Around DB July 2015 issue by Around DB Magazine

HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME ATTEND AN ACADEMY TO FULFIL YOUR WILDEST DREAMS

SEE THE WOOD FROM THE TREES EDUCATION PATHWAYS WORTH PURSUING

Forever

Win th c ea and oncer tre tick fitn t tick ets, es s e clas ts s es !

young!

What’s on your bucket list? (And do you really need one?) Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002

JULY 2015

畔峰 MIDVALE

$33K

寶峰 PARKVALE VILLAGE

$35K

寶峰 PARKVALE

$58K

G EA

Gross: 1189’ Saleable: 946’ 3 2

Gross: 1134’ Saleable: 980’

Joined unit w/ great views, spacious living, open kitchen & in a tranquil location. Don’t miss!

海蜂徑 SEABEE

$60K

3 2

Nicely renovated house, upgraded kitchen, spacious living and with stunning sea views.

頤峰 GREENVALE

$7.9M

Renovated apartment with upgraded bathroom. Spacious living and balcony with sea views.

海馬徑 SEAHORSE

Gross: 1642’ Saleable: 1406’ 3

Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1347’

$120K

Nicely combined duplex, open kitchen, spacious living, two living areas & walking distance to DB plaza.

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’

Gross: 2075’ Saleable: 1995’ 4 3

Lovely bright duplex, highly efficient layout & fully equipped kitchen. Great for entertaining. Ready to move into.

觀星樓 STARVIEW

$190K

$8.5M

Breathtaking, tastefully renovated garden house with private pool and well equipped kitchen. A must see!

觀濤樓 MARINE VIEW

$10.8M

G EA

Gross: 1068’ Saleable: 876’ 3 2

Fully upgraded apartment w/ good sized sea view balcony. Convenient for schools & all bus routes. Vacant Sale!

頤峰 GREENVALE

$16.8M/58.8K

Gross: 1243’ Saleable: 1028’ 4 2

Gross: 1412’ Saleable: 1157’

Unique combined unit, well equipped kitchen and spacious living. A must see!

海馬徑 SEAHORSE

$22M

Beautifully renovated apartment with amazing sea views. Ideal for family. For sale with tenancy.

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

$115M

G EA

Gross: 2087’ Saleable: 1817’ 5 4

Joined unit w/ spacious living, modern open kitchen, ideal for family & easy access to all transport. Vacant sale.

Saleable: 3187’

Gross: 1357’ Saleable: 1282’ 2 2

Professional design w/ tastefully renovated. Walking distance to DB Plaza, beach & pier.

5 4

Renovators delight. House w/ private swimming pool & huge garden. Company sale & Vacant possession.

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JULY 2015 FEATURES

PROFILE Meet award-winning DB photographer Marcin Klocek

IN FOCUS What’s on your bucket list?

MONEY The foundations of family protection

FAMILY MATTERS Planning your child’s education pathway

ESCAPES Four days in Luang Prabang

ACTION The thrill of deep sea fishing

REGULARS 26

COMPETITION Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

TALKING POINTS DBer Matt Prior’s Adventure Academy

MOMENTS As Booktrack hits the big time, DB’s Mark Cameron discusses his popular app

DB FACES Candid community snaps

OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 48

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

ON THE COVER

HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

TO ACADEMY ATTEND AN WILDEST DREAMS FULFIL YOUR

Readers with a feature story idea, please email rachel@baymedia.com.hk If you would like to publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email lissa@baymedia.com.hk Around DB, Bay Media, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Call 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

OD SEE THE WOTREES E FROM THWAYS PATH EDUCATION UING WORTH PURS

Fifteen-year DB residents Margie and Neil Park are action-ing their bucket lists

Win the con atre tick and cert tick ets, fitness ets classes !

Forever

young!

e munity onlin Join your com

ly need one?)

d do you real

ket list? (An

r buc What’s on you

Publishers

in DB since

JULY 2015

2002

Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

and www.arounddb.com

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk Managing editor Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk Advertising & sales manager Lissa Morris lissa@baymedia.com.hk Art direction Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk Assistant editor & business developer Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk Project manager Danielle Higgins danielle@baymedia.com.hk Office manager Beatrice De Magistris accountant@baymedia.com.hk Photography Baljit Gidwani Illustration Fred Boot Contributors this month Hannah Ball Josh Clery (intern) David Cooper Elizabeth Kerr Jonathan Menzies Anne Murphy Peter Sherwood Printing Fantasy Printing 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong 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 www.evoqueportraits.com, Beatrice De Magistris and Rosanna Sy-Siong

DB DRAGON BOATING Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza

Some 48 teams took to the water on June 20 during the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races & Carnival, putting on a great show for the crowds. The festival-like atmosphere continued after the racing had finished, with performances and games on Tai Pak Wan and in DB Plaza. It was a more environmentally friendly event this year, with organisers reducing waste by providing water in large dispensers, rather than individual bottles. Congratulations to the winners of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, Team Mushu of Hong Kong Disneyland; the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, Lantau Boat Club; the Mixed Cup, Lantau Boat Club Mixed Red; and to Ripple Effect, who took out the community race. For the full list of winners, visit www.arounddb.com.

Find more photos of community events @ www.arounddb.com

IN&AROUND DB

July 2015

IN&AROUND DB

FRENCH HAIR EXPERTS IN DB

Strand and Science HairSpa, DB North Plaza Hair expert Josiane Laure (of the well-known French brand) visited DB on June 9, passing on her knowledge through a talk and demonstrations at Strand and Science HairSpa.

Photos courtesy of Lissa Morris

ISLAND DANCING FINALE Y-Theatre, Chai Wan

Over 700 performers rocked the stage from June 5 to 7 as part of Once Upon a Dance, the Island Dance annual end-of-term show. The night was hugely entertaining, with the young dancers putting their own spin on classics such as Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz.

Photos courtesy of David Feehan

ACTION ASIA KAYAK N RUN Nim Shue Wan

Photos courtesy of Action Asia

July 2015

The annual Action Asia Kayak n Run on June 13 was as action-packed as always, with more than 60 adult teams and 30 family teams taking part under sunny skies. A big shout-out goes to the winners, Thomas Lam and Tsun Kit Tsang, and to DB residents Thorsten Bruce and Kurt Lynn, who finished second overall. Kurt topped off a big day by teaming up with son Taiki to take out the family fun event.

IN&AROUND DB

DBIS AND DC GRADUATION DAYS Schools out for summer! Graduation Day at Discovery College (DC) was June 3; and at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) June 15. Over in Tung Chung, the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College seniors graduated on June 27. Congratulations to all the young graduates!

Photos courtesy of DBIS and DC (Highjump Photography)

DB PIRATES BALL Auberge Discovery Bay

The annual DB Pirates Ball on June 6 was a resounding success, with over 250 revellers embracing the 1920s theme and partying into the night.

Photos courtesy of Sharon McEneff

LOCAL SPORTS SUCCESS DBIS had a good day out at the primary school Gaelic football tournament at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, Ho Man Tin on June 17, winning the Year 5 to 6 competition. A number of DB locals also competed in the All-China Gaelic Games at the same venue on June 20. In other sports news, the Lantau Lizards won the South China Australian Football League premiership on June 13 in Macau, with the side featuring a strong DB contingent.

Photos courtesy of Dana Winograd and South China AFL

July 2015

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5th Annual

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

Saturday,22 Aug 2015 9 am to 1 pm DBIS SCHOOL

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OPEN TO ALL DB RESIDENTS

IN&AROUND DB

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS!

NEW IN DB

Photo courtesy of Dr Francis Chiu

DB’S FIRST DOUBLE-DECKER After years of lobbying from the Passenger Liaison Group (PLG), DB’s first doubledecker bus has finally arrived. It is the first of six double-decker buses heading to DB, with all six to be used on external routes to Tung Chung and Sunny Bay, the first from mid-July. Six-year DB resident Dr Francis Chiu, a key member of the PLG, hopes the bigger (86-seater) buses will help ease congestion during peak periods.

Througho July

TO ADOPT A PET through Protection of

Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371; for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

July 4

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET

across from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

DB SUNDAY MARKET REGISTRATION

July 6-20

is open for vendors looking to book a stall at the DB Plaza markets on November 8 and 29, and December 13. Email register@handmadehongkong.com, or visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

July 2015

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com

SAVE PiP 2015! The eagerly awaited tenth Picnic in the Park (PiP) is in danger of not going ahead, with the event in desperate need of financial support after losing its major sponsor. This year, PiP was set to span three days, rather than the usual one, at the new venue of Tai Pak Wan, but unless local businesses get behind it, PiPsters (numbering 10,000 last year) will be left bitterly disappointed. If five sponsors contribute HK$100,000 each, a one-day event can take place, while the planned threeday bonanza will require 10 sponsors to put forward HK$100,000 each. The go/ not go deadline is July 10, so if you or your company are willing to sponsor, please contact the organisers on pip@picnicintheparkhk.com.

CAISSA CHESS OPEN BLITZ Community Centre, DB North Plaza

The Caissa Hong Kong Chess July 11 Club is gearing up for its season finale, the fourth annual DB Open Blitz. The event sees participants fight it out over seven qualifying rounds for a place in the seven-round final. Photo courtesy of Caissa Hong Kong Registration, which is open to all, is HK$250 for members and HK$350 for non-members. Head to www.caissahk.com/blitz2015 for more information.

BEACH PARTY FEVER Tai Pak Wan

July 19

If you’re single and ready to mingle, prepare yourself for Beach Party Fever, a summer dating party designed to help you meet www.hkri.com new friends (and maybe even fall in love). The event, which runs from 2 to 6pm, features games to help break the ice, team games, a speed dating section and dessert cooking classes. Registration is a must, so be sure to visit www.sdfever.com.hk to secure your spot.

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

FLYING THE KNIFE EDGE LAUNCH

Bookazine, DB North Plaza Don’t miss your opportunity to meet DB Cathay Pilot Matt McLaughlin, as he signs copies of his memoir Flying the Knife Edge: New Guinea Bush Pilot from 6.30 to 7.30pm. In his book, a must-read for aviation buffs, Matt gives an insight into his career as a pilot, focusing mainly on his daring adventures flying in and out of Port Moresby. Matt’s book is available for purchase at Bookazine and you can also find it on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and iTunes/ iBooks.

July 24

Photo courtesy of Matt McLaughlin

SAVE THE DATE DBRC CHARITY TENNIS CUP

October

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

st 22

u Aug

Start preparing for this year’s Charity Tennis Cup, which sees teams get dressed up and take to the court for charity. For more information about the event and registration, which is open until September 1, contact Roberto Santamaria or Ajit Gidwani on 2987 7381, or dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk. 10 October

Photo by Around DB Photo courtesy of Lantau Base Camp

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR REGISTRATION

SALOMON LT 70

Discovery Bay International School

Start: Mui Wo

It’s time to book your table for the Back to School Fair, a great opportunity for local businesses to promote their products. Contact info@factory2home.net before July 15 to secure an early bird rate of HK$500 for a full table or HK$250 for a small/shared table. Proceeds go to DBIS.

Registration is now open for the Salomon LT 70, a 70-kilometre race that sees individuals and teams of four battle it out along the Lantau Trail. For more information on the event and on how to register, visit the Lantau Base Camp Facebook page, or www.lantaubasecamp.com.

Photo courtesy of DBRC

July 2015

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

ts of three-and-aCindy and Wesley Reid, DB residen Plaza fitness centre half years and owners of DB North The HIT Room, talk shop

List your Lantau business for free @ www.arounddb.com

Tell us a little about your business.

The HIT Room has two boutique gym studios; the first was set up in June 2013 and the second in April 2014. We offer everything from Les Mills to Freestyle Training, including BodyPump, RPM/ Spin, GRIT Strength and GRIT Plyo, TRX, Boxing Circuit, Total Core, Bootcamp, Legs, Bums and Tums, and Kids Fitness.

What’s the secret of your success?

Hard work and dedication is key – and being just a little obsessed with exercise and nutrition! We hand-pick our instructors, and the aim is to individually help customers become fitter and stronger, while keeping injuries at bay.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in business? People are so busy here that there is only a small window each day when they can commit to exercise. It took us quite some time to find the right schedule.

Describe a favourite on-the-job moment. Finishing teaching an early morning class and walking out, looking straight at the sunrise, feeling energised and on top of the world, before most people have even woken up.

Which well-known businessperson inspires you?

Steve Jobs not only knew how to run a business and manage people, he wasn’t afraid to get ‘out on the floor’ and help solve the smallest day-to-day issues. He also had a stubborn, rock-solid devotion to an idea that most people thought was crazy.

Tell us a little about yourselves.

Photos courte sy of Cindy an d Wesley Reid

We don’t have kids or pets, which allows us a lot of time and dedication for work. We train and work seven days a week, sometimes for up to six hours a day, and we practice what we preach with nutrition and lifestyle choices. We live very simply but we ensure we get our weekly deeptissue massage.

How do you see your business looking in five years?

We would like to think that we will continue to expand and offer an even broader, all-inclusive range of services, such as nutrition and life-coaching.

Call The HIT Room on 6621 7410, email info@thehitroom.com.hk, or visit www.thehitroom.com.hk.

Probiotics, Supplements, Cleansing & Detox

Photo by Marcin Klocek

Available in DB at Just Green or at bodyawakening.net

COMPETITIONS

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

See William Shakespeare’s Hamlet YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions is offering three readers, two A-reserve tickets (worth HK$795 a ticket) to see Hamlet at 2.30pm on September 6.

Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until July 10 to submit your answers. To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code below. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!

Take-home Happy Mondays concert tickets YOUR PRIZE: Songs for Children is offering two readers, two tickets (worth HK$650 a ticket) to see the Happy Mondays on July 28 at 8pm.

How long is the Globe to Globe Hamlet tour? Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

FIND THE ANSWER: Hamlet, showing at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre, September 4 to 6, is part of London-based Shakespeare’s Globe’s twoyear Globe to Globe Hamlet tour, which will take in every country on Earth. For tickets, starting at HK$495, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Where are the Happy Mondays from?

Photo courtesy of Songs for Children

FIND THE ANSWER: The UK band is sure to rock Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre with its first ever Hong Kong gig. Purchase tickets, starting at HK$650, from The Globe (Central), White Noise Records (Prince Edward), Zoo Records (Mongkok), or www.pelago.events. C

Catch Hi-5 House of Dreams

Which two companies recently merged to form Epic Tung Chung?

CMY

YOUR PRIZE: MEI Live is offering two readers, three A-reserve tickets (valued at HK$450 per ticket) to see Hi-5 House of Dreams at 6pm on August 16. Photo courtesy of Epic MMA & Fitness

Win classes at Epic Tung Chung

Can you name three members of the Hi-5 team?

YOUR PRIZE: Epic Tung Chung is offering one reader, five coupons (worth a total of HK$1,250) to use on its wide range of adult-and-child fitness, martial arts and yoga classes. FIND THE ANSWER: Formed by the merger of Epic MMA & Fitness and 9 Dragons Fitness, Epic Tung Chung has all the bases covered. Adult programmes include AntiGravity Fitness, yoga, CrossFit, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. From June 29 to August 28, kids aged five to 11 can enjoy the Epic Little Ninjas Summer Camp, which includes gymnastics, AntiGravity Kids, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For more information, call 2786 9699 or visit www.epicmma.com.

Photo courtesy of MEI Live

FIND THE ANSWER: Join the Hi-5 team on their latest adventure, Hi-5 House of Dreams, a giant sleep-over that sees Ainsley, Dayen, Mary, Stevie and Tanika enter the world of dreams. This interactive and energetic show is being performed at AsiaWorld-Expo, August 15 to 16. For tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Josephine Wong and Anna Ng for the Russian Ballet School classes; Lindsey Price for the Powder Room voucher; and Amanda Carrick, Sandra Wyatt, Susan Ratsma, Evelyn Waletzki and David Kurtz for the Body Awakening cleansing packages.

July 2015

PROFILE

Photos by Marcin Klocek and Justyna Zduńczyk

A THOUSAND

WORDs Architect Marcin Klocek, a 13-year DB resident, could be Hong Kong’s best-kept photographic secret, says Elizabeth Kerr

July 2015



PROFILE

n a warm Sunday afternoon in a Discovery Bay coffee shop, I’m joined by Marcin Klocek, his wife and two daughters for a chat about his photography. The four are on their way to a barbeque and as soon as the conversation starts, it’s clear the affable Marcin rarely gets the last word. It’s like we’re back in the days of vaudeville – he has a peanut gallery. Introductions come first. Karolina Rakowska, an architect and designer, is a near-perfect hybrid clone of Kate Moss and Kirsten Dunst, all effortless European casualness and charm. Julia is an unflappable 14-year-old stealth feminist with a penchant for science – food science to be exact. She will challenge you on the value of organic farming. Finally, there’s nine-year-old Amelia, a blindingly curious natural ham who’s currently referring to herself as an actress. She recently played Humpty Dumpty in a school play (both girls attend Discovery College), and has every intention to act again. Tell Amelia she’s a bit undersized to play the portly egg, and she retorts: “I had a fat suit.” No one is fazed by the drama.

From Chungking Mansions to DB Originally from Warsaw, Marcin, 46, got his first taste of Hong Kong after six weeks in China with Karolina, back when the SAR was still a crown colony and the pair was fresh out of university. “After travelling in China by every possible means – stinky buses, less stinky buses, sleeping trains, nonsleeping trains, hard seats, soft seats, whatever – we got to Hong Kong and our jaws just dropped,” recalls Marcin. “The difference was so stark. We loved it.”

Marcin Klocek with wife Karolina and daughters Amelia and Julia

Naturally the young backpackers stayed at Chungking Mansions, for a whopping HK$70 per night. “The Lonely Planet said the stairwell featured a large selection of wildlife,” Marcin says with a smile. “We had a police riot July 2015



PROFILE

at 4am looking for illegal immigrants. We had a T8.” All this did little to scare the couple away. Back in Poland and working as an architect, Marcin actively sought work in Hong Kong. He got lucky, and though that gig didn’t work out the deal was sealed. “I wasn’t going back,” he says. There was never any argument over living in Discovery Bay either. “When I was here without Karolina and Julia for two or three months in 2002, I went looking for a place to live. I knew DB from a previous trip so I came here first,” Marcin adds. “After looking around, I was sure there was no other option. We’ve never lived anywhere else.” Awaiting Amelia’s birth

The career architect Soon, Amelia, knowing full well why we’re here, chimes in with a questioning: “You’re not even talking about photography.” Indeed. Marcin describes himself as inherently adventurous and an avid traveller; it’s one of the reasons the like-minded Karolina and he gelled 20 years ago, and she agreed to the move to DB. Marcin’s first taste of the power of photography came when Poland found itself at the epicentre of the anti-communist movement that ended with the collapse of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980s. “I was always very active in the underground student movement,” he recalls. “I was going to demonstrations… and I took a camera once and took some pictures. I realised I wanted to do this for a career.” It almost happened when he was offered a job with a photography agency but when push came to shove, Marcin decided to stick with architecture. “I thought photography might not be a safe career,” he explains. Julia gives him a look and comments: “That doesn’t seem like you.” But Marcin knew he’d be sent to remote, often dangerous places, and knowing he’d have a family one day, he opted for the less ballistic route.

July 2015

At Yokozuna Hakuhō Shō’s beya

Ultimately it was the right choice, because Marcin admits working in architecture in Hong Kong is a challenge he wouldn’t trade for anything. “I don’t see any place in the world where architects have an opportunity to work on such big projects and concepts,” he explains. Marcin’s career choice also hasn’t meant that he’s given up photography, or stopped entering competitions. (Check out his work at www.traveller.pl.)

The celebrated photographer Marcin’s photos have garnered him recognition from groups like the

National Geographic Society (for 2009’s Your Shot series) and the Polish edition of World Press Photo. He’s also shown his work at several exhibitions in Warsaw. In February, Marcin’s Sweat and Blood series was shortlisted from among nearly 180,000 photographs from around the world for the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards. He didn’t take the big prize in his category but his chronicle of a rarely seen sumo practice session is as vivid as a photo gets. Of course, there’s a story behind it. While on a trip to Tokyo, the gang wandered the city’s Ryogoku district, 

PROFILE

eventually stumbling upon Yokozuna Hakuhō Shō’s beya, a sumo stable or school. Marcin took the opportunity to snap a few shots. It was only later that he learned the magnitude of what he’d achieved, from a Japanese journalist. Capturing a yokozuna in practice, in his his own beya is akin to encountering Cristiano Ronaldo or LeBron James kicking around a private gym. Sweat and Blood’s unguarded, ‘every picture tells a story’ tone defines Marcin’s work. We look at a contemplative shot of a little girl pondering a maze at Hong Kong Disneyland. (Amelia: “It’s not Disneyland. It’s Disneyland Hotel.”) And it starts another family debate. It reminds Marcin of Alice in Wonderland, of a girl on the verge of discovery, looking at a mirror. “It’s not a mirror,”

says Amelia. “It’s a rabbit hole,” adds Julia. Someone mentions Carroll’s other book, Through the Looking-Glass, and Marcin exclaims, “Yes, that’s what I’m talking about!” At this point, I’m really hoping Karolina will ask me to tag along for the barbeque. I’m crazy about this family! Though Marcin et al don’t get to travel as much as they used to, Hong Kong affords plenty of photo ops. Marcin is also flirting with the idea of combining his two passions. “The only thing I still want to do is marry largesize photography with interior design. Photography is so powerful and using it to capture interiors is a great thing. I love it and I would love to do it more.”

At Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

Find more local heroes

Amelia has another comment: “Marry?” Just don’t get her started on the concept of square feet.

@ www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and Josh Clery

JUST

DO IT

Why write a bucket list when you can simply seize the day – every day, says Peter Sherwood, a 16-year DB resident

o anyone working on their bucket list: good luck to you. The Bucket List (2007) was a mildly funny Hollywood movie that promulgated a range of off-beat activities you should do before you croak. It’s rather like the July 2015

bestselling book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, whose puzzling title proposes there might be a slim chance you can accommodate them later. I applaud the movie’s sentiment, but with a bucket list – a fad for the over

fifties – I’m stuck with the thought that maybe it misses the point of being alive; a pretty significant oversight for someone suddenly alert after five decades and reflecting on the unfulfilled. And I hate to be the bearer of grim tidings, but anyone

IN FOCUS

was used to hold pigs by their heels, so that they could be slaughtered. The subsequent death throes of the unfortunate animals created the impression that they were ‘kicking the bucket’. The derivation is either from Old French buquet (a balance), or the fact that the raising of the yoke on a pulley resembled a bucket being lifted from a well. The more interesting (and probably apocryphal) origin relates to suicides, who would stand on a large bucket with a noose around their necks and, at the moment of their choosing, kick away the bucket.

The art of ticking boxes Today, it’s not swine to the butchers but list aficionados exterminated in colourful locations in a quixotic effort to push back the clock, and do all the things they wish they’d already done – but didn’t. Make sense of that if you can. Before the movie these often vainglorious exercises never comprised a list, they were just stuff we did. Seems to me if things are vital enough to consider just before we peg out, we might have given them greater priority over the past half a century. The latest demise by bucket list came in a recent report about a 53-yearold woman, who survived cancer and then made up her inventory. She wanted to ride a horse along a beach in Wales, UK. The poor woman fell off and was killed.

Kicking the bucket

Its roots go back to the Middle Ages and are reckoned to have a number of origins including, predictably, a reference to Shakespeare.

Plenty of people draw up their agenda of derring-do and get cracking on a one-leg bungee jump or riding a pogo stick backwards around Mongolia. But it’s all a bit questionable because it tends to venture into the tedious pastime of ticking boxes: ‘Been there, got the t-shirt’. As if climbing a serious mountain, or sailing an ocean are things that can be ticked off like taking a ride on the London Eye.

The term comes from ‘kicking the bucket’ or tumbling from your perch.

Most etymologists agree that the ‘bucket’ refers to a kind of yoke that

Life is all about making interesting choices, challenging ourselves 

Margie and Neil Park

age 50 has already spent around 17 years unconscious.

July 2015

IN FOCUS

Jay Nagao

Betty Hung

Ted Lawton

Rani Gidwani

Tom Fung

Mike Horne

mightily, pushing the old envelope, falling, getting bravely up – and reaching our potential. And maybe it’s not. Engineering a bucket list has a more romantically intrepid resonance that has found a following. And yet… to have a shot at contentment, I’m told we need four essentials: meaningful work, love, contribution and community. No mention of buckets or ice climbing in Alaska.

I’m hardly immune The bucket list curse whacked me in the 1980s after two overweight and hopelessly inexperienced American executives, Richard Bass and Frank Wells, set out to be the first to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent. Richard was the first to achieve it on April 30, 1985. At that time, he also held the record

July 2015

for being the oldest person at 55 to have climbed Mount Everest – on his fourth attempt. Unfortunately his partner never did, though of the Seven Summits only Everest eluded him. Frank, former president of Walt Disney, was killed in a 1994 helicopter crash in the US. These two are responsible for unleashing the unfit, me and the elderly on mountains the world over. The outdoor clothing business has boomed, as designer climbing apparel has become a hit with millions of sedentary souls, who have no intention of venturing any further than the mezzanine at their local cinema. Looking back, I had for decades been going to loony extremes, wherever curiosity led. And it took me to some

foolish and dangerous places, hell bent on sacrificing the safety and sanity of a career, for the wholly whimsical enterprise of chasing my nose. Richard and Frank’s heroics sent me in ever more wild and fanciful directions. But with my undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder in the mix, I could never plan far enough ahead for lunch, let alone dream up an exacting menu of things that I really had to do.

Expressing who we are The result was a blurred continuum of climbing, hiking, and shambling around parts foreign – in between being hopelessly lost and bankrupted. If I was committed to anything, it was to the avoidance of repetition and commitment. I thank Richard and Frank for thousands of meandering kilometres. And if I ever came close to 

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IN FOCUS a list it was, as a 20-year-old, yearning to follow in the footsteps of my hero Ernest Shackleton, traversing South Georgia Island. (I finally made it in 1998.) There are plenty of harmless reasons why people make bucket lists, and if you’re getting yours done, that’s great. It can also be obsessive/ compulsive. (There’s even a word meaning ‘a passion for list making’: glazomania). But it seems to me that until The Bucket List was released (it scored a lowly 40% on the Rotten Tomatoes ratings) we did stuff consciously or not – to fulfil a dream, or satisfy some inner urge, or simply as a part of life and of who we are. Like Nike, we just did it. Today we find it necessary to call it something capriciously grandiose – and include Hollywood. Bah humbug!

t? What’s on your bucket lis Rani Gidwani, 86, a 27-year DB resident. Bucket List (BL): To lead a happy life and spend time with her family. Ted Lawton, 66, a DB resident of 22 years. BL: To do more business. Jay Nagao, 69, a 15-year DB resident. BL: To travel around the world on his own. Betty Hung, “over 21”, a 20+-year DB resident. BL: To travel around her home country (China) and learn more about its history. Tom Fung, 70+, a DB resident of over 25 years. BL: To enjoy his life and spend time with his family. Mike Horne, 74, a 26-year DB resident. BL: To go back to the UK and live in the countryside. Margie Park, “as young as she feels”, a 15-year DB resident. BL: To do the Cape Town Cycle Tour – the world’s largest individually timed cycle race – for the second time. Neil Park, 77, a DB resident of 15 years. BL: To bungee jump and learn to hang glide.

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TALKING POINTS

THRILL SEEKERS Adventure addict and DB resident Matt Prior is inviting us to get out there and actively pursue some of our wildest dreams. Sam Agars reports

Summiting an active volcano

Overnighting in tepees

Photos courtesy of Matt Prior

W 32

hen you’re ex-military, fly planes for a living and have spent a good slice of your 30 years searching for an adventure more extreme than your last, there comes a point when you start to wonder where your next thrill will come from. This is certainly the case for two-and-a-halfyear DB resident Matt Prior. A true adventure addict, UK-born Matt recently decided it was time to start passing on his significant skill set to others, launching the Matt Prior Adventure Academy, the first of its kind in the world. July 2015

Getting to know the locals

Extreme sports add an element of danger

And it’s already creating quite a buzz internationally.

yourself – if it was easy, everyone would do it.

Live! Don’t just exist

“I want to give people that adventure experience and I want them to walk away [intending to] go and do this stuff themselves,” Matt says. “It’s very much – here’s the rough idea, now you go and do it. I’m going to sit behind you and if you’re going to do something really dangerous, I’m going to stop you but if you’re not, I’m just going to let you make your own mistakes. That’s the best way to learn.”

The first course took place in June – a week-long adventure across three undisclosed Indonesian islands. Each course is open to just three people and there are only five a year. The trip is big on motorbike riding, mountain climbing and general exploring. It involves getting up close and personal with active volcanoes and staying in some seriously remote tribal villages. You need to be fit and ready to challenge

According to British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, attending the

TALKING POINTS

Adventure addict Matt Prior

r’s An adventure credentials In April this year, in temperatures as low as -30°C and winds nudging 110 kmph, Matt was part of a team that piloted Russian WWII motorbikes 2,000 kilometres around Lake Baikal, Siberia. The group rode their bikes on the ice, with sheer cliff face preventing any exit from the lake. “It was like a different planet,” Matt says. Cooking in remote villages

academy is “a must for anyone with an adventurous spark but not really sure where to start”. While Matt’s courses are very much an introduction, he aims to teach his clients all aspects of launching an adventure, from marketing and sponsorship, to how to deal with the unknown.

Discover what you’re capable of Matt’s venture is based on his belief that people want more from a holiday

Matt has also driven a £150 (HK$1,775) car from London to Mongolia and back, coaxed a local rickshaw from the tip of Southern India to the Himalayas and made it to Mount Everest Base Camp in a London taxi.

than a regular tourist jaunt. “People are really interested in looking at videos, photos or blogs of big, cool adventures,” he says. “I’ve come to the conclusion that people are pretty much bored with generic travel, and are looking for what’s next.”

For Matt it’s all about finding somewhere remote, where you can experience the highs and lows of adventure in under a week. By pushing ourselves he believes we can experience “that feeling of really living, feeling alive”.

Find it • Matt Prior Adventure Academy, www.mpadventureacademy.com

Find more clubs and activities

@ www.arounddb.com

July 2015

Photos courtesy of www.benhollingsdaleillusration.com and www.wikimedia.org

MONEY MATTERS

Do you have life insurance, and is it sufficient to your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs?

July 2015

MONEY MATTERS

HAVE YOU GOT IT COVERED?

A strong financial foundation can protect your family, health and long-term wealth – just don’t rely on your employer to handle this for you. DB residents Jonathan Menzies and David Cooper report

e are always advising DB residents that the strongest foundation for long-term financial planning is built on protection, an area in our experience that is often overlooked. When we meet someone for the first time to discuss their protection requirements, we often ascertain that the amount of cover for life, critical illness and health insurance provided by their employer is simply insufficient. DB residents we speak to are understandably shocked when we evaluate their current benefits and discover they don’t come even close to covering their requirements, or the needs of their partner and kids. However, the good news is that this is easily addressed. And, after all, what is the alternative? Are you willing to risk not having sufficient coverage, when and if you and your family need it?

The big three The concept of family protection, through life, critical illness and health insurance, is to enable you to maintain your current standard of living (for you and your family) in the event of a death, or a sudden and serious illness. If the unthinkable happens

and your earning power is wiped out, or seriously reduced, you and your family will need sufficient insurance to cover all of your ongoing liabilities, such as mortgages, school fees and day-to-day costs. One of your first priorities is to establish a level of life, critical illness and health cover appropriate to your circumstances. This will ensure both you and your family are wellprotected financially, especially if there has been a recent increase in your outgoings or significant changes in your life, such as a new baby or job. Addressing these issues will give you peace of mind and an improved sense of security for your family. As a first step, ask a financial advisor to evaluate your existing cover and annual liabilities (including debts/ loans, mortgages/ rental, daily living costs and childcare/ school fees) against your current and future needs. This will show you whether your existing coverage is sufficient.

Life insurance (and wills) Before your eyes roll at the mere mention of life insurance and you turn the page, bear with us. Appropriate protection should be the first priority for everybody.

In our opinion, the most valuable asset a family can possess is not its properties, cars (or golf carts) and fine wines… it’s you! Yet what value do you place on yourself and your family’s financial wellbeing? Do you have life insurance, and is it sufficient to your family’s needs? It’s important to recognise that your employer may not have you sufficiently covered. Life insurance may not be included in your employment contract and if it is, it typically covers only three times your basic salary. Bonuses and allowances can be excluded. Check with Human Resources to see how much coverage you have. Is this going to be enough to support your family over the long-term? If not, you will need to supplement the amount with additional life insurance cover. Of course, it is also important to take the time to write or update your will. None of us like to think about death but when considering British comedian Spike Milligan’s famous epitaph, “I told you I was ill”, it makes sense to take action sooner rather than later. If you have children, a Deed of Guardianship is an essential document to have in place, in addition to your will. This ensures the local authorities   July 2015

MONEY MATTERS

know who you have legally entrusted to look after your children, in the tragic event of both you and your partner passing away at the same time. Do not assume your helper will be legally allowed to look after your children even temporarily – your children will need an authorised guardian.

Critical illness and health insurance Rising healthcare costs over the past decade have placed an increasing burden on companies to reduce the amount of insurance coverage they give their employees. A solution for many employers has been to cut back on healthcare cover or even remove spousal/ family benefits altogether. According to the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, medical expenses for treatment with a private room average at HK$100,626. As a case in point, a client recently stayed overnight in a private hospital for a simple hernia operation and his total bill came to HK$156,000.

Email Human Resources and request an up-to-date breakdown of your healthcare cover levels, and while you’re at it enquire about your critical illness insurance. Typically, this crucial type of insurance is capped, or not even provided. Check if you are covered for critical illness by your employer and that the levels are sufficient – at least two years’ gross salary as a minimum. Again, assuming the coverage provided by your employer is insufficient, you will want to look into additional insurance options.

Boosting your cover With so many types of private insurance, cover levels and benefits available, the choice can be confusing.

Seeking professional advice locally will not only save you a considerable amount of time but will also enable you to identify the right protection solutions, specific to you and your family’s needs. Importantly, an independent and licensed financial advisor will provide you with options to address any shortfalls. They will also ensure any new cover complements existing plans you already have in place. Hindsight is 20/20 but not at the expense of you and your family’s health and financial wellbeing. Address your natural assumption of ‘It’s OK, I’m covered, thanks’ – you can never assume your employer has you and your family fully protected. DB residents, Jonathan Menzies and David Cooper are senior financial consultants at Platinum Financial Services (www.fsplatinum.com). To arrange a meeting in DB, contact Jonathan on 6747 3871, jonathanmenzies@fsplatinum.com; or David on 5182 9014, davidcooper@fsplatinum.com; or call 3115 7616.

This should encourage you to ensure that any medical cover you currently have is comprehensive enough to cover the realistic costs of toptier, private, local medical care.

Are you willing to risk not having sufficient coverage, when and if you and your family need it?

Find more monetary advice

July 2015

@ www.arounddb.com



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PROPERTY SEARCH

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uilt on a foundation of improving service through technology, OKAY.com is determined to revolutionise the way we rent, buy and sell properties. Founded in Hong Kong in 2009, the real estate agency expanded to Discovery Bay in March this year and has a team of five living and working in DB. “Real estate is a people business and we apply technology to enhance the experience,” chief technology officer and Discovery Bay resident Torbjörn Dimblad explains. “When you work with one of our agents in DB, you are going to meet someone who is knowledgeable, knows the ins and outs of the market and will advise and support you to find what you are looking for.” What sets OKAY.com further apart is the technology that supports its agents, including the size and accuracy of its online database. Maintaining 90 to 95% accuracy on all listings ensures clients have access to the most current properties on the market.

OKAY.com’s technology platform supports the entire home search process – it is the engine behind its website and it drives the practical tools for prospective clients, from their initial property search through to their interaction with an agent, and finally all the paperwork associated with a property transaction.

building and neighbourhood information. Clients maximise their time by collaborating with their agent to refine their search online prior to conducting viewings.

“Our investment in technology rather than in storefronts allows us to run a comparably lower-cost operation, which enables us to create great tools and services for our agents and for our clients,” Torbjörn says.

Furthermore, OKAY.com’s proprietary mobile platform equips its agents with up-to-the-minute information. Every agent has access to the newest listings and information via their smartphone or tablet, allowing them to respond immediately to a client’s needs. Whether this is to check nearby properties while on-site with a client, or give a client instant feedback on market trends, the technology creates a more efficient and tailored experience.

As an example of matching tools with service, OKAY.com agents create a customised online portfolio of available units, complete with photos, and detailed property,

“At OKAY.com we value technology, but it is not our most important driver – we leverage technology to create a terrific user journey for our clients,” Torbjörn concludes.

Best service in the industry

For more information, visit www.OKAY.com, email enquiry@okay.com, or call 2102 0888.

July 2015

Illustration by Fred Boot. Photos courtesy of Discovery Bay International School, Discovery College, Discovery Mind Primary School and YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

FAMILY MATTERS

The school application game begins as soon as your child is born

July 2015

FAMILY MATTERS

SCHOOL SMARTS There’s no time like the present to start planning your children’s education pathway. School advisory consultant and DB resident Anne Murphy advises on how best to navigate the options, from birth

or parents the world over, planning their children’s international education has become a first priority. With an ever-increasing population, fierce competition for school places and the financial aspect involved, this is certainly the case in Hong Kong. To navigate your way from pre-primary through to the teenage years, it’s essential that you know your options, how to plan and when.

Start applying at birth Ignore the rumours that you can enrol your child pre-birth – schools will not accept an application without a birth certificate. But be in no doubt, the school application game begins as soon as your child is born. Schools that accept applications from birth and place strong priority on the date of application are Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), French International School (FIS), Hong Lok Yuen International School, German Swiss International School (GSIS) and Kellett School – The British International School. The earlier you apply to these schools, the higher chance your child will have of being offered a school place, or interview. You need to be aware that simply completing an application when your child is born doesn’t guarantee their

place – only a purchased debenture will do that. This option is still offered by a few Hong Kong schools. At DBIS, it is called a Premium School Development Levy and costs HK$450,000.

Get waitlisted Here on in, methods of application vary depending on the school, and of course there are only a certain number of places available each year. While it is a first-come-first served basis for many schools, there are restricted application periods for others. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will get your child’s name on the waitlist. Like DBIS, Canadian International School and Nord Anglia International School accept applications from birth, but unlike DBIS no priority is given regardless of how far in advance applications are received. Applications close at the end of October for the Canadian International School, and Nord Anglia accepts applications all year round (depending on space availability). Apply early so your child can at least be considered for the first round of interviews. Some schools such as Hong Kong International School and Chinese International School accept applications from when a child turns two. Applications are not on a first-comefirst served basis, so make sure you meet the deadline for these schools.

Lantau International School (LIS), Discovery Mind Primary School (DMPS), Harrow International School, ISF Academy and Singapore International School accept applications one year in advance. Note that DMPS offers classes from Year 2 through to Year 4; Year 1 is offered in the Discovery Mind Kindergartens. LIS offers classes from Reception (age 4) and children already attending the school get priority for a Primary 1 place. With the ESF schools, like Discovery College (DC), Bradbury School and Island School, you have to wait until your child is a certain age to apply. For instance, as of September 1, children who were born in 2011 can apply for a Year 1 place at DC or Bradbury School. Other schools, such as Harbour School and the American International School, accept applications (and students) depending on space availability. Capacity varies. For instance, for the first year of entry, FIS offers 50 places, GSIS only 22. Don’t panic. Even if your child fails to meet a school’s entry requirements in the first instance, there is still hope that they may be offered a place later, on the strength of their grades. However, you will need to re-apply and most probably pay for another interview.  July 2015

FAMILY MATTERS

Year 6 students at Discovery Mind Primary School

Primary years The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the most commonly used curriculum by international schools in Hong Kong. (DC offers a throughtrain IB programme from primary to secondary.) In saying this, there are plenty of other options. LIS, DBIS and DMPS all offer the English National Curriculum, combined with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), from kindergarten. Alternate systems, including the American Curriculum (American International School) and the Australian Curriculum (Australian International School) are also well represented. Filing applications for secondary schools normally begins at age 11 (Year 6) with children preparing at least two years in advance for the entrance tests.

Year 9 students at Discovery Bay International School

Senior students at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

Secondary schooling Admission criteria for a Year 7 place incorporates performance in interviews/ written assessments, academic results for the past two years, excellence in extra-curricular activities and any additional awards or achievements that the applicant may have. Competition is fierce, so you need to apply to more than one secondary school if your child is not already attending a through-train school. ď&#x201A;&#x201E;

July 2015

Year 9 students at Discovery College

Summer Program 2015

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G-02 Office Block Two, North Plaza www.imi.com.hk Phone: 2537 1087

DANCE DMR

ONE TO ONE SMALL GROUPS CLASSES

MORE THAN JUST DANCE

Dance camp this summer? Check out some of our dance classes! Dance and Play, Fun Ballet, Ballet Floor Barre, ACRO-JAZZ

Or one of our popular Camps ... CHOREOGRAPHY CAMP : Is 5-1/2day fun camp, during which time our young participants take part in a daily dance class, an art and design session, a choreography session and yummy snack breaks. All of the work will be put together for a final show scheduled during the final class. (AGES 5-11YRS) And …if you’re just missing your Ballet, Modern or Jazz class, we have that too!

TELL A FRIEND! There are endless reasons to dance, here are just a few...

GET READY TO BE PART OF THE FUN & HAVE A HIP HOP HOLIDAY!

Feel Great: Studies show that dance can increase self-confidence and help build social skills.

Enquiries:

Zap Your Boredom: Dance is an endlessly varied form of physical activity with strong mind-body & social components; if you like it, you’re likely to stick with it.

2987 4338 www.dmr-hk.com info@dmr-hk.com

Main Studio: 112 DB Plaza DIiscover Bay, Lantau

FAMILY MATTERS International school students aged 12 commonly either follow the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), or the English National Curriculum. Parents considering a move into the American school system, need to bear in mind that students will be required to take the Standard Schools Admissions Test (SSAT). ESF schools offer the English National Curriculum from Years 9 to 11 with students completing their I/ GCSE exams and then moving on to complete their IB Diploma in Years 12 and 13, or completing vocational courses under the UK BTEC programme. While DBIS follows the English National Curriculum, secondary school students at DC graduate with an IB Diploma. YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College is a Direct Subsidy Scheme

(DSS) secondary school with English as the medium of instruction. It is not an international school as such, but it does provide international-style education. Over 70% of the students in the junior forms are international students. In Forms 3 and 4 students follow an integrated curriculum, which combines the content of both the Hong Kong Curriculum and English National Curriculum. In Forms 5 and 6, students can choose to continue with the Hong Kong Curriculum leading to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, or apply to study GCE A Levels.

The final years In the last years, Hong Kong’s international school students are working on advanced qualifications

Find more child-centric stories

whether through the IB, English National Curriculum, or Advanced Placement. Subjects and subject combinations need to be carefully considered. Students are advised to check out degree requirements and their compulsory and preferred subject choices. A wrong decision at this stage can have significant consequences for future degree and career choices. The right decision can pave the way for a brilliant future. To learn more about how to plan ahead for your child’s overall academic life, contact Anne Murphy, director of ITS Education Asia (School Advisory Services) at anne.m@itseducation.asia.

@ www.arounddb.com

SUMMER SWIMMING CLINICS Monday to Friday & Saturday Classes Available

Be Fit, keep Cool and out of the sun this summer with ESF Summer Swimming Clinics at Discover College! For All Ages & Open to All ESF & NON-ESF Students Have some water fun during your summer holiday Learn to swim or improve your child’s current skills over this summer holiday with ESF Sharks Swimming. With certified professional coaches and individualised attention, ESF Sharks Swimming provides a positive and fun swimming experience for all levels from Adult and Toddler (SW0B) to Competitive Squad (SW6). • • • • • •

Small group classes Beginner to competitive levels Focus on improving stroke technique Endurance training for competitive swimmers Progressive classes with assessment at each level Internationally certified swimming coaches

Stroke Development Clinics This programme is open to all SW5 and SW6 swimmers who want to improve their technique. We will review one competitive stroke each day and then focus on starts and turns on Friday. Our goal is to use stroke drills in a sequence in order to refine the swimmer stroke and improve overall efficiency in the water and get them ready for Term 1.

www.bumpstobabes.com

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MOMENTS

RIGHT O N TRACK Encouraging everyone to put on their headphones and read to music, Booktrack co-founder, DB’s Mark Cameron is all about doing two (or three) things at once. Sam Agars reports

or a man who owns four medical practices and is one of the directors of a burgeoning start-up company he cofounded, Mark Cameron comes across as remarkably relaxed and easy-going. While Mark is quick to admit that his work life isn’t 9 to 5, he wouldn’t have it any other way, as he and his brother Paul move forward with their groundbreaking online company Booktrack. Five years since its conception, Booktrack was chosen this April as one of the first five products to be sold on the soon-to-open Google Classroom – a real breakthrough for the brothers.

“Booktrack enables anyone to bring in their text and create a soundtrack to their story,” Mark adds. While Booktrack is based in San Francisco, close to its primary market, and Auckland, where Paul lives, it has its roots in Discovery Bay. “Booktrack was actually conceived on the DB ferry,” Mark says. “It was an idea I had that when I read a normal book and I listened to music, if the music contextually matched the scene that I was reading, it brought the story alive.”

“It’s been a bit of a wild ride; it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve learned a lot,” says New Zealand-born Mark, a 16-year DB resident. “It’s taken a lot of effort but it’s been a great experience.”

Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

Simply put, Booktrack is an end-to-end e-publishing platform that allows people to add a soundtrack to their reading. The app encourages you to experience reading in a new way, by providing a movie-style soundtrack for thousands of stories. Imagine listening to 1920s’ jazz, while reading The Great Gatsby.

Although he went into Booktrack with a solid knowledge of business development, Mark admits that initially, he and Paul “had no idea”. He credits the release of the iPad with kick-starting Booktrack. “We were trying to do it through a real book, a physical book, which was never going to work,” he explains.

Mark quickly moves the focus to his family – his wife, Emma and their daughters Alice, 15, and Evie, 12, who both attend Discovery College. “I have a very understanding wife,” he says. “That is a key thing, having a supportive family.”

Find it

Booktrack co-founder Seru Rabeni set to beef up DB Pirates’ play Mark Cameron

Find more local gossip July 2015

Mark, who has a self-confessed love for “starting things up”, is a trained physiotherapist, and he went out on his own at the relatively young age of 26. He now has two Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Centres and two SPOT practices – offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for children – on Hong Kong Island.

As for advice for budding entrepreneurs, Mark keeps it nice and simple: “The biggest piece of advice is to persevere… nothing comes quickly. There are always people who will knock you and say that it can’t work, or that you shouldn’t be doing this. Don’t listen to other people. You have just got to keep whacking away.”

Bringing an idea to life

“The reason we are doing this is that reading was the only mainstream entertainment category that didn’t have a synchronised soundtrack,” Mark explains. “When we read, we have a little voice that talks to us in our brain. By surrounding it with a contextual soundtrack we take up more information, so we remember more.

Don’t listen to other people

• Booktrack, www.booktrack.com • SPOT, www.spot.com.hk • Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Centre, www.physiohk.com

@ www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

TIME OUT IN

LAOS

Buddhist monks collecting alms in the morning in Luang Prabang

S Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

outheast Asia is a Hongkonger’s playground. Sun, sand and history are two or three hours away and nothing beckons on a long weekend like a bit of relaxation far from the madding crowds of home. Thailand and Bali are the obvious choices, but if you’re looking for something a little more original, Laos may be the ticket. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is the size of Hong Kong – roughly seven million people – but without the frantic pace and concrete. Outside the capital Vientiane, chain restaurants, franchised coffee shops and behemoth shopping centres are rare, making it novel for a quick, peaceful getaway with or without the family. The pretension-free vibe of north central Luang Prabang,

Historic, verdant and effortlessly relaxed, Luang Prabang makes for an idyllic four-day escape, writes Elizabeth Kerr

a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in Buddhist spirituality, is ideal for four perfect days.

A French Laotian mish-mash Sitting at the lush green confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was the kingdom’s capital before the communist government was established in 1975. Laos was a French protectorate from 1949 to 1993, and needless to say, a colonial and traditional Laotian mish-mash reveals itself around every corner – from architecture to food. Luang Prabang is a town really, of 50,000, and it’s small enough to explore on foot. A languid pace defines the city, high season or low,

which makes it welcoming and easy to navigate alone. Oh, you’ll get lost, but Laotians are a helpful bunch and whether or not a random shopkeeper speaks English isn’t going to stop him from helping wayward travellers from finding a taxi stand or specific temple. Buddhism still dominates Laos, and Luang Prabang has dozens of temples to explore, scattered among the French/ Laotian structures. Xieng Thong Temple is a good place to start a stroll through the historic town centre, sitting as it does between two main roads – Souvannakhamphong and Sakkarine – that lead right to the night market off Sisavangvong Road (opening at 5pm). Winding your way in and out of the   July 2015

ESCAPES

rabbit warren of tiny streets will also take you right past Haw Kham, the former royal palace now the national museum, and That Chomsi Stupa, the legend-shrouded hilltop temple that looms over the old city on Mount Phou Si. The climb to the top, roughly 300 steps, is worth the effort.

Villages that time forgot But Luang Prabang’s real charms lie outside the city. A short ride away, you’ll find hamlets like Ban Chan, Ban Ou and Ban Sanhai, small villages whose lifeblood is farming, and the textiles, ceramics and traditional wines they still make there. At the right time of day, it’s not unusual to see children making the long trek to a nearby elementary school, nine times out of 10 eliciting a curious wave and a hello. Walking along a dusty road through a tiny village feels as if you’ve stepped back in time 30 or 40 years. That’s not a bad thing. During low season (spring and early autumn) with fewer tourists and tourist dollars floating around, there’s time to investigate in a totally relaxed environment. Laotian vendors aren’t nearly as aggressive as their Thai or Vietnamese counterparts, and at low ebb they’re even more laid back.

The city’s verdan t surrounds

ial Luang Prabang Sleepy French colon

e Centre Free the Bears Rescu

One of the more interesting contrasts the countryside reveals is the disparity between the majority Lao city dwellers and the minority Hmong and Khmu in rural areas. For older kids and adults alike, it’s an eyeopening experience.

Waterfalls, bears and caves Beyond the villages, the rest of the province is a goldmine of natural beauty and outdoor activity that’s as educational as you want it to be. Family-friendly hotels in Luang Prabang, like Belmond La Residence Phou Vao, are more than ready to arrange day trips into the hinterland, 

July 2015

Pak Ou Caves pa cked with Budd hist icons

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ESCAPES

making the second half of a trip hassle-free. After a day in the city and the surrounding villages, head out to Kuang Si Falls, about 30 kilometres south of Luang Prabang. This waterfall is one of the area’s most renowned attractions and it’s easy to see why. The waterfall system at Kuang Si is surrounded by the type of forested parkland that makes it perfect for a picnic – and for wildlife. Rescue centre Free the Bears has 20-plus Asian bears in a sanctuary just inside the gate. After making a donation by buying a t-shirt, it’s off for a swim if the water isn’t running too fast (don’t fret about upturned mud turning the water brown).

Food stalls dot the street leading to the main gate, selling baguettes, fruit drinks and grilled treats, or you can stop at one of the small restaurants for kua fer, a traditional fried noodle, or sin dard, a do-it-yourself Laotian barbeque. Another day trip takes you 30 kilometres up river to the Pak Ou Caves, one of the most revered holy sites in the country. Access by car is possible but a ride on the river is the best way to go. To add a relaxing spin on the trek, your hotel can arrange lunch on one of the sandy beaches on the small islands that dot the river. The caves date back thousands of years and are now packed with just as many Buddhist icons. Together, the lower

Find more exciting travel destinations

Tham Ting and upper Tham Theung caves create a massive shrine in the limestone cliffs. Some of the icons are wood, some are gold, but all are unique and demonstrate the depth and breadth of Buddhist culture. Finally, before heading home, get up early and hit the streets of Luang Prabang to watch hundreds of monks from dozens of temples collecting alms in the morning. Make no mistake: these are not the shady ‘monks’ who roam the streets of Hong Kong, handing out trinkets. There’s a strict protocol for spectators and figuring out the pace with which to place offerings is a bit of a challenge. But it’s a refreshing reminder of some of Buddhism’s most basic tenets – and how to ignore WhatsApp for just a while.

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TRAVEL SAFE: CONSULT KAYEKAYE We all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. Besides the mandatory insurance required by the Hong Kong Government (including domestic-helper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This summer, quality travel insurance should be at the top of your list!

Travel Insurance The primary benefit of travel insurance is the knowledge that should something go wrong while you are abroad, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be responsible for finding the money to put it right. 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. But 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! I AM: KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native English-speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong. 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.

CONTACT ME: 9811 1554, kailash_k3@hotmail.com, kishus@i-cable.com.

Photos courtesy of Thai Lady Sport Fishing and www.wikimedia.org

ACTION

REEL ACTION

Angling off one of the DB or Lantau piers may be fun but deep sea fishing is a very different kettle of… fish. Hannah Ball finds out what’s got Hong Kong hooked

July 2015

ACTION

antau is just one of some 260 islands that make up Hong Kong, so it’s hardly surprising that so many of us love to fish. And if you’re looking to venture further than your nearest pier, the local deep sea fishing scene opens up an entirely new world. A great sport for the adventurous (imagine reeling in a 226-kilogramme Pacific Blue Marlin), deep sea fishing is a surprisingly inclusive sport. Fishing reels fitted with sophisticated drag mechanisms do a lot of the work for you, so you don’t need biceps of steel. But you do need basic fishing skills, such as knowing how to tie your own hooks and work a wind reel. You’ll be using a sportspecific hand-line and hook, and luring the fish in with either a plastic, weighted bait or live squid.

Angling for a new sport There are no restrictions on deep sea fishing in Hong Kong waters. The only requirement is that your boat is licensed. What’s more, thanks to the sport’s growing popularity, there are plenty of local companies offering charter trips. Thai Lady Sport Fishing, owned by Hong Kong Deep Sea Fishing, Tail Chasers, Triton Fishing and Asiatic Marine are your first ports of call. Excursions require a minimum enrolment, so get a group together before you make a booking. They are also weather dependent, so be prepared to be flexible. Trips typically start and finish where the charter companies are based, though the crew can often be persuaded to travel to DB to meet you for an extra cost.

Big fish Captain Carmine Vastola of Thai Lady Sport Fishing

Thai Lady Sport Fishing’s trips typically start and finish in Clear Water Bay, while Tail Chasers is based out of Aberdeen Boat Club. Triton Fishing, the largest fishing tackle chain store in Hong Kong, charters regular offshore fishing trips, departing from Kwun Tong Pier. Asiatic Marine trips head out from Sai Kung Pier. July 2015



ACTION

Local anglers find the pelagic fish they seek in deep waters, which could be anything from 5 to 200 kilometres offshore. Typical charters include a five-hour trip in and around Sai Kung, an eight- to 10-hour excursion to fishing grounds further offshore, or a 21-hour trip to the oil rigs southeast of Hong Kong Island. Prices vary according to distance travelled. To give you an idea, a full private boat charter (typically for four people) with Thai Lady Sport Fishing comes in at HK$3,250 for a five-hour trip, and HK$23,000 for a 21-hour trip.

Territorial waters Despite the water pollution, you’ll find small pelagic fish aplenty (grouper, snapper, bream and cuttlefish) not too far from shore. Further out, you can start pulling out the big fish, like mackerel, tuna, mahi-mahi and even barracuda. “The trawl ban (a ban on all bottomand mid-water trawling activities) which took effect in Hong Kong waters on December 31, 2012, has made a real difference to recreational fishing,” says Captain Carmine Vastola of Thai Lady Sport Fishing. “Beforehand, ground trawling would destroy the sea bed, making deep sea fishing very hard, but now there are a lot more fish residing in local waters.” For those after a short, one-day trip, the waters surrounding Sai Kung, Lamma and the Po Toi island group

The oil rigs, 120 kilometres south-east of Hong Kong Island, are rich in large pelagic fish

are easily accessed by the major operators. “If you took a group of four experienced fishermen out, you could expect to catch 50 to 60 small fish not too far offshore,” Carmine says, adding that due to the proximity to the Pearl River Delta, the fishing is somewhat different off Lantau. Anglers will spot lots of Japanese Sea Bass near the Tsing Ma Bridge at night. Anglers hunting for big fish, like marlin, tuna and barracuda, head out to the oil rigs, located around 120 kilometres south-east of Hong Kong Island. Oil rigs provide shelter for fish of all sizes, making them an unlikely but rich place for fishing. While there are no large-scale coral reefs close to shore to attract big fish, thresher sharks have been spotted bounding out of the water just 105 metres offshore.

Trips to the rigs often last several days and you fish during the night because fish tend to feel safer in darkness, and come up to feed.

Trophy hunters March to September is the best time for offshore fishing; from October to February, you’ll want to stay closer to home in case the weather turns bad. That said, as any mariner will tell you, precautions need to be taken yearround by those out at sea. “We make sure we have a satellite phone with us at all times, in case we need to call home urgently, and we carry electronic devices so that we can receive Hong Kong Observatory updates every four hours,” Carmine explains. “Offshore fishing is interminably dangerous and I advise anyone going to have a healthy 

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ACTION

fear of the ocean. Being out at sea is not something you can prepare for by simply reading a book. But then again, that’s what makes it so exciting.” What do you do with your fish once it’s hooked is completely up to you. Local operators will advise you to release rare fish, like marlin, but the rest of the catch you can take home to eat. While fisherman may enjoy eating the fish they’ve caught, you can be sure they’ll enjoy telling you about it even more. “Sport fishermen are trophy hunters,” says Carmine. “I go fishing for the fun that’s involved in competing with my fellow anglers.” The captain’s proudest moment was catching a 53-pound barracuda around the oil rigs in 2010.

Hooking a blue marlin near the oil rigs

“There’s something great about having a day out in the peace and quiet, enjoying the scenery and wildlife around you from a unique angle,” says Carmine. “There’s also the huge excitement that comes with being in the open ocean, out in the unknown.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “And then, of course, the best part comes when you hook a fish, and for a few seconds you feel totally out of control.”

Find it • Asiatic Marine, www.asiaticmarine.com • Tail Chasers, www.hongkongfishings.com • Thai Lady Sport Fishing, www.thailadysportfishing.com • Triton Fishing, www.tritonhk.com/contact.html

Find more clubs and activities

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Summer Holiday Camps 29 June - 14 August

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swimming@harrywright.com.hk www.harrywright.com.hk (+852) 2575 6279 /HarryWrightInternational

HK HAPPENINGS

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! https://en.wikipedia.org

18 ANNIVERSARY OF THE HKSAR

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Throughout Hong Kong

1 July

There are a range of options for those looking to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These include a flag raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai, and a Reunification Celebration Carnival parent-child fun day at Discovery Park in Tsuen Wan. For more information, visit www.hksar18.gov.hk.

JAMIE’S ITALIAN Ocean Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui

Just ed! open

Photo courtesy of Quintessentially & Co.

Hong Kong’s second Jamie’s Italian outlet opened in late May, with world-famous chef Jamie Oliver following his Causeway Bay restaurant with a spacious venue featuring a private terrace. Presenting simple, fresh and honest food, the restaurant is one of 50 worldwide. Highlights include pizza from the open oven and sharing planks featuring cured meats, cheeses and seasonal vegetables. To make a booking, visit www.jamiesitalian.hk or call 3758 3333.

July 13–19

ARTS CARNIVAL Across Hong Kong

July 10– August 16 At this year’s International Arts Carnival, performing arts companies from Australia, France, Spain, Taiwan and the UK, as well as local arts groups, are presenting a host of productions. The carnival has something for everyone, with physical theatre, shadow puppetry and musical theatre, as well as workshops, cultural tours and exhibitions. Head to www.hkiac.gov.hk to find out more; for tickets visit www.urbtix.hk.

JAX SHEK O CHALLENGE Start: Big Wave Bay

If you fancy a solid workout in the name of charity, the Jax Shek O Challenge is for you. From Big Wave Bay to Shek O, there’s a 2.2-kilometre swim, an 8.5-kilometre run or a 9-kilometre paddle. Individuals, pairs and teams of three can enter, and expect music, food and other entertainment on the beach after the race. Entry is HK$430 if paid by July 8 (HK$500 on race day). More information is available at www.openwaterasia.com.

July 11

COMEDY ROADSHOW The Fringe Club, Central

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July 2015

A host of stars are set to have you buckled over with laughter at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The likes of Urzila Carlson, Andy Saunders, Nick Cody and Dave Callan are expected to deliver some of the festival’s best jokes and one-liners. Recommended for ages 16 and over, tickets, starting at HK$250, are available at www.hkticketing.com; find out more at www.hkfringeclub.com.

http://dailynews. openwaterswimming.com

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders www.hkbookfair.hktdc.com

HONG KONG BOOK FAIR

1 5-2 1 y

Jul

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai The 26th annual Hong Kong Book Fair offers up just about any type of book you could possibly want, with major exhibits including children’s and young adult’s books, religious books, e-books and even multimedia products. You can also attend a series of talks by renowned, international authors. Tickets start at HK$10, find out more at www.hkbookfair.hktdc.com.

–18

www.feva.org.ar

ly Throughout Ju

The iconic attraction, which operated at Lai Chi Kok from 1949 to 1997, is reopening for just over two months and organisers are expecting more than one million visitors.

Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom

July 16

Central Harbourfront Event Space

Whether taking a trip down memory lane or getting your first glimpse of the Hong Kong of old, a trip to the Lai Yuen Amusement Park is simply a must this summer.

FIVB VOLLEYBALL WORLD GRAND PRIX Catch the world’s best women’s volleyball players in action as they go head to head in one of the preliminary legs of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix. National teams from China, Japan, the US and Thailand are set to compete in a fast-paced and highly-skilled round of matches. Find out more at www.fivb.org; for tickets, starting from as little as HK$70, head to www.urbtix.hk.

LAI YUEN AMUSEMENT PARK

5 July 2

Organisers are hoping to recreate some of the memories of Hong Kong’s first ever large-scale amusement park. www.petfinder.com

SPCA FLAG DAY Throughout Hong Kong

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is hoping its annual flag day will help raise HK$2.8 million to ensure it can continue to provide animal rescue, cruelty prevention, animal desexing and adoption services. The charity is looking for 8,000 volunteers to help out on the day. To get involved, visit www.spca.org.hk/flagday.

HAPPY MONDAYS LIVE!

Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre Brought to you by Songs for Children, 1980’s indie dance phenomenon Happy Mondays is set to play its first-ever Hong Kong gig. Playing original hits from a chequered history that has seen them split and re-form on three occasions, the band is sure to get both young and old grooving. Grab your tickets, starting at HK$650, from The Globe (Central), White Noise Records (Prince Edward), Zoo Records (Mongkok), or www.pelago.events.

Some of the top attractions include the Lai Yuen Castle, Big Dino Slide, Summer Ice Rink, Balloon Zoo and Little Carousel. Entry is free, ride tokens start at HK$10. Find more information at www.laiyuen1949.com.

July 28

Photo courtesy of Songs for Children

www.picturesocial.com

July 2015

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

Email your photos for DB Faces to sam@baymedia.com.hk. Around DB accepts no liability for the photos sent

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

COMPETITION

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Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Sarah Burling! Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize

our challenge this month is to create a buzz on Instagram. The prize goes to the person who tags @around_db with the most photos, using hashtag #adbinstabuzz. You have until the 10th of this month to enter, so get tagging!

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

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 www.dbicc.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY

FINANCE & INSURANCE

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (MORMONS)

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

Sunday 1pm. 4/F Discovery College. Visitors welcome. Call 9029 1251

EMPLOYMENT

LANTAU-BASED COURIER

Michael, HK resident, seeks a post as a courier, delivering mail/ small parcels throughout HK. Call 9145 6731

SEEKING RESTAURANT STAFF

A new Italian gourmet-deli takeaway, bar/ restaurant in Wanchai seeks: • Bar tender: 15K per month • Junior chef: 13K + per month • Cleaner: 13K per month • Barrista: 12K per month • Food preparation assistant: 12K per month Benefits: annual leave, incentive holidays, medical benefits & meals. Contact 2232 9443/ 2232 9439, kate.yeung@davia.hk, connie.leung@davia.hk

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

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 Jitters Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

- Japan qualified – skilled piano technician in DB We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters; Creating a good sound to make harmony with your heart!

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

HOUSE RENOVATIONS & PAINTING BY UNITEK HK All works undertaken by UK Tradesmen including electrics, plumbing, tiling, carpentry and many more!

HOME SERVICES

KIDS

EXPERT MOVER

EARLY ADVENTURES SUMMER PROGRAMME

• Mover • Storage • Handyman Competitive rates. Professional quality service. Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk. Visit www.expertmover.hk

Weekly themes. Mon/ Wed/ Fri & Tues/ Thurs sessions, June 30 to August 22. • Age: 2 to 4 years. • Location: Greens For further information, email sarah@earlyadventures.net

PETS

HOUSE DOCTOR HANDYMAN

Fluent in English Hong Kong permanent resident • Plumbing • Electrical • Aircon installation & repairs • Curtain, blind, picture, mirror, shelf and picture hanging • Ceiling fan & light installation • Kitchen & bathroom renovation • Assembly of Ikea products • House Painting Contact Frank on 9141 5706, housedoc999express@gmail.com

THE PLACE WHERE THE PETS GO - PETCODB

Grooming & Pet Care Services. Trust us to provide loving & safe care for the ones you love! Contact 2914 0382, info@petcodb.com. Visit www.petcodb.com

DOG SERVICES

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

LITTLE ADVENTURES SUMMER PROGRAMME

Drop-in session with age appropriate toys & books for your little ones! Weekday afternoons from 2-4.30pm, July & August only. Parent/ helper must attend with child. • Age: 8 to 36 months. • Location: Greens. For further information, email sarah@earlyadventures.net

Home boarding, behaviour modification, Tui Na Massage & grooming. Reliable & honest. 100% safety record over the past 11 years. Contact Dave Chan on 9872 5439, www.quoquoclub.com

RETAIL ABBELIO WINES

Great value! High scoring! Wines from around the world! Free delivery & special offer for Discovery Bay residents. For details, visit http://abw.hk/db, or call 3170 8458

DB MARINA CLUB DEBENTURES

Do you have a C Class or B Class Debenture you are not using? Or one that is expiring, or coming up for extension? Lifestyle Homes has interested buyers. To find out more, contact info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

Dream Home, Dream Barbeque

www.unitekhk.com Tel: 2984 9381 / 9491 2605 July 2015

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Meet our customer of the month "Benson" Mypetshop in the North Plaza. Shop G09-92 Siena Ave. DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 8873 Open Daily 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30pm

July 2015

Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. No dues or fees. 24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 Lantau hotline: 5668 2667 www.aa-hk.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com TRAVEL concoRdE TRAVEL

Leisure Travel & Cruise specialists since 1978. Call 2526 3391, or visit www.concorde-travel.com. Licence No 350343

TUITIon & coURSES

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.) For enquiries please contact Mr Erik R at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

Birth & Postnatal Support Antenatal Classes Breastfeeding support Placenta remedies

MAndARIn cHInESE cLASSRooM

In the Greens. Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups. Any level/ time/ purpose. Call 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

FULLY QUALIFIEd ScIEncE TEAcHER

With Honours Bachelors Degree. Offering tutoring for KS3 & IGCSE Science (all disciplines) & IB/A’ Levels Physics. Contact 6079 2052, mr.m.walker@yahoo.com.uk

MUSIc TUToR

Experienced international school teacher, UK conservatoire trained with 17 years successful teaching experience & excellent exam result record. Available to tutor in international exam boards, ABRSM Music Theory & Cello, plus GCSE/IB/AL Music Tuition. For rates, contact 6076 6740, or debsinhk@hotmail.com

DOULA

Trust in yourself when it matters...

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, graciasx@hotmail.com

Jeanne Hauguel

6496 4318 | jeanne@doulabirthstory.com | www.doulabirthstory.com

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

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Sunday, Monday & Wednesday at Movement Improvement. Learn precise boxing techniques to strengthen and condition your body.

July 2015

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB

PROPERTY DB

MODERN 1-BEDROOM FLAT

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

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

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

CHERISH COURT 2-BED APARTMENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished. Call 9108 5525

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

COSY NEW 1 BEDROOM

Search 1000s of DB and Lantau property listings!

Cosy & brand-new 1-bedroom flat with sea view, convenient location, fully furnished with bed linen, kitchenware, washer/ drier & English & Chinese TV channels. Free cleaning once every 3 days upon request. Minimum stay 3 nights. Contact Mary on 9726 6219, marydbay@gmail.com

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

www.arounddb.com LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA Stunning cliff-top 2-bedroom beach cottage offering uninterrupted 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, just a 5-minute walk to Laguna Beach. For more information, contact 9732 2544, garry@saffron-marina.com

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED

53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; SAILING YACHT, LANGKAWI & THAILAND

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

Stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom sailing yacht in a Langkawi marina, for overnight stay or private charter around Langkawi and Southern Thailand. For details, contact 9732 2544, garry@saffron-marina.com

LUXURY 2-BED Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony. Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

SLEEPS 4 Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband. Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

July 2015

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

PHUKET VILLA SHORT-TERM RENT Deluxe, spacious 4-bedroom villa, with ensuite bathrooms & private pool. Wireless internet access, sala, bar & BBQ area. Fully equipped kitchen with laundry area. Close to Laguna. Contact Roenel on 9050 4772, atsea@netvigator.com

Importing all natural, handmade products from small British producers

Greenland Pest Control

GMT FOODS Tel: +852 6647 2292 email: gillian@gmtfoodshk.com www.gmtfoodshk.com www.facebook.com/gmtfoods twitter@gillian_GMT

est. 2009

Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etcâ&#x20AC;Ś For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel Shoesee Foldable

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 5502 6128 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Deli Viet Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2109 0036 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2109 1927 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 3969 1888 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

3147 4088 2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

LEARNING CENTRES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool The Story Studio Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2109 4962 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

9 Dragons Fitness Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2786 9699 2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1809 3661 1694

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Maverick’s Restaurant, Pui O Tak Chai Kee Seafood Taco Loco The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep

2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 5465 5511 5402 4154 2984 1265 9022 5737 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design Unitek

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 2984 9381 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

DEI Kindergarten Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten The Story Studio

2109 9896 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 6341 3989

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Friendly Bike Shop Lantau Base Camp Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2134 1234 2984 2278 5463 6060 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0099 9586 3459 SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Phoenix Wills Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio)

9662 1747 2984 0060 3100 0101 9025 3949 3114 0030 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza Beautiful Gate BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2323 0738 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 9029 1251 2259 3422

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BtoKidz, North Plaza In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite

MULTIMEDIA

Island Dance A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome. 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

A drop-off playgroup for ages 18 months upward. Your child will have heaps of fun and make lots of new friends. 9327 0507

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 6 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

Previously Midget Gems Kids Club www.positivestepsplaygroup.com positivestepsplaygroup@gmail.com

A playgroup offering a variety of fun classes to children from 14months to 3years+ under a nurturing and enriching environment. 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com www.treeofjoydb.com

Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located. 9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk

LEARNING CENTRES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year 8122 9475 admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com

Brightsparks Playgroup Fun, safe and interactive environment for your children. 9632 4287

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 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment. 2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

July 2015

The Best Travel Agency in DB 2987 2626 cas@appletravel.com

International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life 2116 1333 www.harveylawcorporation.com

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

Tree of Joy 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

Apple Travel

PetcoDB

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

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group Playtime Kids DB

2987 4401 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777

Little Explorers

2812 2660 2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

DAILY NECESSITIES

Bookazine, North Plaza Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution

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. 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Art is a Verb, North Plaza 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 Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

2682 8099 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 9380 5771 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

Amity Shoes Care Gillian florist, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

5369 2329 2529 8256 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

AQUABLU

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution 6017 7802 Oceanblu@netvigator.com

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

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2102 0888 2987 1919

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza 2885 1312 info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza

Around DB’s August issue is coming out July 31

2987 2298 2295 8288

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Café McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Salt & Pepper Solera Subway Super Super The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zaks

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2172 7099 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2336 8001 2555 0772 2914 0005 2914 1308 2777 8411 2682 0068 2682 8110 2987 6232

Junior Cricket Academy Cricket for 3.5 to 15 year old girls and boys Tel: 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

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

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

The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training. Located at North Plaza 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age. 34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk

“Everyone is a swimmer” Affordable Swimwear, training equipment & accessories. 9725 3142 www.baysideaquatics.hk

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 8 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@outlook.com www.vikings.hk

The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center 9681 2896 contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more! 6624 8712 susan@embody.hk www.embody.hk

Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Ltd. Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club GigaSports

2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 2320 1238

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES

FÊTE Event Planners

Bespoke event planning services, from coordination to execution, making your event stand out. 5199 9743 www.fete-eventplanner.com Babyland Bo Bo House Discoveryland Toysland

2997 8080 2987 4230 2441 0098 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

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 .

Specialists in Pregnancy & Newborn Care Tel: 2851 9654 clientservices@amotherstouch.com.hk www.amotherstouch.com.hk

Child & Family Development Practice

CAISSA Chess Club HK

Discovery Bay Cricket Club An internationally acclaimed club which provides a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability, can thrive. Tel: 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

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

A Mother’s Touch

Tinytots

Bayside Aquatics

Offering Judo classes for adults & children at Discovery College & Community Hall 6244 6093 darumasports@gmail.com

TRANSPORT SERVICES ACCESSDB Rehabus DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Movement Improvement

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

DARUMA SPORTS

DB NUMBERS

Limousine Rental

Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com

Developing potential, exploring possibilities 2914 2223 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. 9154 1570 lulu@myhealthcoachlulu.com www.myhealthcoachlulu.com

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure. 2987 0614

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

MOW | Grooming & Skin Care A unique retail & treatment space at DBN, that caters to your grooming, skin care & therapeutic requirements 2499 8826 / 6773 3103 www.mowhk.com mowhk@mowhk.com Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Body Talk Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena Strand and Science HairSPA, North Plaza

July 2015

2987 0283 6683 5755 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382 2886 3820

OUT THERE

THE PROPERTY GAME Why move to the Mid-Levels, asks Peter Sherwood. You’ll be too broke to go out except to work nights selling illicit drugs to make the mortgage repayments

t started with the exotic idea of buying an apartment near Central, and me seriously considering giving up my bayview DB rental after a whopping 16 years. I caught on quickly. A glimpse of the harbour doubles the price, although the view might disappear within weeks. An ‘open view’ means it’s more than a daring leap between your doormat-size balcony and the next building. Exuberant agents assured me that every 180-square-foot flat I viewed, was the Palace of Versailles in miniature. Solitary confinement cells in Bangladesh are bigger than that. But herds of investors are ripping out each other’s throats to buy, and the asking prices can only go stratospheric, probably before I finish this sentence.

Photo by Josh Clery

As Mark Twain noted: “Buy land, they are not making it anymore.” Except in Macau, where dredged mud provides the foundation for architectural vulgarity on a scale not seen since the Soviet era.

After decades in the fantasy world of marketing, I foolishly sought that all-

important differentiation, a mistake when eyeing a series of concrete boxes in a not-too-wild variety of shapes. In most other cities, they override reality to flog closet-size apartments with the emphasis on ‘lifestyle’. This can make you feel like you genuinely have one, and are not just scurrying around like temple rats leading a life of quiet desperation, to quote Henry David Thoreau. It turns out, there was a limit to the excitement I could muster for a cockroach burrow close to the world’s tallest escalator stack. A few hours looking around the Mid-Levels threw me into a state of panic and sent me hightailing it for the DB ferry. DB works for me, despite the undeniable convenience of being able to fall out of your only window and into any one of a hundred bars. And despite its now being jammed with spendthrifts, who were a decade away from being born when I first ventured here, and a pint was the same price as the Star Ferry crossing.

We all have property stories, most are pitiful reflections on a sad series of ‘if only’. Mine are at least as pathetic as most. I bought an apartment on The Peak in 1986 for HK$1.2 million, and in a slick move that sought to out-trump Trump, I flogged it after six months for an amazing gain of HK$350,000 – only to watch it sell seven years later for HK$14 million. Worse (or better, in terms of a good story), my spacious rented Mid-Levels flat was offered to me for HK$2.6 million in 1986. I scoffed at this attempted rip-off, telling the ruthless, grasping landlord something about not being born yesterday. It’s now worth about HK$27 million. So I see myself as something of an unintentional philanthropist, wandering the wealthier parts of town seeking out the well-to-do and presenting them with opportunities to enter the property market with surefire winners. It seems to work.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 16 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 July 2015

Out-trumping Trump

@ www.arounddb.com