October 2013 issue

October 2013

HIGH SPIRITS

IS IT JUST JOCUNDITY OR DOES DB HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM?

CHARITABLE COURSE HOW DB ATHLETES ARE RACING TO RAISE FUNDS

WIN THEA TRE T DINING VO ICKETS, UCHERS PHOTOGR APHIC AR , TWORK SPINNING CLASSES , OR A PLA CE IN TEAM FE A R

Miracle boy!

Celebrating Jayden Oh’s inextinguishable love of life Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

OCTOBER 2013

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

$145K

海澄湖畔 SIENA

Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’ 4 3

$33K

3 2

2

Renovation throughout, quiet surroundings and in a tranquil location.

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

$36M

2

3

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

海澄湖畔 SIENA

$7.5M

2

2

Great space and very practical layout, stunning sea views, bright and airy.

$14.9M

2

Beautifully renovated duplex, modern open kitchen, balcony with fantastic sea views.

霞暉閣 HAVEN

$5.3M/15K

2

Nicely renovated, spacious layout with amazing sea views. Ready to move into.

$20K

Gross: 815’ Saleable: 602’ 2 1

Nicely renovated with stunning sea views, spacious layout, close to school and Club Siena.

頤峰 GREENVALE

$11M

Gross: 1644’ Saleable: 1406’ 4 2

Nicely combined unit, spacious living with modern open plan kitchen.

明翠台 PARKRIDGE

Gross: 889’ Saleable: 755’ 3

Brand New, spacious layout, modern kitchen and concierge services.

閒澄閣 GRACEFUL

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1344’ 3

Gross: 1135’ Saleable: 840’ 3

Amazingly renovated, equipped open kitchen, balcony with great views and close to plaza.

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE

Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’ 4

$32K

3

Gross: 919’ Saleable: 776’ 3

$36.8K

Gross: 1186’ Saleable: 930’

Nicely renovated with large garden, close to school and Club Siena. A must see!

康慧台 HILLGROVE

Gross: 1037’ Saleable: 962’ 3

津堤 AMALFI

Gross: 1385’ Saleable: 1109’

Detached house, large garden with amazing sea views. W/ golf cart.

海馬徑 SEAHORSE

$62K

Gross: 530’ Saleable: 440’ 1 1

Stylishly renovated, modern kitchen and bathroom, A must see!

$3.5M

VI C

T O RI A

VI C

T O RI A

< 250 LOTS

VI C

T O RI A

VI C

T O RI A

2012

2011

2012

2010

AWARD

APARTMENT

PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C

T O RI A

2012

> 250 LOTS

APARTMENT

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

2012

AWARD

HI A

HI A

UDI A DEVELOPMENT

EXCELLENCE

2012

DEVELOPMENT

EXCELLENCE

2012

AWARD

UDI A 2010

2010

UDI A JUDGES’

LANDSCAPING

2524 1249 (7 DAYS)

Lascal Buggyboard Maxi

Yu Fruit Bars & Snacks (available mid October)

$XXX $750

from

$4.90

Mamas & Papas Chamberlain Oak Cot/ Toddler/Sofa Bed

Mustela Bebe

from $45

$6,999 Grobag

BBQ Set

New for Autumn at

from $325

$225 Usborne Books

Maxi Cosi Rodi Air Protect (15-36kg)

(Special edition Vintage Football or Magic available mid October)

from

$2,190

$45

Sono Vaso Viola Cardigan

Kiddylicious Fruit & Vegetable Snacks

$690

from

$6.50

Ergobaby Urban Chic Carrier

$1,290

Boo! Centrepiece & Cupcake Stand

from $118 $2,190

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

CONTENTS FEATURES 32

28 32 38 45 52 56 62 68

PROFILE Meet DB sound innovator Dr Robert Ellis-Geiger IN FOCUS Drinking in DB – problem or pastime?

FAMILY MATTERS New ways to child wellness MONEY MATTERS Know your consumer rights TALKING POINTS Enrol now for the DB 10km Run for Charity ESCAPES Exploring northern Thailand ACTION How DB athletes train for the MSIG Lantau 50 STYLE Window dressings 101

REGULARS 52

DEAR READER

54

8 21 24 54 73 76 78 82 84 88

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news COMPETITIONS Post your answers at www.arounddb.com to win great prizes ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide LOCAL MOMENTS Meet miracle child Jayden Oh HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour DB FACES Candid community snaps CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, local businesses and more PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau OUT THERE Ruminations on DB and beyond

The article that moves me the most this issue tells the story of Jayden Oh – the five-year-old Tung Chung resident who underwent a triple heart bypass on July 16. It’s truly inspiring to hear about Jayden’s brave journey to recovery. You’ll want to note that on October 27, the Children’s Heart Foundation is holding its annual walkathon around the Peak to raise funds for children like Jayden.

Talking of fundraising, the eighth annual Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity is scheduled for November 9, and this issue we meet the co-organisers Kobi Janssen and Erin Bowland. If you’re thinking of competing, remember Thomas Kiprotich finished the race in just over 30 minutes last year, but it’s possible to walk the course within the allotted two hours. Local athletes are also getting into some serious training ahead of Action Asia Events’ MSIG Lantau 50 on December 7. This issue, three DB mountain racers trade trail-

running tips, nutrition advice and empowering workouts.

Running not your thing? What about the latest on mindfulness practice for children? Discovering northern Thailand? A look at the drinking culture in DB? This month, I’m also thrilled to introduce a new column penned by author and 15-year DB resident Peter Sherwood. In his first article, our resident satirist explains why DB is more civilised than Central…

I look forward to meeting up with you at www.arounddb.com and on our Facebook page.

October 2013

HIGH SPIRITS

IS IT JUST JOCUNDITY OR DOES DB HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM?

CHARITABLE COURSE HOW DB ATHLETES ARE RACING TO RAISE FUNDS

WIN THEA TRE TICKE TS, DINING VOUC HERS, PHOTOGRA PHIC SPINNING ARTWORK, CLASSES OR A PLAC E IN TEAM FEAR

Swim-run-fun had by all Photos courtesy of John Campbell and Eddie Cheung

Miracle boy!

Celebrating Jayden Oh’s inextinguishable love of life Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

On the cover: Triple heart-bypass survivor Jayden Oh Photo by Terry Chow

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com

The Zoot SW Swim-Run-Fun event organised by Sports World on September 8 was a huge success. With over 100 people taking part, kids swam either 200 or 400 metres and ran 2 or 4 kilometres, while adults swam either 800 or 1,600 metres and ran 4 or 8 kilometres. Congratulations to Jason Hsieh Chun Shing, Jean-Louis Lafyeedney, Arno Baetz and Sin Hok Leung, who all came first in their category. Discover more about DB fitness store and event organiser Sports World at www.sportsworld.hk.

Editorial coordinator Hannah Ball hannah@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Digital media coordinator Vicki Yu vicki@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 Beverley Au Angie Bucu Sam Ferrer Elizabeth Kerr Vanky Mak Peter Sherwood Marie Teather Cecilia Yee 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.

New studio for Movement Improvement Photos by Around DB

On August 31, DB fitness academy Movement Improvement held an open day at its new studio in DB North Plaza. Guests had the chance to try out all the new equipment, including 13 computerised spinner bikes, all with audio-visual hookups and personal wireless headphones. The new studio also boasts a 70-inch flat-screen TV, with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system. For more information, contact Claire Dickson at claire@movementimprovement.com.hk or go to www.movementimprovement.com.hk.

RETRACTION We featured Hong Kong bakery and events caterer Sweet Secrets in September’s style column: party planning for kids. Sweet Secrets’ founder-director Sarah Lee, a DB resident, specialises in supplying ultra-healthy cakes and savouries for parties of all shapes and sizes – none of her items are deep-fried as was stated. See all that’s on offer at www.sweetsecrets.com.hk.

To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com

IN & AROUND DB

Mid-Autumn entertainment Photos by Lissa Morris, Vincent Ypersiel and DBRC

On September 19, amusing riddles were told and live Chinese music was played at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s Mid-Autumn Musical Night. Kids were also able to join in a fun lantern-making workshop, before taking their lanterns down to the beach to celebrate the festival with the rest of DB.

In search of pink dolphins Photo courtesy of Christopher Johns

August 31 saw Lantau Boat Club’s (LBC’s) third annual Dolphin Quest.

Nearly 100 paddlers from six local outrigger canoe clubs took part, paddling a full 74 kilometres around Lantau in search of local pink dolphins.

This yearly event is set up to remind the community about the existence of these glorious creatures – and that their numbers are dwindling due to water pollution. For more information on the plight of our pink dolphins or to make a donation, visit http://hkdolphinwatch.com/savethem.php. You can contact the LBC at www.lantauboatclub.com.

To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com

October 2013

9

IN & AROUND DB

All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival Photos by Neil Robbins

DB Pirates Rugby Football Club (DBPRFC) gals shone at the All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival on September 14 at Tai Pak Wan. With over 300 girls taking part, this invitation-only event saw 34 teams from all over Hong Kong (Under 10s to Under 19s) compete. The DB Pirates took home their fair share of trophies, including the Under 16s Cup and Under 19s Shield. Both the Under 12s and the Under 14s were Cup runners-up. Find more on the DBPRFC at www.dbpirates.com.

In the swim in Discovery Bay Photos by Tracey van Geest and Vincent Ypersiel

DB kids made a splash on September 15 at the Discovery Bay Swimming Gala, supported by Hong Kong swim club Harry Wright International. This was a really fun family affair at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club, with races for Under 5s right through to 13 years plus. Freestyle, backstroke, breast and butterflyâ&#x20AC;Ś there are too many worthy winners to mention here, but a special shout out goes to Chloe Shuttelworth who took home all four trophies in the Girls 13 and Over category, and Doh Young Jeong who won all the nine-year-old boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; races. Visit www.arounddb.com for a full list of swimming champs!

10

October 2013

To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com

AT A GLANCE

IN & AROUND DB

OCTOBER 2013

When

What

Where

October 5, 2-4.45pm

DB Plant Market

Across from Haven Court

October 5, 7pm-midnight

An Evening in Bollywood

Discovery College

October 5, 6-9pm

YRock DB (Final Heat)

DB North Plaza

October 5-6, 2-8pm

Charity Book Fair

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

October 6, 8am

SUUNTO Lantau 2 Peaks Trail Run

Start: Citygate, Tung Chung

October 6, 10am-12pm

DB Pink Walk

Start: DB North Plaza

October 9, 7-8.30pm

Healthy Living Seminar

DB Plaza

October 11-13

Silvermine Bay Music Festival

Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo

October 13, 12-7pm

Handmade Hong Kong Bazaar

DB North Plaza

October 19, 2.30-4.30pm

YHKCC Admissions Briefing

YHKCC, Tung Chung

October 19, 5-8pm

YRock Grand Finale

DB Plaza

October 20, 7-11am

Ageas-Sportsworld Triathlon Challenge

Siena Park

October 20, 1-4pm

DB Beach Clean-up

Sam Pak Wan

October 24, 6.30-9.30pm

Boobs, Bubbles and Bites Fundraiser

Curves, Club Siena

October 25

Barclays MoonTrekker Hike

Start: Mui Wo

October 31

Halloween Celebrations

Throughout DB

If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact hannah@arounddb.com For more information on the listed events visit www.arounddb.com

YRock

International Music Challenge

Photo by www.photosdb.net Teenage artists from all over Hong Kong have been showcasing their musical talent during this year’s YRock International Music Challenge. Catch the last of the Hong Kong heats in DB North Plaza on October 5; and the grand finale, featuring heat winners from across Hong Kong, in DB Plaza on October 19. Artists compete to win one of three YRock POP Awards (Personality, Originality and Performance), but the top prize is stage time at DB’s Picnic in the Park, Hong Kong’s largest live music and dance festival being performed on November 2. For more information, visit www.yrock.com.hk or email be@yrock.com.hk.

12

October 2013

DB Football Club

kick off

Photo courtesy of Dirk Haddow On the scene since 1995 and unofficially formed in 2008, the Discovery Bay Football Club (DBFC) fully rebranded in August this year and is about to get serious. Club drivers (DB residents) Dirk Haddow and Robin Armstrong aim to unite all forms of local (adult) football within the one club. DBFC currently consists of an 11-a-side team playing in the Hong Kong Legal League, and an 11-a-side veterans’ team. Future plans include resurrecting a yearly 7’s tournament for the DB 7’s teams, and developing a competitive 7’s series. A DBFC team is attending the Andaman 7’s in Phuket, Thailand, November 15 to 17. To learn more, visit www.discoverybayfc.com or the DBFC Facebook page.

OCTOBER 2013

IN & AROUND DB

Boobs, Bubbles Lantau Buffalos Trail of

and Bites

Girls, get ready to enjoy an evening of fun and laughter at Curves’ annual Girls’ Night In. Boobs, Bubbles and Bites is taking place at Club Siena on the evening of October 24.

There'll be Thai-cooking demonstrations, skin-therapy sessions and a chance to Zumba! Both members and non-members are welcome. Tickets are HK$100, with funds going to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, email curvesdb@gmail.com or call 2987 0772.

triathlon thanks

Kids aged five to 12 can get involved in the annual Ageas-Sportsworld Triathlon Challenge on October 20.

Starting at Siena Park in DB, the youngest participants swim either 50 or 75 metres, bike 2 kilometres and run 300 metres. Older kids swim 100 metres, bike 4 kilometres and run 600 metres. Event organiser and multisports group, the Lantau Buffalos is putting on this hugely popular child triathlon for the fourth time this year. To register, visit www.lantaubuffalos.org.

DB resident Zara Horner is heading off to Nepal to take part in the Action Asia Ultra Marathon (100-kilometre course), November 1 to 3. When she returns, she will take part in the Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity on November 9, followed by a local half marathon a week after that. Zara hopes to do all this (run 132 kilometres in less than 28 hours) to celebrate her son Hugo’s complete remission from cancer in March this year.

She is raising money for the UK children’s cancer-research charity KidsCan. For more information and to make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/zarahorner.

IN & AROUND DB

OCTOBER 2013

Set up shop at

DB 10km

DB school fairs Run for Charity

Photo by Tracey van Geest

Picnic in the Park -

video competition It’s time to book yourself a stall at Discovery College’s (DC) Family Fun Day taking place on November 9, and Discovery Bay International School’s (DBIS) International Food Fair on November 23. Of course, you can sell just about anything at these fairs, not just food, and they offer a great way for parents to get ahead with Xmas shopping. If you would like to book a stall at the DC Family Fun Day (or donate a prize for the raffle), contact the DC Parent Teacher Association on 3969 1069 or pta@ discovery.edu.hk. To help out or provide a stall at DBIS’s International Food Fair, email Alison Wyatt at awyatt@dbis.edu.hk.

Registration is now open for the annual Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity, starting and finishing at the ferry pier on November 9. Top athletes complete the challenge in around 30 minutes, but it is just possible to walk the course in the two hours allotted.

You can also get involved by showing your support along the course or volunteering as a marshal on the day.

For more information, turn to page 52 or visit www.dbrunforcharity.org.

Local musicians and music fans are counting down the days to DB’s Picnic in the Park (PiP), being held this year on November 2. And budding moviemakers of any age can also get into the spirit of the festival by entering the PiP online video competition. How would you like to see your video screened at PiP in front of over 10,000 people? (And win a day’s coaching at The Media Village, one of Hong Kong’s top video production companies?) Your video can constitute anything from a live performance to an interview or animation but it must be based on the theme of ‘making dreams come true for deserving children’ and it must be an original work.

For your chance to win, upload your video to YouTube, and send your name and age to communications@picnicintheparkhk.com before 5pm on October 25. Find out more on the PiP Facebook page.

Since 2002, Chef pour Toi has been catering for a wide variety of customers, be it either business or pleasure.

Corporate or private cocktail reception, dinner party at home for friends, lavish buffet or barbeque, Chef pour Toi guarantees an exquisite dining experience.

Our dedicated chefs use only the freshest ingredients to turn food into art. We provide you the knowledge to turn your event into a success, allowing you to focus on your guests while we do what we know best.

Contact us to get a quote for your tailor-made party.

Chef Pour Toi Ltd. 2987 5797

chef@chefpourtoi.com www.chefpourtoi.com

IN & AROUND DB

OCTOBER 2013

Bollywood night

in DB

DBRC Charity

Book Fair

All-aboard

for Halloween!

Photo courtesy of DBRC You can enjoy An Evening in Bollywood right here in DB, on October 5. Discovery College Parent Teacher Association (DC PTA) is putting on the event to showcase all the colour and fun of Bollywood – and raise funds. A HK$300 ticket entitles you to enjoy a delicious Indian buffet and learn Bollywood-style dancing from the Island Dance crew. To book tickets online, go to www.ticketingover.com or you can buy them at the DC PTA shop. To sponsor the event or donate prizes, email Thi Black at thilegi72@hotmail.com or Tessa Weinrath at tessaweinrath@mac.com.

DB

Pink Walk

Photo by Radhika Gidwani Movement Improvement is holding its annual DB Pink Walk on October 6 to raise funds for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. The 5-kilometre, stroller-friendly walk starts and ends in DB North Plaza and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Women, men, boys and girls are all welcome at this motivational annual community event – dressing in pink is optional. For more information, contact Claire Dickson at claire@movementimprovement.com.hk or www.movementimprovement.com.hk.

16

October 2013

Since so many of us were away over the summer, the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) has plenty of books left over from its Charity Book Fair held on the weekend of July 27. On the back of requests from members, the club is holding a second Charity Book Fair on the weekend of October 5. Funds raised will again go to the Society for AIDS Care, a community-based nonprofit providing quality care services to children and adults who are living with HIV/ AIDS. For more information, call the DBRC on 2987 7381.

Help out at

Team FEAR

Young athletes, age eight to 18, love the annual Wellcome Junior Challenge organised by Team FEAR – a truly fearsome sports endurance test, scheduled this year for November 24. The event is run entirely by volunteers, and organisers are now looking for adults to lend a hand on race day, and for sponsors. Funds raised are donated to Hong Kong charity Youth Outreach, which helps young people less fortunate than those taking part in the race. Online registration is already over, but check out this month’s competitions page for your kids’ chance to win a lastminute team slot. For more information, visit www.team-fear.com.

Photo by Nico Tong Headland Drive isn’t the only place in DB to head to on Halloween – there are spooky carnivals with game booths in both plazas.

Added to which, families who spend over HK$300 at one of the 13 designated D’Deck restaurants on October 31, can get on board The Bounty (DB’s haunted pirate ship), join a treasure hunt and have their photos taken with a pirate. For more information, visit www.ddeck.com.hk.

Give a Box of Hope

Get filling your shoeboxes with gifts for Box of Hope – the five-year-old nonprofit dedicated to providing useful and educational gifts for children in need. This year, Box of Hope is aiming to collect 20,000 boxes from schools and corporate organisations all over Hong Kong, which will be donated to underprivileged children both here and overseas. Once again, all Discovery Bay schools are taking part; your kids will remind you that collection week is November 4 to 8. For more information, visit www.boxofhope.org.

Activities for adults BAY DISCOVERYDISCOVERY BAY

Embody - DB Plaza

ART

A boutique exercise studio, where experienced and certified instructors teach yoga, Pilates, Fitball, Fatburn and MvE Chair classes to small groups.

British Studio of Art - DB Plaza

KIPMOVIN - DB & Tung Chung

9132 5249, www.bsoahk.com Choose from an array of art techniques, such as encaustic art, decoupage, water colours, acrylics, needlework, photography, collage and more.

Davincino (Art Classes): 9772 4035, www.davincinohk.com Judyanna Li (Chinese Painting): 9452 9987

DANCE DMR School of Ballet - DB Plaza 2987 4338, www.dmr-hk.com Shaping dancers since 1984, DMR School of Ballet offers ballet and tap classes for adults.

ZumFit - BMSE, North Plaza

6624 8712, www.embody.com.hk

6180 3256, www.kipmovin.com KIPMOVIN is an outdoor fitness-training programme â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the learning environment is disciplined, fun and supportive.

Movement Improvement - DB North Plaza 2987 5852, www.movementimprovement.com.hk Movement Improvement offers Pilates, yoga, spinning, various fitness classes (such as TRX), plus personal training or semi-private sessions.

Spin Works - DB North Plaza 5145 2776, www.spinworks.com.hk Spin Works is Discovery Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first dedicated indoor cycling studio. It runs three classes daily.

6339 6373, zumfit@gmail.com

THE HIT Room - DB North Plaza

Coached by qualified instructors, their Zumba classes will shake and transform your body.

6621 7410, www.thehitroom.com.hk

Alex Dance Studio: 6077 4109, www.alexdancestudio.com Zumba Fitness by Arlyn: 9854 2723, arlyn98@gmail.com Zumba Fitness: 9079 2987, www.deguzman305.zumba.com

FITNESS Cobra Sports - Discovery College 6807 1975, www.cobrasportshk.com Cobra Sports offers mixed martial-art classes, bootcamp and personal training to enthusiasts of all fitness levels.

Curves - Club Siena 2987 0772, www.curves.com.hk Curves is especially designed for women. Its 30-minute cardio- and strength-training programme has been clinically proven to be effective.

THE HIT Room offers group exercises, personal training and customised programmes in Bodypump, boxing, core, high-intensity training and more.

Yoga Academy 6387 7812, www.academy.abbysan.com Yoga Academy offers private yoga and pilates classes with Dr. Abhishek, also specialising in postural re-alignment, post-yoga and sports injury rehab.

BluRoo Yoga and Pilates: 6570 3662, www.blurooyoga.com Capoeira: 6846 0789, www.capoeirahk.com Discover Yoga Therapy: 6017 2757, www.discoveryogatherapy.com

GOLF Big Sai Wan Golf Society: www.bigsaiwan.com DB Residents Golf Society: www.dbrgs.com Discovery Bay Golf Club: www.dbgc.hk

For more information on activities for adults in and around DB, visit www.arounddb.com If you organise a club for adults and you are not listed there, email hannah@arounddb.com MARTIAL ARTS

TUNGCHUNG CHUNGAND ANDSOUTH SOUTHLANTAU LANTAU TUNG

DB Boxing - Discovery College www.dbaybc.webnode.com DB Boxing provides a mix of boxing-based fitness and conditioning combined with boxing technique drills, hand pads and light sparring.

DB Cobras Judo Club - Discovery College

DANCE DanceforJoy HK: 9264 8597, dance4joyhk@gmail.com HK Dragons Zumba: 9861 6657, www.dragons.hk

9012 2509, www.cobrasportshk.com

Stepz Studio: 3152 7535, www.stepz-studio.com

The club was set up in October 2009 by Claire and Elliot Stewart.

Judo classes are held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

FITNESS

Tching Tai Chi Chuan: 9744 4736, TchingMax@gmail.com

9494 7178, www.9DragonsFitness.com 9Dragons Fitness offers classes in aerial arts, mobility, Muay Thai boxing, Olympic weightlifting, bootcamp, Pilates, TRX, yoga and Zumba.

TEAM SPORTS

9Dragons Fitness - Tung Chung

Impact Fitness - South Lantau & DB

DB Pirates Rugby Football Club: www.dbpirates.com

6385 0304, www.impactfitness.com.hk Impact Fitness specialises in outdoor fitness training, TRX suspension training and sports nutrition.

Pure Tennis Academies: puretennisacademies@gmail.com

Big Mountain Yoga: 9247 8647, www.bigmountainyoga.com

Discovery Bay Football Club: www.discoverybayfc.com

WATER SPORTS

Jill Marshall Pilates: 9708 0187, www.jillmarshallpilates.com Pilates Plus: 9838 3937, www.pilatesplus.com.hk

Discovery Bay Yacht Club: www.dbyc.net

Vision Pilates: 5132 3213, vision.pilates@hotmail.com

Lantau Boat Club (LBC): www.lantauboatclub.com

MARTIAL ARTS

OTHER

Tung Chung Chinese Martial Arts: www.tccmaa.weebly.com

DB Glee: www.dbglee.com DB Writers Club: dbwritersclub@gmail.com

WATER SPORTS Treasure Island Group - South Lantau

Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra: www.piano-violin.com

2546 3543, www.treasureislandhk.com Outdoor activity centre providing team-building programmes and corporate events solutions for adults.

Caissa Chess Club: 9681 2869, www.caissahk.com

Aquagym: www.aquagym.com.hk Asia Swimming Sports Centre: www.asiaswimming.com

For tutoring and language classes, go to www.arounddb.com (under activities for adults) For charities and volunteering, go to www.arounddb.com (under charities)

Long Coast Seasports: 8104 6222, www.longcoast.hk South Lantau Paddle Club: southlantaupaddleclub@gmail.com

OTHER Meditation Management: 6140 8761, www.me-management.net

For your chance to win these great prizes, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com. You have until October 10 to submit your answers, and don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number

COMPETITIONS

Get to compete in Team FEAR Local kids (and teens) are already training like crazy for DB’s Wellcome Junior Challenge organised by Team FEAR being held on November 24. Now in its twelfth year, the event involves age-specific stints of running, cycling, abseiling and more! There are dedicated courses for athletes age eight to 18. This is one of the best-loved youth sport events on the DB calendar, and online registration is already closed. But read on for a really great offer! For more information, visit www.team-fear.com.

Wellcome Junior Challenge organised by Team FEAR is offering two teams of three (Under 9s, Under 10s or Under 11s) a last-minute opportunity to take part in the race. For your chance to win a place for your team, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us when the event was first held.

Spin Works giveaway Spin Works, the Discovery Bay indoor cycling studio set up in April this year, has already proved a huge success. Spinning is a group exercise, performed on stationary bikes to choreographed music, and it’s a great way to keep fit. One of the most popular classes at Spin Works is the Virtual Cycle Class, in which a high-definition projection system is used to create a virtual experience. Riders burn calories while ‘experiencing’ challenging climbs, fast descents and beautiful scenery. To find out more, visit www.spinworks.com.hk or call 5145 2776.

Spin Works is offering two readers the chance to win two complimentary Virtual Cycle classes (worth HK$380 per pair). For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us when Spin Works opened.

How to Catch a Star ticket giveaway Join in a starry, moonlit adventure at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ Drama Theatre, Wanchai, October 30 to November 3. Based on the bestselling children’s picture book by Oliver Jeffers, How to Catch a Star tells the story of a young stargazer, whose determination to catch a star takes him on an unforgettable journey. Performed by the acclaimed UK children’s theatre company Blunderbus, this clever new show is alive with music, puppetry and storytelling. To purchase tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com.

ABA Productions and Blunderbus are offering three readers the chance to win a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$790) to see How to Catch a Star. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us who is about to perform the show in Hong Kong.

October 2013

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COMPETITIONS

For your chance to win these great prizes, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com. You have until October 10 to submit your answers, and don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number

Win some world-class artwork DB residents, identical twins and travel photographers, Dallas and John Heaton have been capturing beautiful images in more than 60 countries worldwide over the past 30 years. At Picture Finders, they have created two vibrant collections made up of their original photos. China82 comprises nostalgia-rich photos taken during the Heatons’ first visit to China in 1982, while in World82 the brothers have branched out – into mixed media. For more information, visit www.picturefinders.com.

Dallas and John Heaton are offering two readers the chance to win a ‘mini-square’ archivalframed artwork of their choice (worth HK$380) from the Picture Finders gallery at Brilliance Court, DB. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us when the brothers first visited China.

Oktoberfest dinner at the Regal Airport Hotel Awarded Best Airport Hotel in Asia in 2011 and 2012 by UK consultancy Skytrax, Regal Airport Hotel is going all out this month to help all of us (not just hotel guests) celebrate Oktoberfest!

Book a table at the hotel’s China Coast Bar + Grill to enjoy a full range of classic German delicacies (think crispy pork knuckle with sauerkraut), washed down with fine German beers.

You can also watch pretzel-making demonstrations, join in a beer tasting and catch some live pop/ jazz by Jane N Ryan of The Hot Vibes. For more information, visit www.regalhotel.com.

The Regal Hotel is offering three readers the chance to win a China Coast Bar + Grill dinner voucher (worth HK$300). For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us two ways the hotel is celebrating Oktoberfest.

Dare to see A Clockwork Orange UK theatre company Action to the Word’s all-male version of A Clockwork Orange hits The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre, Wanchai, from November 6 to 10. This testosterone-filled horror show exquisitely captures and transcends the spirit of Anthony Burgess’ original literary masterpiece, 51 years on from its publication. A playtime of orgiastic ultra-violence and sexuality, it tells the story of young Alex and his Droogs in their battle against the tedium of adolescence.

For tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com.

ABA Productions and Glynis Henderson Productions are offering three readers the chance to win a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$1,390) to see A Clockwork Orange. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us the name of the play’s anti-hero.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Matthew Phillips, Susanne Ritzl and Bunty Armstrong for the Starlight Express ticket giveaway; Roger McAvoy and Sara Marie Fredaigue for the KIPMOVIN prize; Sue Gourlay, Phillip Weber and Kate Branch for tickets to see The Taming of the Shrew; Anne Cohen, Paul Aubert, Sertac Mustafaoglu, Marion Udall, Tristan Strobl and CJ Loh for Asia Contemporary Art Show tickets; Diana Marr, Sue Loeffler and Maria Khrapova for tickets to see One Man Lord of the Rings, Bubble Magic or Ennio Marchetto; and Mike Mexted and Kylie Thomas for the DB Party Lovers giveaway. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

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October 2013

OCTOBER 2013

ACROSS LANTAU

All-night Lantau trek Photo courtesy of Mark Beech

Lantau residents get ready for the Barclays MoonTrekker endurance hike on October 25! Athletes can choose their distance, either the Moonlit 27 or the Sunrise 40, and both races take place overnight, starting in Mui Wo and finishing at Cheung Sha Beach. You can run solo, as a pair or as a team of four. Amongst the many DB residents taking part, Mark Beech, who completed the Moonlit 27 last year, is entering the Sunrise 40 this year with his wife Sarah (pictured). Funds raised go to global charity Room to Read, which is dedicated to improving education standards for children in developing countries. For more information, visit www.barclaysmoontrekker.com.

THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.

4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com

Ball for babes

Photo courtesy of Tung Chung Women’s Club

Tickets are now on sale for the Tung Chung Women’s Club Winter Charity Ball being held on November 23 at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, Lantau. Funds raised this year will go to Love Without Boundaries Foundation, a US charity that assists needy children in China. Tickets cost HK$950 per person or HK$9,500 for a table of 10, for which you can expect canapés, a three-course meal and free drinks all night long. There’ll be live music too, plus a lucky draw and silent auction. If you’re already booked up on November 23, consider donating funds, raffle prizes or auction items. For more information, email the Tung Chung Women’s Club at TCWC2010@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 2013 New principal at YHKCC Photo courtesy of www.ymcacc.edu.hk

Congratulations to Dion Chen, the new principal at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), Tung Chung.

Dion joined the YHKCC in 2004 and, as a member of its Leadership Team since 2009, he has been involved in introducing various progressive initiatives, including an international curriculum (UK IGCSE and GCE ‘A’ Level syllabuses). For more information about the school, head to its admissions briefing on the afternoon of October 19 or email Marvis Wong at marvis.wong@ymcacc.edu.hk.

Lantau Boat Club turns 30 Photo courtesy of LBC

To celebrate 30 years, Lantau Boat Club (LBC) is holding its 2013 Asian Open Regatta on the weekend of November 2. Races in the vicinity of Discovery Bay and Peng Chau start at 11am. Expect around-the-buoys races on both days, plus an around-the-island race on the Sunday. Post-race get-togethers for competitors include a Saturday night barbeque at the LBC clubhouse catered by 22º North. To get involved, visit www.lantauboatclub.com.

ACROSS LANTAU

OCTOBER 2013

ACROSS LANTAU

Mountain racing update Photo courtesy of Action Asia Events

Silvermine Bay Music Festival Photo courtesy of discoverhongkong.com

October 6 sees a big Action Asia Events’ trail-running race, the SUUNTO Lantau 2 Peaks, heading out from Tung Chung. Athletes can choose their course, 15 kilometres or 21 kilometres, and those taking on the longer run need to be in especially good shape as they will be climbing some of the biggest peaks in Hong Kong. Jeremy Ritcey (pictured) came first in the 21-kilometre course in 2012.

Note that through his trail running events company, Lantau Base Camp, Jeremy is organising the annual Salomon LT 70 on November 9. A qualifying race for The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®, it covers all 70 kilometres of the Lantau Trail. Visit www.actionasiaevents.com or www.lantaubasecamp.com for more on these races.

Be sure to make it down to the Silvermine Bay Music Festival (SMF) in Mui Wo over the weekend of October 11. SMF has been wowing crowds with great local music and entertainment since 2006. This year’s line-up of hip groups and soloists includes Jun Kung, Ellen Lo, Dear Jane, Supper Moment, Kolor, ToNick and Dirty Loops.

Admission is free. For more information, visit the SMF Facebook page.

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PROFILE

sound bites

Photos by Sam Ferrer

The technology and craft of film and audio have evolved exponentially this past decade, and a new turn in their evolution may have its genesis in Discovery Bay. Sam Ferrer talks to local sound innovator Dr Robert Ellis-Geiger

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Robert helped develop cutting-edge resources at City University of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre in Kowloon Tong

October 2013

PROFILE

D

r Robert Ellis-Geiger is an assistant professor of music technology at the City University of Hong Kong, as well as director of VisionSonics, a sound production company that specialises in the production of film music. As a film composer, he has twice been nominated for best score at the Hong Kong Golden Bauhinia Awards for his work on two critically acclaimed movies: Johnnie To’s Election 2 (2006) and Patrick Tam’s After This Our Exile (2006). Amongst other films, he has most recently composed for the documentary Golden Gate Silver Light (2013) that was premiered at this year’s Hong Kong International Film Festival.

Here in Discovery Bay, you may simply know Robert as a professor who likes to let off steam on the squash court or as a keen motocross biker (he won championships in both sports as a youth). Alongside wife Colleen and his children, Isabella and Sebastian, who attend Discovery College, Robert loves living in DB for its wonderful family atmosphere. “DB was a deciding factor in our decision to move to Hong Kong back in 2002, as we couldn’t think of a more ideal place to raise our children,” he says.

So just who is this neighbour of ours who is having such an impact on the film industry? Robert grew up in the small country town of Biloela, central Australia, taking his exams on piano and trumpet through the Trinity College London programmes. After completing music degrees in Australia and Scotland, he moved to Singapore for a teaching post, where he fell in love with his wife-to-be Colleen. Not long after, he took up a senior lecturer’s position at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK, and completed his PhD at the University of Leeds.

The professor On arrival in Hong Kong, Robert took up a professorial post at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and then in 2004 moved to the City University of Hong Kong. He tutors students in the ways of music recording and editing, film scoring, sound design and MIDI (Musical Instrumental Digital Interface), all integrated with cutting-edge software techniques. He also played a critical role in designing the university’s Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre in Kowloon Tong, by far the most advanced facility for instruction of the media arts in the region.

Robert developed some of the centre’s most impressive resources, such as its recording studios, dubbing theatre, screening rooms and integrative classrooms. These not only match the quality of some professional production houses in Hollywood, but more ingeniously, double as a place where students can sit at their desks with widescreen Macs (and piano keyboards) and observe or direct what

Find more local heroes

is happening on the other side of the wall. They can see directly into recording studios through sound-proofed windows Robert included in his designs.

The world’s premiere film and television programme, the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts (funded by George Lucas, Robert Zemeckis and the Walt Disney Company among others), and arguably New York University may be the only other schools in the world that can claim better facilities.

The seeker Innovation is what Robert specialises in, and his ambitions run even higher than his achievements at this extraordinary facility. He plans to upturn the traditional recording techniques used worldwide by the film industry since Fantasia hit the big screen in 1940.

This past decade has witnessed major changes in the filming and production of movies. Both 3D and IMAX have become mainstream, as well as hand-held and extreme close-up techniques. This gives the viewer a more integrated, inthe-heat-of-the-battle empathy. And Robert wants to see sound production evolve apace.

Can 3D be applied to audio? Yes. “Surround-sound formats, such as Dolby Digital and DTS (formerly Digital Theatre Systems), which allow sound to move from front to back and from one side of the theatre to the other, have been around for a while,” Robert notes. “But just last year digital cameras introduced a paradigm shift – new audio formats resulted in additional surround speakers and, for the first time, speakers on the ceiling to provide sound coming from on high.” The result? A 3D experience in sound, that comes at the audience not just from front to back and from side to side but also from above.

Robert, who has made numerous pilgrimages to California to study such techniques, says (with the awe of any seeker) that to hear this new addition is “to hear the voice of God”.

Presently, 3D sound is only available in a handful of theatres worldwide, but that will soon change.

The innovator Robert doesn’t go to California to kowtow to the industry’s movers and shakers; he goes there to present his own ideas.

In 2012, he presented his paper (the length an equivalent of a master’s thesis), Hong Kong Film Score Production: A Hollywood Informed Approach at the Audio Engineering Society's 133rd International Convention in San Francisco.

It focuses on the problematic impact dialogue has on the recording and mixing of a film score. 

www.arounddb.com October 2013

29

PROFILE

First the context: right now all the different audio/ music elements that go into a film have to compete for prime audio ‘real-estate’. Specifically, dialogue (coming mostly from front and centre, where the actors are) is given priority over the music. And whether or not that dialogue is actually happening, the sound engineer must always be prepared for its possible entrance.

give him the resources to make waves in the industry worldwide, and galvanise music scoring production in Hong Kong. Indeed, due to the growth of new facilities and orchestral talent in Hong Kong over the past decade, the timing for his endeavours seems ripe. Let’s cheer him on as he creates giant waves – sound waves, in fact – throughout the movie industry.

Robert’s idea is to use two contrasting techniques in the recording studio (just as he did as the recording and music producer for the 2011 Europeanproduced film, New York November).

Essentially, two sound recordings are made – one prioritising the dialogue, the other the music. The mixing engineer can then alternate between the two during the final dubbing process, so that both are heard to best advantage on film.

Might this happen? Robert eagerly awaits the verdict for a major grant proposal he has submitted to the University Grants Commission in Hong Kong. If successful, it could

Robert with wife Colleen and their children, Isabella and Sebastian

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October 2013

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IN FOCUS

one for the Photos by www.photosdb.net

ferry?

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When times are good people drink. When times are bad people drink.

And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole lot in between. But how about in Discovery Bay? Are we a community of serious drinkers as some might suggest?

Marie Teather investigates

DB Plaza has to be Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest open-air pub

October 2013

IN FOCUS

T

he saying goes that the two things we never talk about (but all want more of) are money and sex. How about adding drinking alcohol to that equation? You see when it came to surveying Discovery Bay residents on their drinking habits, this usually talkative community seemed rather shy. But do we want to drink more? Well, that depends on how much we are drinking to start with…

This initial investigation into the alcohol culture in DB began, perhaps like many reporters would, with me unable to resist asking after the more sensational and excessive examples.

In came stories of drunken men slipping off the ferry gangplank into the water as they came back from a night in Wanchai. Those who’d fallen into a drunken stupor on board, then ferried backwards and forwards between DB and Central for a few hours (this is nothing unusual it seems). There was the story of the mum knocking back six shots at a bar one afternoon while her baby sat beside her in her stroller; the commuter spotted downing a bottle of Smirnoff Ice at 8.45am one Monday. There were tales of teenage girls being rowdily pestered by drunks in DB Plaza, and rumours of the occasional fight.

But try asking a fellow DB resident directly what his or her drinking habits may be and expect uncomfortable pauses and a skirting around the answer.

The drinking culture Considering the cans of beer being shared under the umbrellas in DB Plaza at any time during a weekday, the plastic cups of wine being cheered at kids’ outdoor parties in Central Park, and that this may be the only place in Hong Kong where the 7-Eleven staff offers to open your bottle of Corona when you pay – it seems many of us do enjoy a drink in some form during the week.

But is our reluctance to talk a cultural awareness we are displaying, knowing that what is acceptable in one country is not in another? Certainly even leading medical experts treat this topic differently based on culture: from Asia where alcohol is not encouraged, to Commonwealth countries and Europe where it’s a part of social life, to Eastern Europe where having a few vodkas a day has even been recommended as healthy. Or, is our hesitation to disclose the details the tip of something more serious?

David Luxton, managing director of Hemingway’s by the

Bay is not convinced. “Discovery Bay is one of the most affluent places to live in Hong Kong and that is reflected in the way people choose to spend their leisure time and their money. DB has a very different drinking culture to that of Hong Kong Island, which in turn is different to Kowloon. It’s a lot more relaxed over here,” he says. “You don’t get the show-off and tell, fast-paced, daily drinking like you see in Central. When people drink in DB, it’s to relax after work or on the weekend and to spend time with their family.”

This is confirmed by Maricel Tan, general manager at McSorley’s and iCaramba! who has worked in DB for around four years. “During the week most regulars leave our venues around 9pm, unless there is a late sports game on. At the weekend we welcome many regulars, dads on babysitting duty or those who meet up with friends for a pint. On Sundays our kids’ menus make us a popular family destination.”

Certainly DB’s strong demographic of families with young kids would suggest that, for most, the wild nights and impromptu drinking sessions seen in Wanchai and Lan Kwai Fong are somewhat behind us.

Lisa Fossey, a DB-based nutritional therapist, says, “I drink less here than I did in the Mid-Levels, although that may be because I’ve had a baby since moving here. There are not as many bars on Discovery Bay, they all close a lot earlier, and it’s more family-orientated, which is why we choose to live here.”

Indeed, sitting at Hemingway’s on a weekday afternoon, the same bar and restaurant that on weekends is packed with groups of friends drinking cocktails and nibbling on tapas, it’s easy to tap into the laid-back vibe. A Western couple in their early forties, possibly visiting DB for the day, take seats on the sofas overlooking the beach and order two colourful cocktails from the extensive menu. Numerous times throughout our chat David, who sips on a cup of tea, stops to wave friendly greetings at regulars walking by.

“The difference in DB is that it is very much self-policing.

Everyone knows each other and they help each other out when it’s time to call it a day,” he says. “Actually, it makes it a joy to run a bar here.”

The community beer garden So on DB it seems, if someone is going to get in a mess, their friends and family will know about it. If a professional 

October 2013

33

IN FOCUS

was to get ridiculously drunk and he went to work the next day people would know. While this all may be true of the bar scene, what happens when we step outside of the licensed drinking places? As Thomas Kingston, a recruitment consultant living in Discovery Bay offers, “DB Plaza is Hong Kong’s largest open-air pub.”

And so it’s here, when drinking habits fringe upon the public spaces and touch parts of the community not in a bar, that our outlook on drink gets a little contradictory.

When I asked a couple of long-term residents if they had noticed any changes in the drinking culture while living here, one Italian respondent said: “There are more and more heavy drinkers. People tend to drink in front of the 7-Eleven until late. I have seen people sitting at the tables completely drunk even at 9am when families are already out with their children.” A British respondent offered: “There seems to be a more aggressive atmosphere around DB Plaza compared to when it was the old Beer Bay.” For most however, a moderate degree of drinking here seems to be expected. “I only drink alcohol at DB Plaza, not at home,” said one respondent. It was also suggested that DB’s social scene is concentrated in one area making alcohol drinking appear more prevalent.

Proud supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness and Curves’ Girls Night In, Boobs, Bubbles and Bites event

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October 2013

What do DB residents think?

“I don’t have to drive a car anymore, so I can drink beer every afternoon.”

“There is no more drinking here than any other place where you get British, Australian, New Zealand and other European people together. Americans don’t drink as much, nor Asians.”

“There is no police in DB and the security guards daren’t disturb Westerners when they are behaving badly. The result is there are a lot of heavy drinkers creating nuisance and dirt.”

“I would say DB has a drinking culture. With the resort-like feel you always feel like you are on holiday, especially when watching rugby.”

“I enjoy sitting on my balcony having a cigar, accompanied by a nice glass of wine or whiskey.”

“My husband’s drinking habits changed when we moved to DB. He now drinks one beer everyday on the ferry and on weekends he drinks more than one.

He loves his new routine and looks forward to getting on the ferry for his relaxed wind-down time with his beer. He’s even sleeping better!”



Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

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

IN FOCUS

When one becomes one too many Of course when drinking becomes a problem it’s often a more private affair, naturally making it much harder to uncover solid facts. While a number of stay-at-home mums admitted to having a secret early evening drink before their husbands came home, it’s not enough to suggest we are a community of behind-closed-doors, alcohol dependants.

Figures in the US, from the US Department of Health and Human Services, say 7.4 percent of the adult population meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or alcoholism. In Britain figures are estimated between 4 and 9 percent. If we were to apply these figures to DB’s population of over 20,000 then between 800 and 1,800 may be considered alcohol dependant. But after seeing the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support group’s meeting facilities in Discovery Bay, which may at a tight push hold up to eight people, then either DB alcohol dependants are not getting the support they need, or there is not nearly as big a problem here.

While it has been said no one wants to go to their first AA meeting, the AA is often the first place for drinkers to acknowledge they may need help. The AA is a fellowship

36

October 2013

of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope in order to help themselves and others recover from alcoholism. With no fees, nor allied with any political party, religion or organisation, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Pastor James of the Discovery Bay International Community Church is closely involved with the DB AA. He offers this: “I am not a teetotaller and I find there are groups that party hard locally and groups that are very moderate in their drinking. You can see a display of this under the umbrellas and in restaurants. But the AA is active in DB, helping people who may be suffering from alcohol addiction. I would be happy to steer anyone that way.”

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can help. The AA holds three weekly meetings in DB: two weekly meetings are for newcomers and alcoholics only, while one weekly meeting welcomes alcoholics and their family and friends. Call 5668 2667. Visit www.aa-hk.org for a list of meetings throughout Hong Kong, or call the 24-hour hotline 9073 6922.

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FAMILY MATTERS

here and now Photos courtesy of Sandy Porter and Cinty Yniguez Curran

Mindfulness-based practices help children manage stress and anxiety, and they can build self-confidence, self-esteem, creativity and flexibility in the mind and body.

Angie Bucu explores new ways to wellness for kids

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Cinty Yniguez Curranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter Alix Curran, age 12, practising yoga

October 2013

FAMILY MATTERS

C

hildren’s lives are filled with distractions and temptations: friends, music, after-school activities and sports, not to mention Facebook, tweeting, texting and television. With the hectic pace of life and pressure to perform, parents may be looking for ways to help kids quieten their bodies and minds, to attain physical and psychological wellbeing and set them up with tools for the future.

Let’s take a look at mindfulness (a way of enhancing awareness and attention to the present moment). And how mindfulness techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can bring calm and focus to your child’s day and help children of all ages cultivate wellness.

children reset their brains and regulate their emotions,” John says.

Neither Discovery Bay International School nor Discovery College (DC) have signed up for MindUP – yet. But at DC one of the priorities for this academic year is building on the wellbeing programmes already in place. “All staff members are cognisant of the need to give students tools and techniques that help them handle the stresses that they face both at school and outside of school. We seek to address all aspects of wellbeing (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness/ relationships and decision making).

One method to address this is through mindfulness and meditation,” says Sue Thomas, vice principal of secondary and student support and wellbeing.

Doesn’t relaxation or quiet time have the same effect, you ask. Do we really have to go all New Age on our kids?

During the last school year, DC Yes, we do! Relaxation, although fun secondary student counsellor Evonne and restful, is referred to by experts Drakousis introduced an extracurricular in the mindfulness community, as a mindfulness and meditation programme Theo Coudert, age 4, ‘mindless’ activity – mindless in that for Years 11 and 12. This year, she is holding in yoga class skills are not being developed. In contrast, sessions for Years 7, 9 and 11. “Our wellbeing with Sandy Porter mindful activities, like meditation and yoga, initiative teaches children to get to know their teach children to hone their ability to be present emotions and provides some stress-management and aware, allowing them to let go of tensions and techniques,” Evonne explains. “The feedback I clear their minds of the many distractions that can and will received from students last year was extremely positive. occupy their day.

Students indicated that they felt more aware of how stress is affecting them and that they have utilised relaxation tools in order to regulate their stress levels.”

Mindfulness practice in schools Interestingly, much of the research into child mindfulness has been conducted in a classroom setting and now Hong Kong children are benefiting as schools begin to implement various programmes. One such programme, MindUP by The Hawn Foundation, has been introduced in 10 Hong Kong schools. MindUP engages students and teachers in learning how the brain works; provides strategies for creating an optimistic, positive classroom environment; and involves the practice of mindful breathing and attentive listening several times a day.

John Shanahan, child psychologist at DB’s Island Health Family Practice, is conducting research on the results of the MindUP programme in Hong Kong. “Nearly 100 percent of the teachers value the programme even if they were reluctant to administer it in the beginning,” he says.

Many of the children John works with in DB now practise mindfulness techniques to de-stress during exams, before sports events and even when they are arguing with parents and friends. It is believed that mindfulness skills can help children develop their inner resources and strengths of character, like compassion, commitment, acceptance, patience, persistence and resilience. “The practice helps

Ellie Rice, Year 13 student at DC, attended yoga classes for the first time last year, and has signed up again in her final year. Ellie finds yoga a great class to do and recommends it to others teenagers. “When I sit and prepare for an exam I find that by taking a minute to do the breathing techniques I am able to relax and focus,” she adds.

For more serious issues, like teen depression, mindfulness is shown to be a supportive therapy as reported in a Hong Kong-based study in 2011: Preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness-based programme for Hong Kong adolescence in schools. Reduced symptoms of depression and improved wellbeing indicators were found amongst 14 to 16 year olds in two local schools, one in Kowloon the other in the New Territories, as a result of an eight-week mindfulness-based programme.

Two similar but much larger studies, conducted in Europe recently, found similar results. Overall research is finding positive benefits to include reduced stress, anxiety and aggression; improved concentration and academic performance; increased wellbeing and happiness; enhanced executive function and control of emotions and 

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FAMILY MATTERS

Patricia Urmeneta, age 11, practising total relaxation through Savasana

impulses; increased empathy and optimism; and improved family relationships.

advocate using different methods for different age groups, and note that all kids are good at picking up breathawareness techniques.

Mindfulness practice outside the classroom A number of independent avenues provide kids’ with mindfulness practice in DB. The Embody studio, headed up by Susan Oliver, caters to children age three and up and is a first port of call for many. Cinty Yniguez Curran of Flow Yoga teaches there, as does Sandy Porter of BluRoo Yoga.

As well as providing classes at Embody, Sandy teaches Year 12 and 13 students at DC, and kids as young as two at Woodentots playgroup.

Claire Dickson provides kids’ yoga classes at Movement Improvement, DB – for children age three and four, five to seven and eight to 10. Another long-term resident, Liz McCaughey, meditation teacher and psychotherapist, is opening a branch of her (Australia-based) Kumara Meditation and Healing Centre in DB next January, and will cater for kids as well as adults.

“Children are curious creatures but they still need grounding, centring and a solid foundation in mind, body and spirit,” says Cinty. “Yoga helps them recognise that they have the power to change, to develop strong bodies, to respect and love themselves and discover a place of stillness and peace.”

“We have loads of mums asking about our child yoga classes, run by Rachna Allenstein,” says Claire. “Yoga is great fun, and it can teach kids the benefit of quiet, and of breath control. I have teaching experience with the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, and for these children any movement be it dance or yoga helps with spatial awareness, balance and body consciousness. We have not yet had any special-needs kids attend our classes but we do welcome them.”

“For the younger children, age four to eight, it’s all about movement, breath and developing focus (awareness),” Liz says. “Building body awareness through movement and calming the mind through breath is central to mindfulnessbased practices, and has the capacity to empower children.” Liz also incorporates activities like painting, within the context of mindfulness, where the children are asked to focus on just one colour.

Sandy incorporates a discussion of how the mind works using images and other tools that kids can connect with, along with breathing practices. She also encourages young students to do the exercises at home, especially the ‘gratitude rock’, a special rock the children decorate and keep by their bed. At night they are encouraged to ‘talk to’ the rock about something they are grateful for. “This exercise helps children think about those things that they are grateful for and gives parents an insight into what is going on in their world,” Sandy explains. “Parents and kids love the gratitude rock: if the kids love it, the parents love it and the kids use it more.”

Older kids, age nine and up, are given motivational projects as well as guided imagery to help them understand and work through their issues. “My class fosters open communication and expression of ideas, experiences, thoughts and feelings. It teaches children to value each other through partner and group games,” says Cinty. In Sandy’s classes, older kids discuss what they experience during physical movement and guided imagery meditations. She creates a trusting and safe environment so that the children feel comfortable to talk about their problems. “It definitely builds self-esteem,” says Sandy.

What DB families have to say Anyone who practises mindfulness knows that cultivating awareness takes time, so too for children. All four experts

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October 2013

Tracy-Kim Du Plessis has encouraged her two boys, age 14 

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FAMILY MATTERS and 10, to use mindfulness tools since they were four and three respectively; she says these practices are now a part of their daily lives. “Over time this has allowed the children to connect with their feelings,” Tracy-Kim adds. “They now have a deep sense of self-awareness; they intuitively know what they want and need.”

Tracy-Kim also recommends parents connect to their children in their ‘space’, for instance through technology – sending positive affirmations and inspiring quotes via SMS. “Initially they may think you are too corny,” she says.

“But they do express thanks and a sense of wellbeing now and then.”

For Dianne Urmeneta, whose daughter Patricia, 11, regularly attends yoga classes with Cinty, it’s the fun and holistic aspect that appeals. “Yoga has helped Patricia to be more confident in her posture and movement, and it makes her feel good physically,” Dianne adds. Interestingly it is Savasana, the last yoga pose involving the complete and total relaxation of every part of the body, that Patricia enjoys the most.

Global research results are pretty clear, but how much mindfulness activities will help local children only time will tell, as more options become available in and outside the

classroom. However it is worth noting that mindfulness can be cultivated in all basic activities – eating, walking, sitting and communicating with others. You and your kids may already be more mindful than you know – try the quiz at www.awakemind.org/quiz.php to find out!

Wellness researcher and DB resident Angie Bucu tutors an online mindbody wellness course out of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Check out her blog at www.ingredientsofwellness.com.

Find it • BluRoo Yoga, www.blurooyoga.com • Embody DB, www.embody.webs.com • Flow Yoga, www.flowyogahk.com • Island Health Family Practice, www.islandhealth.com.hk • Kumara Meditation and Healing Centre, www.kumarahub.com • Movement Improvement, www.movementimprovement.com.hk • The Hawn Foundation (MindUP), www.thehawnfoundation.org/mindup • Yoga Academy, www.academy.abbysan.com

MONEY MATTERS

buyer beware What exactly are your rights as a consumer and how well are they protected?

Vanky Mak investigates

H

ong Kong’s consumer protection laws are in place to protect us, rabid consumers that we are, against false labelling, unfair advertising and other types of fraud. And the good news is that amendments to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), which came into force this July, have significantly improved our position.

Sellers can no longer say that goods meet certain standards, unless this is the case (www.studyblue.com)

also applies to services. Unlike other consumer protection legislation, such as the Sale of Goods Ordinance, which provide consumers with enforceable rights after something has gone wrong, the amended TDO is a highly practical, grassroots law designed to regulate the promotion and supply of products and services from the outset.

Aggressive selling tactics and bait advertising Have you ever felt yourself to be the victim of aggressive selling tactics? Maybe you have walked out of a camera dealership on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, wondering why you purchased a hugely expensive camera you didn’t really want instead of the cheap little digital you intended to buy.

Or maybe you have been conned into buying a defective, fake or second-hand product – and you took it back to the store only to be asked to pay more for the real McCoy. Some solace is at hand: this sort of sales fraud is unlikely to happen to you again.

The TDO has been expanded to define better the trade descriptions that cover such things as availability, compliance with specified standards, and price (including the existence of discounts). For the first time, the TDO now

The amended TDO prohibits a number of unfair commercial practices that have become all too commonplace. These include the use of aggressive sales tactics, bait advertising, bait and switch, and wrongfully accepting payment.

It is probably easiest to illustrate the way this works through a case study – how DB resident Tom Burgess gets taken for a ride. A local trader, let’s call it Best Price Gadgets, advertises the latest 55” 3D 4K television manufactured by a well-known brand, let’s call it Brilliant Vision. The normal price would be around HK$30,000; it’s on sale for HK$9,999. When Tom visits Best Price Gadgets planning to buy the discounted television, he is told that there had been only three available, and they have all been sold.

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MONEY MATTERS

The salesperson then shows Tom a similar Brilliant Vision television, priced at HK$28,000 and on sale for HK$25,000.

Tom agrees to buy it and pays HK$1,000 deposit.

On delivery day, Best Price Gadgets turn up with a different television manufactured by a company Tom has never heard of. He is told that the Brilliant Vision factory has burnt down, that it will be a while before production will start again, and that the replacement television is even better than the Brilliant Vision model. When Tom refuses to accept delivery, the Best Price Gadgets’ men become abusive and refuse to take the bogus television back.

What’s more, having taken a deposit, Best Price Gadgets is likely guilty of wrongfully accepting payment. If a trader accepts payment for a product and he intends to supply a different product, or there is no reasonable ground for believing that he will be able to supply the specified product on the specified date, he cannot legally take your money. Finally, the behaviour of the Best Price Gadgets’ delivery men may have constituted aggressive commercial practices. This is the case if a trader’s harassing or coercive actions are enough to sway you into buying a product or service you don’t really want.

False labelling and key omissions Here, Best Price Gadgets may be guilty of bait advertising (it advertised a product without a reasonable quantity being available for a reasonable period). The firm may also be guilty of bait and switch. Note that bait and switch occurs when a trader offers a product at a specific price, with the intention of trying to sell a completely different product.

The amended Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) is there to protect you from sales fraud ((www.staceyreid.com)

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Under the amended TDO, sellers must also be careful about what they say – and claim. For example, they cannot ask celebrities to endorse their products unless they actually use them. And it is no longer legal for a trader to say that a product is in ‘short supply’ or that you should ‘act quickly because the price is going up’, unless these statements 

The use of aggressive sales tactics is now prohibited (www.staceyreid.com)

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MONEY MATTERS

are true. Sellers also cannot say that goods meet certain standards, unless this is the case.

Price advantages are now a ‘trade description’ and this has changed the way shops can mark prices. It is no longer legal to use an original price for comparison unless the goods were sold at the original price for a certain period of time, and claims such as ‘lowest price’ or ‘all items 50 percent off’ must be substantiated.

As of July, it is also an offence to mislead consumers into making a purchase by omitting information, and relevant information cannot be in such small print it is difficult to read. This covers failure to mention that goods are parallel imports (bypassing distributors), that items are secondhand or reconditioned, or that there are hidden costs.

Although some may argue that the amended ordinance still does not go far enough, and that consumer protection in Hong Kong is still lagging behind other jurisdictions, it is nonetheless a major step in the right direction. The changes to the TDO follow on the back of some 27,000 complaints received last year by the Consumer Council. In making their grievances felt, a small percentage of Hong Kong’s population sent a clear message to the powers that be and evoked change.

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• Consumer Council which helps consumers resolve issues through conciliation. Visit www.consumer.org.hk • Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department – the principal agency responsible for enforcing the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Visit www.customs.gov.hk • Small Claims Tribunal which handles claims of up to HK$50,000. Visit www.judiciary.gov.hk

Vanky Mak is the partner responsible for commercial matters at Hampton, Winter and Glynn (HWG), an independent law firm that has been providing legal services to Hong Kong’s businesses, community and people for 40 years. The firm’s areas of specialism are commercial law, employment, family law, intellectual property, litigation and dispute resolution, property, and wills and probate. Visit www.hwg-law.com.

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October 2013

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Australian Credit License Number: 385201

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

My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. Besides the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestic-helper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This summer, quality Disability Income Insurance should be at the top of your list!

Disability Income Insurance Recently my competitors have been pushing Disability Income Insurance (DI) and now I guess it’s my turn. DI is a form of insurance that insures the beneficiary’s earned income against the risk that a disability renders him unable to complete the core functions of his work. It encompasses paid sick leave, short-term disability benefits, and long-term disability benefits.

Traditional disability carriers have limitations on the monthly benefits for highincome earners. Note that premiums and available benefits for individual coverage vary considerably between companies and occupations. The salary of various occupations also determines the cost of coverage because disability insurance is based on a percentage of regular earnings. The percentage of replaced income is also a consideration.

The primary benefit of DI is the knowledge that should something go radically wrong, and you find yourself unable to work, you won’t be strapped for cash, at a time when you are already stressed out.

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.

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Photo by Tracey van Geest

TALKING POINTS

community The Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity always creates quite a buzz. In anticipation of race day on November 9, Around DB catches up with its co-organisers Kobi Janssen and Erin Bowland

S Photos courtesy of Mission For Migrant Workers

omething of an institution locally, the Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity is now in its eighth year. Put on by locals for locals to aid primarily local charities, it’s a worthy and hugely popular highlight on our racing calendar.

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Last year, 388 runners helped raise HK$156,800 for S.O.S. Lanka Action, a grassroots DB charity focused on improving living conditions for impoverished Sri Lankan villagers. In 2011, 350 athletes participated in the run raising HK$122,000 for the Ben Kende Foundation, a charity founded to provide support for Ben Kende, who was seriously injured while representing Hong Kong during the opening game of the Asian Junior Championship in Bangkok in 2010.

This year, on November 9, race founder Kobi Janssen and co-organiser Erin Bowland expect some 500 runners to take part, and funds raised will go to Benji’s Centre, a Hong Kong charity which helps children from low-income families who are in need of professional speech therapy.

So how do Kobi and Erin go about choosing which charity to fund? “We focus on Hong Kong-based charities involving women and children, and smaller charities that struggle to attract big, corporate sponsorship,” says Erin. “We also take up requests from people,” Kobi adds. “Then we make

October 2013

a list and go over it together to see which one is the most appropriate and what suits us best.”

Do your bit One of the great things about this DB event is that everyone can get involved. You have to be at least 16 years old to compete but if you are too young or not quite fit enough to race you can volunteer as a marshal, or show your support by lining the course.

“There are a lot of people for whom it is the first time to do a run, so their whole families show up to support,” says Kobi. “We see crowds at the start and finish, and people also come out of their houses along the route to cheer. The DB security guards give us a lot of support, which is always much appreciated.”

Local stores and businesses are also always quick to provide sponsorship for the event. At the time of writing, sponsors already signed up include Pen’n Paper, Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise, Belgium Direct, Homegrown Foods, Nomadic Holding, Sense of Touch, Auberge Discovery Bay, The Pier Bar, KIPMOVIN, Spin Works, Aqua Gym, Movement Improvement, Sports World, Newton Running, Corexx, CamelBak, Island Health Family Practice, Quality Healthcare

TALKING POINTS

challenge At the start of the Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity 2012

Medical Centre, Nuscience and Around DB! D’Deck is the venue sponsor.

Take the challenge This year’s course, designed by Kobi and Erin, is the same as it was in 2012. Starting on the waterfront below the steps by the ferry pier, it takes in Discovery Bay Road, Seabee Lane, Headland Drive, Siena Road and the Coastline waterfront.

Runners negotiate sharp turns and even U-turns requiring them to double back on themselves. La Costa marks the home stretch. Here, participants turn right and run down the left side of the children’s playground, before swinging left and following the waterfront path to the finish line at DB Plaza.

It’s clear this 10-kilometre road race is no walk in the park but just how fit do you need to be to complete the challenge? “It really depends,” says Kobi. “The cut-off time is two hours, so in principle one can walk it. But some people do it as their first race, and some are pros, doing it purely to contribute to charity.” Erin, adds, “A ‘regular Jo’, who has put in a bit of training, can aim for and be very happy with an hour.

Runners must remember that DB is hilly, so their times on

Find more on charities and volunteering

this course will be slower than a flat 10-kilometre run.”

While Thomas Kiprotich was the first male finisher last year with a time of 33 minutes, 43 seconds, fellow DBer Emma Bruce made it home in 43 minutes, 35 seconds. Both runners are already enrolled to compete this year.

And will Kobi and Erin be giving them a run for their money?

Possibly not. “Erin already has a 50-kilometre trail running race under her belt, but I think her biggest race this year will be to give birth to her second baby, which is almost due!” Kobi says with a giggle. “And while I’ve already done two 100-kilometre races this year, there’s no doubt I’ll finish much slower than Emma Bruce on November 9! I hardly ever run on concrete myself, I prefer trail running. Ironic that I organise a road run, isn’t it!”

Contact Kobi and Erin at info@dbrunforcharity.org for more information on the race and how you can help.

The entry fee is HK$300 and you can register online at www.dbrunforcharity.org. For more on Benji’s Centre, visit www.benjiscentre.org.hk.

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LOCAL MOMENTS

heart to heart The first child in Hong Kong to undergo a triple heart bypass, five-year-old Jayden Oh is now safely home in Tung Chung. Hannah Ball talks to the miracle boy and his mum Meko

C

linging to a teddy bear when I first meet him, Jayden Oh has a broad smile on his face. “His name is Stinky,” he says, pointing down. Little did I know that Stinky has been with Jayden since he was born prematurely at just 27 weeks; has cuddled up with him every night since then; and has most recently seen him through a full 68 days in the Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, where he underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) – a triple heart bypass.

From the moment he was born on March 31, 2008, Jayden has been fighting for his life. Having spent his first three months in an incubator, he contracted Kawasaki disease (a rare autoimmune disease in which small- to medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed) at just nine months. Doctors at Queen Mary Hospital discovered that not only had he developed two giant aneurysms in his coronary arteries, but his left coronary artery had narrowed, and his right coronary artery was blocked completely.

Photo by Meko and Dave Oh

Incredibly, Jayden’s left coronary artery regrew over time, compensating for the blocked one and giving him a kind of natural heart bypass – something that can only happen in children. Back home, Jayden recovered well. “Aside from playing contact sports, there was nothing that Jayden couldn’t do. He was a very active toddler who would happily run around and ride his scooter every day,” explains Meko, who is also mum to Jayden’s three-year-old brother Jamie.

But on June 19, five-year-old Jayden was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital once again. His heart was functioning at less than 15 percent, a serious drop from the normal ejection fraction (EF) – the volumetric fraction of blood pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat – of 60 to 70 percent. “My husband Dave and I were told that Jayden’s best chance of survival was CABG,” Meko explains. “The other option was a heart transplant, but in reality his chances of getting a heart in Hong Kong would have been very slim.”

Jayden underwent 10 hours of surgery, and spent 12 days in intensive care post-op, where he was hooked up with a mechanical pump as his heart was not strong enough to function on its own. “During his entire time in hospital,

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October 2013

Jayden just three weeks after his triple heart bypass

Jayden had been in high spirits, never complaining and always smiling,” says Meko. “After he woke up from a long induced coma, however, he didn’t speak a word for a whole week and he didn’t smile either.” A few weeks after the surgery, Jayden’s doctors discussed the necessity of a heart transplant as the improvement of his heart function was slow. “We were devastated,” says Meko.

“That’s not the end of my story!” a small boy’s voice from the next room chimes in, interrupting Meko’s flow. She turns to me and smiles. “A few days later, Jayden’s EF went up to 30 percent and the subject of a heart transplant was never mentioned again. He’s our miracle child.

“The support we’ve received from friends and family, as well as the larger community in Tung Chung and Discovery Bay has been overwhelming,” Meko adds. As well as all the staff at the Queen Mary Hospital, Meko is quick to express gratitude to the Children’s Heart Foundation, who supplied funds for the new artery Jayden needed for his operation (around HK$70,000). The foundation also sent people to play with Jayden and the other children in the ward every week. “Their support was invaluable,” says Meko.

Meko’s faith has also been a great source of comfort.

“We have really felt the power of prayer; it’s been amazing knowing that total strangers in our community have been praying for Jayden,” she explains. “Once, Jayden turned to me and said, ‘Mummy, when I’m afraid, I just talk to God’.”

In total, Jayden has spent seven months of his life in hospital.

“Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learnt through all of this, is that in a hopeless situation, you should never give up on hope,” Meko says. After 68 days in hospital, Jayden finally returned home on August 25.

On October 27, the Children’s Heart Foundation is holding its annual Heart-to-Heart Charity Walk around the Peak to raise funds for children like Jayden. For more information about the walkathon, and to make a donation, visit www.childheart.org.hk.

www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

call of

the wild

Why not bypass Bangkok and the southern beach resorts for once? By opting to explore northern Thailand you’ll discover a totally different side to the land of smiles. Cecilia Yee reports

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ich in history and tradition, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are northern Thailand’s most culturally significant provinces and arguably the nation’s best vehicles for educating and entertaining visitors. Here you have the opportunity to explore centuries-old temples, trek through the jungle and/ or chill out at one of the fabulous meditation/ yoga retreats.

Chiang Mai (city) makes for a great base, and from there you can even cross the border to Myanmar, or Laos (taking in Chiang Rai province to the northeast on route).

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Thailand’s gateway to the great north is loaded with rugged mountains, rich stands of hardwood forest and rice fields.

It’s also the domain of a complex web of tribal groups, who began migrating there over 1,000 years ago from central and southern China. Time was, a visit to these villages was a must but nowadays you might think twice about this. With so many tourists intent on seeing the tribespeople, many feel that the villages have been reduced to ‘human zoos’ rather than the right-on platform for cultural exchange that they once were.

ESCAPES

Take a walk on the wild side at an elephant sanctuary

Relaxing in Chiang Mai I don’t know if it’s the hippie in me, but there’s something magical about Chiang Mai that made me extend my weekend city-break to a one-week stay. Of course this is arguably the wellness capital of Thailand, so you need plenty of time to spa, trying out traditional remedies and time-honoured healing arts alongside modern techniques.

But that’s not all. The old town oozes a bohemian feel, thanks in part to the number of backpackers and artists

chilling in the area. Quaint coffee shops and boutique stores dot the cobbled streets, and picturesque bars and restaurants line the Maenam Ping River.

On Sunday afternoons, everyone heads to Chiang Mai’s celebrated Walking Street, which stretches from one side of town to the other. The whole area is blocked off to traffic and filled with stalls, where you’ll find irresistible silks, parasols, silverware and lacquer-ware, pottery, hill-tribe treasures and of course Thai street food. 

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ESCAPES

ng Mai eet, Chia alking Str W t a p ro you d Shop ‘til

Weirdly co ntempora ry Wat Ro ng Khun, Chiang Ra i

Silke with Lotus, one of the Thai elephants she has helped to free

Elephant tourism Looking to include an elephant experience in your holiday – with a good conscience? DB resident and life coach Silke Preussker, who has been passionately involved in the elephant rescue and conservation world for eight years, has this to say. iang Mai Doi Suthep, Ch d Wat Phra That Gloriously gilde

Speaking of food, Chiang Mai is probably my favourite spot in Thailand to eat. Khao soi (curry noodle soup) is the most famous northern dish, but my other favourites include kanom jeen nam ngeow (rice noodles in meat broth) and kaeng hang le (pork curry). I’m also quite partial to locust and beetle deep-fried. Spice everything up with nam prik ong (a northern-style chilli dip). And for a hands-on introduction to the cuisine of the north, sign up for a cooking class.

In Chiang Mai old town, there are stunning Buddhist wats (temples) at every turn. One of the most popular is the 14th century-built Wat Phra Singh, which takes its name from the important Buddha statue of a lion (singh) it houses.

Just a few blocks away Wat Chedi Luang is an impressive temple complex built in the 14th and 15th century. Stairways leading up on each side of its 60-metre stupa are guarded by ferocious-looking stone nagas (divine serpent-people).

Incidentally Wat Chedi Luang used to home the Emerald Buddha, the holiest religious relic in Thailand, which was moved to Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, in 1784.

Be sure to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep tucked away in the mountains half-an-hour’s drive from the city. Some 300 steps lead up to the main temple, where glorious murals depict the life and teachings of Buddha. At the centre, a gold-covered stupa is encircled by sacred Myanmarese-

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October 2013

“There is a lot to think about concerning the plight of elephants in tourism – smuggling, drugging and horrible break-in rituals – but at the same time, since their habitats are continually shrinking, their survival is at least ensured in captivity. When visiting with these incredible animals, make it clear that you want to pay to observe elephants just being elephants (with no saddles on their backs), or simply to walk with them. No riding, no circus shows.

Save Elephant Foundation’s Elephant Nature Park (www.saveelephant.org), founded and run by my friend Sangduen ‘Lek’ Chailert, is my top recommendation in Chiang Mai. It’s not far from town, and visitors can observe and feed the herds, and help bathe them in the river every afternoon.

Long stays are an option as well as day visits – the food is fantastic and the valley beautiful. I can also recommend Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary (www.bees-elesanctuary.org/) in Mae Chiam, a twoand-a-half hour drive from Chiang Mai. The Lampang Elephant Hospital (no website available) is about a day’s drive from Chiang Mai, and also a great place to go to experience elephants first-hand in a good way. Don’t confuse it with the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre next door, an entirely separate entity which does offer shows and rides, as well as actually having its own hospital. For a full list of recommendable elephant sanctuaries in Thailand and Cambodia, plus a section on tourist dos and don’ts, visit www.earsasia.org. 

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ESCAPES style chats (gilded parasols). Despite all the visitors, this temple and its beautiful surroundings put me in a truly meditative state.

Taking in Chiang Rai If you want to head further afield, the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about three hours, and from there it’s around two hours to the Myanmarese border town of Chiang Saen. This ancient city lies on the banks of the Mekong River at the southern-most tip of the Golden Triangle (the border tri-point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar). Although the town is very small, it has been a major trading post since the seventh century.

Chiang Saen is literally littered with temples, fortresses, moats, and crumbling city walls and stupas that all bear witness to its intriguing past. Some of the monuments found here are older than the town itself, pointing to the existence of an earlier kingdom (known to the locals as Yonok Country) that comprised parts of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. You’ll find many historical artefacts, notably sculpture and pottery, in the Chiang Saen Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the town’s history and pre-history.

Doubling back through Chiang Rai province, you’ll find a host of activities on offer from rock climbing and caving

to temple hopping and spa/ yoga retreating. If your visit to the area is brief, make a point of seeing the 1997-built Wat Rong Khun or White Temple, a half-hour drive from Chiang Rai town. It’s a truly bizarre Buddhist temple inspired by sci-fi movies: only in Thailand! Sculpted demons and skulls surround the complex, and as you cross the bridge you’ll see hundreds of sculpted hands (symbolising desire) reaching up to you. Once inside the temple, there are plenty of traditional Thai Buddha statues but the walls are lined with rather more contemporary ‘superheroes’, such as Superman, Batman, Ben 10 and even Neo from The Matrix.

Wat Rong Khun is without doubt the most peculiar temple I’ve ever visited. But I can’t deny that it’s also one of the most incredible places of worship I’ve seen in Asia. Like everything about these far-flung provinces, it’s a real eye opener. If you want to get to know the real Thailand and its people, head north.

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in first-class yet affordable flights and holiday packages. To book your Thai getaway, give the expat travel consultants a call on 2830 2776, visit www.flightcentre.com.hk, or drop by the retail stores in Central or Happy Valley.

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Photos courtesy of Action Asia Events, Peter Dingley, Ray Molbert and Reto Raimann

ACTION

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weekend warriors

Ahead of the MSIG Lantau 50 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HK50 Series in December, Beverley Au talks training and motivation with three dedicated DB mountain racers

October 2013

ACTION

H

ere’s a challenge for you (an Action Asia challenge). Do you have what it takes to compete in the MSIG Lantau 50 – HK50 Series? You run and hike the Lantau trails, and can choose a course to suit your fitness level – either 14 kilometres, 27 kilometres or 50 kilometres. The race, which starts and finishes in DB on December 7, is the middle leg of a threepart series – the first (MSIG HK50) kicks off at the Peak this month on October 27, the last (MSIG Sai Kung 50) in Pak Tam Chung in March next year. You don’t have to sign up for all three races to compete in DB, and the minimum age for the 14-kilometre course is just 14.

Completing an Action Asia challenge is something to boast to your friends about, certainly. And with these races, you run secure in the knowledge that funds raised go to a good cause – Action Asia Events liaises with the Action Asia Foundation to arrange for charitable donations. Added to which there are cash prizes in each category for the fastest male and female competitors, and for the winning teams. But what really drives local athletes, most of whom have day jobs, to get out there and trail run?

The motivation DB resident, Reto Raimann, who is taking on the 50-kilometre MSIG Lantau 50 course for the third time this year, took up (road) running to get fit. “I run whenever I can because I love it,” he says simply. “Around three years ago I discovered the trails. That’s when love turned into passion.”

For Reto the beautiful landscape is part of the draw, and he considers Lantau among the best places for trail running in Hong Kong. “It offers countless trails of all sorts (from high hills with stunning views to rugged coastline trails) and of varying degrees of difficulty,” he says. “Another great feature of the Lantau trails is that you can do short runs, super long runs and anything in between, without passing the same section twice. The MSIG Lantau 50 is a perfect display of this trail diversity.”

DB resident Peter Dingley, who is competing in the MSIG Lantau 50 (27-kilometre course) for the first time this year, concurs. “What started for me with hikes to Mui Wo developed into longer runs, and taking part in races provides a target to work towards,” he explains. “Most of my training is limited to long runs every Saturday morning. I start by 6am to avoid the heat; this is also a peaceful time to be out and has little impact on family time. After a long week at work, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but the amazing scenery, and the fitness levels and race targets achieved make it worth it.”

Both men speak fondly about the motivational camaraderie shared by runners. Says Peter, “I prefer to run with friends, 

Reto Raimann is taking on the 50-kilometre MSIG Lantau 50 course for the third time

October 2013

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ACTION

Ray Molbert training to run the 14-kilometre MSIG Lantau 50 course for the second time

Peter Dingley is running the 27-kilometre MSIG Lantau 50 course for the first time

as there’s a commitment to train, it’s more fun and there’s some banter to keep you going when you’re tired. With the relative isolation in the mountains, it’s also good to have some support in case of injuries, when warning off dogs and for taking turns at the front with spider-web clearing duties!”

up Tigers Head or to Mui Wo and back. I also include yoga and tennis in my workout.”

The training For Peter, a typical run from DB starts with a climb of Tigers Head. “For a 27- or 40-kilometre mountain race, training will extend over Sunset Peak and back into Mui Wo in time for a bacon sandwich and to catch the ferry home,” he says. “An alternative is to start in Tung Chung and head towards the Big Buddha over Lantau Peak and into Cheung Sha, or back over Sunset Peak.”

It’s clear that the training is the fun part for these athletes but it’s also a serious business. “Runners empower their muscle endurance by training all year round from 15 to 25 hours per week doing a mix of running, cycling and gym work,” explains Action Asia Events’ public relations executive Polly Tsui. “They need to train all their muscles equally because muscle imbalance – for example having very strong hamstrings and stomach muscles but weak quad, hip and gluteal muscles – will lead to injury.”

High-aerobic capacity and strong ankles are a prerequisite for mountain racing, and to this end DB resident Ray Molbert, who is competing in the MSIG Lantau 50 (14-kilometre course) for the second time this year, runs up the stairs opposite Discovery Bay International School every other day. “Uphill climbs are the most challenging part of any trail race for me,” she says. “I normally hike four times a week –

Find more local clubs and activities

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October 2013

While some mountain racers join their local track clubs to improve their pace, others advocate overload workouts (extended training sessions with a few days break in between to recover) to increase muscle-endurance levels. “Overload workouts are among the best forms of psychological preparation for mountain running because the mind is then trained to tolerate long periods of tiredness,” Polly points out.

While Reto hits the trails at every opportunity, he attributes much of his stamina to in-the-gym core and balance training. “After a long run when you are getting tired, posture deteriorates leading to injury,” he says. “Also, keeping your balance on an uneven trail becomes harder, increasing the risk of a fall. Core and balance training is therefore essential, and to my mind it is best done with free weights and fitness balls. Fixed motion equipment helps to grow muscles where you want them, but it does nothing to improve your balance, so leave that to the bodybuilders.

“Running magazines are full of contradictory advice about stretching, whether it’s good or not, whether it should be done before or after a run or whether it should be done at all,” Reto adds. “I strongly believe that stretching, besides some luck, has helped me stay injury-free.”

Race-day tips It’s also helpful to know the trail you are running, so you don’t get lost! “Lantau has over 100 kilometres of trails and I’ve been lucky to have friends who’ve shared their knowledge of 

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routes and paths, some of which are highly camouflaged,” says Peter. “During the race last year, a number of leading runners missed a turning up to Sunset Peak allowing others to catch up, so it pays to know where you’re going.”

If training tactics come down to personal preference, so does fuelling up before and during a race. While Ray will have a high-carb meal, Peter swears by a pre-race breakfast of porridge oats, nuts and honey. Peter doesn’t eat while he’s running but Ray brings along chocolate, peanuts and a granola bar to help maintain her energy levels. As for staying hydrated, Peter points out that the organised races have water stations and the fresh streams on Sunset Peak are a great natural alternative!

Perhaps the most essential thing about race day is to enjoy it! “It starts with the pre-race excitement, the atmosphere at the start,” says Reto. “Then there’s the camaraderie on the trail and finally the deep satisfaction of achieving something you never thought possible. That’s why I race. Of course I like to pass the runner in front of me, but it’s not really about competing against others.”

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October 2013

MSIG HK50 Date: October 27, 2013 (trail running) Entry deadline: October 18, 2013 Start: The Peak, Hong Kong Island Finish: Wong Nai Chung Gap, Hong Kong Island Distance: 23 kilometres and 50 kilometres

MSIG Lantau 50 – HK50 Series Date: December 7, 2013 (trail running and hiking options) Entry deadline: November 29, 2013 Start: The Auberge Discovery Bay, Lantau Island Finish: The Auberge Discovery Bay, Lantau Island Distance: 14 kilometres, 27 kilometres and 50 kilometres

MSIG Sai Kung 50 Date: March 1, 2014 (trail running and hiking options) Entry deadline: February 26, 2014 Start: Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, New Territories Finish: Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, New Territories Distance: 13 kilometres, 26 kilometres and 50 kilometres Find out more at www.actionasiaevents.com.

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STYLE

Rather than installing them after a room has been decorated, let your choice of curtain dictate a colour scheme (www.lmcniff.wordpress.com)

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October 2013

window

STYLE

dressing Curtains, blinds and shades can be captivating if you give them some careful consideration and think modern, says Elizabeth Kerr

A

h, curtains: so important but so disrespected.

Window dressings can finish a room off perfectly or bring the whole thing crashing down – both aesthetically and functionally. If you’re remodelling your entire home and have a designer handling everything, what hangs at the window may not even register.

But if you’re just changing a few blinds or drapes yourself, it becomes clear how hard it is to find the right ones.

My friend Marco recently went looking for the right shades for a spare multi-function room. He had hoped for something by window-dressing king Hunter Douglas, but settled on a no-name brand from a nondescript shop on Queen’s Road East in Wanchai. Size issues made Hunter Douglas a nonfactor. “I tried everywhere and nothing off the rack was the right size,” he says. “The room is a den-type thing that is also a guest room and it has a widescreen television – my partner and I are movie buffs. We like it dark in there when a movie’s on.” Marco settled on built-to-fit grey blackouts that keep out light and have the kind of neutral tone that goes with his furniture. It took a while.

So how do you choose the right window treatment? As a start, consider four key elements: what is the room for, what is the window for, how much privacy do you need and lastly, what is the room’s aesthetic?

Frame it well “Choosing the right style and type of window covering to suit window size can make all the difference to the overall look and style of the room, obviously, but also how large the window appears to be, and how much ventilation and natural light you will get in the room,” explains interior designer Suzy Annetta of Aberdeen-based Studio Annetta.

Discovery Bay resident Cynthia Lie-Breit of design firm Bricks and Mortar agrees. “My favourite materials for window

Find more lifestyle tips

dressings are wooden blinds and plain-white roller blinds (with blackout lining for bedrooms). The reason I like wooden blinds so much is, apart from adding a final touch, they do cover ugly window frames but still let enough light through.”

Despite Marco’s experience, Cynthia doesn’t think finding good window coverings is that hard. In addition to Wanchai, North Point is loaded with independent dealers that can provide you with the right, customised treatment. Perhaps not surprisingly the real trouble is rooted in Hong Kong’s odd building standards. “I don't think the problem is really the window dressings but more the window frames. Local apartments have standard window layouts with, most of the time, dark-brown or black metal frames. In my opinion there is too much frame and too little glass!” Cynthia explains, lamenting how rife ugly handles, tiny sizes, odd shapes and weird divisions are.

In addition to dealing with odd spots, getting the right materials – and parts – is key to finishing a window. For Suzy, some windows simply demand curtains and sheers though they don’t always fit the space. But Roman blinds make a good substitute if you’re looking for the softness of fabric without the clinical look of horizontals. Polyester and polyester blends make for easy cleaning, and there are plenty of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial sprays available to prevent mould. “Horizontal or Venetian blinds in certain materials can look dated,” Suzy warns. “However there are some great designs and materials available now that can look really modern, like leather or timber.”

And though they’re rare, consumers are increasingly requesting insect screens. “This could be a good solution if you like to have your windows open and let the air through without being bothered by mosquitoes. There are really nice ones available, but again make sure they blend in with your window frame and wall,” advises Cynthia. Screens range from standard silver wire to black nylon and can even

www.arounddb.com October 2013

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STYLE appear nearly invisible. Other options are roller (insect) blinds installed directly on the window, and electrically controlled screens for outside balcony rims. These allow the balcony door to remain open and they don’t block out natural light.

at random lengths in the middle of a wall will not help with the appearance of higher ceilings. Curtains that don’t fall to the floor are a pet peeve of mine,” she says.

Essential tips So should the window dressing be the last step in a room?

Some of us prefer to see what the finished product is and go from there – like Marco – and some of us start with a great rug and curtains and find fabric for the rest of the furniture to complement those. Certainly, Cynthia doesn’t think accessorising should be a last-minute project. “Incorporate them into the design of the apartment from the beginning; don't wait until you're completely done,” she says.

“Window dressings are perfect to add the final touch to an interior-design project and to keep the design of a space together,” Cynthia adds. “For example, if you are using wooden shelves in a particular space, try a wooden blind that matches the same wood finish as the shelves. This will create a calming effect and keep the place streamlined.”

While Suzy feels there are no hard-and-fast rules to designing a space, she admits there is one cardinal rule to follow when it comes to drapes. The most frequent error is getting the wrong length and size for your window. “Curtains that hang

Floor-length curtains make ceilings seem higher (www.ordersmax.com)

Find it • Bricks and Mortar, cynthia@bricksandmortar.com.hk • Hunter Douglas, www.hunterdouglas.asia • Studio Annetta, http://studioannetta.blogspot.hk

OCTOBER 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

What's new around Hong Kong

Charity Christmas Card and

Compiled by Hannah Ball

Race walking

Handicraft Fair in Central MTR HONG KONG Race Walking in Central

Why not sign up for the annual MTR HONG KONG Race Walking event in Central on October 14, co-organised by the MTR Corporation and the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association. Local race walkers have the opportunity to pick up race techniques from elite international athletes. Funds raised go to the Hospital Authority Health InfoWorld, supporting its work on disease prevention and health education. Last year, the event raised more than HK$1.27 million. To find out more or download an application form, visit www.hkaaa.com.

Get your Xmas cards posted on time this year

Asia Contemporary

Art Show Find all you need from wrap to gifts

Looking to get going on Xmas good and early this year?

Why not stock up at the Charity Christmas Card and Handicraft Fair, October 17 to 18, being held in the Li Hall of St John’s Cathedral, Central. With a wealth of different stalls to peruse, expect a gorgeous selection of Christmas cards, plus seasonal wrap, notelets, decorations, gift items, and homemade Christmas puddings and cakes. At the fair, local charities and non-profits sell their goodies to raise awareness and much-needed funds. For more details, email the Community Advice Bureau on cab@cab.org.hk.

Sky Fall by Stephanie Ho

Filling four full floors with artwork from all over the world, it’s the bi-annual Asia Contemporary Art Show from October 3 to 6 at the JW Marriott in Admiralty. The May edition of the show attracted over 8,000 collectors, and amassed sales of more than HK$18 million. This month over 2,000 new works are on sale, with a focus on limited editions, photography and sculpture from over 300 up-and-coming artists. If that isn’t enough, 60 or so artists will be on hand to explain the inspiration behind their works. For tickets (priced at HK$150), visit www.asiacontemporaryart.com or www.hkticketing.com. 

October 2013

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OCTOBER JUNE 2013 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

What's new around Hong Kong

Theaster Gates at White Cube

Compiled by Hannah Ball

Fun haunts for Halloween

Theaster Gates’ artwork on display until November 2

This month, at White Cube gallery in Central, art lovers can enjoy an exhibition of new works by US artist and social activist Theaster Gates. My Back, My Wheel and My Will, running through November 2, features installations, sculpture and twodimensional objects, and reflects on the poetics of repurposed and salvaged materials. Theaster’s work, which attempts to catalyse social and economic change, has made him a major player on the international art scene. For further information, call White Cube on 2592 2000.

Halloween gifts on offer at Ocean Park

Oktoberfest

highlights Get spooked at Hong Kong Disneyland Enjoy a good German pint this Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, Germany’s biggest beer-swilling festival, draws millions of tourists from across the globe. To celebrate here in Hong Kong, you can get your bratwurst and beer at the Marco Polo HongKong Hotel’s boozy bierfest in Tsim Sha Tsui, October 25 until November 16. Even closer to home, the Regal Airport Hotel in Lantau is offering German specialities, pretzelmaking demonstrations and beer tastings right through October at its China Coast Bar + Grill. Note too that a specially designed Oktoberfest menu is on offer throughout the month at all Berliner restaurants, including the one in DB.

Find local event updates

74

October 2013

If you’re looking for new ways to celebrate Halloween, you might consider a spooky theme-park experience.

At Ocean Park’s all-day, all-night festival on October 31, expect a host of ghosts and ghouls, plus a giant pumpkin weighing over 1,000 pounds! Hong Kong Disneyland’s attractions are also about to get a whole lot scarier. Every Thursday and Sunday, October 4 to 31, you can visit the bizarre Sideshow Carnival Extraordinaire and get spooked

by Chernabog, the all-powerful demon of the night. For more information, go to www.oceanpark.com.hk and www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

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our challenge, this month, is to identify which of the three photos above is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. Contact us online via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com before October 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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October 2013

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TUITION & COURSES

Native speaker. DELE examiner.

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

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

GOOD NEWS FROM PETCO DB

CLARINET/ SAXOPHONE/ FLUTE TUITION

MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS

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

Available in DB from professional musician with 25 years teaching experience & graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK. For enquiries, email Janet Williams at janetwilliams.clarinet@gmail.com

SERVICES

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

NOTARY SERVICES

Now available in DB at affordable rates. For inquiries contact 9143 0799 or notary@hpi.com.hk

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

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

15 years experience and a passion for resolving computer problems.

Call 9649 9910

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

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

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

A positive, inclusive learning environment.

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

Fren ench English Mandarin

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

From K1 to P6 in 2014

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

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

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

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com October 2013

81

Check out short-term rentals @ 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. Linens & towels. 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, annie@appletravel.com

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

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

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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October 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

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

CAR RENTAL

design + living

IN PHUKET ď&#x201A;&#x203A;Special rates for DB Residentsď&#x201A;&#x161; Services Mind Company (SMC) Car rent offers 24-hour Professional Service. We provide pick-up services and vehicle packages including single or round-trip shuttle, daily, weekly and monthly rentals, long-term corporate rentals.

For any enquiries, please contact

interior architecture design & build

space planning project managment

(66) 081 273 2855, (66) 089 971 0608

Tel. 31112062

Email: servicesmind_carrent@yahoo.com www.phuketsmccarrent.com

www.dlcchk.com

dlconsultant@gmail.com

October 2013

83

ACROSS LANTAU

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Elizabeth Hemmings, owner of the much-loved Mui Wo toy store Bizzie Lizzie, tells us how being a mum has helped build her business When did you open Bizzie Lizzie and what makes it unique?

I ‘became’ Bizzie Lizzie about seven years ago, working from home as a children’s party organiser, baker and photographer. I opened the shop here in Mui Wo a little over three years ago. Bizzie Lizzie is unique because everything I buy is something that I would give to my own daughters or their friends. I’m not so much a buyer as a curator and everything has to fit my own standards for toys and gifts. A lot of my regular customers have commented that it’s like having their own personal shopper. I can also be flexible in what I sell and will sometimes stock something just because I love it, even if it’s expensive to import and not particularly profitable. I also love handmade toys and I’m a big supporter of local start-up businesses.

What inspired you to start up the business?

With two daughters of my own, everything I do revolves around children, so when the owner of the former toy shop in Mui Wo, Oh Baby Baby, moved to Shanghai in 2010, it seemed like a natural progression for me to open my own store. I also wanted my daughters to see that a woman can be many things, all of them valuable.

How do you attract new customers?

I advertise in local publications, network and arrange events to reach out to the community. I am starting to organise our Mui Wo fancy dress parade for Halloween. We usually get a very enthusiastic turnout.

How has the business expanded?

Bizzie Lizzie has expanded from being something that I did at home, to a full-on business, filling a two-storey shop. When I first started out I was very limited in what I could sell, but I’ve managed to find a lot of good suppliers in the last few years and my stock reflects that.

What are your future plans for Bizzie Lizzie?

First and foremost, I’d like to get the online business up and running. At some point I would also like to move to larger premises so that we can offer activities for children but that is a way off. Ultimately I would love to open another branch in Central.

Contact Bizzie Lizzie on 2984 2227 or bizzielizzie.hk@gmail.com

Join your Lantau community live @ www.arounddb.com

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

Sat, Sun and Public Holidays

From DB 7.15am 3.05pm

From DB

From Mui Wo

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

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

From Mui Wo 7.45am 3.35pm

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

Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung and South Lantau

LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Patchwork Jack Shoesee Foldable

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

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

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

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

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

2421 8088 9625 1392 2988 1488 HOTELS

Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888 LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694

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

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

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

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

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

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

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

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

SERVICES & OTHERS

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

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

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132

Your ultimate guide in DB

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

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

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

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

Tel: 9632 4287

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

From 16 months to 4.5 years old 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

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

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

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

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

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

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

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

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

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

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

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

Little Explorers

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

Island Dance

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

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

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

Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

LEARNING CENTRES

LEARNING CENTRES

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

Tel: 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School 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

6114 2436 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

OTHER SERVICES

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

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

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

PetcoDB 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

2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Playtime Kids DB 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

British Studio of Art Hong Kong

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

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October 2013

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

Lifestyle Homes Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk

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

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

View our business directory @ www.arounddb.com

Centaline Property Agency Ltd EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong Ltd

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

DB NUMBERS RESTAURANTS & HOTELS

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

TRANSPORT SERVICES 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 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel) 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 Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

2987 2298 2295 8288 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 2682 8108 2987 6232

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

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

Offers Judo classes for children of all ages Tel: 68071975; 9012 2509 Email: elliot@cobrajudoclub.com or claire@cobrajudoclub.com

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

Embody Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

WELLBEING

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB

Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

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

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

Child & Family Development Practice

Tinytots

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

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

Tel: 2987 0614

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

Nutrition consultations in DB

Improve your diet and achieve your health goals Tel: 9827 8413 Email: lisa@thenutritionclinic.com.hk www.thenutritionclinic.com.hk Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care MOW Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

October 2013

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

87

OUT THERE

seeking relief Notes from a highly developed community, and why Discovery Bay is more civilised than Central, by Peter Sherwood

A

rchaeological evidence suggests the earliest human settlement in Hong Kong – a civilisation of sorts – was in the Chek Lap Kok area dating back to around 35,000 BC. This information is completely useless and will do you no good at all.

We are told that civilisation was made possible by the invention of agriculture and ethics. This is of course nonsense. As American poet, essayist and undertaker Thomas Lynch wrote in the late 1990s, “The flush toilet, more than any single invention, has ‘civilised’ us in a way that religion and the law could never accomplish.” The flushing toilet was not invented by English plumber Thomas Crapper in the 1800s as is widely believed. That accolade goes to Sir John Harrington (godson of Elizabeth 1) in 1596.

Like the idea that the earth is not flat, the invention took a few hundred years to catch on.

Lantau – take a bow The first-known public facility in Hong Kong dates to the late Neolithic period (say 2,000 BC), as evidenced by the stone circle monument at Fan Lau, Lantau. While ignorant and unworthy scholars insist that the purpose of the ancient circle is not known (but possibly ritualistic) everything points to a public loo. And if going to the latrine was a Stone Age ritual, then OK. Based on the Public Lavatories Theory of Human Progress we can count Discovery Bay as a highly sophisticated community. A plaza where you can drink for free and find an equally free WC close by is unheard of anywhere except Disco Bay. Try that in Paris or Milan – or Rome as I discovered on a recent trip.

There are no public toilets in Rome and that is why it’s called the Eternal City. For example, it is true that Spartacus and his tiny band of 70 slaves defeated a small cohort of Roman soldiers in 71 BC and retreated to Mount Vesuvius, but the idea that they left Rome because of cruelty and injustice is fiction. Spartacus and his none-too-merry men high-tailed it out of Rome for the same reason I did: to find a cloakroom. There are none in Rome. No such thing as a Roman restroom.

Fiction too is the story that Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned in 64 AD. He was running around in a state

88

October 2013

of high anxiety searching for a latrine. This city had toilets around 600 BC and by the later stages of empire Rome could boast around 144 public arrangements, none of which appear to exist today.

Visitors discover this sobering reality at Rome’s airport, an arena of crushing insanity resembling a provincial Mexican cattle yard. Legend has it that starting on July 11, 2006 a German tourist and logician, Helmut Quarck, spent 18 months wandering the departure lounge at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport obsessed with the idea that prominently displayed latrine signs must logically lead to one. He was eventually escorted from the building, bearded, smelly and mad.

Why DB is more civilised than Central Comparing aspects of civilisation across Hong Kong, when it comes to public conveniences DB makes Central look decidedly distressed. The closer to Central, the worse it gets. At the ferry pier it took longer to carry out toilet renovations than to construct the new terminal. Maybe workers were held up probing the deep mysteries of a selfopening door that threatened to lock you in – forever.

People in Central are racing around uptight and incommoded, while in DB we’re pretty much laid back.

Unlike the city hamsters we’re not thrashing around desperate for relief. In DB we can be cool, knowing that a water closet is close by. Americans among us can chill more than most. What with ‘bathroom’, ‘comfort station’, ‘powder room’, ‘can’ and ‘John’ they never even need to say ‘toilet’.

Historical footnote: it is unclear who first invented the privy.

Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement on the Scottish mainland dating back to 3,000 BC, features stone huts with drains extending from recesses in their walls – believed to be primitive loos. But then the Scots claim to have invented everything that the Chinese did not.

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