January 2014 issue

JANUARY 2014

EXTRAVAGANT

HIGH

FLYERS

GESTURES

EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH CAPOEIRA!

HOW TO MAKE LIGHT OF WORK STRESS

W in K t i ck id s F e s t t he et s, a Im p r ov e M ov e m a t r e pac k m e n t f i e n t t h o l i ag e, a n n e s s s d t i a c ses s ion a therapy t IM I DB !

it up!

Xmas highlights! Happy 2014! All set for CNY! Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

JaNUarY 2014

海燕徑 Seabird

$60K/21M

倚濤軒 CreSTMONT

Gross: 1442’ Saleable: 1442’ 5 2

Bright renovation stylish duplex, terrace with stunning sea views. Great for entertaining.

蘅欣徑 CaPeridGe

$35K/9.8M

2

Nicely renovated, modern kitchen, sea views, bright and airy.

蘅欣徑 CaPeridGe

$55K/19.62M

2

2

Good quality renovation, great condition, garden with amazing sea views.

寶峰 ParKVaLe

$8.2M

1

2

Renovated, spacious layout, balcony with sea views and quiet surrounding.

2

康慧台 HiLLGrOVe

$13M

0 1

2

Very nice family unit with private roof, spacious living and good condition.

觀柏樓 PiNe VieW

$22K/6.2M

1

Beautifully renovated, spacious layout and in a tranquil location.

Good sized studio flat with great views. Walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

$9.2M

Gross: 1298’ Saleable: 1108’ 3 2

Renovation throughout, spacious living and dining area with stunning sea views.

尚堤 CHiaNTi

Gross: 909’ Saleable: 729’ 2

$14.5K

倚濤軒 CreSTMONT

Gross: 1259’ Saleable: 1183’ 3

Nicely renovated duplex, balcony with stunning sea views and in a convenient location.

Gross: 472’ Saleable: 398’

Very nice renovation, spacious layout and in a tranquil location.

明蔚徑 ParKLaNd

Gross: 1134’ Saleable: 980’ 3

$24K

3

Gross: 907’ Saleable: 730’ 2

$43K

Gross: 1202 Saleable: 1054’

Stunning family home, equipped with open kitchen, garden and panoramic sea views.

畔峰 MidVaLe

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1405’ 3

海寧居 La ViSTa

Gross: 1290’ Saleable: 1108’ 3

Gross: 1311’ Saleable: 1158’ 3

$45K

$4.95M

Gross: 672’ Saleable: 517’ 1 1

Spacious layout, balcony with great views and concierge service.

Sale starts

Friday 3 January up to 50% off rd

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 www.bumpstobabes.com

JANUARY 2014 FEATURES 30 PROFILE Meet the mentors of the Around DB Young Writers’ Competition 34 IN FOCUS Exactly how stressful is your job?

52

40 FAMILY MATTERS Easy ways to make healthy food fun and enjoyable 45 MONEY MATTERS Common mistakes investors make 52 ESCAPES Ski Niseko!

58 ACTION Why capoeira is creating such a buzz 63 LIFESTYLE Inside a DB home

REGULARS 20 COMPETITIONS Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com 48 TALKING POINTS Organic farming in Mui Wo

48

50 MOMENTS Catch up with the all-DB cast and crew of Cinderella 68 DB FACES Candid community snaps 80 OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 06 IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

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24 ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide

45

66 HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour

63

70 CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more 74 PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent 77 LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

30

LF S YOURSE EXPRES RA! H CAPOEI THROUG

HIGH

FLYERS

HT MAKE LIG HOW TO STRESS OF WORK

For the latest AROUND DB updates, find us on

Facebook,

ON THE COVER

Win KidsFe tickets, st theatre a Movem ent Improvement package, fitness and a holistic therapy session at IMI DB!

Readers with a feature story idea, please email editor@arounddb.com If you would like to publicise a local event, email hannah@arounddb.com For general enquiries, email info@arounddb.com AROUND DB, Bay Media Ltd, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Tel 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533

50

AGANT EXTRGEAV STURES

2014 JANUARY

Bob Crozier as Cheryl in Cinderella

it up!

ghlig Xmas hi

y 2014! Al hts! Happ

ity online commun Join your

m rounddb.co @ www.a

l set for

CNY!

Publishers

in DB since

2002

Photo by Paul Christmas

Twitter and www.arounddb.com

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com

Chanukah in the Plaza, carolling on the DBIS pitch and a Christmas panto! Tennis championships, great golf and a nod from the Queen of Belgium! DBers enjoyed a show-stopping end to a great For more 2013!

Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial coordinator Hannah Ball hannah@arounddb.com Digital media coordinator Vicki Yu vicki@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography Baljit Gidwani www.photosdb.net Nancy Paddison npaddison@gmail.com Vincent Ypersiel ypersiel@me.com Illustration Rift Leschinsky Accounts Rebecca Wong accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month Beverly Au Angie Bacu Talla Buffery (Intern) Jane Clyde Martin W. Hennecke Matet Lester Peter Sherwood Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors.

The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Photos by Hannah Ball and Paul Christmas

Cinderella

PANTOMIME FUN! With an all-DB cast and crew numbering 50, Cinderella, the panto, held December 5 to 7, saw Discovery College Theatre packed for every performance, and the audience in hysterics. Hear all about it from the producer and a couple of pantomime dames, on page 50.

event photos visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com

IN&AROUND DB

BELGIUM QUEEN

honours DB runners

CHANUKAH

On December 6, Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity race founder Kobi Janssen presented Benji’s Centre with a cheque for HK$141,714. The money raised at the event on November 9 will help fund speech-therapy sessions for local handicapped children from low-income families. Kobi’s visit was planned to coincide with that of Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who is herself a fully qualified speech therapist.

For more on the charity, visit www.benjiscentre.org.hk.

in DB Plaza

The Lantau community celebrated the Jewish Festival of Lights (Chanukah) in DB Plaza on November 27, with a 13-foot tall Chanukiah and lots of traditional doughnuts! To find out more, visit www.chabadhk.org.

Photos courtesy of Benji’s Centre

Photos by www.magnificent-hkg.com and Around DB

DBIS Carols on a Pitch Photos by Nancy Paddison

A crowd of over 2,500 sang along with the students at Discovery Bay International School’s Carols on a Pitch on December 3. Over 800 mince pies were consumed!

January 2014

7

IN&AROUND DB

DB

CITY MANAGEMENT Christmas Party

Some 290 DB residents, including business owners, Village Owners Committee members and City Owners Committee members had a blast at the DB City Management Christmas party at the Auberge Discovery Bay on December 13. There were staff recognition awards, speeches and toasts, and prizes to win, as well as a kung-fu performance! The dancing went on ‘til late!

Photos courtesy of Key Lam

DB PIRATES’ netballers Last month saw DB Pirates' netball teams fight it out in the finals of the Hong Kong Netball Association Junior Autumn League. DB Pirates’ Pretty Pollies beat Australian International School’s Geckos by just one point in extra time, to win the U19 third division. And DB Pirates’ Scallywags made it to second place in the U13 first division! To find out more about the DB Pirates' netballers, visit www.dbpirates.com.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Horne

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January 2014

DBers triumph in

MSIG LANTAU 50 The second leg of Action Asia’s three-race MSIG Lantau 50 – HK50 Series took off from the Auberge Discovery Bay on December 7.

Several DBers did well on the day. Congratulations to DB residents Steve Turner, Bruce Pye, Emma and Thorsten Bruce, and Peter Dingley, who each came in the top three in their categories. Emma was the first female finisher in the 27km course! The final race in the series is being held in Sai Kung on March 1. For more information, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.

Photos courtesy of Action Asia Events

We’ve Arrived!

IMI branch in Discovery Bay is now open and we invite you to celebrate with us.

Come to our Community Opening Event on Saturday, 11th January from 11am to 4pm in North Plaza.

• • • • •

Champagne, healthy snacks and canapés Meet our practitioners Complimentary mini health treatments Games, face painting and activities for kids Generous discounts

And much more! Join us! For more information, please call 2537 1087.

Web: www.imi.com.hk/dbclinic Phone: 2537 1087

FB: facebook.com/imihk

Email: enquiriesdb@imi.com.hk

Location: G02, Office Block Two, North Plaza, Discovery Bay

IN&AROUND DB

DB Residents Golf Society

CHAMPIONSHIP

Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society held its hugely popular Annual Championship on December 6 at Discovery Bay Golf Club. Kudos to the lady winners: Kung Winchester, Janelle Weber and Juliana Collins. And to the gentlemen winners: Graeme Peacock, Sandy Mackintosh and Pat Noon. For a full list of results, (57 players took part), visit www.dbrgs.com.

Photos courtesy of Cyndi Yeung

DMK’S HK$1 MILLION for Operation Santa Claus

It’s official! Discovery Mind Kindergarten’s walk for Operation Santa Claus on November 16 brought the total amount raised over the past eight years to HK$1,060,763.20! This year, HK$174,000 was raised – a new record! For more on the charity, visit http://osc.scmp.com.

Jane Wilson, DMK International head teacher (left), with May Kwok DMPS school supervisor

Photos courtesy of YB Rai

Big Sai Wan

MASTERS

Golfers from across Hong Kong headed to Discovery Bay Golf Club on December 10 for the Big Sai Wan Masters. A big shout out goes to Martin Van Den Berg who took home the Masters Trophy, runner-up Terry Wright, and third-place winner Roy Mann. For more on the Big Sai Wan Golf Society, visit www.bigsaiwan.com.

Photos courtesy of Rick Smits

TOP TENNIS at

the DBRC

A lot of fun was had by all those who took part in Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s November-long Tennis Club Championship.

Over 30 cups and medals were handed out at the prize-giving on December 1 – for the full list of results, go to the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com.

Photos courtesy of DBRC

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January 2014

New Year, New You! 5 Week Fitness Challenge - Includes fitness classes and nutrition coaching. It only happens once a year!

$1,500 Offer expires January 6th, 2014 Call 6974 7707 or visit www.dbefit.com for more details

IN&AROUND DB

TEEN TENNIS stars!

Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s U14 team (Yu Arima, Rob von der Luhe, Sean and Jason Blight, Joe Rutherford, Jack Hickins, Luc Gemassmer, Patrick and Nancy McGillivery, Ben Cho, Nick Winchester and Dominic Campbell-Pitt), topped the Parkview Junior Satellite League, played out September 6 to December 13. Special congratulations go to Player of the Season Yu Arima.

BABE in a manger The annual Nativity in the Plaza drew the crowds on December 22. This ecumenical collaboration, put on by four DB churches (Discovery Bay Anglican Church, Discovery Bay Trinity Chapel, Church of the Incarnation and Discovery Bay International Community Church), saw the community join together in DB Plaza to enjoy the carol singing and a re-enactment of the nativity story.

Photo courtesy of Maeve O'Rorke Photos by Hannah Ball

Christmas PAW-TY!

On December 15, Hong Kong PAWS Foundation, the Lantau charity dedicated to helping abandoned animals, hosted a Christmas party at Hemingway’s to raise awareness and muchneeded funds. YRock stars performed, and HK20,000 was raised.

To find out how you can help, call Kate Halstead on 9705 7630.

RETRACTION

Photos by Love&Bond Photography

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January 2014

On October 26, Discovery Bay Anglican Church celebrated its 30th anniversary with a 1980s-themed gala party at Club Siena. Around 100 guests attended. The Kids in the Park event in Siena Park, also on October 26, was sponsored by Discovery Bay Alliance Church and Discovery Bay International Community Church. Over 300 children enjoyed this exciting day out.

Child Therapy Parents Counselling Behaviour Management Speech & Language Therapy

SUPERFLEX PROGRAM (4Y-6Y & 7Y-9Y)

Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

Child Vision Therapy & Screening Occupational Therapy Pediatric Physiotherapy

Focuses on skills like: flexible thinking, different perspectives, social expectations and problem solving skills (combining some Cognitive-Behaviour approach).

THINK GOOD FEEL GOOD! (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) Designed to teach helpful strategies for coping with new/challenging situations, problem solving skills and strategies for controlling worries and thoughts (based on Cognitive-Behaviour approach).

GIRLS -GIRLS IN REAL LIFE SITUATIONS (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) During sessions, girls will develop coping strategies and improve problem-solving skills.

Addressing issues such as self-esteem, friendships and self-image.

All programs (for social skills, preventing anxiety and resiliency building) are suitable for children of all abilities.

For more information and registration: info@childdevelopment.com.hk www.childdevelopment.com.hk +852-2914 2223

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

IN&AROUND DB

A new holistic centre, a new dance academy, a new clothing line!

Plus your ‘in’ to hypnotherapy, mini-tennis and Dvorak! It’s all Friend us happening in on Facebook DB in 2014! for event

Photo courtesy of Nikki Boot

CHARITY SATURDAY

reminders

4 ary

Janu

Every Saturday throughout the month, starting January 4, DB Mothers & Friends, founded by DB resident Nikki Boot, is hosting its Charity Saturday in DB to collect used and unwanted furniture and household items. Nikki organises door-to-door collection and redistributes the items among the needy in Hong Kong and the Philippines. DB Mothers & Friends can also help you move your items or arrange for short-term storage. These services rely on a discretionary donation. To find out more, go to the DB Mothers & Friends Facebook page.

NEW DANCE ACADEMY opens in DB!

Future Stars Dance Academy, founded by Melissa Thornton, previously of Island Dance, opens on January 6. As a professional dancer and choreographer (and a 15-year DB resident), Melissa has performed (in Hong Kong and Australia) with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Blondie, The Corrs, Elton John and James Brown!

Classes for beginners to advanced level, age six and up, are held at Movement Improvement’s new fitness centre in DB North Plaza. For more information, contact Melissa on 9740 0171 or melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com.

ry 6

a Janu

Your chance to

GET PUBLISHED!

Are you a secondary school student living and/ or studying on Lantau Island with a way with words?

Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition (YWC) is your chance to improve your writing skills, get advice from expert writers, win great prizes and get published! The winning article will be published in the April issue of Around DB. Find out how to enter at www.arounddb.com. You can also call us at 2987 0577.

HOLISTIC HEALTH coaching in DB!

Photo by Radhika Gidwani

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January 2014

DB resident Lulu Bechgaard, a holistic health coach, has started up a DB business to help people achieve a better life-health balance. Personalised programmes are provided. For more information, or to book a consultation, contact Lulu on 9154 1570, or lulubechgaard@gmail.com.

Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section

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Janua

IMI DB

open for holistic business!

DB residents Graeme and Carole Bradshaw are opening a DB branch of their natural and integrated medicine practice, Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) on January 6. Head to the DB North Plaza clinic for the launch party on January 11, to meet the practitioners and check out the natural products and supplements on offer. You can have a simple health check while enjoying some champagne! To find out more, or to book a consultation, call 2523 7121. After January 6, you can call the DB clinic direct on 2537 1087. For online information, visit www.imi.com.hk/dbclinic. Win great prizes on page 20.

Photos courtesy of IMI

MINI TENNIS for kids

Sign your kids up for mini-tennis lessons at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club! There are three levels: Mini Red (three-and-a-half to seven years), Mini Orange (six to seven years and up) and Mini Green (eight to 11 years). This is a chance for kids to have fun and see if tennis is for them. For more information, email dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk.

11 nuary

Ja

11 and 18 JANUARY

STOCK UP on all things green at the Plant Market across from Haven Court

ROMER QUARTET performs live!

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Janua

Photo courtesy of DBRC

NEW DB CLOTHING LINE available online DB resident Samara Faria is launching Samsy, your online go-to for women’s clothing (UK sizes six to 12). The stunning range includes skirts, shirts, dresses, scarves and jackets. “We seek to bring elegance, meaningful selfexpression and joy to women through the fashion they desire, at the value they deserve,” Samara says. Her website, www.samsyasia.com, launches at the end of January.

Photo courtesy of www.romerstrings.com The next instalment of the Discovery Sunday Music Series sees the Romer Quartet performing works by Medtner and Dvorak at the Discovery College (DC) Theatre. Kitty Cheung (violin), Kiann Chow (violin), Ringo Chan (viola) and Eric Yip (cello) make up the four-piece string quartet, with Cindy Ho on piano. Tickets, costing HK$50 per child and HK$100 per adult, are available at www.ticketingover.com, at the DC Parent Teacher Association Shop, or at the theatre door on the day.

January 2014

15

DONATE NOW!

IN&AROUND DB

Dogs in need!

Support Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS) this month as it rounds up semi-stray dogs from Nim Shue Wan and takes them to Island Veterinary Clinic in DB to be neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped! The dogs are then returned to Nim Shue Wan. This process is run entirely by volunteers, and PALS relies on the local community for donations. To find out more, or make a donation, call PALS’ founder DB resident Jacqui Green on 2984 1626, or 9197 4371.

Photo courtesy of Deborah Dewey

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1 ary

Healthy Living hosts

u Jan

DMPS OPEN DAY ry ua

Jan

18

HYPNOTHERAPHY TALK At the latest talk hosted by Healthy Living in DB, Hong Kong based clinical hypnotherapist and detox specialist, Deborah Dewey is introducing hypnotherapy, and looking at how it can help with life goals, including weight loss. The talk, being held at The Hit Room DB North Plaza, will also focus on HypnoBirthing and HypnoFertility. For more information, visit the Healthy Living in DB Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of DMPS

Harvey Law Group FREE LEGAL CLINIC Harvey Law Group (HLG) is now hosting free monthly legal clinics at its office in DB North Plaza. The first, being held on January 17 from 4 to 5pm, is on the subject of visa arrangements in Hong Kong (Permanent Resident, Employment, Dependent, Domestic Helper and Visitor). Find out how to get them, and what you can and cannot do with each. Sessions are limited to six people, with at least one lawyer present. To register, or for more information, call 2416 8618 or email dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com.

HLG managing partner JeanFrancois Harvey (right), with Steve Corbin of the DB HLG office

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January 2014

At the Discovery Mind Primary School (DMPS) Open Day in DB North Plaza, parents get a guided tour and the chance to meet the teachers. DMPS is into its second successful year, with 140 pupils enrolled across two campuses (Discovery Bay and Tung Chung).

Classes are small, and the innovative curriculum includes intensive Mandarin. DMPS is now enrolling Year 2 and Year 3 students for August admissions. For more information, visit www.dmps.edu.hk.

FRIEND US

on Facebook in 2014!

We’ve been on Facebook since August 2012, and now have over 5,000 fans! The Around DB page not only provides local event reminders and community news for DB, Tung Chung and South Lantau residents, it also has links to articles, competitions and promotions. Add us now at www.facebook.com/AroundDB.

THE SPRING SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION IS HERE Check out these amazing brands all available in store!

Come and find us on Facebook & Twitter‌ startritehongkong @startritehk

IN&AROUND DB

Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section

ry rua

Feb

Photos by www.photosdb.net

ry ua

Jan

1

26

TENNIS NATIONS CUP

Photo by www.photosdb.net

application deadline!

DBRC CNY

Apply now to compete in Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s (DBRC) annual Tennis Nations Cup on March 1 and 2.

Spots are available for just 20 teams, 12 players to a team (eight men and four women). You can sign up either as a team or as an individual looking to join a team. The application deadline is January 26. For more information, email the DBRC at dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk.

celebrations

Ring in the Year of the Horse at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC)! To enjoy the CNY fireworks (and dinner) from a boat on Victoria Harbour, make your booking now at dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk. Tickets are available from January 4. You can also catch traditional lion dancing at both the DBRC and Club Siena. Look out for more details in the February issue of Around DB.

Share your

BEST PHOTOS!

Do you have great photos hidden away that should be seen?

Why not share them with us by posting a couple on Twitter or Instagram and hashtagging #arounddb.

ISLAND DANCERS at CNY night parade

You can catch the Island Dance Elite Teams dancing alongside Ocean Park’s Under the Sea themed float at this year’s Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The 32 Island Dancers are age nine and up. For more information about the parade, visit www.discoveryhongkong.com. For more on Island Dance, located in DB Plaza, visit www.islanddance.com.hk

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January 2014

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Janua

Photo courtesy of Madhu Kashyap

DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB

ARRI

I VA L S R R I VA L VA L S N E S NEW A W ARR

Location: Discovery College Email: elliot@cobrasportshk.com www.cobrasportshk.com

OZZIE COZZIE NEW YEAR NE W

• Offers Judo classes for children of all ages • Increase in physical fitness, strength & flexibility • Boosts self-esteem & confidence • Improves discipline • Self defense • Make new friends & have FUN!

503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, Central www.ozziecozzieco.com 2810 1356

COMPETITIONS

Win tickets to KidsFest

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

Around DB competitions are

The largest children’s festival in incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our Hong Kong is back for the third questions right here). You have until time, January 15 to February January 10 to submit your answers.

16. With all performances taking To enter, click on the competitions place at the Drama Theatre, Hong link at www.arounddb.com.

Kong Academy for Performing Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!

Arts, you can expect nine live-theatre adaptations of bestselling literary works such as The Gruffalo, We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors. All shows are performed by professional theatre groups from London’s West End. Find out more at www.kidsfest.com.hk; for tickets, go to www.hkticketing.com.

Where can you catch KidsFest 2014?

ABA Productions is offering three readers a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$790) to see Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors on January 17.

When is the IMI Discovery Bay clinic opening?

IMI is offering prizes to three readers this month. A naturopathy session with IMI founding director, Graeme Bradshaw (worth HK$1,200); a therapeutic bodywork session with chiropractor Michael Back (worth HK$1,000); or a therapeutic bodywork session with osteopath Nathalie Tellier (worth HK$1,000).

Name three of the fitness classes available at Movement Improvement

Movement Improvement fitness packages

Looking for a new way to keep fit this year?

Movement Improvement, now located in DB North Plaza, offers classes in yoga, pilates, zumba, spinning and TRX. The fitness centre’s main objective is to help clients integrate exercise activities into their daily life. For more information, call 2987 5852, or visit www.movementimprovement.com.hk.

Movement Improvement is offering two readers a superb fitness bundle (worth HK$2,106) to enjoy with a friend. The package includes four spinning classes and four spinning video sessions, plus two aluminium Movement Improvement water bottles, two Movement Improvement t-shirts, and a MYZONE heart rate monitor.

New IMI giveaway

Central-based Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), Asia’s largest natural and integrated medicine practice, is opening a sister branch in DB on January 6. The DB North Plaza clinic offers over 300 kinds of popular natural products and supplements, plus prescription herbs and remedies. For more information, or to book a consultation, call 2523 7121. After January 6, you can call the DB clinic direct on 2537 1087. For online information, visit www.imi.com.hk/dbclinic.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Kylie Thomas for the buffet lunch, and Francesca Chenchukwee for the High Tea

Set at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott; and Mark Currie, Farrah Hernandez and Renafin Prieto for the Patchwork Jack vouchers. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

20

January 2014

BREW YOURSELF A FAVOUR Get coffee for beers, and beer for coffees at UNCLE RUSS COFFEE and THE PIER BAR! Now you can recharge with us, and relax with us too!

Bring your full UNCLE RUSS COFFEE chop card to THE PIER BAR and enjoy a FREE drink of your choice!

This buzz-worthy deal comes to you from UNCLE RUSS COFFEE and THE PIER BAR!

Bring your full THE PIER BAR chop card to any UNCLE RUSS COFFEE and enjoy a FREE drink of your choice!

Your first stop for freshly brewed coffee or an alcoholic brew, from morning ‘til late!

Hours: Mon – Sun (12pm – 12am) www.unclerusscoffee.com.hk www.facebook.com/thepierbarhk

Young Writers’ Competition

Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition is now officially open for entries!

All secondary school students living and/ or studying on Lantau Island are eligible to enter.

So come on teen scribes we want to hear from you!

Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition (YWC) is your chance to prove and improve your writing skills, express your ideas and get published! From the articles submitted our three mentors will each select a winning story and work on improving it with the author. The three finished articles will then be posted on www.arounddb.com and the Around DB Facebook page for an online vote. The deadline for submission to info@arounddb.com is February 14.

You are:

• A secondary school student living and/ or studying on Lantau Island

The article is:

• A profile piece about a Lantau resident • A nonfiction account – 600 to 700 words • Authors submit their name, age, year group and school (the judges will be given the age of the writers only)

How it works:

• February 14: Deadline for submission to info@arounddb.com Past winners: Talla Buffery, Sophie Green and Ken Arima • February 15 to 24: Mentors select three winning entries • February 25 to March 11: Each mentor meets with one winning writer to provide advice on improving the article. The writer reworks the piece and resubmits it to his/ her mentor, who checks it and passes it to Around DB for online posting • March 17: Online voting ends at 6pm

What you get:

• The winning article is published in the April issue of Around DB • All three winning writers are profiled in the April issue of Around DB • HK$1,000, HK$500 and HK$400 Dymocks book vouchers for first-, second-, and third-place winners • A copy of I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb, for all three winners • Prize giving at Dymocks DB, the competition sponsor

About the mentors:

Karmel Schreyer and Lauren Gordon are delighted to be reprising their role as YWC mentors, and this year Around DB welcomes Peter Sherwood on board to round out the mentoring team. All three mentors are writers and journalists of long-standing, parents, DB residents and, of course, Around DB contributors.

Be sure to check the YWC guidelines online at www.arounddb.com, or the Around DB Facebook page, and submit your article by February 14 to info@arounddb.com.

Karmel Schreyer, Peter Sherwood and Lauren Gordon

ACROSS LANTAU

SEE WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS LANTAU!

Photo courtesy of 9 Dragons Fitness

Grand opening for 9 DRAGONS FITNESS 9 Dragons Fitness, located in Tung Chung, celebrated its grand opening in style on December 8! There was a great turnout with over 200 people showing up to check out the new premises. As well as stunning aerial-silk performances by local acrobats, there were zumba and CrossFit demonstrations, and dragon dancers! To find out more about the fitness centre, visit www.9dragonsfitness.com.

YHKCC

International Fun Fair Kids and adults alike had a great time at the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC) International Fun Fair in Tung Chung on December 7. With Safari as this year’s theme, the fair drew a record 3,000 visitors who enjoyed sampling food from all over the world, doing a spot of shopping, and watching music and dance performances, plus an ethnic fashion catwalk show! For more YHKCC news, go to www.ymcacc.edu.hk.

Photos courtesy of YHKCC

24

January 2014

Photos courtesy of YHKCC

All the fun of the school Christmas fairs! A YHKCC Rugby Sevens success, and a fitness centre opening!

It’s all been happening For more in Lantau! event photos visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com

ACROSS LANTAU

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ACROSS LANTAU

LIS FAIR an Xmas treat!

On December 7, over 400 people made a day of it at the Lantau International School Fair. As well as the stalls to shop (and eat at), there were plenty of games on offer, including bingo and ‘sponge the teacher’. Money raised will go to improve facilities at the school’s Tong Fuk campus. For more information, visit www.lis.edu.hk.

Photos by Jim Lambert and Tom Vujnovac

LANTAU LADIES Sevens triumph!

Congratulations go to the Y MCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC) Girls’ Rugby Team (age 15 to 20) who won the second division Plate Championship in the preliminary round of the All Hong Kong InterSecondary School Rugby Sevens, November 23 to December 7. The team is now qualified to compete in the finals in May. For more on the YHKCC, go to www.ymcacc.edu.hk.

Photo courtesy of YHKCC

26

January 2014

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ACROSS LANTAU

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY!

Photo courtesy of Regal Airport Hotel

uar Jan

A new charity getting Hong Kong kids outdoors and active! A pre-CNY menu at Regal Airport Hotel, and the Best of British cuisine at Novotel Citygate! It’s all happening in Lantau Friend us in 2014! on Facebook for event reminders

y6

Get set to celebrate A REGAL CNY! Chinese New Year is starting early at the Regal Airport Hotel thanks to a festive Spring Dinner menu running through February 13. Prices start at HK$5,388 per table of 12, and you can have your Poon Choy (hot pot) cooked either the classic Cantonese way, or Shanghainese style. To make a booking, call 2286 6868 (Rouge) or 2286 6878 (Dragon Inn).

Best of BRITISH at Novotel Citygate!

Olea at Novotel Citygate Hong Kong is known for its Mediterranean cuisine but this month it’s branching out and offering a special Best of British menu. From January 6 to February 7, you can take your pick from classic dishes like Beef Wellington, beer-batter fish and chips, bangers and mash, and beef-and-Guinness stew. For dessert, there’s crumble, trif le, and sticky toffee or bread-and-butter pudding! For reservations, call 3602 8818.

r Janua

y6

Photo courtesy of Novotel Citygate Hong Kong

28

January 2014

YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS

are made with flour, eggs and milk.

Just add hot fat and a red-hot oven!

NEW LANTAU CHARITY

r Janua

y 26

aids townie kids!

Lantau Base Camp owners, Valerie Lagarde and Jeremy Ritcey have just set up a heart-warming new charity: Prodigy Running Foundation. The main aim is to offer hiking tours and excursions to underprivileged kids living on Hong Kong Photo co side. To raise funds, they ur te sy o f Jeremy have planned three kids races – R itcey two on Hong Kong Island on January 26 and March 30, and one in Mui Wo on March 2. To get involved, email lantaubasecamp@gmail.com.

Hong Kong’s First Trail Running Shop Online Shop, Free Events & Trail Races

www.lantaubasecamp.com facebook.com/LantauBaseCamp events.lantaubasecamp.com

Upcoming Events: February 15 2014

LBC 14

Youth Trail Championships

Race 1 26 JAN 2014 TAI TAM FAMILY WALK AGES 5 - 18 Race 2 2 MAR 2014 MUI WO, LANTAU AGES 8 - 18

Race 3 30 MAR 2014 TAI TAM VIOLET HILL AGES 8 - 18

Valentine’s Day

Race

Skirt Chaser March 2nd 2014 In Support of: HK Breast Cancer Foundation

HK Stairmaster Series May 10 & 24 2014

Salomon Lantau Trail 70km

Nov 2014

PROFILE

MEET THE

MENTORS

Photo by Around DB

With the submission deadline for Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition looming, it’s time for us to introduce the three judges, who will be selecting and mentoring this year’s finalists

30

January 2014

PROFILE

A

round DB’s Young Writers’ Competition (YWC), 2014, challenges all secondary school students living and/ or studying in Lantau to write a nonfiction profile piece about someone in the community who inspires, surprises, or perhaps simply entertains. The submission deadline is February 14, so there’s plenty of time for local teens to get scribbling!

What got you into writing?

Right now, it’s time to meet the mentors, Lauren Gordon, Karmel Schreyer and Peter Sherwood, who will be selecting the top three stories, and advising the finalists on improving their articles before they go online for readers to cast their votes.

Karmel: “I am not sure how or why I got into writing, though my maternal grandfather was an author, as is his son. They wrote political history and political memoir, my uncle with considerable literary flair.”

Here Lauren, Karmel and Peter, all writers and journalists of long-standing, parents, DB residents and, of course, Around DB contributors, respond to our gently literary questionnaire.

Lauren: “My parents always encouraged me to read, voraciously, and I had two fantastic English teachers in secondary school who encouraged students to think creatively and write effectively. They helped to spark my interest in politics and social issues, which in turn launched my interest in journalism.”

Peter: “I left school in Sydney age 15 with no skills. By age 20 I had written nothing, read almost nothing. On a working trip around the world a small-town paper in Canada employed me as its weekend reporter – with no salary! I built up a pile of clippings and went to London to try my luck. There I met a writer and playwright [Michael Robson] who gave me a list of 100 books I should read. Three years later I’d read about 60. Since then I decided I would read two books a week. I’ve never made it, but I still get through about 60 a year.

Books have been my university.”

Who did you first profile?

Lauren: “I honestly can’t remember my first profile. But as a young journalist in Sydney I profiled one business executive whose family and close friends commented that I wrote as if I knew him better than even they did. It felt great to think I had managed to capture someone’s personality and presence so accurately.”

Karmel Schreyer, Peter Sherwood and Lauren Gordon

Karmel: “As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to talk with Alexander Nikolaevich Yakovlev, who was, at the time, the Ambassador of the USSR to Canada. I stayed in touch over the years, profiling him again as a graduate student – an incredible and yet relatively unknown personality,

described in the New York Times as Mikhail Gorbachev’s ‘little-known alter-ego’.”

Peter: “After a tough three-month journey through the Andes and down the Amazon in 1968, a Canadian newspaper asked me to write about the experience – and profile myself. It was a pretty shallow article!”

Who did you read as a teen?

Lauren: “I read widely and didn’t have a single favourite writer. I loved J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, so he would be closest. The journalist who I most admired in my late teens was probably the Australian documentary-maker David Bradbury.

His ability to cover issues and people from a different, in-depth and usually controversial perspective was exciting and refreshing.”

Karmel: “I read all Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series (no wizards or vampires in my day!) but what I most remember from that time is the nonfiction I read. I seemed to prefer reading about people, true stories... Amelia Earhart and Marie Curie come to mind. I read Seventeen magazine of course, but I was also reading Granta, which publishes fiction as well as nonfiction, all very thought-provoking and political. I think that’s where I discovered the likes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Vaclav Hável and Pablo Neruda.”

Peter: “I didn't have any. But I had read Endurance [by Alfred Lansing] and decided that I wanted to follow the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and traverse South Georgia Island. It took me until 1998 to find a way to get there with a climbing team.”

Which writers do you admire?

Lauren: “Off the cuff I’d list among my favourites, J.R.R. Tolkien, whom I mentioned earlier (for sweepingly  January 2014

31

PROFILE

creative, fantastical storytelling), C.S. Lewis (for his intellect and beautiful writing) and, for a good laugh, Douglas Adams who penned The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Karmel: “I admire any person who chooses to write despite personal risk, such as Jacobo Timerman, Dan

Heymann and Charlie Chaplin.

More currently, I admire Thomas L. Friedman, and of course Malala Yousafzai. I am very glad that Dymocks has offered to award our YWC finalists a copy of her autobiography I am Malala, co-authored by Christina Lamb. I hope Malala becomes an inspiration to students here, to help

them understand that they have power, that their words have power, and that they need to use their words wisely for the common good.”

Peter: “Two spring immediately to mind: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Viktor Frankl. (And J.D. Salinger for The Catcher in the Rye.)”

an the sword?

Is the pen mightier th

Lauren: “The sword is a brutal, blunt instrument that can only cause harm. The pen is a far subtler ‘weapon’ that can do good, be insightful, and leave a wonderful, lasting message.”

Karmel: “History is full of writers who have stood up to ‘the sword’, whether the menace comes by way of tyranny, oppression, corruption, or in other malignant forms. Of course, it is in the reading as well as the writing that this expression rings true.”

Peter: “We are emotional mammals with an innate sense of right and wrong. With all the horrendous war and slaughtering of each other we eventually listen to reason, and the written word, and peace always prevails.”

Find the full YWC guidelines and mentor bios at www.arounddb.com

Illustration by Rift Leschinsky

IN FOCUS

34

HIGH FLYERS

We all think our jobs are stressful, but employment on the extreme end of the spectrum can mean crazy working hours, constant monitoring, and even regularly having other people’s lives in your hands. Beverly Au talks to a DB pilot and a former air-traffic controller to find out what it takes to flourish in a high-stress working environment January 2014

IN FOCUS

T

he lists opposite (compiled

by CareerCast.com) detail the most and least stressful jobs of 2013, comparing 11 factors like travel, public visibility, competitiveness, growth potential, deadlines and physical demands. The lower the stress score, the more relaxing the job. Glossy magazine journalists like me, with a preference for writing juicy lifestyle stories, don’t make it on either list, but interestingly newspaper reporters are ranked eighth – most stressful. Not surprisingly, commercial airline pilots (and associated jobs) come in fourth, right after firefighters.

easily handled”, Rich is pretty blasé about this experience. “It was actually such a non-event that the passengers were completely unaware,” he says.

“The age of modern jetliners and their reliability has pretty much overcome most of the emergencies experienced by the pilots of earlier generations.”

Living on Lantau, I have come to know a fair few people in the airline industry, so in taking a look at highstress jobs that inspire I decided to talk to two of them, and ask a DB based psychologist to shed some light on their comments.

Doctor of Psychology Sandra Comer is quick to quash my theory that those who do well in high-stress situations are the alpha males (and females) – Type-A personalities.

“Research doesn't really back that up, and there are so many different ways of measuring personality types,” she says. “The Type A/ Type B distinction is too black and white. It’s more productive to look at this another way: what may be stressful to one person may not affect another.

In an emergency First off then, emergency situations faced at work. Samantha (Sam) Sawyer, a 15-year DB resident, whose career in the airline industry began as an air-traffic controller (and later radar controller) with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has a couple of stories to tell.

“Occasionally, a civil light aircraft would pop up into military airspace uninvited and we'd have to work fast to keep them away from our aircraft,” she says. “And there was one afternoon, when the RAAF aerobatic team was up practising and two planes collided in the circuit area in front of us. They called a Mayday, we pressed the crash alarm button and the fire engines drove out to wait. Fortunately both aircraft landed safely, but I think many a heart skipped a beat when we heard the initial call.”

Cathay Pilot Rich Leschinsky, a DB resident of almost seven years, recalls having to shut down an engine midflight due to an oil leak and overheat.

But like Sam, who says, “most emergency situations are routine and

Many of us ‘play down’ our finest moments for fear of seeming boastful or arrogant but that’s not the story with either Rich or Sam. Rather it seems the high-stress emergency situations they describe simply did not stress them out. But how is that possible?

Stress as an enabler “There is a fine line between stress, which serves as an intrinsic motivator, and stress that is debilitating,” Dr Comer continues. “In a ‘good stress’ situation the individual has the resources to cope with the stress (both internal and external), has ideas of possible solutions, has some control of the situation, and is sufficiently rested.

“This issue of having control is especially interesting considering that there is a common perception that decision-makers or those in more senior positions experience more stress,” Dr Comer adds. “However, a recent US study (2012), conducted by a group of researchers from Stanford and Harvard Universities, found the more leadership responsibility (read: control) a person had, the less cortisol (hormone released in response to stress) they had, and the less stressed they reported when they were interviewed.”

Top 10 bs high-stress jo 1 Enlisted military personnel Stress score: 84.7 2 Military general Stress score: 65.54 3 Firefighter Stress score: 60.45 4 Commercial airline pilot Stress score: 60.28 5 Public relations executive Stress score: 48.52 6 Senior corporate executive Stress score: 47.46 7 Photojournalist Stress score: 47.12 8 Newspaper reporter Stress score: 46.75 9 Taxi driver Stress score: 46.18 10 Police officer Stress score: 45.60

Top 10 bs low-stress jo 1 University professor Stress score: 6.45 2 Tailor Stress score: 6.5 3 Medical records technician Stress score: 7.5 4 Jeweller Stress score: 8.26 5 Medical laboratory technician Stress score: 9.28 6 Audiologist Stress score: 9.35 7 Dietician Stress score: 10.24 8 Hairstylist Stress score: 10.41 9 Librarian Stress score: 10.58 10 Drill press operator Stress score: 10.58 Source: CareerCast.com

 January 2014

35

IN FOCUS

So Dr Comer is saying that it’s possible to handle a high-stress job if you feel equipped to do what is required of you, and if you feel in control.

Rich backs this up. “As professional airline pilots, we are checked both academically as well as medically, then trained, checked some more, tested, observed and graded numerous times every single year of our working lives.” Though Rich admits this can be stressful in itself – “our licence is our life, we can’t afford to lose it” – it’s clear that the constant training and tests he undergoes enable him both psychologically and practically to deal with the job in hand.

Sam says that she never really thought of her job as stressful – it came naturally to her as she has “the right temperament” – but she also reveals how heavily air-traffic controllers rely on their training. “If you know your separation standards [the distances aircraft must be kept apart to avoid a collision] and how to apply them, you can think laterally and on the fly, and you can remain calm, you can handle the job,” she says.

Unavoidable stress Going back to the subject of being in control, Dr Comer explains that very often the real stress is found not in the daily dynamics of doing a job but in the one-off situations where you may not feel as empowered or prepared.

Again this is confirmed by both Sam and Rich.

In a ‘good stress’ situation the individual has the resources to cope with the stress (both internal and external), has ideas of possible solutions, has some control of the situation, and is sufficiently rested more that the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming,” he says. “It’s one of the very few times that we are put under an intense spotlight, as an individual, for at least 12 weeks (the prep prior takes a further two to three months).

This course, everything being equal, is the pinnacle of our careers. It can be likened to running your first marathon: daunting and immensely challenging. One might have put in all the work but on the day there’s no guarantee of success. All that’s coming my way in around six years’ time.”

Coping mechanisms If you are about to encounter a highstress situation at work, or you are employed fulltime in a high-stress job, how can you set yourself up to deal with the inevitable fallout?

Dr Comer advises, “The essential habits that need to be developed in order to avoid excessive stress and its negative impact on one’s health include looking after your physical health (healthy eating and adequate sleep); exercise (it’s an excellent means of coping with stress and releases endorphins which results in a sense of wellbeing); the development of relaxation skills (they require practice); and time management (prioritise commitments and responsibilities).”

The secret of Rich’s success is perhaps that he is big on point two.

“A large majority of our lives  are spent awake during the night, getting the jet to and from its destination, sometimes in very demanding dynamics – weather, the

“Probably the most stressful aspect was taking the actual air-traffic controller course,” says Sam. “It was very intense, with a lot of information covered in a short space of time, and if you didn't make the grade you were out. Quite an incentive to succeed!”

Rich, in turn, draws attention to the stress involved in qualifying as a captain, passing the so-called ‘command course’.

“It’s not that the course is difficult, it’s

36

January 2014

Cathay Pilot Rich Leschinsky, a DB resident of almost seven years

IN FOCUS

air-traffic environment, occasional emergencies,” he says. “To keep sane/ calm on an overall level, I exercise.

I find the release running offers me, especially when I’m jet lagged is second to none. I also hike, go to the gym, golf and quaff the occasional beer or five with the boys.”

Sam emphasises that when she and her husband were in the RAAF, they had relatively normal working hours, but they did make the time to relax and recuperate. “We did what anyone else would do – take drives in the country, go to the movies, wash the car, clean the house, mow the lawn, meet up with friends,” she says. “Of course, that was all pre kids...”

Family dynamics And so to the impact high-stress jobs have on family life. Rich, father to two girls age seven and five, admits that staying calm on the family front “when in severe jet-lagitis” is challenging.

“Outside work, we are expected to live a ‘normal’ life (wife, children, home, school concerts, fixing the light bulbs),” he says. “And it can be stressful keeping it all in focus. Fortunately for me, my wife and kids accommodate my strange sleeping habits, and they understand that weekends and public holidays are not a part of my life.”

Proud mum to three boys, age 13, 11 and four, Sam is not sure how she would handle being an air-traffic controller now. “Before I became a mum I had no outside distractions and could be completely focused on the task at hand. Now I wonder if my mind would be elsewhere, like wondering what I should cook for dinner, or if the boys have remembered to take all the right books to school. My current job (a pilot in the air-traffic controller simulator) is not a stressful position.

Sam Sawyer, a former air-traffic controller and 15-year DB resident It has very little impact on my family life, which is exactly why I do it.”

Job satisfaction Finally then, what makes it all worthwhile? Why choose a high-stress career when you could do something a lot more laid back, like, for instance, write juicy lifestyle stories for a living?

“What makes a career stressful can also make it interesting to work in and give one a sense of accomplishment,” notes Dr Comer. Again this is backed up by both Sam and Rich.

“I loved air-traffic control,” Sam says simply. “I enjoyed the everyday challenges and the occasional unexpected event that kept me on my toes. I particularly enjoyed working when it was very busy, with numerous aircraft calling up out of the blue and having to quickly maintain separation between them. My time in the RAAF was driven more by job satisfaction

Find more topical local topics

38

January 2014

than money. At the time, with no family responsibilities, I would have done it almost for free!”

“I love the package that the job offers,” Rich concludes with equal certainty.

“I’m part of a stable well-established company, who fly modern aircraft all over the world. And this creates a huge opportunity for my family, both in terms of financial stability and the incredible fact that the world is their life experience. But for me the very best part of the job is that when we arrive at the gate, shut it all down and disembark – that’s it. The job’s done and my time is once again my own.”

t

i Find

Dr Sandra Comer is a DB resident, working out of several locations in Hong Kong. You can contact her through her website, www.drsandralcomer.com.

at www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

HEALTHY FOOD

FOUNDATIONS

Getting children to make healthy food choices isn’t easy when they are exposed to so many junk-food options. DB wellness researcher Angie Bucu looks at ways to make healthy food fun and enjoyable for kids in 2014

Photos by Angie Bucu and Nancy Paddison

D

o you wonder if your kids are getting an adequate daily dose of nutrition?

Are you even up to speed on the complex nutritional needs of kids? A plethora of diet and nutritional guidelines are available from sources like the Department of Health,

Centre for Health Protection and Hong Kong Nutrition Association.

But as with all matters of health and wellness, information, though abundant, can be confusing.

Let’s hear from some Lantau nutritionists, kids and parents who are finding simple ways for the whole family to enjoy healthy and nutritious food.

Nutrition 101 “Diet is our biggest interaction with the environment, having more impact on gut and brain health and development than anything else,” advises Graeme Bradshaw,

naturopath and founder the Integrated Medicine Institute in Central, which opens a branch in DB on January 6.

“Selecting wholefoods that are nutritionally dense, as well as satisfying to kids allows their growing bodies and brains to function at their optimum.

Refined and processed foods are

of

DBers Mason and Molly Valentine, age seven and five, enjoy selecting, preparing and eating nutritious food

40

January 2014

FAMILY MATTERS

nutritionally depleting by contrast.”

Getting kids to eat vegetables seems to be the biggest hurdle parents face.

In a recent survey by the Centre for Health Protection, only 16% of Hong Kong kids were found to be consuming sufficient vegetables, whereas nearly 63% consume the recommended serving of fruit.

Jessica Williams, nutrition consultant and founder of Evolving Wellness in Mui Wo, says that grouping fruits and vegetables together creates the misconception that having four to five servings of fruit will satisfy nutritional needs. “Too much fruit can actually have a negative impact on blood sugar,” she says. “One to two servings of fruit (including fruit juice) per day should be the maximum with four to six servings of vegetables per day in a separate group.”

So what are the serving recommendations for children?

Eschewing the traditional foodpyramid model, Lisa Fossey, nutritional therapist and founder of

The Nutrition Clinic in Discovery Bay, recommends that each plate or lunchbox should consist of half vegetables, a quarter carbohydrate and a quarter protein. “Have vegetables, protein and fibre at every meal, and increase the good fats which are important for brain development,” she says. “Cut out the sugar and foods with additives, as these have been shown to have a negative effect on behaviour.”

Breakfast like kings Recent studies in childhood nutrition suggest that setting foundations about food and how and when children eat is what seems to work, and what will set them up as they move into adulthood. The World Health Organisation has warned that “nutrition and diet-related problems in adolescence start during childhood and continue into adult life”.

Megan Jack, nutritionist and founder of Nutrition Plus, in Kowloon, is a firm believer in ensuring that children’s nourishment starts at the beginning of the day, and recommends protein and fibre as breakfast essentials. “As nutrients for mental health they can sustain and keep children full for longer. Breakfast is an easy yet important way to get nutrient-dense food into kids,” she says.

Wholefood cereals like Weetabix or muesli (without added sugar) and milk or plain yoghurt, with some berries for the antioxidant support, are some of Megan’s recommendations. Even if kids are running out the door, a peanut-butter sandwich is better than nothing and ticks those essential nutrient boxes.

ck ideas

Sound sna

• W hole fruits • Trail mix (nuts, seeds and dried fruit – unsalted and no added sugar) • Rice cakes/ whole-wheat crackers with toppings likes avocado, cottage cheese, cherry tomato, cucumber, hummus, sardines • Baby carrots and veggie sticks • Oat cookies • Sandwiches with toppings like peanut butter, hummus, low-fat cheese, ham • Wasabi peas • Yoghurt or frozen yoghurt • Fruit smoothies – banana, kiwi and / or blueberry • Water Source: Nutrition Plus

bow

in Eating the ra

Tracy Griffith, chef and author of Stealth Health Lunches Kids Love is into healthy food options for kids that focus on colour.

At a recent book launch and demonstration in Discovery Bay, she confirmed that children love a variety of colours in food, noting that this can make the plate or lunchbox healthier and more fun. You can learn more at www.tracygriffith.com/cookbook.

Offer fun, healthy snacks!

The reality is that kids need snacks and immediately after school is when they are essential. Without access to healthy alternatives, children will seek out junk food to satisfy their hunger.

Having an octopus card makes it easy for kids to pick up unhealthy snacks at

 January 2014

41

FAMILY MATTERS

7-11, McDonald’s and other fast-food outlets unmonitored. Preparing snacks as part of the lunchbox helps kids maintain energy levels right through to dinner time.

DB resident Alexander Braun, age 11, is a boy with good taste. Found to be intolerant to a number of food groups as a young child, he has grown up eating healthy, and he now prefers nutritious food to junk food. His favourite snacks include fruit, and sandwiches or rice crackers with avocado and mackerel.

Having been introduced to juicing at a young age, Alexander is also a big fan of vegetables. “I like eating salads a lot and I like vegetable juices even if they are a funny colour,” he says. “I like trying different vegetables at dinner in small qualities.”

Get your kids involved Children have a natural curiosity and like to know how and why things work. Getting them involved in food preparation and cooking encourages them to try different foods. Young kids, who can’t yet chop or stir, can help out by washing the fruit and vegetables, setting the table and tasting dishes before they are served. “Even if the end product does not look nice, when I know what’s in it and what was involved in making it, I am happy to eat it,” Alexander confirms.

DB resident Melissa Valentine, mother of Mason, seven, and Molly, five, takes her children shopping in search of healthy wholefoods which they then taste in different forms at home.

“I suggest they pick three different things they’ve not tried before – a fruit or vegetable, a protein and a grain or nut/ seed,” Melissa explains. “When we get home, we take turns tasting each other’s choices in different forms – raw first (often described as yucky!) and then cooked. Even though my kids don’t like some of the things they taste, they love doing it and I get to talk to them about good and not-so-good food choices.”

DB resident Alexander Braun, 11, has eaten healthily from an early age – and he loves it!

Recent studies in childhood nutrition suggest that setting foundations about food and how and when children eat is what seems to work, and what will set them up as they move into adulthood Eat together as a family Nutritionists place a lot of emphasis on eating together as a family but also recognise that working parents may find this difficult to achieve. They suggest that if this is impossible during the week, family meals are made a priority at the weekend. The idea is to create routine, boost family connections, and allow children to start exploring and discussing food at a young age.

Once children are well into their solids, experts agree that everyone should be eating the same food at home. Parents with ‘picky eaters’ may be shaking their heads, suggesting this is not always possible. But Megan warns that “eating different foods, even if eating together as a family, can create a power play that may lead to unhealthy food choices and a diet high in calories, sugar and carbohydrates”.

So what are your options? Don’t make anything special just for one family member, and don’t acknowledge a child’s fussiness or force the issue.

Find more AROUND DB child-centric stories

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January 2014

Studies have shown that pressuring or bribing kids to eat an unwanted food item does not work as they end up disliking it even more. If children leave their food uneaten, ensure there is a healthy snack available for later.

Megan suggests that tying food to relationships can ensure both healthy relationships with food and each other.

“Most people who have been brought up this way have a good relationship with food,” she says. “They like good food and are healthy.”

Find it • Body Awakening, www.bodyawakening.net • d.Be FIT, www.dbefit.com • Evolving Wellness, www.evolving-wellness.com • Integrated Medicine Institute, www.imi.com.hk/dbclinic • Nutrition Plus, www.nutritionplushk.com • The Nutrition Clinic, www.thenutritionclinic.com.hk

at www.arounddb.com

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MONEY MATTERS

Photos courtesy of www.agilethings.nl and http://s2.cdn.memeburn.com

LOOK TO THE

fuTURE

You don’t need second sight to invest successfully in 2014 but you do need to think ahead and know which common mistakes to avoid.

Martin W. Hennecke reports

O

ne of my favourite quotes is by economist Eric Falkenstein, who said: "In expert tennis, 80% of the points are won, while in amateur tennis 80% are lost. The same is true for wrestling, chess and investing. Beginners should focus on avoiding mistakes, experts on making great moves."

For this reason, going into 2014, I would like to focus on some of the

most common mistakes made by semi-experienced investors.

Diversification and risk You’ll know the expression about not putting all your eggs in one basket; well it’s a useful one that many investors ignore. Far better you invest in several different asset classes and geographical regions, than betting it all on the Nasdaq, Bitcoin, Tulips or any other single thing. This may not

be the fastest way to get lucky and super-rich, but it is how you protect your wealth.

Another mistake which particularly cautious investors are prone to make regards risk. Many wrongly assume that volatility equals risk, for instance that relatively nonvolatile assets (like securitised US sub-prime bonds before the sudden bust) must be of a low-risk nature, and vice versa. More savvy investors, by  January 2014

45

MONEY MATTERS contrast, understand that in addition to considering past volatility and performance figures, you also need to analyse market fundamentals and consider the price/ valuation at which assets are bought, without relying on the major rating agencies or the market consensus.

Beijing property prices almost quadrupled in six years

Reacting to the market The overconfident or inexperienced investor often trades too much. Now that it’s relatively inexpensive to buy and sell investments, many investors, whether won over by market ‘chatter’ or simply convinced by their own hunches, trade when they would be better advised to hold. To avoid this, start tracking not only how your investments do but also how the assets you sold went on to do.

Oftentimes you’ll find you’d have been better off holding.

The emotive investor often falls short by planning for the long term but reacting to the short run. If stocks have a bad day, there’s a tendency for investors to lose their nerve and change positions, without giving the situation sufficient thought. Better to keep your head and remind yourself why you made the investment in the first place, and that you are in it for the long haul. Short-term reactions tend to be unreliable, as they are motivated either by fear (when a market hits an unsustainable low) or greed (when a market hits an unsustainable high).

Spotting future winners Among all of the investing pitfalls, however, one stands out as it is applicable to the vast majority of the investing public: chasing after investments that are performing well, or have a recent history of performing well. It’s far wiser to base decisions on the current price/ value of an asset coupled with its future expected outlook.

Of course, it is very easy to find investments that did well in the past.

One only needs enter a past time horizon (for one, three, five or 10 years

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January 2014

Beijing Residential Property Index

While China stocks crashed by two thirds

Shanghai Composite Index

back) into a computer and the top investments of those years will show up. Judging future winners, however, requires a little more analysis. For example, an evaluation of a markets’ current Price to Earnings and Price to Book ratios, together with its historical statistic averages and future outlook.

A case in point Let’s take the China market as an example. It is interesting to note that over the past six years, property prices have risen significantly; in the case of Beijing they even quadrupled. During the same time period, however, equities (as per the Shanghai Composite Index) fell by roughly two thirds. So we can say that relative to equities, Beijing property rose over 1,000% in value; and relative to property, equities crashed by over 90%.

Back in 2007, most Chinese investors were following the herd and falling over themselves to get their hands on stocks (regardless of price/ market valuation but just because the market was doing well).

To d a y

nobody wants to buy stocks because the equity market has dropped, whereas property is popular again because it has done well.

But you remember what I said about looking to the future? When considering the current average property prices both in absolute terms and also relative to average household incomes, Chinese property has become one of the most expensive assets in terms of historical ratio averages and in comparison with other property markets globally. In contrast, Chinese equity valuations are close to historical low points and among the 

MONEY MATTERS world’s cheapest, meaning they have become relatively more attractive based on valuations, even though (or rather because) they have not been doing well.

Simply put, Chinese equities are an attractive bet (as part of a diversified portfolio) because the market fell.

It is now offering good value and it may well significantly outperform property in a reverse scenario over the next six years.

The same concept also applies to the local Hong Kong market, where property prices have soared in recent years, while equities have at best lingered. Even property-related equities have been shunned together with the wider equity market, despite the fact that some Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) now trade

at a discount of over 50% compared with the current market value of the properties they own. (Note that this essentially allows investors to buy into property at half of the market price!)

Clearly Hong Kong/ Chinese equities, including REITs, now appear relatively attractive, yet the point I am seeking to make is not that investors should necessarily offload any self-owned physical property and change it all to stocks. Diversification is always good, and owning property, particularly if

Find more investment tips

it is your current or future retirement home, can increase your overall financial security.

Rather, for investors who are currently holding all their eggs in the one basket of Hong Kong/ Chinese investment properties, now is the time to consider diversifying into other areas. Look to local equities and indeed other asset classes and markets globally that have not fared as well in past years, and represent outstanding value right now along with good future appreciation prospects.

Martin W. Hennecke is chief economist of The Henley Group, an independent financial advisory firm specialised in providing individually tailored portfolio management and comprehensive financial planning strategies. Email him at mwh@thehenleygroup.com.hk.

at www.arounddb.com

ď‚„ January 2014

47

TALKING POINTS

eco Be re! awa

GO ORGANIC

IN MUI WO! Hong Kong imports over 80% of its food from mainland China, about 18% from overseas and produces just 2% itself. But that’s not the feeling you get in Mui Wo on a Sunday, says Beverly Au

S Photos by Terry Chow

hopping Don Latter’s Mui Wo Mini Farmers’ Market last Sunday, I filled my bag with bok choy (Chinese cabbage), red and white radishes, and some mixed leaves. Then unable to resist, I picked out a few bundles of oregano, lemon balm and dill. It was the way this locally grown produce looked and smelt that did it – also I found out that it’s all pesticide- and heavy metal-free (ie organic).

The Mui Wo Valley was first settled by farmers in the Ming dynasty (16th century), and it still has a thriving agricultural community. It was a real pleasure to hear from some of its more eco-minded agriculturalists at the weekend. Don, who started the farmers market back in October, (along with Loretta Chang and Joanne Hughes), supplies organically grown vegetables and herbs from Dragontail Farm. There’s Andy Lai of Andy’s Farm and Mabel Kwong

of Roselle Garden (both farms are certified organic). Then of course there’s Jenny Quinton, founder of the educational and recreational ecoworld that is Ark Eden – Jenny doesn’t grow crops for sale but she sells seeds at the Mini Farmers’ Market.

What the farmers have to say “It’s really my response to global warming and peak oil [the point in time when the maximum rate of petroleum extraction is reached],” says Don, who gave up teaching in August to farm his 0.5 hectares full time. “I see localisation as an absolute priority since food is going

Don Latter at the Mui Wo Mini Farmers’ Market

48

January 2014

TALKING POINTS

to get more and more expensive as transport costs increase. Modern farming with its huge dependence on cheap oil is also a major contributor to climate change, and so selling local, organic food seems to be one of the best things I can do to try to reverse the effects of our profligate use of oil on the climate.”

Don’s neighbour, Mabel has been farming her 0.4-hectare Roselle Garden since 2009. It’s clear that she shares Don’s aims. “We want to provide our local communities with affordable, organically grown produce with a high nutritional value; to build soil fertility and biodiversity; to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; to reduce carbon emissions; and to educate and set an example of how to live more ethically and sustainably.”

For Mabel the main drivers are “health, supplying fresh organic vegetables, and learning and enjoying the process of growing different crops”. Walking through Roselle Garden, seeing the various types of cover she’s got for plants, and how she protects her tomatoes, is an education, and you can’t help but admire the arrangements she’s made for supplying water to the plot.

Why it pays to eat organic The primary reason to eat organic food is, of course, to avoid ingesting chemicals that can damage health.

Organic crops are produced without conventional pesticides, including herbicides, synthetic fertilisers and sewage sludge. They are not contaminated by heavy metals.



A registered business for a full year, Dragontail Farm is uncertified organic, although its soil and water have both been tested and approved by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

“The AFCD is tracking what we’re doing, so we can eventually get certified if we can afford it,” says Don.

If you can’t make it out to the Mini Farmers’ Market, the best way to get your hands on some of this fresh, tasty Mui Wo produce is to pick it out yourself at one of the farms. While Mabel and Don both provide free dropoff at the ferry pier and free delivery in the Mui Wo area, Don will deliver outside of Mui Wo, for just HK$5.

School kids at Dragontail Farm It took Mabel 18 months to get Roselle Garden certified organic – she was assisted by the AFCD from whom she rents her land. Once the farm matures and she has expanded the area under cultivation, there are plans to convert to communitysupported agriculture (CSA) – allowing local consumers to share the risks and benefits of food production.

At the market, last Sunday, my bill came to HK$123 in total. (You’ll remember I stocked up on bok choy, red and white radishes, mixed leaves, oregano, lemon balm and dill). I’d estimate that a bag of the same organic imports (if available at a supermarket) would set me back at least HK$230.

So why not start shopping the Mui Wo farms? You’ll make a huge saving on your grocery bill, and get yourself a low carbon footprint to boot!

lved e kids invo

Getting th

Don has been inviting students to Dragontail Farm since September. “They learn about composting, green manures, deterring pests and other aspects of organic farming,” he explains. “They do some planting, and we show them the inside of a working beehive. They make scarecrows, and we can introduce them to a rich array of wildlife.”

At Ark Eden, Jenny Quinton offers an environmental education centre dedicated to the experimentation, application and propagation of permaculture principles and techniques. There is a wide range of activities available for students and corporations.

Find it • Andy’s Farm, www.andysfarm.hk • Ark Eden, www.arkedenonlantau.com • Dragontail Farm, dragontailfarm@gmail.com • Roselle Garden, mabelk@gmail.com Mui Wo Mini Farmers’ Market is held on Sunday mornings at 13 Rural Committee Road, Mui Wo Old Village. You’ll also find organic vegetable vendors at the Handmade HK bazaars in DB (the next one is February 9), and at the Central ferry pier market every Sunday.

Find more local gossip

at www.arounddb.com

January 2014

49

MOMENTS

CURTAIN UP! Cinderella, DB’s first fully fledged home-grown panto, was a real holiday highlight. Around DB talks to some of the cast and crew

R

ather incredibly, Cinderella – as seen at Discovery College Theatre, December 5 to 7 – was put on by a 50-strong, all-DB cast and crew. And how we loved it! It’s no secret that DBers enjoy a good laugh, and it wasn’t only the British residents who got into the ribald and rollicking panto spirit.

“The production started as all good stories begin, with a light-hearted conversation in Hemingway’s one evening, where the infamous words ‘wouldn’t it be great if ’ were used,” explains the play’s British-born producer Sally Leonard. “By the end of the night, we already had two willing Dames, the perfect Prince Charming and his sidekick Dandini, a Fairy Godmother, and a good idea of who might make up the rest of the cast.”

Photo courtesy of Wika Menzies

Cinderella certainly stayed true to the slightly bizarre British roots of pantomime, featuring both men dressed as women and women masquerading as young men. After all, what would a DB panto be without DB Pirates rugby players and Cathay Pacific pilots dressed as ballerinas!

50

The show boasted Nicola Maw, one of New Zealand’s top jazz dancers, as choreographer, and established performers Kate McDonnell as director and Connie Larson as stage manager.

While the starring role was played by budding young actress/ singer Kyra Kalmar, Sally brought in fellow Picnic in the Park core organisers, Duncan

We really have turned into one large, slightly dysfunctional panto family!

Nott as Buttons, and Mark Basford and Mark Rawson to perform in the band.

Bob Crozier, who hadn’t been on stage since appearing as a tree in a Nativity Play age six, had the audience in stitches as the ‘first’ ugly sister, Cheryl. “Getting involved in a community project and meeting some great new people and friends has been the best thing about this whole experience,” he says. “Plus, I got to wear a dress and sparkly shoes – for charity you understand!”

“Anyone who has seen me dance knows that was going to be the real challenge!,” adds Drew Potter, who took on the role of Beryl, Cinderella’s ‘second’ ugly sister. “We all had a great time rehearsing and even though we went through the scenes numerous times, we

Find more local gossip January 2014

still came up with new ways of cracking each other up! We really have turned into one large, slightly dysfunctional panto family!”

Of course, no good performance comes without its challenges, and with Cinderella it was the age-old DB problem of space. Sally is quick to express thanks to Emily Yeung of DB City Management for lending the DB Plaza Multi-Purpose Hall for rehearsals, and also to Discovery College for providing the theatre – especially after the intended venue fell through just four weeks before show time!

There’s no denying that Cinderella was a real example of community spirit in action – a family-orientated production put on by the community for the community. Funds raised went to Hong Kong Student Aid Society, Hong Chi Children’s Association and to the people of the Philippines.

“It was all voluntary and all for charity, so we’re thankful to those who supported us. Even though at times it felt like a Herculean task, to me it was the greatest example of camaraderie, friendship and a lot of love,” says Sally.

“As for future performances, we’re open to suggestions!”

at www.arounddb.com

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ESCAPES

GET ON !

RD BOA

POWDER PLAYGROUND Whether you are after somewhere you can night ski, off-piste ski, snowboard, cat-ski, or simply learn to ski, the slopes of Niseko have something for everyone. Matet Lester reports

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

W

52

ith over 700,000 skiers and snowboarders visiting each season (December through March), Niseko is one of Japan’s most popular ski destinations. There are a large number of foreigners about, especially Australians, who in recent years have been responsible for popularising the resort areas with the skiing and snowboarding community outside of Japan.

Where to stay

Niseko attracts powder hounds of all types. It caters for holidaymakers simply looking for a relaxing winter wonderland, as well as thrill-seekers intent on a cross-country skiing adventure. For first-timers, I would recommend booking at least three consecutive morning lessons, so you can learn proper techniques (especially stopping and falling correctly), then practise what you’ve learnt in the afternoon.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort is known for its long gradual slopes, whereas you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Yotei on the Niseko Grand Hirafu ski runs.

Group or private one-on-one lessons are available for adults, and kids as young as three. Not only is this a great way for children to develop their ‘en piste’ skills, but also an opportunity for parents to enjoy some private time on the runs.

January 2014

Niseko is located on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and you can either fly into New Chitose Airport direct from Hong Kong or fly via Tokyo to Obihiro Airport.

The two main ski resorts are spread across the foothills of the highest peak in the volcanic chain, Niseko Annupuri, which offers runs suitable for all skill levels.

Even for the more experienced, trying to walk in ski boots on icy roads is somewhat challenging, so the distance of your accommodation from the ski lift is critical. For families, Club Med Sahoro offers ski-in ski-out accommodation, with lessons, equipment hire, transfers, all meals and drinks and even evening entertainment as part of the allinclusive experience.

For couples or groups of friends, apartment-style condominiums may

be more suitable. Hokkaido Tracks offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are a convenient walking distance from the Grand Hirafu ski lift at the top of Niseko Village. This way you get the best of both worlds, as you are close to a ski lift but not limited to always eating at the resort.

Where to onsen Aside from the powder, it’s the onsen (natural hot springs) that draw visitors to Niseko. These outdoor pools contain healing, mineralrich water naturally heated by a geothermal source. Due to the volcanic nature of the area, there are numerous onsen indoors and out.

Men and women bathe separately – no clothing is worn.

After a long day on the slopes using muscles you did not even know you had, there is nothing quite like sinking into a steaming outdoor bath with snow falling all around you, soothing your tired body in a peaceful and picturesque setting. Head to Hilton Niseko Village’s onsen, open to both hotel guests and the public, or into Niseko Village to enjoy some 

ESCAPES

The world has some extraordinary ski fields but in Asia, Hokkaido is generally acknowledged to be home to the finest powder January 2014

53

ESCAPES

Ice-free slopes are perfect for beginners

Picturesque Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort

Niseko caters for holidaymakers simply looking for a relaxing winter wonderland, as well as thrill-seekers intent on a cross-country skiing adventure All skiers need fuel, and Niseko has some of the best food and drink in Hokkaido privately owned, more low-key baths.

What to eat The village is full of tempting dining options for all tastes and budgets, which comes as no surprise since Niseko is on most foodies’ radars. The Sea of Japan surrounding Hokkaido is well-stocked, so the area is known for some of the freshest seafood in Japan.

Don’t miss the teppanyaki (skewered grills) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and for a flavourful proteinfix, try jingisukan (barbequed lamb with onions and cabbage). Sapporo

54

January 2014

The local onsen, naturally heated by a geothermal source, provide great après-ski



ESCAPES

beer is another local speciality, brewed since 1877 and named after Hokkaido’s largest city.

There are also a wide variety of pubs, bars, ramen (noodle shops) and izakaya (bars that serve food) dotted along the main Niseko Village strip, Hirafu-zaka Street. Of them all, A-BuCha always has a lively atmosphere with a healthy mixture of locals and tourists enjoying the impressive drinks’ menu and satisfying food. Fine-dining restaurants, like Kamimura, have an impressive degustation menu if you are visiting for a special occasion.

Rather than another beach getaway, why not make at least one holiday each year an active break, and lock-in an annual Niseko trip. You won’t be disappointed!

o Summer in Nisek Rather surprisingly Niseko is a year-round destination. From nature hiking, horse riding, rafting or golf to mountain biking, canoeing and cultural tours, there’s plenty to do out of ski season. Once the snow caps have melted, the Shiribetsu River flows between Niseko Annupuri and Mount Yotei.

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in first-class yet affordable flights and holiday packages. To book your Niseko ski getaway, give the expat travel consultants a call on 2830 2864, email sports@flightcentre.com.hk or visit www.flightcentre.com.hk.

You can also drop by the retail stores in Central or Happy Valley.

Find more exciting holiday destinations

at www.arounddb.com

If you want to know what’s in store for dancers at DMR in 2014?

photo by Bradley Wayburne

“Ask Alice”

Performance dates 15th & 16th February 2014 Call 2869 8630 for ticketing details.

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

29874338

info@dmr-hk.com | www.dmr-hk.com

ACTION

NATURAL

HIGH

If you’re looking for a fun, freestyle way to get fit this year, capoeira might be just the thing. Hannah Ball talks to some local experts to find out more about this quasi-combative, intensely acrobatic workout

S

Photos courtesy of William Indio

imply put, capoeira is a Brazilian martial art combining elements of dance, acrobatics and music. It’s a great spectator sport, a heart-pumping form of exercise, and a novel way to develop both mental balance and physical conditioning. But don’t take my word for it – sign up for a class, it’s tons of fun!

58

Used in genuine self-defense situations, capoeira incorporates many sweeps and low moves, whereas when played as a game or put on as a performance, there is more emphasis on acrobatics, including evasive cartwheels and flips.

Here it has stayed true to its roots, since it was invented in the 16th century by African/ Brazilian slaves who wanted to learn how to fight and defend themselves against the Portuguese colonists, and had to disguise their combat training as dance.

“Runaway slaves formed quilombos (primitive settlements in far and hardto-reach places),” explains nativeBrazilian capoeira instructor William Indio, who lives in DB with his wife Alex and one-year-old son, Liam. “At January 2014

the biggest, Quilombo dos Palmares, former slaves resisted at least 24 small attacks and 18 great colonial invasions with their capoeira techniques.”

The moves So when there is no war to wage, why capoeira? “Some are attracted by the acrobatics and others by the music, some others like to fight, while others like the fluid movements,” says Daniel Hemsworth, founder and chairman of the Hong Kong-based International Capoeira Society, the governing body of capoeira in China. “Capoeira has so many elements involved that there is always one aspect that catches a person’s eye, and after they start training they are won over by the other elements and how they tie together.”

Watching capoeira, it’s easy to assume that the ritualistic dance moves are choreographed. In fact, everything is entirely spontaneous and there are no game rules. “The point of capoeira is to show your skills. It’s a game of trickery.

You have to be aware at all times of what the other person is doing and be able to respond – that’s the art form,”

explains William, who founded the Hong Kong School of Capoeira in 2009 and is one of just seven qualified capoeira teachers conducting classes in Hong Kong.

Competitions are played out in the roda, a circle formed by fellow capoeiristas.

The idea isn’t to defeat your opponent physically but rather to put on a better performance – one showing grace, fluidity and agility, all while under attack. Ginga (rocking back and forth), one of the most fundamental moves,

ACTION

William Indio of the Hong Kong School of Capoeira practises his moves on Tai Pak Wan, DB allows capoeiristas to both attack and defend; it is the starting point for highspeed kicks and spins. The trickery lies in wrong-footing your opponent into thinking you are about to perform one move, when you actually intend to perform another.

The capoeiristas Obviously, a game with no rules has to have some guidelines – especially where children are concerned.

“Young children start with the basics

such as competing against each other to hold the longest bridge position,” says William, who started teaching capoeira in Discovery Bay in 2011 with a class of just six, and now teaches over 90 children aged three to 17 in Tung Chung, Discovery Bay and Sheung Wan. “For children we encourage only minor contact,” William adds. “The skill for them is coordination. As they progress, they learn basic acrobatics such as flips, handstands, headstands

and cartwheels and they also learn about reflex actions.”

Both kids and adults are paired against capoeiristas of their own age and level.

For adults, the game can be about physical contact and aggression, or it can be more relaxed and dance- or fitness-focused. Around 20 adults currently practice capoeira in DB. Janice Van got into the groove seven years ago, after seeing a bunch of people doing some strange movements  January 2014

59

ACTION

at the gym. Intrigued, she signed up for a class.

“If you want to find a way to challenge yourself both mentally and physically, capoeira is your go-to,” she says. “My way of capoeira is action and reaction, how to play the game wisely and trick your opponent. It’s more than just an exercise, it’s a way to jump out of your comfort zone. And you don't need a six-pack to do it!”

An individual’s skill is measured in cordas (ropes) – the more ropes you have, the more qualified you are, just like belts in judo. “Children have

William with wife Alex and one-year-old son, Liam

Watching capoeira, it’s easy to assume that the ritualistic dance moves are choreographed.

In fact, everything is entirely spontaneous and there are no game rules seven cordas to earn. They then start from scratch to earn adult cordas, of which there are 15. With 14 cordas you are classified as a master and at 15 a grandmaster,” explains William, who currently holds 11 cordas.

“The important thing to note about progression in capoeira is that it’s not about physical ability, but about growing in your knowledge and mindfulness of the art form.”

“The music was the thing that really attracted me to capoeira,” William explains. “It gives energy and purpose. I have now learnt to play all the percussion instruments and being so involved in capoeira has furthered not only my interest in learning different musical instruments, but in music itself.”

Find more clubs and activities January 2014

The Hong Kong School of Capoeira holds a capoeira tournament for local children in February. Last year, over 70 kids competed, displaying their combat skills, solo acrobatics and musical ability.

Working to support Hong Kong’s three capoeira schools, Grupo Capoeira Brasil Hong Kong, Capoeira Liberdade Hong Kong and Capoeira Camara (represented by the Hong Kong School of Capoeira), the International Capoeira Society organises performances and competitions throughout the year.

The music Aside from learning the complex high-speed moves, capoeiristas are required to provide the musical element – clapping, singing and playing musical instruments.

The singing is in Portuguese, and percussion instruments include drums, tambourines and the berimbau (a single string bow, attached to a thin five-foot-long stick). The beat and rhythm provided by the roda dictates the type of game being played, the dance being performed.

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eira

Competitive Capo

Find it • Capoeira Liberdade Hong Kong, www.trngrmhk.com • Grupo Capoeira Brasil Hong Kong, www.capoeira.hk • Hong Kong School of Capoeira, www.capoeirahk.com • International Capoeira Society, www.capoeira.org.hk

at www.arounddb.com

Get Movin’ with Kipmovin!

Classes for adults of all levels.

New semester for kids aged 7 years and up begins 6th January.

RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1

25/03/2013 4:13 PM

www.yaalidesigns.com YOUR ONE STOP DESIGN SHOP IN DISCOVERY BAY

Interior Design Custom Made Furniture Home accessories Curtains & Soft Furnishing Clothing ( New)

Tel: 3482 5785 Email: info@yaalidesigns.com

An Eye for Detail, a Passion for Beautiful Interiors

contactus@bricksandmortar.com.hk T +852 2333 8814

LIFESTYLE

1

H

Photos courtesy of Bricks & Mortar Design

elen Lee describes the apartment she shares with husband David Frick, and kids Noah, five, and Minna, three, as “simple, comfortable and balanced”. Her favourite ‘room’ is the open kitchen because it’s “very functional and conveniently set up”, and David loves the “spacious and serene”, beautifully lit master bedroom.

Regular readers will recognise the hallmark style of DB designer Cynthia Lie-Breit of Bricks & Mortar Design all over Helen’s impeccably ordered yet welcoming, 2,000-square-foot home.

Aside from the efficient, minimal arrangement and open-plan layout, there’s a clean, uniform look, achieved from limiting the number of materials used. Uncluttered display shelving features in each room, as do cleanlined window dressings (blinds).

These help cement the quietly funky architectural design style.

Helen and David’s realtor recommended Cynthia, and they were sold on her style as soon as they saw her DB home. “I instantly felt an inviting sense of comfort,” explains Helen. “And the kitchen with its use of stainless steel was over-the-top and very inspiring.”

For the time being, Helen, David and the kids are living in the flat as a family, though they may rent it out in the

2

PERFECT POISE Soothing tones, a minimal aesthetic and inviting vibe result in a cool family home at The Pavilions, DB. Jane Clyde picks up some useful design tips future. With this in mind, Cynthia has managed to create a neutral backdrop (suitable for tenants), while expertly personalising the scheme.

“Helen prefers a warm, soft look, and so we introduced plenty of wood,” Cynthia explains. “The flooring, blinds and floating shelves all have the same wood finish, so this is the element that keeps the design 'together'.”

Colour-use also adds a strikingly personal dimension. While white predominates, each room has a different colour feature wall, and the bright orange kitchen chairs, yellow standing lamp and monochrome cushion covers all add welcoming

‘pops’ of colour. Helen says, “We just stuck to one rule: less is more. The rooms are not large, so to paint more than a few panels would have looked overpowering, even stuffy.”

Notably too, Cynthia has found a way to home a few favourites in the new apartment. “We tend to spend quality time looking for the right pieces, so it is not easy to discard them unless they are broken,” says Helen. Special items brought over from the old flat (the family has lived on the bay for almost four years), include the corner sofa now used in the master bedroom and the stunning canvas in the dining area, which David and his mother picked out in the Shenzhen art district.  January 2014

63

LIFESTYLE

3

The flooring, blinds and floating shelves all have the same wood finish, so this is the element that keeps the design 'together'

5

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4

6 January 2014

7

LIFESTYLE

k!

loo Get the

1 Invest in statement artwork. Paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography… art of any type adds colour, warmth and texture to a home. Pieces should coordinate with the surrounding decor but also make a statement in their own right.

2 Limit the number of materials and colours used. For a cohesive designer look, stick to three or four textures and tones throughout.

You can soften an otherwise all-white backdrop with wooden flooring and shelving, and a few colourful furnishings.

3 Maximise storage space. Plenty of shelving is essential in the kitchen and bathroom – open shelving is also a boon in the living areas, assuming you limit the number of items on display and arrange them with care.

4 Knock out as many walls as you can. Open-plan design maximises the space available, and you can make it more liveable by adding in sliding walls and partitions.

5 Style up the bathrooms. Wooden cabinetry combines beautifully with white-tiled bathrooms, and immediately creates a home-spa vibe.

Finish with just a few potted plants, and neatly arranged coloured stones or shells.

6 Pay special attention to the kitchen. Where you cook can become the heart of the home if you open it up to the living area, and add in a breakfast bar where friends can perch (and chop vegetables).

7 Cut out the clutter. A contemporary home conforms to a minimal aesthetic, so get rid of anything you do not use on a regular basis.

8 Make room in the master bedroom. Plenty of storage is a must in a shared bedroom, and you can easily run inbuilt cabinets down the length of one wall. You can also have the mattress sit on a platform (instead of a bed frame) under which there is a huge storage space.

More tricks of the trade…

Hang blinds at the windows. Roller blinds (with black-out lining for bedrooms) cement a clean-lined architectural look, hide unsightly or small windows and at the same time let in plenty of light. With wooden blinds it is especially easy to adjust the light flow.

Look to the lighting. Ceiling spots create a warm, welcoming ambient light – have the system set on a dimmer to suit all your moods. Add in standing, table and ceiling lamps, so you’ll always have direct light where you need it.

Don’t skimp on appliances. It’s worth splashing out on imported taps, shower fittings, toilet-tank mechanisms and major electrical appliances.

Here you really do get what you pay for.

8

Contact Cynthia Lie-Breit of Bricks & Mortar Design at cynthia@bricksandmortar.com.hk.

Find more on stylish living

at www.arounddb.com

January 2014

65

HK HAPPENINGS

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH!

DANCE WITH THE DRAGON 2014

vourite! a f y il m a F

The Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 1 is the biggest on the planet. There’s no better way to experience Hong Kong's traditional culture and ring in the New Year! The parade starts at Canton Road at 1.30pm and finishes at UC Centenary Garden, East Tsim Sha Tsui, at 5pm. As well as the dances, expect lion-making craft workshops and other traditional performances. To learn more, visit www.dragonlion.hk.

You’re beautiful JAMES BLUNT! See the British singer-songwriter live on stage at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena for one night only on January 12. This tour celebrates the October release of Blunt’s fourth studio album, Moon Landing, which he has described as “possibly my last… definitely my best”.

Brave words when you consider that the former soldier’s debut album, Back to Bedlam [2004], made quite an impression, selling 11 million copies worldwide. For tickets (HK$580 and up), visit www.hkticketing.com.

Watch the world’s biggest dragon and lion dance, and ring in good things for 2014. Tune into James Blunt, and some top-quality chamber music. Get set to savour the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and feast on world-class sushi.

Volunteer as a reading buddy Friend us and celebrate on Facebook Hello Kitty’s for event 40th! reminders

Making

MEMORIES Want something to keep you motivated and positive this year? Starting on January 1, write down on small pieces of paper, all the good things that have happened to you during the day. Place your notes in a jar. Do this every day right up to December 31, 2014, then take them out and enjoy recalling a ton of great memories! If you prefer to keep a diary, make sure that you have something exciting to write about! It was Oscar Wilde who said, “I never travel without my diary.

One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”

Hong Kong International CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL In its fifth year, the Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival, January 15 to 23, sees 16 of the finest local and overseas artists perform. As well as the recitals and concerts, you can participate in free lectures, workshops and master classes. For performances and venues, go to www.pphk.org.

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January 2014

LUKE & LILLY

Organic kiddie care!

Luke & Lilly, an organic personal-care line for kids age five to 13, has just launched in Hong Kong. Designed for school-age kids, who no longer want to use baby products, it offers a healthy and coollooking range of shampoos, lip balms, hand gels and more.

Place your order online at www.natuniq.hk.

Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section

Sign up as a

ick!

Editor’s p

READING BUDDY This year, the Hong Kong non-profit, Kids4Kids is looking for volunteers to join its Buddy Reading Programme – your chance to help disadvantaged children in Hong Kong learn to read fluently. Get involved by visiting www.buddyreading.org.

Happy 40t h Birthday

HELLO KITTY! To celebrate Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary, 7-Eleven has joined hands with Facebook to launch a Hello Party Facebook sticker pack, which you can download for free via Facebook and share as e-greetings. To mark Hello Kitty’s big birthday, 12 oh-soelegant Hello Kitty and Friends figurines (including Dear Daniel) are also available through February 25.

CURTAIN UP!

Hong Kong Arts Festival From February 18 for a month and five days, the very best international dance groups, actors and musicians will grace venues all over Hong Kong. Book your tickets now for the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival! With Cantonese Opera and Wagner, Shakespeare and magic shows, highland dance and classical ballet, it really does have it all. For event listings and tickets, go to www.hk.artsfestival.org.

Telling

STORIES

6 classic books for five- to eight-yearolds, all at www.dymocks.com.hk.

1 Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. The classic tale of Charlotte, a spider, who saves a piglet called Wilbur from being sent to the butcher.

2 Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton. There's a shipwreck off Kirrin Island and The Famous Five have to find the treasure before someone else does.

3 Matilda by Roald Dahl. Equipped with extraordinary brains and magical power, Matilda, with the help of her teacher Miss Honey, stands out against her dim-witted parents and wicked principal.

4 Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel.

When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that – he tells seven stories, one for each boy!

5 Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. A mischievous boy, who can f ly and never ages, Peter Pan lives in Neverland with a band of Lost Boys, mermaids, fairies, pirates and The Wendy Bird.

6 The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Mole, Ratty and Mr Badger have some excellent adventures thanks to their friend, the irascible Mr Toad.

3 MICHELIN-STAR SUSHI!

ts!

To

a pe

Sushi Shikon (formerly Sushi Yoshitake) in Sheung Wan has achieved its third Michelin star, making it one of only five restaurants in Hong Kong with the highest award the Hong Kong/ Macau Michelin Guide offers. The award has come under the direction of head chef Yoshiharu Kakinuma (pictured far left, with executive chef Masaki Miyakawa). To make a reservation, call 9697 6800.

January 2014

67

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

Who do you know? Find more familiar faces @ www.arounddb.com

COMPETITION

Photos by www.photosdb.net

If you’d like us to consider your photos for DB Faces, email them to info@arounddb.com (subject line: db faces).

Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent.

Great prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee!

A

B

C

Congratulations to last month’s winner Michael Cowell!

Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

Y

our challenge, this month, is to identify which of the three photos above is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. Contact us online via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com before January 10. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ every day for a week. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer. Good luck!

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT Who am I?

KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native-English speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

My thoughts

I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs.

Besides the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestichelper insurance, house insurance, home-office insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This holiday season, quality travel insurance should be at the top of your list!

Travel insurance

You may see this type of cover as unnecessary and expensive but honestly it isn’t! (And depending on your nationality, having travel insurance can be a requirement for getting your visa!) The primary benefit of travel insurance is the knowledge that should something go wrong while you are abroad, you won’t be responsible for finding the money to put it right, at a time when you are already stressed out. Make sure then that your policy covers the following: 1. Emergency medical treatment 2. Emergency medical assistance 3. Medical evacuation 4. Hospital benefit (a small daily amount covering overseas hospital costs) 5. Cancellation, curtailment and trip interruption 6. Missed departure 7. Personal liability (in the event that you injure a third party or damage their property) 8. Legal expenses 9. Personal accident 10. Personal belongings and baggage A standard travel insurance policy contains many different sections of cover, not all of which everyone needs. For most people a standard policy will cover all the unexpected events that can occur away from home. I wish you a happy and safe holiday!

My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

portrait

&

event photography

SPECIAL OFFER $250 - FULL STUDIO PORTRAIT SESSION INCLUDING ONE FREE HI-RES PHOTO W : w w w. p h o t o s d b . n e t E: photosdb@hotmail.com T: 9 6 5 9 - 6 0 3 4

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 wwww.dbicc.org

EYE LEVEL Health & Intelligence Education Centre in the North Plaza is celebrating its 1-year old birthday in January 2014! We are thrilled that we have the support of parents and students in the past year and we are happy that we have helped kids to improve in their math in school.

Hermann Chu 9366 0000 hi@hicentre.biz www.hicentre.biz

To celebrate this anniversary, we are running a promotion: $100 book coupon will be given to the new student who enroll to our math course in January 2014. Referrer of new student will also get $100 book coupon.

Contact us for enrollment and promotion details.

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com employment MATURE HELPER LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT Josie is looking for an employer, & is able to start work immediately. With 16 years’ experience with one employer, she is reliable, trustworthy & a good cook.

Please call 9245 0019 DOMESTIC HELPER AVAILABLE I have worked in DB for 12 years, 6 years for the same employer. I’m a good cook & love kids & animals.

My employer is leaving in February when I’ll be available for work. Call me on 9550 5974 or my employer on 9383 0265 ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A COURIER? Michael, an Indian HK resident living on Lantau, seeks post of delivery person for mail/ documents/ small packages in HK. Full or part time, Call 9145 6731

DB ReAltoR SeeKS ADmIn CleRK

With good spoken & written English & Cantonese (an extra language is an advantage).

Mature, outgoing, proactive, hardworking & detail-oriented.

Attractive remuneration package.

Email your resume to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

employment

HeAltH & WellBeInG

ItemS WAnteD/oFFeReD

DB-BASeD ReAltoR SeeKS eAA-lICenSeD AGentS

HypnoSIS &/ oR SHoRt-teRm tHeRApy

QUAlIty FURnItURe FoR SAle

Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage. Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented. Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates. Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

FInAnCe & InSURAnCe

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia • Exam Strategies Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

AUStRAlIAn tAX RetURnS Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

Looking for a place to stay?

www.arounddb.com

Home & RepAIRS eXpeRt moVeR

• Packing & moving • Cargo collection • Disposal service • Handyman services • Packing material supplies • Storage, with humidity control Professional quality service at a low rate.

Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk, or visit www.expertmover.hk

NEED SPACE / STORAGE!

Humidity controlled, small/ large storage space, short or long term.

Competitive rates. Call 2566 4799 or visit www.expertmover.hk

Due to a DB house renovation, we are selling beautiful rosewood, teak, Indian, Burmese items & more. Plus a fridge-freezer & outdoor furniture in very good condition.

Call 9040 3899 for details

KIDS eARly ADVentUReS plAyGRoUp

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development. Come & look at our facilities. Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years. Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

petS GooD neWS FRom petCo DB

Micro Bubble Bath using Nano technology for pets is now available at PetcoDB. This penetrating clean powers deep into the pores, restoring fur condition, regaining moisture & providing relaxation. No shampoo is used. Recommended for pets with skin allergies, dermatitis & body odour. Call 2914 0382

Selling trinkets and treasures for girls and boys, made from only the best materials. www.littlemilly.com | candiceb@littlemilly.com Also available at Toysland, DB and Bizzie Lizzie, Mui Wo For HK orders please contact Candice at 6596 1817

Raidlight Extreme Light Waterpack - buy now at Lantau Base Camp for only $398 (original price $664).

For more details email sales@vimtech.com.hk

www.lantaubasecamp.com

January 2014

71

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?  Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents  Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients  English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

HANDMADE COOKIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS Make your next celebration a hit with a selection of beautifully crafted cookies handmade right here in DB. We can customize your order to suit any theme, from baby showers to bachelorette parties and everything in between. We also offer kids cookie decorating sessions, where the kids get to decorate their own cookies, a perfect activity at any children’s birthday party...

6547 2627

cookiemomster1@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/SugarCookieIsland www.sugarcookieisland.weebly.com

- Japan qualified – skilled piano technician in DB We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters;

One of the keys to piano maintenance is - How to keep your piano in good condition with a subtropical climate www.88keys.com.hk E-mail: info@88keys.com.hk Tel : 9687 0726

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc…

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

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January 2014

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com SERVICES

design + living

NOTARY SERVICES

Now available in DB at affordable rates. For enquiries, 9143 0799, notary@hpi.com.hk

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Free over the phone repair, or home/ office visit for a nominal fee!

15 years’ experience & a passion for resolving computer problems.

Call 9649 9910

interior architecture

TRAVEL

project managment

CONCORdE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

www.dlcchk.com

design & build

space planning

Tel. 31112062 dlconsultant@gmail.com

Hong Kong’s Leisure travel specialists since 1978.

License No. 350343, Call 2526 3391, www.concorde-travel.com

Deadline for February issue Classifieds

TUITION & COURSES GUITAR TUITION

One of Hong Kong’s foremost players offers home tuition in Classical, Blues, Ragtime & Rock.

Special rates for morning classes.

Contact Graeme on 9627 3043, graememorris1000@gmail.com

January 10

CLARINET/ SAXOPHONE/ FLUTE TUITION Available in DB from professional musician with 25 years’ teaching experience & graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK. For enquiries, call 9413 0498, janetwilliams.clarinet@gmail.com

CHINESE (MANdARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

• Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools, Year 1 to 13 • For students & adults (homework/ exams/ business) • Mother-tongue Chinese tutors from the PRC (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics tutors (UK B SC) • Native English tutors.

(MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com, or visit www.chinesemandarinsite.com

A positive, inclusive learning environment.

Call 6710 0391 info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com

Fren ench English Mandarin From K1 to P6 in 2014

LEARN SPANISH

Native speaker. DELE examiner.

Experienced teacher. IB, IGCSE, A-Levels & HKDSE. Business Spanish, & courses for adults. Flexible schedule & locations. (Special offers to students who live in DB & Tung Chung).

Contact Erik R on 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

MANdARIN CHINESE LESSONS

• For children & adults; small groups or individuals • Any level / place / purpose Call DB Mandarin Room on 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

January 2014

73

Check out short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB

STUNNING FURNISHED FLAT SHORT OR LONG-LEASE Designer 2-bed apartment, 1-minute from DB Plaza. Renovated to the highest standard.

Weekly cleaning available. Contact Maeve on 6408 4227, maeveororke@hotmail.com

MODERN EXECUTIVE 1-BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT Spacious open layout. Quiet, high floor.

Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer.

English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack!

Competitively priced. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com

MODERN FLAT FOR SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL Fully furnished, 1 bed plus study with extra beds & fully equipped kitchen. Sleeps 4. Broadband, wi-fi, DVD, LCD TV & split A/C. Linens & towels. Serviced twice a week. Contact 6475 2035, sharmilaproperty@gmail. com or visit www.dbayhillsuites.com

PROPERTY DB

FLAT FOR RENT Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband.

Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS For lease. Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service. Contact Cherry on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to DB Plaza & pier, with fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided. Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk

GREENBURG COURT RENTAL GREENDALE COURT RENTAL Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near DB North Plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Serviced & fully furnished with washer/ dryer, bed linen & kitchenware.

Plus wi-fi, broadband, blue-ray & home theatre.

Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

517’ 1-bedroom flat with balcony. Deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with internet, 32” LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk

2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished.

Contact 9108 5525

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

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AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

SHORT-TERM LET

HOLIDAY RENTAL IN PHUKET

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, brian@headlandhomes.hk

Small gated community near Nai Harn beach with pool & gym. Fully fitted 3-bed villa with aircon, TVs & wi-fi. Lots of restaurants nearby.

Competitive rates. Contact 9752 9775, greenmountain123@gmail.com

January 2014

Looking for investment opportunity?

4/F., Lee Fund Centre, No. 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, HK E-mail: grea@grea.com.hk C-049044

South lsland Industrial & Office Sales / Lease Full Sea View Ind. Bldg.

6,183’ @4,950

• Ample Loading Bay

Sungib Ind. Centre 6,009’ 27.8M

ole

Grand Marine Centre 3,815’ 23.8M / 58K

• Remodeled into Open Plan Space • Stunning Waterfront Views

Sun Ying Ind Centre 2,234’~7,056’ 9.6M & up

• Very Quiet Location • Views Partially Mountain/Open

Cheung Tak Ind. Bldg.

6,762’ @9 / @6,000

t ole

S

• Ceiling Approx. 12ft High • Windows on 2 Sides of Space

Tin Fung Ind. Mansion 1,182’~17,587’ @4,800 & up

en

Ag

Harbour Ind. Ctr. (Corner Side) 1,280’~2,966’ 7.6M & up

One Island South 1,004’~29,848’ 10M/25K & up

t

en

Ag

S

• Rare Whole Floor • Extraordinary Investment Opportunity in Wong Chuk Hang Global Trade Square 997’~9,820’ @8,000 up

• Grade A Office Space • 13.5ft High Ceiling with Raised Floor System Shui Ki Ind. Building 3,927’ 25M / 55K

• Mutli-Purpose Usage • Ready for Immediate Use Workshops on Ground 1,600’~4,000’ @12,000 & Up

• High Ceiling • Rare in Market

• Rare Whole Floor • High Efficiency

Southmark 871’~3,523’ 6.5M & Up / 13K

• Swimming Pool Facility • Greenery View Office Yally Ind. Bldg.

3,028’ 18.2M

• Flexible Warehouse Space • Very Busy & Convenient Location in Wong Chuk Hang Kin Teck Ind. Building 3,750’~5,710’ @6,500

• Full Multi-functional Terrace • Fully Equipped Modern Kitchen with The Appliances

(S-130432)

• Located Inside a Residential Shopping Arcade • Public Transport at The Door Step

Heung Wah Ind. Building 7,226’ 40M & Up

Fullagar Ind. Building 721’~12,262’ 4.2M & Up

• High Ceiling & Rare Whole Floor • New Development Projects around the Site

Sing Teck Ind. Bldg.

1,877’~3,396’ 8.2M & Up / 18K

Hing Wai Ctr. 1,008’~28,000’ @3,800 & Up

• Unobstructed Seaview • Ample Loading Bay

9326 3293 / 6401 8889 / 9701 6622 Jeff

Aberdeen Ind. Building 3,150’ 15.8M & Up

• Corner Unit • Vacant Possession

• Minutes Walk to Public Transports • Price Reduced

Jacqueline (S-398189)

Dave (S-447427)

• Opposite to MTR Station • Frontage to Enjoy Inspiring of Ocean Park

• Internal Toilet • Town Centre at The Door Step Land Acquisition Projects Site Lot Area 6,000’~9,000’

• Revitalizing Industrial Building • Considering Re-zoning the Wong Chuk Hang Area

3527 0911 24 hours hotline

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

ACROSS LANTAU

chary Williams, tox and cleansing, Za de of s es sin bu e th In g, shares the sed Body Awakenin ba Oi Pu of r ne ow secret of his success When did you open Body Awakening and what makes it unique?

The idea of a home cleansing kit came to me in 2001; Body Awakening was eventually founded in 2012. The aim is to offer high-quality detoxification products and programmes that are accessible to busy people who might not have the time to book into a cleansing resort for a week. We’ve just expanded our online business by opening a space in Pui O to run group talks, workshops and cleanses.

What resources did you need to start up your own business?

You could say we cheated a little by bringing years of tried-andtested experience to a new business. As well as Body Awakening, I own and run a medical supply company called B&R Group Holdings, working with European and US medical distributors. Jessica, my wife and business partner, is a certified nutritional practitioner.

Do you enjoy being self-employed?

Being a business owner is great! It allows for a healthy level of creativity and freedom. There is also the other side of it too though – having staff to support, manage and keep motivated.

Which well-known business person inspires you?

I would have to say [skateboarder] Tony Hawk – over the last 25 years, he has built a business and a brand from a passion. I have always been inspired by small independent companies that expand one day at a time rather than relying on leverage, loans and venture capital.

How do you see your business looking in five years’ time?

I hope we are where we are today, focused entirely on the customer and on developing unmatched detox and health products which inspire and change people’s lives. Our goal for the next year is to develop a range of supplements which complement our existing cleansing and detox programme, and from there, who knows.

Call Body Awakening on 8192 7636, email info@bodyawakening.net, or visit www.bodyawakening.net.

Join your Lantau community live @ www.arounddb.com

MUI WO FERRY SCHEDULES Mon-Fri (except Public Holidays)

Sat, Sun and Public Holidays

From DB 7.15am 3.05pm

From DB

From Mui Wo

7.15am ＊ 8.45am # 10.45am 11.45am # 1.15pm 3.05pm # 4.15pm 6.15pm 8.05pm

7.45am ＊ 9.15am # 11.15am 12.15pm # 1.45pm 3.35pm # 4.45pm 6.45pm 8.30pm

From Mui Wo 7.45am 3.35pm

＊ Operates on Saturday (except Public Holidays) only ＃ Operates on Sunday and Public Holidays only

Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung and South Lantau

LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Patchwork Jack Shoesee Foldable

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

9527 6202 9662 1747 9762 1957 9765 2798 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

360° Sports Bar & Restaurant Airport Izakaya Andante Asian Taste Chef Express Deli Viet Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Dragon Inn Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden

2109 4360 2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4360 6504 4208 2109 0036 2109 4187 2286 6238 2286 6898 2286 6878 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 2969 2500 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Asian Hairdressers Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

3147 4088 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dalcroze Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon

2421 8088 9625 1392 2988 1488 HOTELS

Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888 LEARNING CENTRES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Little Academy Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) Tung Yan Day Nursery YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

5360 0991 2987-8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 3520 3500 2611 9193 6204 7387 2420 1068 2109 3873 2109 4000 3194 5120 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Impact Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Stepz Studio Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2109 9277 2179 6678 6902 2250 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 3152 7535 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694

6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 HOME & REPAIRS

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 9373 0792 2984 0587 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 7471 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 6331 8974 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 9160 5986 2980 2699

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten

2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2134 1234 2984 2227 2984 2278 2988 1368 2406 8122 2987 0099 9586 3459

SERVICES & OTHERS

Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio) Zoe Lyle Photography

2984 1410 9662 1747 2984 0060 9025 3949 9062 0148 6351 8923 9834 5498 TRANSPORTATION

Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company Sun Rising Moving Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132

Your ultimate guide in DB

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Discovery Speech Therapy, North Plaza Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 8120 7835 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422

LEARNING CENTRES

Dumper Trucks & Daisies A Montessori-based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child.

From 16 months to 4.5 years old Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

OTHER SERVICES

Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB Tel: 2987 2626 Email: cas@appletravel.com

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

Tel: 9740 0171 Email: melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

At Home in DB

HK School of Highland Dance

Lullaby Layette

Information & Services for Residents of DB. Expat Relocation, Newcomer Orientation, Tours, Courses, Networking Tel: 9769 4701 Email: sue@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com

Highland Dance classes now available at MI Studio.Teacher qualified by the SDTA. All ages welcome Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com

Online Boutique for Newborns & Infants Tel: 5600-7605, info@lullabylayette.com www.lullabylayette.com

Harvey Law Group

Sunwood by Design International Bodyfit Swimwear Exercise and Yoga Wear Tel: 6626 5470 www.sunwood-by-design.com

In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life Tel: 2416 8618 www.harveylawcorporation.com

Island Dance Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

PetcoDB

2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun!

Tel: 9327 0507 Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com

Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year Tel: 8122 9475 Email: admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com

Brightsparks Playgroup Fun, safe and interactive environment for your children.

Tel: 9632 4287

British Studio of Art Hong Kong

New art studio in DB for 2 year-olds to adults www.bsoahk.com bsoahk@gmail.com Tel: 9132 5249

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January 2014

Amity Shoe Care My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Lifestyle Boats & Homes

Playtime Kids DB Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 18 months to 4 years. Tel: 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

LEARNING CENTRES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre

Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com

French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2014-2015 from K1 to P6.

LG-05, DB North Plaza Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com

Little Explorers

HOME

8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located.

Tel: 9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk

Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency Ltd EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong Ltd

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

RESTAURANTS & HOTELS

Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

Tel: 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza

6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza Tel: 2885 1323 Email: info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North

2987 2298

Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza

2295 8288

Berliner

2987 8203

Café Duvet

2987 0966

Caramba Mexican Cantina

2987 2848

Ebeneezer’s

2987 0036

First Korean Restaurant

2987 9123

Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise

2987 4768

Hemingway’s by the Bay

2987 8855

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

RESTAURANTS & HOTELS il Bel Paese

2987 0202

Island Café

2987 9311

Jaspa’s, North Plaza

2997 8688

Kiraku Tei

2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

Life Cafe

2591 1422

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Solera

2555 0772

Sopranos

2987 2915

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8108

Zaks

2987 6232

Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

Sports World All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: info@sportsworld.hk

Studio PS

Tel: 6605 2727 Email: petraseeholzer@yahoo.com

The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training.

Located at North Plaza Tel: 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

CAISSA Chess Club HK The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center Tel: 9681 2896 Email: contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com

Tinytots A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age.

Tel: 34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk

Curves Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com

DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB Offering Judo classes for ages 5+ Mon, Wed & Sat classes available Email: elliot@cobrasportshk.com www.cobrasportshk.com

Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club

DB Party Lovers For all your party needs in DB Tel: 9132 5249 Email: dbpartylovers@gmail.com www.dbpartylovers.com

Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

Tel: 6624 7812 embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk

Little Milly Trinkets & treasures for girls and boys Tel: 6596 1817 candiceb@littlemilly.com www.littlemilly.com

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

Embody

Bo Bo House Toysland

24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELLBEING

Personal Fitness Training (for one to one or small groups) Studio P/S Petra Seeholzer Lang

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk

Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk

My Health Coach Lulu Improve your life balance through health and self awareness. I am able to offer a bespoke program just for you.

Email: lulu@myhealthcoachlulu.com www.myhealthcoachlulu.com

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure.

Tel: 2987 0614

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266

Nutrition consultations in DB

Improve your diet and achieve your health goals Tel: 9827 8413 Email: lisa@thenutritionclinic.com.hk www.thenutritionclinic.com.hk

Movement Improvement

MOW | Grooming & Skin Care

Pilates, Yoga, Spinning, TRX, Zumba, Personal Training The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

A unique retail & treatment space at DBN, that caters to your grooming, skin care & therapeutic requirements Tel: 2499 8826 / 6773 3103 www.mowhk.com mowhk@mowhk.com

Spin Works The Ultimate Workout Certified and friendly staff, located in North Plaza Tel: 5145 2776 www.spinworks.com.hk

Limousine Rental

Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com ACCESSDB Rehabus DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

View our business directory @ www.arounddb.com

January 2014

79

OUT THERE

HAPPY NEW…

MCGONAGALL! Scotland dominates New Year’s Eve. There’s no escaping Hogmanay, singing Auld Lang Syne and, if you’re a Scot, eating rumbledethumps and haggis.

But hold! There’s more, says Peter Sherwood

T

here’s bagpipes, whisky, kilts and Robert Burns, but something Scottish transcends all of this – and New Year’s Eve. We would all be poorer without the only poet in the English language published because he is so devastatingly awful, so wonderfully, utterly rotten.

Scots tragedian William Topaz McGonagall (1825-1902) went to his grave deadly (pun) serious about his work. The challenge is to read his stuff publicly and not become apoplectic.

Try the fabulous verse below first. The second was written, exactly 120 years later, by Peter Topaz McSherwood.

A New Year’s Resolution to Leave Dundee “Welcome! Thrice welcome! to the year 1893, For it is the year I intend to leave Dundee, Owing to the treatment I receive, Which does my heart sadly grieve.

Every morning when I go out The ignorant rabble they do shout ‘There goes Mad McGonagall’ In derisive shouts as loud as they can bawl.”

A New Year’s Resolution to stay in DB “In the tumultuous history of China, Events are gloriously weighty, 5,000 years of development – And Discovery Bay – circa 1980.

Oh! Ferry boats that ply between Your shores and old Hong Kong, Have seats for all, no standing room, Some take whisky, and that’s wrong!

Oh! Discovery Bay of Lantau fame, How heroic you appear, You are not London, Rome or Paris, But the airport is quite near.

More Scottish things appear on high As golf comes into sight.

To play up there’s for millionaires, Unless, like me, you go at night.

In the plaza you are free to buy Both at morn’ and in the dark, It is here that you can park ‘n shop – But cannot shop and park.

And he who buys for exercise A bicycle for riding, May look perchance like one Mr Lance, Who has just come out of hiding.

Your sandy beach is long and wide And magnificent to see – Imported from China’s estuary And dumped there perfectly.

It is history that in 1276, Emperor Gong of Song Fled to Guangdong, For he was in a terrible fix.

It was more than 30 years ago That your community was created, And apart from ‘the Greens’, It does not look too outdated.

And in 1277, he went away, Supposedly to Silvermine Bay. But it was always Mui Wo! Like it still is to this very day.

Your hills of green that rise above Are magnificent to behold, And soon more buildings will go up, And for many millions will be sold.

And in 1279 the Song Dynasty died, In Tung Chung, last holding court.

And if history’s not wrong There were no fights to be fought.

Oh! Plaza wide where friends abide, A majestic meeting place like heaven, And for miserly Scots like me, A nearby 7-Eleven.

When you are weary of DB, Seeking places foreign to go, It is clever to plan your trip – From DB to Mui and Wo.”

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 15 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter

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January 2014

at www.arounddb.com