Being in lockdown mode in Hong Kong had its benefits, particularly in terms of my family and I reacquainting ourselves with the great outdoors. Getting fresh air and vitamin D was especially precious when we were cooped up most of the time throughout the week. Family- or dog-friendly hikes that are picturesque and challenging in equal measure are up Violet Hill or Mount Butler, starting from Parkview. These are my tried and trusted routes. They give you a bird’s-eye view of the rolling hills all the way to the seaside.
At lunchtime during the week, it’s a treat to get takeout from one of the local places near my studio and go up to the rooftop of the Asia Society (which is on a former British military site) for a picnic. It’s my favourite piece of architecture in the city. The sleek building weaves through wild jungle foliage, taking me on a meditative journey amid the bustle of the city — and amazing film screenings are held in the historic former ammunition-storage facilities. Before going back to the studio, I head to The Upper House hotel to grab a takeaway latte from the pop-up space showcasing the city’s hippest food and drink concepts.
My kids’ piano lessons take me to a lesser-known part of Hong Kong. Ap Lei Chau Main Street has some hidden gems. 友和士多 (Yau Wo See-Dor) is one of the last remaining mom-and-pop stores selling freshly made Chinese desserts and the old-fashioned candy my parents’ generation grew up with. I first stumbled upon this place when I spotted a cab driver pull up, put his emergency blinkers on and dash in for a freshly deep-fried sesame dumpling with red-bean paste filling. I later tasted one myself and he was right to hold up the traffic.