Kung Hei Fat Choi - awa.org.hk Feb 2016.pdf · A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • February...

A M a g a z i n e f o r t h e W o m e n o f H o n g K o n g • F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

Kung Hei Fat Choi

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

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

AWArE ProducTion TEAm

EdiTorangela [email protected]

AssisTAnT EdiTorsLindsey Gordon

GrAPHicsJacky NganFahima ahmad

PHoToGrAPHYFahima ahmad

AdvErTisinG [email protected]

PubLisHEd & PrinTEd bYr&r Publishing Ltd.2126 [email protected]

Membership 3AWA Enjoys 5She's in fashion 6Making a Difference 8WOW 9Art on the Line 10University Challenge 13AWA Celebrates 60 years in Hong Kong 14Hong Kong Neighbourhood's 16Chinese New Year 18Hong Kong Arts Festival 20Ten things you can only do in Hong Kong 21Asian Tours 22 Calendar of Events 23Local Tours and Activities 24Ongoing Activities 28Contact Information 29

Visit the AWA Website: www.awa.org.hk like us on fAcebook: www.facebook.com/awahk

folloW us on tWitter: @AWA_hk folloW us on instAgrAm: @AWA_hkAny 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 publicationmay not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

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The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. The AWA office will be closed for public holiday on Monday Feb 8 to Thursday Feb 11 for CNY.

Contents

2 aWare February 2016

Happy New Year - both in the Western and Chinese senses and welcome to our first issue of 2016. Now that February is here, I hope that normal schedules have been resumed - well, at least until Chinese New Year kicks in. It is my fervent hope that all of you and your families will be greatly blessed throughout 2016 and that the AWA will be

part of a fulfilling year for a great many of you.

This month we launch our Women’s Forum discussion series in a ‘lunch and learn’ format. The first session will be on Wednesday February 3 at 12 noon at the office. The topic is ‘What have we gained? What have we given up? Following our partners abroad.’ Bring your own lunch and come ready to discuss real women’s issues for today in a small group setting.

Now for some big news - the AWA celebrates 60 years in Hong Kong in 2016 and much has been achieved over the years. In this issue, we begin our anniversary countdown with a look at Hong Kong in 1956. And make sure you ‘save the date’ for our 60th anniversary gala, October 22, 2016. It is a one time, and not to be missed event!

We are just one month away from Art on the Line (AOTL), on March 10 at The Space in Sheung Wan. Following up on a raging success in 2015, this year’s AOTL will not disappoint. With an impressive line up of artists, be sure not to miss this unique event which serves to launch the art season in our great city. Mark your calendars now!

Finally, it is that time of year once again. Each AWA Board term ends June 30th. It is time to propose candidates for one of the many positions that are vital to making our organization run. There are several open positions where current sitting board members are either completing their second year, or are unable to stay and serve a second term. Please take a look at the form included in this issue of AWAre, and nominate yourself or others for positions of interest to you. It’s a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience to participate in our organization in this way.

And, as always, check out our awesome line up of local tours and ongoing events. Make it your 2016 resolution not to miss all that the AWA has to offer you!

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Marcy LaRont AWA President

Now that the dust has settled and we’re hopefully all back to normal after the holidays, it’s time to focus on the New Year and the changes we’d like to see, both in our own lives and in the lives of the people around us.

If you have thought about volunteering in the past but have always been too busy, perhaps now is the time to make enquiries. The AWA offers so many opportunities to help; you really can make a difference. The ever-revolving door of expat life means that help is

always needed and the rewards are plentiful – the friends you meet along the way and the sense of having done something worthwhile.

I have lost count of the people who have come and gone in our lives over the last few years but hey, that’s all part of expat life. Meeting people of all nationalities gives the whole experience extra colour and dimension – did you know that the AWA currently has members from 36

different countries? We hope some of this diversity is reflected in your AWAre. This is your magazine, written by AWA members for AWA members, so why not be part of it? We are always looking for new contributors so do get in touch if the muse strikes.

What do we have for your delectation and delight this month? It’s the Year of the Monkey - what does this mean exactly? Get the low-down on page 18. And if you’re unsure about how to manage those little red envelopes, you can educate yourself on the matter right here by reading Dimple’s rules on Lei See etiquette. Not that we need any more reasons to love living in Hong Kong, but just in case, Tanvi’s ‘Top 10 Things you can only do in Hong Kong’ is a gentle reminder about just how fantastic this place is! Fancy doing a bit of exploring? Take yourself off on Frances’ Tin Hau tour and learn a thing or two about this fascinating neighbourhood.

Do you hate shopping for clothes in Hong Kong? Perhaps we can help? Stylist Fernanda Marocco came to my rescue when I couldn’t find a frock for my big party. She opened my eyes to what is out there for those of us who are not a size 00 and, in the process, helped me find my mojo!

Guess who’s 60 this year? WE ARE! The AWA celebrates 60 Years in Hong Kong and in this issue we take you back to 1956 - when the magic began. So, kick of your shoes, relax and get stuck in!

Lindsey GordonAWAre Editor

From the President

From the Editor

W e L c o m e

February 2016 aWare 3

Owl (Out with the ladies) Come join us any week or every week - same time, same place (except public holidays). WHErE: Oolaa 20 Bridges Street, Soho WHEN: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm COOrDINATOr: Susie Edrington, [email protected]

welcome New MembersDeborah BarrettAmy BeckinghamFiona ChristianakisMonica de LunaClaire DreweryKirsten FearnsideKaren FergusonKate HamiltonNicola HaythorneJane HeardEmma Holcroft

Alison HortonCory MahlerKaryn McLeanStacie MountsEloisa PhillipsHelen PottConstance PuiseuxCatherine (Karen) ReidSuzanne SongMaggie TodaEva Yoe

the AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with over 800 members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – do join us!

current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at oWl, at a neighborhood coffee, a 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 AWA is easy via our website at: awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

m e m b e r s h i P

CHAT (Come Have a Talk)WHEN: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) WHErE: Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the

Maritime Museum. COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal

expense)COOrDINATOr: Diane Lamboley 9020 9385 [email protected]

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M E M b E R s h i p

Neighborhood CoffeesIf you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join others in your area for a monthly coffee. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan new activities. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees.

HK SoutHSide Walli Seegar, [email protected] Gallaudet, [email protected]

PoK Fu Lam and SHouSon HiLLAmita Gupta, [email protected]

diScovery Bay Izumi Ikeda, [email protected]

SAI KUNGKatherine Fenton, [email protected]

KowLoon Jane Buck, [email protected] Susan Trebach, [email protected]

HK centraL/mid LeveLSKathy Barber, [email protected]

Foon YingwHen: Please check website for detailswHere: 17&24 February, 2 MarchcoordinatorS: Chrissie Govier, [email protected] Kate Mahjoubian, [email protected]: No fee but registration is required"Foon Ying" means "welcome" in Cantonese and what better welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun activities for your group, sharing experiences and building 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!

MeMbership disCouNts:the Kinnet We provide gym activity, creative classes and fitness classes to our customers. We have also got our own cafe to provide food to our customers. We have a team of Personal Trainers, Wellness Practitioners and Dietitians to tailor-make programs according to the customer's needs in fitness, isolated stretch, physiotherapy or nutrition.

discountOn presentation of AWA membership card you will receive a 7 Day Free Trial – Unlimited access to our Gym (with complimentary assistance from Instructors), Unlimited access to all Fitness Classes, Unlimited access to all Creative Classes, 15% off at The Kinnet Café

PHone: 3968 7600Location: 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong KongweBSite: http://www.thekinnet.comemaiL: [email protected]

Balance Health: Balance Health is a natural health clinic offering alternative therapies to provide the body with the opportunity to heal naturally, making it stronger and less susceptible to illness and disease.

weBSite: www.balancehealth.com.hke-maiL: [email protected]: +852 2530 3315Location: 2705, 27/F Universal Trade Centre, 3-5 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong

Member benefit offer:5% discount for all our offerings, events and classes (except Chinese herbal medicine, supplements, functional medicine and tests).300 HKD cash discount for new clients of Balance Health.Referral discount for Energetic Kinesiology treatment: Buy one treatment, get one free treatment free for friends and relatives.

Oriental Health: Oriental Health is a premier Chinese medicine clinic that offers personalized treatments by combining traditional healing methods with natural therapies for fertility, anxiety, asthma, diabetes, gynecological, pediatric and other illnesses through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, Qi Gong and other traditional Chinese medicine methods.

weBSite: www.orientalhealth.com.hke-maiL: [email protected]: +852 3904 3369Location: 2705, 27/F Universal Trade Centre, 3-5 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong KongMember benefit offer:50% discount on the first consultation with a qualified traditional Chinese medicine doctor.5% discount on any following consultations and treatments (except Chinese herbal medicine).

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Strolling around Tai Tam Reservoir

Celebrating the holidays


F e a t u r e

I’M BIg, but I’m not that big. I’m a UK size 14, which is average where I come from but here in Hong Kong I feel like a mahoosive fat freak. I had a big birthday coming up and I needed a new frock for my party so I went shopping. Oh that’s nice - you’d think - but no, it was bloody miserable. The lowest moment came when I got my sausage arms trapped in a garment in Shanghai Tang and I sat down and wept (probably doing some serious damage to the seams). I was recounting the whole sorry tale to my friend Hayley (who, btw, always looks trés chic, yet understated) when she revealed her secret weapon: Brazilian stylist Fernanda Marocco.

Fernanda, 41, former co-owner of the fabulous Staunton Street boutique Ocho (forced to close due to ridiculous rent hikes) knows exactly how to dress anyone, even, or especially, normal women like me (and Hayley) who eat food and don’t live in a gym. I was skeptical at first. I am a fussy person (though you wouldn’t know it to look at me) and I was quite convinced that if I couldn’t find anything I liked, neither could a total stranger who knew nothing about me. How wrong I was.

The first thing I noticed about Fernanda was her beautiful, beaming smile. Before coming to Hong Kong, she worked as a dentist in Brazil for ten years and says she chose the profession because she was ‘seduced by smiles.’ It’s her first

piece of advice: “Everybody looks more attractive when they smile.”

Within minutes of meeting her, I knew I was in good hands; she pointed out my best features and bathed me in positive vibes. Within two hours she had not only found me my perfect dress - and matching accessories - but had come in at half of the budget I set her. She chose a fab silver dress from Reiss, which was actually comfortable to wear, nude heels and a gold chain that would not have looked out of place on an LA rapper. She also gave me some stern advice about the undergarments necessary to pull off the look. I would never have chosen to put these things together, much less try them on, so I was delighted with the new me. The party was a huge success and my husband - who rarely has an opinion about these things - was moved to comment that I looked ‘young and hip.’

Fernanda’s love of style and fashion started when she was a child watching her mother and aunt dress up to go out for the night back home in Brazil. She said: “I used to watch them applying lipstick, trying on shoes and swapping tops and necklaces. I was mesmerized.”

She has studied fashion but doesn’t necessarily follow the rules. “The idea of choosing colours based on what season

By Lindsey Gordon

She’s in Fashion


you think you are is very charming but you should not limit yourself. They say you should always take something off just before you leave the house, but I often add something.

“I love style, it’s my passion and my job and I am challenged by it all the time – but in a good way.”

Besides her mum, Fernanda’s style icons include designer Rachel Zoe because she is bold with her choice of accessories and Victoria Beckham because ‘here is a woman who has totally transformed herself through style’. Italian fashion consultant Constanza Pascolato, 76, is also a big influence.

Fernanda says: “I believe you can look beautiful at any age. If you are comfortable the way you are, just enhance

what you have. Don’t focus on diet. Buy something gorgeous that fits you now. Treat yourself. If you look good, you feel good and that is empowering.

“Fashion is fun, you can be who you want to be and it reflects your mood. I like to mix things up and go with the unexpected. Today I am feeling relaxed so I have chosen a very classic silk blouse with a pussy bow but I am dressing it down with old, worn jeans.”

Hong Kong is a shopping paradise, says Fernanda but it can be challenging if you are curvy.

“There is something for everybody out there, you just need to know where to look. I like the chain stores like Zara and Mango for basics and I love J.Crew. I would love to shop in Gucci or Prada but I can’t afford it. If I could shop anywhere it would be Pucci – what they do with pattern is magical. I love Fa Yuen Street in Prince Edward, it’s a treasure trove and I have found some beautiful designer samples there.”

According to Fernanda, every woman should have in her wardrobe a good pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt, a tailored navy blazer, a beautiful pashmina and a dress that makes you feel good.

As Hollywood stylist-to-the-stars Edith Head once said: “Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you are a lady.”

Fernanda said: “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be stylish, it’s about understanding what looks good on you. Dress up a LBD with your mother’s old vintage brooch; put an inexpensive scarf with a Prada jacket. But most of all, have fun!”

To contact Fernanda call 6234 0471 or email her on [email protected]

F e a t u r e


WHEN I jOINED the AWA a few months ago, I was thrilled to meet many exceptional women and hear their fascinating stories.

However, for me, what makes the AWA stand out from similar organizations is, as well as providing educational and social activities for its members, it also supports Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants - and has done so for nearly 60 years. The AWA offers volunteering opportunities to members who are driven by the same goal: How can we contribute to Hong Kong as thanks for allowing us to call it home?

The AWA, through its Charitable Donations Committee, annually examines applications from the Hong Kong non-profit organizations that address pressing social needs, among which is the situation of the asylum seekers.

I was lucky to be introduced to a team of dedicated, kind-hearted ladies with broad vetting experience. On the first site visit, our team learnt about the Justice Centre Hong Kong (JCHK - formerly Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre). This Centre offers, at no cost, qualified psychological and legal expertise to asylum seekers, who had been forced to flee

their country after living through degrading experiences. A positive resolution of their cases is mainly a matter of the initial testimony. Once presented, the testimony cannot be altered and accompanies the asylum seeker during all the following years in court. Very often, after inhuman treatment, the forced migrants are too traumatized to relive the events in a linear legal manner. This fact could contribute to their cases being discharged on the grounds of inconsistency and lack of credibility.

As an independent NGO, JCHK relies on continuous fund raising. This year, the AWA is supporting the JCHK project, thereby helping 25 low income migrants – including women and children - in their attempt to be given refugee status, the right to work and with that, the chance to start a new life.

As a closing remark, I would like to encourage more people to volunteer for the causes they believe in and never underestimate the difference we can make.

Gabriela Caraman-Heijnen and the CDC Team - Chris Tight, Celine O'Connor, Michele Goulding, Ksenia Gross and Cynthia Lackey.

Making a Difference

F e a t u r e



I ATTENDED AN EvENT, advertised on Facebook, on stress and slowing down at the AWA offices. There I met with a member of the WOW committee and subsequently we met for coffee. Following this meeting I was invited to join the WOW Committee. I was a little apprehensive as this would be a new direction for me, but if there is one thing that I have come to realise as a life coach, it is that we are much more capable of doing things than is apparent at first.

As I learned more about the WOW group I noticed that it was focused, naturally, towards encouraging enterprise, improving skills such as networking and IT and generally providing events and information about the business world in order that women would feel empowered to move their way up in their working lives.

With my background in life coaching, I could see an obvious need to provide a counter balance to the hurry and scurry of this professional life with stress management and body/mind calmness.

In December we held an event on stress management. We had two excellent speakers at this event; Tatiana Kuvardina, a holistic health coach who spoke about managing stress through correct nutrition and Irene Lee, a certified aromatherapist and WOW member, who spoke about ways in which essential oils were used to manage stress .

As you know the Hong Kong expat population can be

transient with many women looking to have a career change or just continuing their career in different surroundings and culture. With this in mind, last month we held an event where one of the speakers was Jutta Depner, a career transition coach.

I have known Tatiana and Jutta through my work as a life coach and felt privileged to introduce them to the ladies at WOW and AWA.

I believe that by providing a mix of events where women can improve their professional skills as well as find ways to manage everyday stresses, we will have healthy and happy members.

WOW – An interview with Deepa Gupta We asked Deepa, life coach and newest member of the WOW committee, what attracted her to WOW and her experience since joining WOW and AWA.

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LAST AUgUST, my daughter started her first semester of university in Washington DC. The run up to that day was a bagful of mixed emotions. I was happy and proud of her but was also sad that I will not be seeing her everyday at home. In addition, I was concerned and, at times, panicked. No, not because I was leaving her in a new city and in a country she had not lived in for six years, but because I had to move her into her dorm. How in the world can we fit a year full of clothes, books, and stuff into four check-in bags with limited weight? But we did.

Lauren and I had a master list of things (culled from different Pinterest boards) that we needed to somehow get into her tiny, minuscule dorm room. And here's how we did it:1. Orientation Tour is not just for students: We signed up

for the orientation tour during the summer. If budget and time allows, I recommend doing this especially if you are new to the city. The parents had their own orientation and we were able to ask questions on meal plans, move in details, rental appliances, tuitions, health, and so much more. One helpful detail was that delivery to the dorm room on days leading up to move-in date would be placed in the room. Let’s just say that Amazon was very happy with us, we shipped things that were too bulky and heavy. On move-in date, those packages were in her room ready to be unpacked.

2. Reconnaissance: We flew in a few days before move-in. This helped with jet lag. It also helped in getting things we needed that we could not pack or ship. Big box stores (hello, Target!) and discount stores (TJ Maxx, thank you!) were great in rounding out those items. By flying in a few days before move-in day, we were able map out where things were such as grocery stores, pharmacy, and public transportation.

3. Forums: There are many college forums online. One I used (collegeconfidential.com) was helpful. Parents and students shared their experiences. Questions posted were how high are the lofted beds? Are the fridge rentals worth it? Are there elevators or am I walking up with boxes?

4. Thinking ahead: From the school website and online forums, we found out that instead of schlepping everything back to Hong Kong, students can rent storage spaces for a fee. The school partnered with a storage

company which provided the boxes of certain size. We had to make sure that things we bought and brought over will fit in the box. Everything else will need to go back into the duffel bags. So no full size ironing board for Lauren (frankly, I don’t think she’ll be using it.)

5. Make your list and check it twice: We had to make a master list and we made sure we adhered to it. It helped in getting everything Lauren needed with no duplicates.

Other helpful things:1. Get carded: Most supermarkets and pharmacy stores

have store cards that give cardholders discounts. She might as well save when shopping. DC public transportation uses Metro cards (similar to Octopus cards). My daughter bought one and her dear mom loaded it with money.

2. Early Move In: Lauren was considered an international student and could move in a day before the rest of the freshman class. It was a quiet day and we were not bumping into people. We did go back the next day and saw a massive line of cars waiting for their turn to drop off their luggage.

3. Removables: Schools are very protective of their walls. We stocked up on removable adhesive hooks and putty. Lauren will be able to take those down at the end of school easily. So the whole, move-in was akin to moving to Hong Kong.

We had to make sure what we brought over were things she will need. One thing for sure, Lauren didn’t need the ironing board. Her roommate brought one!

University ChallengeBy Shelda Chickles

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BOTH NEIgHBOUrHOODS are located in the eastern district of north Hong Kong Island and can be reached via the Blue Island MTR line. Get off at Tin Hau and Tai Hang is within walking distance.

Exit A1 of the MTR leads you out onto King’s Road, cross this, turn right then left at Tin Hau Temple Road. Walk up and you will come to the Tin Hau temple (one of 60 plus such temples in Hong Kong). The area was named after the temple which was built in 1747 although the current buildings are from 1868.

The main altar in the temple is dedicated to Tin Hau who is the Chinese Goddess of the sea. Initially the temple was located by the coast but with Hong Kong land reclamation the coastline is now many miles away. The Tin Hau statue in this

temple is unique as it is made from stone so cannot be paraded during the annual Tin Hau festival, unlike the Tin Hau statues in the other temples. A feature of the temple is the ornate Shek Wan porcelian figurines on the roof and eaves.

Around the temple you will see incense being burnt, this is a way of communicating with the gods via the smoke which travels up to heaven. The incense sticks are always placed in threes – one for the sky, one for mother earth and one to represent humans. People pay the temple to maintain the large spiral incense coils you will see hanging from the ceiling; these can burn for months and lead to a continuous communication with the gods.

As you walk out to the back of temple you can see the temple garden. Just by the spiral staircase is a Murraya plant,

TIN HAU & TAI HANG

By Frances Nicholls

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF HONG KONG



F e a t u r e

the Chinese believe wandering souls are attracted to these plants. Attached to the wall is the small leaf banyan tree. Hong Kong sparrows ingest the seeds and deposit them onto the porous walls where these stonewall banyan trees take root.

Walk up the spiral staircase and you will see a splendid example of the Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa) in the middle of the road. The Hong Kong Government has trained the aerial roots of the tree down to try and give this enormous tree some support and comfort to the cars travelling underneath it!

Opposite the temple you will see the Hong Kong GO Development Centre (3 Tin Hau Temple Road, Tel: 2187 2677, Open daily: 10 am – 6 pm, www.hkgodev.com) where you can take classes to learn Chinese Chess ($180/1 hour) or Chinese Calligraphy classes ($250/1.5 hours).

Come back down to King’s Road and turn left onto Tung Lo Wan Road on your left is the shop Man Woo Ho (164A Tung Lo Wan Road, Tel: 2566 7238) where you can purchase the iconic red and blue canvas bags.

On the other side of the road behind the lush foliage is Queen’s College, the first boy’s school in Hong Kong established in 1862. Many graduates of Queen’s College are imminent members of Hong Kong society including Dr Sun Yat Sen, Stanley Ho, Hysan Lee and C Y Leung (the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong). They have an active old Boys association which was set up in 1921 and have members worldwide.

Continue along Tung Lo Wan Road turning left into Lai Yin Lane past the Chinese Rhenish Church (protestant Lutheran Church from the 1950s). When you see the restaurant ‘Classified’ turn left onto Lin Fa Kung Road West and at the end you will see Lin Fa Kung temple. Built in 1863 the temple has two side entrances which are unique as you normally enter Chinese temples through the centre. Kwun Yum (the Goddess of Mercy) is worshipped here and she sits on top of

a lotus flower. The temple is also known as the Palace of the Lotus flower which explains its unique octagonal structure. When the temple was by the shore it is said that at high tide sea water ran underneath the temple arches leading it to resemble a lotus in water. Of course, now with land reclamation, the temple is located in a maze of buildings.

When you enter, look up to see the incredible carved dragon. Mr Lam, a Chinese Fortune teller sits in the corner keeping up with modern times using his iPad to assist him. For $180 you can have your fortune told but Mr Lam told me that this is only valid for 1 – 2 years.

The temple is maintained by the Chinese Temple Committee explaining its excellent condition.

Continue left along Lin Fa Kung Street coming out to Wun Sha Street where you can see Tai Ping On Medicine, an old Chinese dispensary with Ginseng drying out front.

Cross over to School Street and turn first left onto Ormsby Street and further up on the left is Feel So Good Lifestyle Store (No 4, Second Lane, Tel: 2894 9311, Open: Tues – Sun 1 pm – 7 pm, Mon closed, www.feelsogoodls.com) a trendy shop selling eclectic home wares. This store may have moved by the time you read this, so go to their facebook page to check their new address.

One more block up is Hello Kitty Secret Garden (19 Ormsby Street, Tel: 2808 2868, Open: Mon – closed, Tues – Thurs 12 pm – 9 pm, Fri 12 pm – 10 pm, Sat 9 am – 10 pm, Sun 9 am – 9 pm). A quaint food place that makes Hello Kitty shaped desserts.

If Hello Kitty shaped desserts don’t make you purr, you won’t lack for places to eat in this area – here you will find Thai, Italian, Indian, Mexican and Japanese food.

Once you have finished exploring these blocks reverse your walk to head back to the Tin Hau MTR.

Many thanks to local historian Sylvia Midgett for information on this area.



THIS IS THE YEAr OF THE MONKEY. The Monkey is the 9th animal among the 12 zodiac signs of the Chinese calendar. Among the f ive astrology elements of Metal, Fire, Wood, Earth and Water, the Monkey is a sign of the Metal element.

People born under a metal sign tend to have a lot of confidence and are single mindedly driven to success, often to a point of stubbornness. Their confidence makes them very attractive personalities.

People born under the sign of the Monkey possess character traits such as curiosity, mischievousness and shrewdness. This often makes them the master of practical jokes, which can sometimes lead to a tendency to generate ill will and hurt feelings. Although by nature clever, sometimes they seem inhibited and confused, but nothing could be further from the truth. They tend to prefer living in cities, as urban life affords them ample opportunity for their favorite pass time – people watching.

2016 is the Red Fire Monkey Year. The Fire Monkey is the most active and aggressive of all the Monkey personas. They are naturally dominant and competitive, often to the point of recklessness.

In keeping with these traits, the year of the Monkey signifies a year in which literally anything can happen. There is little point in planning, as everything will be in flux. Things will get accomplished, but largely through personal will and effort. An exuberant, fast paced outlook generates stress, which communication, humor and wit will help ease. Businesses tend to flourish and risks can pan out, with unconventional solutions to old problems bearing fruit.

With all this energy buzzing around, everyone will need to pay more attention to health, with proper diet and exercise. This is the year for renewed fighting spirit and invigorating energy. Negative energies are quickly repelled. Be on the look out for deceptions amidst all the fast talk.

The fields of finance, politics and real estate are highlighted, but amidst a general undercurrent of insecurity as everyone scrambles for the best deal to win big. Business decisions this

year should be made on fact and not on emotion. If you start a new

venture, make sure you associate with the right partners. Don’t take

anything for granted – politically, financially, professionally, personally and

emotionally. Global economic growth, coupled with life changing

inventions, is forecast for the year ahead. Old conventions that have long outgrown their use will be cast out unceremoniously, so old empires and bosses beware! The key to success will lie in education, so go ahead and join courses that you can use inventively to add value to your personal and professional life.

Monkey Business

It is the time for taking risks, inventive reasoning, rebellious solutions and sheer guts. True devotion to the wildest of endeavors is likely to succeed under the Monkey’s influence. But only those with the stomach for the wild ride and the stress that inevitable goes with it will come through unscathed. This year rewards individual vision and effort, and those who prefer to move with the herd will be left behind.

How will each astrological sign fare in the Year of the Monkey ? It will be an amazing year for people born under the signs of Rat, Dragon and Monkey, with an unstable but dynamic tempo. The year will be positive for people born under the signs of Goat, Rabbit and Ox with improvement in all areas of life. It will be an exciting year for people born under the signs of Rooster and Horse, with tricky situations to navigate. However, the year will tend to be complex for people born under the signs of Tiger, Snake, Boar and Dog, and a strong focus and objective decisions will bring about the best results.

So take a deep breath as we wade into the uncertain currents of the New Year of the Fire Monkey. Dare to be different and stay the course – that way lies success !

By Dimple Shah

F e a t u r e


CHINESE NEW YEAr is traditionally the time for the ubiquitous ‘Red Packet’ or “Lai See’. Lai See literally means ‘good luck’, and these red and gold envelopes containing money are given to friends, relatives and co-workers as a means of conveying good wishes for good fortune and prosperity in the New Year. Most will have the Chinese character of ‘Fortune’ or ‘Fook’ printed on them.

Here are the rules to keep in mind to ensure that you do not inadvertently commit any Lai See faux pas.1. Lai See is traditionally given from older folk to younger

folk, and seniors to juniors. So it is appropriate for senior managers to give Lai See to their staff, and for resident building occupants to the building staff.

2. Married couples give Lai See to their single friends and younger relatives, one usually from each of the spouses. If you are single, you are likely the recipient.

3. Lai See is also given in general to people you wish to thank. Many people carry around a bunch of Lai See to distribute to people that they might meet and whom they wish to thank. Try and keep different denominations in different types of envelopes so that you can easily differentiate between the different Lai See.

4. The amount you put in the Lai See varies with the recipient. For people whose services you tend to use frequently, such as your laundry person or service staff at a restaurant you frequent, HKD 20 is usually considered acceptable. For little children, HKD 10 is perfectly fine. Older children and young adults should receive anything

from HKD 20-HKD 50. Bosses, married couples and older relatives tend to give higher amounts, but amounts of HKD 1000 or more are usually reserved for parents giving to their children.

5. Whatever the amount you choose to put in, it is very important to remember not to put any amount with the number ‘4’ in it, such as HKD 40 or HKD 400, since the number 4 sounds like the word for ‘Death’, and is thus unlucky and highly inappropriate.

6. Don’t use coins. Single or crisp bank notes are the way to go. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. So if you want to give HKD 200, give TWO packets containing HKD 100 each.

7. Banks all over the city are packed with people in the days leading up to the New Year for the new notes to put into the Lai See. You can call the banks ahead of time to inquire about when they will release the new notes and plan your visit accordingly.

8. The bank will also give you a bunch of red envelopes to use. You can also get the envelopes at stationery shops, supermarkets, and pop up stalls at most street markets like the ones in Wan Chai, or Mong Kok.

9. Remember to give and receive Lai See with both hands as a sign of respect and good manners.

10. Do not, EVER, give empty Lai See!11. Never let children hand out Lai See to staff, this is

considered very insulting. 12. Instead of giving Lai See, you can also give a small gift,

usually something sweet, like chocolate, but it must be packaged in traditional gold and red giftwrap.

13. When receiving Lai See, greet the giver appropriately. Make a fist with one hand and cup the other hand over it. Shake both hands while saying ‘Kung Hei Fat Choi’, which means ‘Congratulations and may you be prosperous’. Receive the envelope with both hands and say ‘Doh Jeh’, which means ‘That will do’, ie, thank you.

14. Never open the Lai See in front of the giver. Ideally you should look up the most prosperous day to open all the envelopes.

15. Only take Lai See that has been handed to you. Now that you are armed with the dos and don’ts of Lai

See giving and receiving, go out and spread the New Year Cheer. Kung He Fat Choi!

Lai See EtiquetteBy Dimple Shah

F e a t u r e



F e a t u r e

For the purposes of this article I asked my three children to kindly look at the programme for the upcoming Hong Kong Arts Festival and choose the performance they would most like to see.Step 1: Go to the Hong Kong Arts Festival website https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/programmes/index.html#Step 2: Make your selection and explain your reasoning.The website is brimming with information. Under the programme tab there are listings for all the events along with video clips.My 14-year-old is the first to provide his selection. “The circus one – Opus.”His choice also happens to be the first selection under circus.“OK, why?”When pressed, he suddenly changes his mind.“They’re all really weird but OK, I’ll choose that one.” (A circus performance called La Verita inspired by a Salvador Dali painting) “How come?” I ask“Because it looks like a dream with my eyes open” (This was of course plagiarized- I later found out)

My conscientious 1 2 - y e a r - o l d thoughtfully selects the contemporary circus performance called The Pianist. I think she chooses it because it looks funny in an offbeat way, but in her words: “It was the most entertaining because it has acrobatics. I don’t know, um, it has a dramatic effect. The end.”

My other 12-year-old begrudgingly comes to the table for the previews.“Which category interests you? Opera, Music, Theatre, Dance or Circus?”“Circus.”I play Opus for her.“Not that one.”The Pianist?

Shakes her head.La Verita?“Not this.”That’s it for the Circus selections, so I move on to Dance.I play the Danz Up preview thinking the urban dance warrior style might appeal to the’ America’s Got Talent’ fan in her.In between bites of cheese sandwich, she says: “I don’t want this either!” she’s getting agitatedI make one more desperate attempt with What’s Become of you? (a musical theatre production about a woman searching for herself while flamenco dancing)Shakes her head.“I don’t want to do this for your stupid article!”“But…”“STOP!”And there it ends.My husband attempts to save the crumbling family harmony with his selection of the musical theatre production of Lover.“Sounds like a great combination of Europe meets Asia including martial arts and music. I also like the sound of “contemplative gongs and pulsating drums” backed by a capella voices. (Much appreciated, Sean)

My choice is Jane Eyre because I read the novel this summer and all the injustices Jane faces from her cold and spiteful aunt and the self important Mr. Brockelhurst are fresh in my mind.

So there you have it, a n i l l - b e g o t t e n selection of cultural choices forced upon adolescent ingrates, e r , I m e a n a spectacular agenda for you and your family. Book now!The Hong Kong Arts Festival boasts more than 40 performances in various venues across the city from February 18th through to March 20th.

Hong Kong Arts Festival – Something for Everyone! By Claudia Doherty


Daniele Finzi Pasca’s La Verita (The Truth)

Circo Aereo & Thomas Monckton’s The Pianist

U-Theatre & Rundfunkchor Berlin’s Lover

Bristol Old Vic & National Theatre of Great Britain’s Jane Eyre


IT’S HUMID, pungent, crowded, dusty, but it’s got character by the boatload. Hong Kong is a study in contrasts, stomping ahead of every other city in a bid to be the most efficient, technically-savvy and monetarily free city in the world. At the same time multiple generations happily co-habit 400 sq foot homes, clinging to tradition.

Because it’s so multi-dimensional (literally and figuratively), I find that the most unique bits are not sitting in the pages of any guidebook. Here is my list of 10 things you can only do in Hong Kong. Walkways – A dense city, with more skyscrapers than NYC, Hong Kong has an equally dense set of indoor walkways linking all these mega-structures. You can get to work, step out for dim sum, buy lamb chops for the hubby, stop by the gym and be back home with nary a speck of dust on

you.Escalators – Every modern city has escalators. Hong Kong, though, shows you how it’s done. The Midlevels – Central escalator is a true technological marvel. It stretches about 800 meters, and is actually a series of 20 escalators interspersed by moving walkways. Noon day gun – A blast from the past, literally. A tradition from the colonial days, every noon a naval gun is fired in Causeway Bay close to the Excelsior hotel. Street food –‘Dai Pai Dongs’ (street food stalls) are everywhere. Sweet or savoury, meat or seafood, on a stick or in a soup – nothing is too tall an order. Still not a believer? Michelin have added a section in the 2016 HK and Macau guide for street food. A market for all reasons – I didn’t buy it when they first told me, but Hong Kong has a specialised market for ‘most anything’. There is one for fish – the kind you present to munchkin in a poly bag and keep in a bowl. There is also one for flowers, jade, shoes, electronics, and birds,

baking supplies, fabrics and party ware. Junk trips – Hong Kong has 263 islands. Hence a popular summer favourite is to hire a junk boat and go sailing to one of the many, many islands. Panda – Pandas are cute, cuddly and if we believe DreamWorks they pack a punch. Sadly they now struggle for survival. Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has a few giant and red pandas. Their enclosure is not huge, and on a good day out you are almost guaranteed to see one lazing around in the sun. Custom number plates – I recently stumbled upon a Facebook group dedicated to number-plate spotting. The relief I felt that I was not the only one indulging in this, admittedly absurd, pastime was immeasurable. There is ‘Vanessa’, ‘Ironman’ and ‘Doc’ to name a few. Riding the double decker – You haven’t ridden in a bus, till you jump on a double decker from Central to Stanley. It’s like a ship’s passage on a stormy sea so be prepared for some high swells. The bus executes almost-pirouettes around hairpin turns, all the while caressing the edge of a tall hill. It’s quite a ride. Try getting the first seat on the top deck for a courtside view.Lights –Hong Kong definitely has a love affair with lights. I don’t mean the skyline at night, though that is spectacular. I mean the shops that sell light-fittings for your home. You will find huge chandeliers all lit up that would not be out of place in an Indian palace. Take a stroll down Morrison Hill Road any evening to check out this novel sight.

10 Things you can onlydo in Hong Kong

F e a t u r e

By Tanvi Gupta



All you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive!ASIAN TOURS 2015-2016 TRIPS

Trip Date Destination Sign-Up Start Date Leader

March 2016 Sri Lanka Almost Full! Diane Lamboley, 9020 9385April 2016 Japan Registration On-going Cynthia Lackey, 6200 3222May 2016 Mogoa Caves - Danxia (Rainbow Mountains) – China November Date TBA Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559September 2016 Bhutan March Date TBA Julie Naughton, 9028 6606

For more information on any trip, please contact the trip leader. The AWA office will not have the information.

Book now for Asian Tours

a s i a N t o u r s

TAIM AWA Half Dec 2015 landscape.pdf 1 12/15/2015 10:19:54 AM


C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Feng Shui Series: Feng Shui Predictions for 2016When: Tuesday, 2 February, 10:00am – 12pm

Working with Chocolate: Chinese New Year and Valentine sweetsWhen: Wednesday, 3 February, 10:00am – 1pm

Flower Arranging – Chinese New YearWhen: Thursday, 4 February, 10:15am – 12pm

Wills and Legal Guardians: Guiding families through International Matrimonial issuesWhen: Tuesday, 16 February, 10:30am – 12pm

Silver Charm Making Workshop – Year of the MonkeyWhen: Wednesday, 17 February, 9:30am – 2.00pm

Diamonds – A Girls Best FriendWhen: Thursday, 18 February, 9:45 – 12:30

Cooking With Passion: ‘A Taste of Southeast Asia -2’When: Thursday, 18 February, 11:00 – 1:30pm

Historical Talk with Jason Wordie: Women in the Twentieth Century – A Hong Kong PerspectiveWhen: Monday, 22 February, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Cycling Tour with Michael Hansen – “Rivers, Fish Ponds and Heritage”When: Monday, 22 February, 08:45am – 3:30pm

Navigating Family Medical Care Needs and Options in Hong KongWhen: Tuesday, 23 February, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Hong Kong Neighbourhood Series – At Home in AberdeenWhen: Wednesday, 24 February, 10:00am – 2:00 pm

Health and Wellness Series:

Body and LifeWhen: Wednesday, 24 February, 10:am – 11:30pm

Working with Chocolate: Focus on Dark ChocolateWhen: Thursday, 25 February, 10am – 1pm

How to Hire and Train a Domestic HelperWhen: Monday, 29 February, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

February 20161 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Tsz Shan Monastery and Lunch in Tai Mei Tuk – New TerritoriesWhen: Wednesday, 2 March, 8:45am – 4pm

Cooking Demo and Lunch: Meatless Lunch and Dinner IdeasWhen: Friday, 4 March, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Tour of the Kwai Chung Container Terminal PortWhen: Friday, 18 March 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

March 20161 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31



Working with Chocolate: Chinese New Year & Valentine SweetsWhen: Wednesday, February 3 10am – 1pmWhere: Kennedy Road, Wan Chai (exact address to be provided to attendees) Cost: $560 members $620 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 6Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484

What says Valentine’s more than roses and cherry cordials. In this course, we will learn to make a fondant to wrap around individual cherries, then hand dip them in

shaped moulds with dark or milk chocolate and luxurious rose ganache. Finally, to ring in good fortune for the Chinese New Year, we will use moulds shaped like Chinese

chocolate and an orange ganache and

Our teacher for today is AWA member Teresa Vanden Bosch. Teresa is a Belgian trained chocolatier and owner of Papillon au Chocolat. Everything that Teresa teaches in her class can be replicated at home without needed a lots of specialized equipment. Aprons will be provided, but please bring plastic containers and a bag for taking your sweet treats home.

Flower Arranging – Chinese New Year

When: Thursday, February 4, 10:15am-12 pmWhere: W Workshop, Room 21, 3/F, Block H, East Sun Industrial Bldg., 20 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong (Closest MTR Kwun Tong, Exit B) Cost: $400 members $460 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 6Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 Kate Mahjoubian, 6264 6559

Flowers are important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. In today’s class, our instructor, Winky, will teach us about

making our own special Chinese New Year

centerpiece to enjoy at home. This class is a hybrid of a highly structured class

basic instruction and skills and then you will use that knowledge to make your own version of the sample arrangement. This class is slightly higher priced than other

increases during the period leading up to Chinese New Year. Please bring a bag to carry your arrangement home.

Wills and Legal Guardians: Guiding families through international matrimonial issues

When: Tuesday, 16 February 2016, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Cost: $310 members $370 members’ guestCapacity:min. 8, max. 30Coordinators:Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559

Join Caroline Langley, a U.S. Attorney, a U.K. Barrister and a H.K. Barrister and an international mediator as she speaks on the intricacies of Expat families and their special needs.A United States expat family, a U.S. person married to a non-citizen spouse, a non-U.S. person investing in the United States, or other families with multiple nationalities, will need to have a tailored cross-border estate plan which navigates

L O C A L T O U R S A N D A C T I V I T I E S

When: Tuesday, 2 February 10:00am – 12:00pmRegister by:Wednesday, 27 January

Cost: $310 member/ $370 member’s guestCapacity: min. 10, max.12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Jane Buck, 9530 7957

“Feng Shui Predictions for 2016” talks about the upcoming Year of the Fire

how you can harness the positive energies of the environment throughout the year. You’ll learn how to take advantage of the opportunities and circumvent the disadvantages of the Year of the Fire Monkey, and gain a

Monkey Susanne Schutz, an HK-based Feng Shui Business Consultant, gives this series of talks.

Feng Shui series: Feng Shui Predictions for 2016



transfer tax laws in all of the relevant countries that may factor in the distribution of property prior to and upon death. An overview of the myriad of techniques that can mitigate the punitive effect of transfer taxes will be given in this presentation and the rights of expatriate children and their guardians will also be examined.

Silver Charm Making Workshop – Year of the MonkeyWhen: Wednesday, 17 February, 9:30am –2:00pm

Cost: $590 members $660 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 7Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484

Cally Chu, the owner of Ever True Jewelry, has put together a special “Introduction to silver jewelry making” workshop for the AWA. Taking her inspiration from the “Year of the Monkey,” Cally will walk us through the entire process, from paper design through prototype. Molding, rough silver

start with the rough silver and each of us

suitable for adding to a charm bracelet or hanging from a chain. You will leave with an appreciation for what goes into making a handmade sterling piece, some of the basic techniques, and a unique charm.

is something you’d like to continue. All materials are included. No prior experience is needed.

Diamonds – A Girls Best Friend

When: Thursday, 18 February, 9:45am –12:30pmWhere: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing Building, No 1 On Hing Terrace, CentralCost: $160 members $220 member’s guest Capacity: min. 6, max. 12 Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484

Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend and are known by most everyone, but they are really understood by only a small group. From the mines to the consumer, diamonds go through a surprising journey before reaching the jewelers’ showroom. This seminar gives you an insight into diamonds, the reasons for their “rarity” and value, and the best trade-offs for the consumer to make when buying a diamond on a limited

the tricks that some jewelers use on the unsuspecting consumer. Celso D’Alejo,

will conduct this hand on seminar in the showroom. 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.

Cooking With Passion ‘A Taste of Southeast Asia-2’When: Thursday, 18 February, 11:00am – 1:30pmWhere: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa Monte Rosa, Flat 1, Block C, 9th Floor, Hong Kong Guest parking available.Cost: $390 members $450 non-member (includes a sit-down lunch with wine)Capacity: min. 4, max.6Coordinator: Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199

Travel through Southeast Asia from Lavinia’s spacious kitchen and discover

the orient. From chilies and coconuts, lemongrass and tamarind to cardamom and fenugreek, spices that are blended to create the wonderful cuisine of Asia and a true voyage of discovery! Today’s menu is: Braised ‘Kofta’ Meatballs in Masala Sauce (India), Basil Chicken (Thailand), ‘Sanna Pakora’ Crunchy Vegetable Cocktail Fritters (South India) and ‘Sushi’ California Roll (Japan). A sit-down lunch will follow the class

Navigating Family Medical Care Needs and Options in Hong KongWhen: Tuesday, 23 February, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Cost: $310 members $370 members’ guestCapacity: min. 8, max. 30Coordinators: Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559

Evaluating and navigating medical care abroad can be daunting. Join Cliff Harkins of Private Capital Limited who will be speaking on Family Medical Care. Topics to be covered will include optimizing cover v budget; simplifying the process of getting the right cover-in-force at the right time and price; what are options if company coverage lapses or is withdrawn; long term care. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Historical Talk with Jason Wordie: Women in the Twentieth Century – A Hong Kong Perspective

When: Monday, 22 February 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Cost: $310 member

Capacity: min. 12, max. 30 Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957

Twentieth century Hong Kong experienced tremendous societal change, and in few aspects was this transformation more profound and long lasting than in the changing role and status of women. In particular, the public role played by Chinese women altered profoundly, and the effects

endeavor continue into the present day. In this exciting new lecture, we will explore the broader international and local circumstances that contributed to this evolution, and track these changes through the fascinating lives and careers of various women from very diverse ethnic backgrounds, educational levels and socio-economic circumstances who all made their homes and lives in Hong Kong.




Hong Kong Neighborhood Series – At Home in Aberdeen

When: Wednesday, 24 February, 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: Inside Admiralty MTR station, near Marks and Spencer Food shopCost: $140 members $200 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 9Coordinator: Cassidy Klein, 6073 5654

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has

continue our “Neighborhood Series” with a tour of Aberdeen. With an experienced real estate professional as our guide, we will learn how to get there by public transport, wander inside some of the area’s typical apartments, see what the local markets are like, get a feel for what else the area has to offer and have lunch (optional, at shared expense) in one of the neighborhood’s restaurants.

Health and Wellness Series: How Your Brain Health Affects Your Body and LifeWhen: Wednesday, 24 February, 10:00am – 11:30pmRegister by: Thursday, 18 February

Cost: $280 member $340 member’s guestCapacity: min. 6, max. 12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378

As a society, we are so preoccupied with how we look physically, that we rarely think about what actually happens with our brains before those “senior moments” get more and more frequent. And even then we think it is a normal aging process … Do you know what affects the health of your brain? How to take care of yourself to boost your brain’s performance? What you can do to decelerate your brain aging and look better too?Join us at this informal workshop with an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and learn some useful tips on taking care of this most important organ.

Working with Chocolate: Focus on Dark Chocolate

When: Thursday, February 25, 10am – 1pmWhere: Kennedy Road, Wan Chai (exact address to be provided to attendees) Cost: $560 members $620 member’s guest Capacity: min. 4, max. 6Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484

This 3-hour course will teach you the basics of working with dark chocolate. After a brief review of how to temper dark chocolate using the microwave oven, you will begin to work with the chocolate you have tempered. First, you will make mendicants, chocolate lollypops, and chocolate decorations. Then you will work with molds to make chocolate cups and

cups with a dark chocolate ganache and

teacher for today is AWA member Teresa Vanden Bosch. Teresa is a Belgian trained chocolatier and owner of Papillion au Chocolate. Everything that Teresa teaches in her class can be replicated at home without needing lots of specialized equipment. Aprons will be provided, but please bring plastic containers and a bag for taking your sweet treats home.

How to Hire and Train a Domestic Helper

When: Monday, 29 February, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Cost: $360 member $420 member’s guestCapacity: min. 5, max. 10 Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957

Whether or not you are employing a

seminar will teach you what you need to

and manage a helper, and how-to make life pleasant for yourself and your helper. Our instructor Rehana Sheikh has more than 15 years experience consulting on this very topic. You will receive handouts covering 15 distinct topics ranging from interviewing, required contracts, insurance and expenses to managing & training, living arrangements, holidays, salaries and terminating a contract.


When: Monday, 22 February 8.45am – 3:30pm

by Airport ExpressCost: $310 members

Capacity: min. 7, max.16Coordinators: Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378

years - to see rather impressive number of ancestral halls and temples. After a

Cormorants, Grey Herons, Teals and

return our bikes.

Bicycle rental is included in the price, but

.

Cycling Tour with Michael Hansen - “Rivers, Fish Ponds and Heritage”



Looking Further Ahead.

MARCHTsz Shan Monastery followed by lunch in Tai Mei TukA unique opportunity to visit this Monastery in Tai Po, New Territories

When: Wednesday, 2 March 2016, 8:45 – 4pm (approx.)Where: Meet outside General Post

Cost: $ 265 member $ 325 member’s guestIncludes return transfers on private coach and 3-course lunch (excludes refreshments). No refunds after 24 February 2016Capacity: min. 45, max. 60Coordinators: Tracey-Lee Hayes, 9130 0851 Regine Pocsatko, 6141 7061 Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378

Tsz Shan Monastery located in Tai Po, was opened to the public in April 2015. Getting a reservation to visit is extremely

to secure a group booking to this Chinese Buddhist monastery. The monastery practices the Dharma preached by

a sanctuary beyond the bustle of our dusty world, where illuminated minds can feel pure, free and unconditioned. Mr. Li Ka-shing started the Tsz Shan Monastery project in 2003, and to date, has donated over HK$1.7 billion to establish this institute of Buddhist studies to facilitate the understanding of the Buddha’s wisdom, philosophy and teachings. After the visit to the Monastery we will go to the village of Tai Mei Tuk for a leisurely lunch. The coach will return to the IFC in Central after lunch.“A Gentle Reminder: Proper attire (e.g. sleeved tops, trousers, mid-calf dresses or pants) must be worn at all time in the Monastery.”PLEASE OPEN FOR BOOKINGS IMMEDIATALEY

Cooking Demo and Lunch: Meatless Lunch and Dinner Ideas

When: Friday, 4 March, 10.00am – 2:00pmRegister by: Tuesday, 1 MarchWhere: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest,

3A Tregunter Path, MidlevelsCost: $390 members $450 member’s guestCapacity: min. 4, max. 7Coordinators: Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378

Meatless Mondays are not just a trend; it is a big part of a healthy lifestyle whether you are a vegetarian or trying to go easy after a big foodie weekend. We all know vegetables are good for us, but don’t always have that inspiration to try something new. That’s where a cooking demo can help. Come and enjoy a morning of cooking with Lena – an avid cook and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, eager to share her passion for wellbeing. We will make 5 different dishes that will use a variety of ingredients - a soup, a salad, an entree, a snack and a guilt-free dessert. As we go through the cooking process, Lena will talk about the nutritional value of the ingredients, and will provide you with a list of suggestions for healthy snacks. The best part? We will sit down to enjoy all this delicious food for lunch! Bon Appetite!

Tour of the Kwai Chung Container Terminal Port

When: Friday, 18th March, 9:30 - 4:00 pmWhere: Meet in front of the General Post

Register by: Wednesday, 2 March No refunds after this date.Cost: $460 members $520 guests

Capacity: min. 25, max. 30Coordinator:Barbara Galligan, 6080 6523 Tracey-Lee Hayes, 9130 0851

Join us as we tour the 4th busiest container port in the world in Kwai Chung, Kowloon. We will have a guided tour of one of the HIT terminals and will learn facts

as well as the history of the port. As a special add on, we will drive through the actual terminals to have a closer look at the cranes, stacks of containers and container vessels. Following our tour, we will travel to the Beas River Jockey Club in Sheung Shui for lunch (included) and a mini tour of the Beas River Stables. Asian Express International Movers Ltd graciously sponsors this tour.

Registration ProceduresLocal Tour and Activity (LTA) events are

month in which the activity will be held. Activities being held in the early part of the following month are open for registration

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.

Refund, Cancellation and Substitution PoliciesEvery activity includes an administrative fee of HK$60* Member/ HK$ 120 Member’s 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

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 six months from the date of

(30 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,

place and allow someone on the waitlist to attend.

*The $60 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is not donated to the Charitable and Education fund.




AWA’s Ongoing ActivitiesOf the many ways to get involved in the AWA, Ongoing Clubs and Sports are the most popular, and easiest, ways to make

new friends. We offer something for everyone: from hobbies to languages, golf and dragon boat racing. Ongoing Clubs & Sports offer comfortable and enjoyable ways to keep busy and expand your network of friends. These activities are organized by AWA members for AWA members with similar interests and passions. One time registration is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. For more information and to register, go online to www.awa.org.hk.

ArT LOvErS: Kumiko Matsushima, [email protected]; Cynthia Lackey, [email protected]

PHOTOgrAPHY grOUP: Sharon Mason, [email protected]

STITCH: Alison Levingston, [email protected];

AFTErNOON BOOK CLUB: Penny Van Niel, [email protected]; Anna MacDonald, [email protected])

EvENINg BOOK CLUB: Melissa Grove, [email protected]

SPIrITUAL LITErACY grOUP: KateWeisman, [email protected]

MAHjONg MADNESS: Katherine Fenton, [email protected]; Christine Scullion, [email protected]

SOCIAL BrIDgE AND LUNCH: Lisa Strunin, [email protected]

gAMES gALOrE-MAHjONg Or BrIDgE: Beth Hall, [email protected]

LUNCH BUNCH: Judy Lakey, [email protected]

ICC- INTErNATIONAL COOKINg CLUB: Co-ordinator required

gALLOPINg gOUrMET: Marybeth Coffer, Linda Gomoll, [email protected], [email protected]

ITALIAN CONvErSATION grOUP: Giuditta Crovato, [email protected]

AWA HIKINg: Birgit Imkamp, Patti Smith, Cynthia Lackey, [email protected]

AWA gLOBE PADDLErS Elissa Imran, [email protected];

DrAgON BOAT TEAM: Anne Fifer, [email protected] AWA gOLF SOCIETY: Sue Webb, [email protected]

WOMENS FOrUM: Sally Kooser, [email protected]

o N G o i N G a c t i v i t i e s C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected]

Chairperson Susie Edrington: [email protected]

Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: [email protected] for Domestic Helpers Nicola Cottrell: [email protected] Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: [email protected] in the Home Marybeth Coffer: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Trisha Cliff: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Linda VanNoy: [email protected] for the Disabled [email protected] Hok Elderly Centre Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Eden Foundation Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Sunshine Action Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Hong Kong Co-ordinator required: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]

Chairperson Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Conversation Sheila Twinn: [email protected]

Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] Interviews Katherine Payne [email protected] Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Chairperson Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Moderator Rachel Bourke: [email protected]

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected]

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES [email protected]

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Asian Tours Kate Mahjoubian [email protected] Tours and Activities Jane Buck: [email protected] SOCIAL Patti Smith: [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 members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected]

President Marcy LaRont: [email protected] VP Fundraising Amanda Foster: [email protected] VP Membership Sharon Mason: [email protected] Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Editor Lindsey Gordon: [email protected] Donations Andrea Roth: [email protected] Service Susie Edrington: [email protected] & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Relations Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: [email protected] Annie Fifer: [email protected] and Social Media Angela Bellas: [email protected] Sponsorship Nikola Andersson: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected]

2nd Vice President Sharon Mason: [email protected] Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559Membership Discounts [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] Mary Barbara Hanna: [email protected]


c o N t a c t i N F o r m a t i o NC O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected]

Chairperson Susie Edrington: [email protected]

Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: [email protected] for Domestic Helpers Nicola Cottrell: [email protected] Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: [email protected] in the Home Marybeth Coffer: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Trisha Cliff: [email protected] Soup Kitchen Linda VanNoy: [email protected] for the Disabled [email protected] Hok Elderly Centre Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Eden Foundation Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Sunshine Action Co-ordinator required: [email protected] Hong Kong Co-ordinator required: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]

Chairperson Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Conversation Sheila Twinn: [email protected]

Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] Interviews Katherine Payne [email protected] Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Chairperson Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Moderator Rachel Bourke: [email protected]

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected]

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES [email protected]

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Asian Tours Kate Mahjoubian [email protected] Tours and Activities Jane Buck: [email protected] SOCIAL Patti Smith: [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 members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected]

President Marcy LaRont: [email protected] VP Fundraising Amanda Foster: [email protected] VP Membership Sharon Mason: [email protected] Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Editor Lindsey Gordon: [email protected] Donations Andrea Roth: [email protected] Service Susie Edrington: [email protected] & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: [email protected] Relations Rachel Bourke: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: [email protected] Annie Fifer: [email protected] and Social Media Angela Bellas: [email protected] Sponsorship Nikola Andersson: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected]

2nd Vice President Sharon Mason: [email protected] Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559Membership Discounts [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] Mary Barbara Hanna: [email protected]

A MessAGe FOr All us pAsspOrT HOlders FrOM THe leAGue OF wOMeN VOTers – HONG KONG uNiT

HOw TO reQuesT AN AbseNTee bAllOT FrOM YOur sTATe

You will vote in the state where you last resided in the United States of America. Your registration/absentee ballot request should be sent to that state.

Each state has its own deadline. Check the Federal Voter Assistance Program website (http://www.fvap.gov/) for your state’s specific deadline. FOR 2016 ELECTIONS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU REGISTER BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2016.

To complete the correct ballot request for your state, go to www.votefromabroad.org and complete the online form for each voting member of your family. Print the form and mail to the address provided on the website. Remember to mail your ballot request from abroad. Requests mailed in the United States may not be honored.

Questions? Please contact the League of Women Voters – Hong Kong Unit at [email protected]. We will be happy to help!

us VOTer reGisTrATiON & AbseNTee bAllOTs

Kung Hei Fat Choi - awa.org.hk Feb 2016.pdf · A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • February...

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