WOW Gina Franich, [email protected], 6129 9568 Listserve Moderator Randy Prescott [email protected]

If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board listed.