Around DB January 2023

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RAPHAEL BLET Assistant editor raphael@baymedia.com.hk

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SARIN ALE Art director sarin@baymedia.com.hk

CONTRIBUTORS

RAY AU, IMOGEN CLYDE, ELIZABETH KERR, PETER SHERWOOD

PHOTOGRAPHERS

BALJIT GIDWANI www.evoqueportraits.com RICHARD GORDON www.richardgordonphotography.com

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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.

HIKE THE ALL-NEW TINWORTH TRAIL

The newly launched, 90-kilometre Tinworth Trail runs from Tai O to Hong Kong’s northeast border at Sha Tau Kok. Named after Nic Tinworth, long-time Hong Kong resident and a central figure in the development of trail running in Hong Kong, it includes some of Lantau’s most spectacular trails, namely Lo Fu Tau, Wong Lung Hang Valley and the Tung O Ancient Trail. To know more and get hiking, visit www.tinworthtrail.com.

Happenings STUFF TO

DBIS WELCOMES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is excited to welcome Marc Morris as its new Head of School this January. Taking over from former head Stuart Bridge, who expertly guided the school for three and a half years, Marc joins DBIS from Jumeirah College, Dubai, bringing with him 40 years’ experience in the education sector.

Originally from the UK, Marc is no stranger to Hong Kong, having previously spent six years as Principal of Sha Tin College. With a resume that includes headteacher roles in the UK and Asia as well as three years as Chief Education Officer for Dulwich College International, Marc has a track record of academic excellence. Furthermore, Marc’s approach to teaching and learning aligns perfectly with the DBIS ethos, which holds holistic education at its core. An experienced World Challenge expedition leader, youth centre leader and climbing coach, Marc also has a keen interest in music and is a strong advocate for extracurricular activities, an area which DBIS includes in school fees and excels in.

Marc joins DBIS as the school celebrates its 40th anniversary, a milestone that is set to be celebrated with a glittering ball at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong on February 11. Tickets for the event are now on sale, with early bird prices available until January 6. For more details and ticket purchase, scan the QR code. For more on DBIS, visit www.dbis.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]

CHINESE NEW YEAR SUNDAY MARKET

The Year of the Rabbit is starting early with a Chinese New Year Sunday Market in DB Plaza on January 15, 11am to 6pm. Shoppers can expect an array of festive products courtesy of the Handmade Hong Kong vendors, including calligraphy, origami, papercut art and of course, flowers and potted plants. What’s more, there are CNY-themed workshops for kids, plus face painting and a storytelling session. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

& Events! KNOW IN JANUARY

RECYCLE YOUR DOUGLAS FIR

Christmas decorations have to come down by January 6 (The Feast of Epiphany) and so you’ll be wanting to get your Christmas tree recycled. The good news is that Winson Cleaning Services is collecting Christmas trees for a small fee – under 5ft, HK$150; over 5ft, HK$200; over 7ft, quote upon request – and taking them to the Green @ Islands Station in Tung Chung for recycling from January 4 to 8. To arrange for collection, call 3176 3188.

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DB-THEMED RED PACKETS

From January 3 to 21, on spending HK$600 or more at Discovery Bay stores, you can pick up a set of DB-themed lai see packets in which to deliver your CNY good wishes. After hitting the local stores, simply collect your red packets at the concierge in DB Plaza. All those who follow Facebook and Instagram @VisitDiscoveryBay are eligible for this celebratory CNY offer. [PHOTO COURTESY OF HKR.]

DB CNY DRAWING

COMPETITION: ONLINE VOTE

To ring in the Year of the Rabbit, we asked young DBers to enter the DB CNY Drawing Competition and create a rabbit-themed artwork. The shortlisted entrants in each category (primary and secondary school students living/ studying in DB) have now been chosen. You can vote for your favourite drawing on Facebook and Instagram @Around DB from January 1 to 15. To see the shortlisted entrees and find out more, turn to page 30.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

THROUGH JANUARY | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pickup, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.

JANUARY 14 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDBers.

JANUARY 8 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

NEW NURSERY AND RECEPTION CLASS AT DBIS

DBIS is looking forward to welcoming new students to its Early Years campus on January 9, with an extra class opening for Nursery and Reception. Underpinned by the school’s philosophy of viewing each child as unique and capable, children at DBIS Early Years grow and develop in enabling environments with the support of highly skilled teachers. DBIS offers the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, setting the standard to ensure children learn and develop successfully between the ages of three and five before moving on to Key Stage 1 of the English National Curriculum. To find out more or reserve your child’s place, contact admissions@dbis.edu.hk. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBIS.]

HANFU CLOTHING EXHIBITION

From January 7 to 14, One World Association, the cultural exchange platform headed up by DB resident Shirlee Dickert, is hosting a Hanfu Traditional Chinese Clothing Exhibition at Natural Space in DB North Plaza. While learning about Chinese fashion from the Han, Tang, Song and Ming dynasties, you can try on the clothing and have your photo taken by Hua Zi, the owner of Natural Space To find out more, scan the QR code or WhatsApp 6219 3817. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OWS.]

SPRING COUPLET MAKING WORKSHOPS

HAPPY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY GRAND

PRIX

February 1 is the deadline to enter the Christmas/ New Year Happy Family Photography Grand Prix, being organised by Hua Zi, the owner of DB North Plaza-based exhibition space and photography studio Natural Space. Residents are invited to email their best festive shots (up to 10 per entrant) to info.fhotog@gmail.com. To find out more, scan the QR code or call 2579 9288. [PHOTO COURTESY OF China Visual.]

One World Association is providing a series of Chinese calligraphy workshops at Garden Artemis in DB North Plaza from January 12 to 14, with residents invited to make their own Spring Couplets. To book your spot and find out about upcoming Chinese calligraphy workshops and tea-art events, WhatsApp 6219 3817 or visit Facebook @DB culture. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OWS.]

CHRISTIAN ACTION EMPOWERING REFUGEES

Looking for another reason to stop by the Sunday Market in DB Plaza on January 15? Hong Kong-based NGO Christian Action has a stall showcasing the handicrafts made by refugee women, who are supported by its Ladies Empowerment, Art & Development (LEAD) initiative. Christian Action supports over 40 women from around the globe at the Centre for Refugees in TST, economically empowering them through multidisciplinary skill-building workshops. To get involved, email jeffrey.andrews@christian-action.org.hk.

GETTING CREATIVE AT DB COMMUNITY GREEN SQUARE

On December 3, florist Samantha Yan hosted a well-attended Christmas Wreath Workshop for residents at DB Community Green Square. [PHOTOS BY

Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com.]

SHOPPING THE DISCOVERY BAY CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Christmas-themed Sunday Market in DB Plaza on December 11 was the place to pick up last-minute gifts, while enjoying traditional Celtic music and dance performances. Kids enjoyed the special seasonal booth where they got to write letters to Santa Claus and receive his reply. [PHOTOS BY

Gidwaniwww.evoqueportraits.com & courtesy of HKR.]

Baljit

Baljit

EXPERIENCING A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS ON ICE

Discovery Bay Ice Rink hosted a sensational figure skating performance, Joyous Christmas on Ice, on December 17 and 18. Over 100 students of the rink’s figure skating school performed alongside their coaches. [PHOTOS

Under 12 Finalists

BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

CAROLLING IN DB PLAZA

There was a brass band at Discovery Bay International School Community Christmas Carols in DB Plaza on December 15, and everyone had fun joining in with the carol singing.

[PHOTOS

BY Raphael Blet]

ST NICHOLAS VISITS IN DB

DB-based One World Spirit Association (OWS) arranged for five St Nicholases to visit 33 DB families on December 4 and 10, delighting 49 children of all nationalities. Eighty-five SEN students at Kwan Fong Kai Chi School also enjoyed a visit from the team on December 22. Providing these Christmas visits is just one of the many ways OWS works to connect people of all backgrounds through cultural exchange. To find out more and make a donation, head to Facebook @DB culture. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWS.]

LANTAU RUNNERS ON THE LANTAU 50 PODIUM

Action Asia Event’s Lantau 50 skyrunning race on December 10 saw participants choose between three gruelling courses, 16km, 27km and 54km. A special shout-out goes to Lantau residents Stella Grasso, who finished first in the women’s 54km ultramarathon and Salomon Wettstein, who finished first in the men’s 54km. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

A Breath of Fresh Air! THE MATHEMATICIAN

Happy to go that extra mile, Henrique Bastos is sharing his love of maths with DB kids and Hongkongers who need it most. Elizabeth Kerr reports

PHOTOS BY Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Henrique Bastos has finally found time to sit down (via Google Meet) for a chat. There’s been a lot of back and forth trying to set up a meeting with a little help from his boss, Karim Arditi at Discovery Bay-based tutoring centre Mathemagic. To be fair, it sounded a bit like Henrique was a child genius; a 10-yearold maths wizard. But he’s actually a 17-year-old Kellett School student on the verge of graduation, very much a young man, whose shaggy light brown hair gives him a Wyatt Russell look. He responds with a mildly sheepish chuckle.

“I look old, I know. Everyone tells me that.”

For the record, Henrique doesn’t look old. He looks like a guy with two “high energy” dogs and a penchant for philanthropy, perhaps not in the form of cash but certainly in the form of mathematical knowledge.

DISCOVERING A PASSION

Brazilian-born, Henrique’s been living in Hong Kong since he was nine years old, when his banker father relocated with the family – there are four Bastos kids. A much-anticipated trip to São Paulo, endlessly postponed due to you-know-what, finally happened this past summer. The vacation included a detour to the UK to scope out universities for next year. And yes. Henrique will be studying mathematics.

“OK, so I’m trying for Cambridge and St Andrews,” he states before rushing to add, “I’m probably not getting in, but I’m going to try.”

When the subject of maths truly comes up, Henrique talks about the beauty of the subject, how amazing it is theoretically and how much he respects it. (This

interviewer is equally awed by maths, doesn’t get a lick of it.) He quickly focuses on the way almost anything can be broken down into a brilliant combination of letters and numbers.

“That’s one of my favourite parts of maths, breaking things down into equations. That’s how you actually understand it,” he explains of discovering his appreciation for the ancient Babylonian art.

As an autodidact, Henrique is quick to acknowledge how intimidating it can be. “I get it. I was like you. I hated maths, I really did. And I was really bad at it,” he says with a chuckle. “There was no point in it. I was only doing what I needed to.” But when Henrique broke his leg badly, age 11, and wound up in hospital for an extended period, he got bored. “So bored I picked up a math book.” The rest, as they say, is history.

SHARING THE LOVE

Henrique claims he simply found the right books to help him along, and once he clocked the concepts there was no looking back. Being as sharp as a tack helps, but he’s sure anyone can pick up maths beyond 2 + 2 is 4.

“I’m sure you would get it,” he states confidently despite never having seen my grades. “And after you develop a passion for it you actually take the time to understand it. No one gets this stuff right away. It’s never too late.”

It’s that passion that led Henrique to Karim’s Mathemagic Higher Math & Science Studies Centre (www.hlmathemagic.com), which was recommended by his Krav coach. Now, he teaches kids as young

as six (and the occasional teen) the fundamentals, even with kids being, well, kids. Their preference for play has him making up games for maths answers, but if it works that’s just fine with him. “There is that satisfaction in being the reason they understand something new,” he says.

And though it’s not an issue he’s faced himself, there’s no way Henrique would teach girls differently from boys, a bugbear of educators worldwide. “It does suck that still happens.”

INSPIRATION FOR 2023

Henrique is also putting his skills to work with celebrated local charity RUN (Rebuild, Unite and Nurture) Hong Kong (www.runhk.org). The family has donated time to charities in the past – his parents did it, his sister volunteers at Mother’s Choice – so when Karim pointed him towards RUN, he took the opportunity.

RUN has been supporting refugees and asylum seekers, particularly women, since 2015 through sport and education as the building blocks for a safe and dignified life. The organisation runs classes rooted in physical activity, but also more practical classes in computer science, English and maths. Enter Henrique.

“This is very different from ‘normal' teaching. When you teach kids, they’re doing it for grades. That’s not wrong, it’s just what it is,” Henrique declares with a grin. “Working with refugees and asylum seekers is entirely different. Everyone is there because they really want to be. They have families to take care of, most are not allowed to work; they have small government budgets to live on and they still show up for class. They ask for homework! I’ve never had anyone ask for homework.”

“It’s amazing and you can see progress,” Henrique adds. “I taught a class that started on multiplication a while back and they’re on binomial expansion now. This led to them asking me about fractional factorials, which was a great excuse to mention my favourite function – the gamma function. Even though they didn’t understand it yet, they were excited to know they would understand it one day. It’s very fulfilling."

A WORD OF ADVICE

Because Henrique makes it all sound so easy, I ask the obvious question: Is there a single piece of advice he can share that might help we who are… not so strong at mathematics figure it out? There is, and that’s easy too: Drop the rote memory work.

“Get back to the basics and make yourself understand them instead of learning formulas,” he says. “Work on mathematical proofs; know why you’re using a formula. Too often we start with exponentials and we don’t even understand what functions are. Or trig? If you don’t understand the proofs, and you’re just taking a teacher’s word for it, you’ll never get it. When it makes

sense, you don’t need to memorise it. That’s it there. Don’t memorise maths.”

The conversation winds down with a rapid-fire listing of Henrique’s favourite maths movies. Good Will Hunting sits at the top, with The Man Who Knew Infinity coming a close second. It takes place at Cambridge, so duh. He adds A Beautiful Mind and then The Imitation Game, which he liked, but as it was mostly about spies and Alan Turing’s troubled life, it wasn’t his favourite.

Henrique has just one lesson today so it’s off to run with the dogs later but, as a parting shot, he recalls the DB photoshoot to go with this interview. Evidently, that was a good time too. Who was the photographer? “Baljit,” he says. “I loved him. He’s great.” Ask Henrique if he’s prepared to be a cover boy and the reply is swift. “No need. I’m sure there are better stories out there.”

Not better but it is the CNY issue, so ultimately the publisher went with a rabbit. Go figure!

HENRIQUE AND KARIM IN DB PLAZA

Every Girl's

Best Friend! DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, David Golibroda , owner of Diamond Experts, invites us into the world of bespoke, custom-made jewellery where we are guaranteed not just the highest quality but a tempting price point too

David Golibroda, Founder and Owner of Diamond Experts, has been helping Romeos and their Juliets choose quality diamonds to be made into bespoke jewellery for over 26 years – eight of those in Hong Kong. Following in the footsteps of his father, a member of the Israeli Diamond Exchange since 1974, David has close contacts at major diamond trading centres worldwide, which means he gets his diamonds directly from source – including a regular supply of fine diamonds in fancy shapes and special fancy colours from Israel’s top diamond manufacture. His mission as a private jeweller? To provide Hong Kong clients with the best stones at a wholesale price, and have them made into stunning pieces of jewellery.

As passionate as he is about the lustre and beauty of fine diamonds – “I love diamonds; they are my life!” – David believes, first and foremost, that they should be accessible to everyone. “We do sell high-end jewellery and very unique and rare fancy-coloured diamonds, as well as big, flawless, investment-grade diamonds,” he says. “But we cater to almost any budget.”

All of Diamond Expert’s diamonds are 100% natural and come with a GIA certification which assures their quality and authenticity. The question is, how does David source these high quality stones at such agreeable prices?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Diamond Experts

“As a member of the Israeli Diamond Exchange, and also a company that is engaged in cutting diamonds and the subsequent wholesale of diamonds, Diamond Experts can guarantee the lowest prices in the market for finished diamonds,” David explains. “Our running costs are much lower than a retail shop and we do not pay for middlemen, so we can stay competitive and attractive on our prices.”

While providing value for money is a priority, David is equally passionate about informing his clients, sharing his 20+ years knowledge of the diamond industry and diamonds, gemstones and jewellery – and dispelling a few myths. “Many people, who spend huge amounts of money on fine diamonds, not only do not have enough knowledge and information but also have many misconceptions about diamonds and the diamond industry. Over the years, I have met many clients who have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars because they believe in those myths,” he says. “This is why, when working with clients, I help them understand all the different certifications and I explain the different cuts, shapes and colours, as well as the advantages, shortages and true value of each diamond. My mission is to guide clients to choose the best diamond for their budget and, most importantly, the diamond that will reflect the most value for their money.”

CHOOSING A FOREVER STONE

So if you’re shopping for an engagement ring in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, what would David recommend? Does it have to be a classic solitaire and is size all-important? “Nowadays everything is acceptable, there are no taboos but, for an engagement ring, I would have to say yes, most people want a solitaire, sometimes with a side stone design too,” he says. “When size is the issue, I recommend clients go for a halo setting or even a double-halo setting, which makes the main diamond look much bigger than it actually is, and gives the ring a more luxurious, blingy look. “A diamond also has to sparkle at its best. So, for a solitaire, many clients prefer 3EX diamonds; for their fancy-shaped diamonds, they prioritise excellent proportions.”

In recent years, with those not opting for a solitaire engagement ring, David has seen a rise in demand for oval-shaped and emerald-cut diamonds. “These elongated cuts compliment a women’s hand and give it a more slender, elegant look,” he says.

Of course, many couples come to Diamond Experts with heirloom engagement rings that they

would like to see reinvented, and this is another area in which David’s team of inhouse designers specialise. “We help clients to re-set existing rings of all kinds, as well as upgrade them or redesign them,” he says. “Our signature removable halo ring jacket is a best seller, it can be custom manufactured and adjusted to upgrade almost any ring design, making it more luxurious while also protecting the main diamond set in it.”

When it comes down to it, David is in the business of making dreams comes true by sharing not just his knowledge about diamonds but also his passion for them. “I love and adore diamonds,” he says. “When I see a beautiful diamond, I get excited each time, like an artist admiring a piece of art.”

And so to the burning question, should you choose an engagement ring for your future spouse, or should she/ he be consulted in the selection process? While David says he has seen both approaches work wonderfully and that it really is something for the individual couple to decide, he admits to sticking with tradition for his own engagement.

“I am old school, a very romantic soul, so when I proposed I did it as a surprise and did not consult with my wife. But I did ask her best girlfriend to snoop around and find out her preferred ring style and diamond shape. From there, I designed a very beautiful ring that she absolutely (lucky me) loved and, of course, she said, ‘Yes!’”

Diamond Experts is based in Queen’s Road Central. To find out more or book an appointment, call 9881 8770, email diamondexpertshk@gmail.com, or visit www.diamondexpertshk.com.

MAGIC IS FOR EVERYONE

On December 3, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) marked the 30th anniversary of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with an inclusive ‘Wondrous Dancing for All’ cavalcade down Main Street U.S.A. The event was part of a special programme for more than 1,000 invited guests, aimed at showcasing HKDL’s continued commitment to maintaining and enhancing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

“At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we believe magic is for everyone,” said Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “We will continue to work closely with our valued community organisations on this journey of fostering inclusivity and developing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as a place where people of all abilities can shine. I am incredibly excited and proud of our commitment to support the development of inclusion initiatives at our worldclass resort.”

Joining the IDPD ceremony as guests of honour were Ricky Chu, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Chua Hoi-wai, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Council of Social Service and Benny Cheung, Chairperson of Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities.

After the opening ceremony at the Castle of Magical Dreams, it was time for the ‘Wondrous Dancing for All’ cavalcade. Specially put together by the resort’s Entertainment & Costuming team, the parade featured more than 100 talented participants of all abilities. Among those performing alongside HKDL

cast members and Disney VoluntEARs were a group of wheelchair dancers from Hong Kong Wheelchair Dance Sport Association, wheelchair basketball players from Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, a Taekwondo team from Spastics Association of Hong Kong and a group of people with hearing impairments from Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong.

Kitty Hui, a wheelchair basketball player from Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, said: “It was a very nice opportunity to be a cavalcade performer, especially during this celebratory event for the 30th anniversary of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Hong Kong Disneyland is promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities.”

While IDPD is only one day in a year, HKDL places a strong, year-round focus on inclusion and has won a spot on the Hong Kong Council of Social Services’ List of Barrier-Free Companies for its achievements in accessibility. HKDL has also collaborated with community organisations to provide a ‘Barrier-Free Ambassadors Training Programme’ for the resort’s cast members to help them better understand the needs of guests with disabilities and how best to assist them.

In order to support the community and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of IDPD, HKDL is donating more than 10,000 park tickets to people with disabilities for a second year through Hong Kong Council of Social Service and Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities. To find out more, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

REPORTING BY Raphael Blet

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash & Wikimedia Commons

iving in such a multicultural city, we get to celebrate both Chinese and Western festivals, and this means many public holidays – 17 in total. We are fortunate in this because we are less blessed in terms of annual leave, which for most of us starts at just seven days. Many employers have a more enlightened attitude but, by law, the most paid leave we can expect per year is 14 days, and that only kicks in once we’ve been with the same company, on a continuous contract, for nine years.

This gives us plenty of time to work hard certainly, but what if we want to play hard too? The solution is actually pretty simple – plan trips around Hong Kong’s wealth of public holidays. The trick is to maximise your travel time, while minimising the impact on your valuable annual leave… and here’s your guide to doing just that in 2023.

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR

If you’re on the ball, you’ll have already booked a full nine-day Chinese New Year holiday, using only two days of your annual leave. January 22 to 25 (Sunday through Wednesday) are public holidays, so by taking the Thursday and Friday off, you’ll have a generous amount of time to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit.

If you’re thinking big ticket, Europe, Amsterdam could be where you’re headed this CNY. A 12-hour direct flight from Hong Kong, the Dutch capital is known for its narrow, gabled houses; elaborate canal system; bike paths; art museums (the Van Gogh Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of paintings by Zundert-born Vincent), and, well, nightlife. To get a feel for the ‘real’ Amsterdam, head to the Albert Cuypmarkt, where locals shop for bike locks, fresh flowers, herring sandwiches and, of course, Dutch beer and cheese.

HONG KONG PUBLIC

January

January

January

January

April

April

April

April

May

May

June

July

September

October

Arrive before January 22, and you’ll be in time to catch the Amsterdam Light Festival; an open-air light museum curated by big-name, international artists, designers and architects. Interested in Amsterdam’s favourite herb? Visit non-profit Cannabis College to get educated about coffee-shop etiquette and browse hemp-made products.

CHING MING FESTIVAL AND EASTER

This year, Ching Ming Festival falls on April 5 (Wednesday), closely followed by Good Friday on April 7 and Easter Monday on April 10. Take one day off (April 6) and you’ll get yourself a crafty fiveday escape.

Is Singapore calling? Five days will give you plenty of to time to explore the Lion City and the experience starts right upon landing at Changi Airport, a destination in itself. Once you collect your luggage, follow signs to Jewel Changi, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, Rain Vortex. There is also a 14,000 square-metre Canopy Park with a botanical garden and attractions for kids.

Swimming in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, having a Singapore Sling at Raffles’ Long Bar, taking a night safari at Singapore Zoo, exploring Gardens by the Bay, shopping on Orchard Road, the list of things to see and do in Singapore really is endless. And of course, there’s all the cultural diversity to

explore in Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. You’ll be visiting at Ramadan (March 22 to April 20), so the Malay neighbourhoods will be in celebration mode once the sun sets. Head to Kampong Glam for the night bazaars, mosques, carpet shops and spicy Malay cuisine.

TUEN NG FESTIVAL

Tuen Ng Festival falls on June 22 this year (a Thursday), so you may well want to take the Friday and Monday off work, for a well-earned five-day break. How about a steamy, 30˚C beach holiday? Head to Hua Hin, simply because you can.

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok, on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is known for its long, wide, white-sand beaches and warm waters that are safe for swimming. This is your invitation to spend a balmy couple of days beachhopping – in addition to Hua Hin Beach itself, check out Khao Takiab, Suan Son Pradiphat, Khao Tao and Cha Am.

As one of the oldest and most affluent holiday resorts in Thailand, complete with summer palaces built by Kings Rama VI and VII, Hua Hin is the perfect getaway for families, and it’s a lot easier to access from Bangkok than the southern islands. Hua Hin’s ambience continues to get more cosmopolitan with excellent golf courses, child-friendly water parks and a wide range of tempting places to stay.

FIRST STOP IN THE LION CITY? JEWEL CHANGI

BEACH HOP IN HUA HIN AT TUEN NG

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LITTLE INDIA AT CHING MING

OCTOBER MINIBREAKS

Now, assuming you save three days of your precious annual leave for a long Christmas vacation (more on that later), you may still have a couple of days leave to play with, setting you up for a tasty fourday minibreak or two. You could take these in May, tagged on to the May 1 Labour Day public holiday, which falls on a Monday, or The Buddha’s Birthday, May 26, a Friday. But assuming you’re heading overseas in June, at Tuen Ng, you’ll likely want to wait until October when two public holidays –National Day, October 2 and Chung Yeung Festival, October 23 – neatly fall on a Monday. Macau is always the right place for a minibreak, but if you’ve got four days, Hanoi, just a two-hour direct flight from Hong Kong, might be the right fit. The charming Vietnamese capital is compact and easy to navigate, meaning you can cram a lot of sightseeing into a short space of time. Landing in Noi Bai Airport, hop in a cab and head straight to the historical city centre, where you’ll find most of the major sites within walking distance. Its tree-lined boulevards, elegant squares and cobbled lanes are packed with French-built colonial buildings and ancient temples, but also bustling markets, cafés and hawker stalls.

When in Hanoi there are a couple of things you simply have to do: Explore the French colonial Old Quarter; visit St Joseph Cathedral, often likened to Paris’ Notre Dame; take a walk around picture-perfect Hoan Kiem Lake; drink bai hoi, reportedly the world’s cheapest beer and eat (a lot of) street food.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

This year’s Christmas holidays fall on December 25 (Monday) and 26 (Tuesday), which means you can get yourself a full nine days off by taking just three days annual leave – better, add one or two days’ unpaid leave and you can jingle all the way through to 2024.

If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, 2023 may be your year to head to Whistler, the largest skiable area in North America with over 200 runs. Encompassing more than 8,000 acres over two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, it’s a paradise for adventure sport lovers all year round but thanks to roughly 12 metres of annual snowfall, Whistler exists because of skiing. While beginners are well-catered to on the bunny hills, there are 20 double black diamond runs (plus heli-skiing options) for adrenalin junkies.

Picturesque, chalet-style Whistler Village comes into its own in the winter season and there are varied accommodation options including ski-in, ski-out resorts. Compact and fully pedestrianised, it’s easy to get around with great shops, restaurants and après-ski. Happy holidays 2023!

STEP BACK IN TIME IN HANOI IN OCTOBER

SPEND CHRISTMAS ON THE SLOPES AT WHISTLER

EAT VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD

Category 1 - Primary School Students Shortlisted Entrants

Carla Roumi (Aged 7) French International School 1

Isabelle Rose Green (Aged 8) Catholic Mission School

Chan Lap Kiu (Aged 6) S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School 9

Tsai Yu Ching (Aged 11) S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School 10

Ata Ruzgar Kocar (Aged 9) Discovery Bay International School 3

Iyer Meera Venkatraman (Aged 8) Discovery Bay International School 7

Lau Chun Yin (Aged 6) S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School 6

Zhang Zhi Cheng (Aged 11) S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School 5

Erin Hsin Clarke (Aged 8) Catholic Mission School 2

Chen Ka Yan (Aged 7) S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School 8

Shortlisted Entrants

Category 2 - Secondary School Students

Vote for the Winners

Scan tovote!

FROM JANUARY 1-15 ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @AROUND DB

Tasked with creating the perfect rabbit-themed CNY artwork , primary and secondary school students living/ studying in DB have created fantastic art pieces for the DB Chinese New Year Drawing Competition 2023!

You can cast your vote from January 1 to 15 on Facebook and Instagram @Around DB Thanks to a huge amount of interest and support from DB schools, we have 10 shortlisted entrants in the primary school category, three in the secondary school category. You can view photos of the entrants and more of their submissions on Facebook and Instagram @Around DB.

The three finalists with the highest number of votes in each category will win book vouchers worth:

Winner: HK$1,500 1st runner-up: HK$1,000 2nd runner-up: HK$800

The results will be announced on January 18 on Facebook and Instagram @Around DB. Photos of the finalists in each category, and their drawings, will be published in the February issue of Around DB To find out more, visit www.arounddb.com

Love.Together@DB is a community-caring platform initiated by Hong Kong Resort Company dedicated to serving the Discovery Bay community. The platform has been supporting and coorganising diversified corporate social responsibility initiatives with NGO’s, community leaders and volunteers to promote the loving and caring culture in the sustainable and multicultural DB community.

Mina Hiu Yuet Kung (Aged 12)

Discovery College

Tyler Maxwell Guy (Aged 11) Discovery Bay International School 2

Maria Kim (Aged 15) Discovery College 3

A Little Bit of Trivia! CHINESE NEW YEAR QUIZ

This year, we celebrate CNY from January 21 to 25. How much do you know about Hong Kong’s favourite holiday?

COURTESY OF Pexels

1. What is CNY also known as?

A. Chinese Lunar New Year

B. Dongzhi Festival

C. Birthday of Che Kung

2. Why does its date vary from year to year?

A. It’s based on the Gregorian calendar

B. It’s based on the lunar calendar C. It’s up to the National People’s Congress

3. Which season is CNY associated with?

A. Winter B. Spring C. Summer

4. In the Chinese zodiac, what does each year have as its symbol?

A. An animal

B. A plant

C. A Taoist deity

5. CNY 2023 is the year of the what?

A. Tiger B. Rabbit C. Dog

PHOTOS

6. Which of the following is not a Chinese zodiac animal?

A. Horse B. Dragon C. Phoenix

7. What do we wear at CNY?

A. Gold and white B. Red and white C. Red and gold

8. What is lai see?

A. A wish for good luck B. A bribe C. A bonus 9. Who should not give lai see?

A. Pregnant women B. Children C. Employers

10. Why are lion dances performed?

A. To bring prosperity and banish evil B. To honour our ancestors C. To showcase the dancers’ talent 11. What do we do on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve?

A. Go out with friends B. Get together with family C. Stay home in small groups

12. Which game do we play at CNY?

A. Solitaire B. Mahjong C. Poker 13. Why do we eat steamed fish?

A. It symbolises surplus and wealth B. It symbolises family unity C. It symbolises career success

14. Why do we set out candy trays?

A. For children’s enjoyment

B. To help guests gain weight C. To get CNY off to a sweet start

15. What do we do to free ourselves of bad luck before CNY?

A. Clean the house B. Donate to charity C. Wash in salt water

16. What must we avoid doing over CNY?

A. Using scissors and knives B. Working, cooking and cleaning C. All of the above

17. Why do we visit Lam Tsuen at CNY?

A. To swim in the river

B. To visit the Tin Hau Temple C. To make wishes at the Wishing Tree

18. Why do we buy live potted plants?

A. They symbolise growth and fresh starts B. They symbolise fertility C. They improve air quality

19. What are orchids associated with?

A. Romantic love B. Refinement and luxury C. Wealth

20. What takes place on the fifteenth day of CNY?

A. Lantern Festival B. Double Seven Festival C. Ching Ming Festival

You can check your score at www.arounddb.com/across-hongkong/chinese-new-year-quiz.

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Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Bouncy gift ideas to help you ring in the Year of the Rabbit

TERRACOTTA SITTING BUNNY, HK$395, TREE.COM.HK

MY FIRST CHINESE NEW YEAR, BY KAREN KATZ, HK$70, BOOKAZINE.COM.HK

BIODEGRADABLE RABBIT & BEAR NAPPIES (34 PIECES), HK$170, SLOWOOD.HK

YOU+MORE! BUNNY CUSHION (1 PIECE), HK$221.20, ILOVERABBIT.COM

GIFT CARD, HK$500, LKFCONCEPTS.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

It takes a village to rear a child (or it used to) and one of the biggest parenting trends coming out of the lockdown years is an acknowledgement of this. The pandemic has taught us that we can do it on our own but quite frankly we’d rather not. 2023 is going to see us reaching out and expanding our family circle, whether that’s by spending more time with grandparents, aunts and cousins or introducing our kids to our wider network of friends.

Of course, it’s a long time since the definition of ‘family’ was limited to the traditional father, mother, child model. Once diverse forms of parenting –single parents, same-sex parents, couples who’ve had kids late in life, and families where the father is the primary caregiver – are now increasingly the norm. The bottom line is that we can parent in our own way and, coming into the new year, we feel empowered to do so.

Research shows that parents who experience the most satisfaction from their role align their parenting decisions with their personal passions, values and beliefs. Being a parent doesn’t have to mean giving up our identity, and many parents are working out how to create families that are an accurate reflection of their own uniqueness.

IN: #METOO PARENTING

As the world becomes increasingly chaotic and fast-changing, parents are recognising the importance of having two-way exchanges – regular, meaningful dialogue – with their children. Casually instigated parent-child conversations are a means to impact on children’s behaviour and thinking, while strengthening relationships. Intimate and farranging discussions around the dining table are again becoming central to family life.

Parents are intent on creating safe spaces for children to talk about sensitive topics at home rather than in online chat rooms. Unfiltered conversations like these can cover everything from body image, self-esteem and gender to mental health. The #MeToo movement has provided us with plenty to talk about; we want our children to be feminist, body-confident, compassionate and respectful, regardless of their gender. As parents in a post-Harvey Weinstein world, teaching kids about consent remains a priority.

There is a building trend for parents to be more open to their children’s opinions, thoughts and feelings. Where our parents used harsh words and even the occasional slap to drive a point home or ‘educate’ us, we want to take the time to understand our kids and help them understand us.

To this end, authoritative parenting remains a buzzword going into 2023, with parents aiming

to be flexible and democratic… without being total pushovers. Authoritative parents listen to their children and are prepared to adapt based on their opinions. Importantly though, they place limits on their children’s behaviour and provide fair and consistent discipline when rules are broken. After all, it’s fine to have high expectations for our children, as long as we provide them with the resources, boundaries and emotional support they need to succeed.

Conversely, another approach that’s picking up steam going into 2023 is that it’s OK for children to ‘fail.’ In Hong Kong, we live in a results-orientated society and traditionally, the pressure on children to succeed from a very young age has been immense. But more and more parents are accepting that the concept of failure is a positive part of learning, and that facing challenges ultimately increases children’s knowledge and skills, helps build selfesteem and aids problem solving.

IN: TECHNOLOGY USE

Not all of you are going to like this but the word is that 2023 is the year in which parents finally accept technology as a central part of children’s lives. We’ve spent so long worrying about tech addiction; we’ve tried and failed to limit children’s screentime, and the consensus now is that we were backing the wrong horse.

We have learnt that technology can play an essential role in our children’s education. We saw this during lockdown when online learning became the ‘new normal’ and since then, the use of technology for

WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BE FEMINIST, BODY-CONFIDENT, COMPASSIONATE AND RESPECTFUL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER

educational purposes has surged both at school and at home. What’s more, many of us gave our children unlimited access to their tablets and smartphones when they were stuck at home… and they survived the experience.

No doubt, we need to continue to make daily decisions about how much screen- and gadgettime we allow our children, and of what content. But the heat is off. The same restraint that permits two sweets but not the whole pack, or two glasses of wine but not the whole bottle can be applied to devices. Technological advancements are happening all the time, all around us, and our kids need access to this world just as much as we do.

When it comes down to it, parenting today plays out very much in the public domain. An increasing number of us write Mummy and Daddy blogs, and almost all of us document our children’s lives somewhere on social media. Predictions for 2023 also see more of us shelving our parenting books and looking to online discussion groups for handson tips and advice from other parents.

Even more than Facebook or Instagram, online discussion groups and dedicated parenting apps can provide parents with a very real sense of joy and connection. Chances are that whatever parenting struggle you’re dealing with, someone else is going through it too. And there are some incredible parenting hacks to pick up on. There’s also plenty of fun to be had, as users openly share their day-to-day experiences, including their most embarrassing, weird and downright hysterical parenting moments – the one’s we can all relate to. Not all social-media platforms are about curating a ‘picture-perfect’ identity; the most useful, like

TikTok (when we had access to it), are firmly rooted in reality, and full of users who are refreshingly vulnerable and open.

IN: MORE VEGETABLES...

More positives: 2023 could be the year your picky eater gets a lot more adventurous. With kids placing a high priority on personal health and the health of the planet, protein replacements and vegetarian options are becoming their diet of choice. Now’s the time to perfect those veggie burgers and your Watermelon Edamame Poke.

But let’s say, your child is not with the programme. From tears and tantrums to flat-out refusal, many of us have been through the ringer trying to get kids to swallow even a piece of lettuce. Happily, all that came to an end in January last year when one woman on, you guessed it, TikTok shared a clever, fuss-free way to encourage kids to eat their veggies.

In case you missed the post, here’s a quick summary. Simply put, you don’t ask your children to eat veggies – you trick them into it. Chat to your kids while munching on a bowl of chopped red peppers. Then before you leave the room, casually pass them a slice and watch them take it from you without thinking. Job done!

This useful hack gained a lot of attention online, attracting 2.8 million views within a month of posting. One TikTok user, SwedishSwan, wrote: “It’s a scientific fact that food tastes better out of your mum’s hands or off her plate.” She got that right! Some things never change; parenting trends, well, they come and go.

CONSIDERING BOARDING OPTIONS IN THE UK?

Located in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in the heart of the New Forest, Forres Sandle Manor (FSM) and its surrounding 35 acres provide girls and boys aged two to 13 (16, starting 2024) with a quintessential British education in a multicultural setting.

“Despite all the global changes in the past few years, the demand from families living overseas to send their children to live and study in UK independent schools has remained as strong as ever,” Headmaster Mark Howe opens. “Year on year at FSM, we are seeing an increase in the number of such applications.”

One such student is Ethan, a DB resident, who boarded at FSM from September 2021 to July 2022. “I chose FSM and schooling in England because I got to learn many languages, like French and Spanish,” Ethan says. “I loved the lessons on offer, including subjects I didn’t have in Hong Kong such as History, Latin, Geography and Design Technology.”

Academic excellence is paramount at FSM, with families attracted by the outstanding teachers, broad curriculum and small classes – the current average is 12. “Small classes ensure every teacher is able to have one-to-one conversations with every pupil in each lesson, thereby maximising their progress,” Mark explains. “For those for whom English is not their first language, we create a personalised curriculum, which can include one-toone or small group English tuition where needed.”

FSM also prides itself on providing a tremendous range of extra-curricular opportunities for pupils including music, drama, art and sport. Ethan’s favourite ‘after-school’ classes were archery, table tennis, swimming and cookery.

Ethan is eager to reassure prospective boarders that they will quickly feel at home at FSM. “I didn’t feel homesick as I was kept busy with lessons, homework, sports matches and the activities. I didn’t feel any cultural differences because I was included from day one. I was also assigned a buddy to take me around and make sure I didn’t get lost.”

In welcoming children from overseas, Mark makes

it a priority that they feel safe, happy and well looked after. “We have seven staff who live in our boarding house to make sure that all our boarders (some of whom are as young as eight years old) are well cared for at all times.

“While being a secure site, deep in the New Forest, our campus is well connected to all areas of Southern England and several major airports,” Mark adds. “FSM is under two hours from Heathrow where we can organise the collection and drop off of pupils using our security checked drivers.”

“There may be 6,000 miles between Hong Kong and FSM but as a parent, you will feel so close. If you are looking for a place where happy, confident children succeed, we may be the school for you,” concludes Kate Chantry, FSM’s DB-based APAC Admissions Manager, adding that most FSM pupils transition to leading UK schools like Canford, Bryanston and Millfield. Ethan now attends prestigious Warminster School in Wiltshire, which was founded in 1707.

For more on Forres Sandle Manor, visit www.fsmschool.com or email the school’s APAC Admissions Manager Kate Chantry at fsmapacenquiries@aol.com.

The Headmaster and a former pupil, Ethan – a DB resident –discuss the benefits of boarding at Forres Sandle Manor

PARENTAL RIGHTS OF UNMARRIED FATHERS IN HONG KONG

COURTESY OF Withers

Jocelyn Tsao , partner in the divorce and family team at Withers, outlines what you need to know

These days, the practice of cohabitation and having children prior to marriage has become increasingly common. What unmarried fathers may not know is that there is no legal presumption of paternity when their child is born outside of marriage. Fathers in that situation can find themselves at a disadvantage if the relationship turns sour and the mother decides to leave with the child and relocate to another country.

As the law currently stands, an unmarried father does not have the same legal rights as the mother. To have equal legal rights, he needs to make an application to the court for an order that deems he is the father and entitles him to parental rights (known as Section 3 Declaration, under the Guardianship of Minors Ordinance). There are a few reasons for the discrepancy, mostly due to the varying reasons for children being born out of wedlock ranging from an unintentional birth to a fully committed family arrangement. With more people choosing not to marry and to have a family, there are more cases which fall into the second category, making it patently unfair for the father not to have any legal rights to his child.

Parental rights include custody rights – the right to be consulted over the important decisions in a child’s life, for example which school he goes to, where he lives, what religion he identifies with, what medical decisions can be made on his behalf, etc.

The common problematic scenario happens when the relationship breaks down and the mother decides to leave Hong Kong without consulting the father. When the father has legal rights to his child, he can invoke the Hague Convention on international child abduction to immediately secure the return of his child through cooperation between the central authorities of the relevant countries. However, for unmarried fathers who did not apply for a Section 3 Declaration, invoking the Hague Convention

is difficult or impossible. In this situation, the unmarried father can apply to the local court of the child’s habitual residence to secure a return order, but he may face difficulties, particularly with enforcement.

Where there is clearly a stable relationship between the father and the child, the court will almost certainly grant a Section 3 Declaration. The court will consider factors like the degree of commitment which the father has shown towards the child; the degree of attachment which exists between the father and the child; and the reasons of the father applying for the order.

However, the fact that the unmarried father does not have formal legal rights does not give unmarried mothers carte blanche to ignore the father’s rights and take their child away without his consent. This kind of conduct will not only be frowned upon by court, there will be repercussions.

Withers’ teams of family and matrimonial lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with Hong Kong family law. For enquiries, contact Jocelyn Tsao, partner in the divorce and family team, at Jocelyn.Tsao@withersworldwide.com.

Withers, 30/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, 3711 1600, www.withersworldwide.com

PHOTOS

Hope Springs E ternal! FUN AND GAMES

ILLUSTRATION BY Sarin Ale

Ray Au outlines what we can expect from 2023, the Year of the Water Rabbit

brings with it the moon goddess’ protection, so we can expect good things – harmony in our relationships, money in our pockets and good health. 2023 looks set to be a peaceful, constructive year in which we will make the right decisions with regard to personal relationships, career developments and, on a larger scale, the world around us.

THE RABBIT’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE

In predicting what 2023 will bring, we need to take a good look at the Rabbit’s characteristics. First and foremost, we know him to be patient and empathic, responsible and intellectual. Skilful and quickthinking, the Rabbit is also well-grounded, so, in 2023, we can expect life to get back on a more even and rational keel.

Rabbit years, like 2023, are all about gentleness, kindness and positivity – very different from 2022’s tumultuous, tantrum-throwing Year of the Tiger. The Rabbit will calm those who are too impulsive, while bringing those with their heads in the clouds back down to earth.

Importantly too, the Rabbit is optimistic and persevering, happy to work hard to get things done. When encountering obstacles, the Rabbit gets calm, cautious and decisive; he digs in his heels to get problems solved. This is why, assuming we pause to think before we act in 2023, we will manage to achieve much that is worthwhile.

Chang’e and the Rabbit have our backs in 2023, so we can look forward to a return to harmony and balance in all aspects of life – and to having a little welldeserved fun. The Rabbit is friendly and outgoing, so 2023 looks set to be a socially active year for all of us. We are well advised to follow our passions and make time for activities that make us feel good.

HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS

AThe Year of the Rabbit 2023 is under the influence of the Water element, which bodes well for our health. Water is an extremely powerful natural force. It’s the strongest element – even stronger than fire –because it can go around any obstacle in its path. Empowered by the Water Rabbit, most of us will enjoy good health in 2023.

Out of all of the Chinese zodiac elements, Water has the greatest connection to the emotions – to sensitivity, empathy and falling in love. What’s more, we know the Rabbit to be gentle, kind and empathic. It follows therefore that 2023 will be a positive year for relationships. We can expect to meet people with whom we will establish close partnerships (friendships, romances, work collaborations) and who will have a beneficial influence on our family or business interests.

One word of caution: While the Rabbit is loyal and dependable, he has a tendency to be secretive and introspective. This means that all of us will need to make a special effort to communicate constructively and well in 2023. It’s time to share our thoughts and feelings, to empathise and be generous with our time and hearts. By making an effort with this, married couples and those in long-term relationships can find their feelings intensified in a Rabbit Year.

With the moon goddess smiling down, 2023 also promises to be a lucky year for those who are single and ready for romance – watch out for your soulmate in June, July and November. And it’s a good year to have a baby. The Chinese zodiac affects birth rates on a national scale and baby-making isn’t restricted to the flashy, power-hungry Dragon, Tiger and Horse years. People who choose to give birth in a Rabbit Year want their offspring to be outgoing and high achieving, but also easy-going and contented. Just like the Rabbit.

MONEY AND WORK

The Rabbit is cautious and shrewd, good with money, which means we can expect a rewarding 2023 as far as our finances are concerned. Cash flow should be ample, and we can hope to recover earnings lost during the pandemic.

The Rabbit’s motto is ‘work smarter, not harder.’ Follow his lead and you will be able to make money in 2023, while finding time to play too. And don’t be fooled by the Rabbit’s quiet, unassuming demeanour, he is rightfully known for his ambition and tenacity. He placed fourth in the Great Race after all, beating eight of the other zodiac animals to the other side of the river by jumping across it on stepping stones. 2023 is therefore your year to go all out and attempt the ‘impossible.’ When encountering difficulties, take a leaf out of the Rabbit’s book – persevere and stay hopeful and optimistic. Effort, commitment and determination will get you far in a Rabbit Year, as will the ability to focus on the task in hand.

It’s inadvisable to implement big career changes in a Rabbit Year but, if you are an employee, your chances of promotion and salary increase are high, particularly if you have a male boss. 2023 looks set to be a great year for loyal employees, who will be amply rewarded for their hard work, creativity and dependability.

LUCK AND COMPATIBILITY

How we will fare in the Year of the Rabbit also depends on the year we were born – on how well our ‘birth animal’ gets on with the Rabbit. The Chinese zodiac animals most compatible with the Rabbit are the Ram, Dog and Pig, which is fantastic news for all Rams,

RABBIT YEARS, LIKE

2023,

ARE ALL ABOUT GENTLENESS AND POSITIVITY –VERY DIFFERENT FROM 2022’S TUMULTUOUS, TANTRUM-THROWING YEAR OF THE TIGER

Dogs and Pigs heading into 2023. The Ram’s idealism, Dog’s empathy and Pig’s happy-go-lucky nature all vibe well with the sharing, caring Rabbit.

Oxen and Snakes should do well in 2023, since they also have a lot in common with the Rabbit. The Ox’s pragmatism and love of routine appeals to the downto-earth Rabbit; the Snake’s reserved nature gels with his secretive, introspective side. Tigers, Dragons, Horses and Monkeys can also expect a good year, as long they can find a way to keep their limelightseeking exuberance in check.

Unfortunately, Rat and Rooster energy sits less comfortably with the Rabbit. The Rat’s materialism and irresponsibility rankles, as does the Rooster’s quarrelsome, in-your-face approach to problem solving. Rats and Roosters should therefore prepare for a bumpy 2023, with some power struggles and financial challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, those born in a Rabbit year are not in as bouncy a position as you might think. According to Chinese astrology, we offend the Tai Sui gods in a year that is governed by our birth animal, meaning we can expect many challenges and unexpected changes. In 2023, Rabbits are advised to tread with caution, and invest in some feng shui remedies. Encourage the Rabbit in your life to carry a lucky dog trinket… and wear red underwear. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Olympic Medals About

Established in 1975, Harry Wright International is the Premier Swim School in Hong Kong

Wright International’s performance is based on results. From tiny tots to top international talent, we have trained many top local Asian and International swimmers with a third of National records held by current and past Harry Wright Swimmers.

Harry Wright International’s performance is based on results. From tiny tots to top international talent, we have trained many top local Asian and International swimmers with a third of National records held by current and past Harry Wright Swimmers.

Siobhan Haughey

Tokyo Olympics 2020

Women 200m Freestyle Silver Medal

Women 100m Freestyle Silver Medal

Anthony Moss

Seoul Olympics 1988 Men 200m Butterfly Bronze Medal

Because You Can! ANIMAL PLANET

Visit somewhere utterly wild in 2023!

FEW PLACES ARE NOW SO REMOTE that they cannot be reached on a wildlife holiday, meaning there are endless exciting and responsibly run vacation options for those in search of a little animal magic. All the locations listed here give you the unbeatable opportunity to watch animals feeding, playing and interacting in their natural habitat.

BIRD WATCHING IN ECUADOR.

The Chocó Rainforest of north-western Ecuador lies three hours outside of the capital city, Quito. Recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet, the forest is home to over 900 bird species and 350 different varieties of reptile, many of which are indigenous only to this region.

GORILLA TRACKING IN

RWANDA. High in the misty mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you find endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Under the guidance of experienced trackers, it’s possible to observe these fascinating creatures – the world’s largest primate – going about their daily lives, undisturbed.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels

TRACK BEARS IN ALASKA.

A land of ice and snow, but also one of clear blue lakes and lush green mountains, Alaska is a true adventure destination. Head to the hills outside of Anchorage to enjoy a wilderness camping trip under starry skies, track grizzly bears with an expert guide and spot migrating whales from a kayak.

SWIM WITH JELLYFISH IN

PALAU. Located on Eil Malk Island, 12,000-year-old Jellyfish Lake has provided the perfect conditions for a remarkable evolutionary quirk to occur. The lake’s millions of golden and moon jellyfish have no natural predators, which means they have evolved without their characteristic sting.

SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Madikwe, South Africa’s fifth largest game reserve, is ideal if you’re hoping to see The Big Five without the Kruger crowds. The reserve is home to some 66 species that include elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, zebra and kudu, plus over 300 varieties of bird. Madikwe’s malariafree status makes it an ideal destination for families.

ANTARCTICA. Among the stringent rules aimed at protecting the wildlife in Antarctica is the stipulation that visitors are not to get closer than five metres to the penguins and other animals. But the penguins don’t know about the rule, so if you stand still, they will often come right up to you.

HANG WITH PENGUINS IN

Inspirational

soups

Peel and roughly chop the vegetables. Place in a large pan with the bay leaf and caraway seeds. Cover with vegetable stock. Bring to a rapid boil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about one hour or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf and liquidise the soup until smooth, adding more vegetable stock as desired. Pass the soup through a medium sieve.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reheat gently, do not allow to boil, serve with sour cream and warm rolls.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

Serves 4

50g butter

1tbsp olive oil

1kg onions, halved and thinly sliced 1tsp sugar

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2tbsp plain flour

250ml dry white wine

1.3l hot beef stock

4-8 slices baguette 140g Gruyère, finely grated

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onions and fry with the lid on for 10 minutes until soft. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelised. Add the garlic cloves for the final few minutes of the onions’ cooking time, then sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well. Increase the heat and keep stirring as you gradually add the wine, followed by the hot beef stock. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

To serve, turn on the grill, and toast the bread. Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls. Put a slice or two of toast on top of the bowls of soup, and pile on the Gruyère. Grill until melted.

For further enquiries on details of our packages, please contact our publisher, Philip Jay, at philip@baymedia.com.hk.

PHOTOS BY Baljit Gidwaniwww.evoqueportraits.com

The Rink All Day Lounge

Located in DB Plaza Extension, the The Rink All Day Lounge specialises in international cuisine with a Mediterranean influence, offering guests a superior dining experience. To reserve a table, call 3709 6451.

Tree

Harvey Law Group

Discovery Montessori

MELODIES FROM UP ABOVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF Unsplash

Classical and contemporary composers have said they feel music is drifting around in the firmament waiting to be discovered. In other words, music already exists and needs only a conduit. If there’s a God at work here, my slothful self is disappointed; I could use the royalties.

The great John Denver said Annie’s Song fluttered into him on an Aspen ski lift, while another hit landed while horseback riding in the Rockies. He wrote both in minutes. No effort, just ‘Hey, here’s a hit song if you can find a few minutes to scribble it down.’ At age 21, Paul McCartney awoke one morning with a tune driving him crazy; he couldn’t place it. Days later he realised he’d written Yesterday in his sleep. With over 2,200 cover versions, Yesterday has been voted the number one pop song of all time. Another fortune made for hanging around doing nothing.

For Lennon and McCartney, the atmosphere was thick with money-making tunes. Sammy Cahn was even more prolific, with dozens of standards and an astronomical 31 Academy Award nominations. A Hollywood director hurriedly asked Cahn and cowriter Julie Stein for a song for his film Three Coins in the Fountain . It took them a couple of minutes and hearing it today that’s all it was worth. It became a number one hit.

Cahn was one of a string of Jewish composers who wrote hundreds of The Great American Songbook. Cahn said, “I don’t write songs, they write me. Do you think I wander around all day thinking I must write a song called Three Coins in the Fountain? Only an idiot would do that.” Of the genius Jewish composer, Irving Berlin, he said, “If a man in a lifetime can point

to six songs that are immediately identifiable, he has achieved something. Irving Berlin has 60.” Religion is no barrier. Eleven of the top Christmas songs have Jewish composers, including Berlin’s iconic White Christmas Bing Crosby’s original has sold 50 million copies.

For sheer speed, the Beastie Boys 1986 hit (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) was knocked off in five minutes, which is laudable provided I don’t have to listen to it. The Rolling Stones’ (I can’t get no) Satisfaction took a ponderous 20 minutes, and had it been two minutes I wouldn’t be shocked. Ten-minute songs: Lady Gaga’s Just Dance , Adele’s Skyfall for the Bond movie, REM’s Losing My Religion, and U2’s 40 (as they were being kicked out of a recording studio in 1983 for overstaying). On the slow side, Bob Dylan took two years to write Tangled Up in Blue.

But winner of the most glacially slow, tedious, and musically moronic piece ever dragged down from the heavens is… the John Cage classical composition Organ2/ ASLSP (as slow as possible). Cage died in 1992, and was surely taking the piss. He must be rolling around in hysterics as the good and pedantically demented burghers of St Burchardi Church in Halberstadt, Germany, have taken him at his word. They played the first chord on September 5, 2001 and have found a way to keep the organ bleating out one dreary note every few years. This riveting show is scheduled to end on September 5, 2640. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get no satisfaction.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

ADELE’S SKYFALL TOOK JUST 10 MINUTES TO WRITE

Still flummoxed by the popularity of Auld Lang Syne and why we sing it at New Year, Peter Sherwood reveals how easy it is to write a hit song