Around DB June 2023

Pascucci is not only synonymous with coffee mixtures, but also offers its customers a wide variety of products to be enjoyed at any time of day

The Organic blend is the latest addition to the more traditional mixtures which have shaped the history and tradition of the roasting process

Pascucci further offers a range of biologically certified tea infusions which have wonderful beneficial properties

SAY BONJOUR TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ACADEMY HONG KONG.

SAY BONJOUR TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ACADEMY HONG KONG.

SUMMER CAMPS:

PSG Academy Hong Kong is running intensive football camps across Hong Kong this summer. From July 3 to August 26, we are giving boys and girls, aged 3 to 17 years, the opportunity to discover the Paris Saint-Germain training program while making new friends and levelling up their skills.

Every player works on technique, tactics, strength and endurance while receiving a smooth introduction to the official Paris Saint-Germain philosophy of play and methodology, supervised by our team of experienced coaches.

Venues include:

• Discovery Bay International School

• YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

• Christian Alliance International School

• Singapore International School

OUR COACHES:

PSG academies worldwide follow the renowned Paris Saint-Germain training program and methodology, which is delivered by FIFA-, UEFA- and PSG-accredited coaches. PSG Academy Hong Kong takes pride in recruiting the most highly qualified head coaching staff from Paris and around the world, who are consistently monitored and trained by the club to ensure the implementation of the official Paris Saint-Germain training program. Our coaches are dedicated to the long-term academic tactical and technical development of each player, and experienced in training talented players to reach their highest potential.

REGULAR PROGRAMME:

At PSG Academy Hong Kong’s open enrolment program, children, aged 3 to 17 years, learn the fundamentals of soccer from top, European, PSG- and UEFA-licensed coaches. The beginner and intermediate-friendly program is on offer at multiple locations across Hong Kong. Extraordinary players have the opportunity to join one of our Elite Teams.

The program includes:

• Year-round Training

• Weekly Training Sessions

• Pathway to Elite Team Programme

• Boys and Girls Teams

• Full PSG Academy Kit and Sporting Accessories

ELITE TEAM PROGRAMME:

PSG Academy Hong Kong’s Elite Team Programme has been designed to cultivate the best local talent. Our programme provides advanced and competitive training sessions based on the world-class Paris Saint-Germain methodology, with a focus on developing players’ technical, tactical and cognitive skills, as well as strength, agility and confidence. All coaches are PSG- and UEFA-licensed.

Our Elite Programme offers the unique opportunity to compete in the annual PSG World Cup in Paris, where players can showcase their skills to PSG coaches who regularly select the world’s best young talent to attend the PSG Academy in Paris.

The program includes:

• • • •

•

PSG academies offer children all over the world the chance to become members of the Rouge et Bleu family – and benefit from Paris Saint-Germain's savoir-faire. We are delighted to bring this opportunity to local football fans!

SOLEAGENT

DAN Su Su

Dates in July and August 2023

Summer Stars

3 - 5 years old

An hour and a half themed classes for your little dancers to be creative, learn new dance moves, draw, create artwork and have endless dancing fun!

Choreography Camp

6 - 12 years old

A full week of fun and creativ involving choreography, actin and scenery design, prop mak scriptwriting, and artwork to performance to be shown on

Our 2023 - 2024 schedule is now available! (Starting September)

Classes in RAD Ballet and ISTD

Modern and Tap

From 18 months to 18 years old

Private and adult classes available upon request

+852 5210 7208 WHATSAPP:

info@dmr-hk.com

15 %OFF!

Bay Media Rewards Club gives you access to a range of exclusive discounts and lifestyle benefits.

Bay Media Rewards Club gives you access to a range of exclusive discounts and lifestyle benefits.

CONTACT US

@ BAY MEDIA GROUP

P: +852 2987 0167 E: info@baymedia.com.hk W: www.arounddb.com

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

PHILIP JAY Publisher/ Owner philip@baymedia.com.hk

RACHEL AINSLEY Managing editor rachel@baymedia.com.hk

BEATRIX MALAN Digital manager beatrix@baymedia.com.hk

SARIN ALE Art director sarin@baymedia.com.hk

KAYLI LIEBENBERG Client services kayli@baymedia.com.hk

CONTRIBUTORS

RAY AU, RAPHAEL BLET, IMOGEN CLYDE, ELIZABETH KERR, PETER SHERWOOD

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DANIELLE BOOYSE PHOTOGRAPHY www.daniellebooysephotography. myportfolio.com

RICHARD GORDON www.richardgordonphotography.com

PRINTING

CHAMPION DESIGN & PRODUCTION CO LTD

Flat C & D, 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Hong Kong

BAY MEDIA GROUP

Flat 6E Elegance Court, Hillgrove Village, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island

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.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP 2023

ENTER THE DB DEFINITELY BEST TALENT SHOW

June 7 is your last chance to enter the DB Definitely Best Talent Show. The theme of the first contest is singing, and anyone aged 13 or above can audition to take part. Simply complete the online registration form and submit a five-minute video of yourself singing, either solo or as a pair, in Cantonese, Mandarin or English. The top eight contestants in each group (the Discovery Bay Group and Public Group) will be invited to compete in the finals on June 25 at DB North Amphitheatre. Visit https://forms.gle/1M4zK63KZojgS8Pn6.

We’ll have to wait until October for DB Dragon Boat Race Day but there are plenty of alternate ways to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng), which falls on June 22. Races are being held at Stanley, Aberdeen and Sai Kung and there’s a traditional water parade in Tai O. The Dragon Boat Carnival kicks off on June 24 at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade with plenty of free, live entertainment, plus the chance to see top international paddlers compete in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

Happenings STUFF TO

GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SUMMER ADVENTURES

Guidepost Montessori is setting families up for an unforgettable summer by offering parents the opportunity to enrol kids in any one of its Asia locations. There are an exciting range of summer programmes on offer at Guidepost campuses in Bali, Beijing and Hangzhou for kids aged one-and-a-half to six years – and you are free to mix-and-match based on where your travels take you.

At the DB campus, Guidepost Montessori’s Mini Makers Summer Camp is all about creativity and fun. Aimed at inspiring innovative thinkers, the duallanguage (English and Mandarin) programme is ideal for children who are interested in DIY and crafting. The week-long camp runs from July 3 to 7, and is open to kids aged two to six years. A 5% discount is available for DB campers who also enrol for two or more weeks at a Guidepost Summer Camp in Bali, Beijing or Hangzhou or at one of the five Guidepost campuses across Hong Kong. To find out more, call 9126 6211 or visit www.guidepost.hk. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Guidepost Montessori.]

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AT DBIS

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is offering scholarships to Year 12 applicants with strong academic pedigree. Six scholarship places will be available starting this August, offering 25% off tuition fees for two years. DBIS Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) is an excellent choice for parents who want their children to achieve exceptional A Level results that support them to go to world-class universities across the globe. To apply for a scholarship, visit dbis.hk/year12scholarship. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]

& Events! KNOW IN JUNE!

RIGOLO COMME LA VIE IN DB NORTH

Holistic, trilingual playgroup Rigolo Comme La Vie is opening a campus in DB North on June 19. Classes for children aged 0 to 3 years are taught in English, French or Mandarin. Rigolo Comme La Vie uses holistic teaching approaches to ensure that children grow up to be wellrounded, confident and successful global citizens. Teachers aim to help learners reach their full potential by nurturing their emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. To find out more and register for a free trial class from June 20 to 30, WhatsApp 5495 8810 or visit www.rclv.org.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Rigolo Comme La Vie.]

REGISTER TO RUN LANTAU 2 PEAKS

Registration is open for the CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks! Action Asia Events is offering Around DB readers who enrol this month using the code VIPBAYMEDIA a 10% discount. In the trail race, being held on October 8, competitors choose to run either the 23km (two peaks) or 15km (half peak) course, solo or in mixed teams of four. The 23km course goes up and over both Lantau and Sunset peaks, with a total elevation gain of almost 1,800m. To get involved, visit www.actionasiaevents.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

YIHONG HSU AT GALLERY JEEUM

Hailey Shin is presenting Happenings , a solo exhibition by Hong Kongbased abstract artist Yihong Hsu, at Gallery Jeeum in DB North from June 3 to July 2. Ask Hailey what draws her to Yihong’s canvases and she references the bold colours and use of pattern, also their ability to tell a story. “Yihong paints everyday human life – her own experiences, feelings and encounters – using nature’s elements, primarily flowers and floral motifs. She reveals that everything that happens in human life also happens in nature. It’s all about survival, life and vitality.”

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Gallery Jeeum.]

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

THROUGHOUT JUNE | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE TO PEOPLE IN NEED THROUGH DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.

JUNE 3 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.

JUNE 11 | SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

JUNE 17 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

DBFC VETS’ BIG WIN

May 15 was a big night for DBFC Vets, with the team beating second placed Spartans Masters 3 ~ 1 to retain their HK Legends League title. The title was secured with two games left to play after title contender HKFC lost against KCC that same night. DBFC Vets are sponsored by Tanner De Witt solicitors thanks to one of their partners – long-time DB resident Tim Drew. For more on DBFC Vets, visit www.discoverybayfc.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Gary Rollinson.]

ENTER FOR THE PROVERSE PRIZES

Proverse Hong Kong founders, 19-year DB residents Gillian and Verner Bickley are pleased to announce that the entry period for the Proverse Prizes 2023 edition has begun. To submit your work – unpublished booklength works of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry; and/ or single poems previously unpublished in English – by June 30, visit www.proversepublishing.com. DB resident Flora Qian (pictured) is a finalist for the Proverse Prize 2022; the winners will be announced at the Proverse Autumn Reception on November 21. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Gillian Bickley.]

NEW DBIS SOUTH LANTAU BUS SERVICE

Travelling to school in Discovery Bay will be easier for South Lantau-based children from August, when Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) introduces its new South Lantau bus service. Covering Mui Wo, Pui O, Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk, the new service is a welcome option for parents looking to avail of DBIS’ impressive facilities and British-based curriculum. To find out more, contact admissions@dbis.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]

A BREATH OF DISCOVERY GUIDEBOOK

A Breath of Discovery, the new, free guidebook available at DB Plaza concierge, is definitely worth a look. Designed to celebrate the natural beauty in and around DB, it features four hiking trails to encourage residents to explore their immediate surroundings. Hikes on offer range from a challenging 13-kilometre trek from Tung Chung to DB via Tiger’s Head to a familyfriendly jaunt from DB Ferry Pier to Central Park. You can download a digital copy of A Breath of Discovery at www.visitdiscoverybay.com.

CALL TO ACTION FROM TAILS

Mui Wo-based Team for Animals in Lantau South (TAILS) is full, and cannot accept any cats or dogs for foster and adoption until it can rehome at least one-third of the 75 animals currently under its care. In calling for action, founder Dr Esslin Terrighena suggests some ways we can all help: “Open your home to an animal in need as a foster or adopter. Come on board and volunteer your time and skills. Donate toward our medical bills or operational costs. It costs money to run a charity and rescue animals. Veterinary bills and animal care are our biggest expenses.” To get involved, visit www.tailslantau.org.

Welcome to Asia

your one-stop destination for the finest selection of

including J/Boat designer/builder of one design sailing yachts, the prestigious Grand Soleil yachts cruiser/racing yachts and the award winning Seawind catamarans.

Whether you are a racing or a cruising sailor, AYS will give you the best advice on what yacht suits you best. Herewith a selection of our incredible range of new and pre-owned yachts:

Out & About!

WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!

ENJOYING HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

The community came together in May to provide DB helpers with a range of fun and informative free activities. Highlights included an aunties’ karaoke event hosted by DBIS PTSA, yoga classes provided by Embody, YRock music sessions and beach tennis at Tai Pak Wan. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBIS, YRock & Embody.]

DMR’S WILD ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

On May 1, DMR School of Ballet presented Welcome to the Jungle at Y Studio, Chai Wan. Eighty-nine students took part in the production with many of the younger dancers performing on stage for the first time. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordonwww.richardgordonphotography.com.

27TH DBRC NATIONS CUP RAINED OFF!

The 27th Nations Cup final was rained off on May 6 and the DBRC Tennis Committee has decided to postpone the tournament until next year. Kudos to all the players who took part in the competition, particularly those who got on court in whacky national costumes. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

1.5-6 years July 3 to August 25

AT THE COMMUNITY 5VS5 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Held on April 23 and 30 at the Club Siena outdoor basketball court and the Discovery College sports hall, the Discovery Bay Community 5vs5 Basketball Tournament was a huge success. Eight teams competed head-to-head in the Men’s Open and the Women’s Open, with each team fielding at least four DB residents. The second runner-up award went to DB Dadbods, the first runner-up award went to Tropics, the most valuable player award went to Lam Chun Tat from Ten Events Ventures and the overall champions were Ten Events Ventures. Congratulations to everyone who took part! [PHOTOS

BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

Two Peas in a Pod! DOUBLE ACT

Piano virtuosos Stephanie Fung and Foster Henderson bring new meaning to the phrase ‘like mother, like son’. Elizabeth Kerr reports

PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com

oster Henderson is not your usual nine-year-old. Not only does he regularly finish first at classical music competitions, he has zero interest in pop music and most other nine-year-old pursuits. On this afternoon at Pacific Coffee near the Discovery Bay ferry pier, he’s carrying a Spider-Man tote bag, which he chose because, “It came from Taobao and it was the… least horrible thing they had.” Okay. So not a Spider-Man kid.

“No,” he states flatly. A Marvel kid? “No.” DC? “No.” Does he watch TV? “Yes.” Okay, we’re getting somewhere. What do you like to watch? “Spy.”

When he’s not watching the box, practising piano and violin in school (at home), or hanging out with beach buddy Nicholas, Foster says he enjoys reading, particularly David Walliams. “Billionaire Boy. Code Name Bananas. Gangsta Granny. I’ve read that, like, six times,” he rattles off. “Oh, and The Long Walk to Freedom.” As in Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. The passion for classical music is starting to make sense.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Foster has clearly got a mind of his own, much to the delight of his father, Toronto native Tim Henderson and Hongkonger mother Stephanie Fung, a concert pianist, judge, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) accompanist and private instructor. It’s just weeks since Foster was dubbed Grand Champion at the Gasca International Music Competition in Tokyo. With COVID mostly in the rear view, the field is once again open for live competitions. Tokyo was one of the first experiences like it for Foster, who was also one of only two competitors playing two instruments.

“I liked it very much,” he says. “I played Debussy’s Arabesque No. 2 for piano, and for violin I played Concerto No. 5 , third movement by F. Seitz. I was first runner-up in piano and champion for violin. I won ¥40,000. I think I want to get an Apple Watch, but I still don’t know.”

That’s more like it. Sitting at a table by the window, Tim joins the conversation, refusing to be an outlier. A sporting goods and product development pro, he’s been living in Hong Kong for 25 years and moved to DB with Stephanie before Foster was born. The couple met online. “You don’t have to mention that,” Stephanie says before Tim dives into a proud tangent. “It’s been fantastic. I’m so lucky to have Stephy in my life…” he begins, when Stephanie cuts him off. “This part you can leave in,” she says with a laugh.

The trio made a work detour to Nagano just before COVID, then rode out most of the pandemic in Thailand before resettling in DB in 2021. “It’s a great place for kids. It’s safe, it’s full of families and likeminded people,” says Tim. “Lots of people like to whine about any number of issues but all in all I can’t think of a better place to live in Hong Kong.”

MUSICAL PATHS

DB’s also perfect for the family because Tim can work from home, and Stephanie can continue teaching her large roster of local students (www.stephaniepiano.com) – like the twins who just got music scholarships to Eton, thanks in part to her.

After getting bitten by the piano bug as a kid Stephanie knew she wanted to play for life, but had no idea how to parlay her passion into a career. “I had no brain for science or math, and even my public exam results hinted that I should be in the music programme,” she recalls. Her traditional, business-minded parents were a hurdle, but fortunately an uncle and her grandparents rode to the rescue to support Stephanie’s music studies at Baptist University and then the HKAPA. She earned three scholarships to Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and since then has performed with the Hong Kong

FOSTER, 9, HAS BEEN PLAYING VIOLIN FOR 18 MONTHS AND PIANO FOR FOUR YEARS

Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Edo de Waart) and with the legendary bandoneon player Walter Rios.

Foster’s musical path has been easier. He’s taking classes at the HKAPA as the family considers his musical education, and his taste for piano came by osmosis.

“When I heard mummy teach her students, I enjoyed the sound of the piano and I thought I might like to try it,” he says. “So I asked if she’d teach me.” The same thing happened with violin. Given the choice between going to a choir performance and a violin concert, Foster will choose violin but the piano is his first love. “I like piano because I find it the most challenging of the instruments I know,” he says. “I like to play Chopin on the piano and Vivaldi for violin.”

HOOKED ON CLASSICS

Foster’s been playing violin for about 18 months to the piano’s four years, and he only ever plays classical music. With his shaggy brown hair and big dark eyes, he looks a bit like a K-pop star. Say that and he throws down a first-rate side-eye. “I like classical,” he states firmly, which begs the question of parental brainwashing, but both mom and dad are quick to quash that idea. “I’ll listen to everything. I started listening to all kinds of music in high school and I still do,” says Stephanie. Tim adds, “Believe me, I’m a rock ‘n’ roll guy. I love that ’60s and ’70s thing. I’m always trying to…”

“Manipulate me.” Foster cuts him off. That gets a chuckle but Foster stands his ground. He’s not kidding; he simply finds the repetition of pop – and rock, and jazz, and hip hop and country – un-engaging.

Next up for Foster is July’s AIMA International Music Competition in Taiwan, where he’ll play Debussy again. Stephanie will be tagging along with another one of her students competing in the same event. To the untrained, music competitions sound frivolous, but as Stephanie explains it, they’re a vital teaching tool.

“It’s just like sport. You play a match every week, you swap strategies, see how others play. It’s the same for music. When he competes, Foster’s able to see other kids from around the world, and understand there are plenty of great players his age out there. They show him how you need to keep working hard if you want to keep improving.”

At this stage the competitions are important for Foster because he’s nine years old, and he’s unsure if music is going to be his life. He’s looking forward to the summer break and a trip to Disneyland, but everything else is still to be decided, and neither Stephanie nor Tim are going to push. That said, Foster has admitted to being curious about the flute. He looks scandalised when told rap-pop superstar Lizzo plays flute – and includes it in her concert performances. That stops him in his tracks. “And Jethro Tull,” chimes in Tim. Okay, so maybe not the flute.

FOSTER PLACED FIRST AT THE GASCA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION IN APRIL

"I LIKE PIANO BECAUSE I FIND IT THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE INSTRUMENTS I KNOW. I LIKE TO PLAY CHOPIN ON THE PIANO AND VIVALDI FOR VIOLIN

- Foster Henderson

EB-2 NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER FOR EXPERIENCED PILOTS

Harvey Law Group driving innovation and shaping the global immigration landscape

This time last year, Harvey Law Group (HLG) began receiving first approvals from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Programme for Experienced Pilots. After many months of legal research and planning, HLG was convinced this was a real opportunity – we did not let the growing rumours that it was simply unfeasible deter us.

Through hard work, HLG can now show a decent track record in assisting pilots (about 70% success rate). We proudly assist hundreds of experienced pilots and their families worldwide to obtain unconditional green cards via the EB-2 NIW programme, allowing them to live and work in the US.

HLG recently celebrated its 100th approval. This is a milestone we are incredibly happy with, yet it has not always been smooth sailing. We have had some very experienced pilots denied, and while we care about the success stories, we care more about the denials. Through patience and perseverance, we have managed to assist some of the clients originally denied to refile and obtain successes as a result.

Applying this programme to pilots is so new that we are always kept on our toes. We need to (i) be quick to adapt and adjust to changes in the industry; (ii) put clear and flexible internal processes in place to ensure that lessons learnt are shared across the firm efficiently; (iii) question ourselves on a daily basis to favour innovative solutions; (iv) continue to educate ourselves; and (v) think of various ways to educate the USCIS officers reviewing our clients’ applications.

Communications we have with USCIS officers (who are not lawyers) demonstrate how complex the law is, and it is often our job to educate the officers, and to explain to our clients how we can help address concerns that officers may raise. There is no general USCIS guidance for this: each client case is considered individually. If we have learnt one thing in the past year, it is that this is not a one-size-fits-all programme.

We have managed to convince officers to change their mind after giving further explanations, which is

always encouraging. For the past six months, we have also observed public recognition of our work, with more pilots coming to us after having made an initial submission themselves or via other lawyers. In such cases, we often need to work backwards to identify gaps and issues in initial petitions to try to overcome the issues, but if we can salvage the situation, we will.

We also now need to monitor how priority date retrogression impacts our clients. Until recently, priority dates were current, meaning that this was not a concern for pilots, but this changed at the end of 2022. Priority dates for immigrant visas issued under the EB category is currently February 15, 2022 – this effectively determines the applicant’s place in the queue for obtaining permanent residency, even if the national interest waiver has been approved.

Retrogression like the recent one is infrequent, yet it is not unprecedented. The recent retrogression is largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted immigration operations and slowed down visa processing times. It is however important to understand that priority dates in the USCIS Visa Bulleting do not necessarily reflect actual waiting time since they can shift forwards or backwards, by a few weeks or months. Therefore, when one sees the May 2023 Visa Bulletin showing that the final action date is February 15, 2022, one cannot assume that the waiting time is 15 months.

The pilot shortage in the US is here to stay and so far, we do not see the attraction of this programme diminishing.

Founded in 1992 by DB resident Jean François Harvey, Harvey Law Group (HLG) has quickly evolved into a leading multinational law firm with a worldwide reputation amongst discerning businesses, individuals and governments across North America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. For more information, call 2116 1333, email HLG at contact@harveylawcoporation.com or visit www.harveylawcorporation.com.

Plus One!UNCHARTERED TERRITORY

Following your other half around the world and signing up as a ‘trailing spouse’ sounds like a lot of fun but in reality, at least at the start, it’s a tough job.

Trisha Hughes

reports

Never underestimate a woman’s ability to nest. Like many of the women in DB, I’ve moved house several times in my married life and I like to think I’ve become very adept at it. But arriving here, I discovered that moving continents for your man is another thing entirely – the initial settling-in period can be more than a little overwhelming. While our spouses head off to work to start a new job and make new friends, we begin the daunting process of setting up house, settling our children into new schools, accessing and connecting to the internet, subscribing to Netflix and getting out and about.

Let’s face it, those first lonely trips to Mongkok are as arduous as an Indiana Jones expedition, complete with map, water and provisions. Watching yet another outdated episode of Game of Thrones can sound considerably better than being squeezed and pushed up and down escalators, while looking for the B2 exit at Prince Edward. But as I stayed home alone or cocooned myself in the IFC, the big question I kept asking myself was where is that confident woman who could leap small buildings in a single bound?

I may have travelled but I’ve never trailed, I shouted to the rooftops. But even I could hear the doubt and uncertainty in my voice.

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

What many couples forget to prepare for is the most important change of all: the one their marriage goes through. A key stress factor is social isolation during the initial phase of relocation. This isolation often leads to couples putting too much pressure on each other when they have no friends to spend time with or confide in. Fights can spring up at home from the most mundane situations and finger-pointing just muddies the waters. Many of these problems are first-world issues but nonetheless, they can create opportunity for relationships to disconnect. Here are two simple strategies that can help:

Stop trying to find the time for a lengthy catch up. The simple things are enough to keep your relationship connection going. Meeting your partner at the airport, when he gets back from a work trip, gives you 30 minutes to chat before the kids dive in for their time. You can also put your tiredness aside, and take 30 minutes to go for a walk together after the kids are asleep.

And try turning the phone off for 30 minutes. There is nothing more exasperating when we are sharing an issue of importance than hearing the other person’s phone ring or beep a message, or seeing them look away to check their phone. This creates

ILLUSTRATIONS BY Sarin Ale

THOSE FIRST LONELY TRIPS TO MONGKOK ARE AS ARDUOUS AS AN INDIANA JONES EXPEDITION, COMPLETE WITH MAP, WATER AND PROVISIONS

disconnection, a significant feature in today’s relationship breakdowns. Pigeons took 30 hours to get the message to a recipient in years gone by. You can wait to check your phone for 30 minutes.

Never forget that a lot of us are here in DB out of love for our partners, although it’s very different from the love potions in fairy tales where you drink and everything becomes magically perfect. This love takes work but the end result far outweighs the hurdles along the way.

OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME

Being a trailing spouse is like stepping into the great unknown, full of uncertainties and ambiguities. Exciting and exhilarating on the one hand, it can be a mineshaft full of doubts on the other. Most of the time, we fly by the seat of our pants... hoping that we’re making the right decisions. How do I make new friends? Where do I shop? How do I get around?

Our friends back home think we’re leading a glamorous, romantic expat life but they’re only seeing a very small part of the picture. What they don’t know is that with the excitement comes a great deal of stress brought on by having to adjust to all the changes. Stress manifests itself in so many ways and then morphs into anxiety. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that all trailing spouses struggle with the loss of our support system back home and without it, our stress levels increase.

At the worst possible times, homesickness raises its ugly head to hinder our settling in process and empty our day of all happiness. No one told us how it could be so debilitating and no one told us it could blindside us on a daily basis.

Strangely, in our loneliness, the most reflexive thing most of us do is shut ourselves away. I am guilty of the very same practice and it’s the foremost and unhealthiest thing we can possibly do. Studies show that lack of social connection may present a greater risk to our wellbeing than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. Psychologists have repeatedly stressed that a sense of social connectedness is one of our fundamental human needs.

One of the biggest things holding us back is fear. Fear of meeting people, fear of getting lost, fear of failure and the fear of generally messing up. We all process change in different ways. And adjusting doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and some of us are more adaptable than others.

DB SUPPORT SYSTEM

Without a doubt, we need friends to help us overcome the loneliness obstacle and to do that we need to build a support base in our new home. Beginning my expat life in DB, I realised almost immediately how lucky I was. Certainly I felt lost for a time but not to the same degree as I would have, had I found myself living in the city, in Mid-Levels or Happy Valley. The resort’s small scale means it’s relatively easy to start forging friendships. Start up a conversation with a neighbour in the plaza, or on the ferry and chances are you’ll bump into her again within a couple of days – you won’t even need to pluck up the courage to text her and arrange to meet.

What’s more DB is at heart a transient society, which means many DB women have been in your shoes –these ‘settled’ trailing spouses have valuable and practical perspectives they are just itching to share. Make the most of this! Sometimes all you need is to talk to another person about the worry bouncing around in your mind and almost magically, by getting it out of your head, you start to wonder what you were so worried about in the first place.

Everyone tells us that a good way to start that process is to join clubs, and again DB has plenty on offer. In my first weeks here, I signed up for everything from tennis lessons to book clubs, and did indeed make some friends in the process.

Added to which, DB is, of course, a hotbed of social media sites and forums, all set up with the precise aim of connecting people. As a newcomer, I found looking at the DB Matters, DB Mums and DB Mothers & Friends Facebook pages a great way in. There’s no easier way to get a feel for the community’s passions, concerns, charities and pursuits. The Around DB Facebook page and website, it has to be said, is still my go-to for local news, events and activities.

MUELLER

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Help your dad on his journey to fitness with a thoughtful little gift from Escapade Sports

HEAD HYDROSORB COMFORT GRIP, HK$80

RUNGUARD NATURAL ANTI-CHAFING STICK, HK$69

COMPEED ANTI-BLISTER STICK, HK$99

2XU 24/7 COMPRESSION SOCKS, HK$399

SKLZ BARREL ROLLER (FIRM), HK$390

TRIHARD PRE & POST SWIM BODY LOTION, HK$180

SKLZ PRO BAND (MEDIUM), HK$210

ZONE 3 VENATOR-X SWIMMING GOGGLES, HK$590

KINESIOLOGY TAPE, HK$110

Camps Chess

CAISSA HONG KONG CHESS CLUB

www.caissahk.org

Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club’s 5-day summer camps run from July 3 to August 18 at DB North Plaza. Children of all levels, kindergarten-age and up can join. The fun yet challenging threehour morning sessions are conducted by Caissa’s World Chess Federation licensed coaches, and are an excellent way for kids to work on tactics, strategy, calculation and gameplay.

Tel: 6938 7603

Email: contact@caissahk.com

DANCE FOR JOY

www.danceforjoyhk.com

Held at studios in Tung Chung and Causeway Bay, Dance for Joy’s summer programme comprises fun, energising performing arts classes for kids aged 2 and up. Each week, from July 3 to August 26, students learn choreography and technique while developing their understanding of rhythm, body awareness and self-expression. The team prides itself on producing stage-ready students: campers aged 4 and up can apply to perform in the AIA Carnival on July 29.

Tel: 9264 8597 (Tung Chung), 9346 4478 (Causeway Bay)

Email: info@danceforjoyhk.com

DISCOVERY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

www.montessori-ami.edu.hk

Discovery Montessori School’s Summer Fun Programme, running from June 26 to August 4, offers a range of activities for nursery, preschool and primary school children. Both educational and fun, the preschool theme is “Travel Around The World” with exciting activities including visual arts, crafts and science, cooking, language building and games. Primary kids have a world of choices including a Mystery Science-themed programme and a daily Multi-Sport programme.

Tel: 2987 1201

Email: enquiry@dms.edu.hk

Outdoor LEARN WITH DRAGONFLY

www.learnwithdragonfly.com

Learn with Dragonfly is providing an action-packed Summer Adventure Camp for children aged 7 to 11 years. Kids get to experience many different rock- and waterbased outdoor activities such as waterfall canyoning, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking and raft building. The camp runs from July 3 to August 11. Twoday, three-day and five-day options are available in Mui Wo and Sai Kung.

WhatsApp: 5345 7235

Tel: 2111 8917

Email: enquiries@learnwithdragonfly.com

TREASURE ISLAND

www.treasureislandhk.com

Treasure Island’s 5-day summer adventure camps run from June 19 to August 25 in Pui O. The camps are divided into three categories: Kids Adventure for 5- to 9-year-olds; and Teen Extreme which splits into two age groups: 9 to 13 years and 13 to 17 years. From hiking and swimming to raft-building, kids get to experience a wide range of outdoor pursuits, while developing ecoawareness and leadership skills.

Tel: 5236 7016

Email: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com

FITNESS IN MOTION

www.fitnessinmotionhk.com

Fitness in Motion is an award-winning studio nominated as one of the leading local martial arts gyms of 2021. This year, the studio is running a summer camp for children aged 4 to 13 years.

From July 3 to August 25, kids get to experience different activities such as boxing, Zumba, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shuffling and Latin Dance.

Fitness in Motion is located at T-Bay by the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung.

WhatsApp: 4660 9728

Tel: 2390 2802

Email: info@fitnessinmotionhk.com

Football Sports

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ACADEMY HONG KONG

www.psgacademyhongkong.com

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Hong Kong is providing Summer Football Camps at DBIS and YHKCC from July 3 to August 26. Players, aged 3 to 17 years, work on technique, tactics, strength and endurance while receiving a smooth introduction to the official Paris SaintGermain Academy philosophy of play and methodology, supervised by a team of experienced coaches.

Tel: 2154 2110

Email: info@psgacademyhongkong.com

Sports

Football

HK DRAGONS FC dragons.hk

TINYTOTS SOCCER

www.tinytots.com.hk

FAUST

www.faustworld.com

HK Dragons FC’s winter camps, for children aged 4 to 14, run from December 19 to 23 and December 27 to 30. Held at DB North Plaza Pitch, the camps are led by experienced coaches and open to players of all abilities. Themed daily sessions include small group training, and focus on players’ technical ability, physical conditioning and tactical understanding.

Tinytots Soccer Camp runs from July 7 to August 11 every Friday at Discovery Bay Community Hall. The 3pm classes are for kids aged 18 to 36 months; the 4pm classes are for 3- and 4-year-olds. Tinytots is a professional sports play programme specially designed to develop children’s social skills and promote physical fitness in a structured and fun atmosphere. Kids are encouraged to learn and practice the basic skills of sport, while building self-esteem.

Tel: 2987 4274

Faust has three different week-long Holiday Programmes available in various locations across Hong Kong: Summer Theatre (ages 3 to 15), Creative Writing (ages 6 to 14) and Musical Theatre (ages 8 to 15). There are also drop-in Saturday Special Workshops for kids aged 5 to 15 years, covering a variety of specialised topics, including Stage Fighting and Summer Storytime. Summer Theatre workshops are available in DB from July 10 to 14 for kids aged 4 to 12 years.

WhatsApp: 6417 3303

Tel: 3488 7724

Tel: 2547 9114

Email: info@tinytots.com.hk

Email: theoffice@dragons.com.hk

Email: info@faustworld.com

A Little Bit of Trivia!

FATHER’S DAY QUIZ!

With June 18 fast approaching, find out how much you know about the celebration and about famous dads around the world

BY Kayli Liebenberg

1. When do we celebrate Father’s Day in Hong Kong this year?

A. June 4

B. June 18

C. June 21

2. Where did Father’s Day originate?

A. Washington, US

B. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

C. Stockholm, Sweden

3. When was Father’s Day first celebrated?

A. June 16, 1880

B. June 19, 1910

C. June 13, 1970

4. What is the official flower for Father’s Day?

A. Sunflower

B. Rose

C. Forget-me-not

5. Which gift is most often purchased on Father’s Day?

A. Clothes

B. Electronics

C. Cards

6. What is the name of the father in the Addams Family?

A. Patrick Addams

B. Gomez Addams

C. Garry Addams

7. How many sons did Pharaoh Ramses ll father?

A. 12

B. 52

C. 60

8. When was the word ‘dad’ first recorded?

A. The 1500s

B. The 1900s

C. The 1700s

9. Which famous dad was married to Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie?

A. Jim Carrey

B. Brad Pitt

C. Leonardo DiCaprio

10. The males of which bird species keep their eggs warm for two months while the mother is away feeding?

A. Sparrows

B. Penguins

C. Ostriches

11. Who sang the song My Father’s House?

A. Elton John

B. Elvis Presley

C. Bruce Springsteen

12. Which member of the British royal family was playing squash when his first son was born?

A. Prince Philip

B. Prince William

C. King Charles

13. What is the name of the fictional elderly man often depicted with a long white beard and holding an hourglass?

A. Father Time

B. The Sandman

C. Father Christmas

14. What is the name of Simba’s father in the popular Disney film The Lion King?

A. Pumbaa

B. Timon

C. Mufasa

15. Which infamous Mongolian emperor is thought to be the father to thousands of children?

A. Ögedei Khan

B. Genghis Khan

C. Güyük Khan

16. Which country celebrates Father’s Day in December?

A. Thailand

B. Germany

C. Russia

17. What is the name of the father in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird ?

A. Atticus Finch

B. Arthur Weasley

C. Mr. Bennet

18. In which film does Eddie Murphy star as the ultimate stay-at-home dad?

A. Cheaper by the Dozen

B. Fatherhood

C. Daddy Daycare

19. According to the James Brown song, papas got a brand new what?

A. Briefcase

B. Bag

C. Belt

20. Who is known as the father of modern medicine?

A. Galen

B. Andreas Vesalius

C. Hippocrates

You can check your score at www.arounddb.com>20questions>fathers-day-quiz.

DO YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES?

Jason Crisp, Matthew Bentley and the team at Island Cleaning Solutions can help you keep household allergens at bay

Household allergens and irritants, like dust mites in mattresses and black mould in air conditioners, are a huge problem for people with allergies, and it’s these ‘hidden’ pollutants that we need help combating. Only professional deep cleaning can mitigate them, which is where Jason Crisp, Matthew Bentley and the team at Island Cleaning Solutions (ICS) come in. The service they provide goes far beyond cleaning surfaces and carpets – it’s about wellness.

“Dust mites are microscopic pests that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in the warm, humid climate of Hong Kong. They inhabit mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and other soft furnishings,” opens Matthew, a DB resident. “A gross fact is that an allergic reaction in humans (including asthma and eczema) is due to inhalation of and contact with dust mite waste and decaying bodies.

“At ICS we utilise a certified asthma- and allergy-friendly vacuum process which, with the aid of its power suction nozzle, brings dust particles and mites to the surface and traps them in its water filtration system,” Matt adds. “For extra protection, our two-stage service then uses the natural sanitising power of steam to further remove allergy-causing dust mites and bacteria.”

ICS also offers an optional third-stage process of hotwater extraction to aid in the removal of stains and bad odours.

Black mould is another allergen prevalent in Hong Kong homes. A spore producing micro-fungus, it’s connected to adverse health conditions such as breathing difficulties and allergic reactions, particularly in infants and adults with respiratory health problems. Jason points out that black mould grows rapidly on surfaces and fabrics with high-moisture content, such as airconditioning units. Mould growth on air-conditioning units is especially dangerous as the spores are blown into the air where they can be inhaled.

“At ICS, we make use of a 100% natural and plantbased disinfectant proven to kill black mould and other pathogens. It’s safe for use on fabrics and hard surfaces alike,” Jason reassures. “We can then apply a bio-shield product in order to slow mould formation.”

ICS recommends you have your soft furnishings professionally cleaned no less than once a year and air-conditioning units every six to 12 months depending on usage. ICS also offers a monthly “filter refresh” air-con cleaning service with the option to add one of five essential-oil fragrances.

DIY CLEANING TIPS

While regular professional deep cleaning is essential, Jason and Matt explain that there are several things you can do yourself in order to keep household allergens at bay:

• Clean air-conditioning filters once a month. Simply open the unit, remove the filter and rinse under cold water to remove the dust.

• Vacuum carpets, sofas and mattresses regularly to remove dust, dead skin cells and pet hair.

• Wash bedding, furnishings and other fabrics regularly, and don’t forget stuffed toys.

• Make use of anti-allergen bedding and mattress protectors if you suffer from allergies.

• Wipe down hard surfaces to remove dust and reduce clutter.

• Control cockroaches by covering food and garbage, and make use of bait traps.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity of the air in your home.

• Keep windows closed to help prevent pollen and other airborne allergens entering your home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Island Cleaning Solutions

Jbrothers and sisters can start right after the birth of a second child, and it can continue throughout childhood. Parents dealing with sibling rivalry will find it slightly soothing to learn that it is a concern for almost everyone with two or more kids. But only slightly soothing. This statistic doesn’t actually ease the burden, or provide you with the tools to put an end to the seemingly constant squabbling.

If you feel like you’re rearing sparring partners, rather than lifelong allies, how do you change things up?

CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY

Opening the discussion, it’s important to recognise that there are a number of factors that may contribute to tension within the sibling relationship.

Birth order, age gap, gender and a child’s individual characteristics can all play a part. For example, a particularly sensitive child may clash with a more assertive brother or sister.

Parenting style is also a major factor. If a parent is seen to favour a sibling, giving him encouragement while tending to direct blame at another, this can create a sense of disconnect within the family, causing a child to misbehave in order to gain the parent’s attention.

But how can busy parents best channel this desire for attention into positive behaviours? A good way to start is with one-to-one attention. Take some time to connect with each child individually. This should ideally happen daily, and can be something as simple as playing a quick game together, reading a book or taking a short walk.

The aim is to help reinforce the bond between parent and child, enabling children to feel secure in their relationship, which translates into calmer behaviour.

It’s also important to recognise that all children are different: recognise their uniqueness but avoid drawing comparisons or labelling. For example, you could say, “Ýou are really good at reading,” rather than, “You are the smart one in the family.” This acknowledges one child’s distinctive talents without any negative associations implied towards the other children.

When it comes to elder siblings’ behaviour, we can often have overly high expectations. Don’t expect perfection from older children, and try not to force them to always be the ‘big boy or girl’. They may not wish to play with their little brother, or give their little sister a cuddle, and we should respect that.

This also applies to children’s negative feelings. Acknowledging children’s feelings helps them process things. Saying, “I can see that you would like some quiet time away from your brother,” or “You seem disappointed that your sister has a play date today,” helps children to realise that their feelings are valid, and that it’s OK to vocalise them.

STEP IN AND MEDIATE

Of course, occasional tensions and conflicts are bound to arise within any close relationship. Should parents try to shield children from this? Yes, but only up to a point. It’s important to teach kids how to deal with conflict from a young age, reinforcing this throughout childhood. Conflict is necessary for personal development, establishing relationships and setting boundaries. It also enables kids to understand emotions such as annoyance, anger and rage – just as important as an understanding of joy and happiness.

YOUR FIRST TACTIC IS TO STAY NEUTRAL

IT’S GOOD TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR WEIGHT BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE MAGIC WORDS ‘EVERYTHING IN MODERATION?'

and, again, stay neutral while doing so, even if a much younger sibling is involved. Take the younger child’s hand and say to him in front of his elder brother or sister: “We are going to sit down on the couch now and calm down.” Then ask the elder sibling to calm down and sit down also. Once kids are treated equally there is no victim or bully.

Your next task is to encourage your kids to seek an agreement rather than carry on fighting. Take on the role of mediator to avoid the ‘he-said-shesaid’ arguments that can arise when unpicking everyday squabbles. Don’t take sides. Try to facilitate a mutually agreed solution to an issue by brainstorming possibilities. This can be as simple as sharing a toy by playing together, or even setting a timer to ensure both children get an equal turn.

Once the conflict has passed and you are sitting together, perhaps at dinner, talk about feelings. Tell your kids how sad it makes you feel when they are fighting with each other and how good it would be to find mutually acceptable ways of preventing conflict in the future. Express your readiness to listen to both sides, to stay neutral and to brainstorm possible solutions. You can even write a ‘conflict-resolution plan’ together and put it up on the wall. Then, the next time a situation threatens to develop, you can raise an eyebrow and point to the plan that they helped create.

LET THEM BATTLE IT OUT

All that being said, parents do need to ensure that fights between kids don’t become too violent with bullying of siblings, or the suppression of one child by another. It is important to understand where the line lies between innocent pushing and shoving, and the development of unhealthy relationships with one child forever the victim and the other always the abuser.

When it comes to specific methods for handling conflicts, there is a lot to be said for the positivediscipline approach which is focused on the idea that there are no bad children, just good and bad behaviours. The aim is to try to get siblings to hear each other, to develop their emotionalintelligence skills, and to look for compromise and conflict resolution.

In taking this approach, your first tactic is to stay neutral. Even when it is clear who is right and who is wrong don’t simply side with the victim. All you will do is confirm the obvious and it is unlikely that you will resolve the problem. Importantly too, remain calm on the outside, even if you are angry inside. Breath out and speak calmly. This is usually much more effective than shouting.

Physically remove your kids from each other but not necessarily to different rooms – just create distance

Once children are confident in their own ability to handle conflict, you can allow them to experience the satisfaction that comes with working out differences positively. Wherever possible, use positive feedback, rather than negative reinforcement to get your message across, focusing on strengthening children’s negotiation and listening skills, as well as stressing the importance of compromise.

Parents need to reinforce this with some hard and fast ‘get-along rules,’ such as using kind words, being gentle and sharing, while also respecting each other’s belongings. This gives you a great opportunity to encourage positive behaviour when you see it, such as when your child shares his toy, or comforts his sibling.

Know that communication is key. Allow children to express their feelings and encourage them to ask for help without blaming others. For example: “My sister took my favourite book and it made me feel sad. Could you help me find another book please, Mum?”

Be creative and, after a while, you may find that your children no longer need your mediation quite so often. Which is surely the most reassuring and hopeful message of all for any parent of siblings.

REMAIN CALM ON THE OUTSIDE, EVEN IF YOU ARE ANGRY INSIDE

Top Tips!PICTURE PERFECT

The first thing to realise about art is never choose it to match your decor. Buy a canvas because you love it, not because it is the perfect size for a bedroom wall or because the colour scheme complements your newly decorated living room.

That said, artwork must complement the surrounding decor: hang a large contemporary Chinese canvas in an otherwise Western-style home and it will look out of place – regardless of how beautiful it is. So if there’s no place for a particular picture in your current home, bite the bullet and put it into storage. This can actually be a blessing in disguise: if you display the same piece year after year you will stop appreciating it – it’s a good idea to rotate pieces regularly.

HEIGHT AND ARRANGEMENT

Artwork should enhance rather than dominate a room and how you display it counts. The easiest way is to focus on each painting individually, using a large canvas to make a big statement on a large wall and keeping smaller works for smaller spaces.

Be sure to choose a wall space that is proportional in size and orientation to the art you want to display. For example, a very high, narrow wall in a bathroom may be a good place to hang a vertical arrangement of three framed pictures, but not a good place to hang an over-sized, panoramic painting. Use small pieces between windows and doors, and think about proportion. Hang small pictures in too large a space and they will look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work.

If you have the space, for instance in the hallway, you can hang a miscellany of art – watercolours and maps, prints and oils – side by side. Work this type of gallery display out on the floor first, by laying pictures side by side like a jigsaw to see which fits best where. Pay special attention to how different sized pictures relate to each other: large, predominant pieces should be balanced with smaller, minor pieces. And make sure there are equal amounts of space between each – a good rule of thumb is to space pictures 8 to 10 centimetres apart.

When creating a grouping, your safest bet is to choose an odd number of items. This way, there’s a picture in the middle and a mirror image on both sides, which ensures your arrangement looks balanced and complete. Position the most prominent piece in the centre and work outward.

Hanging artwork too high is one of the most common decorating mistakes: the centre of the image should be at eye level, between 150 centimetres and 165 centimetres up from the floor. When hanging multiple pictures around a room, where doorways and windows separate the pieces, don’t try to level the bottoms or tops of frames –level the middles. To display artwork at eye level in a living or dining room, where people are usually sitting, hang the pieces at the eye level of the sitter. If you are displaying art in a group, then the centre-point of the group should be at eye level.

A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it’s not in proportion: having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look off. Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard. For

There’s an art to hanging artwork – here are some expert guidelines to follow when decorating your walls. Imogen Clyde reports

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

HANGING ART TOO

example, a 275-centimetre-long sofa should have a 180-centimetre-wide expanse of art above it. If you are using artwork to frame an architectural element or a piece of furniture, you should hang pictures within 25 centimetres of the object.

While blank walls are a natural choice for displaying artwork, there is another option. You can prop artwork on the floor against a wall, on shelves or atop a piece of furniture for a casual display. This allows you the freedom to quickly change up the arrangement, without damaging your walls. Try layering pieces to add more dimension to the display: a house looks like a home when artwork and accessories are layered.

FRAMES AND LIGHTING

What you hang on your walls is of course up to you, but make sure each piece is professionally framed. Remember that the frame is the foil not the focal point (it shouldn’t overpower the artwork) and always spend that little bit extra on non-reflective, anti-ultraviolet glass.

Select a frame that complements not just the painting but also the surrounding decor. As a general rule, small pictures need to be displayed in a dark-coloured frame and with a generous mount – this will help bring them into focus. Large pieces require a large, wide frame but can look more sophisticated with a thin mount. Consider hanging canvases unframed on the stretcher – this allows the viewer to focus solely on the artwork.

When you’re hanging multiple disparate pictures together, whether in a grid or on a free-form gallery wall, make sure they are all framed differently or you will ruin the eclectic effect. With a collection of one type of art, say black and white prints, you can use matching frames. If you want a less permanent display, invest in wall-hung gallery rails.

For a professional look, you need dedicated gallerystyle lighting, for example a system of track lights or spots recessed into the ceiling. Alternatively, mount a spotlight atop each piece. The angle at which light hits a picture is crucial so experiment before you install a fixture permanently. Position target lamps obliquely for the best effect —an angle of 40 to 60 degrees to the perpendicular will cut down on glare. Low voltage tungsten bulbs work best but place them some distance from the artwork to avoid heat damage.

Just about anything looks good on the walls as long as it is well-framed and properly lit. For a five-minute masterpiece, all you need is a stretch canvas, brushes or rollers, a paint pan and either latex or acrylic paint. Or frame up a favourite fabric, vintage poster or photograph. Wall displays should never be predictable or static, they can be constantly changed, rearranged and improved.

HIGH IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON DECORATING MISTAKES: THE CENTRE OF THE IMAGE SHOULD BE AT EYE LEVEL

MAKE THE FRAME THE FOIL NOT THE FOCAL POINT

Because You Can! ENJOY THE BIG EASY

Play nice in New Orleans

ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE CITIES in the world, New Orleans is known for its old-world character, year-round carnival atmosphere and ‘be nice or leave’ motto.

Louisianians, who live in The Big Easy, have a certain way of doing things, and it’s easy to join the party, whether you’re into live music, Creole cooking or the magical mayhem that is Mardi Gras.

THE HISTORIC FRENCH QUARTER

delivers a full-on Paris-meets-the Caribbean vibe, complete with buskers, fortune tellers, sketch artists and travelling performers. Stand-out French-inspired buildings include St Louis Cathedral; the Cabildo, which houses a Louisiana state-history museum; and Presbytère, where there’s a permanent exhibition on Mardi Gras.

A MULTI-CULTURAL MIX OF MUSIC spills out on to the streets of New Orleans at all hours of the day and night. Head to Frenchmen Street, where back-to-back bars and clubs deliver live music on tap, everything from rock, metal and hip-hop to folk, Cajun fiddle and, of course, jazz. Preservation Hall on nearby St Peter Street is your best bet for traditional New Orleans jazz.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

CITY PARK HOMES

ALLIGATORS and is deliciously wild – an only slightly tamed version of the surrounding Louisiana wetlands. Three miles long and one-mile wide, it’s bigger than Central Park in NYC, and dotted with towering oaks and weeping willows, gardens, waterways and bridges. As you wander, stop off at New Orleans Museum of Art and its surrounding sculpture garden.

PADDLE-WHEEL RIVERBOATS

ARE AS ESSENTIAL a part of the New Orleans landscape as the streetcars cars that have rumbled down St Charles and Carrollton avenues for 150+ years. Book a brunch or dinner cruise on the Mississippi River for unique views of the city, with live jazz and Creole-style dining thrown in.

EVERY DAY IS A MARDI GRAS in New Orleans but the city pulls out all the stops during the official, month-long carnival which starts in January and ends in February. You can expect massive floats, outrageous costumes and a glimpse of weirdly wonderful West African/ Roman Catholic rituals. If New Orleans is all about eating, drinking and celebrating, Mardi Gras is the best time to visit.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CREOLE

COOKING starts with a po’boy sandwich – roast beef or fried seafood, plus tomatoes, lettuce, onion, mayonnaise, hot sauce and pickles, all stuffed into an almostFrench baguette. Hunker down in a neon-lit diner off Bourbon Street and po’boy it up with an order of Louisiana gumbo (meat or seafood stew) on the side.

TYPES OF WILLS AND GUARDIANSHIP EXPLAINED

Mark Kirkham of Soteria Trusts outlines everything you need to know to safeguard your family’s future

Imagine living the dream in Hong Kong, your hard-earned success reflected by owning multiple high value assets and properties. Next, imagine the unthinkable happens and that it’s too late to do anything about it. Dying without having a valid Will in place will plunge the wellbeing and security of your family into uncertainty.

The peace of mind and long-term benefits gained by acting now and making sure both your financial and non-financial affairs are all in order, are beyond measure. So, join us in this enlightening exploration and take the first step toward safeguarding your family’s future.

YOUR ASSETS AND JURISDICTIONS

Take into account the complexities and nuances of different jurisdictions, and you’ll soon realise you need to have a Will in place for each country you hold assets.

The benefits of having a Will in each jurisdiction you hold assets in are:

• Easier, faster and cheaper probate.

• Your Wills won’t be revoked due to contrary rules in different jurisdictions.

• A local Will does not need to disclose assets in another country.

• A local Will is written under the laws of that country.

THE BEST WILL FOR YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

If you are single, then a Single Will is the one and best option for you. However, if you are married, you can choose to have either a Joint Will or Mirror Wills with your spouse.

• A Joint Will covers the estates of two people in a single, legally binding document. When a partner passes away, their estate is automatically left to the surviving person and cannot be updated.

• Mirror Wills are two separate documents: two people create almost identical separate Wills and leave everything to each other (or their chosen beneficiaries). This allows the Wills to be updated at any time (unlike a Joint Will).

GUARDIANSHIP

If you are an expat parent, it is crucial to have not only an ironclad Will but to ensure you’ve formally nominated a temporary guardian for your minor children. Failure to do so could result in your children being taken into care while awaiting the arrival of any permanently appointed guardian from overseas, such as a family member – a distressing and easily avoidable scenario.

TIME FOR A WILL REVIEW

Making a Will is more than a once-in-a-lifetime activity; it should be reviewed regularly. Whether there’s been a new family member, marriage, divorce or relocation, making sure your Will is legally binding and updated is essential for protecting those closest to you.

When creating a Will, you can trust Soteria Trusts to protect your family’s interests. Careful thought and planning go into their services so that it’s easy for you to plan for the unexpected as well as provide clear direction for those you leave behind.

Mark Kirkham is a long-term DB resident and CEO of the Business Class Group, of which Soteria Trusts, the group’s fiduciary and asset protection arm, is a part of. Contact Soteria Trusts at www.soteriatrusts.com or enquiries@soteriatrusts.com. Ask about the 50% off Wills promotion, or visit www.soteriatrusts.com/will-promotion.

Shade Sails : Rooftop ‐ Carpark ‐ Pool

we cover all your Shade needs

LIMITED TIME OFFER 50% OFF WILLS

Preparing a Will is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones, and with our 50% off promotion, there's no excuse not to have one.

Single Will HK$ 3,000 (Valued at 6,000)

Mirror Will HK$ 4,500 (Valued at 9,000)

Joint Will HK$ 5,000 (Valued at 10,000)

Learn more at www.soteriatrusts.com/will-promotion or contact us directly at wills@soteriatrusts.com

Terms & Conditions Apply

ProShade

MANGIA

BENE!

Mozzarella, tomato and basil bring out the best in each other – enjoy this classic Italian combo two ways!

TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND PESTO SALAD

Serves 2

50g pine nuts

80g basil

50g parmesan

150ml olive oil

2 garlic cloves

200g mixed heritage

tomatoes, sliced

1 large shallot, sliced into thin rings

6 salad leaves, shredded

First make the pesto (250ml): Heat a small frying pan over a low heat. Cook the pine nuts until golden, shaking occasionally. Put into a food processor with the basil, parmesan, olive oil and garlic. Whizz until smooth, then season to taste. Put the tomatoes in a bowl with the shallot rings and season with a large pinch of salt. Leave for 10 minutes for the tomatoes to release their juices. Arrange the tomatoes (and their juices) over two plates, then sprinkle over the shallots and assorted leaves. Put one half of the mozzarella in the centre of each plate, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Top with the pesto, and serve with crostini.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

EASY PIZZA MARGHERITA

Makes 1, serves 2

150g strong bread flour

½tsp instant yeast

½tbsp olive oil

50ml passata

Handful fresh basil

1 garlic clove, crushed

125g ball mozzarella, sliced

Handful shaved parmesan

Handful cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat the oven to 240˚C. To make the base, put the flour into a large bowl, then stir in the yeast and a pinch of salt. Make a well, pour in 200ml warm water and the olive oil and bring together with a wooden spoon until you have a soft, fairly wet dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Roll out the dough to create a thin, round pizza base about 25cm across. Place on a floured baking sheet. Put another baking sheet in the oven on the top shelf. Next, make the sauce by mixing the passata, basil and garlic together. Smooth the sauce over the pizza base with the back of a spoon. Scatter with the mozzarella, parmesan and tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and season. Put the pizza, still on its baking sheet, on top of the preheated sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Garnish with basil leaves and olive oil, and serve immediately.

COMMUNITY SNAPS

PHOTOS BY Richard Gordonwww.richardgordonphotography.com

ELDERLY FUN DAY AT DB MULTI-PURPOSE HALL

UNCLE RUSS INSTAGRAM COMPETITION

SHARE A PHOTO #AROUNDDB TO WIN PRIZES FROM UNCLE RUSS COFFEE AND THE PIER BAR!

Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram #arounddb. You have until the 15th of the month to enter. This is your chance to win four complimentary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar. We will contact the winner on Instagram #arounddb. Good luck!

The Warriors

Packing, Moving & Storage Services. Fixed price quote upon onsite survey or choose from the rates below:

Hire a Truck: HK$220/hour. Minimum 3 hours.

Short Trips: HK$200 & up.

Hire Movers: HK$120/hour per mover. Minimum 3 hours.

Cartons and Packing Materials:

16x14x14" (Small): HK$12.

23x15x15" (Medium): HK$15.

24x18x16" (Large): HK$18.

36x23x11" (Flat Carton for Hanging Clothes): HK$30.

24x22x47" (Wardrobe Boxes): HK$90.

Plastic Wrap: HK$60/roll.

Packing Paper: HK$160/ream.

Bubble: HK$50/roll.

Packing Tape: HK$8/piece.

Plastic Boxes & Used Cartons can be provided free of charge. (Subject to availability.)

Serves Lantau, DB, Tung Chung and the rest of HK.

LOCAL NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

DISCOVERY BAY

Harvey Law Group

International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 24168618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com,

Discovery Montessori School

A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori bilingual (English & Chinese) education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers. Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

Billed as Hong Kong’s tallest indoor entertainment centre, EpicLand is home to the city's first ‘air trek’, complete with eight sky-high obstacles, trampolines, slides and more. Contact 2441 0098, reception@epiclandhk.com, www.epiclandhk.com

Tree of Joy

A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include a drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & cooking class. Contact 3742 8772, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.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.

RECOLLECTIONS FROM A RAGBAG MIND

conversations, most of which I’d rather forget, and I don’t get paid for.

At the time Forsyth shunned technology, preferring a portable typewriter. And no Smartphone. Maybe he’s now succumbed to the tech onslaught and bought a computer, but the lesson stuck: the mechanism is irrelevant, and the best English was produced with a quill pen. (And a multi-million-dollar camera a brilliant photographer does not make). Technology has given us something else; thousands of ‘published authors’ whose inspiration is based upon a single bad idea, a laptop and thesaurus.

Aspire to become an author? With the help of Grammarly and Spellcheck write 100,000 words, shovel them into sentences, hire a cheap graphics bloke to design a book, then give it to Amazon. They’ll print-on-demand as the orders flood in – from your relatives, the same folk who wrote the glowing reviews. Hey, why make it hard communicating with annoying literary agents, the rigour of editors and the ludicrous demands of politically correct publishers? Why risk rejection and the venom of critics in a system designed to make you feel worthless via a gauntlet of pathological pedants? Forsyth did it the hard way, at first, until he could mention an idea over lunch and receive an advance cheque in the mail the next day.

As for my niche memory, eight years of 1,200-word freelance columns for the South China Morning Post were hand-written in a couple of chaotic hours, followed by the antediluvian process of typing by my secretary who sent them via fax to the editor. This while I was being nagged (and paid) by corporate clients to do anything but amuse half the city and offend the rest.

ARE YOU SELF-CENSORING?

Frederick Forsyth, famed author of The Jackal. and The Odessa File books and movies, turns 85 in August which will be of interest to no one. I mention it because I once interviewed him by phone and vividly remember that one hour… because I had to: my recorder crashed, leaving me with scribbled notes I couldn’t decipher.

But I discovered I could recall most of it and wrote the piece with supreme confidence as I awaited an audition on American Idol and a scholarship to Oxford. The downside of the knack for remembering entire conversations is that… I can remember entire

It dawned on me recently that these hurried half a million words were mostly from memory. No internet or a library nearby, just the rapid retrieval of bits from my ragbag brain. After a certain age we don’t have memories, memories have us. And if most of these uninvited images are a bit depressing and poisoned by regret, they are as hard to switch off as the good ones are to illuminate.

Like Google, something else didn’t exist back then: the absurdity of political correctness. While I have little interest in revisiting old material, I recall enough to know most of it wouldn’t get printed today. (And if it did, it would have to be savagely rehashed so as not to offend… anyone.) The difference between then and now is that no one suffered because of Sherwood’s Sunday rants, and today society suspects they will. In eight years my editor never changed a word. His name? I can’t remember.

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

Bewailing the tyranny of political correctness, Peter Sherwood looks back to a time when he could say and write just about anything he chose