A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • February 2015 Feb 2015.pdf · AdvErTisinG mAnAGEr Hildy Karev [email protected] PubLisHEd & PrinTEd bY r&r Publishing Ltd. 2126 7812

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 5

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

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

EdiTorJoy MurrayTel: 6773 [email protected]

AssisTAnT EdiTorsLori DiCarloangela bellas

GrAPHicsJacky Ngan

PHoToGrAPHYFahima ahmadLori DiCarloSharon Mason

AdvErTisinG mAnAGErHildy [email protected]

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

Membership 3

Board Nominations 4

Art on the Line 5

Red Cross Cookie Drive 10

Extra Special Birthdays 12

Container Port Tour 14

Chinese University Herb Garden 16

Chinese New Year 18

Amazing Mongolia 22

Local Tours and Activities 24

Ongoing Activities 32

Contact Information 37

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

folloW us on tWitter: @AWA_hk

The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. The AWA Office will be closed for Chinese New Year on Thursday 19 February 2015

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 publicationmay not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

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Contents

2 aWare February 2015

Welcome to the American Women's Association of Hong Kong!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and celebrated the New Year surrounded by family and friends. As we welcome in the Chinese New Year, I wish everyone a safe holiday and a prosperous Year of the Sheep.

As many of you are already aware, the AWA has launched the “Make a Difference” campaign. We ask that you donate directly to this fund so we can fulfill our mission of supporting local charities, disadvantaged students, and schools.

Every year we receive many requests for projects from small to medium charities that don’t have other major sources of funding. Andrea Roth, our Charitable Donations Committee Chairperson, and her amazing team have the difficult task of

choosing which charities/ projects to fund every year therefore, the more money we raise, the more we can give, so please be as generous as you can.

I would also like to announce the appointment of Bernice Lee as Chair for Education and Scholarship. Bernice is founder and director of ELI, The Etiquette & Leadership Institute, which provides expert interview coaching and etiquette training to children, teens and adults. Her mission is to give people social and communication skills that will give them poise and confidence. Her vision is to create communities characterised by friendliness, courtesy and respect. She looks forward to learning the aspects of the AWA and working to expand the educational opportunities of bright local students in Hong Kong.

Lastly, it is time to nominate the AWA's 2015/16 Board of Directors. Please consider nominating someone, or yourself, to serve on the Board. I cannot express enough the importance of serving on such a dedicated board that contributes their time and passion not only to their members but to the community of Hong Kong as well. Please help us in making the AWA a success for all involved.

Kung Hei Fat Choy,

Stephanie BourqueAWA President

It cannot be 2015 already! But of course it is and I believe the New Year presents an ideal opportunity to take on fresh challenges, expand experiences and learn about this wonderful city in which we live.

With all the disturbing news in the world it is good to know that as AWA members we can extend a hand of friendship and humanity to those less fortunate than ourselves and in so

doing achieve immense satisfaction. There are so many interesting programs and opportunities to give of our time and experience and in the process discover a different culture and perhaps also unearth some of our own talents. Whether you are interested in connecting with young people, helping the elderly, fundraising or contributing to the organization, the opportunity is there for you to discover!

My time is winding down in Hong Kong and as I look back I realize that it has been the most

exciting time of my life! I have met so many wonderful and interesting people, made so many good friends and learned about the world. For new people in Hong Kong I cannot think of a better way to connect with the community than through AWA.

The morning coffee was the door that opened to such an interesting world! The volunteer experience was the treasure behind that door. I urge members who have not sought their treasure to do so now.

Take a look at the articles within this issue and decide where you fit – then enjoy and learn. You won’t be sorry. I wish you all a very happy and productive New Year .

Sincerely,

Joy MurrayAWA Editor

From the President From the Editor

W e L C o M e

February 2015 aWare 3

M e M b e r S H i P

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, 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.

CHAT (Come Have a Talk)WHEN: Thursday, 10:00am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) WHERE: J.W. Marriott Hotel, 4th Floor, Lobby

Lounge (bar area), Pacific Place COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal

expense)COORDINATOR: Susan Wallace, 9783 3227 CHAT is an informal gathering for members, newcomers, and non-members. In a friendly atmosphere, we share a coffee or tea and lively conversation. CHAT is a drop-in activity. No registration is required. Jo i n u s a ny t i m e between 10:00am and noon. The group often proceeds to lunch to continue chatting. A chance fo r some "grown-up" time and to leave the little ones at home.

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]

Foon YingWHEN: February 5, 11, 25WHERE: You will be contacted by the coordinatorCOORDINATORS: Hildy Karev, [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!

welcome New MembersAnita AgeeShauna AlexanderAmal AzizSwati BarveBegona Blanco MunozAlison BoaSue DeanTess DixonSylvia FahrnyNadine FerrantiAmanda FosterMichele GouldingKaty GrecoSarah HawkesLinda HaySusan Hempsell

Wendy JahnkeKaarina KaukorantaJennifer KindelAnna KluteLaurie LingM Melinda MeadorAtsue (Poong-Ji) Parisi (Han)Sue PetytConstance PuiseuxDeborah RaynerLouise ScardifieldBaiju ShahJacqueline SmithAmy TempleLinda Van NoyEleni Wang


M e M b e r S H i P

Board NominationsNominations for the AWA Board of Directors for 2015/16

are coming up so it is time to think about whether this is a role you would like to pursue or whether you would like to propose another worthy person. All positions are one year terms commencing July 1, 2015.

Being a member of the Board is a great way to contribute your skills and talents to your organization. You would be working with some amazing women from many different backgrounds and countries. What an opportunity to learn and share your own skills! And for women looking for work in Hong Kong the Board may be an excellent way to meet people and to add the Board experience to your resume.

The Board meets once a month to conduct the business of AWA. The positions on the board are:• President• 1st.VicePresident(Fundraising)• 2nd.VicePresident(Membership)• 3rd.VicePresident(Activities)• RecordingSecretary• Treasurer• CharitableDonationsChairperson• EducationandScholarshipChairperson• CommunityServiceChairperson

Please consider what you can do for the AWA Board and what the Board can do for you. Nominations are now open.

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 Tracy Russell & Tina Volkman, [email protected]

SAI KUNGKatherine Fenton, [email protected]

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

HK CENTRAL/MID LEvELSKathy Barber, [email protected]

Are you a working woman? Are you considering joining the workforce?

The AWA can help you!

WOW!(Windows on the Workplace)

WOW is a networking and support group for working and non-working women of all nationalities and backgrounds in Hong Kong. WOW offers professional workshops, seminars and informal networking opportunities. Through our community of business owners, industry professionals and knowledge seekers, women will be nurtured and inspired.

For more information, you can 'like' us on our AWA Hong Kong - WOW Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/AWA-Hong-Kong-WOW/) or check us out on the AWA website (www.awa.org.hk) or in AWAre magazine.

WOW events are open to all women (and men) in the Hong Kong community. Our Facebook Page shows all upcoming events. For more information contact Mary Barbara Hanna at [email protected]

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong (“AWA”) is a volunteer organization of women of all nationalities supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational, social and travel activities for members. Website: www.awa.org.hk


C H a r i T y b a z a a r


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

TICKETS: $500/person

7:00 – 8:00pm HAPPY HOUR 8:00 – 10:30pm QUIZ TIME

INCLUDES: Icy cold pint, pub grub, fun company, lots of laughs, brain teasers, great prizes and much more…

SPACE IS LIMITED!

JOIN US FOr A FUN NIGhT OUT TO rAISe MONeY FOr


Proceeds from the

AWA Pub Quiz will go to the hong

kong Association for Physically handicapped

and Able bodies (hkPhAb), a charity that has been

supported by the AWA for a number of years. this non-profit

association is dedicated to providing a variety of programs and

services to persons with and without disabilities to promote social

integration. the credo of hkPhb is “opportunity, not Pity”. While most of

their programs address people with disabilities, they also care for the

caregivers. According to their experience 80% of the caregivers are women

and 55% of them report high to extreme levels of stress.

four AWA members met with the caregiver at the office of hkPhAb and were

moved by the experience. “i'm quite sure being asked to join a group of expat ladies

and three charity representatives was very intimidating for her and took a lot of

courage. she didn't speak often but when she did speak through a translator, her

eyes told us everything. “she admitted to depression in the past,” said liana

sadhwani, cDc team member. “she told us how playing a cD from a prior therapy

session funded by AWA helped her when times were hard and really helped her

feel connected with others while she was alone at home. there wasn't one of

the visiting AWA members who didn't feel PhAb deserved priority funding

and our members' help.”

the proceeds of the Pub Quiz will help finance hkPhb programs,

such as an expressive art therapy program, which in turn help

caregivers cope with their high level of stress and

physical burnout and also promote inner healing.


Members were thrilled with a lovely Holiday High Tea at the famous Peninsula Hotel.

A very happy group of shoppers found treasures at the Win Core Designer Leather Factory.

Members were treated to numerous Indian delicacies at the Indian High Tea at Lavinia’s home.

After the Tea, Lavinia demonstrated how to wear a sari.

Members had the special opportunity to witness the Jiao Festival in New Territories, an event which takes place only every 10 years. They were able to explore ancestral halls and temples, the bamboo theatre which had been erected just for the event, enjoy a special backstage visit in the opera house and experience the opening section of the opera. It was a very enriching day for all.

a W a e N J o y S


A fun day was spent exploring the Yuet Tung China Works warehouse in Western District

Local historian, Jason Wordie, explained the mysteries and meanings of popular Chinese culture in every day Hong Kong to AWA members.

Members of the Needle Arts Group gathered to say good-bye and thank you to Elisabeth Denys, organizer of the group for the past few years. The group presented Elisabeth with a quilt made from squares signed by all group members and assembled by Alison Levingston, one of the new coordinators of Needle Arts.


V o L u N T e e r i N g

EvERY YEAR, the Red Cross organizes a Christmas party for kids in hospitals around Hong Kong, giving them cookies baked by us. AWA has been baking for the Red Cross for nearly 30 years now and this was one the most satisfying projects I have worked on; making kids happy was wonderful.

The preparation for the cookie drive started one month before the delivery date; we put ads in AWAre magazine and on the AWA website so members could sign up to do the baking.

We asked members to bake and bake they did! This year we delivered 2,900 cookies! Imagine how many smiles we put on kids’ faces!!

Once members baked their cookies they delivered them to the AWA office. I collected them from there and delivered them to a school in Wan Chai. From there, the cookies were distributed to hospitals around Hong Kong.

The Red Cross held a Christmas Party at Queen Mary’s Hospital; Lisa Strunin and I went along. They presented the

AWA with a prize for our support and generosity towards the kids in HK.

I even had to make a speech on stage, in front of a lot of people! I was a little nervous, it was my first time, but I was thinking it was for the kids. I prepared a nice speech on behalf of AWA, went on stage and got through it ok.

It was so nice to hear the feedback from Sue, the head of the school in Wan Chai. She said the kids were so excited when they got our cookies and they loved the Gingerbread Men the best; they started screaming with excitement when they saw them.

Our aim for next year is to make cookies with more shapes.

I met fantastic people working on this project. They dedicated their heart to this – it’s so nice to know there are such good people in this world. I want to send a huge thank you to everyone who baked for this wonderful occasion. I hope to see your cookies for many years to come.

AWA and The Annual Red Cross Cookie Drive

By Patrizia Tarallo


MOST OF US LOvE TO CHAT, to talk about our lives, our travels and our ambitions for the future. Imagine – you can open doors of opportunity for local Hong Kong students just by chatting with them for one hour per week.

The AWA's Chatterbox program is an English conversation program that brings AWA volunteers into under-resourced schools in Hong Kong. Bernice Lee, AWA Chairperson for Education and Scholarship, said that Chatterbox is currently offered in six Hong Kong schools but there is an urgent need for more volunteers to keep the program going. “Schools would love it if we served more students but we are limited by the number of our volunteers. With more volunteers, we can broaden our impact on kids who need learning support very badly but whose families can’t afford it.”

This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for both newcomers and long-term residents of Hong Kong. Here is a chance to meet other service-minded women, visit areas of the city that you might not otherwise see, and learn something of the Hong Kong culture. “The lives of local students are very

different from those of expatriate children,” said Bernice. “It can be an eye-opening experience.” It is, of course, also very fulfilling to contribute to the development and future of motivated and grateful students, and build friendly relationships with them.

Volunteers spend an hour a week chatting with students, helping them with their everyday English and encouraging them to become comfortable speaking the language. “For some students, this may be the only opportunity they have to speak with a native English speaker,” said Bernice. When Chatterbox volunteers share their worldly experiences, the conversations can also broaden the horizons of the students.

A very practical benefit of the program to the students is that it prepares them to tackle the oral English section of the government’s secondary school graduation exam. Strong performance in English is required for university admission. In a city where less than 20% of high school graduates matriculate to a Hong Kong university, every chance to increase one’s competitive edge counts. Good English skills also help students access better paying jobs.

Conversation topics vary from school to school and depend on the needs of the students. Each school has an AWA volunteer coordinator who works closely with teachers to determine topics and materials. Sometimes the topics are theme-based, free flow or curriculum-based -- but all with the purpose of providing opportunities for the students to talk and giving feedback to them. Each school’s coordinator recruits volunteers, organizes the weekly visits, and supports the team to deliver the best program possible.

Chatterbox needs both school coordinators and team volunteers. We hope you will join us!

Please contact Barbara Thomas, Chatterbox Program Coordinator or Bernice Lee, Education & Scholarship Chair for more details.

Chatting for a Cause By Joy Murray and Bernice Lee




CAKE! PRESENTS! BALLOONS! Family and friends! Birthdays are unique; a celebration of an individual that says “I made it another year!” For children, this day is extra special, a time when the world seems to revolve solely around them. For children at Ronald McDonald House (RMH), often birthdays are simply another day of treatment, another round of medicine, and another morning in pain. And for the parents of these children, the day can be bittersweet. Often, amid the joy of celebrating another year, is the inner heartache of knowing that this may be their child’s last birthday.

So the ladies at AWA, along with a few other special volunteers, try our best to bring the joy back into the day! For one afternoon every other month, we bring together the balloons, cake, crafts, presents, games and food…lots and lots of food! For one afternoon, parents can watch their children play games, laugh at silly songs, create seasonal crafts and share in the joy of cake and a veritable buffet of unique and tasty food. For one afternoon, treatments are

Extra Special Birthdays

By Renee Cheung and Tricia Cliff



forgotten and laughter can be heard as the bingo wheel spins and someone wins a prize. Eyes sparkle as the children line up to blow out the candles on the cake and proud parents take pictures. Since the parties are held bi-monthly, all the children who have birthdays in that two month time span receive special gifts. It is an afternoon filled with smiles and special joy.

If you think this sounds like an event you don’t want to miss, we would love to hear from you!! There are numerous ways that you can be involved in these parties. For each party, we need about 6-8 ladies who can bring, prepare and serve food to the children and their families. Options are pretty much endless, but you can always ask us for suggestions. We are always happy to receive donations of gifts and/or monetary donations to help buy them. If you cannot be physically present, you can have pizza or other food delivered…it’s always well-received.

Parties are generally held bi-monthly on the last Saturday of the month. In 2015, those months will be, March, May, July, September and November. Don’t worry if you cannot be there for all of them! We will send emails about a month in advance and find out who is available.

We would love to see you there! For more information, or to have your name added to the

volunteer list, please email Renee Cheung at [email protected] or Tricia Cliff at [email protected].


F e a T u r e

ONE THING ALL ExPATS have in common is packing and deciding what will be needed immediately in our new locale. (Otherwise known as “the air shipment.”) The bulk of what we own, however, gets put into an ocean container and is ever so slowly moved across the world.

For most of us, our knowledge of how this operation works ends at our doors. We watch our items get packed, leave…and then, a few weeks (months?) later…reappear.

On November 21st, the AWA was afforded a rare opportunity. Thirty five members had a tour of the Hong Kong Container Port. Hosted by Asian Express International Movers, the group was transported by coach to the Kwai Tsing Container Port. This port is mostly visible to us as we whisk by it on the way to the airport via Airport Express or taxi.

Also known as the Hong Kong Container Port, this location alone handles 77% of the containers that come into Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a “duty free” port and only excises duties on tobacco, alcohol, mineral oil, and methanol. This makes Hong Kong very attractive to businesses.

Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this is a port that does not sleep. It closes only for typhoon signals eight and higher.

“Some Comes by Air... The Majority Comes by Sea”

By Kate Mahjoubian

Our tour started by studying a miniature model of the entire port. Each company has its own area to work in, and their cranes are color coded for clarity. There are 24 total berths available for docking!

A port that handles 450 vessels a week, over 450,000 vessels per year, must be a well-oiled machine. Every ship must be accounted for, moved, placed. After the ships are put into position, the daunting task of unloading the 20 foot containers begins. Every container on the ship is carefully accounted for.


After touring t h e c o n t r o l r o o m s , w e were s lowly driven through the actual port area itself on another coach. There is absolutely no walking around this area as it would be perilous with all the moving trucks and cranes (many are still run manually by a worker who climbs to the very top).

F e a T u r e

The control room is a maze of computers with workers carefully orchestrating the movements of the ships, cranes, containers and trucks. Years ago, Hong Kong was an attractive port-of-call to merchant sailors. The port was close to the city, so a little R&R would be in order. Today? Ships can be loaded and unloaded in as little as 10 hours.

It was during this part of our tour that we could finally see the magnitude of the ships being loaded. Towering over us like skyscrapers, containers were moved carefully and skillfully and placed into position.

Containers are stacked on top of each other. By eye we can only see what is on deck. There are also containers stacked below. The largest ship on the seas today is the Maersk Triple-E. It can hold 18,000 containers. To the consumer that means 182 million iPads, or 144 million pairs of trainers, or 864 million bananas!

After our tour of the technological wonder that is the Hong Kong Container Port, the group moved on to The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Beas River Country Club for lunch and a tour.

A complete contrast to t h e m e t a l a n d motorization of the city, Beas River is tucked away in the Sheun Shui and is a haven for retired race horses. Here, members can learn to ride, stable their horses, or just enjoy the quiet of the New Territories.

The group walked the g r o u n d s , a n d a highlight of the day was being able to visit and pet these magnificent animals.

By law, no horse can be raced after the age of 10 so they are moved to Beas River to live out their days in splendor.

The horses are exercised, bathed and treated to snacks of perfectly peeled and cleaned carrots!


F e a T u r e

IF YOU BROWSE the streets of Hong Kong, you cannot help but notice all of the shops featuring strange dried herbs and other materials devoted to health and well-being. But few of us have more than a superficial understanding of the field of Chinese Medicine.

In December AWA members had a rare opportunity to take a more enlightening approach to the subject with a guided tour of the Chinese University Herbal Medicine Garden.

Nestled in the heart of the New Territories hillside campus, the garden houses more than 500 species of herbs for academic research and public appreciation. Lotus, mint, mulberry leaf and Chinese holly are among the many plants grown there for their seeds, flowers, leaves, stems and roots.

Chinese U is the home of many of Hong Kong’s leading researchers on herbal medicine – academic professionals who identify which herbs truly have healing properties and figure out precisely why and how they work in the body through years of painstaking laboratory testing.

Our host, Professor Clara Lau, assistant Director of Chinese U’s Institute of Chinese Medicine and a pharmacologist by training, organized our tour of the garden, followed by a brief lecture on how she and her colleagues develop modern medicines based on these offspring of ancient plants.

Examining the plants and learning about their properties, it immediately became clear that many of them can have both positive and negative effects. At one strength an herb may be beneficial, while at another, it can be extremely toxic. Prof. Lau and her staff emphasized that we should never assume an herb is safe at any dose. No herb should be taken without medical advice, she suggested.

(Chinese Medicine practitioners in past generations have been trained through apprenticeships. Today, however, there are also university programs and formal academic training available. The Hong Kong government licenses Chinese Medicine practitioners in two categories. Before consulting a practitioner, it is a good idea to find out how he or she was trained and licensed.)

Prof. Lau gave the AWA tour group an opportunity to visit the Institute of Chinese Medicine’s Museum, which focuses on herbs and materials traded in Hong Kong. A few of the fascinating exhibits displayed both real and fake versions of popular and expensive Chinese Medicines.

The tour concluded with a spectacular view of Hong Kong from a scenic overlook atop the campus, followed by a delicious dim sum lunch.

Chinese University Herb Garden:

A Window on the Worldof Herbal Medicine

By Susan Trebach



F e a T u r e

Chinese University Herb Garden:

A Window on the Worldof Herbal Medicine

FENG SHUI, the theory of tapping into the energy of surroundings to create prosperity, has long been practiced in Hong Kong. Companies big and small consult Feng Shui experts in order to create environments that will welcome good fortune and to determine auspicious dates for business deals and launches.

Feng Shui is based on an understanding of nature, particularly on the idea that the land is alive and filled with Chi, or energy. Chi is the life force created by the presence of mountains and water and good Chi is considered necessary for prosperity. Using the Yin/Yang theory of the ancient Chinese, the theory of Feng Shui is that everything is composed of two opposing, but deeply interconnected forces: mountains which are considered Yin (feminine) and water which is considered Yang (masculine).

In November 2014, I signed up for AWA’s Local Tours Activity, “Feng Shui Series: Walking Tour of Major Buildings in Central.” The tour was led by a Feng Shui business consultant who explained how Chi travels down the mountains towards water, collects in open spaces and is dispersed by the wind. To create good Chi, the mountains should be lush and green, with no mines, and the water should be clean and calm.

Hong Kong is considered to be one of the best places in the world for positive Chi.

As we walked around Central, we were told how Feng Shui was used in the design and placement of some of Hong Kong’s prominent buildings.

For example, the Cheung Kong Centre, pictured left,

located between HSBC and Bank of China, has very good Feng Shui. This building is square and composed of very straight lines which means it is very stable. It is angled towards Victoria Harbour, not straight onto the road, thus avoiding the sharp edges from the Bank of China Tower.

The HSBC building, right, is considered to have the best meridan spot and has an open square in front for the Chi to collect. However, because the building was built from blocks, like legos, plus the fact that the building requires constant maintenance, it is felt the Chi leaks out.

The Bank of China Tower, below, with its triangular shapes does not have good Fung Shui. The building’s sharp angles represent an attack on the places pointed at and they make the building a “Fire” element, which is the most aggressive. Even the water pools

outside are triangular! With lots of angles facing the Harbour, this is not an auspicious location for any more new buildings.

This AWA tour was hugely popular and will hopefully be run again. Keep an eye on the activities calendar and sign up!

By Angela Bellas

Feng Shui The World oF Chi


e D u C a T i o N

F e a T u r e

BEFORE MOvING to Hong Kong, Chinese New Year meant sneaking out with friends at lunch to see the lion dance in Chinatown. Watching the majestic, colorful lion sway to the beat of the drum always held me spell bound.

Since moving here I have quickly learnt that Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taiwan. It is the only time in the year that this city halts and settles down to celebrate. All business establishments, including banks, are closed for the first two days. Some local businesses are shut for as long as a week.

Chinese New Year is also called Spring Festival and has its roots in harvest celebrations. It’s a bit like Christmas and Thanksgiving rolled into one with a lot of festivities, family time, tables heaving with food and stuffed bellies. It is

wrapped up in many customs and traditions, many of which are still observed.

As an outsider these customs left me mystified. I spent my first Chinese New Year reading through old blogs, terrified that I would put my foot in it. Below are some tips, dos and don’ts that have helped me circumnavigate this festival.

The most prolific symbol of Chinese New Year is the red packet Lai See containing a monetary gift which is presented by elders to younger people in the family, by employer to employees and from married people to single people. If you frequent a restaurant, and if your building has a regular staff it is customary to present Lai See to them as well. Remember to wish people “Gong Hai Fat Choi” when giving or receiving Lai See. You will find yourself scrounging around for 20s to

Chinese New Yearby Tanvi Gupta

A Time to Celebrate


F e a T u r e

Chinese New Yearput in the packet. A good tip is to visit a bank a few days before the New Year, most offer small new notes which are much preferred over old.

If you are invited to someone's house do try and carry a gift and always accept candy from the host’s candy tray. Offering candy symbolizes the sharing of good luck with you.

The color red seems to be everywhere at Chinese New Year from the red packets to the red hangings and decorations. Red signifies prosperity and good luck. You can add to this wish for prosperity by wearing red when you pay someone a visit. Adding to the color of the celebration can be enhanced by a visit to the flower show at Victoria Park and to a Chinese temple.

Many cultural traditions abound at Chinese New Year that are still practiced today. It’s better to clean your house before New Year’s day, as no sweeping is done on New Year's day. Chances are your building will not see its usual cleaning staff working on the holiday. People will not wash their hair or use knives or scissors during this time, the belief being that doing so can wash away or cut away your good luck.

Custom says it is best to avoid entering the New Year with any debt or credit and to not ask for any loan during this time. Probably wise advice at any time!

Chinese New Year is a cherished time when people go back home to their families. For a lot of people in Hong Kong it is also a time to escape the fast pace. The city can get really quiet as people head out for holidays. If you are planning a trip it is advisable to get your tickets booked weeks in advance, before all the hotels and flights are full.

If you missed the boat on getting a flight to a holiday destination then staying local is actually great. Explore a neighborhood, visit Victoria Park or simply spend time at home with your loved ones.

Gong Hai Fat Choi!


MANY OF OUR New Year Resolutions focus on getting fit and staying healthy. The most popular ones are: Loose weight, stop smoking, join a gym, drink less alcohol and eat a healthier diet. We have good intentions when making these resolutions, but in reality, based on the University of Scanton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75% of the people keep these resolutions for the first two weeks of the year, but by time six months roll around – only 46% of the people still keep these promises.

So how will you keep your fitness resolutions? What about a new sport? Tennis, a fun, interesting, lifelong sport might fill the bill for something different. If that sounds interesting, here are a few facts about the game taken from the USTA website:

Keep Those Fitness Resolutions

PlAy TenniS by Hildy Karev

F e a T u r e

Three hours per week of tennis may cut the risk of death in half from any cause, according to physician Ralph Paffenbarger who studied more than 10,000 people over a period of 20 years.

Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes, according to Dr. Joan Finn, Southern Connecticut State University.

Tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, and it may generate new connections between nerves in the brain, reported scientists at the University of Illinois.

Competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling, according to studies on caloric expenditures.

This may be the year to take up tennis! AWA members are invited to a complimentary tennis clinic on Monday, 9 March from 11:00am -1:00pm with Larry Sanders at the Tennis Center, Wong Nai Chung Gap Rd.

looking to buy or sell your used goods? use Wallhawk.com!Wallhawk.com uses the power of video to show

off items you may wish to sell or are looking to buy. looking to sell? it’s easy! for a nominal fee, you

can use your mobile phone to take videos of any and all items you wish to sell, hit “done,” and your items are posted to the Wallhawk website for others to see.

looking to buy? by going to www.wallhawk.com, locate an area of hong kong, review thumbnail photos of available items at the bottom of the screen, click to watch videos and hear explanations and obtain contact information about the sellers.

think “craig’s list” and “Asiaexpat” only by using your mobile phone!


By Dimple Shah

THESE DAYS, anytime I am looking for some new inspiration or ideas on a new, interesting place for a meal in Hong Kong, I turn to Suzanne Guan. Her suggestions and advice are always right on the money and have enabled me to add to my bag of memorable Hong Kong experiences.

The thing is, I don’t know Suzanne. We’ve never met, never even spoken, not once. All this advice and meaningful information comes to me from her via her blog, Hungry Su - www.hungrysu.com.

In these days of Big Brother internet ruling over all aspects of our lives, the number of blogs have proliferated to a mind boggling extent, and no matter what the area of interest, one can usually find tens and even hundreds of blogs with interesting and pertinent information. These are works of passion and serious commitment by individuals who are, firstly, completely into whatever it is they are blogging about, and secondly, and more importantly, enthusiastic about sharing it with the rest of the world.

So you may think you know Hong Kong a little, or a lot,

but check out some of these blogs on this city we call home and open up new vistas.Gwulo: Old Hong Kong – A blog by David Bellis, with a collection of vintage photos and articles on Hong Kong history.Hong Wrong: Interesting snippets and social and political commentary on Hong Kong by Tom Grundy.Wine Geese in Flight: A delightful blog by Mr. Red Head who loves to write about his biggest passion – wine.Love HK Film: Your "go to" blog for all the low down on China, Taiwan and HK movies.As I See It: A bi-weekly commentary by native born Jason Ng on all the vicissitudes of HK life.Healthy Hong Kong: Erica’s “health and fitness blog in the city of smog.”Jin Wong: A blog of fashion, art and culture.Hungry Su: All you wanted to know about HK restaurants from Suzanne Guan.Land of No Cheese: Emilie’s HK photoblog.

E_ting Food: Janice Leung has an interesting take on all things foodie.The Rock Mom: Jennifer Deayton is a mom who loves her rock music.Miss Fong in Hong Kong: Funny, witty and altogether enjoyable. Lushgazine: Worth a fashion enthusiast’s read.

By no means is this anywhere near a comprehensive list. There are blogs galore on politics, fashion, beauty, food, travel and expat living, sport, music, you name it. So let your fingers do the walking and discover a whole new Hong Kong.

Blogs Tell the Story

F e a T u r e


F e a T u r e

Nearly four years ago, my husband, Ed, and I ended up on our first AWA Asian tour, to the most amazing place – Mongolia! The very name conjures up visions of nomads, camels, horses, and of course the most famous Mongolian of all, Genghis Khan. We had been to our share of exotic locales, but Mongolia had never been on our radar until we moved to Hong Kong and Asian Tours made this possible!

Along with 15 other adventure junkies, we were off! Our first stop: Ulan Batar, Mongolia’s capital and largest city, with a population of just over one million. Then, a comfortable bus and a 2-hour drive brought us to our first Ger Camp. Gers are the Mongolian equivalent of the American Indian teepee—a portable tent that can be put together (and taken down) between thirty and sixty minutes. After checking in, we were treated to a small version of the Mongolian Naadam Festival, which is a huge national sporting and cultural festival held in July every year and includes archery, horseback riding, and

Mongolian wrestling (the style is similar to Japanese Sumo, though the participants are of normal size). After the festival we took part in a special Mongolian meal called “Khorkhog” which is meat (usually mutton) cooked on hot stones and served with potatoes and other vegetables.

From there, we traveled southwest and eventually through the Gobi Desert in six Toyota Land Cruisers. Our “highways” were dirt tracks where we took in some of the most unique terrain in the world with very few sightings of any other human beings. Through the scrub, sand dunes, and red cliffs, we passed flocks of sheep, herds of goats and camels (the two-humped variety), and even had an occasional sighting of a lone horseman keeping a watchful eye on his livestock. We stopped to visit a local nomadic family and learned more about this particularly harsh way of life. Many of us were surprised to learn that this nomadic way of life, despite urbanization, lives on in Mongolia.

AMAZING MONGOLIAEditor’s Note: The following is derived from the original article written by Phyllis Lubber. You, too, can join Asian Tours on a unique trip to amazing Mongolia this coming September 2015. Sign-ups start 1 March 2015.


F e a T u r e

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

Trip Date Destination Sign-Up Start Date Leader

12 – 17 March Asia Biking – Central Vietnam Sign-Ups On-going Amanda McGovern, 6200 397611 – 15 May Zhangjiajie (where “Avatar” was filmed) Sign-Ups On-going Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559September Mongolia March 2015, 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

On our visit to a “camel camp” where we rode camels through the desert, we happened on a live birth of a baby camel! What an incredible experience. It was like an episode of “Animal Planet” as we watched this new life enter the world!

We ended our trip with a wonderful, though bitterly cold, trek in a mountain canyon to view a glacier, followed by a local flight back to Ulan Batar in the afternoon. (Our pilot, we found out, was from Connecticut, USA!) That evening we were treated to a lively Mongolian folk show and a farewell dinner of the real “Mongolian BBQ” to complete our whirlwind week. We all felt as if we had traveled back in time to a much simpler, though rugged, way of life.

L o c a L t o u r s a n d a c t i v i t i e s


Tuesday, 3 February Chinese New Year Paperwhites

Wednesday, 4 February Triads – An Historical Overview: Lecture by Jason Wordie

Friday, 6 February Cooking Demo and Lunch:

Valentine’s Dinner That Will Make You Fall in Love

Mondays, 9, 16, 23 February & 2 March Intro to Mahjong

Wednesday, 11 February A Taste of Asia: Elegant Asian Fondue – “Hot Pot” Cooking Class

Thursday, 12 February Health and Wellness Series: Dynamic Communication Skill

Register by Wednesday 4 February

Tuesday, 24 February Understanding Custom Jewelry –

The Process from Concept to Completion

Wednesday, 25 February Lamma Island Walk and Seafood Lunch

Thursday, 26 February Flower Market, Bird Garden, Wedding Plaza and Dim Sum Lunch

Thursday, 26 February Cooking Class for Domestic Helpers –

One Marinara Sauce, Many Meals

Register by Thursday, 19 February

Friday, 27 February Sum Ngai Brass Factory Shopping

Register by Monday, 23 February

Monday, 2 March Learn about Feng Shui series:

Hike to Lai Chi Wo Feng Shui Village


Tuesday, 3 March Learn about Feng Shui Series: Feng Shui & Health


Wednesday, 4 March For Women, By a Woman: Introduction to Wing Chun Kung Fu

Monday, 9 March Make Your Own Wire Accessories: Necklaces, Rings or Hair-Clips

Thursday, 12 March The Women Artists Who Hold Up Half The Sky –

A Lecture by Tiffany Wai-Ying Beres

(Presented jointly by the AWA and the Friends of the Art Museum CUHK)

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



Triads – An Historical Overview: Lecture by Jason WordieWhen: Wednesday, 4 February 10:30 am – 12:00 noonWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $330 members/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 25Coordinator: Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508A thrilling, gory staple of the local film industry, few aspects of modern Hong Kong life are as heavily overlaid with myth and urban legend as the Tin Dei Hui 'Heaven and Earth Societies' – better known as the Triads. In this lecture we will explore exactly what a Triad is in contemporary Chinese society – and what it is not – and how the Triad Societies evolved in China from Ming loyalists in the early Manchu period onwards towards the Republican era and the present day. Illustrated detail will be given of Triad ritual and mythology, and some discussion will be made of their pervasive role in contemporary local life.

When: Tuesday, 3 February 9:15am – 1:00pmWhere: Starbucks, 1st Level Pacific Place Cost: $250 members/$320 member’s

guest CapaCity: minimum 2, maximum 10Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484If you have been in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, you are probably familiar with the blooming paperwhites seen in homes and businesses. But did you know that Chinese Custom believes if the paperwhite blooms on the first day of Chinese New Year, good fortune will be had throughout the coming year? We will meet in

Admiralty and take an almost express bus ride to my home in the village of Sham Tseng in the New Territories. Once there, we will each choose a planter and select bulbs for planting. We will be shown how to clean and prepare the bulbs, how to start them in water, how to plant them later on, and how to care for them. While we work, we will enjoy snacks and tea. Afterward, we will have a lunch of roasted goose, wonton soup and more. Cost includes a ceramic planter, bulbs, all other materials, snacks, and lunch. For those who do not wish to stay for lunch, we will get you safely on the bus and headed back to Central. Start the New Year with a visit to the less explored side.

Chinese new year paperwhites

Cooking Demo and Lunch: Valentine's Dinner That Will Make You Fall In LoveWhen: Friday, 6 February 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest 3A Tregunter Path, MidlevelsCost: $380 members/$460 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 6Coordinators: Lena Zakharova, 9726 2378Why overpay for a mediocre dinner at an overcrowded restaurant on Valentine's night when you can prepare a scrumptious dinner that is easy to make, won't leave your wallet empty and will set the stage for a very romantic night? Come join me for a cooking demonstration of preparing four different dishes – two appetizers, a main dish and a dessert. We will learn how to make cheddar coins (they are wonderful any day of the year with wine!), a green salad with pears and avocados, seared scallops with herb-butter sauce, and



individual mocha soufflés. And, if that isn’t enough, here’s the best part: We will sit down to enjoy all this delicious food for lunch with a glass of nice wine! Bon Appétit!

Intro to MahjongWhen: Mondays 9, 16, 23 February and 2 March 2:00pm – 4:00pmWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $160 members/$240 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 4, maximum 12 (excluding coordinator)Coordinator: Martine Vallone, 2866 9801Do you feel like you’re the only person in Hong Kong who doesn’t know how to play Mahjong? Can’t tell a dragon tile from a wind and never heard of “chi” or “pong”? Then this is your lucky month! Our own Martine Vallone will teach you all the basics you need to know in just four easy and fun lessons! This introductory class (beginners only, please!) will meet weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Please plan on attending all 4 sessions.

A Taste of Asia: Elegant Asian Fondue“Hot Pot” Cooking ClassWhen: Wednesday, 11 February 11:00am – 1:30pm Where: 41A Stubbs Rd., Villa Monte Rosa, Block C, 9th Fl., Flat 1, Cost: $380 member/$460 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 8Coordinators Lavinia Hemandas, 2838 2199Lavinia’s special creation of the ‘Hot Pot’ is truly an elegant Asian fondue cooked at the table, which is great fun for entertaining friends or just having family dinners! The menu is as follows: Superior Emperor’s Broth, Butterfly Prawns, Fillet of Sole Fish, Lobster Balls, Paper-thin Sliced Pork, Shrimp Wontons, Spinach with Seasoned Pork Dumplings, Shitake Mushrooms, Snowy Beancurd, Cellophane Noodles, Seasonal Vegetables and home-made Dipping Sauces for seafood and meats. Parking available upon request.

Health and Wellness Series: Dynamic Communication SkillsWhen: Thursday, 12 February 10:00am – 11:30am Registration must be received by: Wednesday, 4 FebruaryWhere: AWA officeCost: $330 member/$410 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Sheila Twinn, 9255 1852Regardless of who you are or where you work, communication is an essential element of your life. Each of us must interact on a daily basis, cultivating and sustaining relationships and being an effective communicator is critically important. By utilizing theory and interactive exercises, this talk will provide the tools needed to effectively understand



and collaborate with others. You will learn to communicate in a flexible, genuine and self-confident way. These skills are exceptionally useful not only for romantic relationships, but for all interpersonal relationships at home, work and play. Learn strategies to effectively deliver your message, whether to a crowd or just one other person, gain tools and tips for conflict resolution, and discover your personality type. This series of talks is done by one of HK's highly-regarded personal development practitioners, a trained image consultant, clinical hypnotherapist, and owner of “All About You” wellness center.

Understanding Custom Jewelery – the Process from Concept to CompletionWhen: Tuesday, 24 February, 9:45am –12:30pmWhere: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing Building, No. 1 On Hing Terrace, CentralCost: $180 member/$260 member’s guest CapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 10 Coordinator: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484 How many of us have dreamed about a special piece of jewelry that exists only in our minds or owning a piece we would like to see transformed into something completely new? The process is not as daunting as it may seem and our speaker, Celso D’Alejo, will guide us through the entire process from concept to design to material choices to pricing to modeling to manufacture. Once you understand the process, you’ll be off and running. Celso will also teach us how computer aided design (CAD) has been incorporated into the process and has made it much easier to convert that beloved sports car into a special set of cufflinks. We will have an opportunity to view pieces at different stages in the process.

Lamma Island Walk and Seafood LunchWhen: Wednesday, 25 February 9:45am – 3:15pmWhere: Central Pier No. 4 at Man Kwong StreetCost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 15Coordinators: Linda Hsu, 9188-9970 Katherine Fenton, 9600-3197Let’s board the public ferry to explore the third largest outlying island in Hong Kong! Lamma Island is known for its green rugged terrain, stunning sea views and relaxed lifestyle. Seafood restaurants on the island are popular with locals, visitors and corporate clients. After a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, we will reach Yung Shue Wan. From there, we will start our 90-minute family trail walk passing villages, farmland, beaches, a hilltop pavilion and reach Sok Kwu Wan. Lunch will be at a seafood restaurant at shared expense. Bring your Octopus card for ferry ride (approx. $40). Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Flower Market, Bird Garden, Wedding Plaza and Dim Sum LunchWhen: Thursday, 26 February 10:30am – 3:30pmWhere: MTR Prince Edward Station, Exit B-1Cost: $80 member/$160 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 15Coordinators: Linda Hsu, 9188-9970 Debbie Balling, 6621-3424Bundle the best of Hong Kong shopping into one day! Smell the scents of exotic blooms and see vibrant city life. We’ll start our day with a walking tour of Hong Kong’s famous Flower Market which is a little oasis of rows and rows of shops and wholesalers selling cut flowers, growing plants and horticulture accessories. From there we will walk a short distance to the Bird Garden where you will find dozens of shops selling birds, cages, food, etc., and witness elderly men proudly displaying their prized birds. We will then lunch,



at shared expense, at a restaurant famous for catering wedding banquets. After 2pm, we will walk across the street to Wedding Plaza, a multi-story building selling all kinds of stuff for people of all ages from wedding gowns, tuxedos, prom clothes for guys and gals, formal evening wear, shoes, silk flowers, jewelry, stationery, plus many other necessary services such as limousines, photographers, make up artists for hire. You won’t be disappointed!

Cooking Class for Domestic Helpers – One Marinara Sauce, Many MealsWhen: Thursday, 26 February 10:00am – 1:30pm Registration must be received by: Thursday, 19 FebruaryWhere: Flat 29A, Branksome Crest 3A Tregunter Path, MidlevelsCost: $400 member/$480 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 5, maximum 6Coordinator: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378Why go out to an expensive restaurant to have a delicious meal? Lena will teach your domestic helper to cook healthy and tasty meals that can be served either for family dinners or when you are entertaining friends. She will also give tips on how to modify these recipes to accommodate various food allergies/sensitivities. Today's class: learn to make

Marinara Sauce, then use it for: 1) Braised Chicken with Marinara, Olives & Lemon, 2) Pasta with Mock Bolognese Ragu. To round out the meal, we will start with a Spinach & Cucumber Salad and end with Chocolate Macaroons. Enjoy your meal - Bon Appétit!

Sum Ngai Brass Factory ShoppingWhen: Friday, 27 February 9:45am – 4:00pm Registration must be received by: Monday, 23, February, 2015 Where: Meet in front of General Post Office,

CentralCost: $250 member/$330 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 12, maximum 24Coordinators: Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559 Diane Lamboley 9020 9385Join us for a morning of shopping at an exclusive brass factory - the best-kept secret in the New Territories. We will board a private coach and travel to Sum Ngai Brass Wares in Kam Tin Town. All Sum Ngai pieces are handmade of genuine sand caste brass of the highest quality. Each piece is individually hand finished in traditional old Chinese Craftsmanship to meticulous detail while maintaining a weathered look of antique collectables. The items come in traditional brass color, verdigris patina and fire-induced blackening. Sum Ngai houses over 1,000+ items ranging from ice buckets, Christmas decorations, cloisonné receptacles and replicas of Chinese artifacts to lamps, candle holders and home/garden decor. After shopping the morning away we will walk a few blocks to a local Chinese village restaurant and enjoy a Dim Sum lunch at shared expense.



LooKinG ahead to MarCh

aWa CeLeBrates the 40th anniVersary oF the internationaL year oF the WoMan In recognition of 40 years of the importance of women, the AWA Administrative Fee for March activities has been reduced to $40 for members!

Learn about Feng Shui series: Hike to Lai Chi Wo Feng Shui VillageWhen: Monday, 2 March, 7:45am – 17:30pm Registration must be received by: Monday, 23 FebruaryWhere: General Post Office in CentralCost: $510 member/$550 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 14, maximum 20Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Regine Pocsatko 6141 7061We have another unique opportunity to learn about Feng Shui in practice with Susanne Schutz, a Feng Shui Business Consultant, while hiking through wooded trails in New Territories. Our focus will be on how Feng Shui is used to support sustainable living environments in the countryside. The village we will visit is planned and designed according to Feng Shui directionality. Only about 10 people still live in the village. Most of the buildings lie in ruins, but are very interesting to explore and efforts are underway to restore the village. The village itself is surrounded by a Feng Shui Forest that used to protect and nourish the villagers. The overall hike is 17km long and not strenuous - about 80% of the trail is flat, however, it is long, and we have to cross a few small streams. Most of the trail leads through wild forests and is shaded. The bus will drop us off at the starting point, and we will hike for about 3 hours to reach the village. Susanne will guide us to a point with a great view of the entire village and its surrounding landforms, and explain what exactly is a perfect Feng Shui set up. We will have a lunch break, and walk another 2-2.5 hours. The trail back will lead again through forest, and the last hour goes along the coastline, opposite Shenzhen port. A bus is scheduled to pick us up at certain time and will bring us to IFC mall. Please bring a lot of water along, packed lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, and wear hiking gear. Don't forget your camera!

Learn About Feng Shui Series: Feng Shui & HealthWhen: Tuesday, 3 March 10:00am – 12:00pm Registration must be received by: Monday, 23 FebruaryWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $290 member/$330 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 10, maximum 12Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova, 9726 2378 Jane Buck, 9530 7957The common perception is that Feng Shui is only utilized to increase a person’s wealth and prosperity. However, good Feng Shui plays a big role in your overall health and wellbeing and, when applied correctly, can be used to great effect to get rid of common ailments. This talk will focus on the health aspect of Classical Feng Shui. We will look at what features in your home can cause insomnia, headaches/migraines, gastro-intestinal issues, stress, anxiety, neck and shoulder pain, etc. and discuss how Classical Feng Shui can be used to remedy some of these issues. This series of talks is given by a Feng Shui Business Consultant.

For Women, By a Woman: Introduction to Wing Chun Kung FuWhen: Wednesday, 4 March 11:45am – 1:00pmWhere: In front of Marks & Spencer, Queens Road, CentralCost: $40 member/$80 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 30Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957The Buddhist Nun Ng Mui was one of the Five Elders of the Shaolin Temple, known for its Kung Fu training. Ng Mui realized that women needed something different from men, so she created a martial art form that transcends size, weight and gender. Her inspiration for the form came from animals, primarily the crane. When applied to the human form, these



delicate but natural movements require little force to block and strike effectively and efficiently. Join us for an introductory class in Wing Chun Kung Fu and learn how to produce power using little or no muscular strength. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pair of socks with you.

Make Your Own Wire Accessories: Necklaces, Rings or Hair-ClipsWhen: Monday, March 9 9:00am – 12:00pmWhere: Inside Admiralty MTR Station, Near Exit ACost: $320 members/$360 members’ guestCapaCity: minimum 6/maximum 10Coordinators: Lori DiCarlo, 6136 9871; Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484Artist Violet Shum is a native Hong Konger who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology through a joint program with the Hong Kong Art School in 2003. Through programs like this, aspiring women artists like Violet can obtain the education that might otherwise not be available to them. Today Violet Shum will teach us how to create metal wire roses which can then be turned into lovely necklaces, rings or hair-clips. Violet will provide all the materials necessary to create four attractive works of art which you can keep for yourself or give as gifts. Violet’s work with metal is just one facet of her love for recycled environmental art. An optional lunch at shared expense will follow.

The Women Artists Who Hold Up Half the Sky – A lecture by Tiffany Wai-Ying Beres (presented jointly by the AWA and the Friends of the Art Museum CUHK)When: Thursday, 12 March 10:30am – 12:00 NoonWhere: AWA OfficeCost: $180 member/$280 member’s guestCapaCity: minimum 8, maximum 16Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957At auctions, academic international art festivals and biennales the world over, contemporary female artists are under-represented. The same is true in China. However, the issue of inequality is not one of skill or talent, but of broader cultural and socioeconomic norms. This talk will look at the recent history of Chinese female artists and the shifting paradigm and rising self-awareness among women artists in China. Tiffany will examine why, despite the challenges of cultural conventions, terms like “feminism” are not part of the local discourse. In addition to exploring these broader cultural anthropological issues, Tiffany will spend time introducing the work of several Chinese female artists, especially emerging ink painters, which is the area of her curatorial expertise.

Tiffany Wai-Ying Beres is an American curator who was classically trained in Asian art history and antiquities. Born in San Francisco to a bi-racial family, Ms. Beres grew up practicing ink painting and calligraphy, stimulating her interest in Chinese art. A Brown University graduate and Fulbright Scholar, she has lived and worked in China for over eight years, curating exhibitions in China, Hong Kong, the United States, Singapore and France. Previously, Ms. Beres served as the International Affairs Officer and a Chinese ink painting specialist for China Guardian, Mainland China’s first auction house. Ms. Beres’ is a frequent lecturer on Chinese art history and her writing on Asian contemporary art has been published in Orientations, The Asian Art Newspaper, ArtAsiaPacific, and the Wall Street Journal, among others.



refund, Cancellation and substitution policies

Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$80* Member/HK$160 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 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 six 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 proceduresLocal 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 $80 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is not donated to the Charitable and Education fund.

LUCKY LAI SEEWe have amazing donations to our Lucky Lai See treasure trove to win!

Try your luck for some of these amazing items:

American Club weekday membership, holidays, beautiful accessories

and furniture from Forbidden City and a $5000 gift certificate for a total

makeover from Hollywood Hair and so much more!



NEW AWA BUDDY PROGRAMThe purpose of the new AWA Buddy Program is to welcome new members in a one-on-one fashion by paring them up with existing members. For those new AWA members who are also new to Hong Kong, this can help to ease their transition and provide a first friend. For those who are simply new to the AWA, it helps to make a stronger connection to the organization by introducing or engaging them in activities that existing members enjoy.

When possible, buddies are matched based on the district where they live and whether or not they have children living with them in Hong Kong, as we all know how different those experiences can be.

Buddy activities can range from merely offering to answer questions the new member might have via email correspondence to meeting for coffee or tea to inviting the new member to join in an AWA or other activity with them. We buddies are simply one more gateway to making life in Hong Kong more enjoyable for our members!

If you are interested in becoming a Buddy to a new member, please contact Alison May at [email protected] and provide the following information:

• District where living• Mobile number• Whether or not you have children living with you in Hong

Kong

LET US INTRODUCE YOU!S. O. C. I. A. L.When: AnytimeWhere: AnyplaceCoordinators: Barbara Macho, [email protected] Patti Smith, [email protected] for S.O.C.I.A.L. online at www.awa.org.hk to receive your invitation to join our private AWA members only facebook group: social awa hk.Home alone with nothing to do? Want a glass of wine and conversation? Try out a new restaurant? Afternoon movie companion? Gallery opening? Need a fourth for Wednesday night bridge? You can post whatever you’d like to do OR you can accept someone else’s invitation whichever you prefer. Either way, you won’t be “home alone with nothing to do” AND you may just meet your new best friend!

MOMS & TOTS MORNING PLAY DATESWhen: TBDWhere: TBDCoordinator: Alpa Tolia, [email protected], moms and tots up to three are welcome to join us for a morning of play, chatting, and coffee or tea! Play groups are arranged by children’s age. Let us introduce you to a group with tots who are the same age as yours. After that, the play groups set their own schedules and activities to suit them.

AFTERNOON BOOK CLUBWhen: TBDWhere: TBDCoordinator: Penny Van Niel, [email protected] Anna MacDonald,

[email protected]

Come join us in March for a lively discussion of "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman who draws on a wealth of fresh research and writes colorfully and penetratingly about

ONGOING ACTIVITIES -Ongoing activities are organized by AWA members for AWA members with similar interests and passions. Take a moment to see what interests you. Please Note: One-time, annual registration is required to become a member of an ongoing activity group. If you haven’t already done so, please register for your favorite ONGOING ACTIVITY GROUP so coordinators can keep you updated with their group’s news and events.

Register online at www.awa.org.hk, or contact the AWA office at [email protected]

o n g o i n g a c t i v i t i e s


the fascinating Georgiana, whose struggle against her own weaknesses, whose great beauty and flamboyance, and whose determination to play a part in the affairs of the world make her an astonishingly contemporary figure. Please join us for conversation and coffee!

ART LOVERSWhen: MonthlyWhere: Various venuesCoordinators: Kumiko Matsushima,

[email protected] Cynthia Lackey, [email protected] “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.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUPWhen: Group meets monthly Where: Various locations in and around Hong

KongCoordinator: Sharon Mason, [email protected], 5217 3884The AWA Photography Group is a social way to enjoy photography as a hobby while giving you a chance to practice your skills and explore Hong Kong. All you need is enthusiasm and a camera to join us as we capture Hong Kong’s contrasting architecture and communities. All camera types welcome as well as suggestions for excursions.

SPIRITUAL LITERACY BOOK/DISCUSSION GROUPWhen: TBDWhere: TBDCoordinator: Kate Weisman, [email protected] is a group of international, interfaith and spiritually-minded women who celebrate unity in diversity and who gather to foster spiritual literacy in everyday life. Entering our third year, SLG participants have represented Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. With reverence and respect for each faith-based tradition, we've learned from each other that there is more that unites us than divides us. The group opens each session with a short meditation and an interfaith devotional. We then discuss our reading of a chosen spiritually-oriented book. Books in the past have included The Dalai Lama's “Towards A True Kinship of Faith,” Echart Tolle's “The Power of Now” and most recently, Dr. Eben Alexander's “Proof of Heaven.”

NEEDLE ARTSWhen: Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pmCoordinator: Alison Levingston, alison.

[email protected] Glenys Kilazoglou, [email protected] 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 should bring their own project to work.



MAHJONG MADNESSWhen: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm (come anytime)Where: The American Club Tai Tam Road, Fireside Lounge or other location to be

postedWho: AWA, American Club, or AMHH members onlyCoordinator: Katherine Fenton, [email protected], 6708 3345 Christine Scullion, 6777 1182Come 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).

BRIDGE AND LUNCH SOCIALWhen: Mondays, 10:00am – 1:00pmWhere: AWA Office Coordinator: Lisa Strunin, [email protected], 6184 8370Note: This group is for players with a previous knowledge of the game.Make Monday your bridge morning! Come and enjoy social bridge at the AWA on Monday mornings. We rotate tables so there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and enjoy the company of others who love playing bridge. Optional lunch at a local restaurant follows.

GAMES GALOREWhen: Fridays, 10:30am – 3:30pmWhere: The American Club, Tai Tam Road, Fireside Lounge Who: AWA or American Club members onlyCoordinator: Beth Hall, [email protected] If you enjoy playing Mahjong or Bridge, plan to come to the American Club on Fridays. Mahjong tables and tiles will be set up, and Bridge cards and tables will be available. All skill levels are welcome; however, players must have prior knowledge of Mahjong or Bridge. Lunch is at individual expense. Non-American Club members may make payment by credit card only, no cash.

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUPWhen: 1st Monday of the month (except for

public holidays), 12:00pm-1:30pmWhere: Various locations, TBDCoordinator: Patty Tarallo, [email protected] Italian conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The Italian conversation group meets once a month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities are organized by rotating hosts.

FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUPWhen: Every first Wednesday afternoon at 12pmWhere: Central and SouthsideCoordinator: Barbara Markovits, [email protected] French conversation in a fun, casual group setting! The French conversation group meets once a month with an aim to socialize, have fun, and improve conversational skills while gaining more knowledge about the culture. Activities are organized by rotating hosts. All levels welcome!



LUNCH BUNCHWhen: MonthlyWhere: Various restaurantsCapaCity: maximum 20Coordinator: Marcia Hammelev Sander, [email protected], 9868 4112, Would you enjoy gathering for lunch on a regular basis? The Lunch Bunch coordinator sets up a group of 12 to 20 members. Each member takes a turn at choosing the restaurant, making the reservation, informing the others, and hosting. Lunch is either at individual or shared expense as agreed upon on the day of the event. This is a great way to socialize with other AWA members while enjoying a variety of cuisines in Hong Kong.

GALLOPING GOURMET When: Monthly Where: Various restaurants CapaCity: Varies with venue Coordinator: Linda Gomoll, [email protected], 9730 8791Hong Kong restaurants offer an international gastronomic extravaganza that we explore by visiting different restaurants each month. A designated host selects a restaurant for the group. Events are published monthly in AWAre and on the AWA calendar. This group is open to singles and couples alike.

date: Saturday, 7 February 2015, 7:00PMLoCation: M Cuisine (private kitchen), Flat B, 17/F Derrick Industrial Building, 49 Wong Chuck Hang Road, Wong Chuck Hang, AberdeenContaCt: Marybeth Coffer, [email protected], 6624 4484CapaCity: Maximum 20Cost: HK$850 per person, includes gratuity. Bring your own wine/beer.Join us for Moroccan Tangine Night! “A delectable Journey of

taste and desire” awaits you at M Cuisine. The “M” is Israeli chef Michael Erlik who trained in France and opened his private kitchen in Hong Kong. Owner and executive chef Michael grew up surrounded by farms, fields, seasonal produce and his family’s home cooking, constant sources of inspiration. He trained with several renowned chefs, including Paul Bocuse and pastry chef Pascal Molines. Michael was the chef of choice for embassies and foreign diplomats as well as traveling the world catering for some Forbes list billionaires. His focus is on using the finest organic seasonal ingredients. This is a rare chance to experience a fabulous, diverse culinary journey. The menu for the evening reflects his Israeli roots and his experience at Michelin Star restaurants in France. Sample an array of tasty starters with amazing spices, followed by a variety of tagine, which are slow cooked savory stews that will satisfy your appetite. Save room for sweets, and don't forget to bring your own wine or beer. You’ll be served family style, and it will be a memorable feast!

ICC – INTERNATIONAL COOKING CLUBWhen: Group meets monthly, 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: Various venues; TBA.CapaCity: minimum 6, maximum 8Coordinator: Sylvie Guyot, [email protected] Are you interested in learning how to cook international dishes that might bring a welcome change to your daily routine? Rotating hostesses will introduce foreign dishes and demonstrate how to prepare easy, family-oriented dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen. Lunch follows each class. We pick a new country monthly and share the costs for food and drinks (costs per person will not exceed $250). Each participant will leave with a printout of the recipes. The hostess will notify the group each month about the planned cuisine and the venue–first come, first in!



I-HIKESCoordinators: Birgit Imkamp, Sarah Rindlaub, Cynthia Lackey [email protected]: No charge. Are you amazed at how much space there truly is in Hong Kong? Join us for intermediate hikes in and around Hong Kong Island, lasting 2 to 3 hours, usually on Wednesday mornings. We hike various stages of the Hong Kong Trail, the Wilson Trail, and many other trails that may not be as well- known but offer a challenge and a view. Occasionally we venture off of the island to the New Territories, Lamma Island and Lantau. These moderately paced hikes are recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers who love the outdoors.

AWA GLOBE PADDLERS DRAGON BOAT TEAMWe Want You For Our 2015 Race Season!Captains: Elissa Imran, [email protected], 9618 4700 Anne Fifer, [email protected], 5416 8010If you want to become part of a Hong Kong tradition, considerjoining the AWA Globe Paddlers, winners of the StanleyInternational Ladies Cup for the last 4 years! The Dragon BoatFestival (Tuen Ng) celebrates an old Chinese legend by racinglong narrow boats with 18 paddlers, one drummer and onehelmsman and is a quintessentially Hong Kong activity!The AWA Globe Paddlers Dragon Boat team consists of 24dedicated women who practice twice a week. During our regular season, we practice on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from January to June. We welcome women from all walks of life, as longas they demonstrate a strong fitness level, a commitment toattend practices, and an even stronger dedication to ourGlobe Paddlers family. We are all about working hard andplaying hard, and we complement our dedicated work with

plenty of team social events. Our experienced paddlers and amazing coach train about half a boat of new paddlers each year.

We are actively recruiting for paddlers. If you are interested inmore information about joining the Globe Paddlers pleasecontact the captains listed above.

AWA GOLF SOCIETYContaCt: [email protected]: Sue Webb ViCe Captain: Marlyn Robertson

Whether you are a current member of AWA’s Social Golf, new to Hong Kong or even perhaps new to golf, AWA Golf Society welcomes you. We are delighted to share with you our ongoing golf activities while we strive to make playing golf in Hong Kong simple, fun and stress free for players of all levels from beginner to advanced.

If you are not yet registered with the AWA golf group, getting involved is simple. Sign up to get all our notices and learn how you can play golf with us by registering online via the AWA Website under "golf" in the sports section. You’ll start receiving our emails, newsletters and other communications as well as learning the other benefits of being an officially registered player with the HKGA.



C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

CHARITABLE DONATIONS [email protected]

Chairperson Andrea Roth: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected]

Chairperson Patty Tarallo: [email protected] Partnering Susan Trebach: [email protected] Chau Reading Program Ellen Albrecht: [email protected] 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 Wolfe: [email protected]

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]

Chairperson Bernice Lee: [email protected] Barbara Thomas: [email protected]

Kowloon Marti Law: [email protected] Chai tbaPok Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Lindy Vasey: [email protected] Wan Julie Naughton: [email protected] Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: [email protected] Pals Shibani Dutta: [email protected] Interviews Bernice Lee: [email protected]

FUNDRAISING [email protected]

1st VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont: [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Chairperson KD Schumacher: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator KD Schumacher: [email protected] Moderator KD Schumacher: [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] Lovers Kumiko Matsushima: [email protected] Cynthia Lackey: [email protected], 6200 3222Asian Tours Jane Buck: [email protected] & Lunch Social Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Club - Day Penny Van Niel: [email protected] Anna MacDonald: [email protected] Boat Elissa Imran: [email protected], 96184700 Anne Fifer: [email protected], 5416 8010French Conversation Group Barbara Markovits: [email protected] Galore Beth Hall: [email protected] Gourmet Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Insights Stella Schumann: 2493 7114 Tracy Russell: 6921 4400Golf – Events and Lessons Jackie Johnson: 852 5662 7248Golf – Social Play and Events [email protected] Birgit Imkamp, Sarah Reinlaub, Cynthia Lackey: [email protected] Cooking Club Sylvie Guyot: [email protected] Conversation Group Patty Tarallo: [email protected] Tours and Activities Jane Buck: [email protected] Lunch Bunch Marcia Hammelev Sander: 9868 4112Mahjong Katherine Fenton: 6708 3345 Christine Scullion: 6777 1182Moms & Tots Alpa Tolia: [email protected] Arts Alison Levingston: [email protected] Glenys Kilazoglou: [email protected] Group Sharon Mason: [email protected] 5217 3884SOCIAL Barbara Macho: [email protected] Patti Smith: [email protected] Literacy Book/Discussion Group [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP [email protected]

2nd Vice President Jane Buck: [email protected] Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Susan Wallace: 9783 3227Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559 Hildy Karev: 6799 9604Membership Discounts Jane Buck: [email protected] OWL Susie Edrington: [email protected] Mary Barbara Hanna: [email protected] 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 Stephanie Bourque: [email protected] VP Fundraising Marcy LaRont: [email protected] VP Membership Jane Buck: [email protected] Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: [email protected] Editor Joy Murray: [email protected] Donations Andrea Roth: [email protected] Service Patty Tarallo: [email protected] & Scholarship Bernice Lee: [email protected] Relations KD Schumacher: [email protected] Recording Secretary (Position Vacant): [email protected] Irene Chu: [email protected] and Social Media Angela Bellas: [email protected] Sponsorship (Position Vacant): [email protected]

Documents

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • February 2015 Feb 2015.pdf · AdvErTisinG mAnAGEr Hildy Karev [email protected] PubLisHEd & PrinTEd bY r&r Publishing Ltd. 2126 7812