June 2013 issue

June 2013

PRESERVE PUI O

DO YOUR BIT TO SAVE THE WETLANDS

GROW YOUR OWN ORGANIC VEGGIES FROM YOUR BALCONY

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”

JOHNNY DEPP

Best pals

Training your dog to reach his full potential Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

JUNE 2013

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

$185K

碧濤軒 COASTLINE

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’ 4 4

Beautifully renovated garden house with panoramic sea views & private heated infinity pool. W/golf cart.

海堤居 LA COSTA

$33K/10M

$69.5K/25M

海蜂徑 SEABEE

Gross: 2174’ Saleable: 1903’ 5 3

Gross: 1133’ Saleable: 1119’

Beautifully renovated stylish duplex, very good condition and in a tranquil location.

康和閣 BRILLIANCE

$65K

$29K

4

Stunning duplex with modern open plan kitchen, fantastic space for families.

2

旭暉閣 JOVIAL

$22K

T

EN

G EA

L

SO

Gross: 1037’ Saleable: 927’ 3 2

Spacious layout, balcony with great sea views and in a convenient location.

海蜂徑 SEABEE

$185K/50M

Gross: 919’ Saleable: 776’ 3 2

3

Fantastic house with large entertainment area and sea views. Unique.

觀濤樓 MARINE VIEW

$9.16M

2

Nicely renovated, spacious layout and in a tranquil location.

$85K/ 24.5M

2

3

Contemporary open design, equipped open plan kitchen, large living area, bright and majestic.

頤峰 GREENVALE

$7.1M

2

Nicely renovated, spacious layout and balcony with great sea views.

$55K/14M

Gross: 1311’ Saleable: 1171’ 3 2

Family home with garden, modern open kitchen, bright and spacious. Must see!

海澄湖畔 SIENA

Gross: 1068’ Saleable: 876’ 3

Nicely renovated, spacious layout, stunning sea views, clean and tidy.

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE

Gross: 1442’ Saleable: 1442’ 5

Gross: 1422’ Saleable: 1157’ 3

Beautifully renovated with balcony, open kitchen, spacious layout and in a convenient location. Must see!

海燕徑 SEABIRD

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’ 4

Gross:889’ Saleable: 771’ 3

$5.3M

Gross: 778’ Saleable: 568’ 2 1

Very nice renovation in tranquil area. Balcony with great views. Must see!

GoGoKids Travelmate

Maclaren Globetrotter

(car seat available separately)

$1,529 Prince Blue

$750

or Black

Phil & Teds Traveller Cot

PaddlePak

RID & Mike Mossie Insect Repellents

from

$66

Summer holidays at ...

$249

(colours & designs vary)

Happy Animals Clear Snapset Pool

$175

$1,950 GoPlay Travel Games

Mustela Sun Protection Range

from

$75

from

Hippy Chick Hip Seat

Zoggs 1st Trainer Swimseat

$175

$425

Avent Philips Bottle & Baby Food Warmer

$350

Matilda Rose Party Clothes

$350

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

$95

CONTENTS FEATURES 28

54

DEAR READER

58

28

PROFILE Noble Coker bids farewell to Disney, and DB

32

IN FOCUS Pui O’s wetlands under threat

36

FAMILY MATTERS DB mums talk language learning

45

MONEY MATTERS Top travel insurance tips

50

TALKING POINTS Obedience training for dogs

54

ESCAPES Cool cruises out of Hong Kong

58

ACTION Chess playing in DB

64

STYLE Micro gardening made simple

REGULARS 10

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

26

ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide

69

HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour

72

DB FACES Candid community snaps

75

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, local businesses and more

78

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

82

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

84

DB MOMENTS Overcoming cancer the natural way

Recently I’ve been watching the local crews in training for this month’s Dragon Boat races. The main DB event is on June 12, so make sure you get a taste of the action. For more fun local activities this month, turn to our community news section.

It strikes me in fact that this issue is all about alternative things to do. Maybe you want to be part of the craze for container gardening – and grow your own veggies. Read on! Avid or wannabe chess players will be interested to learn that a new DB chess club, Caissa, now meets at least once a week. And should you want to do your bit for our glorious island, you’ll want to be in Pui O on June 22 to help form a giant human flotilla. Why? Read all about the distressing ecological issues facing Pui O in our infocus section.

With summer just around the corner, we’ve also looked into an alternative vacation choice. Luxury liners now leave Hong Kong for

a string of exotic South East Asian destinations, or you can fly out to say Singapore, and boat it back. My pick for this year is a mini cruise; I like the sound of a couple of nights on the The Road to Mandalay cruising down the Ayeyarwady River in Burma. Ahead of the holidays, this issue also sees an in-depth article on travel insurance – find out all there is to know from two local experts.

I look forward to meeting up with you on Facebook or at www.arounddb.com.

June 2013

PRESERVE PUI O

DO YOUR BIT TO SAVE THE WETLANDS

GROW YOUR OWN ORGANIC VEGGIES FROM YOUR BALCONY

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”

JOHNNY DEPP

Lantau Boat Club paddlers in the swim Photos courtesy of Lantau Boat Club

Best pals

Training your dog to reach his full potential Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

On the cover: Man’s best friend Photograph by Cass Shing (www.LoveAndBond.com)

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial Coordinator Dana Winograd dana@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com

Paddling season got under way with a new race on April 27/ 28 – The Lantau Island Cup, Hong Kong’s first two-day outrigger canoe race-camp, hosted by the Lantau Boat Club (LBC) and South Lantau Paddle Club. On the day, the LBC won the Women’s Standard, Men’s Unlimited and Mixed Standard, and came second in the Mixed Unlimited. Next up, in the Lamma 500 dragonboat races on May 5, the LBC came first in the Open Men’s Plate and was first runner-up in both the Senior Mixed Bowl and Premier Mixed Bowl.

In Deep Water Bay on May 12, one of the most competitive local dragon-boat races, the LBC was first runner-up in the Mixed Cup and came fifth in the Men's Cup. The club will be out in full force in Mui Wo on June 2, and in DB on June 12. You can view more photos of all these races in the Photo Gallery at www.arounddb.com.

Photography Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Baljit Gidwani photosdb@hotmail.com Illustration Richard Leschinsky Accounts Lise Dooling accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month Hannah Ball (intern) Mary Beltrano Cecilie Gamst Berg Megaen Kelly Elizabeth Kerr Karmel Schreyer General enquiries info@arounddb.com Published by Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533 www.arounddb.com facebook.com/AroundDB twitter.com/aroundDB youtube.com/AroundDB

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.

DB netballers whoop it up in Bangkok Photos courtesy of the DB Pirates

Some 21 ladies from the DB Pirates’ netball teams, The Swashbucklers and The Scallywags, took Bangkok by storm at the Southerners SE Asian Netball Invitational Tournament on May 18. Held at the New International School, Bangkok, Thailand, 13 teams participated in the tournament, 10 travelling from across Asia for a fantastic weekend of netball and socialising. The Swashbucklers brought home some team silverware thanks to a thirdplace finish. If you would like to know more about DB Pirates netball, email netball@dbpirates.com.

IN & AROUND DB

DMK PTA charity event Photos courtesy of DMK PTA

The annual DMK PTA Fun Day was a great success, with a whopping HK$58,000 raised (HK$34,000 of this came in through the raffle and will go to help needy children in China through local charity Sunbeam Children’s Foundation). Whether it was jumping up and down on the bouncy castle, getting their faces painted, listening to music or filling themselves with delicious food, all the kids (and adults) who attended enjoyed a great day out! To find out who won this year’s hotly contested Bake Off, and see more great photos, visit the Photo Gallery at www.arounddb.com.

Action Asia adventure race DB Photos by Baljit Gidwani

May 5 saw the last leg of the four-series Bonaqua Mountain Hardwear Action Sprint adventure race. Top DB runner, Emma Bruce, who seems to win every race she enters at the moment, came first for the women with a time of 1 hour, 52 minutes and 47 seconds. Cheung Wai Hung, another DB favourite, came in fifth overall (second in his age category) finishing in 1 hour, 37 minutes and 4 seconds. Race enthusiasts will want to note that the Teva Julbo Kayak n Run Discovery Bay (the second in a three-race series) is being held on June 15. This race, starting and finishing in Nim Shue Wan, includes a fun family course. Also, online registration has already opened for the ever-popular Lantau 2 Peaks race scheduled for October 6. For details, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.

June 2013

11

IN & AROUND DB

All the fun of a swim run Photos by Vincent Ypersiel

April 28 saw more than 80 adults and kids participate in the Zoot SW Swim-Run-Fun at Tai Pak Beach; competitors had a great time, while raising funds for Love for Luke – a charity founded by Lantau resident Luke Inkin and his family to provide wish gifts for kids facing cancer. Between the sale of wrist bands and the race, HK$11,300 has been raised. To get involved, go to the Love for Luke Facebook page.

YBERA launch in DB Photos courtesy of YBERA

Leading Brazilian cosmetics company, YBERA Professionals officially launched in Hong Kong on May 16 with a private cocktail party for some 50 guests at its new DB North Plaza store.

The aim was to let local professionals get a feel for the company’s advanced hair-care products, and to this end there was a live demonstration with a beautiful Brazilian model. Check out the products available at DB North Plaza, Flat 11, 1st Floor, Block 2, or visit www.ybera.com.hk.

12

June 2013

Shining the light for children in DB.

Serving our community with continuity, flexibility and dedication since 1990.

Sunshine House International Pre-Schools cater for children from 6 months to 6 years with two schools located in the heart of DB Plaza and DB North.

Offering a bilingual and Mandarin immersion program following an adapted British National Curriculum.

Extra-curricular activities available.

Mother Goose playgroup program for "dad's and me" on Saturday Mornings.

For further information contact our schools: Discovery Bay Plaza: 2987 8143 Discovery Bay North: 2987 0813 Tung Chung: 2109 3873 www.sunshinehouse.com.hk

JUNE 2013

IN & AROUND DB

What

Where

June 1, 2-4.45pm

Plant Market

Nursery (across from Haven Court)

June 1-20

DBRC Father’s Day photo competition

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

June 1-July 31

Capturing Tai O photo exhibition

LANDMARK, Central

June 2, 8.30am-6pm

Sportsmanship Friendly Meet

Discovery College

June 2, 9am-7pm

Open House

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

June 7, 9.30-11.30am

Managing Grocery Money

BMSE, DB North Plaza

June 7-9

Island Dance’s 20 Years of Dance

Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Chai Wan

June 8

DMR’s Tap Shoes & Tutus Too

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

June 8, 7am-12.30pm

Youth Outreach Flag Day

Hong Kong Island, various locations

June 12, 8am-6pm

Dragon-Boat Races and Carnival

Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza

June 15

Teva Julbo Kayak n Run Discovery Bay

Nim Shue Wan

June 21, 3pm-late

Mid-Summer Groove eco party

Lower Cheung Sha Beach, South Lantau

June 22, 3pm

Motion in The Ocean eco event

Pui O Beach, South Lantau

June 23, 12-5pm

DB Flea Market

DB Plaza

June 23, 1-4pm

Beach Clean up

DB North Plaza Beach

AT A GLANCE

When

If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact dana@arounddb.com

Please visit www.arounddb.com to participate in our competitions. (From the homepage you click on the competitions link.)

You have until June 10 to submit your answers.

Win a YBERA hair-care treatment

COMPETITION

YBERA Professionals, one of Brazil’s leading cosmetic companies, produces advanced hair-straightening/ smoothing and frizz-elimination products, all formaldehyde free. YBERA, synonymous with technology, quality and beauty, has recently opened a technical centre in DB North Plaza, where professionals learn how to use its products. You can purchase YBERA products for home-use there, and at www.ybera.com.hk.

YBERA Professionals is offering our readers three prizes this month. First prize: Discovery, a product that straightens hair, while treating it at the same time (value HK$1,500). Second prize: Capilar Botulinica 'Botox', which balances, recovers and visibly rejuvenates hair (value HK$1,000). Third prize: Fashion Candy, an Omega-rich treatment to straighten hair, leaving it shiny and manageable (value HK$500). For your chance to win, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com by June 10 and tell us where YBERA originates.

Don't forget to to include your name and telephone number with your answer.

Check out

the Auberge

It’s open house at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong on June 2. Be sure to bring along your welcome drink coupons, distributed to DB residents last month as part of the hotel’s DB Passport. The other discounts issued with the passport are valid through August 31, so take the chance to check out the rooms, spa and dining options. You may also want to catch the local school choir perfomances: Discovery Bay International School at 10.25am and Discovery College at 1.05pm.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Trish Tracey, Sharon Stenersen and Berit Quast for tickets to Good Morning Hong Kong; Leonie Parrot and Aleks Bobrowski for the MOW vouchers; Beverley Smith for the Soccer Sevens tickets; and Rachel Worrall and Alison Murphy for the tickets to see Shadowlands. Please call our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

16

June 2013

JUNE 2013

IN & AROUND DB

DMR dancers

at the Auberge

You’ll want to catch Tap Shoes & Tutus Too, DMR School of Ballet’s end of year performance, at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong on the afternoon of June 8. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, DMR has put together a real extravaganza, showcasing its talented troupe of tap and ballet dancers. Parents and friends are also invited to a champagne reception and a sitdown afternoon tea. The 30th anniversary school calendar will be on sale at the show, and at DMR in DB Plaza from June 8. Call 2987 4338 for more information.

DBRC Father’s Day DB Dragon-Boat

photo competition Races and Carnival To help celebrate the wonderful dads in our life this Father’s Day (June 16), the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) is hosting a photo contest, Our Precious Moment Together. You can submit your photograph (on a CD) at either the DBRC or Club Siena, or register online

by June 20. The three winners in the following categories (the funniest, most precious and best moment at DBRC) will each win a night at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. Seven highly commended award winners will each win a pair of UA IMAX Theatre @ Airport tickets. In addition, all 10 top photographers will receive a free family portrait session at www.photosdb.net.

Winners will be announced on June 25 at the DBRC and online at www.dbrc. hk. Around DB will also announce the winners on Facebook.

Win tickets to see a

Sesame Street live musical

COMPETITION

Calling all super heroes! You’ll want to watch Elmo, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the team in the Sesame Street live musical, Elmo's Super Heroes, as they work to put the ‘super’ back in Super Grover. This full-blown Broadway-quality show features an array of songs that parents will remember and kids will love, such as Old MacDonald, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Sunny Days. The idea is to teach healthy habits (exercise, nutrition, sleep and hygiene) through music and dance. The charming musical is showing at Star Hall, Kitec in Kowloon Bay from June 28 through July 1. Call the HK Ticketing Purchase Hotline on 3128 8288 for tickets, or visit any HK Ticketing outlet.

18

United Events Ltd is offering three readers a pair of A-reserve tickets each to see Elmo's Super Heroes. For your chance to win, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com by June 10 and tell us one of the songs featured in the musical. Don't forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer.

June 2013

Tuen Ng falls on June 12 this year, which means it’s time for DB’s largest annual community event, the Dragon-Boat Races and Carnival at Tai Pak Wan. If you don’t make the 8am race start, get down to DB Plaza by 11am for the traditional Lion Dance opener.

The races run till 4.30pm, with 59 teams and 2,000 paddlers taking part, and there’s also the lure of the carnival, with balloon twisting, Chinese acrobatics, sales booths, fire dancing, cheerleading performances and magic shows. So put on your sandals and sunscreen, and hit the beach to cheer on your favourite team!

Support Youth Outreach

Flag Day Fans of top local sporting event Wellcome Team FEAR Junior Challenge will already be familiar with the Hong Kong charity it supports – Youth Outreach (www.yo.org.hk). Youth Outreach is holding a Flag Day to raise money on June 8 at various locations on Hong Kong Island and it is looking for volunteers to help out for a few hours between 7am and 12.30pm. If you want to get involved, contact Javis Law at 2513 0026 or email prenquiry@yo.org.hk. This is a great opportunity to help raise funds for young local people in crisis; the ‘Street Rover’, pictured, is used at night to shelter kids on the street.

Latest Special Offers!

Any Beer & Pie Combo $80!

Champagne Fridays (25% off all Champagnes) NEW Chop Cards Collect chops & get free drinks!

Enjoy FREE Ferry ride to DB for every purchase more than HK$300.00

www.facebook.com/thepierbarhk Hours: Mon-Sun (9am to 12am) Shop E, Level 1, Pier 3, Man Kwong Street, Central

You’re not seeing double...

The ONLY TRUE HAPPY HOUR in DB

2 for 1

on all draft beers, house wines and spirits

Monday to Friday 4.00pm till 7.30pm Weekends and Public Holidays 3.00pm till 6.00pm 10% service charge applies

JUNE 2013 Shape up at

IN & AROUND DB

Island Dance

DB gymnasts

celebrates 20 years shine! Curves DB

Island Dance’s end of year show, 20 Years of Dance looks set to be a smash, showing from June 7 to 9 at the Y-Theatre in Youth Square, Chai Wan. The performance kicks off by taking us back to 1993, when the DB dance school opened, and culminates in 2013. The audience is also invited to see prizes awarded to top students, and take part in a lucky draw sponsored by the likes of Star Cruises, Eclipse Management and Uncle Russ. Tickets for the show are on sale now at www.urbtix.hk.

Don’t miss this year’s Sportsmanship Friendly Meet at Discovery College (DC) on June 2, 8.30am to 6pm. Over 250 gymnasts are ready to impress spectators with all they have learnt from Sportsmanship, the gymnastics programme based out of Club Siena and DC. Charity is important to club founder Charles Chan, and every year this competition allows him to raise money for Harmony Home, an association which supports HIV/ AIDS orphans in China. For more information about the club, go to After School Activities in Discovery Bay at www.arounddb.com.

Ticket giveaway —

Hairspray

COMPETITION

Hairspray the Broadway Musical promises to sweep audiences away with an extra bouffant portion of musical theatre magic. It's 1962 and music and dancing are the only things that kids live for, especially Tracy Turnblad, a big-haired and perfectly plump teenager from Baltimore, Maryland. Tracy jumps at the chance to audition for her favourite TV programme, and becomes a teen celebrity overnight. Don't miss this Hong Kong-based Face Productions performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, June 27 to 30. Call URBTIX at 2111 5999 for tickets.

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Face Productions is offering a pair of tickets to two lucky readers to see Hairspray the Broadway Musical. Simply click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, by June 10, and tell us in which year the musical is set.

Don't forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer.

June 2013

With three to four circuit classes a day during the week and one on Saturdays, Lantau ladies gravitate towards Curves in Club Siena. And the all-women gym is now under new ownership! If you are looking for a high intensity workout, try the Aerobic Circuit; if Zumba is your thing, they’ve got that too. Even outside of class, there is always a certified trainer on hand to help, and new members get one-on-one training for as long as they need it. We are happy to report that Curves’ annual food drive in April was a big success, with 1,250 kilogrammes of food collected for Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge in Kowloon. You can contact the Curves team at 2987 0772, or curvesdb@gmail.com.

DB Disney executive

publishes book

Launched in April, Leadership’s Great Wall, written by DB resident Noble Coker, investigates the differences between Western and Chinese leadership, explains the origin of the different approaches and gives real-life examples of how global leaders and organisations can bridge these differences. This first publication is in Traditional Chinese – a Simplified Chinese version is in the works, with an English version to follow. You can read all about Noble, who has just moved on from Hong Kong Disneyland where he was vice president of operations, on page 28. Pick up a copy of his book at The Commercial Press in Causeway Bay and Chung Wah Book Stores throughout the territory.

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW

H.K.’s Largest Collection of Swim & Resort Wear

Solicitors and Notaries, Hong Kong • Contrats commerciaux • Droit immobilier • Droit des societés • Droit du travail et immigration • Droit familial • Contentieux judiciaire et médiation Contacter Jean-Yves Toullec ou Helen Ladret Avocats et solicitors 20/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2847 2300 Fax: (852) 2845 9168 Email: jytoullec@hwg-law.com, helen.ladret@hwg-law.com www.hwg-law.com

O A W F PI M N I LY S W I M E A R S H O P N G E STOP

HAMPTON, WINTER AND GLYNN SOLICITORS, HONG KONG

E 94 nqu 62 irie 03 s: 52

OpenSpace DB Unit 6 G/F, Office Block Two, 96 Siena Avenue, DB North.

MBA Programs The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Elizabeth Rouse (American) Class of 2012

With one of the most internationalized and the longest established MBA Programs in Hong Kong, the CUHK Business School has always strived to provide a truly global, ‘East meets West’ learning environment to our students. CUHK possibly is the closet doorstop to the global market.

Markus Pessara (German) Class of 2013

Check out the ‘What’s Next’ luncheon talk series on our website. The talks will be featuring different industry experts sharing and advising the current trend in the fields of VC, finance and consulting.

“

“

“

“

Covering management, strategic and business development elements, my study is the perfect preparation for a future in corporate social outreach.

CUHK’s strong international flavour has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and affinity with global and Chinese business culture.

MBA Programs The Chinese University of Hong Kong (852) 3973 7782 www.cuhk.edu.hk/mba

Playgroups in

DB

FUNFIT, CLUB SIENA

6302 6327; 6 months to 6 yrs; melissa@funfit.hk; www.funfit.hk Active learning programme which helps to develop your child’s balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand eye coordination and much more! Caring for your children’s future health and fitness!

LITTLE EXPLORERS, PHASE 1

2987 2897, 9327 0507; 2 yrs up; littleexlorers@team-fear.com Well-established playgroup in DB. A caring and stimulating learning environment with an emphasis on learning through play and having loads of fun!

MIDGET GEMS KID’S CLUB, DB PLAZA

BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN, DB NORTH PLAZA

6114 2436; 12 months to 6 yrs; karl@pure-montessori.com; www.bayview.hk Early Childhood Educational Centre (Bilingual English-Mandarin). Unique in DB with an outdoor play area, gardening activities, pet caring, daily art education, themed-based circle times, science activities and more!

DUMPER TRUCKS AND DAISIES, DB PLAZA

9667 6921; 6 months to 3 yrs; mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com A modern approach to both traditional and Montessori methods, all geared towards the needs of your children and their preparation for further education.

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, THE GREENS

2987 0272; 2 to 4 yrs; info@midgetgemskidsclub.com; www.midgetgemskidsclub.com Established and dedicated DB Plaza playgroups in English, German, Mandarin and Spanish. A great learning environment with the emphasis on the fun factor.

MYKIDZPLACE, SIENA 2

6496 8662; 18 months to 6 yrs; my_kidz_place@yahoo.com.hk Mandarin playgroup sessions for children. Native teacher speaking only Mandarin to create an environment where children can pick up the target language effortlessly with various interactive activities.

PLAYTIME, CHERISH

2623 4099, 9054 0565; 18 months to 4 yrs; playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com Playgroup run by a Montessori-trained teacher with lots of experience. A great place to learn in a caring environment.

9511 2107, 2987 9644; 20 months to 4 yrs; info@earlyadventures.net; www.earlyadventures.net Well-established playgroup with bright and spacious facilities. A warm and caring environment where children are offered exciting and interesting activities, so they can achieve their full potential.

PLAYTIME (MUM AND BABY/ PHONICS AFTERNOON), CHERISH

FIRST FRIENDS, SECOND FRIENDS, CLUB SIENA

6108 9131; 2.5 to 5 yrs; woodentotsdb@gmail.com Run by a qualified Montessori teacher, Woodentots provides a caring and nurturing environment where your child will grow and learn through self-discipline and self-discovery.

9151 5545; 8 months to 3+ yrs; firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com; www.firstfriendshk.com DB’s longest running playgroup, providing parents and children’s groups.

Small classes, dedicated teachers. Thousands of toys and fun!

9054 0565; 6 to 18 months/ 2.5 to 4.5 yrs; playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com; www.playtimekidsdb.com New courses offered by a well-experienced Montessori-trained teacher.

WOODENTOTS, DB PLAZA

www.nerdkidsforliving.com

since 1925 Made in Germany Desks that grow with children 5 year after-sales guarantee 5/Fl, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central Tel: 2167 8474 1916-1917 Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau Tel : 3105 9887

YOUR GUIDE TO DB/ LANTAU SUMMER CAMPS 2013

Get creative ACTING ANTICS’ drama club at Discovery College (DC) runs July 29 to August 2 – mornings for 5 to 6 year olds, and afternoons for 7 to 12 year olds.

Become a more confident performer! Extend your dramatic and creative potential! Read, think and speak in clear expressive English! Every child gets a meaningful on-stage role with dialogue and fabulous costumes! Contact 8122 9475, deborah@actingantics.com, www.actingantics.com.

BRITISH STUDIO OF ART is running daily summer camps in DB Plaza throughout July and August for kids age 5 to 12. The five-hour morning sessions include clay modelling, needle felting, painting on canvas, water colouring, metal work, collage, mosaics, mask making and wooden-box decoration.

There’s pizza lunch on Fridays! Contact 9132 5249, bsoahk@gmail.com, www.bsoahk.com.

COMPLETE DEELITE’S four-day summer baking and decorating camp covers everything from cake pops, cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Designed for mums and kids, it’s running all summer in Central. Contact 3167 7022, classes@completedeelite.com, www.completedeelite.com.

Get wise BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN is offering summer programmes for children age 3 to 6 from July 2 to 26 in DB North Plaza. Kids will make, learn, discover and enjoy at these fun morning sessions. There’s a special focus on creative eco-aware projects. Contact karl@pure-montessori.com.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, PHUKET, THAILAND is offering sport and adventure camps plus English-language learning camps from June 30 to July 27. Children age 8 to 15 stay in on-campus boarding houses for either two, three or four weeks. Contact +66 (0)76 335 555, ksmallcombe@ bisphuket.ac.th, www.bisphuket.ac.th.

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL invites kids age 4 to 8 to satisfy their curiosity, gain new skills and have fun this summer through a varied multi-disciplinary programme. Morning sessions from July 8 to 26 are designed to encourage artistic enthusiasm, develop ICT skills, and recognise individual talents. Contact 2987 7331, www.dbis.edu.hk.

DISCOVERY MIND KINDERGARTEN AND PLAY CENTRE’S DB summer programme, from July 2 to 26, is put on for children age 15 months to 5 years. Classes include English and Putonghua, Tworiffic, Bilingual Playgroup and Summer Joy. Contact 2987 8088, 2987 8028, www.dmk.edu.hk.

EARLY ADVENTURES’ morning playgroups in The Greens, for kids age 2 to 4, run from July 2 to August 23. Different themes are offered each week in a bright, fun and safe environment. There are also special afternoon sessions in July and August for babies age 8 months to 3 years. Contact sarah@earlyadventures.net, www.earlyadventures.net.

LANTAU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (LIS) summer camp in Pui O runs July 2 to 12, for kids age 7 to 12. Non-LIS kids are welcome. Activities include swimming, drama, arts, hiking and beach games. Contact 2984 0302, 2980 3676, lisadmin@lis.edu.hk, www.lis.edu.hk.

LA PETITE ENFANCE’S morning and afternoon summer classes are designed to teach kids, age 2 to 12, French through fun activities. The DB North Plaza club runs from July 2 to August 30. Activities are structured around three key areas – the language, writing in French and discovering the world.

Contact 6710 0391, info@ecole-discovery.com, www.ecole-discovery.com.

MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS summer camp in DB North Plaza, July 2 to August 30, welcomes kids age 2.5 to 8. Activities include language learning, cooking and role-play. Contact 2480 3909, db@mandarinformunchkins.com, www.mandarinformunchkins.com.

MIDGET GEMS KIDS CLUB’S weekly summer school in DB Plaza runs from July 2 to August 16. Kids age 2.5 to 6 are invited to have a great time while learning new skills. Contact info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, www.midgetgemskidsclub.com.

SUNSHINE HOUSE’S summer programme from July 8 to August 16 focuses on the environment. Children, age 12 months to 5.5 years old, learn how to make Hong Kong a better and cleaner place to live through inspiring eco-friendly activities and eco-outings. Contact 2987 8143 (DB Plaza), 2987 0813 (DB North Plaza), 2109 3873 (Tung Chung), www.sunshinehouse.com.hk.

WISEOWL’S Published by You summer writing programme is designed for children age 6 to 11. This fun and educational morning club in DB Plaza runs from July 2 to 6 and August 12 to 16. Children plan, write and publish their own stories that are then turned into covered and bound books. Contact info@wiseowl.com.hk, www.wiseowl.com.hk.

Get sporty DB DRAGONS FOOTBALL CLUB is holding summer camps in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and Mui Wo for children age 5 and up. The coaching is open to everyone (not only DB Dragons’ members). Contact 2987 4274, www.dragons.hk.

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET’S summer programme, running through July and August in DB Plaza, offers more than just dance. Aside from the usual ballet and tap classes for kids age 5 to 11, DMR is also offering special choreography camps for children age 5 to 11. Contact 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www. dmr-hk.com.

MOTIVE 8’S summer sports and activities camp at Club Siena, from July 2 to August 9, is open to children age 4 to 12. Activities include tennis, soccer, rounders, basketball, cricket, kids’ yoga, drawing and painting and 10-pin bowling. Contact 2987 7382.

RUGBEES’ summer camp for kids age walking to 4 has a new and exciting theme, Fun in the Farm. Classes run July 8 to September 8 in DB and at various locations across Hong Kong. Contact 2117 3055, nicepeople@rugbees.com, www.rugbees.com.

TREASURE ISLAND’S surf camp on Pui O Beach running June 24 to August 16 is an ideal way to learn to ride the waves, make new friends and build confidence! There are various different camps available for kids age 5 to 18. Participants should be capable and confident swimmers. Instructors all have wilderness first aid and CPR certification. Contact 2984 8710, surf@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com.

ACROSS LANTAU

JUNE 2013 EVENTS

Eco groove

Shek Kwu Chau Tai O on show at in Cheung Sha incinerator protest the LANDMARK Head down to Lower Cheung Sha Beach on June 21 to have loads of fun learning about the environment. The main focus is environmental awareness, but you can also expect some great entertainment at the Mid-Summer Groove Party, including tonnes of music, kids’ dance performances and the chance to win fantastic prizes in the lucky draw. Pick up some gifts from local vendors, while the kids play on the bouncy castle and participate in some arts and crafts. Liina Klauss is organising another Trashscape – help clean up the beach and see the rubbish recycled into art. Funds raised will go to three local charities: Hong Kong Shark Protection, Plastic Free Seas and the Lantau Buffalos. For more information contact Eva Ewins at 9861 6657.

You can protest against the proposal to install a super incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau Island by supporting a group of South Lantau residents, The Naked Islands Project, at their first event, Motion In The Ocean. On June 22, at 3pm anyone who is willing to get wet is invited to help form a human flotilla just off Pui O Beach. Participants will ‘float’ to raise awareness, and gain media exposure, about the issue. Contact Lindsey Price at 9222 1718 for more information or email nakedislandsproject@gmail.com. Check out News at www.arounddb.com for a link to the Naked Islands Project Facebook page. And turn to page 32 to learn more about the ongoing environmental problems in Pui O.

Its beguiling history, unique architecture and nostalgic atmosphere has compelled eight local and international photographers (including DB’s Tracey van Geest) to preserve Tai O on camera.

You can see their work exhibited in Capturing Tai O at the LANDMARK, Central from June 1 to July 31. The laidback South Lantau village dates back to the Song dynasty, and has been dubbed the Venice of the Orient. Its unique charm and tranquillity comes through in varied ways in the 28 photographs on show.

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Lead photo by Baljit Gidwani, other photos courtesy of Noble Coker

PROFILE

28

riding

high

Karmel Schreyer chats with DB resident, and former Disney vice president, Noble Coker, to discover how an unassuming Texas Mormon changed the entertainment industry in Hong Kong and is now poised to do the same on the mainland Noble at D Deck, a few days before leaving DB for Beijing

June 2013

PROFILE

Y

ou might know of Noble Coker; he had his face cartooned, along with Mickey Mouse, in the pages of the South China Morning Post a few months back. I ask him if that is the ultimate media compliment for a Disney executive and he offers a boyish grin in response. But his impossibly youthful looks haven’t got in the way of his career trajectory, and he greets me with an iPhone in one hand ‘for personal’ and a Blackberry in the other ‘for business’, before politely putting them aside while we chat.

We catch up on the family, wife Eleanor, two daughters Tiare and Leilani and a Hong Kong-born son L.D., who returned to Los Angeles a year ago in order to, among other things, facilitate Tiare’s blossoming future as an Olympiclevel swimmer.

Noble doesn’t eat at D Deck very much; he’s been too busy heading up operations at Hong Kong Disneyland, dreaming (as Disney execs are wont to do) and Skyping his family to help with homework and give his spousal/ fatherly support. While celebrating the fact that Hong Kong Disneyland turned a profit for the first time at the start of 2013, he has just published Leadership’s Great Wall, a Chinese-language book, about cross-cultural leadership in China.

Noble is definitely a rare breed – the kind

of person who appears to be able to do it all. In his case this persona is firmly housed in kindness, compassion and an earnest intelligence, perhaps mostly as a result of his background and also, he admits, from the kindness and support he has received along the way.

Becoming a Disney imagineer Noble was raised in the Texas/ New Mexico area by a single mum, who did her best to provide for her son, and she did it in a way that was certainly unconventional for any woman in the 1970’s, and even today – as a jockey. “At times, it was a meagre existence, but I was always aware of my mother’s determination to provide for us, and this rubbed off on me,” Noble says. “By the time I was in high school, I was very focused on what I needed to do to ‘provide’, and I had determined that a career in finance was the way to go.”

Noble enrolled at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, the famed Mormon (the common term for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) institute, to pursue studies in finance. Towards the end of his undergraduate programme, he wrote down a list of chief execs and began phoning them, asking not for a job, just for advice. Interestingly, they were all happy to talk and quite forthcoming, even offering to call the earnest young man back because they realised he couldn’t afford the longdistance charges.

“They all said the same thing,” Noble says.

“That a career in finance was certainly the



The Coker family

June 2013

29

PROFILE

On a ride at Hong Kong DisneyLand with a young theme-park fan

way to go if I wanted to ‘earn’… but that it would be very difficult to maintain a marriage if this is what I wanted to do. You can’t sustain relationships when you’re working 100 hours a week.” The thing is Noble was already married to Eleanor, a brilliant Tahiti-born Korean student and fellow Mormon, who met her man on transferring to BYU from a science studies programme in Paris.

So Noble decided that he would not be going the Wall Street route. “It was an easy decision; I wasn’t going to risk my marriage,” he says. Following advice to get into information and communications technology (ICT), he was eventually hired by the Walt Disney Company, in the design and development arm, as an imagineer. Interestingly this came via a stint at a major accounting firm where he had impressed the interview panel by offering to sing a lounge song in Thai! This latest anecdote does not come as a great surprise; by now I realise that I am chatting with a multitalented person with a great many interests.

Experience-making in China So we talk ideas; after all Noble is, like all genius-types, an ideas person, despite his innate ability to get things done.

He casually rolls off stats: the spending power/ disposable income of China’s middle class is set to expand by 300% over the next 10 years, and the size of this middle class is

Find more local heroes

30

June 2013

set to grow by 300 million people. Within 10 years, 75% of the Chinese population will be living in cities, up from 50% today. What does this mean for the Chinese economy?

Well, for one thing it means that Chinese companies may be well-served to consider a move from export-oriented production to domestic wants and needs.

So what is it that this ever-growing, increasingly wealthy mass of citified people will be wanting? Noble is banking on the notion that Chinese consumers are coming up to a threshold in their consumerism – a change from ‘having’ to ‘being’ or ‘doing’. Experiences will be the new ‘stuff’.

Recreation – experience-making, creating memories with family, friends and colleagues – is going to be the big new manufacturing industry. No more gilded birdcages or faucets and, one hopes, less resource extraction.

Having helped Disney get established in China, moving with his family to Hong Kong as head of ICT for the theme park in 2004 and eventually becoming vice president of operations, Noble is now set to take on a major role at China’s Dalian Wanda Group. The tourism and entertainment conglomerate that is especially invested in theatre chains and theme parks, now wants to go global.

So Noble and his family are moving to Beijing just as this issue goes to press. And you know what they say, change China… and you’ll change the world.

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IN FOCUS

wetlands

elegy

Photos by Cecilie Gamst Berg

Pui O resident Cecilie Gamst Berg highlights the natural beauty of her 11-year home, and draws attention to its ever-escalating endangerment

T

he other night I was drinking beer with two friends, outside my local corner si-doh (shop) in Pui O, the Yi Hei Yuen. Our talk, having started off being about how lucky we are to be able to sit outside said si-doh, soon turned into a lament-fest. I am a dedicated member of the Living Islands Movement, a group helping promote sensitive and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s islands, and as usual my friends and I were lamenting how South Lantau in general, and (our home) Pui O in particular, is changing for the worse. And how things have escalated over the last four or five years.

“Yeah, it’s all over!” said Richard James, gesticulating vaguely in the direction of the beach. “Soon they’ll be widening the road and opening up to traffic from all over Hong Kong. It will be like Sai Kung on weekends. You’ll see!”

“Yes,” chimed in Jonathan West. “All the new houses and gigantic cars, the illegal dumping and the new hotel down by the sports ground – that’s only the beginning. Soon all of Pui O will be covered in concrete and skyscrapers. Mark my words!”

I felt suddenly nauseous. My beer tasted of cardboard.

Could my two half-sloshed friends be right? My beautiful Pui O – ruined? No! It wasn’t to be borne! But why live in denial?

32

June 2013

The way we were When I moved to Pui O in 2002, it was a kind of paradise with its pristine kilometre-long beach, and hiking terrain for all levels of fitness (from intense buttock-crunching, sweatpouring trail runs down to rather more sedate strolls) all in lovely, nay, stunning surroundings. There were also of course the three large swathes of unspoilt wetlands populated with water buffalo, the most laid-back of animals.

Where else in Hong Kong could you still find water buffalo roaming freely and over such an undisturbed tract of wetland? Nowhere, is the correct answer. Only in Pui O. For some time, I have thought it strange that nothing has been done by villagers or government officials to cash in on this unique tourist attraction, but they are seemingly more occupied with creating fake Chinese villages and the Path To Enlightenment (all the way to the bank) in Ngong Ping.

Anyway, why complain? This sleepy, semi-rural backwater lifestyle suited me just fine.

Back then Pui O people, traditionally not high-income bracket, lived in close quarters. The villages comprised the usual three-storey houses of identical size (no floor could exceed 700 square feet), vigorously tiled inside and out, and

IN FOCUS

An abandoned car rusting away

Buffalo resting in Pui O after a long day of doing not much

with Spanish-style roofs. Most of these village houses were divided up between three families.

Little disturbed our peace. Deliriously happy local teenagers showed up at weekends, filling holiday rentals to the Spanishstyle rooftops. And there was the occasional mild to moderate bout of camping down by the beach, and barbecue parties with their peculiar form of hygiene. The dozens of dustbins sparkling clean, pristine and untouched; the barbecue pits post-apocalyptic in their hedonistic litter abandon.

Changing times Then, seemingly overnight, let’s say in 2008, everything changed. The village houses were bought up on mass, stripped to the bone and turned into rather good-looking villas that wouldn’t look out of place on Sydney Australia’s Bondi Beach. Huge sport utility vehicles (SUVs) started clogging up the roads – and pavements. Walking on the road from Pui O to Mui Wo, which I had been doing for 11 or more years, became very unpleasant.

And needless to say, house prices went through the, well, Spanish-style roof. Every house-owning villager wanted in on the party and who could blame them? Who’d want to

be faffing around renting to barbecuing teenagers for a few hundred dollars a month when they could sell their ancestral home (and their son’s birth right) for many, many millions?

The new arrivals were rather better heeled and could afford the whole house, hence the gutting to the bone. Time to do away with the standard government-issue flats, and their microscopic kitchens, tiny bathrooms, two or three miniscule bedrooms, and corridor-like living rooms with just enough space for a sofa and TV. Naturally, tearing apart an entire three-floor, 2,100-squarefoot house (except the roof and external walls) creates quite a bit of rubble. But unlike in the olden days when construction waste was taken to landfills, it was (and is) left on private plots of land generously rented out by villagers.

Ecological consequences Much of Pui O is zoned as protected coastal area and/ or farmland, but thanks to a loophole in Hong Kong’s land-zoning laws, as soon as farmland is deemed un-farmable because it’s full of, for example, tonnes of broken bricks and tiles, it changes from being protected land and becomes available for building... anything you want. Protected coastal area be

June 2013



33

IN FOCUS

Ham Tin River and wetlands under threat

Our glorious wetlands with Flame Tree

Surveyors checking out a site – big piece up for sale

damned. A major building frenzy has overtaken our village.

Last summer saw the start of a heart-breaking development.

Three large tracts of privately owned land by the Pui O sports ground have been flattened, denuded of trees, excavated and concreted. Why? Well, as I was euphemistically informed by government officials after only six emails, a holiday camp is being built. But if the purpose is a place to put tents, why excavate a site the length and double the depth of an Olympic swimming pool?

As it turns out a three-floor building with 13 en-suite bedrooms is in fact in the offing. The site will comprise a sewage treatment plant, as well as a cycling track, skating rink, landscaped garden (as the formerly lovely area around the camp has been completely wrecked) and a new emergency vehicle access road to the barbecue area. Living Islands Movement gained this information first-hand from the site manager back in April.

All this comes hot on the heels of an attempt by the Environmental Protection Department to build a 3,000-tonnea-day waste incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau Island just off Pui O Beach. If built, environmentalists agree that it will further deteriorate air and sea quality – and only go a short way to solving Hong Kong’s refuse problem. A strange move when you consider that, in the year 2,000, the Hong Kong Government designated South Lantau as The Green Lung of Hong Kong, ‘to be preserved for recreation and rehabilitation’.

Meanwhile, as I walk my dogs every morning, I see the wetlands of Pui O being encroached upon, eroded and buried

Find more topical local stories

34

June 2013

Construction continues apace all over Pui O

inch by inch under building rubble and illegally dumped doors, metal beds, plastic chairs and polystyrene crates. Car wrecks and abandoned containers are everywhere, gently rusting away. Huge posters tell you that riding a bicycle with a passenger is dangerous, while next to them the dumping of toxic waste continues with impunity.

The destruction of Pui O, perhaps the canary in the coal mine of South Lantau, shouldn’t only concern the people who live here. Everybody in Hong Kong should sit up and take notice of what’s going on – and do something about it. Then maybe one day our children will be sitting in Pui O having a beer, delighting in the beauty of this untouched corner of Lantau Island.

Get involved Living Islands Movement is a non-affiliated, local group dedicated to the sustainable environment of Hong Kong’s outlying islands – with a focus on Lantau. For campaign updates, and regular calls to action, visit www.livingislands.org.hk.

This month Naked Islands Project, a new South Lantau-based eco group, is hosting a special event to protest the Shek Kwu Chau Island incinerator proposal. Head down to Pui O Beach on June 22 to help form a giant human flotilla – Asia’s first floating human ring. To find out more, visit the Naked Islands Project Facebook page.

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Illustration by Richard Leschinsky Photos by Tracey van Geest and courtesy of Kayoko Heaton, Uma Rana and Kaija Sandt

FAMILY MATTERS

36

June 2013

FAMILY MATTERS

mum’s

the word

Language acquisition – even the mother-tongue variety – is a tricky business in any mixed community. Karmel Schreyer talks to five Lantau-based mums about making the challenge fun

M

y kids were born here and have grown up with the kids upstairs,” says one DB mum, “but you’d never know it. Mine sound American, and the girls upstairs speak the Queen’s English.” If anyone ever needs proof that ‘mother tongue’ is more than just a figure of speech, all they need do is visit Discovery Bay!

The French-, Finnish-, Swedish-, English-, Cantonesespeaking family knows a bit of Mandarin as well, having lived in Taiwan for four years long ago, and here Kaija makes an important point. “In Taiwan, you simply must learn the language – to survive, to do the shopping – no one speaks English there.”

How hard do we push her Putonghua?

Which language shall we speak at home?

Yann Sandt, a French national, and his Finland-born wife Kaija, raised their four children in Lantau, and the family’s different language skills attest to this. The Sandt kids went to kindergarten in Peng Chau, and then on to Shu Chun Primary, the one-room schoolhouse nestled in the trees in Nim Shue Wan that closed its doors about 10 years ago.

The net result of this is that the children can all speak Cantonese, though to varying degrees.

Kaija was always very aware that speaking too many languages at home could be problematic. “English is my third language, after Finnish and Swedish, and my husband’s first language is French, but we decided at the start that we would speak English in our home to our children, even if it is with an accent, and sometimes broken,” she explains. Kaija may lament the fact that she cannot speak in her native language to her children, but she wanted English to be their first language. While Yann and Kaija see themselves remaining in Asia for the long term, all four of their children are now at university, or heading that way, in Leeds, London, Brisbane and (not a little ironically) French-speaking Quebec.

As we all know, this is not the case in Hong Kong, and certainly not the case in DB. That said many parents, especially Western parents of Hong Kong-born children, agonise over how to provide their children with the best possible tools for Chinese-language acquisition, or over whether they should saddle their children with the challenges of learning Cantonese or Putonghua in the first place.

German-born DB resident Yvonne Becher made a real commitment to her children’s language learning early on, and now her two daughters, Kameka (13) and Kaia (12), can communicate to varying degrees in English, German and Putonghua. They have been learning Putonghua since day one at the International Montessori School, and are now students at the Chinese International School (CIS). The fact that Kameka will be going into Year 10 next year, when students are given the option to board for a year at the CIS Hangzhou campus in Zhejiang Province, has presented a bit of a quandary for the family.

“We come from a family where boarding school was never on the radar,” explains Yvonne. “We weighed all the options

June 2013



37

FAMILY MATTERS

Yvonne Becher and her girls communicate in English, German and Putonghua

The multi-lingual Sandt family together in DB

Nancy Wong is boosting son Bosco’s English, in addition to Putonghua and Cantonese

Khusi Rana speaks her parents’ native Nepali plus English and Putonghua

(primarily improving her Chinese, and also nurturing her independence) but we were concerned that feelings of homesickness could affect her academic standing.” It was looking like Kameka would remain in Hong Kong – until the final meeting in February. “We were introduced to the Hangzhou teachers and it was explained that this pioneering effort would lead the way for a new future of Hong Kong students,” says Yvonne. Kameka said how exciting it sounded – and signed up!

Other Hong Kong schools have shorter, though still impressive, Chinese-language programmes abroad. For instance, South Island School sends its Year 9 students to its sister-school in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, for two weeks of immersion/ homestay as part of an exchange.

And Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) offers Year 6 students the opportunity to apply what they learn in class during a week in Hangzhou.

many a gweilo tutors after school, perfecting punctuation, extending vocabulary and upping confidence levels. But DB beauty therapist Nancy Wong is eager to help her young son Bosco learn English, in addition to Putonghua and his native Cantonese, in a much more hands-on way.

Nancy’s own multi-language skills, and her natural creativity, are put to good use in the home. For example, Tuesday is Mandarin Day, and Thursday is English Day in the Wong household. “We speak to each other only in those languages, on those days,” says Nancy. “It’s a way to make things fun.”

Why her native Nepali comes second

When do we introduce English?

Discovery College student Khusi Rana speaks her parents’ native Nepali in addition to English, and is working hard at her Putonghua. Since Khusi was a baby, the Ranas have spoken Nepali at home, so Khusi would understand basic Nepali words early on. But English was always their priority.

And then there’s the flip side – how do Chinese mums help their kids learn English? By hiring help for one thing;

“We did not encourage her to speak Nepali, only English, so as to get her into an English Schools Foundation school,” 

Find more child-centric stories

38

The Heatons educated their sons in Tokyo, as well as DB

June 2013

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FAMILY MATTERS

mum Uma explains. By age three Khusi was confident using English, and it was only then, while visiting family in Australia, that she started using basic Nepali words. “She became even more interested – or she had no choice – when we went to Nepal a few years later to visit my mum and dad who don’t speak English. She learnt a lot of Nepali there,” says Uma.

weeks during the summer holiday in July, and for threeweek stints in the spring and autumn. “Surrounded

by Japanese kids and adults who were speaking only Japanese, they were dipped deeply in typical Japanese school life, which is quite different from any international school here,” Kayoko explains.

How to combine the Japanese and the Australian

English is the boys’ first language but through this schooling experience, they each spent time as a Japanese (not as a foreigner) in the Japanese system. “With their own eyes they saw lots of differences in school (how it works), and in people (how they think and behave),” Kayoko says. “The culture is different. The way of life is different. It is not which is good or which is bad… just different. If Justin and Jamie can take it that way, and keep this different culture with them naturally, I would say that the schooling in Japan was very successful.”

Japanese-born DB resident Kayoko, mum to Justin and Jamie, and married to Australian John Heaton, recalls a family project that is sure to get other Lantau mums thinking. For seven years, through Year 1 to 6, her boys attended Edogawa Primary School in Tokyo – for four

To Kayoko, mother tongue means not only assimilating mother’s language but also mother’s background. “I do hope my boys can understand, respect and mix their cultures up well enough to make their lives more interesting,” she says.

“That would be a true treasure for their life.”

Uma stocks up on reading and writing resources when in Nepal, for Khusi to use as she likes. “Back in Nepal I used to be a Nepali language teacher/ trainer for adults, so later I am going to teach her how to write Nepali,” Uma says.

As for advice, Uma believes the younger one is exposed to a language the better, “through play dates, cooking, and listening to simple stories or catchy poems”.

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Are you planning a summer vacation? Thinking about getting travel insurance, but daunted by the options and worried about the small print? Hannah Ball talks to two local insurance experts to help reduce your stress

‘P

roviding you with protection abroad, so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday’ – sounds so simple doesn’t it? But then your eye wanders to the mass of small print at the bottom of the page and the seven other insurance brochures open in front of you, and you start to feel tired. In an ideal world, we’d all have well-priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance but all too often unseen exclusions frustrate travellers when they come to claim. So what exactly is the best policy choice for you and your family?

While most of us assume that all travel insurance provides good coverage, independent certified insurance consultant, Kishus Khamlani (KayeKaye) is quick to point out that you get what you pay for. True, pretty much all travel insurance will cover you on a basic level for trip cancellation/ delay, loss of baggage, medical costs, emergency evacuation and flight accident, but not all will cover you to the same level.

Per trip, multi-trip or annual?

Typically, you can purchase travel insurance in three ways: per trip, multi-trip or annual coverage. Prices vary depending on what’s included, but the charge should be less than 8% of the total cost of your holiday. “If you’re paying any more than that, then you should be questioning the reputation of the company you’re purchasing from,” warns KayeKaye.

Hong Kongers usually plump for per-trip insurance, but you may be better off getting multi-trip or annual coverage, suggests former DB resident and compliance manager for Business Class Group (the holding company for Lifestyle Insurance), Nigel Brooker. “An annual travel policy with good cover can be purchased for around HK$1,500. For an equivalent cost the number of days of single-trip travel would be 50+ dependent on the insurer. Not only that, an annual policy provides peace of mind for those taking

June 2013

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MONEY MATTERS

several trips per year. Have you ever suddenly realised en route to the airport that you have not arranged insurance?”

KayeKaye also recommends annual insurance. “It can be more cost effective, especially if you’re likely to be away for more than 60 days per year,” he explains. “But remember that almost every insurance plan will only cover you for up to 90 consecutive days. So if you’re jumping from one country to another, you must return to Hong Kong within 90 days, before you travel on anywhere else. Most people think that this doesn’t apply for annual cover, but the rule is still the same. Additionally, if you’re insuring domestic helpers, remember you can only take out per-trip insurance.”

watches and handbags, or ensure that their most expensive items are covered on their home policy. “It’s vital to look at what insurance you have already. So often my clients will forget that what they pay for in their travel-insurance plan is already covered by existing policies,” he explains. “And if you go on a business trip, always ask your company what kind of insurance is in place.”

Note too that whilst some policies charge an excess per item, some just charge a single excess for baggage claim, so if you lose a suitcase with your professional camera and all your favourite designer items in it, you could face a significant loss. Personal laptops and smartphones are also often excluded from travel Insurance cover.

Watch out for exclusions Factor in health – and destination Always compare policies before making a decision. Don’t simply go with a package deal until you’ve checked out what’s excluded. Note that many insurance companies now cover extreme sports, but not all do. Certainly, any sports carried out professionally, like race-car driving, and for some plans, potentially dangerous sports, like deep-sea diving, will be excluded. “Inclusion and exclusion are two vitally important words,” KayeKaye stresses. “If it’s not excluded then it’s included; in other words, if it’s not written in the small print that wind-surfing is excluded, then assume you’re covered.”

Regarding trip interruption, KayeKaye simply warns travellers to show common sense. “Check the warning signs before you travel,” he says. “If the Hong Kong Observatory is signalling a typhoon, and you decide to travel anyway, your insurance won’t cover you if anything goes wrong.”

In addition, most travel-insurance plans don’t cover wartorn countries, so make sure the country you’re travelling to is included.

And so to medical cover. Be aware that most plans don’t cover preexisting medical conditions. For example, if you’ve had a severe heart condition for several years and know about it, your travel insurance is not going to pay up if you have a heart attack on holiday. Similarly, if you are pregnant when you travel, your insurance will not cover your expenses should you encounter any pregnancy-related problems or even go into labour early.

If you intend to participate in any extreme sports, it may even be worth searching for a specialised type of cover. “If you go with an independent broker, they can help you find a policy which provides more than basic cover, and meets your particular needs,” advises Nigel.

When it comes to baggage claims, it’s important to note that a lot of travel-insurance plans have a cap for property, for example the gross limit may be HK$30,000. If your personal belongings come to more than that, tough luck!

KayeKaye recommends that travellers either leave behind their expensive Gucci

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June 2013

“If traveling while pregnant, I’d always recommend a higher-end plan such as ihi Bupa (international health insurance) which will cover you in case of illness and provide home transportation until the 36th week of pregnancy,” KayeKaye advises. “It’s a similar story for anyone

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with a pre-existing medical condition. I once recommended a girl who was later diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease to take out a higher-end plan, and her insurer paid for costs that would have crippled most people.”

Get results So which insurers do the experts recommend? “Zurich Insurance Group, ACE Insurance or American International Group (AIG) are all great choices,” says KayeKaye. “AIG is particularly good for medical insurance. It takes higher risks, and its annual cover is significantly more comprehensive, making the slightly higher cost well worth it. Insurance through your travel agent is usually a good bet and will often be cheap. Sunflower Travel and EGL Tours, to name just a few, offer good comprehensive travel insurance with their packages.”

Nigel, on the other hand, recommends you look to an independent broker for a greater choice of policies, particularly if you need a more specific type of insurance.

“This way, if you have any questions about cover you can talk to your consultant and check that an option is covered,” he says. “From a travel agent or a bank the choice is often

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limited to one provider who may not offer the best cover or value for money.”

If it comes to it, making a claim is far simpler than it looks, assures KayeKaye. “Firstly, be completely transparent with your insurer. Be open, both about what you’ll be doing on your holiday, and if you’re covered by anyone else.

Remember you cannot make a profit when you claim – they will find out! If you’re honest about everything, your plan should have covered all the possibilities.”

When coming to claim, arm yourself with all of your original receipts, flight tickets, a police report declaring any lost/ stolen goods, and credit card statements from the holiday.

As KayeKaye says, “Nothing can be claimed unless you have proof.”

Find it • KayeKaye, independent insurance consultant, 9811 1554, kishus@i-cable.com • Nigel Brooker, Lifestyle Insurance, 3115 7620, www.lfsinsurance.com

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

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

But the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestichelper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), are always worth due diligence. This month, I want to wake you up to some things you may not have considered about your health insurance policies.

Health The different types of medical insurance available in Hong Kong are confusing, and the premiums vary tremendously. Here’s how to make sense of a four- tier medical system: 1. Government hospitals – you know how that works.

2. Lower tier insurance – basic coverage for those of you on a budget. This type of insurance is good for the self-employed and for non-travellers (limits can be really low for Europe, Australia and North America). It can be used at local private hospitals but may leave you short if any major surgery is needed. Be aware too that if you have a large claim your next premium will increase considerably. For outpatient claims, reimbursements are not so high especially if your doctor is in Central or DB. 3. Middle tier insurance – high local coverage that is also sufficient to cover outpatient claims and doctors’ bills in DB and Central. This type of insurance is typically for those at managerial level. It works for frequent travellers, even those heading to Europe, Australia and Canada but those travelling to the US will need a bit more protection.

4 Top-tier insurance – high-end cover for just about any hospital, anywhere in the world. This type of insurance provides all kinds of benefits, including private rooms, and free delivery for pregnant women. Top-tier insurance is popular with senior executives, independently wealthy people and women who want kids.

My offer: These are oversimplified concepts and different people have different budgets. 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.

TALKING POINTS

Photos by Cass Shing

leader of the

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pack

You want your pup to reach her full potential, and this is where dog training comes in. Megaen Kelly talks with five local professionals who know how to bring out the best in man’s best friend June 2013

TALKING POINTS

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peaking to Jonathan Morgan of My Pet Shop in DB North Plaza, Rosemarie Tang, animal trainer and behaviour counsellor, dog trainer Isabelle Adams-Papé, and Tung Chung Pets Central veterinarian Anita Tomasov, it’s clear that it’s never too soon to start training your dog.

Rosemarie says, “You should start teaching your puppy good habits the moment she comes home with you.”

Isabelle adds, “Early training is important so that you can establish boundaries and gain better control over your dog through obedience.” And Anita suggests, “Start with short, less than five-minute training sessions several times a day.”

First off, puppies need lots of positive exposure – socialisation – in their first few weeks. “Aim for 100 positive exposures in the first 100 days,” says Rosemarie, who travels throughout Hong Kong (and Lantau!) training dogs. “Without early socialisation, dogs may never reach their potential.”

Understanding canine behaviour is the key to becoming a better owner. You need to work with their natural drives and instincts, not against them. Says Rosemarie, “Many breeds exhibit behavioural traits common to their stereotypes but it is important to remember that regardless of breed, all dogs are individuals and training should be based upon their behaviour, not on what is expected of their breed.”

If you don't have time to work with your dog yourself, hire a certified pet dog trainer (CPDT) or a certified canine life and social skills (CLASS) instructor. Be aware that there is currently no governing body overseeing the certification of dog trainers in Hong Kong, and dog trainers are not required to be certified. Check that the trainer you choose has the proper credentials.

Be the alpha role model Both Rosemarie and Isabelle use the Positive Reinforcement training method for all breeds. Isabelle, who runs the Puppy Obedience Course at Best Friends Veterinary Hospital in Sai Kung, explains, “Positive Reinforcement is any act that follows a behaviour that makes it more likely that the behaviour will occur again. A good example of this would be teaching a dog to ‘SIT!’. You lure the dog into a seated position with a treat and once her backside hits the floor, you deliver the treat. The dog soon learns that offering the behaviour r e q u e s te d , results in 

Give your dog plenty of love but let her know who is boss

June 2013

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Dogs respond to a positive tone of voice – always acknowledge good behaviour

something good. After the command has been learnt, the treats are phased out slowly.”

Jonathan Morgan says, “The best advice I can give regarding training is to try your best to be consistent, reward good behaviour (positive reinforcement) and punish bad behaviour (never hit a dog). Don't confuse the two, for example, don't tell your dog she is bad for going to the toilet somewhere you don't want her to go, and then show her where you want her to go. She will be confused because the bad behaviour and desired behaviour are rolled into a single instance.”

Importantly too, recognise when your dog is good!

According to Rosemarie, “This is the single most frequently ignored aspect of therapy for clients whose pets have behavioural problems; when the pets are not causing trouble, almost no one tells them how good they are. This is where the most ground is lost.”

Anita offers, “All dogs respond to positive voice praise.

Dogs do not hit each other and so don’t understand being smacked. They understand our tone of voice: a ‘growl’ from us when they do something wrong and a happy, highpitched voice when they behave well. Be sure to abide by the 20-second rule – you need to react vocally within 20 seconds of the puppy’s action. If you come home and yell at your dog for having made a mess in the middle of the floor, she may look scared and apologetic but in her brain she is being punished for coming to the door to greet you; she doesn’t relate the mess she made on the floor two hours ago with your attitude.”

Always end any training experience on a positive note. And make sure your puppy knows she is loved. But establish some boundaries early on. A spoilt dog, who is allowed to get her own way all the time, will come to think she is the leader of the pack, the boss of the household. Your beautiful beast will therefore be nigh-on impossible to control.

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June 2013

“Dogs love to please their master/ alpha role model,” concludes Anita. “They love to please the head of their pack or family unit. Most dogs are also food motivated – so small treats along with positive praise for doing the right thing go a long, long way.”

Tips on connecting with your dog from a photographer's perspective Cass Shing, a pet and family photographer living in DB, tells us, “When I take photos of dogs, I am mindful to be calm and loving. Dogs can sense our emotions, and they react to how we feel. They are a mirror reflecting our energy and spirit. Therefore your temper is your dog’s temper. In some daily situations, if you want them to calm down, first you must calm yourself. Dogs can sense how you feel because they are attached to you as a pack!

Once we truly respect that our pets have their own sensory and mental lives, we will be better able to sense their needs and understand them. Dogs are our angels and teachers because they bring us joy and remind us of simple happiness.”

As you can see from the images printed here, Cass has a unique way of capturing moments of love and bonding between pets and owners, creating touching photo stories to treasure for a lifetime. Visit www.LoveAndBond.com, facebook.com/shingcass.

Find it • Anita Tomasov, www.pets-central.com • Isabelle Adams-Papé, isabelle@121dogtraining.hk • Jonathan Morgan, My Pet Shop, mypetshop@live.hk • Rosemarie Tang, www.petbehaviourhk.com

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Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

cruise

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control There’s more to cruising the high seas these days than shuffleboard and lounge singers, and there are plenty of interesting options out of Hong Kong.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

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ruises have had a pretty bad go of it on the public relations front in the last little while. If a cowardly captain wasn’t running aground in Italy then a powerless ship was morphing into a giant floating toilet in the Gulf of Mexico. But travelling by ship was once the height of sophistication, and despite a couple of unfortunate incidents – and the legacy of ‘80s American TV series The Love Boat – it’s still the only way to travel for many people.

Think about it: with this type of vacation there are multiple destinations to enjoy, you never need cash or credit cards and you don’t have the hassle of packing again and again.

And now there’s a cruise for almost everyone: cruises for women only, singles cruises, gay cruises, seniors cruises and themed cruises among others. True, the form is perceived as inherently elderly, and that stems from the fact cruising can take time (104 days around the world anyone?). But forget all that. Even mini-cruises are a real possibility out of Hong Kong, and they’re definitely not a pensioner’s preserve.

Popular pursuit Hong Kong is already a major cruise port (Miami is the world’s busiest) and there are dozens of destinations that are accessible by water for a few days or a week or two.

Asia is rife with ports in major centres and ships these days are less like floating hotels and more like resorts. Industry growth inherently means more choice on every level and the number of cruise operators is mammoth, and growing (though many of the biggest operators are owned by either  Carnival Cruises or Royal Caribbean).

June 2013

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There are numerous Asian cruise operators with many of the biggest owned by Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean

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ESCAPES “Cruising is now more popular than ever. The benefits of cruising are becoming more well known, and the industry is the fastest growing holiday segment in the world,” explains Flight Centre Hong Kong’s general manager Clint Arthur.

“Among Hong Kong travellers, river cruises are gaining traction. But the bigger cruises are more popular as they include Hong Kong as part of their port of call.” The new cruise terminal at Kai Tak is going to be a major influence.

Spoilt for choice Depending on how long you feel like being on the open sea, Silversea Cruises has voyages to Tokyo (via Shanghai, Pusan and Osaka) and Singapore via Thailand, but it’s not the only game in town. “Several cruise lines offer different itineraries,” Clint points out, with the most popular Asia itinerary being the ones that traverse Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand – the highlights of which are Halong Bay and Koh Samui. Or you can jet to an overseas port, and then sail back to Hong Kong. “For itineraries originating in Singapore, there’s the Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand itinerary with stops at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket,” Clint adds. Most travel agents will roll the price of a flight into the final cost.

He’s not kidding. Luxury cruise operator Silversea has a departure from Hong Kong to Singapore set for October with stops in Halong Bay and Danang among others. Some of the facilities on its Silver Shadow are a pool with bar and grill, The Spa at Silversea, a library, casino, fitness centre and a choice of four restaurants. Suites range from 287 square feet (the Vista or Terrace Suite) to the two-bedroom, 1,264-square foot Owner’s Suite. But no matter which one you’re in, you can enjoy wi-fi access, personalised stationery, a mini-bar and butler service. And that’s a medium-sized boat.

Cruises should be booked the old fashioned way – through a travel agent – but if you’re considering one, surfing operator websites is a good place to start. Royal Caribbean offers three- and four-day jaunts around Malaysia and Thailand on its 15-deck, 10-pool, 17-bar Mariner of the Seas departing from Singapore. And with Princess Cruises, you choose between mega vessels with corresponding amenities, like nightclubs, bars, multiple pools and dining rooms, movie theatres and a wedding chapel for 3,000-plus guests. Or more intimate ships. Perhaps it’s time to live out The Love Boat theme song, and sample life’s sweetest reward.

River cruises are the other option, but one that again involves a short flight. The upside to river cruises is that they’re shorter and can be done over a long weekend with some careful planning. Popular destinations include China’s Yangzi River, the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia and Ayeyarwady River in Burma – a quickly emerging travel market. Orient Express runs the ultra high-end The Road to Mandalay down the Ayeyarwady – it’s the boutique hotel of the seas, with under 50 luxury cabins and just one restaurant on board.

Docking at Nathon in Koh Samui (www.cthailand.com)

Resort living For many then the lure of a cruise is the chance to take in many different destinations in one trip, without having to change ‘hotel’ rooms. Shore excursions are more culturally and historically sophisticated than ever and extend well beyond getting a beer at a portside bar (or a stroll through Ocean Terminal). But this kind of holiday is all about the journey too. Advocates love being on-board a ship, taking it slow and experiencing the distance between destinations in real time – in a way that plane travel prohibits. And they love all the amenities offered to help while away the hours.

On-board dining, leisure options and facilities now rival those of major hotels. “[Cruises] now offer really varied entertainment facilities, and some even offer different classes and lectures on board. They also understand that each passenger is different, and so they ensure that they’re equipped with the right facilities and services to cater to families, honeymooners, solo travellers, everyone,” says Clint.

Find more exciting holiday destinations

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June 2013

Silversea Cruises’ 1,007-square foot Royal Suite

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ACTION

mirror of

life Photos by Hannah Ball

Gordon Moffoot, David Garceran Nieuwenburg, Peter Whalley, Jean-Sebastian Bret and Roger Ball (clockwise from left) at a Caissa meet in iCaramba! DB

Chess is a beautiful game of skill; an artwork that requires careful crafting, strategy, patience, analytical thinking, and all the power the mind can muster.

Hannah Ball meets some local club players

T

here are so many different clubs and activities in DB from scrapbooking to kickboxing, but did you know we also have a burgeoning chess club?

DB resident David Garceran Nieuwenburg, who heads up web marketing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, started Caissa (named after the goddess of chess) in July last year. With nearly 30 members aged between six and 70+, the club is divided into several sections for players of different ages and abilities.

“It’s a great way for local players to up their game,” says David, who has been playing chess since he was a boy in Holland. “Children meet each week on either a Thursday or a Saturday at BMSE community centre in DB North Plaza.

While we are currently trying to get the adult chess group running also on Saturday afternoons, the adults meet in iCaramba! in DB Plaza for a friendly game or two whenever they are free. Several Caissa club members compete in the

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June 2013

Hong Kong Chess Championships, as well as playing in tournaments abroad.”

Treasurer of the Hong Kong Chess Federation, Mingo Lam explains, “The federation organises a number of tournaments throughout the year, such as the official Hong Kong Chess Championships which take place from January until June. The competitions are recognised by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), allowing participants to have an international ranking. The club is really popular and we meet most Monday evenings at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai.”

Chess for kids Mingo, a full-time chess coach through his business Hong Kong Chess Workshop, teaches at schools across Hong Kong, and at Discovery College (DC). With a double major in mathematics

ACTION

Mei Jing ponders her next move at Caissa Club in BMSE

and economics, Mingo customises his own syllabus based on mathematical principles. “It’s amazing how often chess and maths go hand in hand,” he says. “Some of the students I teach have entered world mathematical competitions.”

Earlier this year, Mingo helped organise the annual InterSchool Chess Championship held at West Island School.

The event attracted over 240 participants from primary and secondary schools all over Hong Kong, including five teams from DC, one secondary and four primary.

“I think it’s so important for children to learn to play chess,” says David. “It helps with everything from analytical and mental resilience, to memorising, and learning the

psychology of your opponent. Children often have an abstract way of thinking and can therefore come up with surprising moves that an adult may never think of. I wanted my own children Meijing, six, and Miguel, seven, to learn chess so they could appreciate the beauty of the game – that’s why I play.” Miguel is currently ranked second in his age group in Hong Kong. Meijing, meanwhile, came an incredible fifth in the girls U7 category at The School World Chess Championship 2013 in Halkidiki, Greece last month.

Twelve-year-old DB resident Sophie Whalley also loves the strategic, tactical nature of the game. “I really enjoy playing chess because analysing positions and calculating not only what you’ll play next, but what your opponent might play 

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ACTION

Sophie Whalley playing in a tournament in Hong Kong David teaching Lucas Vencel at Caissa

appeals to me,” she says. Sophie is one of the few female members of Caissa, and she has recently starting playing in chess tournaments – even representing Hong Kong in a match against Macau, held at BMSE in March.

Chess for life Chess is so much more than pushing pieces across a board. “Chess is a mirror of life,” says Mingo. “It teaches players so many life skills: the willingness to try, and try again, to analyse, to be disciplined, to think through every major decision, to solve problems. The list goes on!

“It helps adults tackle problems,” he adds. “In fact, it is especially good for management. During post-mortem analysis, you trace past mistakes and work out what went wrong and how to fix any problems for next time. It’s exactly the same with chess analysis.”

Peter Whalley, Sophie’s dad, was brought back to chess

by Caissa after a long sabbatical. He explains that his grandfather introduced him to chess as a child to teach him mental resilience. “I love chess because it’s my way of relaxation; I suppose you could even call if a form of meditation,” he says. “I also thrive off the competitiveness of the game and the strategy.”

For Mingo, chess has revealed that all knowledge is interlinked. “There is a cross-over in chess with all walks of life – with history, mathematics, science, religion and languages (many words in chess are French, German or Persian),” he explains. “In fact, it’s even connected with the lunar cycle; there are 28 days in the lunar cycle and 28 squares around the edge of the chessboard. But most importantly, chess teaches players to be creative – an essential for every area of life.”

Find more local clubs and activities

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June 2013

Franz Herrmann (left) takes on Mei Jing Garceran Wang (right)

Types of chess The ancient board game, originating in northwest India around the 6th century under the name Chaturanga, evolved into what we now know as International chess in the 9th century. It revolves around two players moving pieces across a chequered board of 64 squares. Each player begins with 16 pieces: one King; one Queen; two Rooks, Knights and Bishops; and eight Pawns. These pieces can attack, take and be taken. The aim of the game is to ‘check’ or trap your opponent’s King so that it cannot be moved.

Checkmate!

Although most of us think of chess as one particular type of game, there are in fact many different ways to play it. For example, you can play a game of chess very quickly – or very slowly. A game of Fast chess, broken down into Blitz, Lightening, Speed, Bullet and Sudden Death, can take less than three minutes, with players racing to win before the time on their clocks runs out. 

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Long-play chess, meanwhile, can take anywhere from one to seven hours, making it popular in high-level tournaments. “I much prefer Long-play chess, though I enjoyed Fast chess when I was younger,” remarks David. “For me, chess is like reading a good book or like a good conversation,” he says.

“My longest game was around five hours. You just get lost in the game; time seems irrelevant.” Last year, David was ranked amongst the top tournament players in Hong Kong.

Correspondence chess is another thing entirely – moves are played out over several days or weeks either by email or letter. And yet another way to play chess is of course against your computer. Deep Blue was the first computer to defeat then reigning World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov, in 1997.

Chess variants There are many chess variants, like Avalanche, Bughouse and Fischer Random, each with different rules, different pieces and different boards. Perhaps the most popular chess variant locally is fast-paced Chinese chess, or Xiangqi. “It is still a game of mystery,” says Mingo. “Tactics derive from ancient times, and are not widely discussed,

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June 2013

unlike International chess which is now one of the most written about topics.”

And have you heard about Chess Boxing? Introduced in a professional format in 1990, a full match consists of 11 rounds: six rounds of chess and five rounds of boxing. For David, who took up boxing age 14 and chess age six, the two games are intimately linked. “Boxing and chess open up the same type of adrenaline bucket,” he explains. “The ring and the chess board confine body and mind respectively into a small combat zone, where danger is 360 degrees around you and damage is direct and personal.” Who says chess is for geeks?

Find it • Caissa Chess Club, www.caissahk.com, or email David at davidgn@caissahk.com • Hong Kong Chess Federation, www.hkchess.org • Hong Kong Chess Workshop, contact Mingo at 9423 4783, mingo.lam@gmail.com

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Largest portfolio of liveaboards in Discovery Bay

6055 0146

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michelejcameron@msn.com

Photos courtesy of Discovery College and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and Angie Bucu

STYLE

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Be inspired by this balcony garden in Coastline Villa

June 2013

STYLE

urban bounty Compact vertical gardening at Kadoorie

Seedlings for sale at Kadoorie

Move over hydrangeas. City folk (and DB students) are turning to micro gardening and putting their outdoor space to delicious use.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

S

themselves can act as a nursery area, as long as there's access to good, fertile growing media. Seasonal seeds, grow media and organic treatments are all available in Hong Kong.

It's also possible to cultivate micro greens that grow well in small pots on window sills, as a cut-and-come-again treat.”

The idea of urban agriculture derives from inner-city food deserts where low-income communities work together to supply their own fresh foods. And the trend has caught on, sort of an offshoot of the organic food craze, but it has a soufflé-type reputation for being really hard.

While it’s easier than most of us think, it does take a bit of planning – and sometimes creativity. Put in a little research about what grows best in Hong Kong’s climate and think about which vegetables you’re most likely to use. If dirt on the ground is out of the question, you’re likely leaning towards planters. But be careful which ones you buy: the ‘pretty’ ones may be useless.

ummer’s almost here, and now’s the time to till the fields. Okay, not fields. For most of us, those fields are patches of dirt in small gardens or plastic planter boxes on terraces or balconies.

And you know what? That’s just fine. Size doesn’t matter if you really want to try your hand at urban agriculture. Or as it’s known here, micro gardening.

Get informed “Urban gardening and/ or farming is less difficult than people think. Shortage of space and environmental constraints can be challenging but it is always possible to grow some of your own food. Most herbs and vegetables can be propagated from seeds,” says Idy Wong, head of sustainable living and agriculture at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Sai Kung, one of Hong Kong’s earliest vocal proponents of organics.

David Sanders of The Green Patch HK, a company supplying organic micro-gardening products and services, and providing talks and educational workshops, agrees. “If you have a balcony, terrace or rooftop available it's possible to start growing fresh food in containers. The containers

“People often use thin, dark-red plastic containers which, in the hot season, allow the sun's heat to transfer into the grow media, creating overheating around the plant's tender root zones,” David points out. Not too bad for sturdy shrubs, but tender vegetable roots will effectively braise. That problem can be remedied by placing smaller containers inside larger ones, or by wrapping something around them to draw off the heat. An old towel will do.

On top of gear, deciding how much time you want to put into your farm is crucial. “It’s worth thinking about how you would like to enjoy the garden, and how much time you plan to spend gardening,” says Idy. Take growing conditions and personal preferences into consideration and allocate the right amount of space. It’s not wrong to want to keep some of your outdoor space for entertaining. 

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STYLE

Idy also suggests first-timers take a course or join a gardening group. Kadoorie has lots of classes and The Green Patch’s all-age guidebook came out in May. “Start small and expand the gardening area gradually with the growth of experience and confidence,” adds Idy.

Obey Mother Nature So what works best in tight, humid, rainy spaces? Herbs and small vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, beetroot) grow well locally, and Idy concedes that small fruit trees (lemon, banana) are an option if you have room for large pots. Adding, “In extreme situations where there is no sunlight and space, people can still enjoy growing food by sprouting.” Which is exactly what it sounds like (beansprouts come from somewhere). It requires only a jar, some seeds and water.

The upside of planter gardening is its inherent mobility, making intense sunshine and heavy rain minor annoyances.

Makeshift shade is easy to construct on rooftops, and you can also rig up netting to keep birds away. And in the city bugs aren’t an enormous problem.

Lastly, it’s recommended budding gardeners obey Mother Nature. “It’s important not to try growing food crops out of their season, for instance planting carrots or beetroot after February. They will sprout and grow, but when hot, humid weather hits in May it ruins the plants,” David warns.

For local advice and produce we need look no further than Ark Eden, the environmental education centre and farm in Mui Wo, or indeed the regular DB Farmers’ Market. Garden centres with knowledgeable staff who are willing to set up delivery also dot Mongkok’s Flower Market Road. And for those convinced organic foods come from organic seeds (they don’t) and genetically modified foods are the root of all evil (they’re not according to World Health Organisation and January’s Oxford Farming Conference), organic Italian, American and British seeds are widely available.

Find it • Ark Eden, www.arkedenonlantau.com • The Green Patch HK, www.thegreenpatch.hk • Hong Kong Gardening Society, www.hkgardeningsociety.org • Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, www.kfbg.org.hk

Find more DB-friendly lifestyle tips

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June 2013

Micro gardening is a hit with the kids at DC

Micro gardening in DB schools Kids at both Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) and Discovery College (DC) are well ahead of the current craze for micro gardening – in fact the DC micro gardens were set up four years ago with the help of The Green Patch. A wide variety of vegetables have been planted, including beetroot, carrots and Chinese spinach, with the activity supporting Year 4's From Field to Table unit. “The kids love it; they are doing a fantastic job taking care of the plants on a daily basis,” says DC teacher Julia Surman. Future plans involve having a Year 3 and 4 extracurricular group help look after the gardens.

The micro gardens at DBIS were set up five years ago for the school's first Green Week. With one section for each class, and four classes per year group, each group was given a pack of seeds to grow their crop. Children from the nursery through Year 6 have planted carrots, tomatoes, lettuces, and herbs such as parsley and basil. “The micro gardens tie in with International Primary Curriculum (IPC) units for module topics such as scientific investigations on the subject of growing, or the topic of flowers and insects,” says DBIS teacher Eleanor Loran.

www.arounddb.com



JUNE 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

What's new around Hong Kong

Compiled by Hannah Ball

Dive into athletes the aquarium at Top gear for

Ocean Park

The panoramic viewing panel and dome

Look and feel great during your workout in RONHILL sportswear now available in Hong Kong. A leading British sports clothing brand, RONHILL is a big hit internationally as the chic-looking products are made from a wide range of high-tech ‘lite’ materials.

Our top pick are the skin-tight, super-supportive gym pants with a back zippered security pocket – ideal for an MP3 player. Smaller items such as gloves, hats and water bottles make good gifts.

Look out for RONHILL distributed in Hong Kong exclusively through Active Brands Asia. For more information, visit www.ronhill.com.

Super lightweight RONHILL sports gear

Healthy eating

at Berliner

Immersive encounter at Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium Nutritious white asparagus at Berliner

We all love watching the thousands of fish (450 different species) swimming around Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium, and now you can take the thrill to a whole new level. You are invited to get inside the 5.2 million-litre aquarium’s world-class features, such as the magnificent viewing dome and the 13-metre wide panoramic viewing panel, and swim with manta rays, hammerhead sharks and Napoleon Wrasse. The 30-minute experience is open to anyone over 15 with a recognised scuba qualification. To apply, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk. For other enquiries, email Una Lau at una.lau@oceanpark.com.hk.

Discovery Bay’s Berliner

One of Germany’s healthiest staple foods is being promoted at Berliner restaurants across Hong Kong this June through a special white asparagus (or weisser spargel) menu. Full of vitamins and antioxidants, asparagus is a real nutritional powerhouse. Enjoy delicious appetisers such as White Asparagus Cream Soup, served with smoked salmon and German bread, or crunchy White Asparagus Salad with boiled egg, tomatoes, lettuce and avocado dressing. Weisser spargel also features in the mains – have it with Black Forest ham, sole fillet or pork medallions. Berliner in Discovery Bay opens daily from 12pm to 12am. For reservations, please call 2987 8203.

June 2013



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JUNE 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

What's new around Hong Kong

Compiled by Hannah Ball

Have a nocturnal

Take a team adventure challenge at Park Island On a Midnight Adventure guided tour

Spot frogs in Mai Po

Hong Kong is a fascinating place to enjoy nature – at night. The World Wildlife Fund’s new Midnight Adventure summer guided tours, led by a professional nature interpreter, are now being offered at Mai Po Nature Reserve near Yuen Long. Enjoy the sunset and moonrise, and see nocturnal creatures like you’ve never seen them before – frogs, bats, moths, spiders, fireflies, birds, and with any luck, leopard cats and otters that only come out at night. Tours are every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday and last four hours. Visit www.wwf.org.hk and click on Get Involved and Visiting Mai Po to find out more.

Splash out at a

rooftop pool party GR8 Ultimate Summer Race at Park Island (www.parkislandhongkong.blogspot.com) W’s third GET WET Summer Series

Expect plenty of poolside fun

The weather is hotting up, summer has arrived and W Hong Kong is getting into the swing of things with a series of five ultrafashionable pool parties. On June 22, you are invited to strut your stuff around the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong, while soaking up views of the Central skyline. Buy one standard drink to get another free until 9.30pm, and take party snaps for the chance to win two tickets to the next bash. Standard tickets to both the pool and after party (at the hotel’s WOOBAR) cost HK$300. Book tickets at www.hkclubbing.com.

Find local event updates

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June 2013

To celebrate its ninth anniversary, GR8 Leisure Concept is holding the Ultimate Summer Race on June 8 starting at Café Roma, Park Island. This fun team challenge will test your wit and physical skills both on land, beach and boat! There are eight different missions, with points awarded for speed and accuracy. Fantastic prizes include a one-night stay in The Luxe Manor and a voucher to dine at Scandinavian eatery FINDS, both in Tsim Sha Tsui. The race is open to all and starts at 2pm, with the awards ceremony at 6pm. For details, visit www.gr8lc.com/race.

www.arounddb.com

BSD

INTERIOR DESIGN CONTRACTING

BSD DESIGN LTD is an interior design and contracting company which has been established in Hong Kong for over 25 years. We specialise in both residential and commercial interiors and pride ourselves on being able to work closely and successfully with our clients.

Experience tells us that most professionals appreciate someone who is willing to listen and at the same time offer advice concerning the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of of interior decoration. We would be more than happy to talk over your requirements.

For more information, please call: Brian Davies 9077 4193; Shirley Leung 9082 4816; Tel: 2567 2562 Fax: 2580 9813 Email: bsddesignhk@gmail.com

RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1

25/03/2013 4:13 PM

DB FACES

C O M M U N I T Y

S N A P S

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

COMPETITION

Photos by Baljit Gidwani (www.photosdb.net)

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

Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent.

Great prizes from Uncle Russ!

A

B

C

Congratulations to last month’s winner Sara Vincent!

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

Y

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

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Get connected!

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Let’s friend each other in 2013!

facebook.com/AroundDB twitter.com/aroundDB

Join your community live @ www.arounddb.com

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY AUSKICK DB Based on the Auskick programme & caters to children of all skill levels & from any football code.

Email kirstdavies3015@gmail.com or visit www.auskick-hk.com DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information visit www.dbangelsfc.hk DBEES is a non-profit, community based ice-hockey team for kids age 5 & up, at any playing level.

If your child is interested please email stuart.winchester@hk.rcm. com or flavarone@netvigator. com. The club is looking for more 5 - 8 year olds to get involve. Check out www.dbeeshockey.com for more information.

DB GREEN is hosting a free ecomovie event for kids (Magic School Bus), teens (Sharkwater) & adults (Dirt!) at Discovery College on June 3. Earth Collection clothes samples will be on sale, as well as popcorn, hotdogs and wine for the adults proceeds to help cover the cost of its annual tree planting project.

Go to www.dbgreen.org to find out more.

DB PIRATES RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB offer Under 6 through to senior team rugby & netball. To join, visit www.dbpirates.com

COMMUNITY

EMPLOYMENT

DB TIGERS BASEBALL CLUB for children age 5 to 13. To find out more, visit www.dbtigers.com

AGENTS WITH AN EAA LICENSE SOUGHT

LANTAU BOAT CLUB caters for non-powered water-based activities including catamarans, dinghies, canoes, coastal-rowing boats & windsurfs. It has a thriving paddling section, the Lantau Outrigger Rowing Club. Visit www.lantauboatclub.com

EMPLOYMENT

ARE YOU THE RIGHT SIZE?

European high-end lingerie brand is looking for fitting models sizes 75A to 85F. Fitting upon demand under freelance contract. No previous experienced required.

Please contact 2301 5008 or ida.lam@marliesdekkers.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

By DB based realtors. Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage. Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented. Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates.

Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

FULL-TIME TUTOR WANTED You are a native English speaker, experienced in one-on-one tutoring with a background in Behavioural Science. Math teaching experience is a plus. Email your cover letter & CV to dptchk@yahoo.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE DOMESTIC HELP Filipino helper looking for a job. Cooks Asian & Western food.

Can organise daily cleaning & child care.

Available to start work in June. Please call Rosie on 9734 3439 TUTORS SOUGHT Established & reputable Math/ English Centre is looking for experienced & kind-hearted tutors.

We follow a progressive & structured curriculum, at our centres in DB Plaza & DB North Plaza. Call 9366 0000 or email hi@hicentre.biz

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

HOME & REPAIRS

EXPERT MOVER

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return. Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

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

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

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

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

June 2013

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Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com KIDS

KIDS

MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB

Established playgroup for children from 2 to 4 years.

Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon. A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers. Also offering Bilingual Gems, afternoon sessions in German & Mandarin.

Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

GEMS OCCASIONS

Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem?

A colourful, safe & fun environment with toys & dress-up clothes.

We can provide an entertainer.

We also tidy up!

Please contact 9176 2990, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

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

MIDGET GEMS RENTAL

Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots. Please call Koren on 9176 2990

EARLY ADVENTURES SUMMER PROGRAMME From July 2 to August 23.

Mon to Fri sessions.

Weekly themes.

Age: 2 years to 4 years.

Location: Greens.

For further information email sarah@earlyadventures.net

LITTLE ADVENTURES

Mon, Wed & Fri afternoons from 2pm-4.30pm, July & August only.

Drop-in session with age-appropriate toys & books for your little ones!

Parent/ helper must attend with child.

Age: 8 months to 36 months.

Location: Greens.

Contact sarah@earlyadventures.net

Deadline for July issue Classifieds

June 15

PETS

TUITION & COURSES

GOOD NEWS FROM PetcoDB!

MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION

Micro Bubble Bath using Nano technology for pets is now available at PetcoDB. This penetrating clean powers deep into the pores, restoring fur condition, regaining moisture & providing relaxation.

No shampoo is used.

Recommended for pets with skin allergies, dermatitis & body odour.

Call 2914 0382

TRAVEL SO MANY HOLIDAY IDEAS! www.escortedtoursonline.com.

Leisure travel specialists since 1978.

Contact 2526 3391, www.concorde-travel.com Licence No. 350343

TUITION & COURSES MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS

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

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

Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours).

Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & international school students.

Call 9121 0389

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

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

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

Looking for a place to stay?

www.arounddb.com

La Petite Enfance Kindergarten is open for registrations for school year 2013-2014.

K1 to K3 classes available.

French curriculum as per the French Ministry of National Education with English and Mandarin as additional languages.

For more information, please call 6710 0391 or email us at info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com

Outdoor Group Training experts now in Discovery Bay!  Shred Unwanted Fat  Build Lean Muscle  Cardio & Strength Training in 1 Workout Classes on the beach front on Tuesdays & Fridays from 8 - 9 am.

Don’t miss out!

register online NOW! www.impactfitness.com.hk

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June 2013

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com

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

design + living

interior architecture design & build

space planning project managment

Tel. 31112062 www.dlcchk.com

dlconsultant@gmail.com

EYE LEVEL MATH SUMMER PROMOTION Eye Level strengthens your foundation for new school-year

Enroll now for May to Sep 2013 new enrollments within 15 Apr-31 May 2013

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discount for referral before end of June 2013

Call 9366 0000 or email hi@hicentre.biz for FREE assessment

June 2013

77

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB

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

Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer, English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack! Competitively priced. Call 6680 2007, email greenmountain123@gmail.com

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

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

PROPERTY DB

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

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

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

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

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

Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

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

Contact 9108 5525

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

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

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

FIVE VILLAS IN PHUKET Three-bed villas with pool for rent. Ten minutes from Phuket International Airport. On the 8th hole of Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Contact 8thonmissionhills.com, 8thonmissionhills@gmail.com

SHORT-TERM LET Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

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

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

FLAT FOR RENT

HOLIDAY RENTAL IN PHUKET

Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4.

Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband.

Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month.

Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

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June 2013

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

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

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

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June 2013

79

ACROSS LANTAU

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Treasure Island Group (TIG) in Pui O seeks to educate children through exciting outdoor activities.

We talk to its founder Adrienne Ng

When did Treasure Island (TIG) open and what makes it unique?

I started TIG back in 1996 when I left my first job in Hong Kong and moved to Lantau. As a recent university graduate from Canada, with very little money, it was a challenge to see if I could continue living abroad, but I immediately fell in love with Lantau and knew I had to stay. Realising that nobody was doing recreation camps and programmes for kids gave me the motivation I needed. TIG is a unique organisation in that we share our love for adventure, the community and the environment with Hong Kong kids.

What inspired you to start up TIG? My inspiration came from the lack of outdoor appreciation, and outdoor recreation opportunities in Hong Kong. Back then most schools, both local and international, held residential camps on concrete and outdoor play areas, and adventure activities were very limited. After discovering Lantau, the trails, flora and fauna, I knew that a recreation programme would benefit city kids and so I pushed forward with this passion. That is how I got the name; thinking of the ‘treasures’ on Lantau that could be discovered.

How has the business expanded?

TIG is now in its 17th year of operation and it focuses on three streams of business: education, teambuilding, and food and events. We have a beachfront facility and private campsite, so during term time, we have school programmes on weekdays and a public beach-club (restaurant) on the weekends. During the summer, we host a large international surf camp for kids and beginner adults. We are also a training centre for young adults aged 18 to 24 who are looking to develop their leadership skills in Asia. We like to be young and active!

What are your future plans for TIG? Our future plan is to work on our charity, the EAF foundation, by developing our corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on food-waste management systems and community farming within the Pui O area. We want to be an outdoor centre with a fully sustainable camp operation.

Visit www.treasureislandhk.com, or contact inquiries@treasureislandhk.com, 2546 3543 For more information on the TIG surf camp, email surf@treasureislandhk.com.

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Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung and South Lantau TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHINGS & ACCESSORIES

AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Shoesee Foldable

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

9527 6202 9662 1747 9765 2798 HEALTH & WELL-BEING

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

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 9625 1392 2988 1488 HOTELS

Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel SkyCity Marriott

3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888 LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

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

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694

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

6627 4806 9473 3976 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 HOME & REPAIRS

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

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

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666 RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

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

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

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

SERVICES & OTHERS

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

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

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132

Your ultimate guide in DB

DB NUMBERS

Discovery Speech Therapy Cabinet d’Orthophonie Clear Communication in French LG-06, Office Block One, DB North Tel: 8120 7835 info@discoveryspeechtherapy.com Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Discovery Speech Therapy, Cabinet d’Orthophonie Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

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

Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2013-2014 from K1 to K3.

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

LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

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

Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

British Studio of Art Hong Kong

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

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

ColourStorm Art Centre

rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim

Playgroups, parties, art-jamming and art classes for all ages!

G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

Tel: 2325 3999

Tel: 2526 0720

Address: LG-10, Office Block One, DB North Plaza. www.colourstormartcentre.com

Mon–Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm www.rush.com.hk

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

Craftybabes

Sensory Play for Babies, Toddler Art and Craft, Adult Craft Evenings. Located in the Plaza.

Tel: 9239 6447 Email: crafty.babes@hotmail.com, www.craftybabes.com

Dumper Trucks & Daisies In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP GNC Just Green Mannings Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome

2987 4401 2987 7486 2987 9331 2448 1180 2987 1720 2987 4089 2947 9092

FINANCIAL SERVICES

A Montessori based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child.

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

First Friends & Second Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com

HK School of Highland Dance AlcaMat Financial & Accounting Services Ltd Accounting & Taxation, Business & Operation Consulting, China Trade Advisory, Company Formation & Secretarial, Immigration Assistance Tel: 2851 8081, info@alcamat.com, www.alcamat.com

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

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

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2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087

June 2013

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

Tel: 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House

2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

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

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777 2987 9372

OTHER SERVICES

All ages welcome Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com

Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB Tel: 2987 2626

Island Dance

Email: cas@appletravel.com

Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co

Highland Dance classes now available at MI Studio.Teacher qualified by the SDTA.

Playtime Kids DB

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

Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

Around DB's July 2013 issue coming out

July 1

DB NUMBERS OTHER SERVICES

RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

At Home in DB Information & Services for Residents of DB. Expat Relocation, Newcomer Orientation, Tours, Courses, Networking

2682 8108 2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Tel: 9769 4701 Email: sue@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com

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

International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

Tel: 2416 8618 www.harveylawcorporation.com

Tel: 6624 7812

Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com Amity Shoe Care My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

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

2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

Movement Improvement Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

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

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

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk

PetcoDB

Limousine Rental

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

Curves

Harvey Law Group

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

Body Talk

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

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

2914 2987 2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

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

RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS

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

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

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza Tel: 2885 1323 Email: info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s 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 Cafe McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Solera Sopranos Subway Super Super Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2987 2298 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2555 0772 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2682 0068

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

Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Spin Works

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 5145 2776

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

DB Party Lovers

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

Gillian - The Skin Therapy Centre Fully qualified International Beauty Spa /wellness trainer with over 16 yrs experience in the Spa industry offering full range of beauty services here on DB Tel: 9604 6920, 2987 0764 (Gillian) www.theskintherapycentrehk.com

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

Tel: 2987 0614

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

Nailed It

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

2987 4230 2987 7859

Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266 Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care MOW Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

June 2013

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

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DB MOMENTS

mary’s story Mary Beltrano, beloved mother of DB resident Paula Lepore Burrough, took an alternative route to cancer remission. She shares her journey and her newfound love of life

O

n February 14, 2012, the whirlwind that I was living came to a halt when I received news that I had a cancerous tumour the size of an orange located between my bowel and bladder. I recall being frozen in disbelief. But within 12 months I was in remission. By sharing my journey I want to give people hope. Disease can be beaten when we understand what our bodies need, and have faith. Life should be lived to the fullest! Life is good!

adopted a raw vegetarian diet, have experienced improved health (or healing) from more than 170 physical problems.

I realise now that my job as a technician at our local hospital in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada had taken its toll. After 23 years I was stressed and unhappy. There was no room for error when dealing with people’s lives. My personal life was not doing so well. My father passed away in 2008; I was taking care of my elderly mother. And to add to my stress, my marriage of eight years had come to an end.

My friend, the wife of a doctor, encouraged me to try integrated therapy to build up a strong immune system to fight this disease. This included intravenous treatments of Cesium Chloride, Aloe Vera, Laetrile (Vitamin B17 made from apricot pits) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (a substance derived from wood pulp), as well as colonic therapy. Throughout treatment, which I underwent in Mexico, my blood tests improved remarkably. My alternative doctor explained that when a person’s immune system is strong, cancer cells are destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours. By providing the right type of nutrition at a cellular level and reducing toxicity, you give your body a better chance of reversing sickness.

Photos courtesy of Alison Wyatt

Emotionally I was raw and overwhelmed. Basically, I did not care and hated everything in my life. However, this disease was a wake-up call. It’s crazy, but finally I started to realise I had to stop living an unhappy life and focus on me.

After several months of hospital appointments, doctors advised that unless I had a major operation to remove my bladder, uterus and bowel, I would have only six months to live. I decided to seek alternatives and looked to the web. The first documentary I watched was The Beautiful Truth (2008), a very practical guide to the intensive nutritional treatment of cancer. It focuses on the work of Dr Max Gerson, M.D. (1881 to 1959), who many believe found the cure for cancer – a strict fat-free, salt-free, low-protein, essentially vegetarian dietary regimen, based on quantities of fresh vegetable juice and supplements, and systemic detoxification. I was inspired by the story of Jay Kordich, who was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer age 24. Jay decided to follow Gerson’s regime and after two years his cancer was gone. He is now 89.

I also learnt a lot from Halleluia Acres, an informative site that reveals how tens of thousands of people, who have

Find more local heroes

84

Mary with her DB-based grandchildren

June 2013

All my research led me to understand that cancer is an indication of multiple nutritional deficiencies. I focused on a healthy diet with plenty of raw foods, vegetables and fruit; and I supplemented with quality vitamins. While I eat small quantities of organic white meat, I avoid red meat. After learning that sugar feeds cancer cells, I also cut out all forms of sugar.

As I stepped into each new day, I focused on the things I had to do to beat this disease. I gave up traditional therapy (radiation and chemotherapy) against my doctor’s recommendation. Today I am in remission. I am a mother, grandmother, sister and friend and above all I am a Christian.

I don’t claim to be a doctor and I would not advise against seeing doctors. But what I do know is that there is hope, and life is good!

Mary is giving a talk about her journey at Hemingway's in Discovery Bay on June 10 at 2pm. For more information, and advice about nutritional supplements contact 7968734@usana.com.

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